Sharmaye sharmaye dulhania
Dulhania dulhania dulhania
Rat yeh aayi hain nachenghe
Ham teri sagayi hain nachenghe ham
Nachneghe sang me dulhania
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Author’s POV
The priest was chanting several Sanskrit mantras, and Aaranya listened intently.
But Yuvraj? Ah, that’s a different story.
He was busy continuously staring at Aaranya with only one thought in his mind, ‘She is my bride!’
The priest glanced at Yuvraj and shook his head in amusement as he paused his chanting for a moment before he spoke, “Putr vadhu aapki hi hai. Abhi thoda unpar se nazar hata lijiye.” He said teasingly before he went back to chanting the mantras.
(Son, she is your bride only. You can take your eyes off her now.)
Aaranya bit the insides of her cheeks, trying not to laugh, while the rest of the people around the altar looked amused, seeing the usually so harsh prince acting like a softie.
Yuvraj looked a bit embarrassed as his actions got caught in 4K.
_________________
Some time later,
The priest called out to the bride’s father for the kanyadaan.
“Vadhu ke pita ab aaye aur kanyadaan kare.” He said while Aaranya’s father Rajender stood up from his seat and walked towards the altar between Aaranya and Yuvraj.
(Bride’s father may come down for the kanyadaan.)
He took Yuvraj’s hand in his, but before he could place Aaranya’s hand, Yuvraj pulled his hand away.
“Nahi uncle. Yeh rasam nahi hogi.” He said firmly with determination in his eyes.
(No uncle. This ritual will not happen.)
All the people looked confused as Yuvraj refused to oblige by the tradition.
“Why son? Is everything fine?” Rajender asked, looking at Yuvraj.
Yuvraj nodded.
“Ji. Par yeh rasam nahi hogi. You have taken care of her for so long with such love, and I want to do the same. I don’t want her as a donation. I want her as my life partner. My better half. And for that, we need your blessings.” He said before continuing with a firm look, "Aur Kanya ka daan nahi hota.”
(Yes. But this ritual will not take place………….) (And daughters are not donated.)
All the people sitting in the hall looked awestruck as they heard such pure thoughts of a man.
Rajender, who earlier looked confused, smiled unable to control his tears. He embraced Yuvraj in a tight hug.
“Dhyan rakhna meri beti ka. Sabse pyaari aur mehengi amanat hai meri.” He said while pulling back and wiping a stray tear that had fallen.
(Take care of my daughter. She is the most precious treasure I have.)
Yuvraj nodded, “Apni jaan se bhi jyada.”
(More than my life.)
Rajender casted one last loving look at both Yuvraj and Aaranya before turning back to move back to his chair.
The priest looked impressed.
He started the rituals once again asking Yuvraj and Aaranya to stand up for the pheres (7 rounds around the sacred fire.)
Aaranya and Yuvraj got up the preist intructed them to take three rounds in which Aaranya would be in front and four with Yuvraj in front.
Aaranya’s duppata was tucked in Yuvraj’s finger as the priest started chanting.
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Aaranya’s POV
We joined hands together and slowly began walking around the holy fire, step by step.
The priest chants the mantras for each phera, and we take the vows one by one.
Our families were throwing flower petals on us with joy shining in their faces as they clapped and cheered.
First Phera- We promise to give each other love, support, and happiness in life.
We vowed as we took the first round together, with him looking at me with soft eyes.
Second Phera- We promise to grow strong and healthy together.
Third Phera- We promise to work together to become rich in life- spiritually, emotionally and financially.
Fourth Phera- We promise to chase our dreams together and never let go of what sets our souls on fire.
With every step, I felt his hand clutching mine tighter as if grounding himself.
Fifth Phera- We promise to take care of our children and their future together.
Gosh, just this thought alone makes my heart flutter.
Sixth Phera- We promise to always be with each other in every happiness and sorrow.
He held only my hand tightly while his thumb caressed the back of my palm.
Seventh Phera- We promise to remain best friends, loyal partners and husband and wife for life and beyond.
This round felt the most emotional one yet as it felt like an official stamp on our relationship of years.
We stop in front of the holy fire after completing the rounds and exchange soft, loving looks with each other before turning back to the fire, bowing while folding our hands in respect before sitting back down.
“Now fill the bride’s hair partition with sindoor.” Pandit ji instructed Yuvraj while his mother handed him the small box of vermillion.
He took a pinch out of it, his hands trembling as he filled my hair partition.
A few of it fell on my nose, making everyone laugh and cheer while we smiled at the good sign.
Yuvraj joined his forehead with mine, making the vermilion mark on his forehead.
