Dedicated to you guys, who always encouraged me... thank you dears, and to you, my crazy cousins, who always read my stories first... Thank you 😊😊

The wedding.

Riya.

I was dressed in red and gold saree, the blouse was draped with pearls and golden thread.

My ornaments were old and traditional style, probably handed down for generations.

I looked at Grandma.

"This... This saree and ornaments..." I stopped as I tried to control the emotions inside me.

How can I be so happy and sad alike!?

"I was... I was saving it for my Sneha, I... thought she will come home with your dad, But... I was too stubborn to call her back myself," Her voice trembled.

Grandma was waiting for my mom and dad to come home one day! She was saving all of these to welcome her as a bride.

But when my Amma returned finally, she was ill.

Grandma would've gone through a tough time then!

I enveloped her in a tight hug.

"I love you, Gran." I whispered, "I will... I will never leave you," I said, "my mom was so lucky to get you as her mother." I said.

"I regret it... If I was ready to accept their marriage, they would have been alive and healthy," She sobbed.

For the first time, I saw the fragile old woman who's going through so much pain underneath the strong-willed and stubborn Parvathi Atharva.

"When my mom was not well, She came back to you, She trusted you and believed in you to come back, Please don't think about anything else," I told her firmly.

"Cheer up Amma, we finally found Riya after all these time, we need to celebrate this with all the happiness," Nikil's mother touched her mother-in-law.

Grandma pulled back and kissed me on the forehead.

"My blessing will be always with you, my dear child," she said and I smiled, nodding my head.

"You look awesome, Riyechi, No wonder that brother Neev was ready to do anything to get you back!" Pooja, Nikil's sister said.

"Riya, I always tried to convince you to wear a saree, it really looks great on you," Auntie Alice smiled.

"You look beautiful Riya, Nivin will have a nice surprise to see you in saree," Naina said.

"You are looking good in saree too," I said and she smiled.

"Auntie Alice wouldn't leave me alone, she and Kiran forced me to wear this," Naina said. "She even forced Amy to wear a lehenga, Can you believe that!?"

"I can imagine that," I laughed, Feeling pity for the poor girl.

"It's almost time for muhurtham, everyone, guide Riya to the mandap,"

Neev.

"You... you mean... I have to wear it?" I looked at the white dhoti in terror, "what if it get untied?"

Everyone including Uncle John laughed at my question; apparently, my misery is too entertaining for them!

"Then you will have to deal with it," Nikil was doing a good job, consoling me.

"You were the one who was ready to do this wedding in Atharva's style; no bridegroom can enter the mandap wearing a suit here."

"Don't worry brother; we all are here with you." Danny consoled me.

"We had no choice!" I said.

"You should have waited until your big brother is married... at least for the second time," Rohan said, "Take it as a punishment for beating me a second time," he said.

"I had to deal with it to please her Grandma, You don't know how stubborn-"

Nikil cleared his throat and I stopped.

"There's nothing to worry about this, we will belt it for you," he said.

Riya.

I sit beside Neev and smiled at how stiff he's looking.

"You look beautiful, Riya," Neev said as our eyes met.

"Are you alright?" I whispered.

"No, but Now I know why I risked all of these," he said. "We will be back together now."

The sacred fire was lit and Priest started the ritual. We did everything that was told.

I was overwhelmed as Neev took my hand as he was instructed and accepted me as his bride.

When Neev tied the mangalsutra, I felt like we are bonded stronger than ever, Even though it was our second time getting married, all the rituals just felt like binding us stronger and closer.

Soon we greeted everyone and accepted everyone's blessings.

I looked at Neev.

"We have to visit Mamma before we leave for the airport," I said and he nodded.

"I know,"

"We need the blessing from Grandpa too," I said and Neev looked around the wedding hall.

Even though Grandpa has come, he was sitting at the last raw.

"It's not me; He's the one who's keeping a clear distance from me," Neev said.

"You know how proud he is, you have to go to him," I whispered. "We are starting afresh; I would like to keep everything good this time."

"I don't hate him, Riya" Neev told me slowly. "I thought I would despise him, but after you came to my life, I am getting influenced I think," he said.

I laughed at that.

"He was worried about you when you went missing, He came back home to search for you," he added.

"He was tricked by Sebastian, I am so sorry for him, Imagine how he must've felt when he came to know the truth," I said.

"Nivin," Grandma Parvathi appeared and Neev jerked up and I smiled.

