The next day, the groom's family gathered around Rishi for the traditional bathing ceremony. His brother led the ritual, smearing the golden turmeric paste on his face while the others joined in, laughing and teasing him. "You better not run away now, Rishi," his cousin joked, earning a playful glare from him.
"Run away? Are you kidding? Have you seen my bride? I'd be an idiot to even think about it," Rishi retorted, making everyone burst into laughter.
His friends, not missing the chance to mess with him, dunked him in flower-scented water, ensuring he was thoroughly drenched. "Careful, guys! My bride might not recognize me if I turn into a soggy mess," he quipped, shaking water from his hair.
His mother cupped his face, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "My beautiful baby is getting married," she murmured, her voice thick with emotion. "I always knew this day would come, but it still feels like just yesterday you were running around the house, causing trouble. Now look at you....about to start your own family. I'm so proud of you, my son."
Ranvir stepped forward, his voice firm yet filled with emotion. "I am your son too, Maa," he said, looking at her with hopeful eyes.
His mother stepped closer to Ranvir, her eyes softening as she cupped his face gently. "You will always be my son, Ranvir. No matter what has happened, a mother's love does not fade. I just wish you find your own happiness, just as Rishi has found his."
His mother smiled and hugged both of them, "No matter how much they tease you, today is your day, my son. You are about to start the most beautiful chapter of your life."
Rishi grinned. "And I can't wait."
As they stepped out, the sounds of dhol and joyous cheers filled the air. The baraat was ready....an extravagant procession with shimmering lights, dancing relatives, and the groom seated atop a beautifully adorned white horse.
They first visited their Kuldevta, seeking blessings for a prosperous and happy union. The temple bells rang in harmony with their prayers. After the sacred rituals, they moved ahead, their hearts brimming with anticipation for the grand celebration that awaited them.
Rishi adjusted his safa with a grin, his friends hooting and dancing as they set off towards Aisha's home, the air buzzing with excitement and celebration.
Aisha slipped into her deep red, intricately embroidered lehenga, the luxurious fabric embracing her like a royal cloak. Her makeup artist delicately applied the finishing touches, enhancing her radiant glow. As Aisha looked into the mirror, she took a deep breath, her heart racing. This was it. The moment she had been waiting for, the moment she had dreamed of. Excitement and nervous anticipation swirled within her, but above all, there was love....love for the man who was ready to make her his forever.
Her mother fussed over her, adjusting the dupatta with a tender smile, though her eyes shimmered with tears. "You look just like a queen, my love," she whispered, brushing a hand over Aisha's cheek.
Aisha caught her mother's hand and squeezed it gently. "Don't cry, Maa," she said with a small smile. "You'll make me cry too."
Her mother let out a soft laugh, wiping the corner of her eye. "It's just that… it feels like yesterday you were running around in your little frocks, bossing everyone around. And now, you're a bride. My bride."
Aisha chuckled. "Still bossing everyone around, though. Some things never change."
Her friends surrounded her, gasping in admiration. "Oh, Aisha, Rishi is going to lose his mind when he sees you!" one of them teased, making her laugh.
"He already has," another added with a wink. "And after tonight, he's never recovering."
Aisha rolled her eyes, but her cheeks flushed. "You all are impossible," she said, but she couldn't deny the butterflies fluttering wildly in her stomach. Today wasn't just any day....it was the beginning of forever.
A message popped up on Aisha's phone from Rishi: "Almost there. Can't wait to see you, my love." Her heart skipped a beat as she read it, a giddy smile tugging at her lips. The anticipation of seeing him, of stepping into this new chapter together, sent a rush of warmth through her.
Aisha smiled at his message, her fingers hovering over the keyboard before she typed back: "I've been waiting all day to see you. Hurry up, Rishi. I don't think I can wait any longer." She stared at the screen for a moment before hitting send, her heart racing with anticipation.
Rishi replied almost instantly: "I'm practically running to you, my love. I need to see you. Now."
Aisha giggled, her fingers flying over the keyboard. "Patience, Mr. Groom. A few more minutes won't kill you."
Just as she was about to hit send, her phone was snatched away. "No more texting!" one of her friends scolded, holding it high above Aisha's reach. "You'll see him in person soon enough!"
"But...." Aisha protested, trying to grab it back.
"No buts!" another friend teased. "Let him suffer a little. Anticipation makes the heart grow fonder."
Aisha groaned, but laughter bubbled up inside her. Her friends were mad.
The grand ballroom of the Oberoi Udaivilas was bathed in golden light, the chandeliers sparkling like a thousand stars. Every detail of the wedding had been curated to perfection....lush marigold garlands draped over the mandap, golden diyas flickering softly, and the aroma of sandalwood and fresh roses filling the air. The rhythmic beats of the dhol announced the arrival of the groom's procession, their vibrant attire swirling as they danced with unrestrained joy. The guests, dressed in exquisite silks and designer ensembles, admired the spectacle, enchanted by the magnificence of the moment. It was a wedding fit for royalty, a union that blended tradition with sheer opulence, celebrating love in its grandest form.
