Author's POV:

The Haldi ceremony had stretched until midnight, followed by the bride, Neha, getting her Mehendi (henna) applied.

(Reference image of Neha's mehendi)

By the time everything wound up, it was already 3:00 AM.

But then again, can you really expect rest and relaxation at a Desi wedding?

Rest and weddings are poles apart—especially for the event managers of the wedding.

With barely two hours of sleep, Ayesha was up again. She quickly got dressed in a green sweatshirt and pink trousers, slipped into her work-mode joggers, and finally draped a matching pink hijab. Adjusting her spectacles, she stepped out to check on the arrangements at the guest house allocated for the groom's family and friends.

There was no time to waste; the groom's family was just two hours away from reaching Hyderabad. Before their arrival, a final inspection of the guest house was absolutely necessary.

Ayesha wanted the guests to feel welcomed and at ease from the moment they arrived.

The house was beautifully decorated with fairy lights and floral arrangements, both inside and out.

The staircases were elegantly draped with flower garlands, adding to the festive ambiance. Inside, all the guest rooms were meticulously arranged and stocked with essential toiletries and other necessities, ensuring that the guests would have a comfortable and hassle-free stay.

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Just 12 hours more, and officially you will be called as Mrs. Adil ♥️

Neha's stomach began to churn as she read the message.

Overwhelmed by the sensation, setting her phone aside, with a soft smile, she began playing with her henna-clad fingers, now stained a deep maroon—as the saying goes: "The darker the henna, the deeper the love of your husband."

Her gaze drifted to the delicate curve of her right palm, where Adil's name was etched amidst the intricate henna patterns. The mere sight of his name sent a rush of warmth to her cheeks, turning them a shade of crimson that could match a ripe tomato.

"It seems my jiju has messaged you something that has turned you into a blushing bride already," a teasing voice rang from the doorway.

Startled, Neha hurriedly grabbed her phone, locked the screen, and slipped it beneath her pillow to make sure it was safe and hidden from all the tease she was receiving recently.

Turning around, she saw her cousin Kubra Muneeb, standing with a knowing smile.

Kubra, the daughter of Neha's mama (maternal uncle), is working as a paediatrics surgeon in Hope Hospital.

"So, what did my jiju say?" Kubra asked, settling beside her and nudging her playfully.

"Nothing... just that they've arrived at the guest house," Neha tried to sound as casual as she could, masking the storm of emotions raging within her.

"What?! They've already arrived? And we're still not done setting things up!" a panicked voice cut through the room.

Ruksana, who had just walked in and was now fretting over the last-minute arrangements.

"Phuphu, calm down," Kubra said reassuringly, taking charge of the situation.

"Ayesha Di just called-she's on the way.

And look around, most of the work is already done! Everything will be fine; don't stress."

Kubra took Ruksana out of Neha's room and made her sit at one of the sofas in the hall.

"But, beta, who will perform the wedding rituals on behalf of Neha's brother?" Ruksana sighed, her worry deepening.

"Javeed Bhai's family hasn't arrived yet. I was hoping at least Mustafa would be here, but his exams kept him away from coming. Without him, who will do the customs meant for the bride's brother?"

Ruksana became upset about her brother's family's delayed arrival and began to worry about the upcoming rituals.

Certain wedding rituals were carried out by the bride's brother. At first, Mustafa Javeed, the only male cousin, was meant to perform the ceremony, but he was unable to attend Neha's wedding because of exams, and now, with Mustafa absence, there is no one to perform the rituals.

"Aunty, why are you worrying? Did you forget about us?"

A firm yet warm voice filled the room, and all eyes turned towards the entrance.

Standing there was Syed Mohammed Arish, accompanied by Ayesha.

Danish's younger brother Arish, a well-known cardiologist, was recently transferred to Hyderabad and would be residing with his brother and sister-in-law now.

"Aunty, me and Bhai have already decided that we will step in as Neha Di's brothers," Arish reassured with a smile, settling beside Ruksana.

"She is like a sister to us, and we wouldn't miss this for anything."

"Ofcourse, you both are brothers as well," Ruksana said, smiling as her tense shoulders relaxed and a wave of relief passed over her.

She then went to prepare for the event.

