"Sorry," Vansh spoke, catching Ahana's attention. They were seated on the royal chairs placed next to each other. Families of their relatives were coming one by one to click photos with them.

Ahana's Maasi and her family stood behind them. With the cameraman's command of 'cheese', Ahana pulled out a wide smile followed by the flashes. She couldn't believe she had to keep up with this facade for the next hour or so. Vansh apparently felt the same. Ahana turned to Vansh once they exited the stage. "Why?"

"I'm trying to find an appropriate adjective to define your beauty but I can't. I don't think a mere word can fill what I feel by looking at you right now." Vansh ended the sentence by looking directly at her.

"If this is your way of complimenting me, then I must say it's damn well working." Ahana averted her eyes, a small blush creeping up her rosy cheeks. It was surprising how he could still cause her to feel butterflies in her stomach. "You aren't the only one. This might sound cheesy as hell but you are the best version of Vansh I have seen till now... my handsome prince."

The grin he shot her in return seemed brighter than all the flashlights together. "Fuck, the urge to kiss you is getting stronger than ever."

Ahana shot a tight lipped smile to the next family of relatives stepping in. She glared at Vansh, "Don't, just don't. We have already explored enough PDA during our bachelor's party. Do you remember how some of our friends started leaving when they thought we were about to do it in front of them? Imagine how would the adults react."

"This sucks," Vansh whined. "How I wish the pandit would say 'you may kiss the bride' at the end of Saptapadi?"

Ahana was about to open her mouth but stopped as Vansh Chachi's family walked over their side. The adults got in their usual position while their children sat on Vansh and Ahana's lap. The cameramen said cheese and Ahana took that moment to whisper in Vansh's ear. "Let's upgrade that tradition then."

And clicked the picture with Ahana kissing the corner of Vansh's lips, shocking the cameraman. Vansh's eyes continued to remain wide seconds after the photo was shot.

The photo session went on for another torturous hour and half. In order to survive from the catastrophe of boredom, Vansh and Ahana either involved in small conversations or played guessing games. When the relatives and collegues from both sides were done with photos, it was their friend's turn.

Ahana's bro- friends were the first to enter the stage. She noticed how Vansh posture became rigid, making her slightly cautious as well. It had nothing to do with them but a particular person amongst them. She hoped things wouldn't be too weird between Vansh and Piyush.

"Are you breathing in there?" Aman asked, waving a hand before Ahana while she scowled.

"Pretty sure she won't speak if she died then." Xander defended.

"It's not my fault that you don't believe in ghosts. I do, and by the killer looks she's throwing at us, I'm sure she's the one from the afterworld."

"But that's her usual face. What are you talking about?" Vishal answered, deadpanned.

"So we were befriending a ghost all this time?" Piyush covered his hand over his mouth, in a ladylike manner.

Ahana bursted out laughing, pausing them from their mindless joking. It was the first time she laughed since the photo session. She took a moment to stare at the four boys she had known since high school. It was like a short film going on her head- their jokes, their barbaric laughs, their protectiveness and their caring sides. Ahana didn't have real brothers but these four were the closest thing to a brother she could ever have (with the small exception of Piyush). Even Vansh could feel the sudden heaviness in the atmosphere as the boys stared at her. It almost felt like a parent looking down at their child, wondering how big she had grown.

"It's not vidaai yet, princess," Vishal broke the silence. His tall frame leaned towards Ahana to wipe a small tear off her eye.

Hearing him call 'princess' hurt Ahana even more. Before her face got ruined by her tear, Xander offered his handkerchief. She quickly wiped it off, mumbling a small 'thank you' and sniffed. "I'll miss you all."

"Oh, don't be so dramatic. We'll still be in the same city." Xander said, patting her head.

"Only you and Vishal. Piyush is still residing in Bangalore while Aman is flying off to the other side of the globe." Ahana complained, shooting daggers at Aman.

"You're still on about that," Aman frowned but when she continued to scowl at him, he gave up. When Aman turned to face her again, he wore an expression she rarely saw. A serious one. "You know how much I wanted this job opportunity, just like you wanted yours. I can't help if my dreams separates me from all of you people. Dreams are selfish. You can only chase them alone."

"I know, I know..."

"Distance is inevitable, Ahana. Whether it's with your parents or friends. That's just how life is. But remember-" Vishal paused, sitting partially on the armrest of Ahana's chair. "Distance separates people physically. It doesn't end the relationship. No matter how far we go, we'll never lose contact with you. We'll still be your rock, just like you have been ours."

