" I finally found you, my missing puzzle piece" 

Holding his hand, she climbed the mandap to stand next to him, facing her man. His orbs glistened with unshed tears and so did hers. They had waited long enough for this day. As groom and bride.

"Shall we begin the ceremony ?" asked the head priest, observing the couple and their families, much besotted with each other. Both parents smiled at each other and gave their nod. They led their respective child to the middle of the altar, where the couple had to sit.

Ranbir couldn't still pluck off his eyes from the love of his life. She shone under the radiant moon light, almost as if blessing them for eternity. Her skin blossomed under the pale rays, like a Goddess in all her glory. He couldn't believe they had actually crossed all their hurdles and hardships to have finally reached this stage.

The stage where all their dreams would come true.

Alia had never blushed this insane, all throughout her life. Ranbir's heated gaze over her, rumbled her soul in a way she could never comprehend. They've been living together since the last few months and yet, he had that magnetic power over her.

It wouldn't fade ever, would it ?

"Thank you for choosing me. For keeping your promise and not abandoning me on the altar... your breathtaking." His deep voice echoed somewhere in the darkest chamber of her heart, putting her in a mushy mess.

"I had to come since you agreed to come yourself," she laughed. "Thank you for being mine. You look no less than a beautiful prince." Mustering all of her courage, she spoke with sincere eyes. Blushing a second later.

Their little moment of privacy was soon snatched by the strong crash of the shores, behind them but watchable by their guests.

They looked afar to see the wedding come alive with colours, a crazy multitude of guests, flash game of camera's and their family-friends coccooning them around. This was more than what they could weave. A surreal fairytale.

"Haaye main maari jaawan! They look so perfect" gushed Rima bua, inching closer to bless the couple. She pulled out few fresh currency notes from her desi pouch and with a circle of notes above the couple's head, she warded off evil powers. "Can we have Mukesh Ambani to do more of that. We need some serious help to protect them from buri nazar. Where's he ?" called out Arjun, mockingly searching for the Ambani's, making their group cackle.

Soon their folks up on the mandap settled in their respective seats aligned in an outer circle, for them to have a closer view of the ceremony. For the guests, six massive LED screens displayed the wedding scene, making everyone sigh longingly at how perfect it was.

The ceremony begins with a prayer to Ganesha, the god of beginnings and good fortune and the remover of obstacles. A group of priests began their chanting and prayers around the fire kindling in the center, a symbol of purity.

Offerings are made with fire as a witness. Few moments of prayers and loud shloka chanting later, bride's parents are called in to inch near. Mahesh and Soni shift closer to their daughter's side and forward their hand to hold hers from beneath.

It's time to give her away, kanya daan!

With an emotional yet satisfied gleam, Alia's parents place her hand on to Ranbir as a sign of giving her away. They share an assured smile knowing very well how safe and happy their daughter was and would remain forever with him.

During the ceremony, the father of the bride places his daughter's hands into the groom's hands as a gesture of giving her away. Then he pours holy water into the bride's hand, which will flow through her fingers and into the hand of her groom. Just like the way water flows through their hands, the bride now belongs to the man of her dreams.

"Ab vadhu (bride) ke mata - pita var (groom) ke saamne apni baat rakh sakte hain." Her parents looked like two deer's caught in a headlight. They had never attended any of their kid's wedding so in that sense - Alia's was their first experience. Neetu smiled at their confusion and translated what the priest meant. "If you have any advice, anything to tell Rana as part of kanya daan, to look after her and all .. you can tell him now." They nodded with a happy realization. 

"Zindagi bhar bhi yaad dilate rehna," reminded Rishi which made them laugh. 

Soni hesitates as her husband prompts her to speak first. She smiles vulnerably having been too overwhelmed with everything since the last week. "Bol do mumma. Jo bhi kehna keh do." Alia gives them strength with a smirk at her groom who looks flustered in his seat. 

