Chapter 83: Two Souls, One Journey-3

(The wedding mandap was glowing with golden lights, the air thick with the fragrance of marigold garlands and sandalwood incense.

The Pandit ji began the ceremony, his voice deep and rhythmic as he chanted the ancient Sanskrit verses.

He paused for a moment, his gaze shifting to the gathered family members.)

Pandit ji: gatth- bandhan ka samay aagaya hai!!! Main Var ke behen se vinamra nivedan karta hoon, ki woh aage aakar yeh pavitra bandhan baandhein.

(Vikram smiled and adjusted the heavy folds of his sherwaani, his fingers absentmindedly brushing over the embroidered fabric.

His sharp eyes scanned the crowd, searching for his sister.)

..

..

(At the far end of the lawn, Tanvi stood near the catering table, her hands animatedly moving as she discussed something with the servers.

A slight crease formed on her forehead-she was undoubtedly making sure everything was perfect.)

(Just as she finished giving instructions, she caught movement from the mandap and looked up.

When she realized that the Pandit ji had called for her, her eyes widened in surprise.

She immediately excused herself and rushed forward!!!

Vikram let out a soft chuckle at his sister's usual flustered antics.)

..

..

(Vikram was in a happy mood!!

Everything seemed perfect....

except one thing.

His mother!!!!

Anuradha sat at a distance from the mandap, her hands folded in her lap.

The vibrant excitement she had displayed all morning had dimmed.

Her face, usually filled with sharp expressions, was now unreadable.

She wasn't looking at him or Naina. Her gaze was fixed somewhere far away, as if lost in a whirlwind of thoughts.

Vikram's brows furrowed.)

Vikram: (Leaning slightly toward Naina) Yeh maa ko kya ho gaya hai? Abhi tak toh khush thi... ek dum se aise kyun baith gayi?

(Naina followed his gaze, her brows furrowing in concern. She studied Anuradha for a few moments before shaking her head.)

Vikram: (exhaled, running a hand through his hair) I have a feeling, ki Maa abhi bhi humare rishtey ko lekar khush nahi hain!!!! dekho toh sahi, unko!!! She is looking so depressed!!!!

(His jaw tightened. He wanted to believe that wasn't the case.

That she had truly accepted Naina, that she was happy for them. But he didn't know if it was true.

Naina, however, looked unconvinced.

Something told her, that this wasn't about them. This was something else entirely!!!)

Naina: Nahi, Vikram ji.... yeh kuch aur hi hai!!!!

..

..

Just then,

(Tanvi came onto the mandap, slightly out of breath, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face.

She placed her hands on her knees and took a moment to steady herself.)

Tanvi: Sorry, Pandit ji! Meri wajah se delay ho gaya.

(The Pandit ji gave her a reassuring smile, adjusting the sacred texts in his hand.

Pandit ji: Koi baat nahi, beta... aap aage aayiye, aur gatth-bandhan baandhiye!

..

..

But,

(Just as Tanvi stepped forward, reaching for the ceremonial dupatta, a sudden movement caught everyone off guard.

Naina stood up.

A hushed silence spread through the mandap.

The rustling of her bridal lehenga was the only sound amidst the stunned whispers from the audience.

Tanvi froze, looking at her in confusion.

Kiaan and Kiara, standing to the side, gasped in unison.

In the audience, Purab and Aryan exchanged nervous glances, as if mentally preparing themselves for some unexpected drama.

The murmurs grew, guests tilting their heads in curiosity, wondering what was happening.

Vikram's brows furrowed in concern.)

(Vikram glanced at Naina, silently asking for an explanation. But she wasn't looking at him.

Instead, she turned to Tanvi, her voice gentle yet firm.)

Naina: Tanvi didi, aap do minute aaram kijiye. Paani pijiye... main bas abhi aayi.

(Tanvi blinked in surprise, looking down at the water bottle that one of the helpers had handed her just moments ago.

Vikram narrowed his eyes, his confusion deepening.)

