A long update for the happy wedding....

As the sun shone brightly, Tara carefully wrapped a delicate dulha's sehra around Rajat's forehead, her hands moving with precision. Bhagyashree stood nearby, her eyes closed as she whispered prayers, seeking to ward off any evil eyes that might threaten Rajat's happiness.

Sai burst into the room, her tiny feet pattering against the floor as she twirled around, her little lehenga fluttering around her. The room was filled with the warm smiles of close family members, including Rajat's father, Rajendra, his brother Lucky, and little sister Riddhi.

Bhagyashree's face radiated excitement and joy, her eyes shining with happiness. She had always wanted Rajat to move on from his painful past, and now, with Savi by his side, she felt a sense of relief and contentment. Savi was perfect for Sai, and for Rajat too – Bhagyashree was convinced of that.

As the family prepared for the upcoming wedding, the atmosphere was electric with anticipation. Little did they know, however, that a phone call was about to change everything...

As Tara finished adjusting the sehra, she stepped back to admire her handiwork. Lucky, who was lounging on the couch, suddenly piped up.

"Hey, Tara didi, you're making Rajat bhaiya look like a proper dulha," he said, grinning mischievously. "But don't think you can make me wear one of those things. I'll run away from the mandap."

Tara rolled her eyes good-naturedly. "Oh, Lucky, you're such a scaredy-cat. I'm not even going to try to make you wear a sehra. But I will make sure to tie your pagdi so tight that you won't be able to escape."

Lucky chuckled, holding up his hands in mock defense. "Okay, okay, didi. You win. But only because I don't want to mess with your expert pagdi-tying skills."

Tara smiled, playfully ruffling Lucky's hair. "That's right, little brother. You show some respect to your elder sister's talents."

The banter between Tara and Lucky was interrupted by Bhagyashree, who called out from across the room. "Okay, kids, let's focus. We have a wedding to get ready for!"

The room erupted into a flurry of activity, with everyone scrambling to get into position for the upcoming ceremony. Amidst the chaos, Rajat stood calmly, a serene smile on his face as he prepared to embark on this new chapter of his life. Little did he know, however, that a phone call was about to shake things up...

Just as the family was getting into position, a dramatic voice echoed through the hallway. "Rajat, beta! My darling nephew! I'm so happy I could burst!"

Everyone turned to see Dolly Bua, Rajat's aunt, sweeping into the room with a flourish. Her eyes shone with tears as she rushed to envelop Rajat in a tight hug.

"Tara, Lucky, move aside! Let me get to my darling Rajat!" Dolly Bua exclaimed, waving her hands dramatically. "I'm so thrilled he's finally found happiness after that...that...Ashika!"

Dolly Bua spat out Ashika's name like it was poison. "Ugh, that woman was a curse on our family. "

Rajat chuckled, hugging Dolly Bua tightly. "Arre, Dolly Bua, calm down! You're going to make a scene."

Meanwhile, Dolly Bua was still ranting about Ashika. "Ugh, that woman was a curse on our family! But your new bride, beta, she's a goddess! I just know she'll make you happy and give you lots of beautiful babies!"

Bhagyashree stepped forward, a stern expression on her face. "Dolly Didi, that's enough! Why are you even mentioning that woman's name on this auspicious day? It's a day for celebration and joy, not for dwelling on past hurts."

Dolly Bua's face fell, but Bhagyashree continued, her voice firm but gentle. "We're here to witness Rajat's new beginning, not to revisit old wounds. Let's focus on the positive and make this day truly special for him and his...his..." Bhagyashree smiled warmly at Rajat, "his soon-to-be wife."

The room fell silent, with all eyes on Dolly Bua, who looked chastened. Rajat's family nodded in agreement, and the tension was broken. Dolly Bua, still looking a bit sheepish, nodded and smiled. "You're right, Bhagyashree. I got carried away. Let's focus on the happiness and joy of this day!"

The room erupted into a warm and cheerful buzz, with everyone chatting and laughing once again.

Riddhi, who had been quietly observing the scene, suddenly piped up, "You know, Bua, witches come when you call their name. Suppose Ashika returns?"

The room fell silent once again, with all eyes on Riddhi. Dolly Bua's face turned pale, and she hastily got up to perform a quick puja, whispering prayers to ward off any evil spirits.

Bhagyashree chuckled and ruffled Riddhi's hair. "Don't worry, beta. Ashika is not a witch, and she's not welcome here. Let's focus on the happiness of the day."

Rajat stepped forward, his voice firm and reassuring. "Riddhi, beta, she can never come between us. Not today, not ever. We're starting a new chapter, and we're leaving the past behind."

Rajat's words were like a balm to the family's frazzled nerves. Dolly Bua nodded, still looking a bit anxious, while Bhagyashree smiled and put a reassuring hand on Rajat's arm.

......

Isha Maa entered Savi's room, a warm smile on her face. Savi sat in front of the mirror, her bridal attire a stunning contrast to her somber expression. Harini was busy setting Savi's makeup, but Isha Maa's eyes were only on her daughter.

"Savi, beta, you look absolutely breathtaking," Isha Maa exclaimed, her eyes shining with tears. "The goddess Lakshmi herself would be envious of your beauty."

Savi's gaze remained fixed on the mirror, her eyes clouded with uncertainty. Isha Maa noticed the doubt and quickly moved to Savi's side.

"Harini, beta, can you give us a minute?" Isha Maa asked, gently shooing Harini away.

