Chapter 82: Two Souls, One Journey-2

(As Vikram stood at the mandap, waiting for Naina, his heart raced with anticipation.... but there was something deeper inside him. It was an intense emotion that he couldn't quite explain.

He had been through so much over the past few years, and the distance between them had been painful, both physically and emotionally.)

..

..

Then,

(He adjusted his sherwaani for the fifth time in the last ten minutes.

He tapped his fingers on his thigh, his gaze fixed on the entrance of the bridal room.

Guests were already whispering.

He had been standing at the mandap for nearly half an hour now, waiting for his bride.

His heartbeat picked up.

What if... she had changed her mind?

What if Naina had second thoughts and she ran away?

His mind spiraled into full-blown panic.)

Vikram: Akshat!!!! (grabbing his best friend's arm.) Mujhe lagta hai Naina bhaag gayi.

Akshat: (blinked at him, then burst out laughing) Tu paagal ho gaya hai kya? Naina aisa nahi karegi!!!

Vikram: (snapped) Toh phir woh aa kyun nahi rahi hai?? bol???

Akshat: (reassures him) Bhai, main jaake dekh ke aata hoon ... (patting his shoulder) tab tak tu shaant ho jaa... theek hai?

(Vikram ran a hand through his hair, his nerves on edge as Akshat made his way towards the family members to know about the matter.

Vikram tried to stay calm. But the murmurs around him weren't helping.

Why isn't the bride here yet?

Is everything okay?

Did she get cold feet?)

..

..

Then,

(Five minutes felt like an eternity. Finally, Akshat returned, his face completely blank.)

Vikram: (anxiously) Kya hua?

(Akshat didn't blink. He took a deep breath and sighed.)

Akshat: (expressionless) Tera shaq sahi nikla...

(Vikram's heart dropped.)

Akshat: Naina ready nahi hai!!! (Naina is not ready!!!)

(The words hit him like a truck. He staggered back, his mind spiralling.)

Vikram: (muttered under his breath) No. No. No. This can't be happening!

(Vikram, held his head with his hands. He was about to break down when-

Akshat suddenly burst out laughing.)

Akshat: Oye, I meant literally... Naina ready nahi hai!!!!.... kyunki teri beti ko, uska make-up pasand nahi aaya!

Vikram: (confused) Kya?

Akshat: (laughs, wipes a tear from his eye) Haan... Kiara ko apni mumma ka make-up pasand nahi aaya, toh madam khud hi 'sahi' kar rahi hai!!!

(For a moment, Vikram just stared. Then, he let out a long sigh, shaking his head.)

Vikram: Meri beti mujhe heart attack de ke hi maanegi!!!

Akshat: (smirked) Beti kiski hai?

(Vikram laughed and patted Akshat's back playfully... but then he composed himself really quick when he noticed the commotions occur near the bridal room area.

And soon the doors open.)

..

..

(When his eyes first landed on Naina, everything around him seemed to blur.

Her presence was like a sudden, calm breeze on a hot day-soft yet powerful.

She looked so beautiful, so graceful...... and she was standing right there, walking towards him like a dream he had once feared would never come true.

He felt his chest tighten, his throat closing up.

His heart swelled with emotion, memories rushing back in a flood- the time when he was indifferent towards her and never stood up for her.

Then came the pain of the divorce, the separation, and the period of silence between them.

But this taught him about resilience and about the power of love.)

..

..

(As Naina made her way towards the mandap, the entire venue seemed to hold its breath, the soft hum of anticipation filling the air.

This was her moment, and it felt nothing short of magical.

Walking beside her were the men, she considered as her family.... Purab, Prem, Aryan, and Gaurav.... all beaming with pride and affection.

They held the bridal phoolon ki chaadar over her head.

Each of them walked with purpose, forming a protective cocoon around her, as if silently promising that they would always be there for her.)

(As they walked her toward the mandap, the guests looked on with admiration, many wiping away tears at the touching scene.

The blend of tradition and emotion was palpable, and the moment felt like the perfect balance of family, love, and unity.)

..

..

(Naina, too, felt an intense wave of emotions the moment she saw Vikram waiting for her.

She had dreamed of this moment countless times in the past few years, but now that it was finally here, it felt surreal.

She had come so far-physically, emotionally, and mentally.

From the time she had been lost in the chaos of their failed marriage and the battle within herself, to the time she had found the strength to heal and rebuild her life, everything had led to this very moment.

Her heart pounded as she drew closer to him, and she felt her eyes welling up with tears.

She had spent so much time healing, yet the sight of him standing there, waiting for her, made all the emotions she had buried rise to the surface.

She had spent months rebuilding herself, but today, she was allowing herself to feel everything-the love, the fear, and the hope.)

..

(When Naina finally reached the mandap, she looked up at the chunari one last time before stepping forward.

