The countdown to Sidharth and Shehnaaz's wedding had begun, and the atmosphere was filled with love, laughter, and endless celebrations. From the vibrant colors of Haldi to the intricate patterns of Mehendi and finally, the grand Wedding, every moment was magical marking the union of two souls destined for each other.

The morning sun bathed the world in a golden hue as family and friends gathered at Shehnaaz's apartment, which had been transformed into a festive paradise with yellow marigold garlands and bright drapes. The Haldi ceremony had begun, and excitement buzzed in the air.

Shehnaaz sat on a low wooden stool, dressed in a simple yet elegant yellow lehenga, her hair braided with fresh jasmine flowers. Her cheeks were already flushed, but the real mischief began when Farah and Nargis playfully smeared haldi on her face.

"Bhabhi ko zyada sundar banane ka kaam humara hai!" Rishabh announced, grabbing a bowl full of turmeric paste and smearing it all over Shehnaaz's cheeks.

Shehnaaz gasped, "Rishabh! Tum ruk jao! Nahi toh main bhi badla lungi!" she warned playfully.

Meanwhile, at Sidharth's house, he sat in his white kurta, already being attacked by his mischievous friends. His mother, lovingly applied haldi on his face, blessing him with a teary smile.

"Mera beta kitna bada ho gaya... ab shaadi bhi kar raha hai," she whispered.

Sidharth chuckled, "Maa, aap emotional mat ho, warna aapki haldi mere aasoon se dhul jayegi."

"Sidharth." His sister's shout and smudged the haldi on his face.

"Di yaar."

But before he could say anything else, Farah and Rishabh stormed in and dumped an entire bowl of haldi on him.

"Bas bhai! Ab tu bilkul ladkiyon jaisa lag raha hai!" Rishabh teased, making everyone burst into laughter.

The wedding festivities were in full swing, with laughter and joy filling the air. The traditional haldi ceremony had taken place earlier in the day, where family and friends had smeared turmeric paste on both Shehnaaz and Sidharth, blessing them for a prosperous future. However, amidst all the grand celebrations, Sidharth had something else planned lsomething just for the two of them.

The house was silent as the night settled in. The dim golden glow of fairy lights adorned Shehnaaz's room, casting soft shadows on the walls. She was sitting in front of the mirror, her fingers brushing over the traces of dried haldi on her skin. Her heart was racing for reasons she could not understand.

A faint rustling sound near her balcony made her frown. Before she could turn, a firm yet gentle hand covered her mouth.

"Shhh... chillao mat, mujhe andar aane do," Sidharth's husky whisper caressed her ear, sending shivers down her spine.

Shehnaaz's eyes widened as she turned to see him standing there, dressed in a simple white kurta, his sleeves rolled up, looking irresistibly handsome.

"Sidharth! Aap yahan kya kar rahe ho? Koi dekh lega! Maa ne milne se mana kara tha na" she whispered, pushing him slightly.

He smirked, closing the balcony door behind him. "Toh? Tum meri hone wali biwi ho, mujhe haq hai tumse milne ka."

Shehnaaz crossed her arms, trying to act stern, "Sab kuch rituals ke hisaab se hoga, koi short-cut nahi."

Sidharth chuckled, taking slow steps towards her, his gaze dark with mischief. "Acha? Toh tumhe lagta hai main bina apni haldi ki rasam complete kiye jaane wala hoon?"

Shehnaaz eyes widened as she took a step back, "Matlab? Aapki haldi to ho gayi na."

"Haan, par ek personal haldi rasam bhi toh honi chahiye... sirf hamare liye." His voice dropped to a whisper, and before she could react, he dipped his fingers in the leftover haldi bowl on her dresser.

She gasped when he brushed his thumb across her cheek, the turmeric warm against her skin. "Sidharth!" she breathed out.

"Kya? Tumse zyada haq toh mujhe hai na tumhari haldi lagane ka?" he murmured, his fingers slowly tracing down her jawline, smearing the paste tenderly.

Shehnaaz's heart pounded against her chest as his fingers left tingling sensations on her skin. She gulped, her hands gripping the edge of the dresser behind her.

"Aapko lagana hai, toh theek hai," she said, trying to keep her voice steady. Then, with a sudden boldness, she dipped her fingers into the haldi and smudged it across his face, laughing at his stunned expression.

