Hey guys. Here's the next update. Just to let you guys know. I don't know much about wedding rituals so I won't be going into any details.

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Everyone was gathered in the living room after breakfast, conversing amongst themselves, when Shivaay cleared his throat to get their attention. Everyone looked up to see Shivaay and Annika standing side by side.

S: We need to talk to you all.

A: We made our decision. And our decision is that,

They both exchanged glances. Annika blushed as Shivaay grasped her hands.

S: We'll get married. It's a yes from us.

Everyone was overjoyed to learn the good news. OmRuPri and Junior Kabeers, in particular, since their brother and sister, respectively, have finally found their better halves.

The juniors hugged Shivaay and Annika. Then Shivaay and Annika moved forward to take blessings from the elders.

D: Jeete raho, puttar. May God keep you together always.

P: I'm so happy today. Finally, my heera beta found his soulmate and that too in our own Anni.

Pinky came forward to Harsh and Avantika and spoke,

P: Bahu nahi, beti hai yeh meri. I promise I'll never let one drop of tear fall from her eyes.

Harsh and Avantika were emotional and bestowed blessings on them both.

D: Janhvi, call Pandit ji. Let's see, when is the next auspicious date suitable for them. Shivaay Annika, tum logo ko koi taklif hai?

A: No, Dadi. Whatever you feel is right will be fine by us.

Shivaay grinned and nodded yes when she looked at him.

***

After a while, Pandit Ji arrived.

Pa: There's an auspicious date in 7 days for the wedding or else directly after 5 years.

D: 5 years? Yeh toh bohot zyada waqt hai.

Av: Haan, Maa ji. 5 years are too long.

P: Anni, Shivaay, which date would you like?

Shivaay looked at Annika,

S: Annika, tum bolo.

Annika flushed and began to speak,

A: Maa, Papa, I'm okay with the date after 7 days.

Shivaay smiled. OmRu began to tease him.

R: Ohho, bhaiya! Blushing and all haan? Ab toh aap paraya pran ho jayenge.

When Om pounded his head from behind and spoke, Rudra created a false crying face.

Om: Duffer, it's dhan not pran.

R: O, samjho na.

Om rolled his eyes at him when Maya smiled broadly and spoke,

M: Oh my God, Anni, that means we're getting married the same day. Wow.

Ro: Areh haan. That's amazing. You two had always been close since childhood and now getting married on the same day.

Everyone beamed.

D: So, why don't we do the Roka and Engagement tonight? Just us family.
Tomorrow's Sangeet anyway. And we can do your sangeet together tomorrow.

All agreed while Shivaay and Annika blushed.

Av: Shivaay Anni, since it's almost evening. Go upstairs and get ready. I'll look after the arrangements here.

Both of them nodded and followed the juniors upstairs. In one room, the girls were getting ready, while the boys were in another.

Soon, they came downstairs and performed all the rituals of the Roka ceremony. After that, Shivaay and Annika made each other wear the rings.

***

After all these rituals were done, and everyone came back after changing, Gauri spoke,

G: Okay guys. So, since all events of today are finished. Let's get to the dance practice for tomorrow.

B: We've decided that all of us will dance in couples. So the teams are:
Anni Di - Bade bhaiya
Gauri Di - O bhaiya
Ranveer - Prinku
Maya Di - Adi bhaiya
Mallika Di - Sid Jiju and
Me and Rudra

She rolled her eyes as she said the last line because Rudra and her are usually bickering for some reason or another.

B: Also, Mallika Di, Adi bhaiya and Sid Jiju will be here soon for practice. Oh look, they're here.

Annika went forward to hug Mallika and Maya blushed and went near Adi.

Mal: So guys, sab ne decide kar liya kon kon ek saath dance karenge?

Pr: Haan di. We just decided.

Mallika was taken aback when she heard Shivaay and Annika's names together. She approached Annika and stated,

Mal: Anni, you're dancing with him? You know how much he broke me. Yet, you're being normal with him?

A: Malli, we're getting married. And I know everything about Shivaay. But we can't dwell on the past right? What happened between you both was yours. I shouldn't judge him on the basis of that.

Annika spoke a bit rudely to Mallika and left. Shivaay was nearby and could hear everything. He approached Mallika and spoke to her,

S: Mallika.

Mal: What do you want?

S: Nothing. Just wanted to clarify everything.

He explained why he hadn't responded to her messages and instead walked away from their relationship. He told her how he never felt the same way about her. Also, the fact that he regards Annika as a unique individual. With her, he had a different feeling.

Mal: Usme kya hai jo mujhme nahi hai?

She began to cry as she said this. Shivaay walked up to her and cupped her cheek, rubbing her tears away

S: She's herself. And you're you. You both are different. I don't know but Annika and I have a connection, I can't understand. She's important to me. But it doesn't mean you lack something. You've always been a friend to me, Mallika.

Mallika wiped her tears away and pretended to grin.

Mal: Thanks Shivaay. For clearing this out. Or else I'd have been wondering all these and become upset. I understand Shivaay. You both are perfect for each other. And I wish you all the best. But I think, I might've hurt Annika. She seemed angry at what I said.

S: Don't worry. She'll be fine soon.

Si: Mallika.

Mallika turned around to see Sid frowning at Shivaay and looking at her with inquisitive eyes. Mallika took the time to explain everything to him. Sid turned his gaze to Shivaay.

Si: Kehna chahta toh nahi tha, but thanks, Oberoi. She needed this closure. I know she loves me truly but the scars that your relationship left will heal from today and she'll be happy completely.

S: No worries, Rana. She's always been my friends first.

They exchanged handshakes before returning to the hall. Shivaay approached Annika and took his position next to her.

S: Hey.

Annika simply smiled and walked over to Gauri. Shivaay thought it was strange to see her so quiet all of the time. They practiced the entire routine together, but Annika was still disoriented. He tried to question her about it a few times, but she ignored. He shrugged it off, assuming she was exhausted.

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