What better day to publish their mehendi chapter on their 1 month mehendi day anniversary ? Can't believe it's been a FULL MONTH ! Time surely does fly.

Too too close to reach 35k! 

Every day the view count increases like damn <3 At least 50k + influx per day!! Similar to how Alia's Ig page is growing thanks to Gangubai storm in Thailand omg haha! 

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|Mehendi - Pooja Day |

[Ranbir's POV]

We wanted a two day main hustle with a chilled party, a day later. 

Today is our Mehendi and other pre wedding functions. But before anything else, we started off the auspicious day with a special puja dedicated to dad, invoking his blessings as we begin a new journey. Mom, Riddhima, Sam and Bharat along with few close relatives came from my side. Alia had just her immediate family for the puja. We conducted it in our shared apartment.

After spending few blissful hours in his remembrance, we split to get ready for the main function of Day 1, Mehendi. The whole apartment was decorated in pastel shades, cut outs of cute birds flew from our ceiling. Fresh flowers bloomed in every corner. The whole house looked breathtaking. 

We had around 40 guests consisting of only those who mattered to us. It was a tedious task to narrow down names from our clan and to think of ways to cajole those who couldn't be invited. I missed my father terribly. He would have gone personally to everyone's house, asking for forgiveness. He wanted a grand wedding but we are doing one, just in the presence of people dearest to us, in a private affair. The opulence would stay intact like how he would have wanted. 

"Riddhi just show me the steps ya if you want me to perform!" Bebo walked in looking like a diva. Riddhima hideously took her inside with a pinch. I knew what they were up to. Mom and few folks from my side were planning a little dance surprise for us. Since all of this was done in a hurry, none of us could sit and plan for sangeet or any such performances. It was just going to be a two day chilled wedding. But I came to know of Mom's plan during one of our video calls where she was at Masterji's (family choreographer) house for a day long rehearsal.

And I pretended to not know of anything. I had initially planned to do a solo or say a group thing with cousins on Tenu leke main jaawanga for Alia. It was one of our fav tracks and nothing could beat the feeling of grooving on the same at my own wedding. I was indeed planning to sweep her away, with her owning all of my heart. 

The house soon began bustling with guests. Alia's girlfriends chirped around, looking in at decor details as some of them were doing it professionally. Her parents and Shaheen had just about reached. They all flocked to get the bride inside our main hall aka drawing room where cushions were placed to seat the bride, and all the ladies who would want to sit around, sing and get henna on their hands. My mom and sister were going a little mad as they had to do everything in a limited time and also alone considering dad wasn't around, which we all could terribly feel. 

I caught hold of my mother's pallu and gave her a long back hug. She sighed in my arms and rested her head on my chest. "Maa, you are doing great. And you look so stunning! Lagta hai shaadi aapki ho rahi hai. Papa would be so jealous." She giggled and gave me a slight punch. Her head looked up at me and I found her eyes getting filled. Dear Lord, how will I manage these two days without tearing up along with them ?!

"Maa .." I caressed her face. She nodded with a smile. "Yes yes I know. We shouldn't cry this soon. Abhi bohot kuch karna hai mujhe. Mere bete ki shaadi hai. Main apni beti ghar laa rahi hoon. I cannot cry yet." She picked up a tissue and began wiping from the corners of her eye. Karan joined us and consoled, "Neetu ji aap yeh piyein. Aap hamari samdhan hone ja rahi hain aur hamne abhi aapko rone ka haq nahi diya. Thode time ke baad we're all going to be on the same boat." He made her drink a sip from his juice and she laughed at her comment. 

"Yes maa, we've got so much to do." Jeeju agreed with a smile as he came in to check on us. "Everyone, clear up the space. Here we have the bride of the decade, Ms (soon to be Mrs) Alia Bhatt!!" With girls on her side along with her family, my bride walked towards us. 

Decked in her Manish Malhotra special customized pink ensemble, she managed to look the most coolest yet prettiest bride. I couldn't take my eyes off her radiance and those pretty dimples that would pop up so very often these days.

I matched my kurta pajama with her colour. In fact my outfits were all chosen by her. She had officially taken hold of my life and I wanted to give her ample space to do as she pleased. This was something, I truly wanted for my wife and I was going to live every moment of that from today. 