"Shehnaaz!" he gasped, shaking his head as some of it spread into his hair.

She giggled, trying to step away, but he grabbed her wrist and twirled her, making her back hit his chest. His arms encircled her, trapping her against him.

"Bohot shararti ho gayi ho, Mrs. Shukla to be," he whispered against her ear.

She shivered as his breath fanned against her skin. "Sidharth... koi aa jayega..."

"Toh aa jaane do," he teased, pressing his cheek against hers, leaving a faint trace of haldi behind.

She turned in his arms, her gaze locking with his. There was something deep, unspoken between them desire, love, an unbreakable bond.

Slowly, Sidharth lifted his hand and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, his fingers lingering at her temple. "Main kabse tumhe apne rang mein rangna chahta tha... aaj lagta hai, tum sach mein meri ho gayi ho."

Shehnaaz felt her throat tighten with emotions. With a shy smile, she lifted her trembling fingers and traced the haldi on his cheek.

Sidharth gaze darkened. "Mujhe ek cheez chahiye..."

Shehnaaz looked up, confused. "Kya?"

He leaned in, brushing his lips near her ear, his voice husky, "Mera dessert."

She frowned slightly, "Maine toh kuch meetha nahi banaya."

Sidharth chuckled, tilting her chin up. "Mujhe sirf ek meetha chahiye... tumhari ek kiss."

Her breath hitched. "Sidharth!" she whispered, her cheeks turning crimson.

"Maan jao na... ab shaadi hone hi wali hai... aur waise bhi, meri haldi tumhare bina adhoori thi."

She bit her lip, hesitating, but the way he was looking at her full of love, longing, and patience made her heart melt.

Summoning all her courage, she lifted on her toes and placed a soft, fleeting kiss at the corner of his lips.

Sidharth stilled, his grip on her tightening slightly. He closed his eyes for a moment before letting out a deep breath.

"Yeh cheating hai, Shehnaaz."

She giggled, "Abhi ke liye itna hi."

He smirked, "Shaadi ki raat tak rukne ka mann hai tumhara? Dekhte hai, Mrs. Shukla, tum kab tak bachi rehti ho."

She smacked his chest, laughing softly.

Suddenly, they heard footsteps outside.

Shehnaaz panicked, "Jao Sidharth! Koi aa raha hai!"

He groaned, running a hand through his messy haldi smeared hair. "Mujhe jaane ke liye keh rahi ho? Itna romantic moment khatam bhi nahi hua!"

She pushed him towards the balcony. "Bhaago!"

Before climbing out, he turned and gave her one last intense gaze. "Main ja raha hoon, par yaad rakhna... kal tum officially meri banne wali ho."

Shehnaaz blushed, nodding softly.

And with that, he disappeared into the night, leaving her breathless, her heart now permanently lost to him.

_____________________________

The evening arrived, bringing with it the Mehendi ceremony, where Shehnaaz sat gracefully in a stunning green and gold outfit, her hands being adorned with intricate henna designs. She smiled shyly as the mehendi artist asked, "Bhabhi, aapke dulhe ka naam chhupa doon design mein?"

Shehnaaz blushed and nodded.

Sidharth arrived later, dressed in a complementing green kurta, looking for his bride to be. When he saw her hands filled with henna, he smirked, "Dikhao toh sahi, mera naam kahaan chhupa hai?"

Shehnaaz pulled her hands away playfully, "Dhoondna padega, Mr. Director!"

Sidharth smirked, his fingers tracing the air over her palm without touching her. "Mujhe dhoondhne ki zaroorat nahi, mujhe pata hai ki yeh haath sirf mere naam likhne ke liye bane hain."

Shehnaaz's cheeks flushed deep red as Farah and the girls giggled in the background.

Just then, the artist spoke, "Shehnaaz, mehendi abhi geeli hai, toh ab tum kuch nahi kar sakti jab tak yeh sukh na jaye."

Before Shehnaaz could respond, Sidharth took full advantage of the situation. "Matlab, koi bhi kaam nahi? Kuch bhi pakad nahi sakti?"

The artist nodded. "Bilkul nahi, dulhan rani sirf relax karegi."