Rishi arrived first, stepping onto the beautifully decorated entrance of the wedding venue for the Dwar Puja. He adjusted his sherwani as the priest began the sacred rituals, his family surrounding him with joyous anticipation. His mother performed the aarti, her eyes misty as she blessed him for the journey ahead. Ranvir stood beside him, teasing, "This is your last chance to run, bhai."
Rishi smirked. "Not a chance. I'm exactly where I want to be."
As the rituals concluded, the sound of dhols and cheers announced Aisha's arrival. She stood at the entrance, adorned in a deep red lehenga, the weight of its intricate embroidery making each step heavier. She lifted her lehenga slightly, careful with her slow, measured steps, her heart pounding wildly in anticipation.
Rishi, standing under the mandap, watched her struggle with the heavy attire. His brows furrowed. Then, without a second thought, he strode forward, descending the steps of the mandap. Gasps echoed through the crowd as he reached her.
Aisha blinked up at him, her lips parting in surprise. "Rishi....what are you doing?"
Without answering, he bent down, swept her into his arms, and carried her towards the mandap. Aisha let out a startled laugh, wrapping her arms around his neck. "Rishi, put me down! Everyone is watching!"
"Let them watch," he murmured, his voice low and filled with tenderness. "I can't stand seeing you struggle, Aisha. Not today, not ever."
The crowd erupted in delighted cheers, whistles ringing in the air as he placed her gently under the mandap. Aisha's cheeks burned, but her heart melted at the depth of love in his eyes. She squeezed his hand, whispering, "You really are crazy."
He wrapped his fingers around hers. "Though, I have to admit, carrying you in front of everyone was... a little embarrassing."
Aisha chuckled, squeezing his hand. "Oh, really? I thought my fearless billionaire husband didn't get embarrassed."
He huffed, his lips twitching. "Not usually. But the aunties whispering about how desperate I was to get my bride to the mandap might haunt me forever."
She laughed, leaning in. "Well, I love my desperate husband. And I wouldn't have it any other way."
"You look breathtaking," he whispered, his voice husky with emotion.
"And you look… well, like my future husband," she teased, a smirk dancing on her lips.
The jaimal ceremony commenced, garlands of fragrant roses and marigolds in their hands as Aisha and Rishi stood facing each other. Rishi bent down slightly, ready to receive the garland.
Aisha lifted the garland with steady hands, her eyes locked onto Rishi's. The crowd fell silent, their breath collectively held as she gracefully placed it around his neck. In that moment, time seemed to pause....her eyes shimmering with tears, his lips curving into a gentle smile. The guests watched in awe, feeling the weight of the moment, the love radiating between them almost tangible.
As the flowers settled against his chest, Rishi's hand brushed against hers, giving it a gentle squeeze.
Now it was Rishi's turn to put the jaimal. He took a step forward, lifting the garland with a smile. But before he could place it around Aisha's neck, her cousins sprang into action, lifting her up with a triumphant cheer.
"Not so fast, jiju!" one of them teased, grinning mischievously.
Aisha laughed, holding onto her cousins' shoulders for balance as they hoisted her higher. "Looks like you have to work a little harder, Mr. Malhotra," she taunted playfully.
Rishi chuckled, shaking his head. "Oh, come on! Give the groom a chance, will you?"
Her cousins only laughed harder, making Aisha sway slightly in the air. Rishi glanced at her with a knowing glint in his eyes before suddenly grabbing one of his own friends. "If that's how you want to play it..." he said, and in a swift move, his friends lifted him up too.
The guests roared with laughter as the two hovered at the same height, the garland in hand. Their eyes met, amusement and love sparkling between them.
"No more games, Aisha," Rishi murmured, leaning in just enough for him to slip the garland around her neck.
She smirked. "About time."
Their families cheered as flower petals rained down upon them, marking the beginning of their sacred union. The priest called for the couple to take their places at the mandap, signaling the start of the wedding rituals.
As the pandit signaled the beginning of the wedding rituals, Rishi and Aisha sat down in front of the sacred fire, the Agni, which would bear witness to their union. The flames flickered, casting a warm glow over them as the pandit began chanting the sacred mantras.
Rishi reached for her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "Ready?" he whispered, his voice filled with warmth.
Aisha met his gaze, her eyes shimmering with emotion. "With you? Always."
Aisha's father was called for the kanyadaan , he took a deep breath, his eyes misty as he held her hand, looking at her one last time before placing it gently in Rishi's palm. "She has been my little girl, my greatest joy," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "Today, I entrust her to you, Rishi. Love her, cherish her, and always keep her happy."
Rishi, his own eyes glistening, tightened his grip on Aisha's hand and bowed respectfully. "Papa, I promise to protect her, to stand by her side in every joy and every storm. She is my heart, my everything."
Aisha's father gave him a small, trembling smile before stepping back, placing his trust and blessing upon their union.