He had to do his bit then. "Mumma you can tell me whatever is there in your heart. I promise to abide by all your wishes." His words sent an echo of aww across the lawn and Soni smiles with a single drop of tear leaking from her eye. 

"Bol do Soni, aaj sunna padega usse," says a random relative from an unknown side. 

She generously smiles at everyone and then looks back at her baby's heart. 

"This kind of put me in a spotlight. And I apologize if I speak gibberish," she giggles and takes a big breath. "My Alia has always been a sunshine. We've brought her up like a piece of pearl. And she is a gem indeed. I have seen and have been a beautiful witness to what you two share. And I can only pray and bless you both. Be each other's friend, always. Marriage is a game of adjustments and you can't clap with one hand. It needs both hands. Be true to each other and yourself. Communation is the key. Be honest and loyal. A partner makes life much easier on earth. Bas ... just be happy. What else can a mother want ?" 

Her words struck at every chord witnessing a beautiful mother children moment. Some eyes had already begun moistening. Alia stared at her mother in a way she had never before. Maybe because as parents who secretly adore their children, she had never heard from their own mouth what they think about her. The wedding had just begun and she could already feel her heart slip away. 

Ranbir seemed equally affected by her words. She had in all honesty, become his second mother. And her genuine love and advice only encouraged him to be the best partner to her beloved daughter. He next looked at his father in law. He was a man of wisdom and Ranbir knew better to absorb them as much as he could, so that it inscribes itself in his heart. 

Mahesh had nothing much to offer than his earnest blessing. This wasn't a platform for him to speak nonchalantly like he did. "My daughters have changed and refined me into the man I am. And I can tell you daamad saheb, than you have found a perfect wife. Keep her happy. And be yourself happy. With a fine face and personality like yours, you deserve joy. May the stars always shine on you two." 

Both the parents put their hand on their children's head as a sign of blessing. Ranbir gulped a huge lump in his throat as he processed their words. He was grateful for their belief in him. 

"Aur inse kahiye ki koi bhi apasi (personal) pareshaani ko khud suljhayein aur agar na ho raha ho toh aap sab se mashwara le." The priest was on another level. He gave a very fine piece of advice that the parents had forgotten to add in their overwhelmed state. "Haan yeh badiya baat kahi hai aapne. I like him yaar." Neetu laughed at her husband's blunt remark.

Ranbir and Alia nodded like two little kids caught by their school authority. 

Meanwhile Shaheen and Pooja tie each an end of Ranbir and Alia's sash and veil respectively, together in a perfect knot. And in doing so, unifying both the families together in a perfect bind.

Rahul, bride's brother next comes up to offer three fistfuls of puffed rice to his sister as a wish for her happy marriage. Each time, the bride offers the rice to the fire. This offering is known as a homam.

All this while Taimur watches this from Armaan's lap with a happy face, bewitched by everything. He keeps pointing at the fire with curious happy eyes. 

Next it's time to exchange garlands, the only ritual their friends waited for!

"Ah! That's our call. Get up everyone, c'mon quick! Choose your team wisely" Varun rose up from his seat in a hurry, followed by their group. Thrilled and excited for jaimala.

While the elders laughed at their zeal, Ranbir and Alia became nervous. "If you make me fall, I'll disown each one of you" warned Alia, clearly distressed at the thought of being picked up by their friends. Ignoring her warning, they divided themselves and were ready to begin the tussle of garlands.

Varun, Ayan, Rahul and Sidharth picked Alia on their shoulders, high up in the air, making her shriek a little. "Araam se haan" reminded her girl friends and mother to the high on steroid boys.

Ranbir was hoisted next with the help of his brothers. He clearly towered over her even up in the air!

"Haw, what even ! You don't even need this ascension" groaned Alia as she eyed him giving her a victorious smirk, chuckling in his deep baritone. As per the priest's call, it was time for the bride to put her garland over groom. She leaned a little to try but Ranbir being the tall giraffe he is, clearly made it a hard task. The more she leaned, more the boys pulled Ranbir away, creating a hilarious scene.

