Author's pov

When Veer looked toward the door, all he could say was, “Mere laal ye teri umar aur aukat dono se bahar hai. (My boy, she is out of your age and league both.)”

And Ruhanika, standing at the door, laughed loudly, clapping, and along with her, everyone else laughed too.

Poor Gazi, who didn’t understand anything, just seeing everyone laugh, also laughed showing his tiny little teeth.

Ruhanika came inside and pulled his chubby cheeks and said, “Laal ko peela hone ka shauk chada hai aur Veeru shukar manao ye abhi bacha hai varna Abhiraaj isko neela kala bhi kar dete. (Red wants to turn yellow, and Veeru thank God he’s still a kid, or else Abhiraaj would’ve turned him black and blue too.)”

Everyone was laughing, and Gazi was smiling seeing them laugh not understanding what they were actually saying.

“Sorry Gazi, my boy. Ye to mumkin nahi hai. (Sorry Gazi my boy. That’s not possible.)” Ruhanika said, kissing his cheeks while laughing.

“Kalo na muse shaadi. Peaze. (Then marry me. Please.)” Gazi said cutely with a pout.

“Baby I am sorry ab to main tere Abhiraaj uncle ki ho gayi. Maybe kisi aur universe mein. (Baby I’m sorry, I already belong to your Abhiraaj uncle. Maybe in another universe.)” Ruhanika said giggling.

“Vaise tere bete ki choice ki daat deni padegi. (By the way, your son’s taste is praiseworthy.)” Prikshit teased Veer. “Chun ke afat par dil aaya hai uska. (He’s fallen for a thunderstorm.)” And Ruhanika gave him an I’ll eat you alive look.

“Shadi karni hai na tujhe? Toh muh band rakh. (You wanna marry or not? Then keep your mouth shut.)” Ruhanika threatened Prikshit.

And right there, Veer grinned and looked at Noor and proudly said, “Akhir baap par jo gaya hai. Choice to uski awal darje ki hi hogi. (He takes after his father. His choice will obviously be top-class.)”

But Noor, who hadn’t spoken to Veer since last night’s incident, rolled her eyes and continued with her work.

“Vaise Gazi apko pata bhi hai shadi kya hoti hai? (By the way Gazi, do you even know what marriage is?)” Prikshita asked him.

“Haa, jab Hume koi acha lagta hai hum usse shadi kal lete hai. (Yes, when we like someone, we marry them.)” Gazi repeated the exact words he heard from Saanvi when she was telling it to Hope and Aarna.

“Acha toh main apko achi lagi? (So, you like me?)” Ruhanika asked, sitting in front of him.

“Han, bahut acche lagte ho. (Yes, I like you very much.)” Gazi answered with such innocence that Ruhanika burst into laughter.

“Sirf achcha lagna kafi nahin hota na Gazi. Aur bhi bahut kuch hota hai aise kaise main shadi karlu aap se? (Just liking isn’t enough Gazi. There’s a lot more to it, how can I just marry you like that?)” Ruhanika teases him.

“Main bahut stlrong hun. (I’m very strong.)” Gazi showed his tiny biceps. “Din mein 2 baar dudu pita hu. Aalna didi nahi piti. Main good boy hun na aur aap kitni Sundal bhi to ho bahut. Meri Ammi Se jyada sundar ho aap. Kalo na mujse shadi. (I drink milk twice a day. Aarna Didi doesn’t. I’m a good boy and you’re so beautiful too. More than my Ammi. Marry me, please.)”

When Gazi said that, it surprised Veer more than Noor that his son called his wife less beautiful, and everyone laughed seeing Veer’s expression.

“See Noor, your son finds me prettier.” Ruhanika teased Veer with a playful look and Noor laughed.

“Well, truth is truth, isn’t it….”

“Don’t you dare, Begam.” Veer interrupted, and everyone laughed louder seeing his expression.

Kids are so innocent, right? Whoever loves them and shows care, they become theirs.

Everyone knows Ruhanika has no child, and that’s why she showers so much love on all the kids that they all began loving her more.

And our little Veer, aka Gazi, took her love to mean he’d marry her.

“Bolo na! (Say it na!)” Gazi asked.

“Haa, jab bade ho jaoge tab baat karenge. (Yes, when you grow up, we’ll talk.)” Ruhanika said, running her fingers through his hair while smiling.

“Paka? (Really?)” There was a sparkle in Gazi’s eyes.

“Promise!” Ruhanika said, trying not to laugh, and turned to Prikshit. “Taiyar ho halaal hone ke liye…. (Ready to be sacrificed….)”