They are still not very comfortable with each other...

She started to introduce everyone and Neev talked to them.

"Riya," Rohan walked to me. "Do me a favour," he said and I turned to him.

Sachin.

"It was you!" I exclaimed as my eyes landed on her for a moment, noticing her floor length skirt.

I think this is my first time seeing Amy in a party wear, especially with light makeup and her hair done.

"You are actually looking like a girl today!"

"Because Rohan's mother wouldn't leave me alone, she threatened to leave me behind if I don't listen to her," she shook her head "I pity Naina, How's she going to handle her when she gets married?"

I laughed at that.

It's no secret that Auntie Alice loves shopping and dressing up the people around her.

I had to admit it; Amy looked quite cute in this dress.

Uh... Sachin! Don't forget why you were searching for her...

"But why didn't I see you before? Were you hiding from me!?"

"No!" she said a little too quickly.

"I was sitting here as I couldn't move in this, I feel like wearing an umbrella around me, you see." she pointed at her skirt.

"You were avoiding me."

"I was not!" Amy said.

"You should talk to your dad, Amy! He's not leaving me,"

"Don't answer his calls then,"

"I can't do that! If he talks to my parents, I don't know what will happen!"

"Deal with it Sachin, You started this at the first place." Amy sounded angry now.

"Started what?" Jason appeared near us.

"Nothing, He was talking rubbish." Amy shrugged.

"You two," Rick narrowed his eyes at us, "Is something wrong? I was noticing you and you two were-"

"Everything is okay!"

"Nothing wrong,"

Both of us exclaimed simultaneously and stilled.

"I was joking! But you guys took it seriously!?" Rick looked suspicious.

"That means something is definitely up, what is it?" Sid demanded.

"Shut up okay!?" Amy said. "I am going to congratulate Neev and Riya," She walked to them, ditching me with the crazy guys.

Neev.

"Rohan wants you to toss the bridal bouquet!?" I asked her in surprise.

We were still at the reception, Even though Riya's Grandma said it would be a small function, It was a grand one, Plus I was introduced to a dozen uncles, cousins and relatives.

I had no choice but smile and be polite even though it was out of my comfort zone. I knew that I have to deal with it.

"Yup... he wants me to make sure that Naina will get it," Riya said.

"He's gone mad," I shook my head.

"He said it's some kind of sign for Naina, He's trying to convince Naina for marriage,"

"So if Naina gets the bouquet, She will be the next to get married... wow, how did he even came up with the idea!?"

"Well... he wants to make Naina believe that, I guess," Riya said.

"I never realised Rohan was that desperate," Amy said with a laugh.

"Mm... love can make people do stupid things, I guess." I nodded my head.

"Like you designed your penthouse with balloons and ribbons," Amy laughed again.

"Hey!" Neev looked at her.

"You didn't know how odd it was to watch you fussing over all the little things, all of us were worried that something happened to you," she said.

"Yea, because I was trying to propose my beautiful bride here," I pulled Riya to me.

"Neev!" Riya laughed. "Don't make me awkward in front of your friends!"

"But it's true!" Nivin said.

"Good luck anyway," Amy said. "It must be the first time in the history of a Hindu wedding that a bride is tossing a bouquet," Amy said before walking away.

"Well... that's true, but I really don't care if it's Hindu, Christian, Muslim or any other type of wedding as long as you are the groom," Riya smiled at me.

"Me too... let's try all types of weddings, I especially like the honeymoon part." Neev winked.

"Neev!" I exclaimed and he chuckled.

Riya.

All the single ladies were waiting and I turned around with my bouquet.

I looked at Neev, who was facing the crowd behind me.

"It's easy actually," he said. "She's at the far right-hand side," he said slowly.

"You ready?" he asked me and I nodded.

Here we go!

I tossed my bridal bouquet as good as I can, aiming to the right side.

"Riya!" Neev exclaimed as the crowd went wild. "I said it's to the right-hand side!"

"What happened!?" I whirled around as the whole wedding hall erupted in laughter and chaos.

Neev chuckled and I looked around wildly.

"Oops! Wrong number, chechi," Danny laughed and then I saw it.

To my right was a very baffled looking Sachin with my bridal bouquet, who looks like he doesn't know what hit him.

It seems like my bouquet found Sachin instead of Naina!

I couldn't help but laugh at him, Even Rohan was having a hard time controlling his laughter.