"Who will host ?" came the question from one of their friend. "No don't look at me. I am not gonna host on my daughter's mehendi function and ruin my experience saying exaggerated bullshit. Main toh aaj khulke maza karne waala hoon. Someone else please take up the cue. Or let's not do a typical harkat for this one of a kind wedding. No hosts, no drama. Just chill and masti. Jiske jo dil mein aaye woh karo." Karan had a solid point for which he got claps from everyone. 

"Aisa bologe toh bawaal ho jayega hamare side," laughed Rima bua. We were known for our loud talks, foods and drinking habits. The clan needed a little restraint to be able to look presentable on occasions as happy as this. "Acha toh phir shuru karte hain." As soon as mom announced, the music started playing and henna girls began their job for the day. Alia was made to sit at the centre with her both her arms supported by pillows and arm rest. She wanted a simple mehendi design done under less than an hour. 

Family and friends began relaxing into their own space. Elders sat on the available couch's while youngsters fluttered around. I wanted to do a little henna on my palm as well. So I found myself a little space and instructed them on what I wanted. "Bada bada likhna biwi ka naam. Juhu tak dikhna chahiye." Kanch teased from where she sat. I nodded with a blush. I got a tiny heart on my left palm with 'ALIA' written inside with an infinity symbol outside of it. Simple and deep. 

After I got mine, I rose up to check on my bride. She was surrounded by a a flurry of women. Her mother, best friends, sister, my sister, my mother, female cousins and so on. She was most definitely the center of everyone's attention, like it should. I was just a complimentary side dish!

"Show yours," she asked with a sparkle in her eyes. I revealed my palm to everyone. "Aww that's cute," they said. I placed myself next to her on the couch and kissed her forehead. This was a dream come true moment for both of us. Two hearts, dreamt of different things, united by love, joined by destiny. Everything became worth at that very moment. All that we had gone through individually to reach here, the thorny paths that led us to this beautiful garden of true unconditional love, had finally bore fruit. We were in our own beautiful paradise. And this was ours to claim. 

We had to snap out of our romance as soon as a familiar song caught our attention. Mehendi hai rachne wali, an iconic Mehendi song from my cousin Karishma's film. My mom, Riddhima, Rima bua, Kareena, Karishma, Sam, Tashu (another cousin) and Anissa started off with their surprise performance. "No seriously ? Wow!" Alia beamed next to me. I leaned in to whisper, "Kahan tha na, ki zoro shoro swaagat karunga. I kept my promise." As a token of gratitude, she planted a warm kiss on my cheeks. 

The women danced on few of our fav playlists. I had clearly wanted for a clean song choice. No old ex movie tracks - even if that meant cutting out on few of mine and hers most popular dance numbers - which were all tailor made for weddings! I was welcoming a girl who also happened to be working in the same field as mine, into my life. And thus I wanted us to begin on a clean slate. Even if that meant compromising on little details like these. I needed us to have a fresh beginning. Old had gone by, never to return. A new step awaited us and that would be our forever. We do not wish to drag the past nor ruin the present and future. 

Dholida was a pleasant surprise for Alia. She cheered the most for that track. Mom was super cute in her moves. "That's my saasu maa ya'll!" Alia gave a wine toast to my mom as she happily danced. I was watching her expressions. She glowed like a disney princess. Everything about her was ethereal and stunning. Yes, Alia had always been a happy go lucky girl. But today she looked a tad bit more happier, happiest if I had to say myself. And I loved the reason behind her smiles. 

It was my turn to join the group along with my brothers. I quickly left a chaste kiss on her cheeks and jumped to join the group. The performance turned into a mad roaring contest as we the Kapoor's welcomed our new bride, the one missing piece in all of our lives. 

Hiriye Sehra Bandh Ke Mai Toh Aaya Re
Doli Baarat Bhi Saath Mein Mai Toh Laya Re

Ab Toh No Hota Hai Ek Roj Intejar
Soni Aaj Nahi Toh Kal Hai Tujhko Toh Bas Meri Honi Re
Tenu Leke Mai Javanga, Dil Deke Mai Javanga
Tenu Leke Mai Javanga, Dil Deke Mai Javanga

In between all the cheers and madness, we had eyes on each other. This was my secret language of love. I was terrible in expressing my heart. And nothing brought out the best in me like songs did. This song was personally selected by me to express what I felt for her.