Vikram: Naina?

(She turned to him then, meeting his gaze.

There was no panic on her face,

no hesitation

just a reassuring smile.

A silent message.

Trust me.)

..

..

(And with that, she gracefully stepped down from the mandap, the intricate borders of her bridal lehenga brushing against the petals scattered on the floor.

Every eye in the lawn followed her movements.)

..

..

(In one corner, Diya, Meher, and Riddhi exchanged quick, concerned glances.

Riddhi, unable to hold back, hurried toward Naina, her expression nervous.)

Riddhi: (hesitantly) Naina di? ... sab theek hai na?

(Naina met her gaze and gave a reassuring smile, subtly signaling that everything was fine.

She gently squeezed Riddhi's hand and whispered.)

Naina: (smiles) Sabko bol do, chinta na karein... sab theek hai... I just need to handle a small matter!!!!

(Riddhi exhaled in relief, nodding before rushing back to the others.

Meanwhile, Naina continued walking with quiet determination-toward Anuradha.)

..

..

In the lawn area:

(Anuradha was sitting on the bench, under one of the decorated canopies.

She was so lost in her thoughts that she didn't notice Naina walk up to her.)

Naina: (calls out softly) Aunty ji?

(Anuradha blinked, startled. She quickly wiped at her eyes and forced a small, unconvincing smile.)

Anuradha: (astonished) Naina??? Kya hua, beta? Tum yahaan kyun aayi?

(Naina didn't answer immediately. Instead, she gracefully sat down beside Anuradha, her eyes searching her face.)

Naina: Aap theek toh hain??

(Anuradha's fingers tightened around the edge of her saree, her lips pressing together.)

Anuradha: (fumbles) Main bilkul theek hoon, beta!!!

(But Naina didn't believe that for a second. She took a deep breath before speaking, her voice was soft yet firm.)

Naina: Jo log aapke mann ko na bhaaye... unse doori maintain kar lena chahiye!!!!

(Anuradha opened her mouth, then shut it. She looked away, trying to gather herself. But Naina didn't back down.)

Naina: Aise negative logon ki, aapke life mein koi jagah nahi honi chahiye!!!!

(Anuradha turned her head slightly, looking at Naina with unreadable eyes.)

Anuradha: (sighed) Tumhe kaise pata chala, beta? Maine toh tumse kuch nahi kaha

(Naina took a deep breath, her jaw tightening. When she spoke, her voice was calm but firm.)

Naina: Aunty... society ki aag mein hamesha ladies hi jalti rahi hain!!!

(Anuradha's eyes snapped to Naina's face, startled.)

Naina: (lets out a bitter chuckle) Divorce toh Vikram ji aur mera dono ka hua tha... lekin divorcee ka tag sirf mujhe hi laga, naa!!!!

(A flicker of understanding crossed Anuradha's face.)

Naina: Divorce ke baad Vikram ji ki izzat mein koi farak nahi aaya... jo respect unhe pehle milti thi, woh divorce ke baad bhi milti rahi...

(Anuradha remained silent, but her hands clenched into fists in her lap.

(Naina then gave a bitter smile)

Naina: (holding back her tears) Lekin bhugatna sirf humein.... sirf hum ladies ko padta hai na… Har baar…

(Pauses, takes a deep breath, as if gathering courage to speak further)

Naina: Mere apartment ki ladies... woh mere baare mein kya- kya nahi bolti thi… Mere nature pe, mere character pe ungli uthati thi… sirf isliye kyunki main ek divorcee thi…

(Voice breaking slightly, tears welling up)

Naina: Aur toh aur… mere aur Pogo ke rishte ko bhi galat nazar se dekhti thi... Woh log kuch aur hi samajh ke baithi thi…

(Wipes a tear, trying to compose herself but her voice reflects the pain)

Naina: Jab main apartment mein shift hui.... everyone had a question, Ki maine  kaunse ameer aadmi ko phasaaya hai??? (Turns towards Anuradha) Aapko bhi yeh doubt aaya ta, Aunty ji!!!!

