"Once in a while, in the middle of an ordinary life, life gives us a fairytale"

~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~

The wedding procession led by Karan reached the foot of the venue with pomp and zest touching the sky. They stopped and stared at the massive altar and the brilliant decoration decked in marital glory. As the groom's side waited outside, team bride hurled themselves just in time to catch a glimpse of the baraat frenzy.

Alia's parents came forward along with some of her elder relatives, cousins and industry friends. Soni carried the aarti thaali to welcome her son in law (to be in a matter of hours) accompanied by few other elder women from her family and the industry. Karan smiled at them and greeted bride's parents before turning back to face his team.

"That was a spectacular procession you all. Super proud of our young and elderly, for participating and grooving. Much to all of our horror and surprise" a wave of chuckles crashed across. 

Ranbir constantly blushed throughout the procession like a ripened tomato. His family had went a top notch wilder, after ganging up with his male friends. As he finally reached his wedding venue, his eyes raked over the stunningly decked mandap and it's premises. He could hear the waves knocking upon the boulder, almost as if they could feel his heart galloping inside his chest.

Alia, I can't wait anymore .....

His soul pleaded internally as he gazed up at the window, from where he estimated his bride would be seated, all decked up, waiting for him,

Meanwhile his bride plopped herself at last on a comfortable chair, drowned in her bridal glory, tired with the amount of craft work done to her from head to toe. Her eyes, almost droopy with exhaustion, yet a strange spark flaming in her, rested upon the massive window, sadly covered by film sheets, hazing her view. It was done deliberately so that she doesn't peaks in to catch up on the outside frenzy and most importantly, the groom procession.

Rituals were strict and so was her patience, that seemed to die with every minute.

"Can't I open that window, Pooj ? I need some air okay ?" her voice pretends to be thinner, in an attempt to coax the ladies, dominating her room and head. Pooja glanced at her and then back to the mirror, adjusting hair pins on herself and Shaheen, who now sat in front of the vanity mirror, doing her last minute make up.

"Pari, Shra ? Pleaseeeee" she pleaded trying to get some attention from the girls, busy with their own dress up game. "Aloo please thodi der aur baba. You'll see him anyway tonight. He's yours for life so why this jald baazi ? Calm yourself for a while and have some orange juice while we get ourselves dressed, theek ?" Rhea cajoled her with a pin in her mouth, as she adjusted her lehenga's dupatta while Kanchi frowned over her dress plaits.

With a frustrated sigh, Alia closed her eyes for a minute, trying to calm herself just like everyone had advised. As she immersed her chaotic thoughts into her inner pool of stillness, she heard the jingling of metal trinkets and female giggle, loudly barging inside the already stuffed room.

"Kanchi, come let's go downstairs. Baraat has reached. Jeej looks super hotttt!"

Her eyes snap open as she heard those words. 

"Whaaat?! They're here already ? How come I didn't heard any loud noise ?" squealed Pari as she quickly wore her wedges. Shraddha's mouth went wide as she remembered "Ohhh no wonder Bir said that the room's here were made keeping in mind to shut outside noise completely. But we need to rush then."

"Offo talk less and chaloooo." 

In a flash the girls rushed out of the room, leaving a sour faced bride behind.

The squealing bunch dashed outside the wing, towards the entrance, leaving behind their star bride. They ran with all their might in their heavy attire's, just to catch a glimpse of the baraat. "Meg can you slow down please" whined Anu and the rest as they tried to match their rabbit like friend's energy.

At last the over thrilled girls stopped right behind Alia's parents and elders. As they managed to catch their breath, to adjust their maang tika's and heels, their heads snapped ever so casually at the man of the hour. Clearly inching taller than everybody. 

"Oh my God" Tanya had her face and eyes widened in shock as she surveyed the entire situation. Ranbir saw the girls watching him with mischief and disbelief, which made him scowl in turn, rolling his eyes. "Weren't you supposed to come on a horse ?" grinned Kanchi as she craftily clicked some great shots of the groom, while pretending to check her makeup. She quickly sent them to Alia, while giggling with the ladies.

