Dev gently blindfolded Ananya and led her into his car. They drove for a while until he stopped, guiding her out with careful hands. As he opened the door for her, she couldn't contain her curiosity.

"Where have you brought me, Dev?" Ananya asked, her voice tinged with excitement and a hint of mystery.

Dev chuckled softly, enjoying her anticipation. "Patience, Ananya. Just a little longer," he replied, his voice warm and reassuring.

Ananya playfully tried to remove her blindfold, but Dev gently stopped her. "Not yet," he said with a smile.

After a moment, he finally removed the blindfold, and Ananya blinked as her eyes adjusted to the moonlit scene before her. They were on a mountaintop cliff overlooking the entire city, its lights shimmering like a sea of stars below. In front of them, spelled out in twinkling lights, were the words "I love you, Ananya" – a breathtaking declaration under the night sky.

Ananya turned to Dev, her heart swelling with emotion. "Dev, this is... incredible," she whispered, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears of joy.

Dev smiled, his gaze tender. "I wanted tonight to be special for us," he admitted softly, his voice filled with warmth.

They settled on a cozy blanket laid out on the grass, and a young boy appeared, bringing them glasses of orange juice and a platter of snacks. Ananya giggled at the unexpected choice.

"Wine instead of orange juice on a date?" she teased, raising an eyebrow at Dev.

He grinned, pouring out the juice. "You love orange juice," he said simply, his eyes twinkling with affection.

Ananya's laughter filled the air, but then she glanced at the boy who served them. "You disturbed this poor boy's sleep for our date," she remarked, nodding towards him with a mischievous twinkle in her eye.

Dev chuckled. "Well, I've had my fair share of sleepless nights for moments like these," he confessed, his gaze softening as he looked at Ananya.

Ananya raised an eyebrow, feigning suspicion. "Really now?" she teased, though her eyes danced with amusement.

Suddenly, the boy removed his cap, revealing himself to be Sidd,"Enjoy your date, I'm out," Sid said with a grin, preparing to leave.

Dev called out playfully, "Don't go straight home, go visit Avu."

Sidd turned back with a smirk. "Sure thing, but only because you said so," he replied before disappearing into the night. Making them laugh out loud.

Dev and Ananya continued to enjoy their private moment, the city lights twinkling below like a million fireflies. The soft music of the night breeze accompanied their conversation, filled with shared laughter and stolen glances.

After a while, Dev stood up, extending his hand to Ananya. "May I have this dance?" he asked, his eyes twinkling with anticipation.

Ananya smiled, placing her hand in his, feeling the warmth of his touch. He started humming a tune, and they swayed gently under the starlit sky, their movements synchronized as if they were the only two people in the world.

As they danced, Dev whispered softly in Ananya's ear, "This moment feels like a dream, dancing with you under the stars."

Ananya leaned closer, her heart beating in rhythm with his. "It does," she whispered back, her voice filled with emotion.

They danced in silence for a while, lost in each other's presence. The night seemed to stretch on endlessly, their souls entwined in the magic of the moment.

Ananya finally broke the silence, her voice barely above a whisper. "Dev, your gaze..." she began, her words trailing off as she met his intense gaze.

Dev smiled tenderly, his eyes never leaving hers. "Ananya, tonight is just the beginning," he murmured, his voice filled with promise.

As the music faded into the background, Ananya reluctantly pulled away. "Should we go?" she asked softly, her gaze lingering on him.

Dev nodded, a gentle smile playing on his lips. "Let's," he replied, reluctantly releasing her hand as they made their way back to reality.

They returned to their respective rooms, Ananya locking the windows behind her. She leaned against the door, her heart still racing from their intimate dance under the stars, the memory of Dev's touch lingering on her skin.

---

The next evening, the entire house was alive with happiness, buzzing with excitement for the upcoming wedding. The decorations were resplendent, with every corner of the house adorned with vibrant flowers and shimmering lights. The sweet aroma of roses and jasmine filled the air, mingling with the sound of laughter and traditional wedding songs.

Ananya stood on the balcony, her heart pounding as she gazed at the scene below. She was dressed in a dazzling red and pink lehenga, intricately embroidered with golden threads. Heavy jewelry adorned her, and a red chuni draped elegantly over her head, making her look every bit the radiant bride.