(Anuradha looked at her with teary eyes.)

Naina: Mujhe nahi lagta Vikram ji ko kabhi itna kuch jhelna pada hoga… unhe toh log bas sympathy deke nikal jaate honge… par ek aurat... woh bhi ek divorcee... uske liye toh duniya ki har gali, har nazar, har baat ek nayi saza ban jaati hai…

(Anuradha's brows furrowed)

Naina: We call this a patriarchal society... lekin agar aisa hai, toh hum ladies, ladti kyun nahi hain?? Instead, hum ek doosre ki dushman ban baithti hain!!!

(Anuradha lowered her gaze, processing Naina's words.

She knew what Naina was saying was true.

She had lived through it herself.

As a widow, she had seen society's double standards firsthand. But hearing it from Naina-watching her say it with such conviction-made it hit differently.

For the first time, Anuradha saw herself in Naina.

The whispers, the judgment, the isolation... Naina had endured it too. And yet, here she was, standing tall, refusing to break.

Naina took a step closer. Her voice softened but remained firm.)

Naina: I don't want to know who spoilt your mood... I don't want to know what they said!!!! Kyunki agar mujhe pata chal gaya, toh main Vikram ji ko bina bole nahi reh sakti... Aur agar Vikram ji ko pata chala... toh yahaan ek bahut bada scene ho jaayega!!!!

(Anuradha closed her eyes for a second, exhaling. Naina was right.)

Naina: Main bas yeh chahti hoon, ki aap ab samajh jaayein ki kaun aapka sachcha dost hai aur kaun sirf naam ka!!!!

(Anuradha slowly opened her eyes.)

Naina: ab aap chaliye... mere saath mandap tak aaiye... apni poori family wahaan hai....

Anuradha: (hesitant) nahi beta.... aaj tum dono ka bahut bada din hai.... main nahi chahati ki koi apshagun ho!!!!

Naina: Aap ek maa hain... Maa!!!

(her voice gets strong)

Naina: Aapke haath sirf aashirwad dene ke liye bane hain, apshagun laane ke liye nahi!!!

Anuradha: (shook her head) Par Naina—

Naina: (interrupted) Koi par- var nahi, Aunty ji!!!...... Hamaare yahaan pe, shaadi sirf do logon ka milan nahi hota.... Yahaan do parivaron ka bhi milan hota hai. Aapka, wahaan mandap pe hona  zaroori hai!!!!

(Naina looked at Anuradha and spoke firmly, but in a gentle tone)

Naina: Aaj ka din, aapke liye bhi utna hi khaas hai, jitna mere aur Vikram ji ke liye hai!!! Aur waise bhi.... iss naye parivaar ki shuruaat, sirf tab hi hogi jab aap bhi isme shamil hongi!!!!

(naina wipes her tears away)

Naina: Aur waise bhi, Aunty... jo bhi aapko aise keh rahe thay.... unki soch chhoti hai. Aapki nahi....

(At that,

The dam broke.

Anuradha let out a shaky breath as tears welled up in her eyes.

Her own friend had broken her spirit... and here was Naina, the woman she despised all her life...

She was holding her hand, not out of pity, but out of love.

Anuradha squeezed Naina's hand tightly. She was gaining her confidence again.)

Anuradha: beta...Main... maine kaha tha ki iss baar main tumhe apni 'beti jaise' rakhungi.... Toh main ek baat clear kar deti hoon.... tum meri 'beti jaise' nahi ho....

(she reached forward and gently cupped Naina's cheek)

Anuradha: Tum meri 'BETI' hi ho!!!!

(Naina smiled, warmth radiating from her eyes.)

Naina: chaliye....  Abchaliye, warna Vikram ji ko, aisa lagne lagega ki aap, ab bhi hamaari shaadi se khush nahi hain!!!!