Both the guests and the families seem to be enthralled by the fun.

"Go Alyyy" cheered Samaira, clapping for her mami. Alia gave her a quick flying kiss and eyed Ranbir in a manner only he could get. He found it too amusing anyway and had to give up eventually.

He bowed his head in front of her, with a gentle smile.

He would do it, again and again, but for her alone.

The act made all the girls turn into a mush, some even whispering how lucky Alia was!

Touched by his gesture, Alia put her floral garland around his neck amidst loud cheering.

"We should have switched the team" jokes Ayan. "Dekh bhai next is your turn, don't be so recklessly fool in love" warned Adi, annoyed by Shraddha's 'you-are-a-loser' tease. Ranbir laughed wholeheartedly at this and eyed his woman, who held so much mischief yet love for him.

It pleased his soul to know how addictive she was, even after being together for the last two and a half years, every single day! 

"Please be fast or else I'll drop your wife" joked Fubu, with Pari rewarding him with a whack. "Don't you dare" warned Ranbir.

He leaned down from his tall empowerment to garland her, only for her men to sway her to the other direction, making Alia giggle with abandon. She never had this much fun, ever before! This was what a wedding should be, of pure joy. She was thankful for their decision to tie an official knot with the one's who mean the world to them.

"Let him do na bete" groaned her mother and Alia thought to give them some chill. "Okay boys let him please" she said and they gladly stopped their teasing. She bowed her head just like him and he quickly put his garland around her, pecking her forehead in a flash as well. The crowd went berserk at this adorable act and Alia couldn't meet his eyes all of a sudden.

Their friends put them down at last. Ranbir cleared his throat to make her look his way but she became too coy of a bride.

It was time for the main ritual of any North Indian Hindu wedding - Saptapadi.

In which the bride and groom have their garments tied together—typically the bride's veil and the groom's sash as they make seven circles around a ceremonial fire, each round signifying a specific blessing they request from the gods. The main significance of the saptapadi is establishing friendship, which is the basis of any marriage. The couple seeks the blessings of God and fire to be together for the next seven births by taking the Saat Phere. The mantras of Seven vows are chanted by the Priests of the family and the bride and the groom repeats them during their turns.

"The phass gaye round. Soch samajh ke chalna bacchon." Rajeev chacha laughed as he sat next to their mother who looked overwhelmed. She hit him gently on his leg for his remark. "Hum aaj bhi gol gol hi ghum rahe hain," added his brother Rishi to which everyone burst into laughter. 

"Papa don't tease maa today na" giggled Riddhima, pressing a hand over her mother's shoulder who looked unfazed. "So much for marrying a brat" Rima bua laughed in her loud voice. Bhatt's meanwhile grin knowingly at each other. Their in laws were true blue source of entertainment. 

The priest took over the family chaos with his next words. "The 7 sacred vows are the Vedic scriptures and it has been segregated as holy vows to bring husband and wife on the same platform of understanding and love. I request groom to place himself ahead of bride for the first few vows around the sacrificial fire. I will explain the vows to you alongside." 

Shaheen and Pooja tie each an end of Ranbir and Alia's sash and veil respectively, together in a perfect knot. And in doing so, unifying both the families together in a perfect bind. The act prepared them for the serious part of the wedding. Alia fixed her nose piece and her mangtika to de stress herself. Her girlfriends rubbed her back for major support. Ranbir smiled wide at his parents who nodded at him with glee. 

He did as told before earning one last look of shy but confident approval from his bride. Their immediate families and friends meanwhile surrounded them around the circular mandap pillar. Eager to watch the seven rounds of promise. 

The couple walk around the ceremonial fire with poise. "Yay!" claps and showering of flowers began. 

The First Phera: The couple prays to God to extend his blessings to them in the form of healthy food and give them strength to live together & respect each other in good and bad times. They promise to nourish & take care of each other's needs.

The Second Phera: The couple pleads to God to give them mental stability, spiritual strength, and physical health so they can live a smooth life. They also promise that from today they are two souls and one heart and will always to be there for each other to ensure laughter and smiles.