Veer cut in, “Ye toh kab se churi tez kar ke khud Mihika ke hathon mein dene ko taiyar baitha hai. Ke aa behen mujhe maar…. (He’s been sharpening the knife himself to hand it over to Mihika. Like, here sister, stab me…).”

“Behen? (Sister?)” Prikshit literally shouted in disbelief, and everyone laughed. “Behen hogi teri… (Sister will be yours…).”

“Meri to hai hi. (She already is.)” Veer said, high-fiving Ruhanika.

Prikshit clenched his fists in helplessness because saying anything to these two was pointless.

“Tum dono bhaad mein jao. (To hell with you both.)” Saying just that, he stomped out of the room.

“Aree sun toh yaar! (Arrey, listen, man!)” Pratap ran after him.

“Nahi yaar fufa ji. (No, uncle.)” Prikshit said childishly.

“Kya hua chachu? Apki kya kisi ne chocolate chura li? (What happened uncle? Did someone steal your chocolate?)” Aarna asked cutely as she walked up.

Prikshit said in a complaining tone, “Haa, tere baap ne… (Yes, your father….)”

Aarna interrupted immediately, “wo toh hain hi besabre. Aap aao main apko apni de dungi par aap aise muh to nahi bnao. Aise thodi jaenge hum Massi ko lene. (He’s always impatient. Come, I’ll give you mine, but don’t make that face. We have to go get Massi.)” Aarna held his hand and led him.

“Aarna, now start calling her chachi, meri chuhiya.” Prikshit said, and Aarna made him sit on a nearby chair.

“No, she’s Massi first, then chachi.” Aarna said, pulling out a chocolate from her tiny bag that matched her dress.

“Okay fine, Massi it is.” Prikshit said, smiling.

“Now eat and be all happy happy.” Aarna said, giggling, but Prikshit smiled and put the chocolate in his pocket. Aarna looked at him, confused.

“This is the first time Aarna shared her chocolate with me. That’s no small thing.” Prikshit said, tugging her nose. “Now I’ll eat this with your chachi.”

“Okay.” Aarna said, giggling, and just then Pratap came and sat beside them, having watched them from afar.

“Ho gaya tera gussa shant? (Are you calm now?)” Pratap asked.

“I wasn’t angry, Fufa ji….”

“Were you mad at someone?” Aarna interrupted Prikshit and asked curiously.

“No one. You go check if your friends are ready.” Pratap told her.

“They’re not ready yet, Dadu….”

“Then see if your Massi is ready.” Pratap said.

And Aarna suspiciously asked, “Are you trying to get rid of me, Dadu?”

“Aarna!” Pratap said lovingly. “Go child, I need to talk to your chachu….”

“What do you want to talk about with chachu?” Aarna asked.

“When the time comes, I’ll tell you too. For now, let me talk to your chachu.” Pratap said with a smile at her curiosity.

Aarna said nothing and ran off. Pratap placed a hand on Prikshit’s shoulder and said, “If bhaisaab (Prikshit's father) were here today, he’d have explained a few things to you.”

Prikshit lowered his gaze sadly. Today, he missed his parents more than ever.

Of course, he was happy, but the absence still stung, right?

“You know I’ve never treated you and Veer any differently….”

“Of course I know, fufa ji.” Prikshit interrupted, looking at him.

“Beta, you and Mihika are both very mature. I know I don’t need to explain anything to you because you’re not as crazy as Veer.” Pratap said jokingly to make Prikshit smile.

And it worked. A smile appeared on Prikshit’s face.

“But still beta, as a father, it’s my duty to tell and explain. Marriage is a beautiful turn in life, and a huge responsibility. That girl is leaving everything behind to come build a new world with you. Never let her feel alone and always be her shield.” Pratap said, and Prikshit nodded.

“Husband and wife are two wheels of the same cart. Only if they move together does the journey become beautiful. The path may be rough sometimes, and if one needs to bend to steady the vehicle, don’t ever step back.” Pratap said, patting his back. “I hope you understand.”

“Ji, fufa ji. (Yes uncle.)” Prikshit said with a soft smile.

“Always stay happy, son.” Pratap hugged him, and Prikshit returned the hug and excused himself.

Prikshit walked into his room, the laughter and music from outside muffled behind the closed door. He picked up his phone from the side table and opened a picture in his phone, his parents, smiling, their faces frozen in time. He sat down slowly holding it, a heavy breath escaping his lips as he reached out and ran his fingers over their faces.

“Maa… dad…” he whispered, his voice barely audible over the silence. “Aaj aap dono bohot yaad aa rahe ho. (I’m missing you both a lot today.)”

