A very lengthy chapter ahead.

The sun casted down fully, masking dark blue hues in the sky. The cold winter air was indicating the current scenario of India, it's officially "Shadi wala season."

The both houses were dressed like a bride. Each and every person/things draped in glitter, glimmer.

In side the bride's house everyperson were in rush, they have to the preparations and all, mostly whole house was empty, leaving some house staff and some close relatives as, "Shadi ka ghar khaali nahi
rehta!"

But In side of groom's whole scenario was different, house was filled with guest, laughter, music and children running everywhere.

•
Shubman stood infront of his full length mirror, checking his appearance. Wearing white all sherwani with golden work in it.

He took a deep breath, calming his heart who throbbing against his chest very hardly.

It wasn't going to be easy right?, ofcourse!!

A one second memory of past, etched in his mind. Hate...hate?

The storm of what-ifs, but and how, flooded in his mind, his gaze lingering on the mirror but his mind, his mind was somewhere else, in past.

"Kyu, tere liye special hun, mein?"

"Special toh tu hai, meri ekloti dushman."

The chain of his thoughts broked as the door opened, by Nush bhabhi, with a beautiful smile on her face, cladded in baby pink lehenga and jewellery, trailing behind her were Yash holding a big plate in his hands, Ishu, Abhay and Cheeku Bhaiya.

He took his eyes off from the mirror as he saw them entering.

Nush entered, the rhyme of her bangles and anklet filled the room as she walked to him, towards the mirror.

She made him sit on the plush table couch stood across the mirror, and went behind him, kept her hands on his shoulder and bent little down to his face (keeping distance)

She laughed and said,"Our groom is fully ready, and looking oh so so handsome.",she said and did, "thu thu thu, Nazar na Lage."

"Aaj itna zyada handsome dikh raha hai na, ki ladkiya stage pet aakar bolegi, "Number milega kya jiju.?"", she bursts in laughter along with other, and he rolled his eyes in remark.

"Ok ok, I am not kidding, you are literally looking so handsome.",she said controlling her laugh as she took some kajal from her eyes and marked it behind his ear.

Amidst of their laughter, Virat decided to step in with smile on his face,"okay, Nush are you done, doing this?",he said pointing to them. Nush squinted her eyes, while a smile danced on her face, trying to look she's angry. But was she? Ofcourse not.

Nush looked at Shubman through the mirror, raised her brows, he tsked and rolls eyes before nodding,"Fine bhabhi, jalte hai bhaiya humse.",he said in while, earning both a chuckle and a smack on his head.

Virat then stood in front of him and started tying "Sehra" on his head. After tying it he held him by his shoulder and turned him quickly to the other side, where the they were standing. He asked them while raising brows, how it done. They showed him thumbs up in approval with smile. The cheeky smile returned on Virat's face.

Shub got up from the table as Anushka said to him, as he was about to rose his step, Virat grabbed his arms making him halt at his place. They all stopped and turn to Virat.

"You all go down, we will be back in a minute.",they all nodded hearing Virat and went out of the room, leaving the brothers in the room.

Virat walked front to him, putting his right hand in the pocket of his sherwani, he let out a small box, he opened it and took out the not-so thin gold chain. He looked at the chain then at Shub, Virat chuckled and put the chain in Shub's neck. While adjusting the thin gold chain he said, "See, Shubi finally the day came,.... I know you both didn't wanted this and.... you both tried to stop it but it didn't happen. See, jo hamari kismat mein likha rehta hai, vo hi hota hai, we can't change it. Bas use better bana ne ki koshish kar sakte hai."

After adjusting the chain he looked at him, keeping hand on his shoulder,"I want you both to accept this, bhaagne se kuch nahi hoga, aur.... is mein pehla kadam tera hona chahiye.",Shub tried to say something but Virat cutted him,"Dekh I know it's difficult to both of you but, it will be more difficult to her than you, vo apna sab chhodkar aa rahi hai, Ghar, family, apna surname chhodkar aa rahi hai, isliye it will be more difficult to her than you, you understand what I am trying to say?", Virat asked at the end and he nodded slowly.

Virat let out a breath,"See I am very bad with words, I am just trying to knock some sense into your brain, cause jab tum dono sath mein hote ho toh senseless ho jate ho.", Virat said with a smile and Shub rolled his eyes making him laugh.

"Okay, I just wanted you to understand that it was bound to happen, ab it's upto you both, how you are going to treat this new relationship..... Meri Maan toh take it slow, friends bano pehle, jaano ek dusre ko, don't rush things.",Shub nodded at his words, Virat smiled and patted his cheeks.