"He was on one but now he isn't. Any more questions ?" teased Aadar as he felt protective of his bade bhaiyya. Who looked lost in his own dream world. 

"Prince Charming, please come forward" announced Saif, as Ranbir turns red, if that was even possible. He walks up like a king, as the crowd parts for him.

"Look at our hottie!" smiled Anu as she nudged at him playfully. Kanchi and the girls, warded off any possible signs of evil glances, in a traditional way. They gazed at him with joy flooding their eyes. "Gosh this is happening at last!" Bobby had her eyes moisten a bit as she smiled wide to cloak her emotions. Masaba rubbed her back and smiled with affection. "Perfect groom for a perfect bride."

Ranbir swallowed a lump in his throat and moved ahead to meet his new family - his in laws. He is greeted by warm smiles from the Bhatt's and their industry friends. Soni and Mahesh, come a bit more further with a plate carrying a lit lamp (or arati), and a garland. The 'mini parade' are welcomed with a special rice toss, known as akshat by her parents and relatives, at first.

Soon after, bride's mother welcomes the groom with her plate of lamp, rotating it in a circular motion. Her eyes welling with happiness and pride. Ranbir is able to absorb their warmth and ache of giving away their dearest daughter. He smiles back in return, assuring them. Soni does a little aarti of Taimur as well, applying a red tilak (or dot) on him and Ranbir's forehead alongside throwing flowers and rice at them.

Mahesh puts a garland on the groom as mark of respect and approval. And some of their uncles and aunts do the same to his side of relatives, to welcome them. "Humein kaun pehnayega ?" whines Arjun as he inspects the girls, urging them to follow the same. "Sorry no garland for extra's" snapped Anu as the girls laughed in victory.

The traditional Hindu wedding has a mixture of old rituals with a couple of fun elements. One being pulling the groom's nose by bride's mother as she welcomes him inside. His guy friend's tried their best to save his extra long nose from the embarrassing assault but Soni became successful in pulling him along with her. With a wincing yet laughing Ranbir behind.

As the groom's side walked in between the row of chairs, they were taken aback by the arrangement and the sheer elegance encapsulating their space. They had of course been part of the wedding but the decor and management team were from Alia's friend's side. Ranbir had his mouth open in astonishment as he took in the sight before him.

This looked straight out of a fairytale and he was going to enter into one, in a matter of minutes.

Their guests stood up as a mark of respect to the groom and his family. Ranbir accompanied by his parent's, relatives and friends, walked through the flower carpet, streaming in the middle, like the royals they looked. All eyes were on the glowing groom, who looked even more charming and elegant than before, if possible.

He climbed the mandap stairs to sit on the chair assigned for him while few priests took their seat opposite to him. His eyes took in the entire venue in a glance and from where he sat, he caught the perfect glimpse of how marvelous everything looked. As he sat, drinking in the beauty of his wedding location, his friends stood beside him with a mischievous grin.

"You all won't do anything stupid today, promise me" he ordered with a dry chuckle. He knew them better than they did themselves. They were after all known for their pranks and chaos. "Of course we won't. Haina guys ? Today's the most iconic day in the history of Indian culture, and not just cinema" spoke Varun in between gulping his glass of mojito.

Ranbir shook his head with a smile. "Itna bhi over mat kar mere bhai" he laughed.

"Paps are going insane back in India! Trying their best to get a glimpse of you both and the ceremony. #RanLia is a No 1 trend on twitter since the last few months! Instagram is flooded with fan assumptions, edits and celebrity wishes. You both are creating absolute history here, okaay ?" Bebo chirped like the information queen she was, putting her arm over Anissa.

"As they should," winked Ayan. 

"Let me go and have a look at Alia. She and Karan have spammed me with missed calls and messages." Abhishek hopped out to meet the bride in waiting, his closest friend.

Ranbir traced the way he left with a sigh. How lucky was he, he thought.

"Tension nahi lene ka, bhabhi will soon take her place next to you. Acha let me go as well. Main dono ke taraf se hoon. Can't miss her bridal entrance" winked Ayan leaving behind a grumpy groom. 

