CHAPTER 33 : "UNITED BY THE DESTINY "

Hello Guys🤗

Since the majority voted for a long update (in one chapter), I tried my best to make it happen. However, there was an issue with the big chapter, pictures kept getting deleted by themselves, and it happened almost twice which is also the cause of delay in updating 🥺

So, I've now divided it into two chapters, but don't worry,the next chapter will also be posted today only! Until then, enjoy this part, and please, I request you all to share your thoughts in the comments, just like you did on the note. I absolutely love reading your comments!💭

I've worked immensely hard on this chapter, and I hope you'll enjoy it. Also, all the pictures used in this chapter are taken from Google.

Thank you for your patience and support!❣️💌

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Vishwanath came and sat next to Kashi. His heart ached as his gaze fixed on Kashi, who sat on the mandap (altar), completely broken. Behind his sehra, Vishwanath could see her tear-streaked face, her once luminous eyes now dulled by despair. The serene smile he cherished was gone, replaced by a sorrow that tore at his very soul. Now, her tear-streaked face mirrored heartbreak, and Vishwanath felt his chest tighten painfully.

This was the very sight he had hoped to prevent. The fear and vulnerability that Ravi and Neel had forced upon her were etched deep into her expression. Vishwanath clenched his fists beneath the folds of his wedding attire, his heart warring with his mind. He hadn't wanted Kashi to feel this kind of helplessness, not even for a few minutes. The thought of her believing she was trapped, marrying a man she didn't love or worse, feared gnawed at him.

He tried to focus, but his thoughts spiraled. Would Kashi understand why he had done this? Would she feel betrayed, thinking he had taken advantage of the situation? The memory of her heartbreak when she learned of his real identity still haunted him. Her tear-filled eyes, the way she had withdrawn from him, those moments were etched into his soul. He feared seeing that same look again when she discovered the truth behind today's charade.

Vishwanath was jolted from his reverie as Pandit ji's (Priest) voice rose again, instructing Ravi to perform the kanyadaan.

"Ravi ji, apni beti ka haath dulhe ke haath mein dijiye" (Ravi ji, give your daughter's hand in the groom's hand)

Ravi, without a hint of hesitation, reached for Kashi's hand. She instinctively pulled back, her reluctance clear. But Ravi, with a forceful grip, grabbed her trembling hand and placed it atop Vishwanath's, his rough touch contrasting with Kashi's delicate fingers. The priest continued, placing a betel leaf, nut and flowers atop their joined hands.

"With this kanyadaan, you transfer the responsibility of your daughter's well-being and happiness to her husband," Pandit ji declared solemnly. "Also by placing your daughter's hand in the groom's, you accept this relationship wholeheartedly and bestow your blessings." Pandit ji said looking at Ravi.

As the holy water was sprinkled over their hands, Vishwanath's fury simmered beneath his calm facade. The sacredness of the kanyadaan ceremony felt tainted by the presence of a man like Ravi, who had no regard for his daughter's happiness or well-being. The very thought of Ravi forcing Kashi into a marriage for his selfish gain disgusted him to the core.

The pathetic excuse of a father doesn't deserve her, Vishwanath thought, his jaw tightening. His resolve grew stronger with every passing second. With this kanyadaan ceremony, he silently vowed that Kashi's days of suffering under Ravi's control would end today. Kashi deserved all the love, respect, and freedom. Vishwanath promised himself that he would not only protect her but also ensure that she never had to bow down to her father's cruelty ever again.

And with this, the kanyadaan ceremony was completed. The priest's voice resonated as he chanted the concluding mantras, marking the formal transition of responsibility from a father who had failed his daughter to a man who silently vowed to cherish and protect her.

As the rituals progressed, Pandit Ji's voice resonated through the grand hall. "Now it is time for the Gathbandhan ceremony," he announced, his calm tone echoing in the heavy silence.As the Pandit Ji looked expectantly towards the family, Ravi stepped forward, an almost mocking smile playing on his lips. "Let me do this," he said, his voice carrying an air of pride. His words were met with a moment of uneasy silence, broken only by the crackling of the sacred fire and Kashi's heartbreaking sobs.