"You mean her street dogs?" Piyush corrected Vishal but Xander shut him up.

"I agree with Vish. You're not getting rid of us that easily. I'll visit India from time to time. Just make sure to drop your ass when I do." Aman added, smiling.

"That's enough, you four. Your heartfelt speech has my soon-to-be wife in distress. You should have saved that up for later." Vansh decided to interrupt and placed a comforting hand on Ahana's back.

"It's okay, I'm okay." Ahana assured Vansh and others after wiping her tears again. She felt a bit embarrassed crying in the middle of the photoshoot but she couldn't help it. Her eyes crinkled as she raised her head to them and said something she never said before.

"I love you guys."

Any day before this, Ahana would have cringed, but not today. The boys smiled back emotionally. It didn't last for long though.

"You should have said so earlier on. I'd have accepted you with open arms." Piyush joked, making everyone laugh except Vansh.

"Pretty sure that didn't happen." Vansh grumbled, crossing his arms.

"Yes, it didn't, so make sure you keep her happy, kiddo. Built up your stack of pranks to keep her at bay."

"Sure..." Vansh said, not knowing whether to laugh or be offended by his statement.

Ahana was relieved seeing Piyush in his usual chill avatar, rather than the unpredictable, awkward one. Even more grateful that he attended the wedding when she didn't think he would. He had changed quite a bit since he started living in Bangalore. He didn't seem to be affected by her presence anymore. Maybe he found someone. Maybe he didn't. Ahana simply hoped Piyush would find true love, just like her. He deserved it.

After shooting multiple shots, the four boys exited to let their mutual college group shoot in next. Ahana could see the same amount of nostalgia in Vansh's eyes as he shot a photo with Dhruv and Pragya. They had been with him longer than others. The family that followed right after took Vansh by surprise. It was Ankit's father and daughter.

"Ankit, I wish..." Vansh tried to tumble out the words out of his mouth after they were gone. He raised his head above. "I wish you were here, bro. You would have made my wedding thrice as more exciting."

Ahana reached out for his hand on his lap, holding it firmly as he blinked rapidly. Almost two months before their wedding, Vansh and Ahana went to Chandigarh. Vansh finally took the plunge to visit Ankit's home where his family still stayed. He introduced his fiancee. After chatting around a bit, Vansh took Ahana to the place where Ankit's remenants were buried. Ahana recalled how Vansh introduced Ahana to Ankit as if he was a real person and talked about them for hours. In the end, Vansh hoped Ankit would give his blessings. He couldn't tell whether Ankit was watching over them or if he existed but he remembered how sunny it was, that day. Just like him.

.

"Remember Dinesh, how we talked about meeting each other again all those years ago?" Mister Baweja asked Mister Mishra cheerfully. Vansh and Ahana's family were the last to gather for the shoot.

"You mean the time when we encountered each other in Toronto. Yes, I remember that vividly." Mister Mishra replied, nostalgically. "I didn't think we would reach this far along though."

"Why so?"

"I guess I underestimated a few things," Mr Mishra replied, stealing a glance at Vansh. He returned his gaze to Mr Baweja, smiling, "I'm glad I was proved wrong."

"Well, I'm glad our kids stuck through."

Their respective mothers were engrossed in a small conversation of their own at the same time. "I'm grateful for all that you two have done. Thank you."

"Please, Neelu, we don't need to be so formal. We understand. Besides Manjit and I have been living in the same city for too long. A change of place would be welcoming. In the end, we would all be living closer to each other."

"Yes. I'm looking forward to it. I'll help you with the shifting when you come."

"Can we not talk about shifting during this auspicious occasion? Just thinking about it makes my head roll," Mr Baweja interrupted. Mrs Baweja corrected him in Punjabi since 'head roll' wasn't possible and they all shared a laugh. Vansh and Ahana's faces were brimming with happiness as they watched their parents interact.