He spoke with determination and devotion, “Aajse yeh sindoor agar Anya ko mera bata ta hai toh yeh tika mujhe uska darshayga.”
(For now, this sindoor shows her as mine and this tika would show me as her.)
I smiled as a soft blush rose on my cheeks.
Next, at the priest’s instruction, he picked up the mangalsutra from the tray.
He tied the mangalsutra around my neck. It was not long, not heavy. Simple and manageable for everyday with an infinity sign, and black, golden beads.
After a few minutes more of chanting different mantras, the priest finally said, “Vivah sampan hua. Aajse aap dono pati-patni.”
(The wedding is done. From today, you are husband and wife.)
We both got up, and Yuvraj twirled me around before excitedly shouting “Meriii bewi hai yehhh!!!”
(She is my wifeee!!!)
I laughed softly.
We touched the priest’s feet in respect as he gave us his blessings before me moved to greet the rest of the family.
“Sada sukhi raho baccho.” The priest said.
(Stay happy always)
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Author’s POV
Finally after a moment,
It was time to say goodbye.
Aaranya was given rice grains in her hands and asked to throw it behind as she walked, symbolising that she was leaving behind all the happiness, love and relations she got from there.
As they reached out of the gate.
Aaranya turned back to look at her father and brothers.
Her father embraced her tightly, “Beta dhyan rakhna.” He said with such softness and love that a teardrop fell from his eye.
(Take care, daughter.)
She wiped the tear.
“Ji papa. Please roiye mat.” She said while he stepped back, allowing her brothers.
(Yes, Papa. Please don’t cry.)
All four of them took her in a group hug, the ruthless princes crying.
“Bahot yaad aayegi teri. Abhi toh aayi thi, itni jaldi kya thi jaane ki?” Veer said while gently cupping her cheeks in his hands and wiping her tears.
(We will miss you a lot. You just came what was the need to go back so fast.)
She buried her head in his chest. “Bahut yaad aayegi bhai sa aapki.” She said as tears fell from her eyes.
(I’ll miss you a lot bhai sa.)
Lakshay took over, wiping her tears.
“Kabhi bhi tang kare Yuvraj toh batana, mai khabar lunga uski.” He said trying to joke in the intense emotional moment.
(If he will ever cause you any trouble so tell me, I will take care of him.)
“Bhai sa roiye mat please.” She said while wiping his tears.
(Bhai sa please don’t cry.)
Aaliya was next.
She kept looking at the sides to hide her tears and avoid the moment.
“Oyee darling! Kya hua?” Aaranya tried to joke despite the emotional heaviness.
(What happened? Darling?)
A broken laugh escaped Aaliya’s lips “Ab toh tu jiju ki darling ban gayi na.” She said.
(You have become brother-in-law’s darling now.)
Aaranya embraced Aaliya tightly in her arms. “Hatt pagal!”
(Duffer!)
Just then, as the moment shifted a bit, Aaliya handed a chocolate to Aaranya.
“Kya hai yeh?” she said trying to find out, looking at the box when her gaze fell on the words on the packet ‘Tabs’
(What is this?)
“Wtf!” Excaped her mouth as an instant reaction and louder than expected.
Aaranya’s father turned towards her, “Kya hua betu?” He asked to which Aaranya just shook her head.
(What happed kiddo?)
Aaliya mouthed teasingly, “Rakh le… aaj kaam aayega.”
(Keep it… You’ll need it today.)
Just then Yuvraj turned to Aryan, “Aryan mere joote kaha hai? Maine tujhe hi toh diye the.” He asked while looking for his shoes.
(Aryan where are my shoes? I gave it you.)
Aryan’s eyes widened for a moment before he looked around and shifted the blame, “Bhaiya mai zara who… Akshara ke sath tha…” He said while nervously holding his girlfriend’s hand.
Yuvraj turned to Shivika with some hope left in his eyes, but found himself busy trying to calm Veer down.
He sighed, knowing better than to ask her when he already knows.
He finally turned towards Rudra, whose gaze was still fixed on the food stalls despite the plate of sweets in his hands.
He signed in irritation, “Okayyy! So everyone is madly in love here. One with his girlfriend. One with her husband and one with his freaking food!! And my shoes are also SUCCESSFULLY STOLEN I guess.” He said while rolling his eyes in frustration.
Just then, Aaliya came from behind him with his shoes in her hands, tapping them against each other “Jijuuu!!! Ab toh joote chori ho gaye.” She said, trying to blink her eyes and feign innocence despite her evil smirk.
(Jijuuu!!! Now the shoes are stolen.)