"You have a very good timing, Riya; you couldn't have been more precise!" Neev smirked.

"What's that supposed to mean!?" I demanded.

"You will know soon enough," Nivin laughed.

"Sachin probably thought it was a basketball," Sid commented and laughter erupted again.

"Shut up." Sachin was back to his senses at last.

"You have a nice sense of direction, Riya," Rohan said.

"Neev said it is the right side!" I said.

"I meant your right not mine!" he smiled.

Ooh...

"You can give it to Naina directly," Sachin placed the bouquet back in my hand.

"Well... Looks like somebody is going to get married soon," Nivin teased and Sachin gave him a look.

"Not if I can help it," he muttered.

"It's not funny Neev, don't give the guys any wrong idea  and behave!" Amy said and I looked up.

Whoa!

I need to ask Neev what's going on!

"I will think about it Amy," Neev said and his smile widened as he met my eyes.

"I will tell you all about it soon."

"Keep your mouth shut, Nivin." Amy threatened before walking out of there.

The light bulb blinked in my head.

"Amy and Sachin? No way!" I exclaimed.

"It's much more than that," Neev said. "I will fill you everything soon." he winked.

Naina.

I sighed in relief.

I was well aware of Rohan's plan, thanks to the discussion that was in the ladies room while I was fixing my makeup.

I am glad the spotlight was off from me.

But I need to teach Rohan a lesson.

I walked out of there, trying to spot him.

"Naina, here you are, I was searching for you," Rohan appeared beside me.

"I want to tell you something," I said, walking outside.

"What is it?" Rohan followed me.

As soon as we were out and alone I turned to him.

"Nain-...Aah..." Rohan winced as I pinched his earlobe.

"I said I need a sign! I didn't ask you to make one."

"Aww... let go first... It's hurting," he winced again and I tightened my grip.

"No," I said.

Rohan placed his hand on top of mine but I refused to let go.

He brought his other hand around my waist, pulling me flush against him and I stilled as he touched my bare skin.

He took my frozen hand away from his ear and chuckled.

"I was controlling myself since I saw you in this dress," he pressed me to him.

"Let go of me!" I whispered.

"No," he shook his head. "If it's a sign that you want, I am ready to make one for you."

"You are not going to stop, are you?" I looked at him.

"Not until I get you back,"

"What's so good about me that you are going this extent?"

"Because you are mine, Naina," he said slowly. "I stayed away from you for a long time, but I couldn't get you out of my head, my heart ached whenever I thought about you," he said, wiping my eyes. "When I thought you were dead, I too wanted to die, I realised that I don't care about anything else, does that answer your question?"

"What if I never recover completely?"

"Do you think it will make a difference to me?" he asked me back.

We both stared at each other.

No, Rohan doesn't really care if I lost my memories, He loves me for what I am...

You don't have to be scared Naina, He won't get tired of you, he will cherish you...

My eyes started to fill all of a sudden.

"Nain... you are crying?" Rohan looked guilty now. "Okay... I... I know I am pushing it, I am sorry, It's... It's my mistake for forcing you, I won't do that again, I swear, please don't cry," he looked hurt as he raised his hands to wipe my tears.

I took a step forward and wrapped my hands tightly around his torso and Rohan stilled in shock.

"Nai... Naina?"

"I love you," I whispered.

"Wh... what!? Are you okay?" he wrapped his hands around me tentatively.

"I think I just got that sign-"

"I am so sorry to- wait, what!?" he sounded surprised.

So I tightened my hands around him in response.

Riya.

I was handing over the flowers to all the single ladies when Amy was pushed to my side by her gang.

I smiled at how outrageous she was looking.

"Here's your flower," I gave her a flower from my bouquet.

"Do you have to do this Riya, I mean, who in their right mind do these things nowadays!?" Amy said as she took the flower from my hand.

"Hey watch it, Whatever Riya says is the rule, I am right here," Neev threatened in his fake warning voice.

Amy just shook her head.

"What did you do to my friend, Riya? He's completely out of his senses,"

"I cast a spell on him," I winked as she laughed.

"I don't doubt it." She whispered back.

"Congratulations, Riya." I heard another voice and turned around.

"Uncle Dev!" I smiled as he hugged me warmly.

"I am sure James and Anil would be very happy today," He said before letting me go and hugging Neev now.
"Don't hesitate to tell me if you want anything."