Ahana then recalled what their mothers were talking about. She was glad of her decision. When Vansh and her started talking about the living arrangements, Vansh expressed his desire to shift back to Chandigarh after marriage. Ahana had no problem living with the Bawejas but she worried about her parents who would be left with no child to take care after her. She confronted Vansh about it afterwards. A bit of serious back and forth ideas later, they came up with a mutual agreement. Ahana would be living with Vansh's family as planned earlier but she wouldn't have to move to Chandigarh. Instead it would be Vansh's family shifting to Delhi. This way Ahana wouldn't have to worry about being far away from her parents while Vansh would also get his wish fulfilled. Vansh's parents were surprisingly okay about it. As of now, Vansh's parents were looking for a buyer for their house. They would use that money to find a spacious flat at the outskirts of Delhi. Until that happened, Ahana would continue to live in Vansh's rented apartment while Piyush who was living with Vansh earlier will move out. It was a plan well made.

"Didi!" Siddharth called, his voice mildly deep. At the age of twenty one, Siddharth resembled a slightly younger version of Vansh. The only thing that made it different were their hairs. While Vansh sported short spiky hair, Siddharth's hair was longer and curly. "Did my good-for-nothing brother take you to a motorbike ride yet?"

"Unfortunately, no."

Sid's brows furrowed as he looked at his brother in utter disapproval. "Why are you marrying him again?"

"Oi, stop roasting me in my own bloody wedding. Isn't it enough that I'm taking her to Greece for honeymoon? What else can a woman ask for?"

Ahana scowled at Vansh before turning to Sid, "No worries, Siddy boy. I'm hoping you would be a good brother- in- law to me and drill some romance into your brother's dumb head."

"It would be my pleasure," Sid answered with a smug while Vansh huffed in annoyance.

* * *

Everything was going smoothly according to Dhruv. His stomach was full like many others. The dinner was grand. Even the plates they ate in were made of bronze. The bride and the groom took a short break as the mandap was being set up. It was almost three in the morning.

"We need to talk," Vansh announced, wrapping his arms from behind.

"Sure, wai- What?!" He hollered, seeing Vansh with a suspicious drink on his hand. "What the fuck are you drinking?!"

"Chillax man, it's just whiskey." Vansh said smiling a little too widely.

"Just whiskey?" Dhruv repeated negatively. He grabbed his shoulders to shake him. "On any other day, I'd have encouraged you to a dead match of shots but it's your goddamn wedding tonight. Be serious."

"I'm very serious," Vansh replied in a haze, placing a fist over his chest. His gaze fell on Irfan holding a cup of sweet and a cold drink (probably his fifth one now). Other friends followed suit. Pragya came along, forcing a glass of lemon water in his mouth to turn him sober. After chugging off the drink, Vansh announced, "Great, the whole party is here. Listen, I have something important to talk about but it's classified. It shouldn't go out of this room. Understand?"

Dhruv seemed to recall those words before. His face fell at the realization. "Don't tell me you're..."

"You remembered, Dhuuvi," Vansh laughing loudly, patting his back. "Yes, you thought right. Ahana and I are going to elope from here."

"It has been my- sorry, our dream to perform the scandalous act of eloping since we were little. Eloping in the middle would have disrupted the holy rituals so we were kind enough to do it afterwards." Ahana spoke merrily, standing amongst her friends in a different room. A million thoughts were running inside the minds of their close friends, one being that of regret. Their regret of coming into their wedding, hoping everything would be normal.

But that was the the thing. Normal was never their thing.

"Here's the plan, dosto (friends)..." Ahana told them in a sing- sang voice, making Lisa and Nisha wonder if she was drunk.

Everything proceeded according to plan. Vansh and Ahana sat besides the fire for Saptapadi. They remained there till the very end of the ritual. 'We aren't breaking any rules. We just sped up the melodramatic process of vidaai.' Were Ahana words of defence when Pragya argued about it. Ahana came to hug her teary parents near the end of the ceremony, not being aware that she was actually bidding them goodbye. Then she excused herself to the washroom. As well as Vansh.

* * *

"Why am I not that surprised, Neelu?"

Mrs Mishra (Neelu) stood next to him, giving his hand a brief squeeze. They were standing outside the wedding venue, watching the empty road. "That girl has been surprising us for the last twenty-seven years that nothing surprises us anymore."

Mr Mishra sighed. A kind that signified nostalgia, sadness, content- everything at once. "I wonder where she inherited that craziness from. I don't remember being like her in my younger days. We really gave her off to another devil, didn't we?"

"True but don't forget how crazy you were in your younger days, Dinesh. You were the same man who cleverly scared us hostel girls in the middle of the night and picked one of them, asking her out. In Bollywood style." She raised a brow at him.

Mister Mishra smirked at the memory, "I also remember that girl slapping my face in panic before running away."