“Saali sahibaa! De diye ab joote.” He said, trying to match her tone and energy and putting his hands forward, expecting her to put the shoes on them.
(Sister in law! Please give the shoes back now.)
She clicked her tongue playfully, “Nah nah jiju… Itni bhi easily nahi… Agar thoda 3-4 crore rupee shagun mai de dete, toh mai sochti.” She said.
(Nah nah jiju… Not this easily… If you give me 3-4 crores as shagun, I’ll probably think.)
Yuvraj looked at her for a moment with a deadpan look as he spoke: “You are the COO of a company with a turnover of 100 crores.”
She just shrugged, “Pata hai mujhe jiju… par aap kya jaano shagun ke paiso ki khushi.” She said exaggeratedly, making him and all the people around her chuckle.
(I know Jiju… But you don’t know the happiness and satisfaction of shagun money.)
He rolled his eyes playfully amused as he signalled Aryan who came forward with a blankcheck.
Yuvraj signed the check in front of Aaliya and handed it over to her.
“Lijiye saali sahiba. Jitna shagun aapka dil chahe.” He said with a wink.
(Here you go sister-in-law. As much shagun you want.)
Aaliya kept the check in her handbag before leaning down and putting the shoes down. She tried to put the shoes on his feet, but he pulled them back.
“No, Aaliya, you don’t need to. I’ll wear this on my own.” He said firmly, but as he saw her trying to argue, he added “No arguments.”
✨
Soon, somehow despite the emotional heaviness Aaranya settled down in the decorated car beside Yuvraj.
Dev, Aditya, Lakshay, and Veer pushed the car forward before it went raced out of the palace premises.
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The car reached the grounds of the Udaipur palace.
The entire ride they saw that the whole city was decorated. And the palace? It looked majestic.
The entire palace was shining with lights and diyas.
Dhol played as soon as the car entered.
Yuvraj’s mother came forward with an aarti thali as the door to Yuvraj’s side of the car opened.
He walked around the car and opened the door for Aaranya while holding helping her walk out, and gently picking up the heavy dupatta so that she could walk comfortably.
His mother walked in front of the couple, excitement beam in her eyes as she smiled while doing their aarti and warding off the evingil.
“Aao beta, swagat hai tumhara.” She said softly.
(Welcome sweetie, come in.)
The rest of the couple had also walked towards them, their own smiles intact.
Just then, Yuvraj signalled to Rudra as he nodded and just then, The sky filled with fireworks.
Loud. Bright. Colourful.
And in the centre… ‘Welcome’ was written with sparkles.
A smile touched Aaranya’s lips as she looked at all of them in gratitude.
Yuvraj casually slid his arm around her waist and pulled her closer. “Kaisa tha?” He asked
(How was it?)
“Bilkul aapke jaisa.” She said her eyes filled with skies of emotion.
(Exactly like you.)
A dramatic tease touched Yuvraj’s lips as he said “Accha ya fir bura?”
(Good or bad?)
“Jaisa aap soche… ab aap khud ko hi bura maan baithe ho toh usme mai kya kar sakti hu.” She said while he chuckled at her wit.
(As you think… Now if you consider youself bad then what can I do.)
“Wow! That was an answer to die for. My little fox!” He said and walked behind Aaranya as they followed the family in the palace.
Outside the main entrance, Aarnaya was stopped by her in-laws.
“Beta ruko” Priyanka said while Aryan went over the table to get the plate of alta and the kalash of rice.
(Sweetie stop)
He placed it near Aaranya’s feet, while Yuvyaj’s mother started instructing, “Beta kalash par pair se dhakka laga ke andar aao.”
(Sweetie push the pot slightly from your feet and come inside.)
Aaranya nodded obediently as she carefully pushed the kalash slightly making the rice seeds fall in the front and then she stepped into the plate of alta before walking through a white cloth into the palace.
“Accha beta ab tum dono jao kamre mai aaram karo. Bahot thak gaye hoge na.” His chote papa sa said before adding teasingly “Aur haan aaj aaram hi karne ki koshish karna… nahi toh maze karna.” He said and walked out yawning with his hand laced in his wifes.
(Okay kids go to your room and rest. You both must be so tired.) (And yeah, Try to rest only today… otherwise enjoy.)
Next, Yuvraj’s Parents came forward “Beta… Tum dono jao. So jao. Ham baaki ki rasme baad mai kar lenge.”
(Kids… You both go and sleep now. We will do the rest of the rituals later.)
They gave their blessings to Yuvraj and Aaranya and left.
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The spoilers and updates for the next chapter are already on my Instagram page 'khushiiwrts'.
This chapter is also available on Wattpad and Inkitt.
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