Dedicating this chapter to fanatics like me who are still hung up on the fact that aloobir would eventually become 'THE COUPLE' of the country/industry post their wedding and entry into the brand new massive Krishnaraj bungalow <3333

*maalkin aloo vibezzzz* 

Y'all know how much enamored I am with that bungalow and the life these two will lead there! So here's a chap dedicated to that feeling alone xoxo

8^8^8^8^8^8^8^8^8

[Alia's POV]

Our flight from Seoul to Mumbai was a bit late thanks to my husband. 

He couldn't find one of his 'stupid' caps and was hell bent on finding it before we left the country. I mean he already owns a collection of those NY same old boring caps and has the nerve to behave like it was the only one he possessed ! 

Otherwise our flight journey and the whole honeymoon period went smooth and fabulous, better than we planned. My friends and sisters were dying to know the deets but that'll have to wait. Today was a very momentous day in our marital as well as familial life.

As soon as we'll land in Mumbai, we would drive all the way to our new home, 'Krishna Raj Bungalow.' The reconstructed almost 20 floor marvel! 

It was planned by my father in law as a home where him and mummy as well as Ranbir and his family that is his wife and future kids can all live together under one roof. Papa and Mummy will live in a floor below while we would have the upper floor to us. I loved the idea right away. In today's age and time, families rarely stick together as one unit under one roof. Even if they do, they'd fall apart quicker than the rest. 

Ranbir and Riddhima are extremely family oriented and super close to their parents, especially their mother. It's a family joke and wonder that Riddhi stays with her in laws in Delhi.

The only reason Ranbir had to move out of his parent's place (when Krishna raj wasn't a high storey building like now) was because of the hassle with script narrators and directors lining in the house for him and the fact that they may disturb his parent's privacy and he needed his own. The other reason being his then girlfriend Katrina who wanted him all to herself.

The latter broke the family as they felt a gap between their son and themselves over the years. He was anyway silent and introvert about his true feelings and that contributed more to the growing gap. Papa's dream was to see Bir and his future family together with him, somewhere close if not in the same floor. He wouldn't admit this on his son's face but the honest truth was that he missed Ranbir the most! 

Mummy filled me about the bungalow plan quite early in our relationship. I was surprised to say the least. She saw in me something to let me know she dreamt of me being her daughter in law, a much coveted title according to Arjun and the insiders! She would tell me the architectural plans for the high rise and take my inputs for the same. In fact our floor is completely modelled under my supervision. Ranbir contributed a little as well but he trusted in my vision.

I even did some of mummy and papa's floor as well. Especially their hall and the balcony. They were big fans of my minimalist outlook and loved what I did with my old home and new office space. I had so much fun creating our space with the interior designer. So much that she insisted I began my own office! 

Today was a special day as Mummy made sure the construction sped up faster to complete theirs and our floors so that I could enter the new home as their 'bahu' right away! I have seen the ceremony in movies but as we drove our way to the bungalow, my heart thumped in my chest. I was part nervous and excited.

Nervous because I'd be reunited with the whole of the Kapoor's, my family and few friends. They will all bear witness to my entrance into the house and I was scared of all that crazy attention.

As we neared the road that lead to our home, we saw media vans parked up to a meter long strip, reporters tenting outside the home to get celebrity close ups and some figured it was our car that came their way and thus flung before our vehicle and soon we were swarmed by them from all sides. I glanced at my husband in amazement. "This isn't some film premiere right ? What even is this madness ?!" He popped a little of his dimple and chuckled at my reaction. 

This wasn't new to him, the attention and the madness. The Kapoor's were the first receivers of such adulation and still enjoyed it to their best. From Taimur to Ranbir, Bebo to Sam, they've all seen it first hand. 

The car stopped inside the gate, just below the entrance of the first floor wherein the first few floors only had our family's car collection. Just millionaire things, yeah !

After getting security men on both our sides, we stepped out of the vehicle. 

Ranbir quickly made his way next to me and snaked his arm around my waist, like he usually does and loves. 

I looked down at my outfit to detect any creases or worse a wrinkle. Everything has to perfect. Upon Manish's request, I opted for a traditional stunning sharara and Ranbir for a matching kurta pajama look. We complimented each other and looked every inch 'just married' with the signs of red chooda, sindoor, mangal sutra and the addition of diamond ring that my husband proposed me with,  and the couple wedding band on both our ring fingers. 

