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Arohi's POV

The day started with the Ganpati Puja where I and Rohan along with our families worshipped Load Ganesha and asked for the blessing for our future. I then along with Aai and Baba asked everyone for their blessings. Followed with Kul Devata Puja.

Rohan was reluctant when my Aai bent down to wash his feet but she made him understood that it was one ritual. He looked up at me to which I gave him sad expressions, nodding my head. Aai then applied a tilak on his forehead and did the Arti as she fed him the biggest laddoo making others let out a laugh.

I made my way to get changed into my yellow traditional Nauvari saree which Mama as in Aai's brother gifts the bride.

Tan draped the saree on me with help from my Aai. Aai is anyway Maharashtrian so she knows how to drape a Nauvari saree. Aai along with Tan did the perfect job of draping that beautiful Saree. I looked at my reflection with a wide smile. I wouldn't have been this happy seeing myself in the mirror all these years. There is this thing about our own culture that makes someone look a little more beautiful. That's what I have believed and thought over the years.

The Nauvari or Kaashtha Saree is a style of sari draping which is very similar to the way the Maharashtrian dhoti is worn. The word Kaashtha refers to the sari being tucked at the back. Since this sari is usually worn by using a single nine-yard cloth, it is referred to as Nauvari which means Nine Yards.

Sakachcha sari is another term commonly used to refer to this style of the sari. It is referred to as Akanda Vastra, which means it doesn't need any other attire to support it. In fact, this attire holds the utmost importance as women across different walks of life have worn it. It is not just worn at religious and cultural events, but women have fought wars in the past and still work in farmlands wearing this.

Nikki tied my hair in a tight bun keeping the hair in the head a little messy. She put a Gajara around it.

Shradz applied light makeup on my face and red lipstick so I won't look dull. I put a thick layer of Kajal in my eyes and Shradz further crowned it with layers of eyeliner. She put a little blush just to clean the look. I put a bindi between my perfectly combed eyebrows and smiled through the mirror as I looked at Shradz. She smiled widely satisfied with my look.

I already had the Chooda in both hands which consist of a bunch of green glass bangles. It is a symbol of fertility, new life, and creativity. It is customary to wear them in odd numbers and in different numbers in both the hands. Those are crowned with the Golden jewelry handed by the groom's family. The smiled widely looking at my diamond engagement ring.

We got engaged some months back already when the media and people went crazy. So to calm my Aai and Baba down we decided to get engaged in a small ceremony at Mumbai with just some close people.

I put on the traditional ornaments handed by Aai one by one and my girls helped me out as I won't ruin anything especially with the hair. The Tanmani is an absolute must according to my dear mother. It is a kind of choker with 3-4 pearl lines. And then the Kolhapuri Saaz which is originated from the city of Kolhapur. This neckpiece is a suggestion of the woman's marital status and is gifted by Rohan's family as it is the ritual. It is as important as Mangalsutra is.

Aai put on the Vaaki, which is also another must, on my one arm, and tied it tight. To complete the look I wore a Nath in my nose which put a Maharashtrian bride different than the rest. This traditional nosepiece has pearls woven in a typical Paisley shape and has a white tone in the center and sometimes diamond as well.

Finally, the Jodvi which is gifted by mother-in-law for a bride. I and Maa bought this in Mumbai from her favorite jewel. It is supposed to wear in the index finger of legs by a married woman. I was ready as I looked at myself in the mirror for one more time.

I saw Aai adoring me as I got up from my seat and walked towards them. Aai handed me the Shalu. I put it around my waist and rested both ends on my hands. I took blessings by touching her feet as he held me by my shoulders and put me up. She looked at me with tears in her eyes and pecked on my forehead. I chuckled and hugged her tightest taking the warmth inside me.

I hurried downstairs when I was all decked up with my traditions and my roots. I was smiling widely when Ahana and Jenny gave me a dreamy look.

"OMG, Aro," Jenny said putting her hand over cheek and giving me a dreamy look. Ahana had the same expressions as Jenny. I along with Aai let out a laugh looking at their dramatic looks.

