When Nakul met a girl that fell from the sky, his heart had skipped a beat. It was normal; as normal as being concerned over a critical patient. He noted the injuries and possible treatments in his mind. She was simply 'The Girl Who Fell From The Sky.'

Then she became 'The Girl Who Speaks Strangely'. She was strange indeed; outrageous enough to ignore demanding Princes and nonchalant enough to disregard the unwritten rule of eating after men. With her eyes flickering everywhere, curious and observing, she was quick to adapt. Definitely not helpless; strong.

Next she became The Girl Who They Could Finally Understand. Family and country lost, with just one friend, she was brave. His eyes trailed her everywhere. He experienced exhilaration, euphoria, increased energy, sleeplessness, loss of appetite, trembling, a racing heart and accelerated breathing. Nakul wondered if he was falling sick. Sahadev laughed; shook his head and said he was falling, just not sick.

The Girl Who They Could Finally Understand became The Girl He Noticed. Her smile at anyone else apart from his family set fire in his heart; poison in his veins. She never coddled; her tongue was sharp and her mind open. She believed in Equality.

He isn't clear when The Girl He Noticed became The Girl He Desired but soon she became his sun and he gravitated around her; just shy of touch. She was cool minded amidst the flames; courageous and gallant. Never faltering. His heart stuttered almost to a halt as he left her behind for that moment.

The Girl He Desired became The Woman Who Stayed when she followed them into the forest. Her eyes were still hollow from seeing the last breath escape the Nishada girl. She was empathetic and compassionate. She was plagued by sweet dreams of lost family turned bitter as she blinked awake. He knew then she was human; she suffered but she also healed. His heart sang when she chose him as her healer.

The Woman Who Stayed became Abhijishya who had the power to crush his heart but cradled it when the sun set, the moon rose and the stars blinked. He breathed her as if inhaling air for the first time. She was wind; calm, turbulent, wild and free whom he desired to captivate in his chest. To inhale but not exhale. She surrounded him. He felt mad with laughter of joy and tears of relief. She was his serendipity.

Abhijishya Who Held His Heart then ruled his mind as she wielded his sword like a hunting lioness. She was hard working with an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. She was someone who could discuss morals, politics and dharma with his Jyesth, a food critic with Bhrata Bheem, a friend to Bhrata Arjun; someone who made Sahadev discard his shyness and ramble on about various subjects. She became a daughter to his Mata who never allowed her to do much work and took care of her.He realised she was already family. That moment he wanted to be hers and she be his.

Abhijishya became more real when she thought he would leave her. Seeing her eyes saddened with prior knowledge of the times ahead; he could only promise his love and his company for life. She was hesitant. He gave her faith.

When the impossible situation arose, she showed them the path of dharma. Her gait was of a martyr, ready to sacrifice her promised love; but never demanding her share of justice. He despaired at the inevitability in her eyes. Her vow to Maharaj Drupad rang of righteousness. His heart clenched with devastation but his soul sang in pride. She was a lady of great character.

He prayed to all Gods and Goddesses he could name, to the witnesses of his declaration of love all night. As the shadow covered the sun and the ring of fire blazed, he knew his faith and their love persevered.

Now, Nakul looked at Abhijishya as she walked towards him. She was dressed in red and gold. Her hair was braided and her kajal emphasised eyes captivated him completely. The rays of the setting sun made her elysian. She stood beside him and glanced back. Her eyes were full of love, devotion and happiness. He was entraped.

Jaimala - Accept me as I accept you.

Nakul gazed at Abhijishya as he held his garland. She looked ineffably beautiful with her lips curved into a delicate smile. He smiled back. They exchanged garlands promising willingness to accept each other.

Kanyadaan - Take care of her as a daughter(sister) is now your wife.

They both sat down on low gold plated bajaths. Gopal took her right hand and placed it on Nakul's palm. He looked at Nakul and asked,"Do you, the groom who wishes to marry my sister swear by the Gods and Goddesses that you will take care of her for the rest of her life? Protect her and cherish her?"

Abhijishya was only focused on Nakul. Rest of the world had faded away.

Nakul held her eyes steadily with determination and replied,"I, Panduputra Nakul, swear I will love Abhijishya, take care of her, protect and cherish her. She shall be the only goddess of my heart and I, her ever devotee."

Abhijishya was spellbound by his words.