Ranbir was already obsessed with my 'wedding glory' and made me promise to keep it that way for few more months. He wanted everyone to see that I was taken. Especially around male actors. I rolled my eyes at that. He was also in love with our wedding bands and had promised me to keep wearing it every single minute of his life! He was that committed ..!

We took a special path that lead us straight towards the elevator without having to walk around the car parking floor. I was stunned at the almost final product of our collective dream. They had really outdone themselves with the building. "Still nervous ?" he whispered to my blank face. I was constantly gazing at my own reflection in the elevator mirror. 

"Relax wife ... you've got this already. This is just a minor ceremony and you have already cleared the bigger. It's just our families and few friends and even if they do have a problem with anything, they can't speak a word coz your mine. We're married, remember ?" he held the head of my mangalsutra necklace as a sign. 

I smiled at him and nodded my head. His arm went around my shoulder and pulled me to his body. I tried to melt my worries into his side embrace. That is when the elevator stops on our floor and the door opens. 

We meet eyes with our little squad of cuteness. Tim tim and Sammy were waiting for us right at the entrance of the elevator. Timmy crashed his body into mine and hugged my tummy with a beautiful smile that melted all my fears. While Sammy ran into the alley straight and yelled "Mama Mami aa gaye," in her italicized Hindi that made us giggle. 

Ranbir volunteered to carry Tim in his arms as I was the center of attention. And my outfit wouldn't let me hold him. We walked in cautiously through a corridor like space that was again meticulously designed like some hotel lobby. As soon as we reached our home entrance, we spotted women dressed in their traditional best, turn their faces towards us. 

I saw all of Ranbir's aunties and uncles, few of my relatives, Shaheen, Pooja and our cousins. Bebo smiled at us before seeing her son in Ranbir's arm. "That was quick my brother! Honeymoon se seedha baccha laana is not everyone's cup of tea. Only you could have made this possible. Teach us thy ways!" Armaan began his tease attack right from the beginning as he made everyone laugh at his witty remark. 

We saw our close family members retreat out of the house with a bright smile plastered on their face. Both our parents, Riddhima and her husband, Sam and my sisters walked towards us. They embraced us for a long time and we could feel their excitement in the air. 

"Mummy waise the new bride is supposed to glow but yaha aap ke chehre ka glow is lighting the whole atmosphere." Her big beautiful deer eyes twinkled at my comment and she did her graceful laugh. She looked more younger than I last saw her. My mother in law was a dream indeed. 

"Mera chehra toh koi nahi dekhna chahta. Aaj toh sirf hamari bahurani aur uski saas ka din hai. Kar lo apne maje..." Papa commented in his dry sarcasm manner and I laughed at his expression. "If it helps you look more younger than my papa." That made him laugh loud along with the elders around while my father sulked. 

"I was going to say that myself," my mother spoke as the laughter continued. She stroked my cheek and gazed at me with motherly affection. Her eyes were moist like they did after we got married. I was probably glowing like they all do post marriage.

It did gave me a sense of new confidence, like I wasn't alone anymore. That I had someone with me for the rest of my life. That was a big relief in many ways. And the love we felt for each other made us glow I think. 

"How was the trip ? You both must be tired na... " Riddhi asked with concern. I locked eyes with Ranbir who mirrored my same expression. "We are .. but seeing you guys together like this makes it much better." Mummy raised her eyebrows at her son's reply. He barely used to contribute to family conversations especially if they involved relatives. He was mostly shy around them. 

Papa checked his digital watch and reminded us of the reason why we've even arrived. "Chalo time ho gaya hai. We should begin the griha pravesh." Mummy and the ladies nodded and started giving instructions to each other. Saif took Tim from Bir to let us complete the ritual. 

"Beta aap dono yahan aa jao aur khade ho jao," mummy instructed gently and I felt Ranbir's hand interlocked with mine as we stopped right outside the door of our home. I tried to get a little peak of the interior but the view was blocked by tall cousins and friends. That was when I spotted Karan. He kissed my forehead and hugged both of us before letting the ceremony begin. 

The most prominent, post-wedding ritual after the Bidaai is the new bride's welcome into her new abode which is dotted with various customary games and rituals that act as an ice-breaker for the nervous bride. These ceremonies take place at the groom's home where the bride's mother-in-law gives the new couple a warm welcome. This is known as the Grihapravesa or home coming.