She turned briefly towards the 4 men, her eyes misty with gratitude, and gave them a soft, heartfelt smile.

Each of them nodded back, their expressions silently saying, We've got your back.)

..

..

On the Mandap:

(The chunari was carefully lowered, and Naina stepped up to join Vikram.

Their eyes locked, and for a brief moment, neither of them could speak.

The world seemed to pause, leaving only the two of them in this bubble of emotion.

Vikram's hand trembled slightly as he reached out to her, and Naina, without a second thought, took it in hers.

The touch was simple, yet it carried all the weight of their shared past and the future they were about to build.

Both of their eyes shimmered with unshed tears, their hearts heavy with the weight of everything that had brought them to this day.

Naina blinked rapidly, trying to calm herself, but a few tears spilled over.

Vikram noticed immediately and let go of her hand to cup her face gently. His thumb wiped away the tears rolling down her cheeks.)

Vikram: Shh... bas, ab aur nahi....

(She smiled softly, her trembling hand reaching up to do the same for him.)

Naina: aapki aankhon mein bhi toh aansu hain!!!

(He chuckled faintly, a warmth spreading through his chest as he let his hand linger on hers for a moment.)

..

..

At the side,

(Kiaan and Kiara stood to the side, watching their mother with wide eyes.

The moment was serene, emotional, and carried a weight that even the twins, at their young age, could feel.

Kiaan, always the quieter of the two, felt his chest tighten as he noticed the tears glistening in his mother's eyes.

Seeing her like this...so beautiful, yet so emotional, tugged at his heartstrings.

He blinked a few times, trying to push back his own tears, but it was no use.

A single tear escaped, rolling down his cheek.

Kiara noticed her brother getting emotional and nudged him lightly with her elbow.)

Kiara: (playfully) Oye, rona- dhona band kar, drama king.

Kiaan: (sniffs, then glares at her) Main nahi ro raha!!!

(He wiped his face quickly with the back of his hand, though it was obvious he was lying.

Kiara smirked, sensing an opportunity to lighten the mood. She leaned closer to him and whispered conspiratorially.)

Kiara: aaj toh mummy, saari Disney princesses ko tough competition de rahi hain!!!!

(Kiaan rolled his eyes, but a small smile crept onto his lips despite himself.)

Kiaan: (shakes his head) Tu naa... bilkul paagal hai!!!

(As they turned back to watch, they saw their parents exchange an emotional glance.

Vikram was already wiping away Naina's tears while she smiled through them, her love for him evident in her expression.

Kiaan felt another lump in his throat, but before he could get too lost in his feelings, Kiara leaned closer again.)

Kiara: Dekha? Papa aur Mumma.... Dono ek doosre ki, aakhon ke tears ka, clean-up crew ban gaye hain!!!!

Kiaan: (laughed slightly) Kiara, bas kar yaar!!!!

(Kiara grinned triumphantly, happy that her bakloli had worked.

She reached out and squeezed her brother's hand gently, a silent acknowledgment that she'd noticed his emotions and wanted to be there for him in her own quirky way.)

..

..

On the mandap:

(Vikram gently guided Naina her to sit down on the low cushioned stool that had been set out for them.

After making sure Naina was comfortable, Vikram sat down on the other stool beside her.)

Vikram: (sincere voice) waise, you are looking very pretty today!!!

(Naina's smile deepened as her cheeks flushed faintly.

Vikram, then eyed Naina's outfit curiously, his brows furrowing as he took in the deep red fabric and intricate embroidery.

He tilted his head, studying it like a detective solving a case.)

Vikram: (eying her outfit curiously) Lekin Ek baat batao... where did you buy this lehenga from? Because it looks quite familiar... I feel like you already have something like this.

(Naina couldn't help but laugh at his confusion, her eyes lighting up with affection.)

Naina: Jaan, Yeh lehenga nahi hai.... Yeh meri hi saree hai.... I got it draped in the lehenga style.

Vikram: (frowns) Tumne apni purani saree kyun pehni?? It's our wedding, babe!!! Kuch toh naya lena chahiye tha na!

(He looked genuinely exasperated, running a hand through his hair.)

Vikram: Sabne naye kapde banwaaye hain shaadi ke liye!!!! Even my friends!!! (he frowns) Maa ka phone nahi aaya tha kya, tumhaare paas? Unhone mujhe kaha tha ki woh tumhe shopping ke liye lekar jaayengi.... (a realization hit him) ya phir, woh sab sirf ek dikhaawa tha?

(Naina smiled at him in that soft, teasing way of hers, as if he were a child throwing a tantrum over nothing.)

Naina: Aunty ka phone aaya tha.

Vikram: (blinks)Toh phir?

Naina: maine unhe mana kar diya!!!!

Vikram: kyun?

(Naina lifted her wrist and held it up for him to see. A pair of elegant gold bangles gleamed in the dim light.)