(Naina reached out and gently took Anuradha's hand in hers.

Naina: chaliye!!!

(Anuradha smiled and nodded her head.

The entire crowd watched as Naina walked with Anuradha up to the mandap, where the close family members were seated.)

..

..

At the mandap:

(Vikram saw the change in his mother's posture... her chin was up, her shoulders squared, the hesitation in her steps gone.

Vikram's eyes met Naina's, a silent question in them.

Naina just smiled.

A reassuring, victorious smile.

And that was enough for him.

His lips curled into a smile, his heart swelling with gratitude for the woman he was about to marry.)

..

..

Then,

(As Anuradha took her place among family, she looked at Naina with nothing but love.

The tension in her shoulders melted away.

She wasn't just a mother of the groom anymore.

She was a woman who had reclaimed her place-with dignity, with pride, and with the unwavering support of the daughter she never knew she needed.)

..

..

Then,

(The Pandit ji cleared his throat.)

Pandit ji: Ab rasmon ko aage badhaya jaye??

Vikram: (chuckled, his eyes glistening) Jee panditji, ab sab kuch bilkul sahi hai!!!

Pandit ji: (gestures towards Tanvi) aaiye... aap apna kartavya nibhaaiye!!!

(Tanvi nodded at the Pandit respectfully and made her way towards Vikram and Naina.

Her saree swayed gently as she approached them, her movements confident yet filled with the reverence of the moment.

Taking the sacred cloths in her hands, she began tying the knot with care and precision.

The moment was serene, filled with the quiet murmurs of the rituals and the rustling of silk.

But just as the atmosphere grew solemn, Gaurav's playful voice cut through the silence.)

Gaurav: Tanvi, Thoda tight baandhna iss baar!!!! Pichli baar shayad dheela baandh diya hoga!!!

(For a second, there was a stunned silence as everyone processed his words, and then the entire mandap erupted into laughter.

Vikram and Naina couldn't help but smile.

Even the Pandit ji paused, chuckling at the unexpected remark.

Tanvi, holding back her own laughter, shook her head and looked over her shoulder at Gaurav.)

Tanvi: Gaurav ji, aap bhi na!!!!

(She smiled brightly before turning back to finish tying the gath-joda.

This time, she tugged it just a little tighter, making a point of it, as the guests continued to laugh and tease.

Vikram and Naina exchanged amused glances, their smiles softening the moment as the rituals continued now with a renewed sense of joy and lightheartedness.)

Around the mandap:

(Guests sat the chairs, with their attention fixed on the serene ceremony.

Niyati, seated beside Bhoomika, kept her focus on the intricate rituals, occasionally leaning over to talk or make a comment about how good Vikram and Naina were looking with each other.

Kiaan and Kiara stood quietly near the mandap, their eyes fixed on their parents as the sacred rituals unfolded.)

..

..

Meanwhile,

(A completely different scene unfolded a little further back. Purab, Paarth, Abhir, and Mihika were engaged in a chaotic yet hilarious chase behind the 3-year-old boy.

Prakhar, with his tiny steps and boundless curiosity, was on a determined mission toward the flickering flames of the mandap's sacred fire.

He kept adjusting the bright turban that barely stayed put on his head as his little feet carried him with surprising speed, his eyes wide with fascination.)

Purab: Prakhar, idhar aao!!!!

(He tried to scoop him up, but the toddler giggled and darted away, his tiny feet moving as fast as they could.)

Paarth: Yeh toh poora sprinter ban gaya hai!!!!

(He laughed as he tried to block Prakhar's path, only to be outmaneuvered by the little boy.

Mihika crouched low, her arms outstretched in an attempt to corner him.)

Mihika: Prakhar, agar aap idhar rukoge toh, hum aapko chocolate denge!!!

(But Prakhar only squealed in delight and ran in the opposite direction.)

Mihika: arrey... ruko!!!!

(She tugged her maroon lehenga up to avoid tripping, struggling to keep up in her high heels.

