[I dedicate this part to its_khushiiii as she wanted me to write Pranbir wedding sequence. So, this is for you sweet sis.
Also I have troubled you all with my decision to leave. I am truly thankful to receive so much love and support from all of you. So, this is my thank you gift for you all. Hope you all like it.]

Amidst fun and frolic, songs and laughter and multifarious hues of the different customs and rituals, finally the morning of Ranbir and Prachi's wedding arrived. There was a whole lot of hustle bustle in the mansion as preparations for haldi ceremony of both the bride and groom had been going on in full swing. The whole mansion had been decorated in different shades of yellow. All the vases boasted roses in different shades of yellow and the draperies on the glass windows were no exception either. 

Pallavi, who had been heading towards the garden where the podium had been set for the groom's haldi with a bowl of the yellow paste in her hand, came across Pragya who was descending the stairs, holding another identical bowl carefully. 

"Is everything ready for Prachi's haldi?" Pallavi smiled at Pragya.

"Yes, everything is ready. And about Ranbir?" Pragya smiled back.

"Don't worry. Everything is ready from the groom's side too." Pallavi assured Pragya.

"Di, we have to start the haldi ceremony now. Let's go." Disha, who had just entered the scene, urged Pragya.

"Yes, yes. Let's go. See you in a while, Pallavi." Pragya bid farewell.

"Bye, Pragya. I have to leave too." Pallavi resumed her walk.

Pragya and Disha left for the hall where the podium had been set for the bride's haldi.

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Garden of the mansion

"Where is the haldi? The ritual is about to start. Someone go look for Pallavi." Daljeet instructed.

"Don't worry, mummyji. I am right here." Pallavi assured her mother in law as she approached the podium and carefully mounted the steps, holding the bowl of the yellow paste.

As Vikram, Aryan, Sunny, Abhishek, Purab, Daljeet and others parted to either sides, a handsome guy came into sight. He was looking absolutely prince like in a yellow kurta.

"Awe! My baby is looking so handsome!" Pallavi patted Ranbir's cheek while balancing the bowl on her other hand.

"Thanks, mom." Ranbir grinned.

"Uh...mom, is everything in place? I mean ..." Ranbir broke off as Aryan and Sunny's guffaw interrupted him and glared at the unashamed brothers.

"What's so hilarious?" Ranbir frowned.

"Why don't you ask what you actually want to?" Aryan managed to choke out amidst laughter.

"Oh yeah! And what is that?" Ranbir's frown deepened.

"Let me explain, everyone. What Ranbir meant is if Prachi's haldi ceremony has started." Sunny chuckled even as he elucidated.

Embarrassed at getting caught, Ranbir looked around without meeting anyone's eyes and tried to defend himself.

"It's nothing like that." Ranbir mumbled.

"Leave it, son. I know exactly what you meant by that cryptic question. Prachi's haldi is about to start. Pragya and Disha left with her haldi the moment I had left the hall with your haldi. Now let's start the ritual." Pallavi giggled making Ranbir go slightly red on the face.

Soon everyone became busy in applying the turmeric and sandalwood paste on Ranbir.

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The hall within the mansion

Pragya and Disha reached the podium in the center of the hall and began to mount the steps leading to the place where Prachi was sitting. She was looking absolutely gorgeous clad in a yellow lehenga and adorned with ornaments made of white and yellow flowers.

"Let's start the ritual now." Pragya smiled.

"Masi, why do we perform this ritual before wedding?" Sahana chirped

"Because it is believed to be auspicious and it is also believed that blesses a couple with long and blissful life of love and togetherness. Also, it is said that it removes evil charm." Pragya elucidated with a smile.

One by one Pragya, Disha, Mitali, Saritaji and other woman applied the turmeric paste on the bride. Soon, Sahana and Mishti were the only one to be left.

"I will apply it on Prachi first. She is my sister and best friend after all." Sahana demanded.

"No way! I will apply haldi on Bhabs first. She is going to be my sister in law after all." Mishti objected.