"What if she has second thoughts ?" Varun licked his spoon of ice cream and stated without flinching. Hearing this caused a slight commotion within the group as they fake horror-ed their expression including poor Bir, who looked like he was close to passing away.

"Chup karo! Say everything shubh" scolded Natasha, his cousin. "No but he has a valid point. What if she wants to back off at the last moment ? See I've seen and heard it from other friends that their wives had second thoughts about the whole idea of marriage, just few minutes before their entrance! This is a major moment re, tension toh hoga na" Rohit casually added into Ranbir's fright.

"Phatt rahi hogi bichari ki" said Adi, plopping on a chair meant for the parents. Ranbir could feel his heart give away at the statements made by his friends. What if she really back off ?!

She won't, right ?

"Bhabi kab aayegi ? Kaafi time ho gaya" Armaan deliberately voiced his thoughts to tease his cousin more. Ranbir had it enough "Chup kar ke bait ja. Woh aa jayegi. Tujhe usse kya lena ? Teri setting ho gayi na ?" The group bursts into laughter at how Ranbir snapped. 

Meanwhile back in her room, the bride looked pretty nervous and frenzied at the thought of dashing downstairs soon. All her close friends had ditched her to see Ranbir! While her manager and makeup team stayed back to help her calm down and to control the ladies commotion inside the room.

"You're looking like a dream, my child" Karan gazed at her in a whisper as he reached at her door. His eyes twinkling with tears already. 

"So so gorgeous. Feels like you landed in Dharma just yesterday. And now you are about to take the biggest step of your life. I love you meri jaan. You will have an amazing marriage with that boy. I know it in my heart." He put his hand on her head to bless her, a daughter he never knew his heart needed. Alia's eyes began to churn tears and her heart shivered with so much intensity that she felt paralyzed.

"Karan, I'm so scared" her voice barely came out as a whisper. She hid her face in his arms, as he rubbed her back to soothe her. "Sh.. hey baby, you've got this okay ? Why should you be scared ? Look at me! He's not some stranger we are tying you with. He's apna Ranbir, your Bir! He's already yours but this is just an extension of that union." His words did something to calm her nerves.

"Where's mom and dad ? and baaki sab ?" she asked in anticipation. Trying to find them in the room.

"Here they are" stated Abhi as Alia's family rushed up to receive her. Shaheen hugged her first. "Sorry jaanu, we got slightly caught up with the guests and of course, your in laws" smiled Soni with warmth on her face. She and Mahesh stand behind their daughter's chair and gaze at her refection on the big mirror, lovingly.

They say nothing and stroke her veil clad hair, gently.

"My child is all grown up. She's a gorgeous bride. I love you" her father blinks back his tears as his wife strokes his back alongside. "Ya she is, after all she's our baby. Proud of you Ally." Her mother's whisper made her heart churn. 

Shaheen and Pooja circled next to her as the bridesmaids reached just on time. "Bob you've nailed it! I can't think of anyone else who would look this radiant and precious." Her sister's voice trembled but she composed herself for Alia.

"Guys let's not ruin her makeup right away. We still got time for that. Aloo but your honestly looking out of this world! Ranbir is in for a cardiac arrest. Lucky chap." Kanchi trailed her eye lid with a broken expression.

"I think we should leave" reminded Rahul as he came along with Varun and Sidharth to join them with the bridal march. Taking in a much needed breath, Alia closed her eyes and exhaled peacefully. It was her time. Their time.

Opening her eyes, she found herself surrounded by the one's she held close to her heart. Their faces shining in the light of the love. Her parents pulled her up from the chair while her sisters and girl friends, made sure the wedding lehenga stayed neat and wrinkle - free. Overwhelmed with all of their affection and care, Alia swallowed her sentiments and smiled confidently at her people.

"So, let's begin the epic march, shall we ?" asked Varun as he gave his hand for her to take, bowing at her like a gentleman. She took it gracefully, giggling at their sudden shift of izzat. The bridal party did their formation before they proceed. With Alia in the center, Rahul and Ayan lead in the front on both her sides holding  a vermillion red - bead studded dupatta covering her from above, held by the rest of the boys and her cousins. 