Gopal addressed everyone present and declared,"Then let my sister Yadavkumari Abhijishya be yours by her will and by my permission. On behalf of the patriarch of Yadavkul, my Pitashree Vasudev, I consent to this marriage."

He placed a varmala (a loop of cotton thread wound 24 times signifying different characteristics and virtues of human life) around their shoulders symbolizing the sacred union of the couple.

Gopal put his hand on her head. She looked up startled half expecting her father blessing her only to find Gopal smiling. Her soul knew she had her parents' blessing and her heart settled.

Homa - Let God Agni be present and bear witness to our union.

The Rajpurohit established the fire and offering of Samagri into the fire, with the prayers to various Gods and Goddesses. Nakul's eyes sought out Abhijishya's. She was mumbling prayers under her breath along with the priest. He closed his eyes and did the same.

"Hey Agnidev, as you bear witness to our union, bless our bond to be as fierce as your fire so it burns anyone who tries to separate us. Bless our bond to be as pure as your flame so it never gets tainted by envy and selfishness. Bless us to be bright as your fire so we can be each other's light in times of strife and sorrow in life. Bless our bond to brighten the lives of everyone who surround us. This we humbly pray."

Laja Hom - Accept our offering, Agnidev as I leave my parent's family gotra (tribe) and join my husband's family.

Gopal gave Abhijishya a handful of baked rice and gestured her to pass it to Nakul. She handed him the rice. Then it was offered to the holy fire. She repeated it three times signifying that she was leaving her title as Yadavkumari and embracing her status as a Kuru kulvadhu.

Mangalphere - Walk with me through every path of life.

Gathbandhan: The priest tied her veil with his aangavastra into a knot indicating their union.

Abhijishya walked before Nakul as they circled the holy fire first three times.

Pratham phera (First circle) - Dharma - To pursue life's religious and moral duty.

Dwitiya phera (Second circle) - Artha -
To pursue prosperity.

Tritiya phera (Third circle)- Kama- To pursue earthly pleasures.

Nakul stepped before her as they circled the fire fourth time signifying balance and completion in their marriage.

Antim phera (Last circle) - Moksha - To pursue spiritual salvation.

Satpadi - As we start our journey as hubsand and wife with these seven steps, I promise to keep my vows as you promise to keep yours. May we never fail to uphold our promises.

Seven circles of rice were drawn around the fire, starting from the Dhruva (north pole star) side, north point and proceeding eastward.

The sun was now half way through the horizon, the moon high in the eastern sky and the stars graced the slowly darkening heavens.

Nakul took her hand and stepped before her. They circled the fire once. He took her right hand and put it on the first circle of rice.

He said,"My beloved, I surrender myself to you. Our love became firm by your walking one round with me. As you will offer me food and be helpful in every way, I swear to cherish you and provide for the welfare and happiness of you and our children."

Abhijishya's eyes were bright with emotions. She said,"I surrender myself to you as you did to me. I swear to uphold all my responsibilities as your wife and as the future mother of our children with diligence and sincerity. I will discharge all other obligations for the welfare of our family."

She followed Nakul through the first circle by bringing up her left foot, careful to proceed to the next step. They circled the fire for the second time.

Nakul looked at Abhijishya and said,"My beloved, now you have walked the second round with me. Fill my heart with strength and courage, and together we shall protect our household and children."

She smiles. "Darling, in your grief, I shall fill your heart with courage and strength. In your happiness, I shall rejoice. I promise you that I will comfort you with pleasant words but never deter from showing you the truth. I swear to take care of our family and children. In return you shall love me as your wife."

Third step.

Nakul said,"My beloved, now you have walked three rounds with me. By virtue of this, our wealth and prosperity is going to grow. You already have my love and respect and will continue to have them as my wife. Together, we will educate our children and may they live long."

Abhijishya said,"Darling, You already have my heart. I will continue loving you with single-minded devotion as my husband. I will treat all other men as secondary. My devotion to you shall be of a chaste wife and you shall be my joy. This is my commitment to you."

Fourth step

He said,"My beloved, it is a great blessing that you have walked four steps with me. You have brought auspiciousness and sacredness into my life. May we be blessed with obedient and noble children, may they live long."

She promised,"My heart, I will embellish our bond with happiness and shower you with my love. I shall please you in every way I can."

Fifth step.