Abhir was right behind her, but even he was having a hard time keeping up with this mischievous little boy.)

Abhir: Yaar.... Aise toh hum kabhi nahi pakad paayenge, Prakhar ko!!!! we have to work as a team!!!!

(The four of them worked together, forming a playful barricade to guide Prakhar away from the mandap.

Their laughter and shouts were a stark contrast to the solemn rituals, but the other guests couldn't help smiling at the scene.)

(Eventually, Aryan, caught Prakhar before he could get close to the mandap. Purab caught up, panting, and walked over to them.)

Aryan: Prakhar, why are you running away like this? Pata hai kitna bhaagna padta hai, tumhaare peeche??

Prakhar: (trying to wriggle his way out) fire.... Fire paas jaana hai!!!! Nunu paas jaana hai!!!!

(At the mandap, Naina noticed the commotion and glanced up briefly.

A smile tugged at his lips as he watched the chaotic yet endearing scene unfold.

Leaning slightly toward Vikram, she nudged him gently to draw her attention.

Vikram looked up, and his laughter bubbled out quietly as he watched the lively spectacle, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

Then Paarth catches up with them and held the little boy with more force.)

Paarth: oh bhaisaab!!!! (adjusting Prakhar's little turban) you have to calm down!!!! aise fire ke paas nahi jaate!!!! (he turns to Purab) Chachu, Isko toh ab tightly pakad ke rakhiye...... hum sabki toh saari hawa nikal gayi!!!

(The four of them walked back to their seats, their expressions a mix of amusement and exhaustion, as Prakhar continued to babble cheerfully in Purab's arms.

They settled down and shifted their focus back to the mandap, where the Pandit ji's chants resonated softly.)

..

..

Back to the wedding:

(As the Pandit ji guided the couple through the rituals, Kiaan and Kiara couldn't help but glance over at their mother.

Their eyes were bright with emotion, as they say their mother's hand being gently held by their father as they took their pheras around the sacred fire.)

(Anuradha stood beside them. Her hands were folded together, and she stood motionless, her gaze never straying from her son and Naina.

As the final phera was completed, Anuradha felt her shoulder relax. She could feel the gravity of it all... their family, reshaped and stronger than before.

..

..

Then,

(Finally, as Vikram tied the mangalsutra around Naina's neck, a tear escaped his eye.

Naina looked up at him, her own tears finally falling. They share a small, bittersweet smile, knowing that this is a new beginning... a second chance they never thought they'd have.

As the wedding ceremony concluded, Vikram and Naina stood up, hand in hand, their faces glowing with joy.)

Vikram: Finally, we're Happily Married now!!!! Hai naa?? Mrs. Sabharwal???

Naina: Yes... that's true, Mr. Desai!!!!

(Naina winked at him playfully. Vikram smiled at her and then they turned to face their guests. Everyone erupted into cheers and applause.

Suddenly, a shower of rose petals rained down on them, thrown by their loved ones with bright smiles and heartfelt blessings.)

..

..

In the crowd:

(Just as the atmosphere was filled with love and celebration, Aryan's mischievous voice rang out, loud and clear.)

Aryan: (grins wickedly) Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!

(Vikram and Naina froze, their eyes widening in unison.

Naina's face flushed a deep red as she shot Aryan a death glare. Before she could speak, Paarth decided to take it a step further.)

Paarth: (cupping his face dramatically) Waise kiss karo...jaise chachu ne chachi ko kiya tha... lips pe!!!

(A stunned silence followed for a split second before Aryan and Purab burst into uncontrollable laughter!

Paarth smirked, proud of his mischief.)

(But before he could bask in his glory, a storm was already brewing.)

Prem: (furious, storming toward Paarth) Paagal ho gaye ho tum?! Bade ho gaye ho toh kuch bhi bole jaaoge?!

(Before Paarth could react, Prem landed a sharp whack on the back of his head, making him wince.)

