The whole wedding festivities had been exhausting for Noor. As she sat with her hands outstretched, waiting for the mehendi to be applied, her eyelids began to grow heavy. She almost drifted off to sleep, her body weary from the whirlwind of events.

The Punjabi wedding festivities had been nothing short of vibrant, loud, and full of energy, but they were starting to take a toll on Noor. Surrounded by the laughter of her cousins and the rhythmic beats of the dhol, she sat with her hands extended, mehendi artists carefully painting intricate designs on her palms. The smell of mehendi filled the air as the women around her teased and sang traditional folk songs. Noor could feel herself fading—her eyes fluttering closed as exhaustion crept in. She was almost asleep, her body giving in to the long hours of celebrations, but even then, she couldn't help but smile, knowing she was one step closer to her big day.

As Noor’s head drooped slightly, her cousins noticed her drowsiness and began teasing her.

“Looks like our bride is ready to sleep even before her wedding night!” one of them laughed.

Another chimed in, “Poor Noor, all this bhangra, and dancing must have worn her out. But wait until you see Shubman's name hidden in the mehendi. He’s going to have a hard time finding it!”

Noor chuckled softly, her eyes half-open, while the mehendi artist continued her delicate work.

That night, as Noor slumped into her bed, she felt the exhaustion of the day catch up with her. The mehendi on her hands had dried, and the intricate designs were now a deep, rich hue. The room was dimly lit, and the soft hum of the fan was the only sound that accompanied her tired sighs.

Just as she was about to drift off, her phone rang, breaking the stillness. Noor groggily reached for it, her eyes still half-closed. The caller ID showed Shubman’s name. She couldn’t help but smile as she answered the call.

“Kudiyeeee!” Shubman squealed with exaggerated enthusiasm.

Noor couldn’t help but make a face of mock disgust. “What’s with the cringe?”

Sbubman whined, “Don’t call your husband cringe!”

Noor rolled her eyes, amused. “You’re still not my husband yet, you know.”

Shubman flopped back onto his bed, staring up at the ceiling. He started singing, his voice playful but slightly off-key, “But I’m your fiancé…”

Noor huffed, trying to stifle a laugh despite her exhaustion. “If you’re going to be this cringe, please let me sleep. I’m hella tired, and we have a long day ahead.”

Shubman chuckled softly. “Alright, alright. I’ll let you get some rest. Just wanted to brighten your night a bit.”

“Mission accomplished,” Noor said, her voice muffled by her pillow. “Goodnight, Shubman.”

“Goodnight, Noori,” he replied, his voice softening as he wished her well.

Noor, wrapped snugly in her blanket, glanced over at the photo on her bedside table. It was a snapshot from their trip to London, capturing a moment of pure joy. In the picture, she was planting a kiss on Shubman's cheek while he flashed a cheeky smile at the camera.

Noor picked up the photo and gently caressed it, her fingertips brushing over the image of that cherished moment. As she gazed at Shubman's smiling face, a wave of disbelief and awe washed over her. She marveled at the thought that the man she had grown up with, shared so many memories with, and had spent countless hours laughing and dreaming alongside, was now the one she would spend the rest of her life with.

Noor felt the bed dip slightly and turned to see her mother sitting beside her, her gentle hand caressing Noor’s hair.

“Just checking in on my girl,” her mother said softly, her voice filled with love. “You’re about to start a beautiful new chapter, and I couldn’t be prouder of you.”

Noor smiled, her eyes brimming with emotion. “I can’t believe it’s happening so soon. It feels like a dream.”

Her mother chuckled softly, her fingers still tenderly caressing Noor’s hair. “I remember those nights when you used to talk to his photo, telling it how much you loved him.”

Noor looked up, a blush creeping across her cheeks. “You know about that?”

Her mother smiled warmly. “Of course. How could I not? Your love for him was always so clear, even in those small moments. It’s been beautiful to see it blossom into this.