This ceremony usually requires the presence of the entire family of the groom in particular, apart from the presence of his extended family. The Aarti is performed by the mother-in-law for the newlywed couple. 

My mum in law stood inside the home opposite to us and performed Aarti for us as a symbol of welcome. Her posture reeked joy and we could easily sense how ecstatic she was. She looked at me just like my mother did few moments ago and I suddenly felt home around her. She and papa were my home in a lot more ways. Anywhere with them would be comfortable and amazing. It could be a rented apartment or a high rise building like this.

As long as we got their back and their blessing, it was going to be just fine. 

Next she applies tilak on both our forehead and removes evil eyes from us with the help of a little black dot that she puts right below our chin. "Ache se lagana bahu," says Daadi to her daughter in law aka my mum in law. She was monitoring every single ritual like an elder figure would do but with an abundance of grace. 

Then we seek blessings from our elders present, one by one. 

Ranbir went on to seek literally everyone's blessing - from sam, timmy to all his cousins who happily gave him their blessing with a pat on his back. 

"Kitna khush lag raha hai. Yehi sab pehle kar deta toh itna wait nahi karna padta hamein and you would have been so much happier," says Tashu his cousin. It made him blush while I found that hilarious. 

I am asked to tilt a kalash (pot) laden with rice using my right foot and then step into a dish with alta (red color). I do as instructed as every eyes watch me. Crowd behind mummy clears the path for me as soon after I am supposed  to walk into the home leaving behind auspicious red footprints which is symbolic of the arrival of Goddess Lakshmi.

"Ab meri pyaari bahu ... no my darling beti can enter into her new home. Beta can stay outside." He faked horror at that as we laughed. My heart raced a bit faster for my liking but my eyes stayed moist. This was the beginning of my new life. And I was definitely blessed by heavens with a family like this. 

I take my steps inside 'our home' gently as Ranbir is adviced to follow behind. He keeps a hand behind me just in case I loose my balance. We as a couple step right inside our home's hall and it suddenly overwhelms us. We look around in awe, at how far we had come indeed. 

Every little detail I had in my head was projected right in front of me. Just the way I wanted. 

My heart could burst with happiness. I sensed Ranbir feel the exact same emotion as he let his eyes wander around while our families silently watched our reaction. My sisters helped me with removing the color from my feet as the ritual is completed. Together with Ranbir we settled down on our plush sofa and feel giddy about this whole new change. 

Our guests settle themselves around us and it felt like Day 1 of our wedding again. 

The arrival into a new home with new relatives and responsibilities is overwhelming for the bride. Hence, in order to break the ice and make her feel more comfortable, ritualistic post-wedding games are performed after the bride's entry. Although times have changes and couples essentially meet prior to their nuptials, the conventional post-wedding games are still practiced. Initially, they would contribute towards increasing the familiarity and the proximity of the wedded couple, however, today they are just a customary practice that brings in the fun element after the tearful Bidaai.

"This is where we'd play that find the ring in the milk game right ?" I ask hesitantly as all eyes rest on me. Some of them laugh at my familiarity. "You've seen movies quite well" joked an aunt. "This is also where Ranbir lets her find the ring so that she can rule the roost," teases Varun as he hits my husband playfully at the back. 

"But that won't be fun," I pouted at the thought of him letting me win voluntarily. Varun giggled at my expression and said "You all have no idea how competitive she is. Yeh itni dangerous ho jaati hai ki you'll feel scared for a minute. Main kehta hoon rehne dete hain. Ranbir will be scarred for life if he sees that side of her abhi se." 

I poke his back from my seat but Ranbir laughs nonstop at that. 

Thankfully Lolo came to our help. "Acha I have a better idea. Waise toh we play this game around wedding reception but since we couldn't. we can play it here. So this is called the 'Wedding Shoe Game' wherein you would both be made to sit facing each other's back and we will ask you some questions and you'd have to say who does that the most amongst you both. So shall we try that ?" I liked this one better and agreed as quickly as Ranbir. 

We were soon made to sit against each other, back to back on two chairs. Ranbir was given a pair of my sandal and his shoe while I had the other half of the same. 

A crowd surrounds us from all sides as we sit with bated breath.

"Let the Saas begin the game since it's her day as well" said my mother who giggled at Mummy's blush.

"Who made the first move ?" I smirked at that. 

I lifted his shoe in the air without a pause. And he did the same which got us loud cheers. 

My mother came next " Who paid on the first date ?" 