"Going to be. She is not already. But she is already my sister. So I will go first." Sahana reasoned.

"But..." Mishti tried to argue.

"Girls! Calm down! Why don't you both apply Haldi on Prachi together?" Disha suggested.

"Great idea, Masi." Both the girls chirped as one and hurried towards a giggling Prachi.

As they were applying the turmeric paste on Prachi, Disha recalled an old saying.

"By the way, girls, do you know that if the haldi that has been prepared for the bride is applied on an unmarried girl she gets married soon?" Disha raised her brows with a smile.

"Really, masi?" Prachi looked at Disha questioningly while Sahana and Mishti too looked on curiously.

"Really dear." Disha smiled.

"Then here goes." Prachi smirked playfully and applied the turmeric paste on the cheeks of both Sahana and Mishti aat the same time after dipping both her hands in the paste.

"Prachi!" Both Sahana and Mishti were taken aback.

"Well done, Prachi!" Disha encouraged Prachi, grinning widely.

Disha's mind was at peace all of a sudden. Apparently even destiny wished to make her wish come true. 

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The night of Prachi and Ranbir's wedding finally made its way through a long range of rituals and customs. It was a beautiful night. The star studded, cloudless sky boasting an equally beautiful moon appeared to be decorated for the occasion too. The mansion had been decorated with colorful lights like a new bride and it had an identical glow like the features of the bride on her wedding day. 

A long queue of cars had been parked on one side of the lawn while the entire other side boasted the canopy that housed the dining area for the guests. Waiters were making rounds, carrying trays of multifarious delicacies as well as refreshment drinks. 

The hall had been cleared off every single piece of furniture and housed the canopy covered podium where the wedding was scheduled to be held. The podium was at one end of the hall while rows of chairs had been placed for everyone to sit and watch the rituals.

Guests had already started filing into the hall and the family members were engrossed in welcoming them. The elders were welcoming them while the youngsters had been entrusted with escorting them to the chairs. Some elders were in charge of the waiters and instructing them on their respective tasks.

"Hey, where is the groom? Is Ranbir ready? Then ask him to come down." Abhishek, who was engrossed in a conversation with a MLA, instructed to the room at large even as he glanced around.

"Don't worry, chucks. I and Aryan will go see if Ranbir is ready." Sunny beckoned Aryan.

The brothers left the hall and took the stairs.

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Ranbir's room

Ranbir was running the hair brush through his thick, dark mane when Sunny and Aryan sauntered into his room. In a designer gold sherwani accompanied by red dupatta, turban and churidaar, Ranbir was looking as handsome as prince charming.

"Give it a break, Mr. Groom. How much more do you need to groom yourself? Our girl is already in love with you." Aryan chuckled.

"I do know that and I don't need to groom myself much. I am already handsome. I was just getting ready. And now, I am done." Ranbir finally put the brush down and put the turban on.

"Blowing your own trumpet, aren't you? Now, if you are ready, let's go down. Chucks was asking for you." Sunny rolled his eyes.

"Chief? Okay, I am ready. let's go." Ranbir sauntered out of his room followed by Aryan and Sunny.

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Abhishek was standing with Vikram and Purab and a MLA.

As soon as Ranbir descended the stairs, Abhishek noticed his arrival and beckoned him to join them.

As Ranbir approached them, Abhishek introduced him to the MLA.

"And here is the groom. My would be son in law. Isn't he a handsome lad?" Abhishek grinned smugly.

"That he is." The MLA agreed.

"And my son." Vikram commented.

"And yet he turned out to be this handsome. Nothing less than a miracle after all." Abhishek smirked.

"Abhi! Atleast don't pull my leg in front of everyone." Vikram entreated.

"So, I can pull your leg in private?" Abhishek looked at Vikram with a very solemn face.

"Yeah...what?" Vikram glared at his dear friend.