"Interesting." Mister Baweja chipped in, coming along with his wife. "My apologies, Dinesh. You can call off the wedding if you want to. Our notorious son is upto no good."

"Maybe we should," Mister Mishra replied before they all bursted out laughing. They glanced over the road once again, looking out for a certain wedding car. There was none.

"We should get going. We have confused guests to attend to." Mrs Baweja finally said, sighing. They all agreed and got going.

~

Somewhere beyond ten miles from the wedding venue, Vansh and Ahana sat on the backseat of the wedding car, singing 'just married' songs to the morning air. Poor Dhruv was driving the car, his ears crying from their voices. Sitting next to him was Pragya, suffering as well. Behind them, two more cars followed suit. Their suffering didn't last long as the night caught onto Vansh and Ahana, and they fell asleep much to everyone's relief Thus, their friends drove to Vansh's apartment.

Vansh had another surprise waiting that was unknown to Ahana. A church wedding. It was what Ahana dreamed of. The surprise wasn't the church wedding altogether but the timing of it. Ahana had been told they would do it after some days but that was a purposeful lie. Instead they would get married again today, in the morning itself. Vansh had already gotten everything ready beforehand.

Ahana was touched by Vansh's surprise. She tried to convince him she was, but she was too tired to move another muscle, forget another wedding. Her fatigue caught upto her in full force as a result of the heavy wedding dress, jewelry, the dancing and various rituals that she had been a part of since the previous evening. Vansh had been foolish to think she could pull another couple of hours after this. She didn't waste time undoing her hair, jewelry and dress. The moment her body touched the soft mattress, she fell asleep.

Vansh didn't argue. Deep down, he was relieved because Ahana wasn't the only one tired out of her wits. Sitting on the horse for hours with noise of drums banging in your ears would do that to you. Somehow in his half zombie state, he managed to call the priest to postpone the wedding in the afternoon. He informed his friends the same before moving on to sleep next to Ahana.

And now they were finally back to the present.

It was three in the afternoon now. Their friends were in the church watching Vansh and Ahana standing next to each other while the priest chanted their vows. Dhruv asked Chad whether there were couples who would marry twice, almost on the same day. Lisa mentioned how couples of different religions would celebrate this way but that wasn't the case with Vansh and Ahana. Their parents were eventually informed about the Christian wedding but they were too tired to give into their children's whimsical demands. They gave their blessings, straight out telling them to do whatever they wanted.

"Vansh Baweja, do you take Ahana Mishra for your lawful wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?

"I do." Vansh answered, taking his wife's hand, looking deeply into her eyes.

"Ahana Mishra, do you take Vansh Baweja as your lawful husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish until death do you part?"

"I do," Ahana answered, just as emotionally.

The rings were thus exchanged followed by a collective half- hearted cheers from their friends. The priest closed the holy book he was holding and gave his blessings to the couple. "Go now in peace and live in love, sharing the most precious gifts you have- the gifts of your lives united. I now pronounce you husband and wife."

Vansh and Ahana thanked the priest without deterring their gazes away from each other. They waited and waited, until they were forced to whip their heads to the priest.

"Um, honorable Priest, I think you forgot to say the finish line," Vansh reminded him kindly, then muttered under his breath, "The one I was looking forward to the most"

"No, child. I said everything I was supposed to."

Mark Adam approached the priest and whispered something in his ear to which the priest shook his head in disapproval, "My apologies, young children, but this church hasn't witnessed such acts here."

"Please, Father. This occasion isn't something that happens everyday. It's a memory that will mark our beginning and will carry on throughout our lives. Please do this for us." Ahana pleaded, shooting a puppy eyed look.

The Priest seemed strained, finding hard to ignore a request from a beautiful bride in white. He finally looked below, sighing to himself.

"You may now kiss the bride."

It was the loudest cheer that the priest heard today, followed by the brightest smile on the couple's faces. Vansh's arm snaked its way to Ahana's waist, nearly sweeping her off her feet while Ahana's hands flew behind Vansh's neck. Their heads collided to one swoon-worthy kiss that ended their journey as a bachelor couple and started another, as a married one.

🛫 🛫 🛫 🛫 🛫

Four days later, Vansh and Ahana flew off to Toronto, Canada, to hold a reception party. They had people there, whose friendships were nearly fading due to the busy lives, but never completely out of their lives. They remained in contact, through occasional chats and posts.