"Look at him, Ayesha," Anjum whispered, nudging her daughter.

"Arish is elder to you and still respects Neha by calling her Di-but you? You call them by their names" Anjum started her regular taunt session with Ayesha.

But, Ayesha being Ayesha will she ever listen to anyone.

"Ugh, Mamma, please! Neha is just two years older than me, and Arish is only eight months older—where's the big age gap?

We're best friends, and I can't call them Di and Bhai." Ayesha exaggerated a dramatic 'eww' and rolled her eyes, earning a smack on the arm from Anjum.

The room filled with laughter, momentarily dissolving the wedding chaos.

Meanwhile, the preparations continued. The Shukrana/Sanchak ceremony was about to begin, and Arish, without resting even for a moment after his long journey, went to freshen up and oversee the final arrangements.

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For today's event, the house was finally setup with yellow and pink curtain drapes along with yellow and orange marigold flowers. The entire setup radiated festivity, turning the home into a mesmerising mini-fair.

Near the living area, a beautifully arranged sofa awaited the bride, creating the perfect focal point for the evening.

On the side of the dining room, tables were arranged with an assortment of delicious quick bites like chaat, succulent kebabs, creamy mousse, cupcakes, steaming tea, and refreshing paan—ensuring that guests could indulge at any time, adding to the lively, free-flowing atmosphere.

In the hall, a table adorned with exquisite floral jewellery stood invitingly, allowing guests to pick and wear delicate pieces, adding a touch of tradition and elegance to their attire.

Finally, in the farthest corner, a beautifully curated wedding favour station displayed cone-shaped packages wrapped in intricate designs, filled with an assortment of dry fruits and candies, waiting to be distributed to guests at the end of the event.

Overall, the house was completely changed into a lively, celebratory area that perfectly captures the significance and theme of today.

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In a quiet corner of the house, away from the laughter and chatter of the guests. Neha was getting ready for the upcoming event, while her mother assisted her in draping the saree for the occasion.

There was an unspoken exchange of emotions between them—a silent grief of impending separation, a bittersweet ache neither could fully express. Both mother and daughter felt it, yet neither dared to voice it.

As Ruksana gave a final pat to Neha's saree pleats, "You should start practicing wearing sarees on your own now. I won't be there at your in-laws' house to help you drape it anymore," she murmured, her voice carrying a forced lightness.

Her words, though spoken playfully, carried a weight that tugged at Neha's heart. Unable to contain the surge of emotions, she leaned into her mother's warmth, giving her a side hug as silent tears slipped down her cheeks.

Everything felt overwhelming—the weight of change, the fear of the unknown, and the ache of parting from the family who had been her support.

Ruksana, too, felt the sting of her daughter's rukhsati (departure). Her eyes glistened, and for a brief moment, she tried to hold back, but the flood of emotions was too strong.

And so they broke down.

After a good few minutes of crying, Ruksana pulled away, gently wiping Neha's tear-streaked face. She cupped her daughter's cheeks, her voice soft yet firm with the wisdom of experience.

"Just remember, no matter what time it is or what you need—we will always be here for you.

But as you step into new relationships, my only advice is to give and take time. Differences will arise, but relationships grow only when both partners embrace and understand each other. That is the foundation of a strong and compatible bond.

Sometimes, things might not align with what you're used to. Some traditions, some expectations—they might feel unfamiliar. But that doesn't mean they are wrong. Take your time. Understand them. Adapt where you can, but never lose yourself.

That's how a marriage survives.

That's how love lasts."

Neha swallowed hard, absorbing every word. She didn't fully understand all of it—not yet. But she knew these words would stay with her, guiding her when she needed them the most.

Taking a deep breath, Ruksana forced a smile, gently cupping Neha's cheek before patting it  softly.

" Okay, enough of this crying session. Your in-laws are on the way, and I still have to get ready."

Her voice held a mix of affection and urgency, as if trying to compose herself before emotions took over again. She tucked a stray strand of hair behind Neha's ear and added, "I'll send the girls up to help you with the rest."

With one last lingering look, she turned and walked toward the door, her steps carrying both a mother's pride and a mother's sorrow.