He squeezed her hand. "My beloved, now you have walked five rounds with me. I know you are my best friend and well-wisher. I swear to listen to your advice and carry out your will. You have enriched my life. May God bless you. May our loved ones live long and share in our prosperity."

Her eyes shone with adoration,"My love, I share both in your joys and sorrows. Your love will make me trust and honor you. I will carry out your wishes."

Sixth step.

Nakul said with reverence," My Graha-Lakshami, you have filled my heart with happiness by walking six steps with me. May you be filled with joy and peace for all time."

Abhijishya blushed slightly and smiled. "My Pati-Parameshwar in all acts of righteousness, in every form of enjoyment and divine acts, I promise you I shall participate and I shall always be with you."

Seventh step.

Various emotions choked Nakul's throat. With glistening eyes, he said,"My beloved, as you have walked the seven rounds with me, our love and friendship became eternal. We experienced spiritual union in God. Now you have become completely mine and I yours. So I offer my life to you. Our marriage shall be forever."

Her cheeks hurt from smiling so hard. Abhijishya blinked to keep her tears at bay. She said,"My love, before the Gods and Holy Scriptures, I have become your spouse. Whatever promises we made, we have spoken in pure mind. We will be truthful to each other in all things. We will love and honor each other for this moment and forever."

Churamani Dharan - As I adorn the churamani (crown) on my head, I accept the responsibilities of being a wife to a Ksatriya Rajkumar and kulvadhu of the Kuru.

Abhijishya sat down on the bajath. A beautiful gold churamani with three rubies was brought to them by Yudhisthir. Nakul picked it up and placed it on her head. He offered her a hand which she accepted and got up.

Kansar Bhojan - As we share our first meal, let us share everything in our lives.

The Panchal Prime Minister's wife brought a plate of sweets. Abhijishya fed Nakul a kesar laddoo while he also fed her. This was their first meal as a married couple.

The Rajpurohit got up and announced,"By the grace of the Gods, the rituals have now been completed. I pronounce you both husband and wife." The sun, the moon and the stars glowed brighter for a moment as if indicating the acceptance of the fulfillment of their vow. His and her souls entwined in an eonian union.

The couple touched the priest's feet. "Kalyan ho. Yashasvi Bhav. Akhand Saubhagyabati Bhav." He blessed them.

Abhijishya and Nakul proceeded to gain blessing from Mata.

"Yashasvi Bhav putra. Akhand Saubhagyabati Bhava putri," she said happily and embraced Abhijishya.

"Mata, this is such a happy occasion. Don't cry," Abhijishya said wiping her tears.

Kunti laughed lightly. "Putri, my eyes are filled with tears of joy. Go and gain blessings from all your elders."

Abhijishya nodded. They then went to Bhagwan Vedvyas. "Kalyan ho putra, putri. May you guide your family in the right path. May your judgement never be slave to your emotion,"he blessed.

Abhijishya joined her hands and replied," I shall try my best to do right by my family and by the common people, Bhagwan."

"Sometimes both might not correspond," he said.

"Then I pray I might be able to endure the sorrow along with my family," she said with a strained smile.

Nakul bowed his head and said," I won't let it come to that." But a glance at Abhijishya's saddened eyes, made him rethink. "But even if- even if it comes to that, I'll stand by her side always."

Maharishi Vedvyas smiled in approval. They sought blessings from Maharaj Drupad. He blessed them albeit a bit reluctantly.

Abhijishya and Nakul touched Yudhisthir's feet. He smiled. "Kalyan ho."

Bheem grinned and slapped Nakul in the back. They touched his feet. "Kalyan ho," then he looked at Abhijishya and said," I'll show you later how to make it."

Abhijishya peeked at Nakul who looked confused. "Bhratashree, shh. Later." She smiled. For her first time in the kitchen, she had asked Bhrata Bheem for the recipe of Nakul's favourite pulao. Bheem nodded and thumped Nakul in the back again.

Nakul almost lost his balance. "Bhratashree," he complained.

"Yes Bhrata Bheem. Don't thump Nakul in front of his wife. If he falls on the ground, Abhijishya might rethink her decision of marrying him," Arjun said.

Abhijishya smiled in amusement. "Areh don't tease Arya," at Arjun's questioning eyebrow, she amended," Atleast not today." Arjun laughed.

"Bhrata Arjun, please don't start now," Nakul said. Then they both touched Arjun's feet.