Then a bevy of her bridesmaid, including her school and industry girl friends would make two parallel lines, walking ahead of them with a lighted lamp, paving way for the dream bride.

Karan and Mahesh, both Alia's soul and biological fathers respectively, would walk with her, closely followed by her mother and sisters. They had done just a single rehearsal of the march amidst all the function chaos but were sure of handling this with utmost grace befitting of their dearest Alia.

"Let's show them what we got" chuckled Ayan in his goofy spirit "You toh shut up only. Ditched me for Ranbir and now comes back with his stinky arm to hold my hand. I disown you dream boy." Pouting first. he laughs at her complain.

"I belong to both the team na .. had to be there for both of you, like the good friend I am."

"Ya cool, so let's proceed" chipped in Rahul, cutting their nonstop rant.

Both her father's hold her hand in a firm yet gentle grip, reassuring Alia of the ride ahead. With gentle steps, they descend down the main spiral staircase of their wing and as they step down, she could see her guests partly through the large french glass windows and the main entrance of the hotel, left ajar for them.

A soft breeze wafted in along with the change in music, steady and slow.

Her heart beat rode like the rhythm of an upbeat song. Making her head spiral all of a sudden. Figuring her fright, Mahesh whispered to his daughter "Calm down sweetie. It's your day, your time to shine. Think it of as your bestest shot ever in front of the camera. You won't feel nervous then. You've got this. Shine my love. We are all here." That melted most of her worries.

The bridal procession reached the point from which they had to keep walking until the altar. A flower carpet awaited them to be walked upon. Little Ayan (Emraan Hashmi's son) with his equally adorable basket full of flower petals, led the group, creating a lot of flashes and squeals from the guests and photography team. Followed by the pretty arrival of Alia's bridesmaid's. Ayaan and the girls sprinkling flower petals on the grass made for an aesthetic visual.

Tu meri jaan, tu hi mera jahaan
Door tere to, ab jaaun kahaan

The atmosphere shifted into a romantic aura, like the spell of first spring, blossoming flowers. Alia had specially asked for this particular music to be played as her bridal entrance song. A perfect narration of their story, what he and she had to narrate through their silence. 

Ranbir had his eyes trained on the direction from which she would arrive, ever since the music began. She chose the same song played a million times at their new home. According to her it was their song. He would shake his head and laugh then but inwardly melt into a puddle. The lyrics were deep and it perfectly conveyed what he felt as well. 

As soon as the bridal march assembled just behind the last pair of chairs, everybody stood up including Ranbir who craned a bit further in awe.

This was it.

She would appear in a matter of seconds and he could already feel his heart ready to leap out of its cage. The song she selected had elevated everyone's mood. This was a surreal moment. 

Tu meri jaan, tu hi mera jahan
Door tere to, ab jaaun kahan
Teri baahon vich meri jannatan
Teri baahon vich meri jannatan

Flower girls aligned themselves on both sides of the seating row, paving clear way for the groom to at last, see his bride and her royal entrance.

As Ranbir held his breath for a second, he saw it all.

Under the red roof of her beautiful veil held by her brother and her boys with a clear face of pride and love for their princess, walked his Queen, holding both her father's hand.

Mainu rang chadheya ishq parasti da
Mainu rang chadheya ishq parasti da

At that very moment when all he could concentrate was her, wrapped in a white and silver thread embroidered jet velvet, black customized bridal lehenga, tear drop diamond accessories, she looked like Goddess descended from Heaven.

At last his moon looked up.

Mainu naa vekheya dooja hasti sa

Their eyes met and he thought he saw paradise !

His breath and sanity abandoned him. His eyes widened to the point of no return. Smashing his coherent senses into fragments that could never be glued, Ranbir stared at his one true love, soon to be his spouse in every sense.

Tujhe jo dekha to humne
Mohabbat hai seekh li
Teri aankhon mein jo doobe
To jannat dekh li

He couldn't breathe. Everything froze. So did she. As she met her gaze with the one who meant her universe. The altar was still far from her vision but she could make out his appearance and his facial expression. He resembled a King, ready to welcome his Queen. She watched him with equal amazement but the clear smitten look on him, made her cheeks to go impossibly red.