Ravi reached for Kashi's pallu (dupatta end), tying its edge to Neel's (Vishwanath) side shawl with deliberate movements. "This knot," Pandit Ji explained solemnly, "represents the sacred union between the bride and groom. It is a bond that signifies harmony, unity, and the promise to walk together through all phases of life. By tying this knot, their destinies become intertwined."

Pandit Ji continued, "This knot is also a symbol of the couple's responsibilities towards each other. Just as their garments are tied together, their lives will now be bound with shared joys and sorrows, love and respect."

Pandit ji then instructed the bride and groom to rise for the phereas. Vishwanath subtly glanced at Rudra, who stood diagonally across the room, disguised as one of Neel's guards. A silent signal passed between them, Vishwanath asking if Raghav had sent any news. Rudra shook his head discreetly, indicating there was still no word. The lack of information only heightened Vishwanath's distress as he stood, ready for the sacred rounds.

Kashi, however, remained seated, her body stiff and tears streaming down her cheeks. Ravi's voice thundered across the hall. "Get up, Kashi! Stop wasting Neel ji's time. Do the rituals properly, or your mother will suffer the consequences!"

Kashi flinched at his words, her trembling hands clutching the folds of her bridal lehenga. Her movements were slow and hesitant as she rose to her feet, each step burdened by fear. She was terrified, but the thought of her mother's safety pushed her to her feet. Vishwanath's heart clenched at her anguish, his fury simmering. His hands twitched at his sides, aching to strike Ravi for his cruelty. How dare this man use Kashi's love for her mother against her?

Meanwhile, The pandit ji adjusted the holy scriptures in his hands and looked at the couple with a serene expression. "Now, the sacred vows of marriage will be recited," he began, his voice carrying the weight of tradition and divinity.

"These seven pheras signify the eternal bond between a husband and wife," he explained. "As you circle the holy fire, I will chant the vows, each representing a promise you make to one another, a promise of love, respect, trust, and companionship for the lifetimes to come."

He gestured towards the sacred fire. "The groom, will lead for the first four rounds, symbolizing your duty to protect and provide for your family. Then, the bride will lead the last three, representing her role as the nurturer and equal partner in this sacred union."

Turning to both of them, he continued, "Walk with steady hearts and pure intentions. With each step, may your bond grow stronger, blessed by the gods and bound by destiny."

Pandit ji then began reciting the first vow, his chants resonating with the sanctity of the moment, guiding the couple as they embarked on this timeless ritual. Vishwanath silently pledged to himself to honor each vow with his whole heart.

First Phera: The priest recited, "The groom promises to provide prosperity and happiness, while the bride vows to share in his responsibilities."

"I will dedicate myself to ensuring your happiness and prosperity, Kashi. You will never have to bear your burdens alone, Vishwanath vowed."

Second Phera: "Together, you both promise to protect your family and home."

"I promise to protect you and our family with everything I have, Kashi. I will shield you from all the harm, you will always be safe".

Third Phera: "You both vow to remain faithful and devoted to one another."

"My heart belongs to you alone, Kashi. I will never betray your trust never, vishwanath promised".

Fourth Phera: Pandit ji recited "The couple promise to nurture their love and respect for one another."

"I will cherish and respect you, Kashi, for as long as I live. Vishwanath vowed."

During the fifth phera , pandit ji asked Kashi to come forward, in front of the groom. But as Kashi moved to take the lead, her lehenga caught beneath her feet, and she stumbled. In an instant, Vishwanath reached out, gripping her shoulders to steady her. The touch sent a jolt through Kashi, who raised her tear-filled eyes to meet his, which were concealed by the sehra. For a fleeting moment, the warmth of his hands felt familiar, a sensation she couldn't place.

Before she could dwell on it, Ravi's harsh voice shattered the moment. "You useless girl! Can't you even walk properly? Stop wasting everyone's time and complete the ritual!"

