25 May 2024

Later in the afternoon, the atmosphere at the palace buzzed with excitement as preparations for the Grah Shanti and Ganpati Stapna rituals began. Devanshi, resplendent in a burnt orange saree with intricate zarodari border, entered the main hall. The saree draped elegantly around her, complementing her graceful demeanor.

Shubman, wearing a parchment orange kurta that matched the theme of the event, stood waiting near the altar. He smiled warmly as Devanshi approached, their eyes meeting in a brief moment of shared understanding and commitment.

"Bahu to ban rahi ho, aur kitna impress karogi mere pariwar ko?" Shubman said softly, taking her hand.

"Accha aesa? To tum bhi to damad ban chuke ho, aur kitna impress karoge mere ghar walo ko?" Devanshi replied with a playful smile.

The pandit guided them through the rituals, explaining each step and its significance. As they lit the holy fire, Shubman thought , "Hey bhagwan, please Dev se maaf karwa do, nahi chodunga uska haath. Kabhi bhi."

Devanshi nodded, her eyes focused on the flames. "Ganesh ji, maaf karne ki bohot iccha ho rahi hai par jo kia vo bhula nahi pa rahi hu. Kya karu?"

They followed the pandit's instructions, offering prayers and placing garlands on the Ganpati idol. The family gathered around them, participating in the chants and rituals. Anaya, Shahneel, and the rest of the family stood nearby, their faces lit with smiles and hope.

As the priest recited the final prayers, Shubman and Devanshi clasped their hands together, closing their eyes in silent prayer. The atmosphere was filled with the scent of incense and the sound of bells, creating a serene and auspicious environment.

The family joined in, congratulating the couple and sharing words of encouragement. Mehak came up to Devanshi, hugging her tightly. "You two looked perfect together. Everything will work out."

"Thanks, Mehak," Devanshi said, hugging her back. "I hope so too."

Shubman and Devanshi exchanged a glance, silently reaffirming their commitment to each other. The rituals had blessed their home and also given them a renewed sense of purpose and unity.

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As the night fell, the palace came alive with the vibrant energy of the Mamera ceremony. Devanshi's family gathered in the beautifully decorated hall, ready to shower her with love and blessings. Despite not having a maternal uncle, Diya Masi, stepped in to perform the ritual, embodying the spirit of tradition and family.

Devanshi, dressed in a beautiful lehenga, sat gracefully as her Masi approached with a warm smile. "You look stunning, beta," Masi said, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead.

"Thank you, Masi," Devanshi replied, her eyes sparkling with happiness.

Masi began the ceremony by presenting Devanshi with an array of gifts. She started with a beautifully embroidered saree. "This saree is for your first festival after marriage," Masi explained, handing the red saree over to Devanshi.

Next, she handed over a set of gold jewelry. "These pieces have been in our family for generations. Your nani sa selected each for you and your sisters when they get married." Masi said, her voice filled with emotion.

Devanshi accepted the jewelry, her heart swelling with gratitude. "They're so beautiful, Masi."

The ritual continued with Masi presenting Devanshi with an assortment of makeup and accessories.

Devanshi's eyes glistened with unshed tears. "Thank you for everything, Masi. You've made this day even more special."

Masi hugged her tightly. "Tu to mera baccha hai, Devu. I want you to have all the happiness in the world."

The room was filled with the sounds of laughter and heartfelt conversations as the family joined in.

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26 MAY 24

The next morning, the yard area of the palace hotel was transformed into a sea of vibrant yellow decorations. Streamers, flowers, and drapes adorned every corner, creating a festive and joyful atmosphere. The guests, all dressed in shades of blue, added to the stunning visual effect, while the bride and groom, in their radiant yellow attire, stood out like the sun.

Devanshi, wearing a simple yet elegant yellow three piece, looked ethereal. Shubman, in a matching yellow kurta, complemented her perfectly. The yard was filled with laughter and chatter as everyone gathered for the haldi ceremony.