The Third Phera: The couple prays for wealth, prosperity, and wisdom to live life peacefully and with contentment. They ask God to give them enough strength so that they can share the happiness and pain together. During this phera, they also promise each other to be utmost faithful and never cheat in this relationship for any third person.

"Yeh waala zara dhyaan se sunna" Binoy teases aloud for a crash of laughter. Ranbir eyed him playfully and turned behind quickly to mouth "I promise." She knew he meant it.

Alia next takes the head as she begins leading him with graceful poignant steps. The crowd is still mad and loud. She eyes her parents who keep touching her shoulder every time they cross by them. Karan wipes his tear with the end of his shawl and that makes her giggle before taking a huge breath. Composing herself lest she broke down already. 

The Fourth Phera : Marriage is believed to be about two families and not two people. The vows recited during this phera highlights the commitment between the two souls to increase in love and respect for each other and their respective families.

In this, the bride promises that she will accept death before him if it ever comes on his way.

"Whoever created this was a chauvinist" One of her girl friend whispers to another who glares at her to shut up. Ranbir who had already heard her, chuckled and spoke as he neared the group "Don't worry. For all we know, it would be her clumsiness that would need me saving her. But I can give you in written that we both will shield one another forever" That statement earned him loud accolades and whistles from all across the lawn. 

Alia couldn't help the curve of her mouth from spreading too far. He was hell bent on winning the heart of her people and of course her, again and again. 

The Fifth Phera : In this phera, the couple promises to be with each other in every thick and thin and share joy and grief. They also pray to God to bless them with healthy kids and promises to nurture them well with good values and an enriching lifestyle.

This reminded them of the last two years they spent. Roller coaster of joy and grief. Holding each other through good and bad times. But the last line of the vow made their cheeks go red. "Taimur wants a brother !"

"Taimur demands a brother!!" Armaan and Aadar began their drama, dragging the little child who seemed to agree with their statement. "I think Saif should deal with that." A little pause later guffaw's filled the air. It was Alia who made the bold remark with a little smirk which soon turned into a shy moment as the teasing grew. 

The Sixth Phera : In the sixth holy round around the fire, the couple asks for a fit and healthy long-life filled with joy, prosperity, and peace. They promise to always stand next to each other in bad health or when needed and support each other in all devotional duties.

With each round, people around showered them with fresh petals as a mark of blessing.

Armaan and Taimur were more into throwing petals at each other while the rest of them, dreamily watched their friends, taking their vows of eternity.

Then came the final phera, the last deal which would seal them for life and for the next seven lives. 

As they paused a bit to process their emotions, their friends picked from where the had left. "Aloo, soch le! This is your last chance to run. After this, it's game over my love. I can still help you." Ayan held her by the shoulder and asked with mischief. Before she could reply, Ranbir swat his hands from his about to be wife! 

"Don't you dare corrupt her," reminded the groom. Alia giggled with the rest as she looked around her. The sky had turned a colour similar to her and Ranbir's outfit - jet black. With the moon being the white motif, peeking at them. 

Surrounded by their family and friends who watched them with moistened eyes, this moment felt too surreal. They didn't had to look at each other for confirmation. They just knew it in their heart that there was no turning back. It was already sealed. 

"Jodiyaan uper se banti hain. Uperwaale ne pehle hi seal kar diya toh tum sab kya hi bigaad paoge." Daadi voiced her heart in a hearty manner. "I love you daadi" claimed Ranbir for saving his almost marriage! 

The priest urged them to make their final move in a subtle hint. "Ready" said Alia aloud, with the most confident smile of her life. Ranbir behind her eased better after her response. He looked ready enough to take over the world. 

The Seventh Phera : In this final round, the couple prays for loyalty, togetherness, companionship, understanding and unconditional love between themselves. They ask for enough patience & maturity to make this beautiful bond last long. They also promise to do every possible thing to carry out all the promises taken during this holy ritual with pure and honest intentions.