He brings his phone close to his chest for a moment before placing it on his lap. “Today is the most beautiful day of my life. Everyone’s with me, everyone’s happy but without you two, everything feels incomplete.”

His voice cracked with the weight of emotion he had been holding back. “I needed you today. I needed you so much, Mom and Dad. I wish you were here dancing with me like everyone else, teasing me, making me laugh. I wish you were here, Mum, taking off the evil eye like you always used to.”

He chuckled softly, wiping a tear. “If you both had been here, maybe you would have held me, guided me, just like Bua and Fufa ji always did. They’ve always fulfilled your role. I’m grateful to them and I always will be but still, your absence will always be felt.”

He sat silently for a moment, lost in memories of his childhood, then leaned forward and placed a gentle kiss on the glass. “I’ll take care of Mihika, just like you would have always wanted. I’ll be her companion, her support.”

“Maa, I wish you were here to give Ika that saree. Do you remember it? Of course you do and I still do. I've never forgotten.” Prikshit wiped his eyes with a faint smile. “I know you both would have loved Ika more than you love me but I promise you, Dad, I’ll always cherish her, just the way you cherished Mom, holding her with love, honour, and pride.”

His voice softened, trembling with quiet resolve. “I’ll try my best to be worthy of her. Please bless me, Maa Papa.”

Just then, there was a soft knock on the door. He turned to see Ira standing there, her eyes full of concern and love. Prikshit quickly wiped his face and smiled. “Just… was talking to Mom and Dad.”

Ira walked in and sat beside him, placing her hand on his shoulder. “They are proud of you.”

Prikshit looked at her, eyes glistening, and nodded slightly with a small smile.

On the other side, Mihika was also sitting in her room with a picture of her father and brother. But for the first time, there were no tears in her eyes.

“Papa, today is the biggest day of my life, and for the first time since you left, I’m about to accept a moment of true happiness. Yes, I do miss you terribly but I know your blessings are always with me. If you both were here, you would’ve been so happy, right? So I promise, for both of you, I won’t be sad. I will step into this new life with a smile. Promise.”

She kissed the photo gently and held it close to her heart.

Near the door, Mokshita had been listening silently, her eyes brimming with tears. She stepped forward and placed her hand on Mihika’s head. That’s when Mihika realized her mother was in the room.

“Your father is always with you, my child,” Mokshita said, gently caressing her daughter’s head.

Mihika held her mother’s hand and made her sit beside her. “I know, Mumma.”

“I know you’re wise, my child. But still, as your mother, I want to say something,” Mokshita said, holding Mihika’s face in her palms. “Always respect everyone in that house, and walk alongside Prikshit, step by step.”

Mihika nodded, her eyes moist.

“He loves you dearly, take care of him. He’s very lonely inside. Always listen to his Dadi, and always make your mother proud….”

Before Mokshita could finish, Mihika threw her arms around her. “Promise, Mumma. I will never let you, Badi Mumma, Nana-Nani or Dii ever bow your heads in shame.”

“Oh, what’s with all this melodrama now?” came Samriddhi’s voice as she hugged both Mihika and Mokshita from behind. No one knew when she had entered the room. “Massi, stop giving old-school lectures to my sister.”

Wiping her tears with a smile, Mokshita replied, “I wasn’t lecturing her.”

Hearing her sister’s words, Mihika smiled too.

“I know my sister is very smart. She will rule everyone’s hearts in that house,” Samriddhi said, kissing Mihika’s forehead from the side.

Then holding Mihika’s face in her hands, she added, “Mihii, even so, never forget your sister is always here. Always with you. Never think you are alone.”

“I know, Dii…”

“I won’t say that only that house is your home now. Of course, it is. But your sister and brother will always stand behind you, my child. And your sister’s house will always be open for you. I am just a phone call away.”

Hearing this, tears spilled from Mihika’s eyes, and she hid in her elder sister’s arms.

It meant a lot. A truly big moment for a girl. Words no one had said to Samriddhi during her wedding were now being said by her to her little sister.

And Mihika knew, these were not just mere words. This was her sister’s promise.

A girl is usually shielded by her father or her brother. But these two sisters had neither.

Yet now, Mihika knew her strength was not just her sister, but her brothers too. They may not be related by blood, but the bond of the heart was the deepest of all.

“I know Prikshit will never let such a moment come but still, never think you’re alone,” Samriddhi said, wiping Mihika’s tears.

“Dii, with you around, I’m not afraid of anything,” Mihika replied.

“You shouldn’t be,” Samriddhi said, controlling her own tears. “Okay now, no more crying….”