"Look at you two! Hayy, kisi ki nazar na lage!" Shahneel exclaimed, admiring the couple.

Anaya, armed with a bowl of haldi paste, was the first to step forward. "Ready, Dev?" she asked with a mischievous grin.

"Go easy on me, Anaya!" Devanshi laughed, but her sister was already smearing the paste generously on her cheeks and arms.

Gauravi followed, applying haldi to Shubman. "You better get used to this, Jiju. This is just the beginning," she teased.

Shubman chuckled. "I'm ready for anything," he replied, his eyes twinkling with affection as he looked at Devanshi.

"Ha, mere hisse ka bhi usko karo." Dev chimed in and the gang attacked on Shubman.

The ceremony quickly turned into a playful affair as the siblings, cousins, and friends joined in, drenching the couple in haldi paste. Kritika, holding little Kashi, dipped her tiny hands in the paste and gently pressed them on Devanshi's cheeks, leaving adorable yellow handprints.

"Kaju!" Devanshi cooed, kissing her niece's hand.

As the haldi application continued, Anaya poured a bowl of milk over Devanshi, causing her to gasp at the cool sensation. "Anaya!" Devanshi shrieked, but she was laughing.

"It's all part of the fun, Didi!" Anaya responded, giggling.

Shubman was not spared either. His friends, led by Ishan, playfully poured milk and water over him. "Aunty ne bola rasam hai! Kaise chod sakte hai..." Ishan declared.

Shubman shook his head, laughing. "Tu ruk beta, tera bhi din aayega!" he threatened good-naturedly.

The playful chaos continued as the guests cheered and took photos, capturing the joyful moments. Ritika and Rohit, both in stunning blue outfits, took turns applying haldi to both Devanshi and Shubman.

"Thida aaram se, Ro," Ritika chided jokingly as he almost shoved the paste into Shubman's face.

"Sorry, sorry! Mai vo thoda vo ho gaya tha," he replied, laughing.

Amidst the fun, Shahneel managed to get Shubman and Devanshi together for a photo, their faces covered in haldi, their smiles wide and genuine.

"You both look amazing!" she said, snapping the picture.

Finally, as the haldi application wound down, Devanshi and Shubman were thoroughly drenched in the paste, milk, and water. They looked at each other, yellow from head to toe, and burst into laughter.

"I don't think I've ever felt this yellow before," Devanshi joked.

"You look beautiful," Shubman said sincerely, wiping a streak of haldi from her forehead.

"You too, Mr. Cricketer," she replied with a smile.

As the ceremony concluded, the couple was led away to wash off the haldi and change into fresh clothes. The guests continued to celebrate, enjoying the delicious refreshments laid out in the decorated yard.

The haldi ceremony was a perfect blend of tradition and fun, leaving everyone with memories of laughter, joy, and love. Devanshi and Shubman, surrounded by their loved ones, felt the warmth and support of their families as they took another step towards their union.

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

The evening air buzzed with excitement as the sangeet ceremony kicked off under a starlit sky. The venue was adorned with shimmering lights and elaborate golden arrangements, creating a magical ambiance. Guests mingled, the aroma of delectable cuisine wafting through the air, while anticipation built for the night's performances.

Devanshi emerged in a breathtaking golden lehenga, the intricate embroidery catching the light at every angle. As she descended the stairs, all eyes turned towards her, including Shubman's. He stood frozen, his gaze locked on her, utterly awestruck.

"Vaise itni buri bhi nahi lag rahi hu that you give me such an expression. I was about to compliment you but I guess..." Devanshi teased, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

Shubman blinked, finally finding his voice. "You look..., Dev."

She smiled warmly, taking his arm. "I am Dev, Mr. Cricketer."

"Nahi. Matlab. You look stunning, dev."

Their playful exchange was interrupted by the anchor's cheerful voice. "Ladies and gentlemen, let's get this party started! First up, we have a performance by our ravishing bride's sister and cousins!"