Paarth: (rubbing his head) Arrey, papa... mazaak tha!

Purab: (stepping in quickly) Prem bhaisaab, Paarth bas mazaak kar raha tha... this is one of our inside joke!!!

Aryan: (grinning, still laughing) Haan bhaisaab, yeh toh meri shaadi ke time se chal raha hai! Aur waise bhi, aap toh Paarth ko jaante ho... bilkul seedha baccha hai!

(Prem exhaled sharply, giving Paarth a long, hard stare. Finally, he sighed, shaking his head, and let the matter go.

He walked away, muttering something under his breath.

Paarth took a deep breath, placing a hand on his chest in exaggerated relief.)

Paarth: (whispering to Aryan) aaj toh bach gaye, chachu!!!

(The elders who had witnessed the scene began chuckling, their laughter breaking the tension.)

..

..

Then,

(Just as the moment settled, Aryan turned his mischievous attention back to Naina, a wicked grin returning to his face...)

Aryan: Chal Nunu!!! we are waiting!!!!

Naina: (tries to maintain her composure) Aryan! Band karo apna tamaasha!!!! Meri mother-in-law yahaan hain!!!!

(She gestured discreetly toward Anuradha, who was standing just a few steps away.

But before Aryan could reply, Purab joined in, his face lit up with a mischievous smile.)

Purab: Aryan ki shaadi ke time pe bhi toh wahaan bade buzurg present thay.... Aryan ke parents, Niyati ke parents, sab wahin baithe thay. Tab toh tumne nahi socha!!!! Toh ab kyun soch rahi ho?

(With a grin plastered on his face, Aryan took things up a notch.

He casually walked over to where Vikram's friends were standing, his confident stride drawing everyone's attention.

Politely but with a twinkle of mischief in his eyes, he gestured toward them, leaning in slightly as he spoke.)

Aryan: please... you need to join us too!!!! Aap Vikram ko encourage kariye!!!!

Man 1: Ek shart pe karenge.... aapko, hamaare saath ek selfie leni padegi!!!

(The crowd burst into laughter at the playful demand, and Aryan, not one to miss a beat, immediately chimed in.)

Aryan: Selfie? Bas itna? Arrey sir.... poori reel bana dijiye mere saath!!!! But this kiss needs to happen.

(His over-the-top delivery had everyone doubled over with laughter. And soon Vikram's friends also started clapping, their laughter ringing out as they joined Aryan's playful chant.)

Vikram's friends: Kiss! Kiss!!!!

(they all urged, grinning from ear to ear. The lighthearted pressure spread like wildfire through the crowd, and soon enough, most of the guests were cheering for the couple, their voices echoing with teasing enthusiasm.

Purab now looked at Vikram and Naina expectantly.)

Purab: Dekho, ab toh public demand ban chuki hai!!!

(Purab turned to the crowd with an exaggerated shrug as if he had no control over the situation. The guests clapped and cheered, fully invested in the fun.)

Aryan: Tum dono ko kiss toh karna hi padega!!!!

(Naina gritted her teeth, now glaring at both Aryan and Purab.)

Naina: Aryan.... Pogo.... Mere, Bacche bhi hain yahaan!!!!!

(She protested, glancing nervously at Kiaan and Kiara, who stood nearby. Aryan, never one to miss a chance for teasing, smirked and quipped!)

Aryan: (smirks, acting innocent) Toh Kisne bola tha, shaadi ke pehle bacche karne ke liye?? Aisa bhi koi karta hai bhala!!!!

(That did it. The entire gathering erupted into laughter, some guests doubling over while others clapped their hands at Aryan's cheeky remark.

Naina's face turned an even deeper shade of crimson.

But before she could say another word, Vikram tightened his grip on her hand, pulling her closer.

The laughter and teasing around them faded into the background as he looked into her eyes.

Without saying a word, he cupped her face gently and leaned in, pressing a soft, lingering kiss to her lips, ignoring the gasps and cheers from the crowd.)

