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The courtyard was beautifully decorated with marigold garlands and twinkling fairy lights, casting a warm and enchanting glow over the evening. The air was filled with the soft hum of traditional music and the fragrance of flowers. The guests, a small circle of close family and friends, mingled quietly, their faces lit with joy and anticipation.

Anshul stood at the altar, dressed in an elegant sherwani, his heart pounding with excitement and love. He couldn't wait to see Aarushi, the woman who had captured his heart and soul.

As the moment arrived, a hush fell over the crowd. Aarushi appeared at the entrance, her red saree shimmering in the light. Her face was partly veiled, but her radiant beauty and grace were unmistakable. As she took her first steps forward, accompanied by Sakshi, she looked every bit the bride of Anshul's dreams.

Anshul's breath caught in his throat. He had always known Aarushi was beautiful, but seeing her as his bride, adorned in red and gold, took his breath away. She looked like an angel, ethereal and stunning. His eyes were glued to her as she walked slowly toward him, her gaze shyly fixed on the ground.

The priest began the ceremony, chanting sacred mantras that filled the air with a sense of reverence and solemnity. Aarushi and Anshul sat beside each other, the sacred fire burning brightly between them. They exchanged garlands, a ritual symbolizing their acceptance of each other. Anshul gently placed the garland around Aarushi's neck, his fingers brushing against her skin, sending a shiver down her spine.

As they proceeded to the rituals, their hands were tied together with a sacred thread, symbolizing their union. Anshul could feel the warmth of Aarushi's hand in his, a reminder of the life they were about to begin together.

One of the most significant rituals was the Saptapadi, where the bride and groom take seven steps around the fire, each step representing a vow they make to each other. As they took each step, Anshul couldn't help but glance at Aarushi. Her face was a picture of innocence and shyness, her eyes reflecting the same emotions he felt-love, hope, and a bit of nervousness.

With each step, they vowed to support and cherish each other, to share their joys and sorrows, and to remain true to their promises. The atmosphere was charged with emotion, the fire crackling softly as if in agreement with their vows.

As the ceremony neared its end, Anshul performed the ritual of applying sindoor (vermillion) on Aarushi's forehead, a symbol of their marriage.

His hands trembled slightly, overwhelmed by the significance of the moment. Aarushi closed her eyes filled with unshed tears, feeling the weight of the sindoor, signifying her new identity as his wife.

Next, he tied the mangalsutra, a sacred necklace, around her neck. His fingers lingered on her skin for a moment longer than necessary, his touch conveying the depth of his feelings. Aarushi's eyes met his briefly, a silent conversation passing between them-one of love, respect, and an unspoken promise of togetherness.

The ceremony concluded with blessings from the elders and the cheerful applause of the guests. The newlyweds were showered with flower petals, their faces glowing with happiness. Anshul couldn't take his eyes off Aarushi, his heart swelling with pride and love.

The small gathering moved to the reception area, where a modest feast was laid out. Laughter and chatter filled the air as everyone celebrated the union of Anshul and Aarushi. Despite the limited number of guests, the atmosphere was one of warmth and joy.

*****

As the night drew to a close, Anshul and Aarushi found a quiet corner away from the crowd. He took her hand in his, looking deeply into her eyes.

"Aarushi," he whispered, "you've made me the happiest man today. I can't wait to start our life together."

Aarushi's cheeks flushed, and she lowered her gaze, a soft smile playing on her lips. "Thank you. For everything you have done for me."

Anshul lifted her chin gently, their faces inches apart.

"You are the queen of my heart, Aarushi. And I promise to cherish and protect you for the rest of my life."

As the moonlight bathed them in its soft glow, they shared a moment of pure connection, knowing that their journey together was just beginning. The love they felt for each other was evident, a silent promise that no matter what, they would face the world together, hand in hand.

******

The Wedding Night

Aarushi sat nervously on the edge of the bed, her heart pounding in her chest. The room was softly lit, casting a warm, inviting glow around her. She fiddled with the edge of her red saree, her thoughts racing. She had so many insecurities, so many fears. Anshul was handsome, educated, and kind. He had given her a new lease on life, yet she couldn't help but feel unworthy. She had only completed her 12th grade education and was brought up in a village where customs mattered more than personal happiness. What could she possibly offer him?

Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the door opening. Anshul entered, his face lighting up at the sight of her. He walked over and sat beside her, his presence comforting yet intense.

He gently lifted the veil from her face, revealing her tear-filled eyes and trembling lips. His fingers lightly brushed her cheek, and she shivered at his touch. "Aarushi," he said softly, "look at me."

Her eyes remained downcast, her hands sweating with anxiety. "Please, Aarushi, look at me," he repeated, his voice full of concern.

Slowly, she raised her eyes to meet his, finding a world of warmth and kindness in his gaze. "Is something bothering you?" he asked, his brow furrowed with worry.

She shook her head, unable to find her voice. His proximity, his concern, and the softness in his voice melted her heart. "You don't have to worry about anything," he assured her. "I won't force you to do anything. I respect you too much for that."

As he began to withdraw his hand from her face, tears welled up in her eyes. Unable to hold back any longer, she flung her arms around him, hugging him tightly. Anshul was taken aback by the sudden embrace but quickly wrapped his arms around her, holding her close.

"I'm so lucky to have you as my husband," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion. "If it wasn't for you, I would still be living in hell. I can't imagine my life without you now. I'm just a village girl, Anshul. I don't know anything about your lifestyle or this modern world."

Anshul's heart ached as he listened to her. He pulled back slightly, cupping her face in his hands. "Aarushi, how old are you?" he asked gently.

"I'm 22," she sniffled, "and I've only completed 12th grade. I don't know anything about this generation's things. I'm scared I won't be able to keep you happy."

Tears streamed down her face as she confessed her fears.

Anshul felt a pinch in his heart at her words. He pulled her closer, his thumb wiping away her tears.

"Aarushi," he said, his voice filled with sincerity, "Your existence in my life is my happiness. I don't need degrees or fancy knowledge to be happy. You are my wife, and that is enough for me."

He pressed a kiss to her forehead, feeling her relax slightly in his arms. "You don't have to worry about fitting into my world. We will create our own world, where both of us can be happy."

She looked up at him, her eyes wide and filled with hope. "Really?" she whispered.

"Yes, really," he affirmed, smiling warmly. "We'll take things one step at a time, together. And I promise, I will always be here for you, no matter what."

Aarushi felt a wave of relief wash over her. She clung to him, her heart swelling with gratitude and love. In that moment, all her fears seemed to melt away, replaced by the warmth of his embrace and the promise of a future filled with love and happiness. Anshul held her close, knowing that this was the beginning of their beautiful journey together.

*****

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