Kashi flinched, lowering her gaze again, her tears returning as she slowly resumed her steps unaware of the turmoil brewing in Vishwanath's chest. His blood boiled at Ravi's words. If anyone is useless, it's him! Vishwanath thought struggling to contain his fury.

The pheras continued, and with each vow, Vishwanath's resolve solidified.

Fifth Phera: "The bride and groom both, vow to care for their future children and uphold their family values."

"Our family will be built on love and trust, Kashi, and I will ensure that no harm ever comes to it."

Sixth Phera: "You both promise to be each other's best friends and stand together through joy and sorrow."

"You will always have me by your side, Kashi, through every storm and sunshine, Vishwanath silently promised."

Seventh Phera: "Finally, you both pledge to remain partners for eternity, sharing their lives in unity and love."

"I will love you for eternity, Kashi. This bond is unbreakable. Vishwanath's heart swelled with the weight of his unspoken love for her."

Finally, the ritual is concluded, and the pandit ji (priest) instructed them to sit.

Now "It is time for the groom to apply the sindoor and tie the mangalsutra, sealing this sacred bond." Pandit Ji said while continuing to recite the holy mantras.

Beneath the sehra, Vishwanath's mind raced. He couldn't proceed without Kashi's consent, yet time was running out. He glanced at Rudra once again, silently pleading for news from Raghav. Rudra shook his head once more, intensifying Vishwanath's inner turmoil. Doubts started clouding his mind. Was this the right thing to do? Could he tie Kashi to him in this sacred bond without her knowing the truth?

As doubts threatened to consume him completely, Vishwanath's mind clung desperately to the promise he had made, a solemn vow that echoed like a divine command, "Promise me that you will always take care of my Kashi. That you will love and protect her, no matter what."

That promise he gave to her mother became his anchor, grounding him in the storm of emotions that raged within. He took a deep breath, his resolve hardening as he slowly reached for the pinch of sindoor waiting in the ceremonial dish. The red powder, sacred and eternal, seemed to carry the weight of his promise.

With deliberate care, he lifted it between his fingers and leaned forward, his hand steady despite the turmoil in his chest. Gently, he applied the sindoor to Kashi's maang. She flinched slightly at the touch, her eyes still downcast, a silent stream of tears tracing paths down her cheeks. Some of the sindoor spilled over her nose, adding to the weight of the moment.

Vishwanath's gaze lingered on her for a brief moment before he picked up the mangalsutra. Its black and gold beads gleamed in the firelight, a symbol of the sacred bond they were now forging. Carefully, he reached around her neck, and tied the thread of protection and commitment. The act, simple yet profound, felt like a declaration to the universe, she was his, and he was hers now, bound together by duty, fate, and a promise he would never break.

Just as he finished tying the mangalsutra, Rudra's phone buzzed, the vibration breaking the heavy silence. Rudra quickly checked the message, it was from Raghavendra "Anjali Aunty is safe", making his expression shift from tense to relieved. His eyes immediately met Vishwanath's who was already looking in his direction.

Rudra nodded his head firmly and gave a discrete thumbs up, a silent confirmation that brought an immediate wave of relief to Vishwanath's heart, washing away the heaviness that had gripped him. His hands stilled, his shoulders loosening slightly as the weight of uncertainty lifted. For a fleeting moment, it felt as if Kashi's mother herself had blessed their union, her safety a sign that this was meant to be.

He cast a glance at Kashi, who remained unaware of the chaos and sacrifices unfolding around her. I have kept my promise to your mother Kashi, he thought solemnly. Now, I'll spend the rest of my life keeping my promises to you.

The pandit ji's voice rang out in the grand hall, a hollow declaration that echoed through the room, sealing their fate, "Yeh vivah ab sampann hua." (This wedding is now complete.)

Flashback over

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Kashi and Vishwanath are finally married!🥳🎉. Please drop a congratulatory message for them🫶🏻🫀

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