Amidst the funny 'don't do this' banter, Ranbir and Alia proudly walk around the fire with their heads held high, holding hands. They had come this far and they would make it worthwhile until the very end. As they completed the last phera of the ceremony, everyone stood up and clapped following by a loud commotion of joy. 

The priests announced the next step - tying the mangalsutra. A necklace of bead, placed on the bride by the groom to receive blessings throughout their marriage.

Ranbir's mother had specifically crafted a customized mangalsutra for her daughter in law. It was a diamond studded in black bead necklace with a tiny rose gold heart hanging in the middle. Ranbir takes the necklace in his hand as he recites a sanskrit verse alongside the priest. He hold the necklace in the air and Alia very cheekily winks and teases him as he completed his part. 

He pretends to ignore her heart warming smile and the anticipation building in both their guts. 

"Can I ?" asks the groom with half blush and half fun expression to the audience. They scream their approval with much fervour. 

"God bless you both" wished their mothers and Ranbir makes sure he has their blessings. 

"How do I tie this .. like this ?" He asks to their mothers. "Baby from here" replies Alia in a subtle child voice. She loves baby-ing him around when possible and is very aware of how easily it melts his stupid heart. 

"Don't give him instructions now. He's your husband" spoke a random aunty from the crowd in a fun tone. Alia mouthed an adorable 'shorrry.' Ranbir laughs at this and proceeds to defend her "No I asked her. And she has all the rights to boss me around." This caused a wild stir among ladies and young girls. Anissa hits her husband with a whining face as Armaan winces clueless. 

"Learn something" both Neetu and Soni glared at their husbands who in turn eyed a happy in love Ranbir. Who had clearly hit sixer. 

"Bada protective hai tu toh" smiled Karan wiping another drop of tear. Alia meanwhile lowers her head for him to tie, like a coy bride fluttering with joy. 

With the help of her sisters who made it easier for him to slide in his hand, Ranbir begins to tie the necklace around her neck. The act was simple but too personal and intimate. In the process of tying, he would glance at her with love and adoration which would then reflect in her eyes. Alia has her eyes partly filled with tears but she controls them. 

She was letting him tie mangalsutra, something she had always dreamt about. It personified love and intimacy between them for her and she couldn't help but let the blush take over her cheeks. Her hormones touching the sky. After tying it around her neck, he makes sure it is properly done, making few more hoots rise up in the air. 

"Now we've reached the closure of our sacred wedding ceremony. Beta, you have to put sindoor on her and you will be declared Husband and Wife." The priest smiled wide as he laid down the final instruction. Shraddha frowned at this and asked a bit too loud "what would be the procedure for those who already are husband and wife ?" Pari nudged her to keep quiet while the priests and their families giggled, making the couple shy to their roots.

"They can leave the altar with their wife immediately for honeymoon" laughed Karan, sending hoot of laughter across the venue.

Alia and Ranbir peeked at each other in a subtle hint of blush.

Their moment of dawn was nearer than before. They would finally be unified as one, in a matter of seconds. It created an elegant calmness within them, shutting their inner chaos to mute and let their love and years of dream, weave it's masterpiece.

A tiny open box of sindoor, a red powder to be applied on the bride's parting of hair as a mark of her new status as a married woman, is forwarded by Ranbir's mother. Giving Alia a pretty glance, to ensure she's ready for the last deal of their wedding, he digs in to pinch a little from the sindoor on his fingers. His hands less trembling and more confident. 

Kanchi and Shaheen adjust her maang tika for Ranbir to apply sindoor.

With their hearts beating as one, submitting to their moment of love, Ranbir applies the vermillion on the parting of her hair while Alia closes her eyes for a brief second, emotions brimming her head.

His fingers rested on her parting for a moment, letting the significance of what they were doing, sink in well.

As they held their breath together for a while, he hesitating at first but willingly retracted back only for loud and wild jubilation to arise both from inside and outside the gate. News spread quicker than air to the Indian paps through phone, waiting patiently for the announcement. It was official.