Noor gently pulled her mother down next to her, wrapping her arms around her in a tight hug. Tears welled up in her eyes as she whispered, “I’ll miss you so much, Mom.”

Her mother held her just as tightly, her own eyes misting over. “I’ll miss you too, Noor. But you’re not going far—you’re just starting a new chapter. And I’ll always be here, whenever you need me.”

They stayed like that for a while, wrapped in each other’s arms, savoring the moment. Noor felt comforted by her mother’s presence but couldn’t help the wave of emotion that washed over her. It was the beginning of a new life, but it meant leaving behind the one she had known all her life.

“You’ll always be my little girl,” her mother whispered, brushing a tear away from Noor’s cheek. “And I’ll always be just a call away.”

Noor nodded, sniffling slightly. “I know. But still, I’m going to miss our late-night talks and everything…”

Before her mother could respond, the door creaked open, and Noor’s father peeked his head inside. His face lit up with a warm smile as he saw the two women he loved most, wrapped up in an emotional moment.

“What’s all this?” he asked in a teasing tone, stepping fully into the room. “Are my girls plotting to keep me out of the goodnight hugs?”

Noor wiped at her eyes quickly, trying to compose herself. “No plotting here, Papa,” she said, her voice still a little shaky. “Just... some emotional goodbyes.”

Papa Bajwa lay down next to Noor, wrapping his arm around her as her mother snuggled in from the other side. The three of them were cocooned in the bed, just like old times, and for a moment, everything felt perfect and simple, as if nothing had changed.

With a soft sigh, Papa Bajwa spoke, his deep voice filled with warmth and nostalgia. "You know, Noor, no matter how grown-up you get, you’ll always be our little girl. I still remember the days when you used to crawl into this bed after a bad dream, and we’d all just pile in like this, making everything better."

Noor chuckled softly, her voice still heavy with emotion. “I remember, Papa. Those were the safest moments. I always felt like nothing could hurt me when I was with you both.”

Her mother smiled and kissed the top of her head. “And nothing ever will, my love. You’ll always have us, no matter where life takes you.”

Papa Bajwa nodded in agreement. “That’s right. Even though you’re about to start a new life with Shubman, this will always be home. And this bed… well, it’s always open for late-night family talks.”

Noor smiled through her tears, feeling the love and comfort surrounding her. “I’ll hold you both to that,” she whispered.

Noor cried a bit more, her heart aching at the thought of leaving behind her first loves—even though she knew she would only be a few streets away. The familiar comfort of her parents had always been her safe haven, and the tears kept falling as she realized how much she’d miss that closeness.

Papa Bajwa sighed and rolled his eyes playfully. “Noor, come on now. Shubman’s not some demon whisking you away to a far-off land. You’ll be just three or four streets away. Stop crying so much.”

Noor whined in protest, her voice muffled as she buried her face in her mother’s shoulder. “Mummaa, tell him to stop teasing me!”

Mama Bajwa's eyes widened in sternness as she rubbed Noor's back. 'Kuljinder, stop teasing her,' she said, her tone firm but gentle. 'You’ll be the one crying the most tomorrow when she’s leaving.'

Noor turned around, a mischievous smile on her face as she stuck her tongue out at her father and pouted.

Papa Bajwa narrowed his eyes, clearly not ready to back down. 'Heer, that’s not happening because I’m not a softie like her,' he insisted.

Noor laughed softly, knowing full well that her father’s tough exterior would crack the moment she walked down the aisle. 'We’ll see about that, Papa,' she teased. 'I’ll be watching for those tears.'

Papa Bajwa playfully pinched Noor’s nose, making her scrunch her face in protest. She was ready to retaliate, but Mama Bajwa quickly held her back with a gentle but firm hand.

“Enough, you two,” Mama Bajwa said with authority. “It’s a big day tomorrow, and we need all the energy we can get. So, sleep now, both of you.”