"Yes, we are always here for you two; you are as good as our kids," Auntie Nandini said, kissing me on the cheek and placing a well-wrapped gift box in my hand.

"Thank... you," Neev's voice shook as he answered back and I nodded, overwhelmed and at loss for words.

Even though my dad and Neev's dad are gone, Uncle Dev still keeps them close to his heart.

True friendship never dies with time...

Amy and the guys were helping me move and arrange the gifts and she came near me to take the new wrapped box. Auntie Nandini's eyes lit up suddenly.

"Amy!" She said and I saw it as Amy looked frozen.

"Hi... Auntie..." She said awkwardly as Sachin's mother hugged her delightfully.

"I almost didn't recognise you! You look beautiful dear," She said as Amy looked embarrassed.

"I... err... Thank you,"

"Come home and visit us sometimes," Auntie Nandini said and Amy's eyes landed on Neev, who shook his head.

Neev.

Oh no! She's suspecting me!

"I didn't tell her anything!" I mouthed as Sachin appeared from nowhere.

"Mom, What are you doing!?" He whispered, trying to move her back from Amy.

"There's no need for you to keep it as a secret from us Sachin, we know all about it," Uncle Dev laughed.

"What?" He looked positively alarmed now.

"All about what?" Jason, Sid and Rick, who were finished with arranging the gifts, appeared back.

"It's nothing!" Amy said quickly.

"Yea, it's nothing!" Sachin nodded quickly.

"You are doing it again! You two, what's going on!?" The gang looked at them.

"Don't try to fool us, Sachin, We know all about you and Amy dating, her dad told us the last time we met at a party," Auntie Nandini said.

Silence filled the air as every shocked pair of eyes turned to Sachin and Amy, both of whom looked like they are going to run away any moment now.

"I was a little surprised to hear it from him, Sachin," Uncle Dev said.

"It... It's a misund-" Amy started.

"We... I will tell you about it later," Sachin nodded his head and his mom and dad walked back.

"So," Sid turned to them.

"I... err... think I am late for-" Amy started to slip away, but both Jason and Rick pulled her back.

"It's time for you to leave Neev," Sachin looked at his watch and exclaimed.

Rick put his hand on his shoulder.

"We still have time," he said, then turned from him to Amy. "So spill!" he ordered. "What's going on?"

Riya.

"Poor things, I feel pity for them," I told Neev as we greeted other guests.

Sachin and Amy were still being interrogated by the others.

"At this rate, I wouldn't be surprised if they are arranged to be married," Neev chuckled.

"Do you think it's possible!?" I asked, surprised.

"It would be fun to watch," He said. "What will happen if two entirely opposite people are put together?"

"Don't forget that opposites attract," Rohan appeared beside us with Naina, who to my surprise was looking flustered And Rohan was holding her hand proudly.

Neev raised his eyebrows.

"What happened here?" he asked, apparently noticing the air around them.

Naina smiled and a faint red colour appeared on her cheeks.

"So tell us the good news, Why are you blushing Naina!?" I asked playfully.

"Well... thank you Riya, Our plan worked," Rohan said happily.

"But she couldn't catch it; I tossed it to the wrong direction!" I said, confused.

"And it helped to make a sign somehow," Rohan smiled. "We are going to get married," he said, "You are the first one we are sharing this news with."

"Congratulations," Neev said as I squealed and hugged Naina tightly, "I am so happy for you guys!"

"But what happened to them!?" Rohan looked to where Sachin, Amy and the gang were still talking.

Neev laughed.

"Riya's bridal bouquet is doing its job I guess," he said.

"What! Sachin and Amy!?" Naina asked, shocked and we laughed.

"Ha! The responsible young COO of Hi-life industry and the badass reporter? I would like to see it," Rohan said, now walking to them.

"It's time for you to leave," Danny came near. "Uncle Manoj is waiting for you," he said. "Have a good time Chechi!" Danny turned to me and said.

"Thank you, Danny," I smiled.

"Why's everyone wishing Riya, your big brother is here too, Danny," Neev said and I laughed at his tone.

"That's why you should have been good to people, Big brother," Danny turned to him.

"Ooo... so I guess you don't want it from me,"

"What?" Danny looked confused.

Neev took out a key and flashed it in front of him.

"Oh.my.freaking.God!" Danny looked shocked and excited. "Really, you are going to give me your bike?" pure joy appeared in his eyes.