We both fall in a laughter explode before pointing at Ayan who looked embarrassed. "What ?!" our cousins yelled in horror. Ranbir explained the deal "It was meant to be a ice breaker meet with Alia before we began Brahmastra's shooting and Ayan was willing to pay. But it turned out to be our first date and trust me he wasn't there! He paid the bill online." They chuckled at his emphasis on 'he wasn't there' because apparently he was our third wheel !

"Ek minute ke liye mujhe attack ho gaya tha," frowns Papa from his couch.

"Whose more romantic ?" asked Shaheen 

Ranbir responded quickly by lifting his shoe first up in the air. I had to agree half heartedly. He had the romantic bone amongst both of us and technically that made me look stupid. My cousins consoled me for fun as Ranbir got my family's extra love. 

"Who's clumsier ?" I wanted to whack Arjun at that precise moment. It was so darn obvious. 

To make his point clear, Ranbir snatched the other pair of sandal from my hand and lifted them both with a grin. I was a pro at being clumsy. 

"Whose funnier ?" Papa asked amusedly, waiting for our response. 

This time I stood up holding my sandal while Ranbir copied me quick. The crowd broke into squeals as half of them agreed with Ranbir being the funniest and the rest sided me. I wasn't giving up on this title at least ! "No, that's me. He is funny but I am THE FUNNIEST person in the family right now. Ranbir himself stated this once, you did it right ?" I turned towards him and he winks playfully suggesting 'no' !

"I said your funny in random situations and moments when none of us expect you to crack those jokes. So that's cool. But otherwise it's me." I closed my eyes to cool my ass. I wasn't going to loose my shit in front of this large crowd especially with his family and relatives in attendance. "Ranbir, you have a good humor no doubt but the title clearly goes to me darling. Just admit that aur bait jaao," I whispered the last part which made him sit with a pout while our families roasted him. 

Karan who had been quietly observing the chaos, finally stepped in. 

"Who wants to have a baby first ?" 

That caught me off guard and I wanted to dig the ground and hide there forever. Cause everybody did their 'oohs' and 'aahs' right after that with their suggestive glances. 

I didn't had to see his face to know that my husband was flushed himself but was more confident than me in matters like these. A loud roar echoed through the hall as everyone clapped looking at his side and I knew he had lifted his shoe! 

He wanted kids more than I did at the moment. I won't be surprised if he wants to try for them right away. I loved kids, maybe not as much as him but I was definitely seeing the possibilities of the same in the near future if not very soon. The whole family adored babies and they were indeed looking forward to our offspring and I couldn't deprive them/him of that blessing. 

Both mummies do their 'awws' at him as he laughs closing his eyes. I raise his shoe as well and he turns to see if I had done it right. "Mera bhai craves for babies like we do for chocolates. Of course it's Ranbir!" Rohit grins at his best friend and strokes his hair playfully. 

We played many more games until night fell on us. Most of them didn't left before midnight. It was a cheerful day of fun, yummy food, awesome family time and a wonderful day to be remembered. 

As we slept that night in our master bed room, as husband and wife in our new abode, we felt the emotions once again rise to the surface. Of having found each other in a way we never thought it was possible. We found love when we weren't looking for it. It knocked on our door when we least expected. And it enveloped our souls without prior notice. 

Whatever we had today was a result of that love. And we were extremely grateful to Gods above for letting us have this privilege, of being in love, being married to the one we love and for giving us this life where we get to create our dreams and live them each day. 

:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:

NOTE : This was a much needed chapter for me and for all of you I guess. It took me a while to get back to this mood. But I am happy to get there gradually. This is what y'all signed up for so yeah :D

Please note that since the book format is of One Shots (OS) every chapter is stand alone and poles apart from the one after it or before that except for chapters that are in a series (which I do mention everytime it happens) or are in parts. So in this chapter in the 'who made the first move/date question' the story is completely diff from the date chapter I've written in the book already in the beginning. 

Therefore every chapter has a diff storyline. I hope that concept is clear just in case it makes you confused ki yaha toh kuch aur hi chal raha hai types ;p 

Also one funny thing I've noticed is that every time I pit up an fc story out there that 'hey i be taking a break' is when content keeps raining day and night! Like it happens all the time .. otherwise kuch nhi milta but jaise hi main give up karti hoon , they end up giving us content one after the other like it's happ rn! Lol xd Hope Neetu ji's bday in next week brings more beautiful content <3 

 Jemi :)