He was about to say something, that's when Anushka knocked the door,"Ho gayi bhaiyon ki baatein toh chalo niche, aur agar nahi bhi hui hogi tab bhi, iski vidai nahi hone wali, chalo.",she said while laughing, they both nodded and went out of the room for going downstairs.

•
Downstair the scenario was as same as it was, from the morning. The ladies were seated on the sofa, singing some local songs, clapping their hands in rhythm, their laughter, music and claps were echoing through the whole house.

As they came downstair, everyone's eyes went to them. Shub's mother smiles with tear while getting up from the couch and she went to him.

She stood infront him and a lady came behind from her with a aarti ki thaal in her hand, she handed it to her. She turned a little to taking it.

After turning back again to him with the thaal now in her hand, she performed his aarti, by rotating the aarti thaali in front of him five times, then applied a sindur tika on his forehead.

After doing this, she gave the thaal back to the lady, turning back again to him, ahe smiled with tear, and took a kajal from her eyes and mark it behind his ear, same as Nush did.

"Kitna sundar lag raha, kisi ki bhi nazar na lage, thu thu thu.", she did the mother trademark while everyone chuckled in the room.

He smiled a little as he saw his mother happy, genuinely happy, then he just hugged her, tightly. She wasn't expecting it, her hands hung in air but then as it sinked in her mind, she chuckled and hugged him, caressing his back.

He put his head in crook of her neck, feeling his mother's warmth, after breaking the hug, she cupped his cheeks and said,"How quickly you have grown up, only yesterday we brought you to this house and now you will bring your wife.",she said with smile and he shaked his head with smile on his face.

Everyone were emotional, which Ishan decided to break, to make them laugh.

"Now Yash is left aunty, keep some tears for him too.",he said laughing to which Yash scrunched his nose.

"Matrimony khol rakha hai kya?", every one burst in his remark, even Shub.

As everyone stopped, his mother turned to him and said,"Chalo time ho gaya tum sab ke jane ka, vo wait kar rahi hogi, aur mein bhi yaha wait karungi, jaldi lana use.",Shub wasn't able to say anything he just nodded and made his way out of the home with Virat.

As he sat in the car, he took a deep breath calming his mind and reminding himself Virat's word.

"Bhagne se kuch nahi hoga."

"I want you both to accept this."

"Aur is mein pehla kadam tera hona chahiye."

His subconscious mind was filled with numerous things but one line was repeating again and again.

We are together in this.

[The mother of groom doesn't not comes in his wedding, it's a ritual, the groom's mummy, maasi, badi mummy, chachi, mami and some womens stay at their home only.
When the seven pheras took place at the mandap, at the groom's house two women takes get up as the bride and groom, and they also do the phera.]

•
At the wedding lawn, all they preparetion were in full swing, as they heard, that barat will be here anytime soon.

The lawn beautiful decorated, with a open mandap near the stage. The beautiful entrance was fully covered with red roses. It was everything, beautiful, magical, dreamy.

On the second floor of the hotel, the bride stood infront of the mirror, the makeup was just completed. She stood their, gulping hard the lump in her throat. She let out a small breath, before turning to her friends.

When they saw her in the bridal attire their jaw dropped, she was looking so ethereal, deep red lehenga, her mehendi hands adorned with bangles, jewellery making her look more beautiful.

They didn't said anything just watched her with their mouth open, tension lingered in Sara's mind, fear, what if she wasn't looking good?
What if this colour is making her look bad?

Her what ifs where paused as, she was suddenly grabbed by all in a hug. As they broke the hug, they did the infamous," taking kajal from their eyes and putting it behind her ears."

They did it one by one making her chuckle,"How am I looking?",she asked with raised brows and they all shouted "BEAUTIFUL!!"
making her emotional.

Her friend, Shiksha tried her attempt as she saw a tear flicker in her eyes,"Sacchi bata rahi hun, agar ladki nahi hoti toh tujhe pakka bhaga ke le jati, abhi yahi se.", they all laughed the tension easing.

Their best friend is getting married, they are no more kids now, responsibility of being adult is finally claiming it's right.

Tears were actually welling up in their eyes, they controlled it.

In while Ritika said wiping a tear, while smiling,"okay enough of being emotional, let's go Adi and Nitya (her cousin) Nush text me saying they have left from there for here. Chalo Adi and Nitya, dulhe ka rasta rokna hai, nek nahi lena kya tum dono ko?"