Some of those people were their beloved African friends- Fred and George.

Ahana almost had tears in her eyes when she watched her two favourite African friends entering the reception hall in their suits. Vansh too, was emotional, though he tried not to show it. It had been five years since they last met face to face.

"Ye, if it isn't my favourite couple from college," Fred greeted, enclosing them under an arm each in a tight embrace.

"But you weren't even studying in their college, dude," George followed after Fred. George then took turns to hug Vansh and Ahana, almost lifting them off the ground as he did so. "Watching you two is like reading a romantic novel with a happy ending."

"Happy beginning, not ending," Ahana corrected him and grinned. "So how's your food business going?"

They caught up with their lives for a while, until another familiar face appeared that lit up their faces. More like Vansh's.

"Jake, my man." Vansh called, without feeling repelled this time.

"Vansh," Jake greeted back, his blue eyes twinkling. They stepped forward in a brotherly embrace. He then hugged Ahana and congratulated them.

As Ahana and Vansh settled down to catch up with Jake, Vansh couldn't help but laugh. He felt nostalgic seeing him now. He recalled how he used to avoid Jake's hideous affections during the first year of his college. It seemed hilarious now. He was actually grateful for those memories. While talking about various things, Jake mentioned his two year relationship with a man he met in California. Vansh was happy for him.

"Please, Jakey Jake," Ahana pleaded. "Call him by that cute nickname please. I want to hear it from you."

"Don't force him, An."

"It's okay, I'll say it." Jake averted his eyes elsewhere as if he was still hesitating. It made him look like a schoolboy who was guilty of something. Jake quickly locked eyes with Vansh, making him conscious, "By the way, I wanted to say this ever since I entered this room-You look totally smashing, Vanshi."

"Um... well... thanks." Vansh's expression was that of shock, discomfort and embarrassment all blended into one, while Jake and Ahana chortled, clearly getting entertained by his reaction.

The back and forth teasing went on for a while. The rest of the party went on full swing with Ahana's college friends showing up, especially the ones from the dance club. They performed a dance together for the sake of old times.

Vansh watched his beloved wife dance with Velocity, bringing life to the party. He swiveled his gaze around the room, taking a look at everyone's faces. They all looked sort of different now. When he looked at Fred and George, he recalled the crazy, drunkard night years ago, where he met them and the large gang they had. Now they were just a bunch of adults, handling a restaurant now. They transformed from being reckless, to being responsible in a couple of years. In the coming years, they would become more responsible, bearing their own families and careers. It was almost depressing.

* * *

"Cold feet?" Ahana voiced out when she noticed Vansh by himself for a while. Vansh smiled, still surprised at how well she could read him. They were at the Toronto airport, waiting for their flight to board.

Their honeymoon flight to Greece.

"Just contemplating on life and how quickly it goes on. It's scary," he said, quietly while looking at the runaway through the large glass windows.

"Would you rather stayed in college forever?" Ahana asked. "Without ever getting your dream job. Without ever getting married. It would have been cool for a while, but eventually you'd crave for a change. That's how humans are, that's how life is. It's far from perfect, but guess, we gotta make the most of it... starting right now."

She fished out a tourist book from her handbag. She could have referred to the tourist websites but she didn't want to. They looked for different places on the book and circled the ones where they liked to go. Vansh's gloomy mood was eventually replaced with that of excitement.

"Thank you, dear wifey. I'm all pumped up for our trip now." He expressed his gratitude while hugging her.

"You're welcome, dear husband. I understand how you feel 'cause I've been in your place. It doesn't matter anymore. I have you and you have me." she said, burying her head to his chest, smiling blissfully.

Vansh kissed her temple, feeling luckier than ever. Just then, the digital voice from the speaker announced the flight number that had boarded. It was theirs.

Vansh extended his arm,"Ready to spend a crazy- ass honeymoon with me?"

Ahana readily slipped her arm under his. "Always."

After all, their journey was far from over.

--- THE END ---

A u t h o r s N o t e

*Applies brakes*

Noootttt yeeett!!

Sorry, I mean the story is over but before you close this book forever, I want to inform you about a small bonus chapter next. It's not long since it's just one scene from their honeymoon. I'm saving that emotional AN for that chapter. See ya.

I've managed to include almost all the characters from this series. Hope you liked that. And hope you liked their crazy ass marriage too. Was it crazy enough like them? Comment below.