I had waited too long to hold this title, of being a groom, a husband. It has been one of my silent dreams. But at the right time with the rightest person, it became true. 

I wasn't kidding when we danced to the lines, ab toh na hota hai ek roj intezaar. I could not wait any more longer to be legally joined as husband and wife. It was a damn long 5 year worth wait. Alia was in tears by the time we finished the performance. All of us were in great spirits including our parents and elders. Not a single person was in frown. We were drenched in happiness, a missing emotion in our family since the last few years. 

My mother took up the mic after the performance to say some words. Today was extra special for her and us. "My God, that was a success I believe." We cheered aloud. "Meri pyaari Alia, look how gorgeous you look! Kisi ki nazar na lage." She came close to kiss Alia and they shared a warm hug. I knew my mother was enduring so much at the moment. She was missing dad and at the same time being extremely joyful for us. It must have been so hard to manage both the emotions all at the same time. 

"April 13th is a very special day for me. Rishi and I exchanged rings officially in front of our families in Delhi, 43 years back, on this same day." Cheers arose at this. It was as sudden as this day. My sister in law's made up a plan to get us official and flew me and my mum to Delhi, where the Kapoor's were attending a family friend's wedding. Next to their mandap, after their wedding, they got us engaged! Quirky I know, but most definitely the best decision ever. Today I miss my husband so much ...."

As she took her pause, I gulped harder. This was going to be a hard moment. None of us wanted to see her weak. But she had all the right to feel that way. Without dad, all of this seemed so incomplete. His presence was sorely missed. 

"Mere Rishi ka dream tha yeh. He used to say, main hamare bete ko ghodi par dekhna chahta hoon. Usse pagdi pehnaoonga, heere motiyon se sajaoonga. Apni bahu ghar layenge, tab tak Krishnaraj bhi pura ban jayega. This was his dream. He walked, slept and breathed this. He would have gone mad if he were to be here with us. Aise thodi na karne dete shaadi. Dhoom dhaam se saare desh ko pata chalta. Bohot raunak hoti. Sadiyon tak log baat karte. 

But no problem, his presence is here and I can feel it. I can feel him give me a nudge to shut up already. To not make it more senti. He would have wanted all of us to smile and drink harder." My uncle Randhir Kapor, who himself was going through a rough patch, smiled through tears and said, "Aaj toh jannat mein sharabon ka theka nahi rukega! Saari botlein mere chintu ne khatam kar di hogi. Papaji and mummy would have laughed at him. Kaash main bhi waha hota." 

That was all it took for me to break. I was trying so hard to not let it be too obvious. I had trouble breathing. It was suffocating to compress my outburst. I missed dad. More than anything else. I missed his smile. His face. His presence. Him looking at me. His words. Maybe a slight pat on my head. An assurance that he was happy at my choice. That I finally made him happiest. Proudest. 

Why did he had to go ? 

Alia held me from my waist, pulling me into her embrace. I sunk into her arms with my hands falling weak. I could not pretend anymore. It hurt. It ached so bad that my heart could bleed. Two years of me pretending to be okay. As if nothing really happened. Bottled up emotions had to find a hole. Today was the day. I wanted to cry my heart, let it all out and then begin tomorrow with the biggest smile on my face. I could cry today all I want. Kal se sab theek ho jayega. 

Her hands gently rubbed my back. I felt few more hands consoling me, pressing their warmth to me. Mom was also a crying mess, so was Riddhima, Bharat and everyone. Rima bua was crying from the moment she entered the room. They had lost too many people. A sister, two brothers and mother, all in a matter of years! This must be another trial to stand without them, their shadow. 

I had to compose myself for the sake of my family and Alia. I had to. I rose from her arms to wipe my face. She was crying too. I gave her a weak smile and wiped her tears. I went to my mom and hugged her. Riddhima joined us too. I was their strength. And I will be their rock. We stood like that for few seconds and my mom took the mic again with a smile. 