They laughed and turned to Sara, "Dekh behen ab nek toh hame chahiye, vo bhi bada wala toh, thoda jyada wait karna padega, kar legi naa?.", Nitya said teasing her

Aditi joined her saying,"Haan jab tak nahi milta hame sahi nek, hum andar hi nahi aane denge.", Sara nodded while rolling her eyes as a smile adorn her lips.

As they leaved, the room was not empty though, her friends and cousins were there as,"Dulhan ko akela nahi chhodte."

She sat on the bed's edge, her gaze outside of the window on the dark sky, her mind calming her heart.

She took a deep breath,

Finally the night has came. The night which she dreamt about numerous time.

But

It wasn't like that she ever imagined, this is not what she manifested.

This is totally opposite.But can she do anything. No

She saw her parent's genuine smile, genuine happiness today, and for this happiness she'll do any thing, even it takes upto her life.

Her mind went everywhere, as possible and finally at past.

Her laughter with him now seems a distant memory to her. Her dreams, her wishes, her manifestation of having a perfect life, was now shattering. One question surrounded her brain and heart.

Why didn't he ever came back?

•
At the stage Shubman stood, he just came there with his family, friends. They had came earlier but for the rituals, they stood there only, for a half hours.

That wasn't enough so, while entering Aditi and Nitya blocked his way, carrying pani ki gundi on their head, it was a tradition, and as per that, they wanted their nek, and if he will not give them their rightfully money they will not let him enter.

He was ready to give the nek, but his best friend, how can he even forget him, he was fighting (flirting) with Aditi saying, we'll not give any money and all, it took half hour more.

Meaning, even after coming so early, he reached at the stage only after an hour, by Ritika dragging him to the stage by grabbing his hand. (It's a tradition)

He sat on the plush couch, which was kept on the stage, Ishan, Abhishek and Yashaswi behind him, laughing on their stupid jokes, humour (it's very funny.)

He wasn't able to process things,he was very nervous, sitting on the couch he can see every guest's, staff, even tree's eyes on him. His hands were trembling slightly, he wasn't use of this much attention.

His eyes shot up to the entrance, expecting her to make her appearance but to his disappointment, she wasn't there. Now he was able to experience what she felt through out the functions, when he used to came after her.

He turned his face to the other side as he saw Ishan and Abhay leaving the stage, furrowing his brows, he leaned back to the sofa, as Yash was standing behind it.

"Yeh dono kaha gaye?",he asked to him in low voice, audible to them only, Yash chuckled and replied saying,"Party badal li unhe.", he frown hearing him.

He was about to ask him more when the music started, his head shot turned to the entrance.

And there she wass....

The moment arrived-Sara, walking forward, her silhouette framed by the soft, glowing lights. Dressed in an exquisite red lehenga with intricate gold embroidery, she looked ethereal. Her veil, embroidered with delicate gold thread.

Sara entered with her four brother, each one holding a corner of phoolon ki chadar above her head. The chadar, made of silk and adorned with fresh roses, and jasmine, shimmered with the golden glow of the room. As they walked together, the petals from the chadar fluttered down like blessings from the heavens, adding a sense of purity to the moment

Rohit and her cousin brother, Vedant stood front, while Abhishek and Ishan stood behind. They were also like her brother.

If you are forgetting, they studied in same class throughout their life, yes they were his bestfriend. But they both always held a sisterly affection towards her, which she reciprocated always, despite Shub and Sara's hatred it never add hindrance to Abhay, Ishan and Sara's relation.

The guests stood in awe, their gazes locked on the bride as she walked towards the mandap.Her head held up with a warm look, and a smile fake one ofcourse, but she looked ethereal.

His breath hitched as he saw her entering, the world seems disappearing to him.
He stood and went to stairs waiting for her to come.

His mind drifted back to the past, to Ritika and Rohit's wedding, where he saw her entering to the hall.

His heart skipped a beat remembering that moment, he remembered her entering helding her lehenga by both of her hands, smiling going towards her cousins.

That was the moment, yes that was the damn moment where he realised it was something else.... It was not hate...but what was it?

He remember how hard it was to take his eyes off from her that day, and now, in this present moment, he still feel the same, he still felt it hard to took his eyes off from her.

As she came near the stairs of the stage, she stood there and his hand instinctively went forward to her, she looked up raising her brow a playful look on her face, seeing her he controlled his urge to roll his eyes so he smiled matching her.

Their hand met, as she walked up to the stage their eyes met for a moment, he gave her a supporting look and she nodded.