Arjun smiled and blessed them. "Kalyan ho. May your life be full of happiness and prosperity."

Abhijishya asked thoughtfully,"What do I call you, sakha? Bhrata Arjun or sakha or some other name?"

"Anything you want," Arjun shrugged then he realised his mistake.

Abhijishya laughed amusedly and said," As you wish B-"

"Jyesth, what would be proper for her to call me?" Arjun asked a bit louder than necessary.

"Bhrata Arjun will be proper. She can address you as sakha when just we all are there," Yudhisthir said.

Abhijishya nodded. Sahadev came near them and was about to touch their feet. She startled and stepped back.

They all looked confused.

"Sahadev, what are you doing?" she asked.

"Taking your blessings. What happened?"Sahadev asked.

"You- but-I am younger than you," she said awkwardly.

Yudhisthir smiled. "You are his Bhabishree now; almost like his mother. So it is only right that he takes your blessings."

"Oh," okay, this was going to take time getting used to. Sahadev once again touched their feet.

"Kalyan ho," Nakul and she said. Sahadev embraced Nakul.

They turned around on hearing sound of payel (anklet with tiny bells). Draupadi stood at a distance.

Abhijishya joined her hands and greeted," Pranipaat."

Draupadi greeted everyone and the others echoed her greeting.

She remained silent for a bit. Then said,"I pray that you have a happy married life. May the Gods and Goddesses bless you with prosperity, good health and long life."

Abhijishya didn't expect Draupadi to wish them a happy marriage. It looked like they didn't expect much from each other. Perhaps this was because they thought the other would be hostile and unaccepting towards them. Probably they were exhibiting so much caution that their foundation of relationship wasn't getting a pillar to stand on.

Abhijishya smiled. "What? Are you going to just wish from afar? Come here, Rajkumari. You are going to be a part of our family in a few days."

Draupadi's face broke into a brilliant smile. She came near them. Abhijishya embraced her and she hugged back.

"Looks like they have forgotten about us, Bua," said a familiar voice.

Abhijishya let Draupadi go. Krishna and Mata came near them.

"Forgotten are those who need to be remembered. Mata and you, Gopal are always in our thoughts. So the need to remember or forget is out of question," Abhijishya answered playfully.

"You and your words," Krishna chuckled and shook his head.

"Learned from the best after all,"she teased.

Abhijishya and Nakul went and touched his feet. "Kalyan ho. May you guide your family with your wisdom. May you keep a calm mind and righteous heart in turmoil. May your bond always be your strength."

Abhijishya smiled. "It will be so if you wish it." Gopal replied,"You have to will it too, dear Abhijishya."

"You know that I already do," she said. Gopal smiled with knowing eyes.

Both Nakul and Abhijishya looked at their family. Their mother and brothers were talking to Rajkumari Draupadi, soon-to-be part of their family. Their family friend and well wisher Krishna was talking and laughing with Arjun. They looked at each other. Under the starry dark heavens, they reached out to hold hands. Their hearts synced and both basked in the quiddity of contentment.

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A.N. - How was this chapter? This is my first time writing about a wedding. So please tell me if I have done a good job? Okay job? Or was it extremely boring?

As for the wedding rituals, I looked up Indian Hindu weddings on Google; picked out the most common rituals and put it together. Hindu marriages have various different rituals in different regions and community. For the Saptapadi, I changed the vows a bit to suit my story more.

Now question : Do you want me to write their first night intimacy or skip it? I'll write if most of you want me to.

I won't be elaborating Draupadi's wedding this much. Also, you got to see Abhijishya and Draupadi growing closer. I know it was a little scene but baby steps, you know.

About my updating schedule: I'll update every Monday. So expect my next chapter on 6th July.

DrKanu : Looks like your puppy eyes managed to make me update before schedule. 😁

s_sense DaisyGooyal Theomenofdeath Labdhi0507 dharmeswarkalita Shrist123 HemangiPadshala Rutuja757 MeghaJain749 Mist_Aastha094 simranwillnotpalat jimmyprotested29 : I just wanted to thank all of you. You people read my book when it had less than 500 views. You all voted, commented and supported my work. Thank you 💗💗💗 Your encouragement means the world to me. I hope you enjoy reading the upcoming chapters similarly 😊💙

Until the next time,

Byeee ;")

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