Ahana left when Panditji called her for rituals on Rohan's side. I saw him flaunting his tattoos once again as he sat doing Puja with Maa and Baba as Ahana joined them too. I saw her tieing Mundavalya on Rohan's forehead making him a complete Maharashtrian groom. I smiled widely and followed my path.

Jenny tied the Mundavalya on my forehead after the Goddess Parvati Puja was done. Mundavalya is a must like Nath in any Marathi wedding. It is the forehead ornament worn by the bride and groom in the Maharashtrian wedding. It is made from pearl and has two pearl strings that define the togetherness of the bride and groom. The Mundavalya is tied on the bride's forehead states that she is happily ready for the marriage.

I went to my room again to get the final touch of makeup along with my Aai, Jenny, and Mama. I took a deep breath looking at my reflection. Rohan went to the mandap to the mandap first for Puja and other necessary rituals. I let out a sigh and adjusted my Nath as it was heavy and was poking inside.

"My Arohi is looking most beautiful today," Mama said as Mami smiled from behind. I chuckled and held his hand and turned around to take his blessings. He engulfed me in a tight hug when a little girl who apparently is my cousin brother's daughter came running to call me down for the main rituals as Rohan was done with his.

My maternal family surrounded me with Mama on one side and Aai on the other. They both lead me towards the Mandap. All the eyes moved towards me when they spotted me. Their faces were full of smiles. Some people capturing the moment and others storing it into their eyes.

The Mandap was set with the snow covered mountains in the background, the river flowing beside and surrounded by greenery.

The priest was chanting the Mangalashtaka meaning holy wedding vows. I couldn't see Rohan as the Raghav and Arjun were holding the Antarpat. It is a cloth which is kept between the bride and groom and which prevents the groom to see the bride and vice-versa.

I had the widest smile and I wasn't able to control the happiness inside of me. Some time passed by with my loud beating of the heart as Priest chanted the rest of the vows as I held the Varmala or Garland in my hand with anticipation.

The Antarpath was removed from between us at the final word of the vow when Priest gestured and I was finally able to see my ever so gorgeous groom with his ever so wide smile. He was looking total Maharashtrian mulga with red Dhoti and white Kurta and those Mundavale to complete his look. I was smiling like crazy when we exchanged the garlands and everyone showered us with Akshatas, the unbroken rice.

I and Rohan kept on looking in each other's eyes. He looked happy just like me. This was one of the best moments of my life. I blinked the tears away from my eyes.

The following ceremony was Kanyadan. In which the father of the bride then gives his daughter away to the groom along with his blessings for them to start a life of Dharma, Artha, and Kama. The groom accepts his blessings and says he is receiving love in exchange of love, and that the bride is the Divine love that is showered from the Sky and received on Earth. The bride asks him to promise that he will love and respect her. The bride's parents perform worship of the couple as avatars of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi.

Aai and Baba along with us sat for the ritual and the end Rohan and I tied a piece of turmeric or halkund with a thread, on each other's hands, and this ritual is known as Kankan bandhane.

Finally, Panditji asked Rohan to out the Mangalsutra. As told Rohan seals the ritual by placing the Mangalsutra around my neck and applied vermillion on my center parting. I closed my eyes a tear slid through my eyes on my cheek. Rohan wiped it away gently and gave me a small smile. I, in return, applied a sandalwood tilak on the Rohan's forehead. He gave me a gentle smile which gave me a silent lifelong promise. I smiled back looking at him.

We were asked to get up for the Satapadhi ritual where the couple circumambulates around the sacred fire seven times saying out loud the seven ritualistic wedding vows.

I was required to touch seven betel nuts placed on top of small mounds of rice with my right foot. Once the seven rounds were done, I placed my foot on a grindstone, while Rohan held my hand or foot according to what he was instructed by the priest. It was symbolization that I need to be strong and he will always support me.

At the end of all wedding rituals, Rohan and I prayed in front of the holy fire before it was extinguished.

Baba sat along with us for Karmasampati ritual which was the final one. We prayed in front of the God for blessing and to complete the ritual, my cousin brother playfully twisted Rohan's ear to remind him of his future duties and as a warning for him to keep his sister always happy. We let out a laugh as Rohan promised him to take care of me all his life. I looked at him with adoration.