With her man on the altar gazing at her as if he stared at his whole universe, she knew. Her world had fell in place.

Their cosmos had slipped into a perfect harmony. This was all she needed. All she dreamt of.

Teri baahon vich meri jannatan
Teri baahon vich meri jannatan

With the confidence emanating from their families, friends, their guests and her groom, Alia broke into a breathtaking smile.

Her eyes glowed like a jewel under rays of sun, splitting it's radiance to every corner of the lawn. Basking in the love and gasps arising from all around, she held her head high, chin up straight, walked with the grace and liquidity of a born Queen.

Never for once did their eyes broke.

Tilting his head a bit, Ranbir adoringly gazed at her with his own full blown smile.

She was closer than ever. Inching nearer to him and where his family stood with bated breath and twinkling eyes. They were nearly emotional as much as the bride and groom themselves. 

Both the mothers stood side hugging one another, providing comfort. The father's held a proud and misty expression. Siblings and friends cheered with a silent weep. 

Alia took every step with a finesse of a regal woman. She knew where she was headed. To her enticing mazil and the safar couldn't have been more khoobsoorat. She could see every eye numb yet encouraging. Smiling at her and him. 

Mainu rang chadheya ishq parasti da
Mainu rang chadheya ishq parasti da

As she neared her beloved, she faintly saw his structure crumble. His hands shaking and face suppressing a major break down. She could spot the outline of his eyes as tears filled to the rim. Ranbir blinked a couple of time to ease his heart. She had come to the altar, at last. As promised. 

Mainu naa vekheya dooja hasti sa ...

And he was grateful for that and for every single decision she took in their favour. For choosing him, for staying through thick and thin, for never letting him fall, for being his strength and weakness, for holding him when he needed her the most, for kissing his forehead when he needed her touch of solace. 

For being his eight, his forever, his soulmate, his Alia and tonight, his wife ...

As she stopped and stood right in front of him, he stretched his hand for her to hold. He could now see her precious face shining under the fairy light. With a gentle smile that for a moment hide her vulnerable eyes, she slipped her little hands in his large one's.

With a gentle force, he pulled her to him making everyone around gasp and clap. She laughed and melted in his arms, holding his bulged arms for support. 

It reminded her of another song lyrics, stuck in her head. 

Ajab silsila hai mohabbat toh dekho, yeh uska deewana, woh uski deewani !

A tale of wonder, look at their love; 

she's his admirer and he, her mad lover.

NOTE :  < PLEASE PLAY THE SONG IN THE MEDIA SECTION WHILE YOU READ THE BRIDAL ENTRANCE PART > 

trust me, you'll get all the feels <3 

So here's another fast but definitely a more deeper chap ;) 

I wanted to complete the entire wedding ceremony in this one chapter but then decided against. This is a perfect ending to Part 2 and Part 3 will wind up the dreamy wedding ! 

Next part will be more of conversations and get ready with a tub of chocolate, snacks, juice and loads of tissue papers! It will be a crying fest! And I intend to make y'all legitimate cry *feeling baraabar aana chahiye lmao* 

Alia hasn't opted for a quientessential Sabyasachi lehenga btw :D I mean he is leg and all but it'll look like another clone of an anushka version with a diff colour! I want her to choose a unique design and brand(we never know with her) Red, pink are all great colours but sorry, we need something diff. Silver and Gold were on my mind for her and it will enhance her skin tone even better. But last minute edit thing made me want to opt an all black - white vision for our Royal couple! Uff how beautiful they'll look ...
So just assume that she chose a brand from one of her friend's fashion line (they don't own bridal but just assume lol) 

I'm sorry no stealing of my wedding effin edits! Or the lines/paragraphs mentioned in This Book or on my fc (like seriously ppl do Copy that as well 😂 One time someone copied my ig fc bio like wtf) Duh, this wedding is MY  biggest dream and I won't let anyone ruin the lil hardwork I'm doin. SO NO STRICT SHARING of edits/vms/stealing of content :) 

Please comment and spam :) I loveeeee yaar! Don't be shy. 

Love, 

Jemi :) 

ps : biggest ranlia wedding enthusiast ;) *micdrop*