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Dil ke rishte kabhi zahir nahi hote, bas chupchaap aankhon ki bhaasha mein bayan hote hain. Jo rishta dil se juda ho, uski pehchaan duniya se nahi, bas ek nazar se ho jaati hai.

Kahani looked at herself in the mirror, adjusting her bridal jewelry but feeling unsettled. She sighed deeply and began to talking to herself.

"Everything seems right, but why am I feeling this strange? It's my wedding day, the moment I waited for... but why is my heart so restless? I love Randhir, then why this doubt Maybe... maybe it's the fear, that everything might change.

Kahani is still lost in her thoughts, staring at herself in the mirror. Suddenly, her mom entered the room.

"Kahani, beta, everyone's waiting."

She moved closer, fixing Kahani's dupatta and adjusting her jewelry. "Randhir is waiting for you."

Kahani glanced at her mom through the mirror, her nervousness still visible. She took a deep breath, gathering her emotions as her mom helped her put on the final touches.

Meera entered the room excitedly. Without saying a word, Meera rushed to hug her tightly. "Kahani! You look so beautiful! I swear, Randhir won't be able to take his eyes off you!"

Kahani smiles fainted, but her worry is still visible. She broke the hug and looked at Meera with her voice low.

"Meera... I don't know why, but I'm getting strange vibes from Randhir and his family. Everything's normal, right?"

Meera chuckled at kahani words and teased her. "Oh, come on! Thoughts like these come on your wedding day. You're just overthinking, that's all. You've met Randhir so many times, you know his family well too. Don't think too much."

"But still meera... sometimes things feel different. His tone, his parents expressions... something just doesn't feel right."

Meera took Kahani's hands and looked into her eyes. "Look, the more you think like this right now, the more anxious you'll get. It's your wedding, and everyone is happy for you. Randhir loves you, and you've always said his family likes you too. Forget these negative thoughts now."

Kahani nodded, taking a deep breath as Meera helped her with the final touches on her dupatta and jewelry. "Now start smiling like a bride. It's your dream day, don't let anything ruin it."

Kahani tried to smile, but the strange feeling still lingered as Meera finished getting her ready.

■

Randhir is seated in the mandap, looking handsome in his wedding attire. The sacred fire burned in front of him as he performed the Pooja.

Randhir looked up, his heart racing slightly as he is waiting to see Kahani. As the doors opened, and there she is Kahani, in her bridal attire, walking down the aisle.

Her lehenga sparkled under the lights, her face glowing with joy. She walked, her eyes meeting Randhir's as she approached the mandap.

Randhir can't help but smirk a little. As Kahani got closer, he winked at her playfully.

Randhir talked under his breath to himself. "Beautiful as ever."

Kahani catched the wink, and her cheeks instantly flushed with a soft blush. She tried to hide her smile. Her eyes drop shyly for a moment before she looked up again, still blushing.

Kahani stepped into the mandap, and the rituals are ready to continue.

Randhir smilied softly looking at kahani.

"Meri dulhan, sabse khubsurat.

(My bride, the most beautiful.)

Kahani blushed deeply, her eyes twinkling as she smiled at Randhir.

As Kahani settled next to Randhir in the mandap, the panditji looked at them with a smile and announced the next ritual. "Now, it's time for the varmala ceremony."

Randhir and Kahani stood up, facing each other, with loving smiles on their faces. Kahani's heart skipped a beat as she held the garland in her hands, her fingers trembling.

Randhir leaned in a little, gave her a playful smirk.

Kahani laughed softly, blushing, as she lifted the garland. She stepped forward and just as she's about to place the varmala around Randhir's neck, he playfully lifted his head higher, teasing her.

Kahani, smiling mischievously, pretends to give up, but just then, Meera and a few of Kahani's friends step in, lowering Randhir so Kahani can finally place the garland around his neck.

Randhir grinned, shaking his head and took the garland in his hand. He gently lifted it and placed it over Kahani's head.

■

After the varmala ceremony, the couple sat down again in the mandap. The panditji chants sacred mantras. Then, panditji looks at Randhir and announces the next sacred ritual. "Ab dulhan ke maang mein sindoor bharne ka samay hai.

(Now, it is time to place the vermilion in the bride's hair parting)

Randhir is handed a small silver container of sindoor. He carefully took a pinch of the sacred vermilion powder between his fingers and looked at Kahani.

Kahani lowered her head slightly, her heart racing as Randhir's hand moved closer to her forehead. She felt the weight of the moment, her eyes gently closed.

He delicately placed the sindoor in the center parting of her hair.

Kahani opened her eyes, looking at Randhir with a shy smile.

Randhir's Mom with a heavy heart said,

"It would have been so much better if Ranvijay were here today..."