We, at last, got out from the mandap to seek the blessings from all relatives present. We went to My Aai Baba and Maa Baba first and touched their feet as they blessed us and hugged us tightly. Aai got emotional seeing us but Rohan handled her by keeping her close to him and saying a few good words. But once she was done with her crying I started crying hugging Baba who started teasing me playfully.

We moved on to the next people and I got confused. I don't remember seeing them. I looked at Rohan who didn't exactly look pleased.

"These are my parents," he said in a low voice. I widened my eyes not believing what he said. When did this happen? How? It took me time to process it but in no time his mom engulfed me in a hug with tears and smile on her face.

There was warmth in her hug which made me feel belonged. She pulled back after some time as I wiped her tears. I looked at Rohan gesturing him to bent for the blessing along with me and he did. His father wasn't welcoming as he held stern expressions but his mother was warm.

We moved further to take other elder's blessings. Jenny and Arjun teased us when they asked us to touch their feet and we were about to but then they gave us the tightest hug possible making us smile wide.

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Rohan's parents left right after the wedding was complete stating some reason. Aai, Baba and Maa, Baba tried to stop them till the dinner at least but they didn't listen to staying they can't cancel the flight and have to attend some business meetings. Rohan was quiet and didn't make any effort from his side but I saw him engulfing his mom into a hug and saying her bye with a promise to meet again.

That made me smile a little and I pulled him into a hug when no one was watching us and pecked him on the cheek as smile a little and kissed my forehead. I closed my eyes feeling him but he moved to the side immediately making me frown.

I followed his gaze to find our parents making their way in our direction. They gave their sweet little advice about a happy married life and how we shouldn't leave each other even when we have differences. They told us they will be storms and there will be bright sunny days and both are equally important.

Lastly my Baba again sternly asked Rohan to take care of me and Aai sweetly took his side saying I'll make him miserable. I rolled my eyes but Baba engulfed me in a hug making us laugh.

It was very late in the night when we made our way to the room feeling way too tired with all the rush from a couple of days. I don't believe that it got over this soon. It felt like just yesterday when we came into this paradise and we have to leave it this soon.

But more than that I don't believe I am married to this arrogant rude man who kept running away from the word marriage. After five long years. Wow! It still feels like a beautiful dream that my life changed overnight for good. I went to London, got to know him, fell in love, and went through hell only to find this beautiful human who happens to be my husband now.

I chuckled sitting in front of the mirror as I took out my jewelry on by one and left my hair open taking out all the pins after great difficulty. I kept the Chooda as it is as I am not allowed to take that out for at least a few days. I looked at the ring on my finger again.

Life is surely full of surprises and you just can't guess what happiness is in store for you. I was so lost in my ruins that I never thought a day like would arrive as well where I will be truly happy with someone else besides Rahul where I would care and love someone like this.

A smile formed on my lips when he entered the room closing it behind. I turned to look at him.

"When?" I asked going closer to him. Rohan let out a sigh and sat on the window sill looking out.

"Mom called in the morning asking for the exact venue," he said looking back at me.

"I didn't get to tell you as everything was quite busy," he said taking a deep breath. I smiled a little approaching him.

"I'm happy that they came. I mean, of course, your dad was pretty rude but common, he took a step forward," I said and got seated in front of him. Rohan shook his head a little.

"Maybe because of Mom?" he said with a shrug. I frowned at him.

"But you said she never had any word?" I asked again. Rohan let out a deep sigh.

"I don't know," he said in a low voice.

"Okay, just leave it," I said and moved forward turning around as I got comfortable in his arms. Rohan pulled me closer to him with his hands around me. My back was pressed tight against his chest. I smiled widely as my hair moved along with the cold wind.

"You are happy, right?" I asked moving my hands on his.

"Why you keep asking me the same question over and over again, Mrs. Nanda?" he asked and I giggled resting my head back on his shoulder.

"Because I just want to confirm if I didn't rush anything," I said genuinely intertwining our hands together.

