21

THE GRAND WEDDING

Getting ready:

Aisha's room was filled with the scent of jasmine and marigolds, her bridesmaids bustling around her, making sure every detail of her attire was perfect. Her maroon lehenga shimmered under the soft light, its golden embroidery catching the eye. Naina, her best friend, and bridesmaid, adjusted her dupatta one last time, stepping back to admire her work.

Naina smiled wide, "Aisha, tum literally dulhan lag rahi ho, like... jaw-droppingly stunning!"

Aisha laughed softly, her heart racing with a mixture of excitement and nerves. "I just hope I don't trip over this lehenga! Imagine my grand entrance ruined by a faceplant."

"Bhai waise bhi tumhe uthake mandap tak le jaayega," Naina teased, winking mischievously.

Aisha blushed, but before she could retort, her mother entered, her eyes filled with pride and love. "Meri beti... bilkul rani lag rahi hai!"

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Meanwhile, at Yuvraj's house, it was a different kind of chaos. His groomsmen, including his brother Aman and best friend Yash, were trying to help him with his navy blue sherwani. Raj, Yuvraj's cousin, tied the intricate safa around his head, struggling with the final touches.

"Bro, calm down. Agar itne nervous ho, toh shaadi ke baad kya haal hoga?" Yash teased, nudging Yuvraj playfully.

Yuvraj grinned, adjusting the feather on his safa. "Nervous? Nahi yaar, I'm just... excited. Can't wait to see Aisha."

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The ceremony:

The venue, Kapoor Mansion, was nothing short of a fairytale. The garden had been transformed into a royal paradise. The mandap, bathed in soft golden light, was adorned with marigold garlands and delicate jasmine strings that swayed gently in the breeze. The smell of fresh flowers filled the air, blending with the rhythmic beats of the dhol as Yuvraj's baraat approached.

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Aisha stood at the entrance, her eyes searching for Yuvraj amidst the sea of colors. Her breath caught when she saw him—tall, regal, and confident. Their eyes met, and even across the distance, there was an unspoken connection that made her heart skip.

Naina nudged Aisha, "Uff, yeh dekh kitne dreamy lag rahe hain! Tumhe bas ek garland deni hai, aur yeh prince charming ban jayenge."

Aisha rolled her eyes, smiling. "As if he's not already one."

As Yuvraj stepped onto the stage for the jai mala, his eyes never left Aisha. She was brought forward, smiling nervously, the heavy garland in her hands.

"Thoda jaldi karo, Yuvraj bhai," Aman teased from behind. "Warna Aisha di bhaag jaayegi."

Yuvraj smirked at Aisha, leaning slightly forward, "Agar bhaag gayi toh pakad loonga."

Blushing furiously, Aisha quickly placed the garland around his neck, and the crowd erupted in cheers. Yuvraj followed, carefully placing his own garland on her, his fingers brushing against her neck deliberately. She shot him a look, her cheeks burning as Yuvraj winked at her.

Saptapadi (Seven Sacred Steps):

The most anticipated part of the wedding arrived: the saat phere. Aisha and Yuvraj stood before the sacred fire, the priest chanting the mantras as they took each step together.

With each circle around the fire, Yuvraj whispered a vow to Aisha, his voice soft but filled with emotion.

"Main vachan deta hoon ki humesha tumhara saath dunga, har khushi aur har gham mein."

Aisha's eyes shimmered as she responded, "Main vachan deti hoon ki main tumhari har baat mein saath dungi, aur humesha tumhara vishwas banaye rakhungi."

The fire crackled softly as they moved onto the next step.

"Hum dono ek saath apne pariwar ki raksha karenge, aur unhein apni khushiyon mein shaamil rakhenge," Yuvraj vowed.

Aisha smiled, softly replying, "Aur main tumhare har sapne mein saath dungi, unhein pura karne ki koshish karungi."

With each step, the bond between them seemed to grow stronger, their words holding promises far beyond the rituals themselves.

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As Aisha's father placed her hand in Yuvraj's, the emotions were palpable.

"Meri beti ka dhyaan rakhna, Yuvraj," her father said, his voice breaking.

Yuvraj's eyes softened, "Aapka vishwas kabhi tootne nahi dunga, uncle."

With that, Yuvraj tied the sacred mangalsutra around Aisha's neck, the black and gold beads glittering against her skin. The final ritual—applying the sindoor—felt like the culmination of all the promises they had made that day.

Yuvraj leaned closer, gently brushing her hair aside as he applied the red sindoor to her forehead. "Ab tum officially meri ho," he whispered playfully.

Aisha blushed, her heart full. "Tumhari hoon... aur humesha rahungi."

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Vidaai Ceremony:

The air was thick with emotions as the time for Aisha's vidaai approached. The bride, dressed in her vibrant wedding attire, stood with tears glistening in her eyes. Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Kapoor, were equally emotional, struggling to hold back their tears. The moment was bittersweet, marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.

Aisha hugged her parents tightly, her voice choked with emotion. "Mom, Dad, I'll miss you so much."

Mrs. Kapoor wiped her tears, trying to smile. "Beta, hum bhi tumhe miss karenge. But we know you're going to a good family."