Sidharth's eyes gleamed with mischief. "Toh phir tumhari saari zarooraton ka dhyan rakhne ke liye main hoon."

Before Shehnaaz could protest, he knelt down beside her, gently tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "Agar tumhe paani chahiye, main dunga. Kuch khana hai, toh main khilaoonga."

Shehnaaz's heart melted at his care, but before she could react, Rishab whistled, "Arre bhai, ye toh full on Raja Maharaja wala pyaar ho raha hai!"

Everyone laughed as Sidharth simply smiled, completely unbothered by the teasing. He lifted a small piece of sweet and carefully fed it to Shehnaaz. "Aaj se har din, har ghadi, main yahi karna chahta hoon, tumhara khayal rakhna."

Shehnaaz looked into his eyes, feeling overwhelmed by his love. "Aur main sirf aapka naam apni mehendi mein nahi, apni zindagi mein likhna chahti hoon."

Sidharth's smirk softened into a heartfelt smile. "Woh toh pehle hi likh chuki ho, bas mujhe dikh nahi raha tha."

The moment was perfect, their love evident to everyone around them. As music played in the background, Shehnaaz realized that with Sidharth, she would always be cherished, protected, and loved like a true queen.

____________________________________

The big day had finally arrived. The venue, a grand open air setting decorated with fairy lights and white flowers, looked straight out of a dream. The mandap, set against a backdrop of twinkling lights, was where Sidharth waited eagerly in his beige sherwani with gold embroidery.

As the wedding music played, all eyes turned to the entrance. Shehnaaz walked in, a vision in red, her lehenga embroidered with golden threads, a delicate maang tikka adorning her forehead. Her eyes searched for only one person Sidharth.

Their eyes met, and in that moment, everything else faded away.

As she reached him, Sidharth whispered, "Main kabse intezaar kar raha tha tumhe is tarah dekhne ka, Mrs. Shukla."

Shehnaaz blushed, "Abhi sirf dulhan hoon, Mrs. Shukla banne mein thoda waqt hai."

Their varmala ceremony began, and after a playful struggle where Sidharth lifted himself to avoid getting the garland, Shehnaaz finally succeeded, making everyone cheer.

As the pheras began, they took each step together, promising love, loyalty, and companionship. With every vow, their hearts beat in sync, sealing their love with the sacred fire as their witness.

Finally, Sidharth applied sindoor in Shehnaaz's hair parting and tied the mangalsutra around her neck. She closed her eyes, letting the emotions sink in. She was now his, forever.

As they touched their elders feet, Rita Maa hugged Shehnaaz tightly, whispering, "Mujhe ek beti mil gayi."

Tears filled Shehnaaz's eyes as she replied, "Aur mujhe ek maa."

As Shehnaaz bid farewell to her brother Vidyut and Nargis, she hugged them tightly, tears streaming down her cheeks.

Vidyut, holding back his own emotions, said, "Tu hamesha khush rehna, Shehnaaz. Sidharth tere liye sahi insaan hai."

Nargis added, "Aur agar kabhi mujhe ya Vidyut ki zaroorat pade, toh yaad rakhna, hum hamesha tumhare saath hain."

Sidharth, seeing Shehnaaz's tears, gently wiped them and whispered, "Chalo, ab ro mat. Tumhare naye ghar mein tumhari hasi sunni hai maine."

Shehnaaz smiled through her tears and nodded.

As she stepped into the car with Sidharth, her new journey began their second chance at love, at happiness, at forever.

The wedding was not just a union of two souls but the beginning of a lifetime filled with love, laughter, and traditions. After the sacred vows were exchanged, the celebrations continued with the beautiful rasams each one adding a deeper meaning to their bond.

As the newlyweds arrived at Sidharth's house, the entrance was adorned with flowers, and fairy lights twinkled in the background. Rita Maa, standing with an aarti thali, welcomed her nayi bahu with a warm smile.

"Shehnaaz beta, yeh tumhara naya ghar hai. Jis tarah tumne Sidharth ki zindagi roshan ki hai, waise hi is ghar ko apni muskurahat se sajana," she said emotionally.

Shehnaaz nodded, overwhelmed with emotions.