"Rush?" Rohan chuckled before continuing further, "Let me remind you that we have been dating for 5 years." I frowned hearing him.

"Thanks for telling," I said rolling my eyes as he let out a laugh.

"It didn't look right to hear from someone who couldn't even remember the day he himself proposed me," I said as Rohan pulled me even closer, tightening the grip around me.

"Arohi, seriously?" he asked.

"Who does that?" I said faking anger. I know it doesn't matter but I like teasing him sometimes just like how he annoys me all the time.

"I can't remember these dates. You know that" he said again.

"You remember your song getting released in August?" I asked playing with my words as I tried to contain my smile. Anyways my back was against him so he couldn't anyway see me.

"It was in October, alright?" he said and I stayed quite. I heard him let out a sigh again.

"Alright, fine. I'm sorry. I will try," He said and kissed me on the neck. I closed my eyes briefly and tilted my head to the side to look at him.

"You don't have to. I will take care of it," I said and kissed him on the edge of his lips. Rohan smiled gently.

"Just remind me once and I will give you a surprise," he said smirking at me. I glared at him.

"Oh, I'm so touched," I said as he chuckled. I put my head against his chest and he rested on the wall behind as we stayed the same looking outside. The drape of my saree was falling down and touching the ground as it moved gently whenever the wind touched it.

"I'm a little nervous about the new start, to be honest," he said in a low voice and kept his head in the crook of my neck. I stayed quiet letting him finish.

"Responsibility of a family. It freaks me out," he said again. I put my hand on his head and tilted my head kissing his forehead.

"I'm sure you will be good. You are a good son, a brother, a friend, and a Chachu," I said in a low voice and he looked at me down. His eyes held so much but he could explain just a little.

"You have been an amazing lover so I'm sure you will pass with flying colors as a husband too," I said and moved in my seat. I pecked him on lips gently and moved away but kept myself closer to him.

"I don't know," he said shaking his head.

"What's making you think that you won't be good enough?" I asked keeping my head on his shoulder as I kept looking at him. Rohan's grip around me was still tight that there was no fear that I would fall on the ground because of the shortage of space here.

"The thought that I might be the same as my dad. That I will end up like him," he said and took my hand in his looking down at it.

"What makes you think like that?" I asked moving my head up but my gaze still fixed on him.

"I always put my ego first just like how he does and..." he said but I didn't let him finish.

"Rohan, you are not like him," I said shifting again. The saree was making it a little harder but I still managed.

"You have always cared for your people first. You were fighting your own battle because you lost the person you loved and care the most. You went through hell because you felt guilty for him. How can you be the same as him?" I asked putting a hand on his cheek. He looked at me. I smiled looking back at him gently.

"You would have moved on arrogantly and won't have cared for Ahana or Maa, Baba. But you did and you proved to be a good son and a brother," I said further. He kept on looking at me without blinking his eyes.

"I don't know how your dad is as I haven't met him before today and even when I did, I didn't get to talk to him but..." I said and gave him a wide smile.

"I can tell that I won't be ever afraid to talk to my husband about anything. I know he will understand me and he will respect me as he has always done. I know he will love me more than anything and he will do anything to put on a smile on my face when I am sad or angry," I said making a face as he chuckled. My hand moved down from his cheek and rested on his shoulder.

"I know he will always hold my hand and be with me when the wildest storm will hit my life," I said.

"I know he will be the best dad my kids would ever get. He will always put his family first and fight for them," I said genuinely. Rohan gave me a small smile and pecked on my hand.

"I don't doubt you, Mr. Nanda so just trust me and don't ever doubt yourself again. I know who I have chosen as my lovers, my husband, my best friend, and my companion. I haven't doubted my choice even once since that day I kissed you for the first time," I said as Rohan raised his eyebrows.

"That long?" he asked eyeing me. I let out a chuckled.

"Yes. That long," I said putting my arms around his neck.

"I love you," I said.

"I love you more," he said pulled me closer to him as he kissed my cheek. I giggled when he moved his lips on my neck as his eyes played with my open waist.

"I will be taking you away from your family for some time if it is okay with you?" he asked moving away. I chuckled.