Everyone burst into fits of laughter. Ranbir's laughter had just subsided when Aryan poked him on the shoulder. Ranbir turned to look at him questioningly. Aryan gestured him to look back towards the stairs. As Ranbir turned towards the flight of stairs, he froze in his place as the enchantment caused by the exquisite beauty of his beloved cast its magic over him.

Shehnaiyon ki sada keh rahi hai

Khushi ki mubarak ghari aa gayi hai

Prachi, accompanied by other girls and women, was slowly descending the stairs.

Saji surkh jorey mein Chand si dulhan

Jami pe falak se pari aa gayi hai

Prachi was the epitome of innocent beauty, elegant in simplicity in her beautiful wedding lehenga.

Dulhe Ka sehra suhana lagta hai

Dulhan Ka toh dil diwana lagta hai

Abhishek put an arm around Ranbir's shoulder, bringing him out of his reverie and walked with him towards Prachi, followed by others. Prachi was being escorted by Pragya and others. They met halfway.

Dulhe Ka sehra suhana lagta hai

Dulhan Ka toh dil diwana lagta hai

Everyone walked the bride and the groom towards the 'mandap' (makeshift podium where the wedding was going to taking place). They led the bride and groom to their seats beside the holy fire.

Pal bhar mein kaise badalte hai rishtey

Ab toh har apna begana Lagta hai

The voluminous skirt of Prachi's lehenga was impeding her movement. She had just began to wonder what to do when someone extended a hand towards her. She looked up to see her groom smiling down at her as if assuring her that no predicament could ever touch her as long as he was there. Smiling gratefully at him, she placed her hand on his with the unwavering faith that he won't let her fall. Balancing with the help of his strength, she gracefully settled down on her seat. Only after she had settled down, did Ranbir settle down himself. With a teary smile, Pragya leaned her head on her husband's shoulder who put his arm around her, both of them being emotional as they witnessed pure, unadulterated love.

Dulhe ka sehra suhana lagta hai

Dulhan ka toh dil diwana lagta hai

They began to give offerings and recite the mantras as instructed by the priest. The priest asked the bride's father to do 'Kanyadaan'. Abhishek walked over to them and performed the ritual. His eyes shining with pride and joy for his pride and joy was getting everything she deserved in life, happiness in every form. Soon, the pries asked Ranbir to fill the parting of Prachi's hair with vermilion. He took a pinch of the red powder and filled the parting of Prachi's hair, all the while gazing at her lovingly while Prachi closed her eyes as an intense feeling of contentment and exhilaration washed over her. A little portion of the vermilion fell over Prachi's nose. The small incident sent a wave of excitement through the onlookers as the women gushed how it insinuates the love of the groom for his bride. Then the priest asked Ranbir to tie the Mangalsutra (the nuptial chain) around Prachi's neck. Smiling slightly, Ranbir tied the nuptial chain around Prachi's neck who was gazing at him with her heart in her eyes.

Saat pheron se bandha janmo ka yeh bandhan 

Pyar se jora hain rab ne preet ka daaman

The priest asked the bride and the groom to stand for the pheras, i.e circumambulating the sacred fire for seven times. Sahana walked over to the couple and did the gathbandhan. Ranbir, yet again, extended his hand towards Prachi and opened his palm with a smile. Prachi placed her hand in his with an answering smile. These small gestures of Ranbir made her fall in love with him over and over again and the only thought that flitted across her mind at the moment was that she could never thank the Almighty for bringing him into her life. Ranbir got to his feet while making sure Prachi was comfortable. Slowly they began to circumambulate the sacred fire. Ranbir led in the first four pheras while Prachi took the lead in the last three.

Yeh nayi rashme nayi kasme nayi uljhan

Honth hain khamosh lekin keh rahi dhadkan

As they completed circumambulating the sacred fire, the priest declared them to be husband and wife in front of the society, religion, Almighty. Abhishek forwarded marriage registration papers and both Prachi and Ranbir signed them and finally became man and wife by law too.