“Let me cry a little more now,” Mihika said, resting her head in her lap. “Because I don’t want to cry after the wedding. Both I and Dr. Prikshit have cried enough. Now I want to enter our new life with joy.”

“Yes, absolutely, you will.” Samriddhi said, gently caressing her head.

Watching the love between the sisters, Mokshita’s eyes welled up, but this time she didn’t cry.

"Okay now stop crying and go wash your face, the makeup artist is about to arrive, and you need to get ready quickly. Nani has already started yelling that WE'RE RUNNING LATE. WE'RE RUNNING LATE.” Samriddhi mimicked Savitri exactly while saying the last part, making Mihika laugh through her teary eyes.

The makeup artist arrived, and Mihika began getting ready. Everyone else was also busy preparing. With Mihika were only Hannah and Karen.

"Where's Ruhanika?" Mihika asked.

"She and Manvi are busy preparing for Prikshit’s welcome," Hannah replied.

"God help poor Prikshit ji," Mihika said with a deep breath, and both girls burst out laughing.

She looked at her reflection in the mirror only to blush crimson. Her mother designed her wedding lehnga and she did a splendid job there is no doubt in that.

Not just her wedding lehnga but all her outfits throughout the wedding were designed in SB’s fashion house but this wedding lehnga is especially and only designed by Mokshita without any help from the head designers.

Mihika was almost ready when all her brothers entered her room.

"How do I look?" Mihika asked them excitedly.

They all smiled and said in unison, "Very beautiful, like a fairy descended from heaven."

Abhinav stepped forward first and blessed her. "I still can’t believe that the little girl I once held in my arms is now getting married." Mihika's eyes welled up, and so did Abhinav's. "Always stay happy, bache."

Then came the three Browns and Abhiraaj. Henry and James first tied the kaleede (wedding bangles) to her wrists.

"Always remember, no matter what happens, your brothers are with you every step of the way," James said, and Mihika hugged him.

Even James’s eyes filled with tears, but he blinked them away quickly.

“No crying now or all the makeup will get ruined,” Richard said instantly.

“Shut up, Richard,” Aaron scolded, kicking him lightly to stop him from ruining the emotional moment. Richard shut his mouth.

“Thank you, James bhaiya, for everything,” Mihika said.

“Now smile! You don’t want to give that heart patient a heart attack by crying like this,” James joked, bringing a smile back to Mihika’s face.

“Kido!” Henry called softly, placing his hand on her head, and Mihika gave him a side hug.

“Jeej, if it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have had any of this, especially such loving brothers,” Mihika said emotionally.

“And we will always be there for you. I’m sure Tigress must have told you already, but let me repeat it: you don’t have just one, but four homes in New York,” Henry said, looking toward his brothers and Aaron.

“Yes, and whenever you need us, just one call and we'll kick that heart patient’s ass,” James added, making her smile.

“Yeah, though we’re sure you’ll never need to but still, scaring him would be fun,” Richard said, flicking her nose playfully, making Mihika giggle.

“My sister is not alone,” Aaron said, and he and Richard also tied kaleede on her wrists.

The two pairs of kaleede looked absolutely beautiful on her wrists.

“Little one,” Aaron said, cupping her face in his hands, “You’ve taught this stone-hearted man a lot. The day you first called me brother, I felt what it truly means to have a sister.”

Aaron’s eyes filled with tears. Everyone was surprised to see Aaron Warner cry.

But they didn’t know, this wasn’t the first time. He had cried a lot for his Rose before. Roseline had made him human in the truest sense. And becoming Mihika’s brother made him understand what family really meant.

“It feels like you’re going very far away…”

“No, Aaron bhaiya,” Mihika interrupted in a trembling voice.

James teased him, “Warner, stop acting like a dramatic Indian soap opera mom or I’ll leak this video.”

“I dare you, James!” Aaron shot him a glare while quickly wiping his eyes. But James didn’t have any phone in his hands, he was just teasing, and everyone burst into laughter.

“If you all are done, may I also have a moment with my sister?” came Abhiraaj’s voice. Everyone stepped aside to make way for him.

James said with a mock bow, “Of course, Mr. Rathore. Take all the time you need. Who are we to make you wait? And trust us, we have no interest in getting waxed by your wife.”

Everyone laughed, and Mihika struggled to suppress her laughter.

Abhiraaj gave a fake laugh, “Hahaha... Not funny.”

He came forward holding a small wooden box. Everyone had already given wedding gifts to Mihika and Prikshit, but this one was special so Abhiraaj wanted to give it to her personally.

