"I kissed her forehead and said, " I love you more. Be ready to be Mrs. Mrithun my love so that I can have you to myself and only me!" I whispered making her blush and hid her face in my chest making me laugh. We both held each other with happiness and in each and everyone's face filled with smile as the night begins to fall for the beautiful day to rise for us. For our new beginning!"

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Wow...That was really tiring and memorable event. After dancing for god knows how much time, Finally, mom dragged me from the dance floor to take some rest. Unbelievable, Those two did a great job. My heart feels like it overflowing with joy!

I mean, who doesn't if they are getting married to THE ONE! Soulmate! never thought I would find him. Now, I'm in my room after changing my dress into a comfortable t-shirt and shorts. My sister's were passed out on my bed and makeshift bed leaving me as small space as they can for a good night sleep. 

So much for having a room for myself. I was admiring my mehandi which was still not washed off and I heard my room's door open and in comes my dad with a small cup in his hand. 

" Kanna? Are not sleepy?" He asked clearly surprised because its already 1 A.M in the morning and I have to wake up soon to get ready for the rest of the rituals.

" No appa. Can't sleep but I'm hell tired and my legs are paining!" I complained like I used to when I  was little kid. 

He chuckled and kept the cup aside and gently pressed my foot. 

" No, dad! Don't! I'm okay." I tried to reason with him but he was not having anything. He was careful not to press hard so that my designs doesn't fall out.

" You will always be my little girl. No matter what age you are, I will always be there for you my child. You know the day your mom said that she was pregnant with you, I had a huge smile on my face cause you were that reason behind my smile and it didn't fall out of my face for a solid one week and all my colleagues were shocked with my behavior." Dad said and chuckled lightly remembering his memories.

" I placed my hand on your mom's stomach and  felt your heartbeat and you know that's what had me grinning the whole time. I would always talk with you everyday and I knew you are my baby girl. I wanted to raise a bold, loveable and honest girl who can stand on their own feet and be brave in every situation that the life propose to you and I'm so proud that I got to raise 4 lovely and beautiful girls in my life." He continued to pour all his feelings.

My dad is always fun and strict at the same time and raised us to face everything. I'm really glad to have the best father that a daughter could ever ask for with that my eyes blurred and few drops escaped from my eyes. Does every Bride gets this emotional?

" My baby! Don't cry" he patted my head and I smiled at him. Then he grabbed the cup and cotton swab.

"Come on show me your hand, Let me apply this lemon and sugar mixture as I do always when ever you kids got mehandi on your hands" Dad said and happily gave them and he started to apply them while we were talking about nothing in particular. 

" Alright, that's done come on. Get some sleep, You have to get up early and I know my baby will through tantrum even if its her wedding day." Dad teased me.

" Appaaa....! That's not fair. I do wake up early!" I huffed and pouted at him. He just shook his and was smiling at me.

" Dad can I sleep on you lap for sometime?" I asked him. He gave me a warm smile and asked me to sleep. Then covered me in a soft blanket and stroked my hair like he used to do as always. My eyes got heavy and closed on its own. I heard someone enter the room and stopped beside me.

I felt a kiss on my forehead and bangles clinging sound. I knew it's my mom and smiled a little knowing I'm in the warmth of my parents. 

" Ji...Come on let's get some sleep." Mom said to dad.

" No, Dear. My daughter is sleeping. Let her sleep on my lap. Who knows when I will get the chance to let her sleep on my lap again. From tomorrow I won't be the only hero and protector for her. Let me be peaceful for this night with my daughter." I barely heard what dad said to mom. 

With that I fell into a deep sleep, dreaming about my new life and experience with my man of my life. Whatever I have a strong family beside me.

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Next day....

" Please, Kanna! wakeup! You are getting married today and you are still sleeping." I hear someone say and shaking me from my sleep. 

" Mmm...please 10 more mins amma...! I will wakeup for sure. Promise!" I mumbled and fell asleep. But the clearly not having and sprinkled water on my face.

" What in the actual hell...!" I woke up with groan and whined at who were did this. I'm hell tired and I just want to sleep.

" No... Not a chance its already 5:45 A.M. and you have to be ready for the last haldi before the actual ritual starts. Come on you grandma called you. Wake up kanna!" My mom made me aware of today.

I looked around and all my sister's are already up and getting done with their make up and other accessories. I rubbed my eyes to blink way the beauty sleep and let out a huge yawn.

" Finally! The bride woke up. You know its your marriage right?" Shruthi teased me while she was wearing her bangles. I looked at her made a funny face. 

With that I went to the bathroom to take a bath. Mean while mom and placed a white saree on the bed. Luckily everyone was out of my room and had them for my own. I quickly dried my body knowing fully well that I had to take another shower after that ritual.

I quickly wrapped the saree and wore few bangles, a gold chain and kajal. I didn't wear any makeup and by then My sister's came and dragged me out of the room. They were making fun of me and reached the place. 

I hung head down to hide my blush and I'm feeling so shy all of a sudden. I could feel a strong gaze on me and it spread tingles all my body. Which didn't help me at all. Damn Mrithun!

" Wow... Anni You are fashionably late for your own haldi!" Tarun teased me whiich earned a tight slap from my father-in-law. He was making baby faces who just denied his favorite toy. I giggled at that but didn't raise my eyes to meet one person whom I'm dying to see but not having the courage too.