Mushkil ashko ko chupana lagta hain

Dulhan ka toh dil diwana lagta hain

Pal bhar mein kaise badalte hain rishtey

Humko har apna begana lagta hain

Pragya squeezed her eyes shut as tears cascaded down her cheeks. Yet the tremulous smile on her lips had never appeared as joyful. Abhishek mouthed 'What happened?' to her. She smiled while wiping her eyes off and mouthed 'Tears of happiness' back to him. Even Sahana and Saritaji's eyes weren't dry.

Main teri baahon ke jhule mein pali baabul

Jaa rahi hu chor ke teri gali baabul

Prachi and Ranbir walked down the podium together and walking over to Abhishek and Pragya touched their feet. The older couple blessed the newlyweds wholeheartedly. As they straightened up Prachi hugged Pragya while Abhishek pulled Ranbir into a warm embrace. After they parted, Abhishek stretched his arms out and Prachi went into her father's protective embrace. Pragya patted Ranbir's cheeks affectionately.

Mushkil daaman ko churana lagata hain

Dulhan ka toh dil diwana lagta hain

One by one they sought blessings from every elders of the family. Finally, they walked over to the youngsters. Prachi hugged Sahana and Mishti while Ranbir hugged Aryan and Sunny who congratulated them and wished for their happy married life. 

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"Prachi, Ranbir, take blessings from the God too. Let's go to the temple." Daljeet suggested.

Everyone agreed and made their way to the temple attached to the mansion. However, Sahana fall back and clasping Mishti's hand, pulled her back while the others moved away.

"What happened Sahana?" Mishti furrowed her brows.

"Aren't you forgetting an important ritual of the wedding?" Sahana raised a brow.

"Which ritual?" Mishti stared at Sahana in innocent confusion.

"Stealing the groom's shoes." Sahana smirked.

"Wow! I am up for it." Mishti grinned impishly.

"Great. Now listen carefully. After Ranbir takes off his shoes and enters the temple, we will take the shoes away and later ask for money in return of the shoes. And if the guys attempt to guard the shoe then ....." Sahana trailed away with a mischievous smirk.

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Ranbir took his shoes off but before entering he turned to Aryan and Sunny.

"Guys! Make sure that Sahana doesn't get to steal my shoes, okay?" Ranbir muttered under his breath.

"Sure, don't worry. We won't let Sahana even touch your shoes." Aryan assured him while Sunny nodded in agreement and thumped Ranbir on the back, urging him to keep moving.

Aryan and Sunny turned to see Sahana in front of them. A sweet smile was adorning her lips. They immediately became alert and stood guarding Ranbir's shoes while bestowing a fake smile on Sahana. Sahana huffed in frustration and walked ahead. The Khanna siblings sighed in relief and checked if the shoes were still there. Little did they know that Sahana had planned way ahead of them.

Hardly did they congratulate themselves on saving the shoes from being stolen, when a small shriek made Aryan and Sunny whirl around. Mishti had tripped over something and was now on the floor, massaging her foot.

"Guys, please help me!" Mishti entreated.

Aryan and Sunny instantly rushed to her aid, all thoughts about safeguarding the shoes forgotten. They helped her to her feet and began bombarding her with queries regarding the fall and if she had sustained any injury. So engrossed were they in their interrogation that they failed to notice when Sahana slinked back and grabbing the shoes, scarpered away soundlessly but not before giving Mishti an impish grin.

"Guys! Thank you so much for your help and I am perfectly fine now. So...bye." Mishti turned on her heels and trotted off, grinning and mentally patting herself for a job done perfectly.

"Wasn't that a bit abrupt?" Aryan gaped after her.

"Shoes! Aryan, the shoes!" Sunny, being the sharp witted one, caught on immediately.

Both darted towards the place where the shoes were kept and groaned in frustration. The only pair of shoes that was missing was Ranbir's. Precisely at that moment, everyone sauntered out of the temple. Ranbir frowned when he failed to find his shoes among the others. He looked up to find Aryan and Sunny bestowing sheepish smiles on him.