Naina: Yeh jaante ho kiske hain?

(Vikram's gaze softened. He nodded, recognizing them instantly.)

Vikram: Tumhaari maa ke hain!!!

(Naina smiled, her fingers gently caressing the bangles.)

Vikram: You wanted a part of your mom to be with you, at the wedding... isiliye you wore them. Jaanta hoon!!!

Naina: Haan.... then what about Papa ji?

Vikram: (confused) Papa?

(Naina nodded, her eyes turning slightly misty.)

Naina: Jaan, aapke papa ki wajah se hi toh hamaari shaadi hui hai.... and technically we are here at this stage, only because he left us!!!! He has played a major role in our lives!!! Papa ji, mere liye hamesha special rahenge... he was the only person in the family who treated me like a human being!!! How could I not honour him???

(Vikram swallowed hard, his heart tugging at the depth of her thoughtfulness.

He squeezed her hand, but before he could say anything, she continued.)

Naina: (she pints to her saree) Yeh koi aise- waisi saree nahi hai, Jaan!!! Papaji ne mujhe yeh saree mere 1st anniversary pe gift ki thi

(Silence stretched between them, thick with emotions Vikram hadn't expected to feel today.

Vikram took a deep breath and cupped her face gently.)

Vikram: Naina, tum... yeh sab karke mujhe aur bhi zyaada emotional kar deti ho!!!! (leans slightly closer) But I love you for it.

(She smiled wider, her heart full as they locked eyes, sharing an unspoken understanding of the moment's depth.

As his eyes travelled down, he noticed her hands resting delicately on her lap. Her mehendi caught his attention.

The intricate design danced across her palms, rich and dark, symbolizing their love.)

Vikram: (smiles genuinely) Mehendi bahut sundar lag rahi hai... waise, tumne apne haath pe, mera naam likhwaaya hai kya?

Naina: haan.... of course!!!

Vikram: (smiles) toh dikhaao naa!!!

Naina: (hesitantly) baad mein dikhaa deti hoon......

Vikram: (taken aback) why??? Show it to me now!!!!

Naina: promise karo ki aap gusse mein nahi aaoge!!!!

Vikram: (confused) why will I get angry???

Naina: promise karo!!!

Vikram: theek hai.... I promise... I will not get angry.... Ab dikhaao!!!!

Naina: okay.... dekhlo!!!!

(She smiled and raised her hand, showing him her palm. She pointed to the design.

In the middle of the swirls and flowers, his name was written in delicate cursive.)

Vikram: (reading it) 'Vikram Ki Jaan'!!!!

(He then noticed something strange. Naina's other hand was covering the bottom part of the design on her palm.

He didn't think much of it, His lips simply curved into a soft smile as he traced the letters in the air with his finger, admiring it.)

Vikram: I love this.... this is beautiful!!! How cleverly tumne hum dono ka naam likhwaaya.... Bhale hi naam, Mera likha ho.... par asli meaning toh tumhara hi hai... 'Vikram ki Jaan'!!!

(His face softened. his heart melted at the sentiment.)

Naina: (couldn't hold back her grin) Picture abhi baaki hai, Meri Jaan!!!! (smirks mischievously) Wait for it!!!!

(Naina moved her hand, revealing the next line of the phrase.

Vikram leaned in, curious.

As she revealed the rest of the design, he read the words aloud, his voice tinged with amusement.)

Vikram: (reads the next line) 'khaane waali'!!!!

(then he reads the whole matter together)

Vikram: 'Vikram ki jaan Khaane waali'!!!!

(For a moment, he stared at her palm, processing what it meant.)

..

..

Then,

(a burst of laughter escaped him, loud and unrestrained.

His whole body shook as he laughed, throwing his head back while Naina tried to hide her giggles behind her chunari.)

Vikram: Yeh kya hai, Naina?!!

(He laughed so hard, that he had to clutch his stomach.

His laughter was infectious, drawing the attention of the guests around them.

They all turned to see what had happened, and when they noticed the two of them, smiling and laughing together, their hearts collectively warmed.)

Vikram: (tries to calm himself) babe.... Waise, why did you think I would get angry at you for this???

Naina: apna full on emotional moment chal raha tha naa.... I thought ki beech mein if I show you the mehendi, toh aapko gussa aajayega ki maine phir se moment kharaab kar diya!!!!

(Vikram wiped away a tear of laughter and looked at her lovingly.)

Vikram: (tone full of affection) Tum na, Naina, ek dum impossible ho!!!! but jo bhi ho.... bahut pyaari ho!!!!

..

..

Just then,

(The priest, draped in traditional saffron robes came there and cleared his throat.

He reminded them to focus on the rituals that were about to begin.

But the joy in Vikram and Naina's faces couldn't be hidden.)

..

..