Ranbir and Alia were now husband and wife.

Mr and Mrs Kapoor, forever.

She opened her eyes to meet his in an equally overwhelmed state. His eyes blinked thrice to hold back tears that pooled around him, ready to fall.

She mirrored his emotion, holding in her tears, gaping at her husband, officially hers for the world to know. So did he at his wife.

Their mind revolved with memories of their past, both bitter and sweet, moments that made them who they are, that paved way for this day. Those who stood for and with them, were the one's who clapped and gazed at them right now, under a million stars, cheering loudly for them, with these many people as their witness.

Ranbir helped his now wife, to stand along with him for the final conclusion - to seek blessing from elders. He helped her with her heavy lehenga, along with her team and girlfriends. While she set her dupatta correctly on her head, his one hand found it's way on her cheek like a faint caress. She immediately looked at her husband. 

He had never looked more content and peaceful in his life, ever. 

Ranbir's eye spoke to her. That he was grateful for her - his wife. She gave him a heart dropping smile as he closed his eyes to lean in for a kiss on her forehead, right where he marked her his.

 People around them were already going bonkers. The fireworks and lantern show in the air couldn't really muffle their celebration. 

They broke their beautiful moment to glance around. Every single person was either sobbing or hiding their face into their tissue! 

"Congratulations Alooooo! I told you all this will be a crying fest" shrieked Akansha in a trembling happy voice as she jumped first to hug her best friend. They shared a happy emotional moment and soon it was time to take blessings and accept love from the elders and basically everyone present. 

Ranbir gently laced his hands with his wife and they first walked towards their daadi. Krishna ji sat in her chair with a sombre face. The newly weds kneeled next to her and together they touched her legs. She put her hands on their heads and closed her eyes for a moment. Then leant forward to kiss them on their forehead as they did teh same to her. 

"Daadi ab toh aap khush ho na ? Main bahu laya hoon. Aur sab sahi chala toh atleast ek par - pota ya poti (great - grandson/daughter) toh dekhne ko mil hi jayega before your uperwaala sends his invitation." She giggled with her family at her precious grandson's remark. He had kept his promise to his granny. 

"Thank you meri jaan. And make sure you fulfill the other promise as well," she grins and turns to gaze at her sabse choti but the only sole bahu of the clan! 

Keeping her hand on Alia's cheek, she smiles. "Thank you beta. For coming into our lives. For making us see this day. You have no idea how happy I am today. I wish your daadu was here with me to see you, and I am 100 % sure he would have dotted you the most! He would have pampered you crazy ...." she whimpered soon enough. 

Alia suppressing her own bubbling emotion, took a tissue offered by a friend and wiped her face carefully. "Daadu must be toasting his glass of wine right now. Aaj toh jannat mein full on Kapoor party chal rahi hai." This made his daadi laugh. 

"Always be happy," she blessed the monce again. They stood up and now moved towards their parents. Four of them stood together like one big family. Their eyes shedding silent tears. But smiling as soon as they saw their children looking at them. 

Rishi let Ranbir touch his feet but the moment his daughter in law bent below, he held her up gently with the largest smile he ever wore. "Meri beti ko main pair nahi choone doonga. Majdoori (hardwork) yeh karega, tum mat karna!" His words made her blush, giggle and moreover it touched her soul. She got another father in her life.

He was bad with words and hence he hugged them both to his heart and whispered "Thank you my children. You made me the happiest man on planet today! Love you both." 

Ranbir broke at this. 

He held a little more on to his father's embrace to let this words sink in. This was the first time he heard his father say 'I love you' to him. That he was proud of his son, on his face. And when it did come, it smashed him but also healed him in ways he couldn't explain. 

Alia had moved to the open embrace of her now mother in law. Who gave one of her gorgeous smile as she hugged her tight with warmth and pure love. They stood like that for a while as the father son duo broke apart with a slight awkward face but more understanding dawned upon them. 