She was asked to push a kalash (pot filled with rice) with her right foot, symbolizing prosperity entering the house. As she stepped in, she left behind footprints in red alta, marking her presence in Sidharth's life forever.

Rishabh whispered, "Ab toh yeh ghar ki asli malik aa gayi, bhai. Teri chalne wali nahi ab."

Sidharth chuckled, looking at Shehnaaz, "Main pehle se hi haar maan chuka hoon."

Shehnaaz blushed and looked away.

The family gathered around for the next fun-filled rasam the ring finding ceremony. A large silver bowl filled with milk, rose petals, and a hidden ring was placed between them.

"Jo jeetega, ghar ka decision maker wahi hoga!" Farah teased.

"Aur jo haarega, woh bina shikayat maane apni biwi ki har baat manega," Rishabh added, winking at Shehnaaz.

"Matlab biwi hi jeetne wali hai?" Sidharth frowned at Rishabh statement.

Shehnaaz smirked, "Sidharth, abhi bhi time hai haar maan lijiye."

"Dekhte hai, Mrs. Shukla" he challenged playfully.

As their hands dived into the bowl, their fingers brushed, sending a jolt of electricity between them. Their eyes locked, and for a moment, they forgot about the competition.

"Bhai, bas romance chalu mat karna! Yeh jeetne ka time hai!" Rishabh shouted.

Sidharth snapped back and swiftly grabbed the ring before Shehnaaz could.

"Haan! Jeet gaya" Sidharth announced proudly.

Shehnaaz pouted, "Aap cheating kar rahe the!"

"Pyaar me kesi cheating Mrs." he winked.

"Oh hello majnu chal wapas daal ring ab dusra round hoga." Neetu di said and slap his head.

"Tch di yaar ab to mat maaro shadi ho gai hai meri." Sidharth winched and said.

"Rahega tu wahi chota sa Sidharth hi hamare liye jiske upar hum apna makeup try kiya karte the." Preeti said in teasing tone. Sidharth ears turn red in embarrassment as Shehnaaz pressed her lips in a thin line to control her laugh.

Later, the Muh Dikhai rasam began, where Shehnaaz sat gracefully, covered with a sheer dupatta. The women from Sidharth's family took turns lifting her veil, blessing her with gifts and jewelry.

Rita Maa lovingly placed a diamond necklace around Shehnaaz's neck, whispering, "Sidharth ki pasand bilkul sahi hai. Tum is ghar ki roshni ho."

Shehnaaz smiled, touching her feet for blessings.

Meanwhile, Rishabh and Farah were busy whispering to Sidharth.

"Teri biwi kitni sundar lag rahi hai, bhai. Abhi bhi itna shaant kyun hai? Jaake compliment de!" Farah nudged him.

Sidharth smirked and walked up to Shehnaaz, bending slightly near her ear, "Bas yahi kehna tha ki tum aaj sirf meri ho... aur hamesha rahogi."

Shehnaaz turned crimson.

______________________________

The night after the wedding was quiet. The house was dark except for the soft glow of candles that flickered on the nightstand. Sidharth and Shehnaaz had just finished the Rasam's as husband and wife, the night filled with laughter and the company of friends and family. Yet, as they entered their room, a silence fell between them one that neither could break. The weight of the night was overwhelming, and despite the joy of their union, there was a certain kind of nervousness that lingered.

Shehnaaz stood by the window, looking out at the city lights, her heart racing. She could feel the sudden shift in the air as Sidharth quietly closed the door behind him. He leaned against it, watching her from a distance, waiting for her to speak first, but no words came. She was as nervous as he was, her thoughts tangled in a web of excitement, anticipation, and the fear of the unknown.

"I... I never thought this day would come," Shehnaaz murmured, her voice barely a whisper.

Sidharth smiled softly, walking towards her, his steps hesitant. He stopped a few feet away, unsure of how to bridge the gap that had suddenly appeared between them. "Mujhe bhi," he said gently, his voice laced with tenderness. "Par ab yeh ho gaya hai... Hum dono ek doosre ke saath hain."

Shehnaaz turned to face him, her heart fluttering in her chest. Her hands trembled slightly as she reached for her dupatta, adjusting it nervously. She tried to hide the discomfort she felt, but Sidharth could see it in her eyes. The uncertainty was palpable.