Rishi gently took Aisha's hand in his, his thumb brushing over her fingers as he held them with unwavering warmth. "From this moment on, we walk together, through every joy and every storm," he vowed, his voice filled with emotion. Aisha looked into his eyes, her own glistening with tears, and squeezed his hand in silent agreement. The sacred fire crackled beside them, bearing witness to their promise....a lifelong bond of love, trust, and companionship.
Now, Aisha's sister steps forward with a smile, carefully taking Aisha's dupatta and tying it to Rishi's stole, securing the sacred knot between them. She tugs it slightly, ensuring it is tight, a playful glint in her eyes. "There, now you two are bound together....no escape, jiju!" she teases, making everyone chuckle. Aisha glances at Rishi, her cheeks tinged with warmth, while he squeezes her hand, silently promising her a lifetime of love and devotion.
The pandit announced, "Now, the couple will take the seven sacred rounds around the fire, each step symbolizing a vow for a prosperous and harmonious life together. First, Rishi will lead the way for the first four rounds, and then Aisha will take the lead for the last three, signifying their equal partnership in life. Repeat the vows after me."
As they stood up, Rishi held Aisha's hand gently, his eyes locked onto hers. The sacred fire flickered, its warmth enveloping them as they took their first step together.
"With this step, we promise to nourish each other, to always provide for one another," the pandit recited.
"I promise to always make sure you never go hungry, whether for food, love, or laughter," Rishi whispered with a smile.
Aisha chuckled softly. "And I promise to keep you well-fed and happy, but you'll have to share dessert with me."
They took the second step.
"With this step, we vow to grow together in strength and courage."
Aisha squeezed his hand. "Through every challenge, we'll stand strong together."
Rishi nodded. "Always by your side. Always your shield."
They moved to the third round.
"With this step, we pledge to remain faithful and devoted to one another."
Rishi turned to her with a smirk. "Aisha, I was yours long before today. And I always will be."
She smiled, her heart swelling with warmth. "And I was yours the moment I met the real you."
The fourth step commenced.
"With this step, we promise to share happiness and sorrows equally."
Aisha's voice softened. "No matter what life brings, we'll face it together."
Rishi whispered, "Even if it means watching sad movies with you and pretending not to cry?"
Aisha giggled. "Yes, even then."
With the fifth step, Aisha moved in front, her fingers tightening around Rishi's as she led him forward. Her heart swelled with emotion, her eyes shimmering as she whispered, "From this moment, I promise to be your partner, your equal, your strength."
"With this step, we promise to care for and respect each other's families."
Rishi bowed slightly. "Your family is mine, Aisha. I vow to cherish and respect them always."
She smiled. "And I promise to love and honor yours."
They moved to the sixth step.
"With this step, we pledge to raise a family with love and values."
Rishi whispered, "Our future kids are going to have the best parents."
Aisha grinned. "As long as they inherit my patience, we'll be fine."
Finally, they took the seventh and last step.
"With this final step, we promise to remain best friends, companions, and soulmates for eternity."
Rishi looked deep into her eyes. "My love, my partner, my forever."
Aisha's voice was barely above a whisper. "Forever and always, Rishi."
The moment was sealed with showers of rose petals as the guests cheered, celebrating the bond that had just been strengthened in fire and love.
As the final petals settled around them, Aisha and Rishi sat down once more, their hands still entwined.
Rishi picked up the small silver box, his fingers trembling slightly as he lifted a pinch of the the sindoor. Aisha tilted her head slightly, her breath hitching as he gently applied the vermillion to the parting of her hair. The crimson hue stood out against her dark locks, a symbol of their eternal bond. Their eyes met, and in that moment, the world around them faded.
With reverence, Rishi took the mangalsutra, its black beads glistening under the golden glow of the fire. He leaned in slightly, brushing Aisha's soft skin as he carefully tied the sacred necklace around her neck. Aisha closed her eyes, feeling the weight of the moment settle in her heart. As the final knot was secured, a collective cheer erupted around them, and flower petals rained from above, marking the completion of their sacred vows.
Rishi leaned closer, his voice a whisper just for her, "You're mine, now and forever."
Aisha smiled, her fingers brushing over the mangalsutra. "And you, mine. Always."
The pandit announces, "Vivah sampann hua," marking the completion of their sacred vows. Aisha and Rishi rise, their hands still entwined. Rishi pulls her into a warm embrace, holding her close as the world around them erupts in cheers and joyous celebration.
Rishi gently cups Aisha's face, his thumbs softly tracing her cheeks as if she were the most precious thing in the world. His eyes lock onto hers, filled with love and longing. "You have no idea how much I love you, how much I've waited for this moment," he murmurs, his voice husky with emotion.
Aisha's breath hitches, her fingers gripping his sherwani. "Then don't wait anymore," she whispers, her voice teasing yet full of warmth.
A small smirk tugs at Rishi's lips before he leans in, his breath warm against hers. "You're mine, forever," he whispers before capturing her lips in a deep, passionate kiss. His arms tighten around her, pulling her closer as the world fades away, leaving only the two of them, lost in their love, sealing their bond forever.
THE END