Neetu cupped Alia's face and said "Welcome to the family. Now you are my daughter." Rishi groaned at her and corrected "Our!" 

She avoided him and kept looking at her daughter with inexplicable joy twinkling in her eyes. "Thank you for being you, the most beautiful, warm, thoughtful, kind precious baby girl in the world. You are everything and more I needed for my Rana. I am going to pamper you crazy. And you can't protest." A tear slid down Alia's cheek as she stared at her new mother figure. 

She had always looked for acceptance. From people around her.

But here she was not only being accepted wholeheartedly, but also respected and cherished like some Queen.

She could only whisper a silent 'Thank you.' Ranbir watched them both with his heart smiling wider than possible. These were his two most important, most cherished and most loved women in his life. And to see them slip into their respective roles without any judgement or insecurity, made him thank all his stars. May they always stay this way.

"Bahu mil gayi toh sab mujhe ignore kar rahe hain. Theek hai then I'll take my leave." Ranbir made a fake pout as his mother laughed and held his ears for fun. "That is kinda true. You did lost a little position from today onwards. Alia will come first now." He sulked a little more at this. 

But no one was more happier than him at the moment. For all he cared they could announce his wife as the heir instead of him! He just wanted everybody close to him, to accept and welcome her into their lives because it mattered. The mother son share a warm hug themselves before moving next to Alia's parents. 

"Mom" Alia calls her in a shuddering voice. Her mother had turned her back to wipe tears lest her daughter saw her in a state like this. Alia was her most sensitive child and she would definitely cry at her mother's tear. "I am okay .... everything is fine." Soni took a big breath as her friends and now her latest buddy Neetu rubbed her back in support. 

She turned back to see her daughter and son in law waiting for her to compose. "Oh my god Ally!" her mother smiled in between her inconsolable tears. Still not believing her youngest child to be a married woman. Alia held her mumma in her embrace as they both shook with joy bursting. This was the hardest for her mother. To let her go. 

But she was also the strongest anchor in their family. 

"Mera baccha ...I love you!" Soni kissed her shoulder blade and then the side of her dupatta clad head, again and again. "I'm so sorry for ruining your makeup" she apologized pulling her daughter's face to examine. "Excuse me wife, I need to hug my mumma now." Ranbir playfully pushed her aside leaving an o - mouthed Alia, frowning. 

"Thank you beta. We love you so much. And I can trust you completely with my child. If she ever gives you hard time, please drop me a call/text. I'll deal." Ranbir chuckled in her arms as she gave him an upper hand. "I will definitely remember this." 

Mahesh kissed his daughter's forehead and looked emotional - a rare scene according to his other two daughters. As he hugged her tight, he whispered "Sorry for not being there for you my child. Know that you are my brightest star. And no one in the world loves you more than me. Not even this husband of yours!" She snickered at his words which meant so much to her.

Ranbir had found it a little challenging to gel with his father in law cause he was a superior human. In IQ and life experience. But tonight he looked just like any father about to give away his daughter to another man. Broken but grateful. After taking his blessing they hugged and it felt natural and never uncomfortable. "Welcome my boy. You better take care of my Alia."

Ranbir knew better to nod his head quickly just in case the father wouldn't let her go. This made everyone laugh. Next came another pivotal figure in both their lives. Karan. Who had already used a box of tissues and was now hunting for another. He had the hardest time throughout the ceremony. But he smiled weakly as soon as he saw them approaching. 

Karan sniffled less as soon as Alia stood closer to him. He didn't want to ruin her big day by being a cry baby. Alia looked behind to make sure Ranbir followed her in touching Karan's feet for blessing. Since he and Ranbir shared a deep friendship, he would create a scene before bowing! Ranbir assured her with his eyes and they took blessings from Karan who smiled like his life's purpose was fulfilled at last. 

"My baby ... you did it! You make the most gorgeous bride in the world and definitely without a doubt, the most stunning wife to exist!" She blushed and laughed at his over the top compliment. But Ranbir agreed with all his points. They shared the longest and most emotional hug and Ranbir had to personally console Alia in his arms before she calmed down. 