"Sorry about that. We were trying really hard not to mess up. I want to say a big thank you to each one of you. For standing with us in our lows and highs. Family ko koi thank you nahi kehta par phir bhi. Thank you for making my son and daughter's big day so so beautiful with your presence. I couldn't have asked for a better guest list! This here, is perfect."

She pointed towards Alia, who had herself covered by her mother and sisters.

"Alia, my beautiful daughter. Meri jaan, thank you for coming into all our lives. You were the one missing part, me and Rishi always yearned for. You complete our little family. I hope to be your mother. A friend you can rely on. A companion to shoulder. You've always been family to us darling. Since the very first day my son told about you. I knew you were THE ONE. In these five years you became so much more to us. A friend to Sam, a sister to Riddhima and Bharat, a daughter to me and Rishi and a beautiful life companion to my Ranbir. You stood with us in our lowest, embraced us with love. Filled us with comfort. Became our rock. I can very proudly say that you are a diamond. A rare jewel. Soni and Mahesh ji, thank you for giving birth to this gem! She truly is one of a kind. So so beautiful and amazing. We couldn't have asked for a better addition, a better bahu to our family. We love you so much." 

Alia was engulfed soon enough in a bear hug with all of us. 

We cleaned up real quick and soon the sadness was swept away in a breeze of glee. Songs began playing once again and we all stood up to celebrate. My dad's framed picture smiled at me from the table. I went and picked it up as we danced to the beat in our hearts. He was with us, truly around us. 

Dad, if your listening, I love you. More than I ever showed or you'll ever know. I hope you are happy wherever you are. We miss you and love you, always.

NOTE : I KNOW I MADE IT EMO AS HELL! I INTENDED TO. 

When I read the article Neetu ji gave on Rishi ji's 2nd death anniversary that she still finds Ranbir with tear in his eyes, not changing his father's picture from his lockscreen, it pained me. What he must be going through, nobody can measure. He must have never opened up about it even. How did he go through those two days, his life's most joyous days, feeling so heavy yet free, emotional yet happy ? How do people do this ? Managing two extreme emotions together .... That thought hasn't left me yet. He truly was brave. 

Today is April 13th. Tomorrow will be a month since my dream came true. My top secret newly weds who love playing hide and seek, have not been spotted TOGETHER YET! Will not till Brahmastra :( We are the luckiest yet kismat phoot all at the same time lol. Pehli baar aisa jodi dekha hoga bw mein :p As much as I love Ayan, I hate him in times like these. 

I tried to put in the main essence, the emotion of these events into foreplay than the conversations. I hope that comes across well. Since we haven't yet got haldi pics (hoping we might get something tom), I don't know how to go about with that part. Wedding will again be more about feelings so gear up. I will see if I can do both povs. But I hope you loved seeing the mehendi through Rk aka not so shy anymore kapoor boi's eyes <3 

He truly was THE HAPPIEST ON HIS WEDDING! HE REFLECTED PURE UNADULTERATED JOY, SOMETHING EVEN HIS LOYALISTS HAVE NEVER SEEN ON HIM. A CHILD LIKE JOY, A HAPPINESS THAT CANNOT BE MEASURED OR COMPARED OR EXPRESSED IN MERE WORDS. MY BABY GOT HIS HAPPILY FOREVER IN THE LOVE OF HIS LIFE. I CANNOT BE MORE HAPPY FOR YOU BIRAAAA <3 THANK YOU FOR BEING OUR JEEJU! FOR BEING MY ALOO'S EVERYTHING. YOU AND HER WORLD TO ME. PLS BE ALWAYS HAPPY. GLOW IN EO'S LOVE. AND MAKE US BELIEVE IN THE MAGIC OF DREAMS. THEY DO COME TRUE. 

I DON'T THINK I CAN EVER COME OUT OF THIS WEDDING SHOCK ANYTIME SOON. I still haven't recovered and probably will never. I haven't even made a single wedding vm! Nor completed updates on my ig fp/twitter! That says everything! There's honestly so much going at my side with work, studies and other commitments. I cannot concentrate much on sm for now. I need to take a break in order to not feel crushed at NOT being able to tweet or post as much as I'd like to. Anyways, I'll see how that goes. 

But I'll surely complete this series :) 

Love and Light,

Jemi :)