As she watched the baraat arrive, she spotted Dev, dancing with unrestrained joy atop a white horse. His face glowed with happiness, and his laughter was infectious. Siddharth and Avneet danced wildly beside him, their exuberance bringing a small smile to Ananya's lips, though it quickly faded as a lone tear rolled down her cheek.

She felt a gentle touch on her shoulder and turned to find devki ji, her mother standing there with eyes brimming with tears. "Meri bachi, khush to hai na is rishtey se?" Devki Ji asked softly, her voice filled with concern and love.

Ananya nodded, trying to muster a smile. "Yes, mom, I am happy with this," she replied, her voice trembling slightly.

Devki Ji's eyes softened with understanding. "To fir yeh aansu? Darr lag raha ha mere bachii ko?" she asked, gently wiping the tear from Ananya's cheek.

Ananya nodded again and hugged her tightly. "It's just... everything is happening so fast. I'm scared, but I know Dev is a good man. I trust him," she whispered, her voice muffled against Devki's shoulder.

Devki stroked her hair gently. "Mujhe pata hai, beta. Dev bahut accha ladka hai. He won't let you down. Try to mend your heart,sab theek ho jayega," she reassured, her voice soothing.

With a final comforting hug, Devki Ji said, "Chalo ab neeche, sab intezaar kar rahe hain tumhara." Ananya took a deep breath and nodded. Together with Devki Ji and Rhea, she descended the stairs, joining the vibrant wedding scene.

The house was transformed into a fairy tale setting, glistening with red and gold decorations that seemed to dance in the light. Dev was already seated in the mandap, dressed in a stylish blue sherwani that made him look like a prince straight out of a storybook.

His eyes lit up as he saw Ananya approaching, and he greeted her with a warm, loving smile. Ananya tried to return his smile, but her heart was heavy, and her smile didn't quite reach her eyes.

The priest began the rituals, chanting ancient mantras that echoed through the night. He then asked the couple to stand for the varmala ceremony. Dev stood eagerly, his eyes never leaving Ananya, but she hesitated, her feet feeling like lead. Just then, Ray approached her, his expression gentle and understanding.

Ananya's heart skipped a beat. She thought he had come to stop the wedding, to rescue her from her turmoil. But Ray gently took her hand and led her towards Dev. "Ananya, everything is fine. Come on, it's time," he said softly, placing her hand in Dev's with a reassuring squeeze.

Dev felt her hesitation and squeezed her hand gently. "Ananya, it's okay. I'm right here with you," he whispered, his voice filled with love and reassurance.

Ananya nodded, her heart pounding in her chest. She let go of Ray's hand and took the garland from Sid. Dev, with a loving smile, took the garland from Rhea and moved to place it around Ananya's neck. But at the last moment, Ananya stepped back, her nerves getting the better of her.

Dev narrowed his brows in confusion, but before he could say anything, Sid and Ray lifted Ananya up playfully. "Arrey bhai, itni jaldi kya hai? Pehle thoda intezaar karo," Sid teased, making everyone laugh.

Avneet joined in, "Ji bhai, aapko itni aasani se thode na milegi bhabhi."

Dev chuckled, his anxiety easing as the playful atmosphere took over. After a lot of teasing and laughter, they finally put Ananya down. They exchanged garlands, and the ceremony continued with the seven pheras. Dev took each step with joy, his heart full of love for Ananya. But for Ananya, each step felt like a heavy weight, her heart torn with reluctance and sorrow.

As they circled the holy fire, Ray couldn't resist a final playful jab. "Dev, is phool ki tarha jal kar rakh ho jaoge. Aur isme madad meri fool, I mean tumhari biwi Ananya karegi. Cry or pry nahi chhodega Ray," he said, throwing flowers into the fire with a mischievous grin.

After the pheras, they sat down, and Dev put the nuptial chain around Ananya's neck. She clutched her lehenga tightly, her eyes searching for Ray's smiling face. Tears welled up in her eyes, her emotions overwhelming her.

The priest then asked Dev to fill Ananya's hairline with red kumkum. As he did so, her tears fell freely, mingling with the sacred powder. The priest declared them husband and wife, and they took blessings from everyone, their heads bowed with respect.

Dev noticed her sadness and gently lifted her chin. "Ananya, I know you're leaving your family, but I promise you'll never feel alone. We will make new memories together, and you'll always have me," he said, his voice filled with earnest love.

Ananya tried to smile, but her heart was heavy with conflicting emotions. When it was time to leave for Dev's house, she cried her heart out during the bidaai, her sobs echoing through the night.

---