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A few minutes later, the groom's family ladies arrived, accompanied by Danish, their presence filling the air with renewed excitement and warmth.

The Sanchak/Shukrana ceremony, a cherished pre-wedding ritual, is a moment of warmth and acceptance where both families officially welcome the bride and groom into their new homes.

The event serves as a beautiful symbol of unity, bridging two families through love, blessings, and tradition.

In this intimate gathering, the groom's sister plays a significant role in presenting the bride with her bridal trousseau, referring to this as Bari ka saman—a collection of exquisitely wrapped wedding outfits, delicate jewellery, and essential bridal accessories. Each item is chosen with care, signifying the family's love and acceptance of their new daughter.

Similarly, on the groom's side, the bride's brother takes on the responsibility of presenting the groom with his wedding attire, marking his transition into this new chapter of life.

This exchange isn't just about material gifts—it carries the weight of tradition, of silent reassurance, and of heartfelt blessings.

Afsha, wearing traditional shalwar kameez and jhuttis, along with a sheer green dupatta, greeted everyone with Danish holding a small baby Inayah in his arms. Danish's maternal grandmother, Zareena Ahmed, responded enthusiastically and blessed her great-granddaughter, Inayah. 

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After a few minutes, Neha descended the stairs, adorned in a breathtaking deep maroon saree enriched with intricate gold and silver embroidery. The end of the saree was delicately pinned over her head, draping her like a vision of grace.

As she was guided to the golden sofa setup, the room seemed to pause in admiration. Her presence radiated a regal aura—without a single piece of jewellery, she still looked luminous, her bridal glow enchanting everyone around her.

Carefully putting Inayah in her pram, Afsha stood up and followed by Saniya, approached Neha, and delicately draped the sheer net ghunghat dupatta, completing the ethereal look.

"Welcome home, Neha Bhabhi," Saniya whispered playfully into Neha's ear. A rush of warmth spread across Neha's face, turning her cheeks a soft shade of scarlet, betraying her shy happiness.

Afsha then took a silver bowl containing fragrant sandalwood and turmeric paste, its aroma filling the air with tradition and warmth. With the grace of an elder sister, she gently applied the paste to Neha's cheeks, symbolising blessings and love. Sumaiyya and Arshiya followed, each adding their touch to this heartfelt ritual.

Finally, the Bari ka Saman, the treasured wedding trousseau—was presented. Wrapped in rich fabrics and adorned with gold embellishments, it held the bridal attire, the ceremonial ghoonghat, and the exquisite jewellery meant to adorn the bride.

With delicate hands and a heart full of emotions, Afsha carefully placed the jewellery on Neha, piece by piece, transforming her into the radiant bride she was meant to be.

The air was thick with emotions—happiness, nostalgia, and the weight of an unspoken farewell. Neha sat silently, absorbing the love that surrounded her, as she slowly embraced the transition from a daughter to a bride.

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With the rituals complete, Neha was gently escorted back to her room to rest and prepare for the grand wedding ahead. The house, once buzzing with chatter and ceremonial laughter, now settled into a quieter rhythm as everyone retired themselves to get ready for the evening, and even the ladies from the groom's side bid their farewells and left for the guest house.

Meanwhile, Ruksana and Ali, with Danish by their side, meticulously arranged the groom's wedding outfit and the precious gifts meant for Adil. Every detail was being handled with love and care, ensuring that the presentation would be as grand as the moment itself.

At another corner of the house, an air of mischief brewed. Neha's cousins and closest friends huddled together, their eyes gleaming with excitement. Under Ayesha's enthusiastic leadership, Arish and Kubra—the eldest among them—delved into a deep discussion, whispering and conspiring.

Plans were being crafted, details mapped out, and roles assigned with the precision of a strategic mission.

Finally mapping out all the things, Ayesha grinned mischievously, locking eyes with Kubra and Aruba. With a synchronised burst of energy, they turned to the group.

"Let the fun begin!" Ayesha declared, her voice filled with playful determination.

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The fun is yet to begin😉😉.

Get yourselves ready for Adil's Shukrana/Sanchak in the next chapter, along with the most anticipated Nikah of Adil and Neha.

Are you guys excited for it?

Do let me know about the chapter. How was it?

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