“I’ve longed my whole life for a sister, but the day you tied a rakhi on my wrist for the first time, I felt a deep peace,” Abhiraaj said, placing a hand on her head in blessing. Mihika smiled softly.

Abhiraaj had been broken by betrayals from his own family. When he first went to London and Mihika asked his permission to tie him a rakhi, his eyes had welled up. In that moment, the storm inside him calmed a little. Since then, Mihika had become more than Ruhanika’s friend, she was family to him.

He opened the box. Inside were a pair of gold anklets and antique jadau bangles.

“Bhaiya, no more gifts. You all have already….”

“Chup! (Quiet!)” Abhiraaj interrupted. “These aren’t just jewels, Mihika. They’re very special. My mother always wanted to give these anklets and bangles to her daughter. But my sister passed away with my mother... Then you came. If you wear these, it’ll make not just me, but my mother very happy.” With teary eyes, he took her hands and put the bangles on her.

Mihika’s eyes filled with tears.

The love she never expected to receive, especially after Agastya’s departure, was now pouring into her life, many times over.

He put the bangles on her wrists, then closed the box and was about to hand her the anklets for her to wear later whenever she wanted.

But Mihika immediately sat on the nearby chair, lifted her lehenga slightly, and said, “Put these on too.”

Abhiraaj replied, “But you’re already wearing it, and they don’t even match your wedding jewellery…”

“Matching doesn’t matter. Emotions do,” Mihika interrupted him.

Abhiraaj smiled and shook his head, then lovingly put the anklets on her feet.

Just then, Manvi came running in, “Come on! The baraat is about to arrive!”

Everyone left to welcome the groom, leaving Mihika there.

The baraat arrived with full pomp, drums and music were blaring, and everyone danced joyfully. Prikshit rode in on the horse, with Gazi and Yuvaan with him.

Veer ran up and pulled Manvi in to dance. Ruhanika, of course, didn’t need an invitation. She was already leading the group. Rishaan pulled Samriddhi into the dance.

Prikshita and Noor had never danced like this before, their feet just wouldn’t stop moving today.

Prikshit, seated on the horse, looked no less than a prince.

Aaron and Abhinav helped Prikshit off the mare, and Mokshita welcomed him with a prayer plate, while the rest of the family welcomed the remaining guests with flower garlands.

But when it was time to go inside, all the girls stood blocking the way with a ribbon for cutting, ready to trouble Prikshit, and Manvi and Ruhanika were leading the front.

“Wait, wait, Jeej (brother-in-law). Not yet, first pay the tax,” Manvi said.

“We have come fully prepared,” Veer announced, and Prikshit handed out the gifts and shagun (money) he had brought for all his sisters-in-law with his own hands.

Seeing all this, Reena’s daughter turned red with jealousy because Prikshit hadn’t given her any gift or token, whereas even Sakshi and Saanvi, who weren’t even Mihika’s sisters, received them.

Arunima had told Prikshit to keep something for her too, but Prikshit was very clear that those because of whom his Ika had suffered so much meant nothing to him. He was only tolerating them at the wedding for Roshan’s sake.

“You’ve come well-prepared. Well done,” Ruhanika praised him, pulling his nose, and Prikshit gasped.

“So now, let us through,” Rishaan said.

“What’s the rush? Let my fufa ji have something sweet first,” Saanvi said, bringing a laddu to Prikshit, who happily bent down slightly and opened his mouth.

Manvi and Ruhanika knew that if they fed him, he would never eat it, so they had Saanvi do it instead.

And Saanvi, in one go, put the whole laddu into his mouth. Poor Prikshit’s eyes widened the moment he tasted the salt, red chili, and green chili inside.

In a difficult situation where he can't even swallow or spit it out.

Seeing his expression, Ruhanika, Saanvi, and Manvi burst out laughing, holding their stomachs, while the rest looked on in surprise, unaware of their mischief.

Poor Prikshit, hiding his pain behind a smile, began swallowing the laddu, and Samriddhi brought him some sweet milk.

“Drink this…”

“No, Di, I’m fine,” Prikshit said.

“I won’t do anything childish like them, Doctor Babu,” Samriddhi said softly, and Prikshit understood and quickly drank the milk to soothe his burning mouth.

Samriddhi knew what these three were up to, so she had come prepared to ensure their fun wasn’t spoiled and Prikshit didn’t suffer.

Ruhanika handed him the scissors, and after cutting the ribbon, Prikshit moved forward.

The decoration was entirely royal and incredibly beautiful, straight out of a fairytale.

Aaron and Henry escorted Prikshit to the stage, and the next rituals for the sagun begin.

After the gifts, the priest called for the bride, and all her brothers went to bring her.