(Anuradha stood near the mandap, her eyes brimming with emotions as she admired Vikram and Naina.

Vikram looked dashing, happiness radiating from his face.

Beside him, Naina, glowed with a mix of joy and nervousness.

A soft smile graced Anuradha's lips. They were finally getting the happiness they deserved!!

She clasped her hands together, silently praying for them.)

Anuradha: (whispers to herself) Bhagwaan, in dono ki jodi hamesha salaamat rahe. Inhe, kissi ki bhi buri nazar naa lage!!

..

..

Just then,

(A familiar voice called out to her.)

Lady: Arrey Anuradha, zara idhar toh aa!

(She turned to see her old friend, Sulochna, standing in a corner, with a forced smile on her face.

Anuradha beamed at her, genuinely happy to see someone she had always considered close.)

Anuradha: Sulochna!!! Finally, Tum aa gayi? Kitni der lagaadi!!!

(But Sulochna's smile faltered. She looked around hesitantly, then pulled Anuradha aside.)

Sulochna: Main tumse kuch baat karna chahti hoon, she said in a low voice.

Anuradha: (frowned but nodded) Haan bolo.

Sulochna: (took a deep breath) Dekho Anuradha, meri baat ka bura mat manna... par mujhe lagta hai, ki tumhe itna involve hone ki zaroorat nahi hai, iss shaadi mein!!!

Anuradha: (blinked, confused) Kyun? Vikram ki shaadi hai... mere bete ki shaadi hai!!!! Yeh toh khushi ka din hai, mere liye!!!

Sulochna: (shifted uncomfortably) Main samajhti hoon... par... bas chup-chaap ek jagah baith ja... idhar- udhar zyaada ghoomne ki zaroorat nahi hai!!! Bas, shaanti se shaadi ho jaane de!!!

(A frown crept onto Anuradha's face.)

Anuradha: Sulochna, yeh tum kya keh rahi ho? Haan, pehle mujhe Naina se problem thi... maanti hoon!!!! Lekin ab main jaanti hoon, ki woh sahi hai mere Vikram ke liye!!! Main iss shaadi ke liye, genuinely khush hoon!!!! Main koi dikhaava nahi kar rahi hoon!!!

Sulochna: (sighed and took her hand) Main jaanti hoon.... Mujhe bhi Vikram aur Naina ki chinta hai... isiliye keh rahi hoon. Zyada involve mat ho. Shaadi ke din apshagun karna hai kya, tumhe?

(Anuradha's face lost all color.)

Anuradha: (whispered,) Apshagun?? (shocked) Main kyun koi apshagun chaahungi? Main maa hoon uski!!!

(Sulochna hesitated for a moment, then sighed deeply. Her next words hit like a dagger.)

Sulochna: Tu vidhwaa hai, Anuradha!!!!

(Silence.

Anuradha felt the world around her blur for a second.

The noise of the wedding preparations faded.

She stood frozen, staring at Sulochna in disbelief.

A lump formed in her throat, her hands trembled slightly, and her vision blurred with unshed tears.

She didn't utter a single word.

She just... stopped.

Stopped smiling.

Stopped instructing Tanvi for the last minute detailing.

Stopped feeling the joy she had been allowing herself to feel.

Sulochna gave her a regretful look and walked away, leaving Anuradha standing there-alone, broken, and suddenly... unwanted.)

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✨ Author's Note ✨

let's be real... did you actually think they'd have a smooth, drama-free wedding? 😂

Come on, this is Vikram and Naina we're talking about!

From Vikram panicking at the mandap, convinced that Naina ran away (🤣 oh, Vikram, never change), to Kiara deciding that her mom's makeup needed some 'urgent fixing'-this wedding had chaos, comedy, and A LOT of emotions.

And can we talk about Naina? 🥺

The way she honored her past, her late father-in-law, and her journey of growth... this woman deserves the world, and Vikram better make sure she gets it!

And of course, our star twins, Kiara & Kiaan, adding their own spice to the occasion.

Kiara's nonstop commentary and Kiaan's emotional side.... uff the sibling bond is just too precious!

And let's not forget, the ever-supportive Purab, Prem, Aryan, and Gaurav, walking alongside Naina as her protectors, showing us what real family bonds look like. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

And who loved Naina's mehendi design, only she could think of such an idea, am I right???... Vikram ki Jaan Khaane waali

And who felt for Anuradha??? 😓

It's heartbreaking how society still clings to such outdated beliefs, making a widow feel like she doesn't belong in her own son's happiness.

But tell me, do you think Anuradha should stay silent?

Or should she fight back and claim her rightful place in Vikram's wedding? 🤔🔥

Let me know your thoughts in the comments!

I love hearing from you all! 💬💖 Keep reading, because the next chapter is going to be even more emotional! 😭✨

Until then, lots of love! ❤️