As soon as Harini left, Isha Maa began to ward off the evil eye, her hands weaving intricate patterns in the air. "May no black sight fall upon you, my child. May you be protected from all harm."

Next, Isha Maa pulled out a small black thread from her pocket and tied it around Savi's wrist. "This will keep the witches at bay, beta. You are safe now."

Savi looked up, a faint smile on her lips. "Maa, you always know how to make me feel better."

Isha Maa's eyes welled up with tears as she hugged Savi tightly. "My child, I just want you to be happy. And I know that Rajat will make you happy. He's a good man, Savi."

Savi nodded, feeling a sense of reassurance wash over her. Maybe, just maybe, she was making the right decision after all.

Savi stood up, her bridal attire rustling as she enveloped Isha Maa in a warm hug. "Maa, even though I'm getting married, you'll tell me everything that bothers you, okay? Promise me. I'm just next door."

Isha Maa chuckled, her eyes shining with tears. "Same for you, beta. If those Thakkar's hurt you, remember you're just a home away. You can always come back to me."

Savi nodded, feeling a sense of reassurance wash over her. Isha Maa's eyes filled with tears as she kissed Savi's forehead and gently put a black tika behind her ear.

"It's time, beta," Isha Maa said, her voice trembling with emotion. "Let's go to the temple. Your groom is waiting."

Savi took a deep breath, feeling a mix of emotions swirl inside her. She was ready to start this new chapter of her life, but a part of her would always remain connected to Isha Maa and her past.

........

Rajat sat calmly, his eyes cast downward as Panditji applied the sacred tilak to his forehead. The atmosphere was thick with anticipation, the air heavy with the scent of incense and flowers. Thakkar's, Dolly Bua, and Savi's family were all seated, their faces filled with excitement and curiosity.

Just then, Savi entered the mandap, Isha Maa by her side. Rajat's gaze flickered up, his eyes meeting Savi's for a brief moment. He quickly looked down, trying to compose himself, but he couldn't help sneaking another glance. Savi looked stunning, her bridal attire radiant against her glowing skin.

Before Rajat could get caught staring, a tiny ball of energy hurtled towards Savi, throwing her arms around Savi's waist. "Pari Mumma, you're looking so beautiful!" Sai exclaimed, her eyes shining with excitement.

Savi's face lit up with a warm smile as she hugged Sai tightly. "Thank you, baby. You're making me feel like a real-life princess." The room erupted into a chorus of "awwws" and delighted smiles, and Rajat couldn't help but feel his heart swell with affection for his little family.

Tara and Riddhi walked up to Savi, Tara's eyes shining with excitement. "Isha aunty, now Savi is ours. Let us take her to the mandap," Tara said, her voice filled with a sense of ownership and love.

Isha Maa's eyes welled up with tears, a typical gesture of an Indian mother when her daughter gets married. She looked at Savi, her face a mix of happiness and sadness. She knew that Savi was starting a new chapter of her life, and it was time for her to let go.

With a gentle smile, Isha Maa nodded, and Tara and Riddhi took Savi's hands, leading her towards the mandap. As they walked, Isha Maa's eyes followed them, her heart filled with a sense of pride and nostalgia. She knew that Savi was in good hands, and that Rajat's family would love and cherish her just as much as she did.

Panditji's voice echoed through the mandap, chanting ancient shlokas and vows as Rajat and Savi exchanged garlands. The air was thick with the scent of flowers and incense, and the atmosphere was electric with anticipation.

As the rituals progressed, Rajat's hands trembled slightly as he applied the sacred vermilion to Savi's midline, marking her as his wife. Savi's eyes met Rajat's, and for a moment, they just stared at each other, the world around them melting away.

The gathering erupted into cheers and applause as Rajat and Savi were pronounced husband and wife. Isha Maa's eyes overflowed with tears as she hugged Savi tightly, while Rajat's family welcomed Savi with open arms.

As the newlyweds took their first steps together, Sai jumped up and down, squealing with delight. "Pari Mumma, you're married! You're married!" she exclaimed, tugging on Savi's lehenga.

As soon as the wedding rituals were completed, Savi closed her eyes, a faraway look on her face. She was transported back to the day Ishaan had applied vermilion to her maang, his eyes burning with love as he whispered, "We are married now, beautiful wife."

Savi's eyes fluttered open, and she was back in the present, the sounds of celebration and laughter filling the air. That's when she noticed Rajat's phone ringing. He glanced at the screen, his brow furrowing as he saw the unknown number.

Rajat was about to ignore the call, but Savi's voice stopped him. "Might be some important call, Mr. Thakkar. Pick up."

Rajat's eyes met Savi's, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. He hesitated for a moment before answering the call, his voice firm and polite. "Hello?"

Rajat's eyes widened in shock as he listened to the voice on the other end of the line. "I'm sorry, please save me," the voice pleaded, sending a chill down Rajat's spine. He was sure it was Ashika, his ex-wife, the woman who had betrayed him in the worst possible way. The voice he had thought he'd never hear again, the voice that still had the power to evoke a storm of emotions within him.

Rajat's gaze involuntarily shifted to Savi, who was watching him with a curious expression. Her eyes sparkled with concern, but Rajat's face was a mask of shock and confusion. He didn't know how to react, didn't know what to say. All he could do was stand there, frozen in time, as the voice from his past continued to plead for help.

...........

Vote and comment.

Dramatic twist ..... more to come but if you vote and comment lots and lots.