At her command, both Papa Bajwa and Noor grumbled  but obediently shut their eyes.

As soon as Mama Bajwa’s soft snores filled the room, both Noor and Papa Bajwa slyly opened their eyes. Noor, still wiping away the remnants of her tears, whispered teasingly, "You know you’re going to cry tomorrow."

Papa Bajwa, never one to back down from a challenge, leaned in closer, keeping his voice low to avoid waking Mama Bajwa. "Oh, really? I’m not the one who’s going to be a sobbing mess. It’s you who won’t be able to hold it together."

Noor narrowed her eyes playfully. "We’ll see, Papa. But I’m definitely watching for that first tear."

Mama Bajwa's voice suddenly cut through the room, loud and clear despite her earlier snores. "Sleep, you two!" she commanded, her tone leaving no room for argument.

Noor and Papa Bajwa jumped slightly, quickly shutting their eyes like mischievous children caught red-handed.

"Yes, yes, we’re sleeping," Papa Bajwa muttered, stifling a chuckle.

Noor snuggled back into her pillow, smiling to herself, as they both finally settled down, knowing better than to test Mama Bajwa’s patience again.

After both women had fallen asleep, Papa Bajwa quietly opened his eyes again. He gazed at Noor’s peaceful, sleeping face, his heart full of emotion. Gently, he caressed her chubby cheeks, a tender smile on his lips as he reflected on the moment.

His little Noor was getting married tomorrow. It was a milestone he had watched her approach with pride and a touch of sadness, knowing that his little girl was growing up.

As Papa Bajwa watched Noor sleep, he felt a poignant sense of reflection. He imagined the house in the days to come, quieter and more subdued without her lively presence. Her absence would create a silence where once there was the comforting hum of her daily life.

He thought about the spaces that would feel emptier—the corners where her laughter had echoed, the rooms where her energy had brought life. The idea of coming home without her seemed foreign and wistful, like a favorite song that had suddenly stopped playing.

Yet, amidst the melancholy, he felt a deep pride and tenderness. His little Noor was stepping into a new chapter, and while the house would feel different, the love and memories they had woven together would forever fill the empty spaces.

He whispered softly to the stillness of the room, “It’ll be quieter here without you, my dear. But every room will still echo with the love and joy you brought into our lives.”

With a gentle sigh, Papa Bajwa closed his eyes, embracing both the sorrow of her leaving and the joy of her new beginnings.

As the wedding day unfolded, Papa Bajwa, dressed in a traditional, finely tailored sherwani with intricate embroidery, walked solemnly beside Noor. The grandeur of his attire—rich shades of deep maroon and gold—made him look regal.

Noor, radiant and elegant, was a vision of beauty in her bridal attire. Her lehenga was a rich, vibrant red adorned with delicate gold threadwork and shimmering embellishments that caught the light with every step she took. Her dupatta was draped gracefully over her head and shoulders, with intricate lace and beadwork framing her face. The intricate mehendi designs on her hands and the sparkle of her jewelry added to her ethereal presence.

As they walked down the aisle, the magnitude of the occasion overwhelmed Papa Bajwa. He took deep breaths, trying to steady himself as he walked down the aisle with Noor. His eyes were fixed on the front, determined to hold back the tears that threatened to spill. But as he looked at Noor, his resolve began to waver.

Noor looked up at her father, her heart trembling as she saw the man who had always been her pillar of strength now shedding tears.

Noor reached out and gently wiped the tears from her father’s face, her smile a blend of sadness and reassurance. Kuljinder Bajwa looked back at his daughter, his heart swelling with a mix of nostalgia and pride. He couldn’t help but remember when she was just five years old, playing dress-up and acting out grand dreams. Now, that playful imagination had become a beautiful reality, and he marveled at how far she had come.