Her voice trailed off as she glanced toward the empty seat next to her, meant for Ranvijay. A soft sigh escaped her lips as she thought about how incomplete the moment feels without him.

Randhir's Mom whispered to herself.

"Without him, this happiness feels incomplete..."

Randhir's dad placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Time will heal everything, and Ranvijay will come back. For now, be a part of Randhir and Kahani's special moment."

Randhir's mom nodded, her eyes still glistening with tears, but she forced a smile, knowing she must focus on her son's happiness. She watched as the ceremony continues.

His mother wiped her tears, her emotions swinging between happiness for Randhir and the emptiness of Ranvijay not being present. As the couple complete the rounds of the pheras, Randhir briefly looked over at his mother.

"Maa, aap theek ho?". Randhir asked smoothly.

(Mom, are you okay?)

His mother smiled, nodding her head.

■

After completing the pheras, Randhir and Kahani sat back in their places, the rituals slowly nearing their end. As they took a brief moment to relax, Meera, walked up to kahani with a curious look on her face.

Meera whispered, slightly confused.

"Everything seems fine with your in-laws, but who is this Ranvijay? I've never heard of him before...)l"

Kahani, looked at Meera and lowered her voice so as not to disturb anyone. "Ranvijay, Randhir ka chhota bhai hai.

(Ranvijay is Randhir's younger brother)

Meera's eyes widen in surprise. "Achha? But why isn't he here today?"

Kahani continued explaining. "He doesn't like social gatherings. He is introvert type so sometimes he stays away from his family."

After explaining kahani herself sensed the mystery behind Ranvijay's absence. She always had doubt regarding ranvijay absence but never asked deeply about it.

As the wedding ceremony proceeds, the guests continue to arrive. Kahani noticed a steady stream of high-profile guests entering the venue. Her smile falters as she recognized some of them.

Politicians, known for their prominent public roles, mingle with the crowd. Kahani's eyes widen further when she saw some famous individuals who have controversial reputations and criminal backgrounds.

As the ceremony continued, Kahani's unease grows. She turned towards Randhir, who is engaged in conversation with a few guests, and gently pulled him aside to speak privately. "Dhir, some of these guests have criminal backgrounds. Why are they here?"

Randhir looked at her with a reassuring smile, though he senses her worry. He placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Kahani, there's no need to worry. These people might have a controversial past, but they are good people here. Trust me."

He gave her a gentle but firm look, hoping to ease her concerns. "They won't affect your wedding day."

Kahani hesitated , still feeling uneasy but trusting Randhir's words. She took a deep breath, trying to focus on the ceremony. "Okay, I'll try not to think too much about it."

Randhir smiled, relieved to see her easing up a bit. He gently guided her back to the ceremony, reassuring her with a supportive presence.

■

As the ceremony continued, Randhir noticed Kahani looking a bit overwhelmed. To help her relax, he instructs his PA to bring water.

The PA nodded and soon returned with a glass of water, handing it to Kahani with a polite smile.

Kahani took the water, sipping it slowly to calm her nerves. Randhir watched her with concern and then turned to his PA. "Did Ranvijay answer the call?"

The PA shook his head. "No, sir. Ranvijay sir did not answer the call."

■

Randhir is busy talking to the guests with a criminal background, noticed Kahani distracted, playing with the garland around her neck. He sighed and finished his conversation with the guest, and came towards her.

Randhir sat beside her. "Why are you worrying so much? Everything is fine, and everything is in our hands. Your face looks so sad; I always want to see you smiling."

Kahani still playing with the garland, her fingers nervously twirling it. "Kuch nahi, bas aise hi..."

(Nothing, it's just...)

Randhir leaned closer, with a teasing smile. "Really, nothing at all? I was thinking that something entirely different might be going on in your mind."

Then he continued "so tell me how many kids you want?".

Kahani blushed deeper, her fingers still nervously playing with the garland, she lowered her eyes. "Randhir...what type of questions are you asking?".

Randhir laughed softly. "Why? Do you think you have the right to talk only about business and worries? This is important too. Tell me, what do you think? How many children should we have?"

Kahani smiled shyly, but stayed quiet

Randhir teased nudging her shoulder. "Alright, fine, if you won't tell me, then I'll share my own wish. I want a son who can grow up and take over my company, carry my name forward. Just one son is enough."

Kahani finally looked at him, her eyebrows raised. "What if a girl is born?"

Randhir with a determined look, half-smiling said,"Then we will keep trying until we have a son."

Kahani surprised, by his words. "Randhir, what are you saying? A daughter would also be ours, what about her?"

Randhir softened a bit, but still holding his stance. "I agree, but to manage the company, a son is necessary. If we have a daughter, we'll raise her with love, but we must have a son."

Kahani still slightly amused.

Randhir laughed at her innocence. "I'm just being honest. Just wait and see."

To be continued