Prikshit eagerly waited to see his Ika as a bride, his eyes fixed on the place from where Mihika was to appear.

But when the music suddenly changed, Prikshit was startled hearing it, and Rishaan started laughing, clutching his stomach.

“ Bhai tere L lag gaye. (Brother, you’re in for a good one,)” Rishaan said, still laughing.

There was no sign of Mihika yet, but from the front came James, Aaron, Henry, Richard, Abhinav, Abhiraaj, and the biggest traitor of all- Veer, walking confidently in sunglasses.

This wasn’t just an entry, it was a direct threat, and Prikshit understood that well.

Everyone smiled watching them.

Right behind them came Mihika, holding her veil and suppressing her laughter. She just wanted to see Prikshit’s shocked expression, but her brothers were blocking the view, making it impossible.

Then all eight of them split, four on each side, creating a path for Mihika, and that’s when Prikshit saw his angel.

She looked so beautiful in her golden and baby pink outfit that for a moment, Prikshit almost fainted.

Mokshita and Geetanjali were holding her hand, leading her to the stage, while all her brothers stood behind her.

It was a promise and a gesture that they would always stand by her side as her shield.

On reaching the stage, Mokshita placed Mihika’s hand in Prikshit’s.

“Always stay happy, dear,” Mokshita blessed them both.

“I will always honor the trust with which you’ve given me this hand, and I’ll never let go of it,” Prikshit said, tightening his grip on Mihika’s hand, making Mihika's heart flip.

“We know you will, son,” Geetanjali said while blessing them, and the two sisters stepped down from the stage, making way for all the brothers.

“Veeru, gaddar! (traitor!)” Prikshit accused him playfully.

“Abbey chal! (Oh shut up!) I’ve fulfilled my duties for my brother, now let me do it for my sister as well,” Veer replied, and Mihika tried hard to suppress her laughter.

“Our sister should always keep smiling like this,” Aaron said, and Prikshit immediately bowed his head in agreement.

“And if ever there are tears in her eyes because of you, then today it was just chili in the laddu, next time they’ll be in your eyes,” James warned.

Mihika gasped in surprise, and all her brothers stepped down from the stage.

Prikshit took a deep breath and turned toward Mihika. Her heart was pounding as well in her chest. This was the moment they both had eagerly awaited.

With trembling hands, Prikshit lifted Mihika’s veil, and she smiled at him. A wide smile appeared on Prikshit’s face upon seeing his bride.

She is looking like an apsra to him. Came directly from heaven just for him.

The moment he had waited for years was finally here.

Prikshit removed the veil from Mihika’s face. Their eyes locked, not blinking even once.

Everything felt like a dream, now turning into reality.

“You look ethereal, Ika,” Prikshit whispered so only Mihika could hear, and she shyly lowered her gaze.

Just then, Manvi and Saanvi brought the garlands. Both exchanged garlands as flowers showered over them by all the guests.

After the garland ceremony, everyone blessed them, and some guests came to greet them.

When Yogeshwar Rathore arrived to bless the couple, Mihika was a little surprised, but she greeted him with a respectful namaste, while Prikshit touched his feet to seek his blessings.

Of course, Abhinav had personally invited him so he was bound to come for the love he has for Abhinav in his heart. And besides, he wanted to meet his Raaj and Ruhi as well.

“Hamesha khush raho. (Always Stay blessed,)” Yogeshwar said, placing his hands on both their heads in blessings before stepping down from the stage.

Meanwhile, the other guests looked on in astonishment, amazed to see such prominent figures attending the wedding.

Soon, it was time for the pheras (sacred rounds), and both were led to the mandap.

But by the time Prikshit reached the mandap, Mihika had disappeared.

“Where’s Mihika?” he asked Prikshita in concern.

“She went to the washroom,” Prikshita said softly. “Being a bride isn’t easy.”

Prikshit smiled slightly and waited for Mihika.

On the other hand, Rishaan, Jass and Veer. All three were busy trying to hide Prikshit’s shoes so that Manvi and Ruhanika wouldn’t win this round at least.

Wherever they went, Manvi had her little spies tailing them.

“Let’s do one thing!” Jass said, glancing behind at Ewan who had been following them since the start.

“What?” Rishaan asked.

“Let’s hide the shoes separately,” Jass suggested.

“Not a bad idea,” Veer agreed, and they split up.

One shoe was with Jass and another cousin who had come for the wedding, while the second one was with Rishaan and Veer.

“Hamza, you hide one. No one would suspect you,” Rishaan said.