Both Noor and her father exchanged wide, tender smiles before turning their attention forward. Shubman stood at the altar, his eyes glistening with tears as he watched Noor approach. He dabbed at the corners of his eyes, his expression a mix of joy and emotion, eagerly waiting to see his bride walking down the aisle.

Shubman's appearance at the wedding was a perfect complement to Noor’s vibrant outfit. He wore a royal blue sherwani with intricate silver embroidery that added a touch of elegance and shimmer. His turban, a deep navy blue with a silver embellishment, harmonized beautifully with Noor’s richly colored lehenga. The traditional embroidered juttis and his neatly groomed beard enhanced his regal look, creating a cohesive and striking contrast with Noor’s attire. Their coordinated outfits highlighted the harmony and sophistication of their union, making their wedding day even more memorable.

As Kuljinder Bajwa gently handed Noor over to Shubman, he leaned in and said in a stern, yet affectionate tone, “You take care of her, Shubman. She’s been my world, and now she’s yours. Don’t forget that.”

Shubman nodded, his face still showing a hint of nervousness as he pulled Noor to his side. “Sure, Dad,” he said, his voice steadying as he looked at Kuljinder Bajwa with earnest eyes.

Noor chuckled as she glanced at Shubman’s reaction. “Come on, Dad, don’t scare him that much,” she said, her voice light and teasing. Kuljinder Bajwa’s stern expression softened into a warm smile, and he gave Shubman a reassuring nod.

The wedding ceremony unfolded with grace and tradition. Noor and Shubman circled the sacred fire together, each step symbolizing their commitment to one another, as the priest chanted ancient vows. Kuljinder Bajwa, with a touch of sadness, placed Noor’s hand in Shubman’s, entrusting his daughter to her new husband with heartfelt blessings.

As Shubman applied sindoor to Noor’s hairline, a few grains fell onto her nose, causing a ripple of laughter and playful teasing from the guests.

Now lawfully wedded, Noor and Shubman stood facing each other, their world shrinking to just the two of them amidst the bustling crowd. Their eyes locked, and for a moment, it was as if time stood still.

“Noor, you look like you’re about to burst with happiness,” Shubman said with a playful grin.

“And you’re still trying to figure out how to act like a proper husband,” Noor teased back, a twinkle in her eye.

Shubman raised an eyebrow, feigning indignation. “Oh, really? Well, I guess I'll have to practice my husband skills. Any tips from the expert?”

Noor laughed softly. “Just keep up with me, and you’ll do fine.”

As Noor and Shubman enjoyed their private moment, a group of cousins tapped them on the shoulder, grinning mischievously. “Come on, you two, concentrate here! You’ve got the whole night ahead of you,” they teased.

Noor blushed, her cheeks turning a deep shade of red, while Shubman narrowed his eyes in mock annoyance. “Thanks for the reminder,” he said with a playful huff, pulling Noor gently closer.

The rest of the day passed in a whirlwind of celebrations, laughter, and heartfelt moments. Guests danced, feasted, and shared joyous stories, while Noor and Shubman reveled in their new roles as a married couple. They enjoyed traditional rituals, heartfelt speeches, and an abundance of love from family and friends.

As night fell, both Shubman and Noor finally retreated to their room, utterly exhausted from the day's festivities. They collapsed onto their bed, sharing a contented sigh.

Noor settled onto Shubman’s chest, planting a soft kiss on his chin. “I swear, if you have something in mind, I don’t have any energy left,” she murmured, her voice tinged with exhaustion.

Shubman chuckled, gently stroking her hair. “Me too, girl. Let’s just sleep,” he said with a smile.

As Noor and Shubman lay peacefully, the transformation from best friends to life partners felt like a poetic blend of their past and future.

Shubman pulled Noor closer, their bodies aligned in a gentle embrace. The stars outside twinkled a little more brightly, as if celebrating the newlyweds. The soft glow of the celestial lights seemed to reflect their tranquil state, casting a serene illumination over the room.