"I don't mind. But to where?" I asked. Rohan shook his head with a smirk.

"That's a little surprise. You will anyway know it soon so just a little more time," he said winking at me. I let out a laugh.

"The rituals were too many. I know you don't like this much," I said.

"I mean the traditions and stuff," I said again as he shook his head one more time.

"That's fine. I don't mind anything with you and besides, I enjoyed it," he said taking me by surprise.

"I am glad," I said with a smile as he bent down and kissed me gently. I closed my eyes pulling him a little closer. His hands moved on my back pressing me against him. He pulled away breathing gently as he looked down at me.

"You must be tired," he asked.

"A bit," I said making a face as he laughed away. I smiled along with him.

"Let's get some sleep then. We have to leave till afternoon after taking care of everything as early as possible," he said moving away and keeping me down still holding me tight.

"Yes, sir," I said laughing. Rohan chuckled and picked me up carefully so we won't stumble on saree or his dhoti.

"Husband?" I asked when he put me down on the bed.

"Huh?" he asked raising his eyebrows as he was bending in front of me with his hands still on my either side and his face closer.

"I have written something for you. Want to hear it?" I said keeping my hands on his shoulder.

"I would love to hear it but I can't exactly guarantee your sleep later on," he said with a smirk. I smiled shyly and looked down a little.

"When have I cared?" I said eyeing him and containing my smile. Rohan chuckled and gave me a quick peck on forehead as he got settled beside me on the bed.

"It's Arohi Shirke Nanda," I said with a smile. Rohan shook his head slightly.

"Nope," he said and I frowned.

"It's just Arohi Shirke," he said looking at me as he spoke further, "No Nanda or Jaykar would ever give justice to that name."

I smiled adoring this human being in my life and I honestly wanted to kiss him right at the moment but I know what will happen next so I moved my gaze away before locking it with him again.

"Just know that Rohan. I am going to be yours till eternity and even beyond that. I don't want to go anywhere now," I said moving towards him.

"Me neither," he said in a low voice. I chuckled and got into his arms keeping my head over his chest. He pulled me closer with his arms engulfing me. Rohan pecked on my forehead as I pulled the comforters on us to save us from the ruthless cold weather outside.

I snuggled in his arms again. I looked up at him as my head rested on hia chest.

"Should I?" I asked putting my hands around his body.

Rohan chuckled and moved my hair away from my face. He nodded gently at me as I started reading my poem for him.

Forever till eternity

No more talk of sadness

Forget your fears, wipe away those tears
From your eyes, from your mind
Let my love shine through, a dark light to
fill your world
I shall be your freedom, from the chains
of loneliness
Guide you into the darkness of love
The night is ours forevermore
Wrap you in my dark embrace...
Take your madness, release your pain
unto me
Take away your nightmares and give you
such sweet dreams
Be your darkest desires, mistress of pain
and pleasure
I pledge my love here and now...

Forever till eternity

Shall never be enough, My love will always
be true...

You ask me to love you forever...

Forever is not enough, I shall love you beyond
eternity
You ask me to be true...
No other shall touch my heart, my soul or body
For you are the only one I shall ever want or need
You ask me to be your bride of darkness
I give you my hand in love and in death...
I shall marry you in the cemetery on the day of
the dead
Bond with you in love for the world to see...
How happy you have made me
You ask me to stay with you...
You are my home, without you, I would be lost

All I ask of you, Is to love me always
I know that will always be true
Your love is eternal and shall remain
I will be your death angel, your beautiful vampire
forevermore
As you will be my death flame, burning in
my black heart
Filling me with dark light of love
Stay with me in darkness, in this dark love
of the ages
In death, we shall be together, for nothing can
tear us apart
Bounded in blood, in romantic solitude
My blood is yours to take, as I feast from
yours
Vampiric Lovers in love with death and darkness
Death Angel and Death flame forever to eternity

- The Poem is by Kristi Titone (allpoetry.com)

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**THE END**

So that was a short spin-off for all of you who gave so much love to AroHan and missed them. Just our small way of saying thank you.

We truly hope you all liked and enjoyed this.

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Sayonara and Loads of love from us and AroHan.