My sister made me sit beside Mrithun, who was already in a white shirt and vesti.( Traditional South Indian dress for Men.) I could feel the proximity between us. No words were exchanged between us for few minutes while the elders are setting the things for haldi.

" My Bride  looks so beautiful with the natural blush on her face." I heard Mrithun whispered near my ears increasing my blood flow and resulted in more redness. I heard his deep  chuckle but not once did I raised my face to meet his eyes.

" Mrithun you can stare at her all you want later, For now look at us while we apply this turmeric on your face." Madhu said to him while she was eating few chocolates. She was wearing a gorgeous pink silk saree with matching gold ornaments looking like a adorable little girl. I gave her a broad smile and she winked at me making me look down.

I think the floor looks more interesting today. God! Please help me. The elders started applying the turmeric paste and blessed both of us on having all the happiness, wealth and Health.

Our faces again covered with Haldi and the cameramen took few pictures and But then asked me to look up once. As soon as he gave signal that he is done Aunt and Mom guided me to my room and asked me to take a quick bath as there is no time for wasting time.

The beautician were already in my room. With that I took the bath and applied my body Lotion. Then I wore my Inner garments and In skirt and made my way out. They took out the saree which was given by my family and started to drape the saree. Then the started with my make up, boy it took around 2 hours for me to get ready. 

It was 7:30 A.M and the auspicious time was 8:30. Thank god! I still have enough time. I think Mrithun would have completed his ritual and Now it will be my turn. Few relatives came to my room and took me out towards the mandap which was fabulous by the way. It looks so beautiful and the arrangements were totally out done.

I was asked by the priest to sit down and do some ritual. After that, My parents were called and I washed my parents foot with milk and worshipped them as this ritual means my parents are equal to God and seeking blessing for a happy life. Once I was done with the puja my In-laws gave me the 'muhurtham pattu' ( Wedding Saree) and asked me to change the dress.

Then after changing the saree, I was finally done with my bridal look. I took some time looking myself at the mirror. I was true looking so beautiful and can't believe the person in the mirror is me. Then my Mom came inside the room, I was ready for the new beginning.

" My baby is no more a baby. My once dream looking at the happy bride came true." She said and kissed my forehead and hugged me. Few tears were flowing out and she quickly wiped away. Then my whole girls gang came in along with my sister.

They all looked stunned that is me and complimented on my attire. I was given a garland to wear around my neck. There you go I'm a complete bride. 

" I'm damn sure jiju will be clean bowled for you if he is already not!" Nisha teased me and others followed by making shy away from them. With enough teasing and pulling my leg we took some pictures both by the cameraman and the monkey's around me. Mom said it's time to bring to the mandap once again. 

I walked slowly while my sister's and bestie's danced to the song. While me all the time looking down with shy smile and face full of blush. The guest were all lookin at the scene going on before them and had happy smile.

https://youtu.be/tYSrY4iPX6w

Once I was near the stage for the first time I looked straight and my eyes found the one which I was badly aching for and there goes my world stopped spinning just for a second and just for me! Us!

I felt complete looking at him and smiled brightly which he returned the favour. I was about to climb the mandap but then Mrithun stood up and gave his hand for me. This made our cousin's and friends hooting and cheering for us. 

" I'm out of words and out of breath like a fish out of water. Damn! you are doing something to me Shristi!" He whispered to me effectively making me blush at his words.

Then we both sat side by side, stealing glances at each other from time to time while we were repeating the words said by the priest and doing the rituals. While the final prayer was over, he gave the plate filled with turmeric mixed rice and flowers with coconut in the middle and mangalyan on top. The plate was taken by my aunt to distribute to the guest to throw these raw rice on us as blessings.

My heart beat was out of control and so was Mrithun's. 

"Nervous?" Mrithun asked me.

" Hell lot off!" I exclaimed which made him chuckle at me.

" My beautiful bride, my nervousness is all over and its all because of you, but baby believe me I mean it in a good way." he said and took my hands in his and continued, 

" We are in this together, Always." And I squeezed his hands in return and turned to look at him and whispered, 

"Always" and we both grinned like a school kids.

Then my aunt gave the plate to  pandit ji. He took the scarred yellow thread with gold mangalyam and showed it to the crowd and then gave the Thali to Mrithun. 

This was the moment I was waiting for and here it is in front of my eyes. I looked at Mrithun with full hopes and joy while his eyes looking at me with an pure intensity that made me feel secure and safe. I expressed my love and affection to him and a silent promise we would stand at the each others side at any situation. 

As soon as the pandit ji said Getti mellam.... Getti mellam....! 

The beautiful sound of Nadaswaram was heard and Mrithun's hand goes around me and ties the scarred thread around my neck all the while our eyes held each others promise and happiness was evident in each other eyes.

With that he tied the knot around me making me officially his, Wife of Mr. Mrithun and him as Husband of Mrs. Shristi. And we both whispered at the same time making the moment complete..

" I LOVE YOU !" with that opens our new chapter with deeper meaning who can not understand except us.

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Authors note

Hi guys, It's been a very long time since I had updated last chapter. Got caught up with my college stuffs and couldn't write...

Here is where they finally tied the knot. Stay tuned for more chapters.

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Stay safe and healthy

#loveyourself

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