The grand Udaipur palace was bathed in golden light, shimmering under the stars. The scent of fresh roses and jasmine filled the air, while fairy lights draped over the marble pillars, creating an ethereal glow. It was a wedding straight out of a fairytale one that had been in the making for years.

Sidharth and Shehnaaz were finally tying the knot.

Shehnaaz sat in front of an ornate mirror, her reflection barely recognizable. She wore a stunning red and gold lehenga, embroidered with delicate patterns that shimmered with every move. Her hands trembled as she adjusted her chooda, her mehendi darkened fingers tracing the intricate designs.

She took a deep breath and turned to her best friends, Avni and Shreya, who were standing beside her, teary eyed.

Shreya gasped and said dramatically. "Oh my god, tu sach mein dulhan lag rahi hai! Matlab, mujhe ab bhi yakeen nahi ho raha!"

Avni smirked and said "Aur mujhe ab bhi yakeen nahi ho raha ki tu settle hone wali hai."

Shehnaaz rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her blush. "Tum log mujhe aur nervous mat karo!"

Just then, Kushal barged in, covering his eyes dramatically.
"Dulhan ready hai ya abhi bhi mirror selfies le rahi hai?"

Shehnaaz laughed, shaking her head. "Tum log mujhe chhodne aaye ho ya aur nervous karne?"

Kushal grinned. "Bas itna kehne aaya hoon ki tera dulha mandap pe beta hai, aur har minute mujhse pooch raha hai, 'Shehnaaz aa rahi hai na?'"

Her heart skipped a beat. "Sach?"

Avni teased, "Ajeeb hai na? Ek time pe tum dono best friends the, than fake dating kar rahe the aur ab..."

Shehnaaz blushed, looking at her reflection. "Aur ab, sab kuch real hai"

Sidharth sat at the grand mandap, dressed in an ivory sherwani, his deep red stole draped over his shoulder. The flickering flames of the holy fire reflected in his eyes, but his attention was elsewhere.

Neil sitting beside him said "Yaar, relax. Sana bhag nahi rahi!"

Sidharth smirked. "Aaj to wo chah kar bhi late nahi ho sakti."

Just then, Shehnaaz stepped into the wedding hall, and everything else faded away.

Her veil flowed behind her like a dream, and her eyes searched only for one person. The moment their gazes met, the world around them disappeared.

Sidharth whispered to himself, "Shehnaaz."

Shehnaaz reached the mandap, her heart racing as she sat beside him. Their fingers brushed, sending a spark between them.

Sidharth said softly. "Mujhe laga tha ki tujhe kisi aur ka hote dekhna impossible hai... aur aaj tujhe apni patni banate hue lag raha hai ki duniya ki har khushi mil gayi."

Shehnaaz blushed. "Aur mujhe kabhi laga hi nahi tha ki koi mere liye itna perfect hoga, par tu hai, Sidharth."

"Kanya daan ke liye aage aaye." Pandit ji said to her family.

Her father emotionally hold her hand and give it to Sidharth. He gently hold her hand and smile. The sacred saat pheras began, with every step sealing their forever.

In the first phera, Sidharth promised to always protect her.

In the second Shehnaaz vowed to stand by his side through every challenge.

In the third one, They promised to cherish their love forever.

In the forth one, Sidharth swore to be her best friend before being her husband.

In fifth Shehnaaz vowed to always keep their bond strong.

In sixth vowed They promised to always uplift each other.

In the last vowed they promised a love that would last beyond lifetimes.

As they completed the final round, Sidharth filled her maang with sindoor, and a wave of emotions washed over Shehnaaz. He make her wear the nuptial chain.

Sidharth whispering as he tied the mangalsutra around her neck. "Ab officially Mrs. Shukla hai aap."

Shehnaaz met his gaze, tears of happiness spilling from her eyes. "Aur aap officially sirf mere hai."

The moment the priest announced, "Vivah sampann hua," their friends erupted in cheers, throwing flower petals over them as they bowed to take blessings.

The reception was held in the palace courtyard, lit with twinkling fairy lights. The newlyweds sat on an elevated stage, surrounded by their closest friends and family.

Neil said raising a toast "Sidharth aur Shehnaaz ki love story school se shuru hui thi, fake dating tak pahunchi, aur aaj sach much happily ever after ban gayi!"

The crowd laughed as Sidharth pulled Shehnaaz closer.

"Mrs. Shukla, ready ho first dance ke liye?"

Shehnaaz said teasingly, "Agar main mana karu toh."

Sidharth smirked "Toh fake dating ki tarah, main yeh bhi forcefully real bana dunga."

As a soft melody played, Sidharth took her hand and led her to the dance floor. The moment he pulled her into his arms, Shehnaaz felt safe, at home, exactly where she belonged.

They swayed to the music, lost in their world.

Sidharth said softly. "Ab bhi lagta hai yeh sab fake hai?"

"Nahi, Mr. Shukla. Yeh duniya ki sabse real love story hai."

And before she could say anything more, Sidharth cupped her face and kissed her softly, sealing their forever.

The guests erupted in cheers, and their friends whistled, celebrating not just their wedding, but a love that had stood the test of time.