They stood there for a moment as, Yash and Aditi also came on the stage with the baby pink rose varmala.

As they came, Yash nudged Shub to take the varmala, he nodded and took it, the softness of the flower he felt against his skin, he harden his grip slightly, and turned to face her.

He took a deep breath and extended his hands and put the garland in her neck.

The crowd erupted in joy, claps and in hooting. The crowd began shower flower patels to the couple. Now their gaze stopped on Sara waiting her to put the varmala on his neck.

As she took the varmala, her heart thudded hardly in her chest. She took the varmala in her hand and looked up to him. He saw a flicker of hesitation in her eyes, he signaled her to take a deep breath, with his eyes.

She nodded slowly and took a deep breath for calming herself, when she felt little ease. She looked up and streched her hands upward.

He bent a little, as the varmala adorned his neck, the crowd again erupted in claps, hooting and again showering the petals on them.

Amidst this their eyes met, a reassuring smile he gave her, despite how much reassurance he needed now and no one was there for giving him the reassurance, the strength he needed now.

He remembered Virat's,
She needs more support.

And he will give her, he will be their for her,
but....
Who's here for him?

•
After the chaos filled photo session, the shadi wala khana wagera, it was the midnight time, something like 12:49 am.

The guest were leaving the venue, only the close relatives, family and friends were at the place. Now it was a simple and little silent atmosphere as the music was shut down, and yes the kids also slept.

Shub sat on the mandap, doing the rituals, which was told by the pandit ji, everyone stood outside the mandap, seeing him doing the rituals.

Ishan, Abhay, Yash stood folding their hands, seeing the rituals, curiosity was totally seen in their eyes as they were curious what comes next.

Meanwhile, Virat, Anushka watched it sitting on the nearby couch, smiling remembering their wedding. His father looking him with adoration.

After some time Sara enter, now wearing a yellow saree, her jewellery was also now simple, in less amount just some statement jewellery, like earrings, a necklace and a maangtika, but her hands were filled with red bangles and golden kangan.

In this simple look also, she looked ethereal, breathtaking, his heart skipped a beat seeing her. She came and sat beside him.

The night continues with wedding rituals, after the kanyadaan ritual, her parents head back to the room as it was the time of phere. As per the rituals bride's parents cannot see their daughter taking the auspicious seven rounds of the pure fire with her husband.

Anushka came and took Sara's odhani and his dupatta for tying the gathbandhan. As it was done she stood up and went back to Virat, who was also stood around the mandap, his hand filled with akshat. He gave some to Anushka also.

As the priest began chanting the mantras for the saptapadi-the seven sacred vows-Shubman rose first, extending a hand to Sara. Her fingers barely grazed his as she stood, her gaze fixed on the fire in the center of the mandap.

The phera began, with Sara leading the first three rounds around the sacred fire. Shubman followed her silently, his eyes trained on her back, her anklets chiming softly with each step.

The priest's voice cut through the heavy silence between them, explaining the significance of each vow.

First Phera: To provide for and support one another.

Shubman glanced at Sara, his heart tightening. He don't know if he'll able to do it. He was scared, he glanced at her,
Her shoulders remained stiff, her steps deliberate, as if every movement required effort.

Second Phera: To protect and respect one another.

As they continued, Shubman's steps grew slower, as though the weight of the vows was pressing down on him. He couldn't help but wonder if Sara even believed in these promises. Her face was an unreadable mask, and it made him feel more distant than ever.

Third Phera: To nurture trust and build a family together.

When the priest signaled for the fourth round, Shubman stepped ahead to take the lead. His jaw tightened as he walked, the sacred fire crackling beside him. He couldn't understand why he felt this gnawing emptiness.

Sara followed now, her gaze lowered. For a fleeting moment, Shubman slowed his pace, hoping she might look up and meet his eyes. But she didn't.

Fourth Phera: To share joy and sorrow equally.

Shubman clenched his fists at his sides. Was this a partnership, or just an obligation they were fulfilling? He didn't wanted to disrespect the rituals, but they..they where just playing along, this ritual meant nothing to them. They weren't disrespecting the rituals, the almighty, right?

Fifth Phera: To raise strong, virtuous children.

The fire roared softly, the priest's voice continuing to chant. The crowd watched with rapt attention, showring akhshat on them as they walk around the fire.

Sixth Phera: To walk together in all aspects of life.

As they took the sixth round, Shubman's hand brushed against Sara's arm. She flinched, though it was so subtle he doubted anyone else noticed. The movement sent a pang of guilt through him, even though he didn't understand why.