Mr. Kapoor patted Yuvraj on the back, his eyes serious but kind. "Yuvraj, hum apni Aisha ko tumhare hawale kar rahe hain. Uska khayal rakhna."

Yuvraj, his own eyes moist, nodded earnestly. "Uncl... I mean Papa, I promise. Main Aisha ka humesha khayal rakhunga aur usse bahut pyar karunga."

Aisha hugged her parents one last time before stepping into the car. As it drove away, she looked back at her family, her heart heavy but filled with love.

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Upon reaching the Rathore mansion, the atmosphere shifted to one of playful excitement. The Dwar Rokai ceremony was about to begin where the groom's sisters and female relatives would block the entrance, demanding a fee for letting the couple in.

Naina and Aman stood at the door, grinning mischievously. "Bhai, agar ghar ke andar jaana hai toh pehle kuch dena padega," Naina said, her tone teasing.

Yuvraj, holding Aisha's hand, laughed. "Arre Naina, kuch toh reham karo. Aapne bhai ko tang karna band karo."

Naina shook her head, her hand outstretched. "Nahi bhai, bina nek liye andar jaana allowed nahi hai."

Yuvraj pulled out his wallet and handed loads of money to Naina, who accepted it with a satisfied smile. "Chalo, ab aap dono andar aa sakte hain."

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Griha Pravesh Ceremony:

The Griha Pravesh ceremony began as Aisha stepped into the Rathore mansion for the first time as a bride. Mrs. Rathore welcomed her with an aarti, her eyes filled with affection.

"Aisha, this is your home now. Now come in." Mrs. Rathore said, guiding Aisha to step inside with her right foot first.

Aisha did as instructed, her heart swelling with a mix of nervousness and excitement. Yuvraj stood beside her, his smile reassuring.

"Welcome home, Mrs. Rathore," Yuvraj whispered, making Aisha blush.

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Later, the family gathered for the traditional post-wedding games. One of the most anticipated was the ring-finding game, where the bride and groom would compete to find a ring hidden in a bowl of milk and rose petals.

"Mr. Rathore, dekhna main jeet jaungi," Aisha teased, her competitive spirit shining through.

"Mrs. Rathore, dekhte hain kiski jeet hoti hai," Yuvraj replied with a grin.

They both plunged their hands into the bowl, searching for the ring. The room was filled with laughter and cheers as they playfully jostled each other. In the end, Aisha found the ring, holding it up triumphantly.

"Maine kaha tha na, main jeet jaungi," Aisha said, her eyes sparkling with joy.

Yuvraj laughed, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Haan, haan, Mrs. Aisha Yuvraj Rathore. Tum jeet gayi, pad iska matlab yeh nhi ki main har gaya tumhari jeet matlab meri jeet meri jaan"

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Peheli Rasoi:

The next morning was Aisha's peheli rasoi, her first cooking session at the Rathore mansion. Aisha decided to make a traditional meal, preparing a variety of dishes with love and care. The aroma of delicious food wafted through the house, drawing everyone to the dining table.

Mrs. Rathore watched Aisha with a proud smile, occasionally offering tips and encouragement. "Aisha, tumne yeh sab bahut achhe se banaya hai. Mujhe pura yakeen tha tum par."

Aisha blushed, grateful for her mother-in-law's support. "Thank you, Mom. Aapki madad ke bina yeh itna accha nahi hota."

As the family sat down to eat, they were impressed by Aisha's culinary skills. Mr. Rathore took a bite of the biryani and nodded appreciatively. "Aisha, yeh biryani toh kamaal ki bani hai. Tumne toh dil jeet liya."

Yuvraj, savoring a piece of roti, leaned over to Aisha and whispered, "Aisha, tumne toh sach mein kamaal kar diya. Lekin please, zyada kaam mat karo. Main nahi chahta tum thak jao ya chot lagao."

Aisha laughed softly, playfully nudging him. "Yuvraj, main itni asani se thakne wali nahi hoon. Tum mujhe underestimate kar rahe ho."

Yuvraj grinned, taking her hand under the table. "Main bas chahta hoon ki tumhara khayal rakhoon."

After the meal, the family members presented Aisha with gifts as a token of appreciation. Mrs. Rathore gave Aisha a beautiful necklace, her eyes filled with love.

"Aisha, yeh tumhare liye hai. Tumne sabka dil jeet liya," Mrs. Rathore said, fastening the necklace around Aisha's neck.

Yuvraj then presented Aisha with a diamond locket, his eyes shining with pride. "Wifey, yeh tumhare liye. Tumhari cooking aur tumhara pyar dono hi priceless hain."

Aisha's eyes sparkled with gratitude. "Yuvraj, yeh bahut khoobsurat hai. Thank you."

Yuvraj pulled her close, teasing her gently. "Par yaad rahe, tumhe apna khayal bhi rakhna hai. Too much cooking and work isn't good for my beautiful wife."

Aisha laughed, her heart full. "Tum itna tension mat lo. Main apna aur tumhara dono ka khayal rakhoongi."

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Please ignore my grammatical errors, do share your reviews and please give some love and support🌷

-tara✮

[1569 words]