Anaya, Padmanabh, Gauravi, Avyaan, Kritika, and Dhruv took the stage, bursting into a high-energy routine to "Drama Queen" and "Desi Girl." Their synchronized moves and infectious enthusiasm set the perfect tone for the evening.

"Yaayyy!" Devanshi cheered, clapping along with the beat. Shubman joined in, impressed by the lively performance.

As the applause died down, the anchor returned. "Next, we have our dulhe saab's family taking the stage. Give it up for Shahneel, Simrat, and Kerat!"

Shahneel, Simrat, and Kerat dazzled the audience with their spirited dance to "Punjabi Wedding Song" and "London Thumakda." Their vibrant energy and joyous expressions had everyone clapping along.

Dev cheeredfor her mother in law "Oh yaah mummy."

The anchor continued, "And now, a special performance by Shubman's teammates and their lovely partners!"

Ritika, Anushka, Sanjana, Mehak, Natasa and Sakshi Bhabhi took the stage first, dancing gracefully to "Chalka Re" and "Navrai Majhi," their colorful attire swirling beautifully. Midway through, the Rohit, Virat, Jaspreet, Ishan, Hardik and Mahi bhai joined in for a lively rendition of "Rock and Roll soniye," their enthusiasm evident in every step.

"Look at them," Shubman chuckled. "Mahi bhai got some moves!."

Devanshi laughed. "Ro bhaiya looks so cute."

Next up were the kids, bringing a wave of cuteness that melted hearts. Samaira, Vamika, Agastya, Ziva, and other little ones from the cricketing families performed an adorable routine, their innocent joy and enthusiasm captivating the audience.

"Aleee,l cuties!" Devanshi cooed, clapping for the kids. Shubman nodded, a soft smile on his face as he watched the children's antics. When the song ended all the kids gathered around the couple and devanshi being a sweetheart kissed their cheeks.

The anchor announced the next act, "Shubman's friends are ready to rock the stage now to introduce their bhabhi!"

Shubman's friends danced to "Ban Than," their playful choreography and evident joy infectious. The audience cheered and laughed, thoroughly entertained by their antics.

Then it was time for Devanshi's solo. She took the stage with confidence, her every move graceful and mesmerizing. Dancing to "Mera Piya Ghar Aaya" and "Ghar More Pardesiya," she captivated everyone, her expressions and fluidity telling a beautiful story.

Shubman watched in awe, his admiration for her evident. He patted his heart the moment dev finished her performance and looked at him. This made her blush and giggle while getting down the stage

Shahneel hugged her before she sat back. "Kisi ki nazar na lage meri bhabhi ko!"

As Devanshi's performance ended, her friends took the stage for a high-energy dance to "Kukad Kamal Da." Their enthusiasm was contagious, and soon, Shubman joined them on stage for "Tenu Leke," drawing cheers and applause from the crowd.

The night reached its climax with the couple's dance. Shubman and Devanshi took the floor, moving to the romantic melodies of "Perfect" by Ed Sheeran and "Tumse Milke" from Main Hoon Na. Their chemistry was undeniable, each step and twirl reflecting their growing bond.

As they danced, Shubman whispered, "Thank you for being my perfect."

The crowd watched in rapt attention, moved by the couple's obvious connection and the love that radiated between them. The music swelled, carrying them through the final steps of their dance, and as the last note faded, the audience erupted into applause.

The anchor returned to the stage, beaming. "What an incredible evening! Let's give a huge round of applause for all our amazing performers!"

The guests clapped and cheered, the atmosphere buzzing with joy and celebration. Devanshi and Shubman, breathless from their dance, stood hand in hand, soaking in the applause and the warmth of the moment.

Shahneel approached them, grinning.

Shubman replied, squeezing Devanshi's hand. "I think we did pretty well."

Devanshi nodded. "Definitely. Aapke kharab dance steps bhi maine cover up kar lia tah."

The sangeet continued with more music and dancing, Devanshi and Shubman mingled with their families and friends, sharing laughs and creating memories.

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