"Not anymore since I am not that good enough-"

"There's no one in this world who's as good as you! You are the best of best-"

Neev laughed and dangled it in front of him.

"Here it is," he said and Danny tried to get it.

"Wait," Neev said, his expression turned serious, "Promise me that you will use it carefully, no reckless driving without safety measures," he said.

"I got it!"

"If I ever come to know that you break this promise, I will take it away, you know I keep my words," he said again.

"I know! I will be super careful! I will take care of it like my baby! Thank you soo much!"

So Neev placed the key in his hand.

"But will you be okay!?" Danny looked reluctant suddenly. "This bike was like-"

"I am perfectly okay Danny," Neev smiled. "There are more important things in life than racing," he winked.

"Ooh... It's all thanks to Riyechi then," Danny beamed at me. "Thank you so much Riyechi!"

"There you go again!" Neev said beside me.

"That's why you should have been good to people, big brother," Danny said playfully and I laughed.

"Hey!" Neev shouted but Danny was already gone.

Soon it was time for us to leave. Unlike the other honeymoon, we took a long vacation as Neev insisted.

So we bid goodbye to everyone and accepted everyone's blessings.

"Take care Riya," Uncle John wished me and I nodded.

"Have a good time together, be safe." Auntie Alice hugged me.

"Thank you Riya," Grandpa touched my head and said.

Nothing was said between Neev and him, but it was a peaceful meeting, as both of them finally forgiving and accepting each other.

Then it was Grandma at last.

"My baby, I am so glad I found you," she enveloped me in a hug. "I was hurting all these time, thinking about Sneha, but now I can have some peace," she said, wiping her eyes.

"Gran, don't blame yourself anymore, It's all in the past, you did what you thought was good for your daughter," I whispered.

"Send her off with a smile, it's her big day," Nikil said gently, taking grandmother's hand and she nodded.

"Neev," she turned to him and he looked surprised, even I was surprised to hear it, it was always 'Nivin Aldrick' before.

"Take good care of my daughter," she said. "I always knew that you are a good boy, Neev, I am sorry you had to put up with my stubbornness," she wrapped her hand around an awkward looking Neev as everyone around us laughed.

"Um... don't worry about her, she comes first to me, I will take good care of her," he promised.

She nodded. "Thank you," she let goes of him and he took a step back. "You can use the front door now," she added mischievously.

"What?"

"It must've been tiring for you to sneak in all those time to visit her; you can use the front door now," she said to a shocked looking Neev.

I turned red as everyone laughed, Even Grandpa looked amused.

"Your car is here," Uncle John said. "Don't get late, you need to visit your Amma too," he told us.

Uncle Manoj was already waiting for us and we moved to the car.

Neev opened the door for me and helped me in before following me.

"Bye..." I waved one last time at everyone who was sending us off.

Auntie Alice and Uncle John, Nikil, Sachin, Danny, Naina, Rohan-who was still holding hands with her, Uncle Dev and Auntie Nandini and finally, the gang.

As the car moved forward, Neev intertwined our fingers and I leaned my head to his shoulder.

Neev.

Riya leaned to me and warmth filled me, I looked at her.

I can't believe how much my life changed after meeting her.

I still remember all of it, from the first moment onwards.

Our first meeting, the misunderstands, college life, running away from the house and getting punished for it, love confession through the media to bring her back, our first kiss, the proposal in front of the sky pool, our first wedding, The night I left her in the hotel, the dark and painful time when we thought we are going to get separated, the love we shared, That moment when Sebastian took her away in front of me, How she risked everything to bring out the truth.

All of it flashed in my head.

Even though some of it had been bitter, the time spent with her is precious to me and it will be like that always.

Because she's the girl who changed my whole life, the girl who trusted me and protected me, the girl who taught me what family really means.

I can go on about her; she's the one who fixed the betrayed and broken heart inside me.

I touched her hair slightly, caressing her unknowingly.

Riya looked up at me; she must've felt my gaze.

"You look thoughtful," she said.

I tightened our intertwined fingers and leaned to her and kissed her on the forehead.

There are so many things I want to tell her, so I put all the love and warmth into my words.

"I love you Riya," I whispered and she smiled.

"I love you too," she snuggled closer to me.

I knew it then, that no matter how broken and hopeless someone is, If there is one person who's willing to just stay with him and trust him, He can get over the painful part and change for the better.

...And in my life, that one person is Riya, my wife.

I will cherish her forever.

-----------THE END-----------

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