Later that night, as they sat on their balcony, looking at the stars, Shehnaaz rested her head on Sidharth's shoulder.

Shehnaaz whispered. "I love you."

Sidharth kissed her forehead, wrapping an arm around her. "I love you too."

As the stars twinkled above them, they held onto each other because some love stories don't have an end.

They only have forever.

_________________________________

The Shukla Mansion was glowing with fairy lights, fresh flowers, and a warmth that could only come from years of love and togetherness. It was a special day the 25th wedding anniversary of Sidharth and Shehnaaz Shukla.

Their children, Anaya and Ahaan, now all grown up, had planned a grand surprise party for their parents, inviting close friends and family to celebrate the love story that had inspired them all.

Sidharth woke up to find the other side of the bed empty. He rubbed his eyes and stretched. "Shehnaaz?"

Just then, he heard soft humming from the balcony. He walked towards it and found Shehnaaz standing there, a cup of coffee in her hands, gazing at the sunrise over the sea.

Sidharth walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. "Good morning, Mrs. Shukla."

Shehnaaz smiled, leaning into his embrace. "Good morning, Mr. Shukla."

Sidharth kissed her temple. "Aaj 25 saal ho gaye, Shehnaaz. Believe kar sakti ho?"

Shehnaaz sighed happily. "Nahi. Aesa lagta hai jaise kal ki baat ho... jab tune fake dating ka idea diya tha."

Sidharth chuckled. "Aur us fake dating ne mujhe meri zindagi ka sabse bada sach diya tu."

Shehnaaz turned around, looking into his eyes. "Agar dobara pyaar hone ka moka mile, toh bhi sirf tujhse hi karungi, Sidharth."

Sidharth held her face gently. "Aur mujhe sirf tu chahiye, har janam, har baar."

They stood there for a few moments, lost in each other, until suddenly

"SURPRISE!!!"

They turned around to find Anaya and Ahaan standing at the door, grinning.

Anaya, their 24 year old daughter, she is independent fashion designer, held a tray with two anniversary cupcakes. "Happy 25th Anniversary, Mumma Papa!"

Ahaan, their 22 years old son running his own business, handed them a bouquet. "Aap dono ko hamesha aise hi saath dekhna hai. Happy Anniversary!"

Shehnaaz wiped a tear. "Tum dono ko kaise pata chala ki hum balcony mein honge?"

Anaya smirked. "Mumma, 25 saal ho gaye hain aapko ek dusre ko pyaar karte hue. Hume sab pata hai!"

Sidharth laughed. "Toh kya plan hai aaj?"

Ahaan winked. "Woh toh surprise hai, Papa!"

By evening, the Shukla Mansion was buzzing with excitement. Their closest friends and family had gathered to celebrate. The entrance was decorated with a huge collage of Sidharth and Shehnaaz's journey pictures from their wedding, family vacations, and candid moments that captured their love over the years.

As they walked into the beautifully decorated garden, Shehnaaz gasped. "Oh my God, Anaya, Ahaan... yeh sab tumne kiya?"

Anaya beamed. "Of course, Mumma! Aap dono ki love story koi normal kahani thodi hai!"

Ahaan nodded. "Aaj ka din special hona chahiye, bilkul aap dono ki tarah."

Just then, their friends Kushal, Shreya, Avni, and Neil entered, cheering.

Kushal laughed. "Aaj bhi tum dono ek dusre ko waise hi dekh rahe ho jaise school mein dekhte the!"

Shreya teased. "Aur Sidharth, ab bhi Shehnaaz par utna hi marta hai na?"

Sidharth smirked, wrapping an arm around Shehnaaz. "Aur bhi zyada!"

Everyone laughed as the hosts announced the couple's special anniversary video.

Sidharth held out his hand. "Let's watch it like this."

Shehnaaz blushed. "Of course Mr. Shukla"

As they swayed to a soft romantic song, memories of their journey played on a big screen behind them. Their school pictures where Sidharth tease Shehnaaz.

Their first fake date, where Sidharth had pulled Shehnaaz closer to make Varun jealous.

Their first realization of love, when Shehnaaz had felt jealous of other girls around Sidharth.

Their wedding day, where Sidharth had filled her maang with sindoor, whispering, "Ab officially Mrs. Shukla hai tu."

Their first trip with Anaya and Ahaan, running on the beach, playing in the sand.

Shehnaaz's eyes teared up. "Sidharth, hum kitni door aa gaye na?"

Sidharth cupped her face. "Aur yeh safar kabhi khatam nahi hoga, Shehnaaz."

As the song ended, Sidharth pulled her closer and kissed her forehead, sealing their 25 years of love with a promise of forever.

The crowd cheered, and Anaya and Ahaan ran to hug them.

Anaya whispered, "Mumma, Papa, aap dono perfect couple ho."

Ahaan grinned. "Hamesha saath rahna, warna humari love story pe bharosa uth jayega!"

Shehnaaz laughed, pulling her kids into a hug. "Tum dono hi toh humari sabse badi love story ho."

Sidharth nodded. "Aur hamesha rahoge."