Hamza’s eyes widened. “No, Abbu is calling me!” he said, running off because he didn’t want to get caught in Manvi’s mission.

“Kya fatu chand hai ye! (What a scaredy cat!)” Rishaan scoffed.

“Chod na yaar bacha hai. (Leave it, he’s just a kid,)” Veer said.

Before they could go hide the shoes, Manvi and her gang stood in their path, blocking the way.

“Veer, give me the shoe,” Ruhanika demanded firmly.

“What will you do with a men’s shoe? Gonna beat your husb……ouch!” Veer’s joke turned into a yelp as Ruhanika grabbed a plate and started hitting his bicep with it.

“Veer, you idiot! How dare you?”

“Ah! Pagal aurat….(Ow! Crazy woman…)” As soon as Veer jumped back, Ruhanika yanked the shoe from his hand. He pulled it back toward himself and so did she.

“My brother’s shoe will break!”

“Let it break!” Ruhanika shouted, pulling harder.

“Abbu dedo na! (Abbu give it!)” Little Gazi said as he punched his dad’s legs with his tiny fists because he had to help his beloved Ruhi aunty.

Aarna stepped in and began tickling Veer.

“Veer ye teri aulad paka teri hi hai na? (Veer, are you sure these are your kids?)” Rishaan asked in disbelief.

“Ek maasi ki diwani hai dusra ab pagal ki mohabbat mein kaid hai. Meri aulad meri to hai hi nahi. (One’s obsessed with her maasi, and the other is in love with a madwoman. They’re definitely not mine!)” Veer shouted in helplessness.

Meanwhile, the other kids made sure Rishaan couldn’t come to Veer’s rescue.

“Veer bhaji!” came a firm voice, it was Samriddhi.

Veer instantly let go of the shoe.

“Got it!” Manvi shouted excitedly.

“Dii, this is cheating!” Veer complained.

“They have the right,” Samriddhi said, pulling Veer’s cheek.

Just then, Arihan came running with the second shoe in hand. He had tricked Jass and snatched it away.

“Massi! I got it! Massi, I got it!” Arihan yelled as he ran to Ruhanika and gave her the other shoe.

“We won!” Ruhanika said, flipping her hair dramatically and strutting off, her little army trailing behind her.

Meanwhile, Prikshit is totally unaware about the battle that just happened because of his shoes. He was just Waiting for his Ika.

But as more time passed, he began getting anxious and asked Noor, “Bharjai, where is Ika? She’s taking too long,” the worry and restlessness in his voice were evident. It doesn’t take this long in the washroom.” he now feared if Mihika was okay.

“Ask Simmi didi where Ika is?” he asked Noor.

Noor gently scolded him, “Why are you getting restless like Veer? She’ll be coming…”

“This long? Can someone please check if she’s alright? If no one will, I will,” Prikshit said, frustrated and worried, just about to get up when he saw Mihika approaching.

He remained seated, stunned. For a moment, he couldn’t believe his own eyes, or even breathe. 

He literally forgot to breathe seeing Mihika in that saree.

That innocent childhood moment when he told his mother, had come true.

Tears of joy welled up in his eyes.

That saree belonged to Prikshit’s mother.

When she wore it for the first time, Prikshit was barely five years old. He had said to his mother,

“Mumma, you look so pretty in this saree. Please wear it every day.”

His mother laughed and replied, “How can I wear the same saree every day, Prikshu? Your papa will say he bought me so many dresses, and I should wear them too.”

“So what? Can’t you wear it just for me?” little Prikshit asked.

His mother said, “Okay, when you grow up, I’ll give this saree to your wife, and she’ll wear it for you every day.”

That innocent Prikshit had made such a cute pout upon hearing about marriage, and that memory had become his most cherished one and now made even more special by Mihika.

Tears were flowing uncontrollably from Prikshit’s eyes, and seeing him, everyone got emotional.

Arunima, Ira, and Prikshita’s eyes welled up, and the other women were ready to cry too.

Seeing Prikshit cry, Mihika’s eyes were also filled with tears.

She sat beside him and gently wiped his tears.

“Am I looking so bad that you started crying?” Mihika teased to make him smile and it worked. A faint smile appeared on Prikshit’s tear-stained face.

“How did you know?” Prikshit asked.

“I have my own resources,” Mihika said with a smile. “Now let’s get married first, or we’ll miss the auspicious time.”

Prikshit chuckled softly and nodded. Mihika wiped his tears.

The priest began the rituals, and Mokshita stepped forward with Aaron and Roseline. As instructed by the priest, Mokshita happily performed the kanyadaan (giving the bride) and Aaron did all the brotherly duties.