"I knew this is how it will go. Alia's wedding was meant to be a crying competition." Varun laughed in a weak manner, himself being emotional. "Baby Jo if you cry anymore, I'll have to cut your name from the Mumbai reception." That did the job and he glared at him for pulling that move. "Let us congratulate now" Sam looked too impatient and done with the elders behaving like kids. She waited too long for her turn. 

Ranbir knelt first to hug his princess. He kissed on both her cheeks and she smiled with her innocent adorable face. "You like your mami ? Kya kehti ho ? Ghar le chalein ?" he asked with mischief. She acted to ponder and replied with her little naughty smile "Hmm lemme think." Her almost american accent put them in splits. 

"I promise to take care of planet and your mamu and ya I won't eat junk. Only fruits." It was Alia. While others found her reply strange, Sam smiled widely. She hugged her maami as tight as she could and whispered in her ears "You are smart. I love you. Welcome to our family." 

Alia pulled back to look at her. She really was wise beyond her age. Alia had simply put up the advises Sam narrates in her granny's instagram videos. That connected them other than cartoons and teen stuff ;) 

Samaira's parents held the couple next in their captivity. And it went like that. From one group to the next. Friends to relatives. 

After what seemed like a lifetime of touching legs, cheek kissing and hugging session, the newly weds glanced at one another. 

Freezing their time, they stared.

With everything around them drowning in a pool of blur, they stared.

Stars and the moon came out of their hide to bless them.

Clouds and the soft breeze, lulled around them in a magical symphony.

It was as if all their dreams had transformed into a mystic reality.

With gratitude brimming in their hearts, they gazed deep into each other's eyes, thanking their stars for aligning their fate together, at last.

For this iconic journey of love and friendship, from being mere co -stars to best friends and to now husband and wife.

From a national television innocent crush slip up to this magnanimous day.

From I want to marry Ranbir Kapoor to I married Ranbir Kapoor.

From I am fond of her to She is my wife. 

The fairytale had just begun ....

NOTE : Indeed a long hopefully satisfying chapter ..... phew

So the inspo for the wedding comes from certain Sonam Kapoor wedding videos that are online and during vd nats wedding when I had this entire chapter running in my head EXACTLY like this! But that was way toooo emotional and I kinda messed up the last blessing part :( I mean didn't came out that well. 

I even wanted to crop that part and do a bonus of just that but it would have looked awkward and half baked. So decided to add nevertheless. 

I sincerely hope you guys loved the chapter and were able to connect with the emotions. 

I am not a Hindi and neither have I attended hindu weddings so the rituals, their order and explanations are all copy pasted lol. If I have messed it up then I apologize. 

Ranbir's outfit is ditto what he wore in the last Mijwaan appearance of his. Ugh he's so hot and so ready to marry in that outfit! Alia wears something similar to that pattern - black with white embroidery :) Didn't got a picture of what I actually wanted so :p And the jaimala edit is made by an old twitter friend whose edit (this one) went VIRAL last year on Internet. This is what I was actually trying to explain... their faces radiating joy ufff <3 

You can play any wedding/emo song while reading this. Just to elevate your experience. 

So this ends the wedding chronology. I have a reception part in my mind to be included as a conclusion for this entire series. Let's see if that executes well. 

But otherwise I hope I didn't bore you so much with the long series :-) 

This month I have to complete my online coaching (ends next month) so my I need to put in my focus there than thinking of this goddamn wedding lmao. This in a way helped me get some chill xD 

Thank you soooo much for the constant support up till here. Can we reach 20k by this month, pweaseeeee ? *puppy eyes* 

Please take care everyone. Covid situation is alarming in India and kind of giving me a scary deja vu of 2020 peak season. 

We won't get any update until Rishi Sir's 1st death anniversary I guess (I hate that day sm!) 

Anyways, love and positivity <3 

Jemi