Seventh Phera: To remain lifelong companion, true and loyal.

They came to a stop after the final round. The priest instructed them to sit, but Shubman remained standing for a moment, his eyes locked on Sara. For the first time, she glanced up at him, their gazes meeting briefly.

It was fleeting, but in that moment, Shubman thought he saw something behind her guarded expression-a flicker of vulnerability, perhaps even fear. But before he could grasp it, Sara looked away, her face carefully composed again.

The priest pronounced the same phera complete, and the family clapped, their cheers filling the air. Shubman sat beside Sara, their hands resting mere inches apart.

The sacred fire still burned brightly, but all Shubman could feel was the growing distance between them.

The priest's voice rose once more, reciting the next set of mantras, signaling the start of the final rituals that would bind Shubman and Sara as husband and wife.

Shubman watched as Sara adjusted her saree, her face carefully neutral, though her fingers trembled slightly. A slight pang hit him, but he quickly pushed it aside, kneeling when the priest gestured.

Two silver bichiya (toe rings) were brought on a small golden tray, their delicate design gleaming in the flickering firelight. Anushka whispered instructions to him as she handed him the toe rings.

"This is a promise of protection and respect," she said softly, her tone brimming with emotion.

Shubman nodded, leaning down. Sara extended her right foot hesitantly, her anklets jingling softly with the movement. Her foot was still as Shubman slipped the first ring onto her toe. The silver felt cool against her skin, the action intimate in a way that made her throat tighten.

The left foot followed, and as he placed the second bichiya, he wasn't even able to tell, to name a feeling which he was feeling now. He stood quickly, his expression unreadable.

Next the priest called for the sindoor, and Shubman felt a lump form in his throat as he took the small silver box. The bright red powder inside seemed heavier than it should have been, carrying the weight of tradition and promises he wasn't sure he could keep.

"Sara, bow your head slightly," the priest instructed.

Sara obeyed, lowering her head just enough for Shubman to reach her hairline. Aditi behind her helding Sara's maangtika up.
His hand trembled as he pinched a bit of the sindoor, the crimson powder stark against his fingers. For a moment, he hesitated, his gaze flickering to her closed eyes.

With a deep breath, he placed the sindoor carefully along her parting, the vibrant red standing out vividly against her dark hair.
While applying the sindur, the little amount of sindur fell on her nose. The weight of the act settled over both of them, unspoken words hanging heavy in the air.

The priest then handed Shubman the mangalsutra-a delicate black and gold beaded necklace, its pendant adorned with tiny diamonds. Shubman's fingers brushed against the chain as he took it, the metal cool against his warm skin.

Her heartbeat quickened as Shubman leaned closer, the chain dangling from his hands.

For a moment, time seemed to pause. The world around them faded as Shubman clasped the mangalsutra around her neck, his fingers brushing against her skin. Sara's breath hitched, her eyes closing briefly as the chain settled into place.

The priest clapped his hands together, a smile spreading across his face. "With these sacred rituals complete, I now pronounce Shubman and Sara as husband and wife."

The crowd erupted into cheers and applause. Rohit wiped a tear from his eye, while Shub's family beamed with joy. Flower petals rained down on the couple, a vibrant shower of marigolds and roses.

"May their union be filled with happiness and prosperity," the priest declared, his voice carrying above the joyous clamor.

Sara glanced at Shubman from the corner of her eye, his face unreadable. He met her gaze for a brief moment, offering a faint, almost hesitant smile.

The fire crackled one last time before the priest extinguished it, marking the end of the ceremony. Shubman and Sara stood side by side as the priest raised his hands in blessing.

"You are now bound together, in life and in duty," he said solemnly.

The weight of his words lingered between them, heavy and unyielding, as they prepared to step into a future neither of them had fully envisioned.

Ahh, finally they are married, well this was the most hardest chapter to me for writing.

Some rituals, traditions you must have found unique, actually mostly I have wrote the rituals/tradition happens in my family. There are many unique ritual which I didn't add, cause it was difficult to write.

I hope you all liked the chapter, and I hope I did justice to their feelings, situation.

Also, as many of you know I am in college and our teachers have given us many, assignments and all to do, also I have to complete my notes so, I usually don't have much time to write, so I decided to keep target on every chapter as it will take time and in between this I can write.

Target:

Votes: 60+
Comments: 50+
(I hope it's not much as there are maximum 50+ votes usually on every chapter and above 100 comments so...)

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