As fireworks lit up the night sky, the Shukla family stood together, celebrating not just an anniversary, but a legacy of love that would continue for generations.

________________________________

The grand anniversary celebration had ended, but the night was far from over for Sidharth and Shehnaaz. The guests had left, their kids had gone to bed after teasing them endlessly, and now it was just the two of them.

Hand in hand, they walked down to the private beach near their villa, the soft sand cool beneath their feet. The waves crashed gently against the shore, mirroring the rhythm of their hearts. The moon shone brightly above, casting a silver glow over the endless ocean before them.

Shehnaaz sighed, looking at the waves. "Aaj ki raat sapne jaisi lag rahi hai."

Sidharth smiled, wrapping his arms around her waist from behind. "Agar yeh sapna hai, toh mujhe kabhi uthna nahi hai."

Shehnaaz chuckled, leaning back against his chest. "25 saal, Sidharth... aur phir bhi aisa lagta hai jaise kal ki baat ho."

Sidharth kissed her hair. "Bas itna yaad rakhna... chahe jitne bhi saal guzar jayein, tu meri pehli mohabbat thi... aur aakhri bhi tuhi rahegi."

Shehnaaz turned around, looking into his eyes. "Sidharth, humesha mere saath rahoga na?"

Sidharth cupped her face, his voice soft yet firm. "Forever and always, Shehnaaz."

Just then, Shehnaaz's phone buzzed. She glanced at it and smirked. "Aapke liye ek surprise hai, Mr. Shukla."

She pressed play on her phone, and suddenly, "Forever and Ever and Always" started playing softly in the background.

Ain't it funny how love hits you when you least expect it to
Any time, any place, it can come right out of the blue
I thought it was only made for movie screens
Then you came along and you changed everything

Sidharth grinned. "To yeh tera plan tha?"

Shehnaaz held out her hand. "Ek dance ho jaye, Mr. Shukla? Hamara private dance"

Sidharth took her hand without hesitation. "Of course wify."

Dancing Under the Stars

As the song played, Sidharth pulled Shehnaaz close, their bodies swaying gently with the rhythm. The world around them faded, leaving only the ocean, the stars, and their love.

Just one look into your eyes and I knew
I was gonna spend my life with you

Shehnaaz rested her head on his chest, feeling his heartbeat steady, strong, just like his love for her.

I promise I'm yours
Always and forever
Through the good and the bad
For worse or for better

Sidharth whispered, "Yaad hai, pehli baar jab humne saath dance kiya tha?"

Shehnaaz smiled. "Haan... woh office party... jab varun ko jealous karna tha mujhe"

I wanna be with you for the rest of my days
I promise I'll love you
Forever and ever and always

Sidharth chuckled. "Aur tabhi tujhe realize bhi kiya ki tu mujhe sach mein pasand karti hai."

Shehnaaz playfully smacked his chest. "Us waqt tune mujhe kitna pareshaan kiya tha, Sidharth!"

From this day on I will be everything that you need
Now I won't let anyone or anything come between you and me

Sidharth twirled her around, then pulled her back into his arms. "Par agar woh sab nahi hota, toh shayad aaj hum yahan nahi hote."

Shehnaaz gazed into his eyes, her heart swelling with love. "Main har baar, har janam, sirf tujhse pyaar karna chahungi."

This love we got is deeper than oceans
My heart is yours and you know this
I'll follow you where you're going
'Cause that's where my home is

Sidharth smiled. "Aur main har baar, har janam, sirf tujhse shaadi karna chahunga."

The music slowed, and Sidharth gently cupped Shehnaaz's face, brushing his thumb over her cheek.

Just one look into your eyes and I knew
I was gonna spend my life with you

I promise I'm yours
Always and forever
Through the good and the bad
For worse or for better
I wanna be with you for the rest of my days
I promise I'll love you
Forever and ever and always

Sidharth whispered, "Tu ab bhi utni hi khoobsurat lagti hai, jese jab school me aai thi aur tujhe pehli baar dekha tha."

Shehnaaz blushed. "Aur tu ab bhi utna hi handsome hai, jitne school ke time pe tha."

Sidharth smirked. "Tujhe handsome Sidharth pasand hai na isliye khudh ko handsome bana kar rakhna padhta hai."

Shehnaaz tiptoed, wrapping her arms around his neck. "Mujhe sirf ek Sidharth pasand hai, mera Sidharth."

Hold me close, don't let me go
Hold me close, don't let me go
Hold me close, don't let me go
Hold me close, don't let me

As the final notes of the song played, Sidharth leaned in and softly kissed her lips, sealing their promise of forever.

The waves whispered their secrets to the shore, the moonlight wrapped them in its glow, and in that moment nothing else mattered.

promise I'm yours
Always and forever
Through the good and the bad
For worse or for better
I wanna be with you for the rest of my days
I promise I'll love you
Forever and ever and always

THE END - BUT LOVE STORIES NEVER END AS IT'S MEANT TO BE FOREVER.

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How's the story guyz do comment down your reviews. Thank you for reading ❤️.

punjabi_kudi we did it 🥳. Thank you for being constant (bohot formality ho gai). Still a special thanks to her guyz.