Then Prikshita did the gathbandhan (tying the sacred knot) and gave them blessings.

The priest chanted the mantras while Prikshit gave the offerings, and Mihika sat beside him, holding his hand.

There was a big smile on both their faces,one of peace and the fulfillment of prayers.

The priest asked them to stand for the pheras.

Prikshit extended his hand toward Mihika, and she happily placed hers in his.

Together, they took the sacred rounds around the holy fire and made their vows to each other.

Everyone showered flowers upon them.

After the pheras were complete, the priest told Prikshit to tie the mangalsutra around Mihika’s neck, and Arunima gave it to him.

Prikshit came a little closer to tie the knot and whispered softly so that only Mihika could hear him,

“Now you are completely mine.”

Mihika blushed as she felt butterflies in her stomach and lowered her gaze shyly, and then Prikshit filled her parting with vermilion, making her his forever.

Mihika was overwhelmed with emotions, but she did not let the tears escape her eyes. She had promised herself that she would not cry anymore not even out of joy. A wide smile lit up her face.

Without caring about anyone around, Prikshit kissed Mihika’s forehead and said, “Congratulations, Mrs. Grewal.”

“Congratulations, Mr. Dhawan,” Mihika replied softly, and Prikshit’s smile grew even wider.

“Now please take the blessings of your elders,” the priest announced, declaring them husband and wife.

As they both got up and looked for their shoes. Mihika's were present there but not Prikshit's.

He understood that the heist just happened.

“What do you want?” He asked Manvi and Ruhanika directly.

“Not only us but they also deserve gifts.” Ruhanika replied looking at all her dwarfs who helped her.

Prikshit noted down all of their wishes and ordered grace to arrange everything they asked.

Then he gave special gifts to Manvi, Ruhanika and Samriddhi as well.

Then the newlywed took the blessings of their elders, and everyone blessed them happily. However, Prikshit did not touch Kavita’s feet, nor did he let Mihika go toward her.

He had no intention of beginning his new life under the shadow of that woman.

All the guests looked on in surprise as the bride and groom took blessings from everyone except the bride’s grandmother and aunt.

Seeing the puzzled looks on the guests’ faces, Roshan grew uneasy. But Savitri noticed and softly said, “Let it go, don’t think about it. The kids aren’t going to stay here anyway, nor do they have to deal with these people, so what does it matter?”

Roshan quietly nodded in agreement.

All the wedding rituals were completed, and now the unmarried ones pulled Mihika aside so she could shake her kaleere (wedding bangles) over their heads, because it is believed that the one over whose head a kaleera breaks is the next to get married.

Hannah, Jack, and Steffen were right at the front.

“Ammi, can I also sit down?” Hamza asked his mother.

Sarah smiled and said, “Go ahead.”

“Sarah bhabhi, looks like Hamza has already chosen a bahu (daughter-in-law) for you,” Veer said teasingly.

“I have full faith in my son’s choice, it will definitely be a good one,” Sarah replied with a proud laugh.

Manvi gave him a poker face, completely confused about what kind of specimen had fallen for her.

Mihika shook her kaleere, and one fell on Jack’s head.

“Yeahhhhhh!” Everyone shouted in joy.

“Jack! When are you going to propose to Hannah?” Richard teased making her blush.

The rest of the wedding rituals continued, and then came the time for the vidai (farewell).

Mokshita had wanted to send Mihika off from her own house, but now that Kavita and Suresh lived there, her farewell would be from her maternal grandparents’ home.

Everyone reached there from the resort, and Samriddhi and Sakshi quickly began preparations for the vidai.

Mihika left the imprint of her hands on the wall of the house and threw rice behind her, which Mokshita caught in her dupatta.

Now it was time to bid farewell to Mihika as she stepped into her new life. Everyone had smiles on their faces. They all lovingly said goodbye to Mihika, and she too said her farewells happily.

“Behen ji, if we made any mistakes unknowingly or caused any offense, please forgive me,” Roshan said, folding his hands in front of Arunima. Pratap held his hands to stop him.

“Please, uncle ji, don’t do this,” said Pratap and Ira.

“Bhai sahab, what are you saying? I am the one who is grateful to you for giving me your moon-like daughter for my good-for-nothing grandson,” Arunima said jokingly to lighten the mood, and it worked. Everyone laughed, and the groom’s family also bid their farewells.

“Respect your elders and give love to your younger ones in your new family.” Savitri said while kissing Mihika's head and she nodded.

Mihika was seated in the car, and all her brothers pushed the doli-car (bridal car) to start the journey.

And thus, Mihika left with Prikshit, heading toward their new life together.