"Where are my shoes?" Ranbir glared at them.

"Actually...." Aryan trailed away not knowing what to say.

"They are where they should have been. With us." Sahana chirped.

Ranbir turned to Sunny and Aryan who shrugged at him helplessly.

"Mishti duped us by pretending to fall. We went to help her and they succeeded in stealing your shoes. Sorry, dude." Sunny explained.

"Mishti! You are supposed to be my sister!" Ranbir exclaimed.

"In case you haven't noticed, Sunny and Aryan are supposed to be like Prachi's brothers too. It's girls vs boys, dear brother and you, boys, lost to us, girls." Mishti grinned smugly.

"And now, if you want your shoes back, you have to give us 50000 rupees. And if you don't, you will have to go bare footed." Sahana smirked.

"Give it, champ. Or else they won't let you go." Abhishek chuckled.

"Okay, calm down everyone. Here goes your money. Now please hand my shoes over to me." Ranbir fished the money out of the pocket in his sherwani and handed it over to the girls.

After getting his shoes back, he immediately put them on, making others laugh at his haste.

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The members of Mehra, Kohli and Khanna families had settled down around a long table set specifically for them, a little away from the guests in the dining space beneath the canopy set in the ground. 

Everyone was engrossed in eating and chatting around when, without noticing what he is eating, Ranbir dipped his chapati into a small  bowl full of a very spicy curry and was about to put into his mouth. 

Three people had noticed this at the same time. 

Pallavi was about to stop Ranbir when Prachi, who was sitting beside Ranbir, touched his hand lightly. Curious, Pallavi settled back and observed the newlyweds. Ranbir turned to Prachi, bemused.

"Watch what you are eating. You can't eat spicy food." Prachi gestured towards the morsel of food he was still holding near his mouth and then to the bowl of the spicy curry.

Ranbir looked down to the food and then transferred his gaze to the bowl. He looked up and faced Prachi with a sheepish grin.

"Oops! Sorry. Didn't see that." Ranbir chuckled softly, making Prachi giggle too.

A small smile of satisfaction playing on her lips, Pallavi sighed contentedly. Vikram, who had been the only other observer of the exchange between the newlyweds apart from Pallavi, leaned a bit towards her.

"Your son now has his soulmate with him who cares for him as much as we do." Vikram whispered.

"You are right of course." Pallavi beamed, exhilarated that her son was fortunate enough to get such a loving and caring life partner.

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Ranbir was walking through the corridor leading to his room, ignoring the teasing by Sunny and Aryan and some of his other friends. There was a haste in his overall demeanor. He just couldn't wait to meet his bride.

However, everything didn't always go as per one's wishes. Ranbir came to an abrupt halt as he witnessed some girls guarding the entrance to his room. His brows furrowed of their own accord.

"What's going on girls? Why are you here? Let me get in." Ranbir frowned.

"Ooooh! Seems like Jee-Ja-Ji is in quite a hurry." Sahana said in a singsong voice.

"But it's of no use as you are not going inside the room and meet Bhabs." Mishti smirked.

"Until you give us our 'neg'." Sahana grinned complacently.

"What is 'neg'?" Ranbir stared at them, perplexed.

"Neg is the toll tax given by the groom to his sisters in law and in our case, sister too if he wants to go inside his room and meet his bride. Now come on. Take out another 50000." Sahana elucidated.

"Woah! Girls! Seems like you are hell bent on robbing my friend. No way is he going to give in to blackmail." Aryan protested.

"Then, by all means, stay outside your room and more importantly, away from Prachi. Will it be okay, Ranbir?" Sahana smirked.

"No it won't be. Here goes your neg. Now get lost all of you." Ranbir replied before anyone could spoil his wedding night and fishing the required amount out of his pocket, handed the bundle of notes over to the girls.

Immediately the girls parted on either side. Ranbir strode into his room and locked the door behind him, shutting all the teasing and laughter out.

Precap - Wedding night and honeymoon