"Shehnaaz..." he began softly, his voice laced with care, "tum bilkul bhi pressured feel mat karna... Yeh humara moment hai, jo bhi ho, hume apne time ke hisaab se chalna hai."

She looked at him, searching his face for reassurance, and found it. She nodded slowly, her lips trembling slightly. "Mujhe bas... thoda time chahiye," she admitted, her voice breaking a little. "Main... main aapse bahut pyaar karti hoon, par abhi thoda...wo"

Sidharth's heart swelled with empathy. He took a deep breath, moving closer to her, but slowly, as if giving her time to adjust. He reached out, gently cupping her face in his hands. "Main samajhta hoon," he whispered, brushing his thumb across her cheek. "Yeh sab naya hain, aur main chahta hoon ki tum sab kuch apne hisaab se samjho. Humari shaadi ka har din ek naya chapter hai... aur yeh humari kahani hai."

For a moment, there was only the sound of their breathing, deep and slow. The air between them was charged with emotions, with years of waiting, with memories of shared smiles, and dreams of what could be.

"I don't want to rush anything," Shehnaaz whispered, her voice raw. "I just need to feel like it's... the right time."

Sidharth smiled warmly, his heart full of love for her. "Humari shaadi mein sab kuch apne pace par hoga. Tumhe koi bhi jaldi nahi hai. Mujhe bas tumhara saath chahiye... har din, har pal."

The warmth in his words reassured her, and with a gentle nod, Shehnaaz stepped closer, taking his hand. Her touch was tentative at first, as if testing the waters, but Sidharth responded with a quiet, reassuring squeeze.

Shehnaaz smiled shyly, "I guess... we have all the time in the world, don't we?"

Sidharth chuckled softly, "Haan... humare paas zindagi bhar ka waqt hai."

As they stood there, the tension slowly started to ease. The love that had brought them together wasn't just physical it was emotional and deep, built on trust, understanding, and patience. They didn't need to rush anything. The night was theirs to savor, at their own pace.

The gentle sound of the breeze through the window, the soft glow of the moonlight, and the warmth of their love made the room feel like it was just the two of them. The hesitation that had lingered between them slowly melted into comfort as they held each other.

Sidharth kissed her forehead gently, his lips lingering for a moment longer. "Main hamesha tumhare saath rahunga... tum jo chaaho, woh hum saath karenge," he promised softly.

Shehnaaz, feeling safe and loved, rested her head against his chest, her heart finally settling into the rhythm of his. "Mujhe tumhari zaroorat hai, Sidharth... tumhare saath sab kuch theek hai."

As the night passed, the two of them drifted into a peaceful sleep, holding each other close. And though their first night had been filled with hesitation, it had also been filled with love, a love that would only continue to grow with each passing day.

The next morning, Shehnaaz was welcomed into the kitchen for the rasoi rasam, where she had to cook something sweet as a sign of bringing happiness and sweetness to her new home.

"Main kheer banaungi," Shehnaaz said confidently.

Sidharth, leaning against the counter, smirked, "Main madad karun?"

Shehnaaz narrowed her eyes, "Mujhe madad nahi, aapko sabr rakhne ki zaroorat hai."

As she stirred the milk, Sidharth stood behind her, resting his chin on her shoulder, whispering, "Mujhe sirf ek cheez ka intezaar hai tumhari muskurahat ka."

Shehnaaz blushed but tried to focus.

After a while, the kheer was ready, and as everyone tasted it, Rita Maa beamed, "Bahut hi tasty bani hai, Shehnaaz! Ab officially tum is ghar ki annapurna ho."

Shehnaaz smiled, feeling truly accepted.

That evening, the family sat together, teasing the newlyweds.

"Toh Sidharth, first night ka experience kaisa tha?" Rishabh teased, making everyone laugh.

Sidharth smirked, pulling Shehnaaz closer, "Agar main sach bataun toh yeh baat sirf meri biwi ko pata honi chahiye."

Shehnaaz gasped, nudging him, "Sidharth!"

Farah winked, "Arre wah! Romance already chalu!"

Amidst laughter and teasing, the family enjoyed their time together, strengthening the bonds of love.

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That is it for today.

Hope you all like it.

Thanks for reading.