For a second, the world seemed to stop. The guests, caught between surprise and delight, broke into thunderous applause and whistles.

Kiaan and Kiara, however, groaned in embarrassment and quickly hid their faces in their dadi's saree pallu.

Anuradha was caught off guard, she covered her eyes with her hands but the small smile tugging at her lips betrayed her amusement.)

(The guests couldn't stop cheering as Aryan and Purab high-fived, clearly delighted with themselves.

It was a moment of love, laughter, and a little mischief-exactly what Vikram and Naina's journey deserved.)

(The cheers and applause from the guests gradually faded into a warm hum as Vikram and Naina pulled away from their kiss, their foreheads resting gently against each other for a brief, tender moment.

Both of them smiled, their faces glowing with happiness, love, and the undeniable sense of having come full circle.)

Soon,

(The crowd began to close in, surrounding Vikram and Naina in a cocoon of love and laughter.

Vikram's friends clapped Vikram on the back congratulating him, their grins wide.

While Naina's friends enveloped her in a warn group hug.

The ladies still fussed over Naina, adjusting her ghoongat and making sure everything looked perfect.

Even Anuradha stood nearby, her eyes slightly misty as she observed her son and daughter-in-law, her expression a quiet mix of reflection and newfound acceptance.)

..

..

Later,

(As the newlyweds stepped down from the mandap, the guests parted to form a pathway for them.

Naina held onto Vikram's arm, her smile never faltering as they walked together, side by side, toward the next chapter of their lives.

The glow of the mandap lights and the flickering fire behind them seemed to frame the moment perfectly... a picture of love, resilience, and new beginnings.)

..

.

In the background,

(The sound of laughter, teasing, and celebratory music filled the air.

But for Vikram and Naina, the world had narrowed to just the two of them.

They exchanged a brief, knowing glance, their hearts full, as they stepped forward into their happily ever after.)

___________________________________________

AUTHOR'S NOTE

Hey dear readers! ✨

This chapter is close to my heart because it captures something truly special—the power of understanding, love, and silent battles fought in a world that often judges too quickly. 💖

Weddings are all about joy, laughter, and the coming together of two souls—but they're also about families, relationships, and unspoken emotions. 👰‍♀️🤵‍♂️

In this chapter, we see not just a wedding but a deep emotional shift—a mother's hesitation, a bride's quiet strength, and a son's silent concern.

Anuradha's internal struggle is something many can relate to.

Sometimes, it's not about outright rejection but the small, lingering doubts that make us hesitate.

But Naina? Oh, she handled it like a QUEEN! 👑 With grace, wisdom, and a dash of sass, she turned things around! 🔥

Her words to Anuradha weren't just about her—it was a voice for every woman who has silently endured society's judgment. 💔💪✨

And in that moment, they weren't just saas-bahu, they weren't rivals—they were two women standing together 👩‍👩‍👧‍👦, against a world that had always been unfair to them. 🌍🔥💖

let's not forget Gaurav's perfectly timed joke! 🤭😂

Weddings without mischief are just business meetings, right? 😆

And oh!!!  How can we forget about Aryan Khanna!! 😂

The man was just WAITING for this moment! After what Naina pulled at his wedding, how could he not strike back?  😘💋

I swear, Aryan is the true MVP here! 🏆 The perfect mix of troublemaker and sweetheart. His payback was chef's kiss—literally! 😂🍷

Let me know in the comments what you felt during this chapter! 💭✨

What did you feel when Naina stepped down from the mandap? 💔

Did you expect Anuradha's reaction? 😲

Did it touch your heart? ❤️🥺

Did you laugh at Gaurav's teasing? 😆😂 Drop your thoughts below! 📝💬

Did Aryan's move make you laugh? 🤭🤣

Or were you just as embarrassed as Vikram and Naina? 😳🙈

And most importantly—how tightly do you think Tanvi tied that knot this time? 🔗🤔

Let me know in the comments!!! 🎉👇