Laxita's POV

I just have to convince him, I thought. Since, I saw a ray of hope, I put my things back and went to sleep. That night I slept well after so long.

The next morning, I got ready and headed towards Vanya's house. It was her haldi ceremony tomorrow so we had a lot to prepare. Also, I had a mission in mind, I had to find Nakul. We were busy for the entire day. I was waiting for him but he didn't arrive that day. I decided that if he doesn't come by tomorrow, then I will go to his house to meet him.

It was her haldi ceremony the next day. All the ladies were dressed in yellow attire so I also draped a yellow saree. Vanya wore a yellow lehenga today and she was looking radiant. She was happy, that's what mattered.

The ceremony started and her mother was the first to apply the haldi (turmeric). She kissed her forehead and her eyes were moist. The rest of the ladies followed her mother. After that, I went to apply the haldi. All the ladies were talking and teasing her which made her giggle. Suddenly, I thought of something and took a handful of haldi and applied on her face. Her face was fully covered now and she was surprised. Everyone started laughing including me.

"You devil!!!" She laughed.

"Tumhara vivah hai, bura mat maano," I giggled.

("It's your wedding, don't be upset")

After that, everyone started enjoying and applying haldi to each other. This is the most fun I've had in years. I saw the back of my head heating up. I turned and saw that Nakul was standing there, staring at me. I have to talk to him today.

The ceremony was done and the bride went to take a bath. I also cleaned myself up. But when I came back, I couldn't find him anywhere. Sneaky jerk.

Two days later, it was her mehedi ceremony. The henna artists were called to apply mehedi (henna) on her hands. The colour code for today's function was green.

The bride sat down and the artists got down to work. I also decided to apply mehedi.

"Mehedi ka rang jitna gehra hota h, pati utna hi pyaar karta h shaadi ke baad," one of the ladies said and everyone started laughing.

("The darker the shade of henna, the more your husband loves you")

"Phir to bahut gehra chadega mehendi ka rang, humare Yuvraj apne hone waali Yuvrani se itna prem jo karte hai", I said which made her blush. Everyone started cheering and more laughs erupted.

("Then the shade of henna would be much darker, as our crown prince loves our would be crown princess very much")

The function was in full bloom when I saw him standing in the corner. This time I am not letting him go.

"I have something urgent to discuss with you," I said as I went to him.

He was just staring at me for a moment then replied, "What is it?"

"Laxita dear, can you please come here for a moment?" Vanya's mother called me.

"I have to go now but we will discuss this later," I said and went back to her mother to help her.

The next morning, we had to go to the palace to get the bride's lehenga from the groom. It was a tradition that the groom's family gifted the wedding dress to the bride. So, I went to the palace with her father and brother to fetch her lehenga. I thought that I would meet Yash too since I am in the palace and see his excitement. An attendee informed us that he was in the guest room.

He smiled as soon as he saw me and said, "Why are you from the bride's side and not mine? Am I not your friend?" He's being dramatic.

"Shama chahte hain Yuvraj par hum vadhu paksh se hai," I replied.

"Kya koi tareeka hai jisse aap var paksh mai aa jaaye?" He pouted.

"Ji nahi."

("I'm sorry crown prince but I'm from the bride's side"

"Is there any way that you would join the groom's side?

"No")

"You have Nakul on your side..."

"His presence is as noticeable as a statue. And also, he's sort of busy as the army commander. The borders near Varshapura are experiencing suspicious activity for the past few weeks. He's keeping a close eye on the situation."

I nodded because I can understand. Keshavi also couldn't attend the wedding because of the same issue.

He smiled and said, "How are you? It has been so long since we last met each other."

"I'm doing well. Much better actually. And I am so happy for you two. Congratulations friend, on getting married to the love of your life"

"Thank you," he replied timidly. Look at this! He's shy. Their relationship is adorable.

Both of us talked for a bit and then I left the palace. There was still so much to do and all of us were really busy. The lehenga which Yash chose for Vanya was so beautiful. It was red in colour and was heavily embroidered. I wonder if I will get to wear a beautiful dress for my wedding. But, today also, I couldn't find Nakul. Where is he when I need him!!!

After a really busy day, the wedding day finally came. The bride's house was already buzzing with excitement since morning. There was chaos everywhere. I took lunch to Vanya's room because I knew she that wouldn't have eaten today. I knocked and entered her room.

"Laxu, I am really nervous. I am happy but I am sad at the same time. I don't know why I am having such whirlwind of emotions."

"First of all, calm down. You are just getting jittery before wedding. And from what I've heard, it is pretty normal. You'll be fine. Now, eat something. After that, you have to start getting ready." She nodded and finally had her first meal of the day. I also went back home to get ready.

It was evening and I also had gotten ready. I donned on a royal purple lehenga with some jewellery. I applied kohl to my eyes and a red colour to my lips. I left my hair open today and now I was ready.

It was already evening when I reached her home. The bride would be ready by now so I went to check. And, Oh my gosh! She's looking so beautiful. I'm sure Yash won't be able to take his eyes off her.

She was almost done getting ready and when she saw me, she smiled.

"Kaisi lagg rahi hu?"

"Bahut sundar."

("How am I looking?"

"Very pretty")

She blushed and then we heard some noise outside which indicated that the groom has arrived. I placed the veil on her head and she was ready. The mandap for the marriage was setup in Vanya's courtyard itself.

"Dear bride, I think we should go."

She nodded and then we headed towards the mandap. Yash was already sitting there and when he saw her...his reaction was priceless. I was so happy that my best friend was marrying the right man. I helped her to sit down near him and the pandit (priest) started chanting mantras.

I was watching with moist eyes when they took 7 pheras (rounds) around the holy fire and he filled the partition of her hair with vermillion. They were pronounced as husband and wife. Everyone clapped and the newly wedded couple got up to get everyone's blessings.

I spotted Nakul standing in the corner. I went towards him as I had to talk to him today.

"There is something really urgent which I need to discuss with you."

"You couldn't finish it last time. What is it?"

"I want you to get married to me."

"What?"

"I want you to get married to me," I said emphasizing each word. "It is because I really need to be married if I have to save my father's business. My uncle is currently the acting head until I am unmarried. So if I get married to you, I will become the family head as I am the legitimate heir."

"So let me get this straight. You want to get married to me to inherit your father's business?"

"Yes. That is correct. And right now I am really desperate so I would appreciate it if you could help me-"

"Commander!!!" A soldier interrupted us.

"What happened?" He asked

"Commander, a message has arrived stating that an emergency has erupted at the borders and Varshapura is requesting assistance immediately."

"Relay the message to them that we are coming."

"Yes commander."

The soldier left and Nakul went ahead to inform Yash. Yash nodded and said something to him. After that, he left the place and didn't even look back at me once. I wonder if he listened to me properly. But if the situation is this dire, I have to wait until he comes back....That is what I thought, but I never knew about the incident which took place in my life as soon as he left which forced me to take desperate measures...
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Hello lovelies😄

The next few chapters are going to be a turning point in the story. So stay tuned. And keep reading, voting and commenting to support me🤍