Location - Villa

It was evening 7 PM when they reached the villa. They directly walked to the Resort Hotel for their dinner - as they had done lunch long ago and were starving. After an hour later, they returned to the villa and sat together in the living area for some chit - chatty time. All of them were talking on random topics when Nandini saw Aliya and Dhruv murmuring. She had been observing them doing so since they have arrived from London and it was clear that they wanted to tell everyone about something but were hesitant. Nandini had shared this with Manik but he suggested to avoid interfering and giving them time so they can reveal it themselves. Nandini turned towards Manik and signaled him to look at them. Manik thought it was high time they should be asked about it so he called out to Dhruv and asked consideratelyBuddy! We know you want to share something with us. I don't know what but I have noticed it since we have flown from London. You don't need to shy from us. Say what you want to. Aliya come on. Cabir and Mukti were intrigued hearing about something cooking. They too assured them that they can avow their worry as they are no strangers but family. Dhruv looked at Aliya and she blinked her eyes gesturing him to proceed. Dhruv took a deep breath and started Guys there is nothing to worry. Actually me and Aliya - we have decided to get married. As soon as he finished every one's lips curved into smile and merriment filled the atmosphere. All of them were extremely happy with their decision of taking their relation to the next level and they exchanged hugs and best wishes. Dhruv side - hugged Aliya and continued I had promised Aliya that as soon as we accomplish our dream of creating a name in music industry, we would get married. And with the London concert - we have succeeded in building our career. So I think its high time - I should fulfill my promise. Everyone smiled at this cute couple and then Nandini said Thats great Dhruv. We are really happy for you both. But when do you guys want to tie the knot? After a long silence and self - thinking, Aliya finally spoke enthusiastically Its our Patch Up anniversary exactly after two weeks from now - there couldn't be any better day than it. So yes, we want to get married on that day. What say? All of them instantly acknowledged her idea and started discussing about the wedding. Mukti - who was the most exuberant - asked Okay! Now tell us what kind of a wedding do you guys want? Aliya promptly replied ebullientlyOh! A big fat Indian wedding with limited people - just like MaNan's. As soon as she heard about their marriage, Nandini blushed - remembering it and Manik smiled seeing her blush.

It was the most special and significant memory of theirs - when he had planned a dream wedding for her - a wedding that would be recalled for ages for its splendor and resplendence. The time when he had, for the first time in his life - had followed all the traditions and that too with great veneration just for her - to lawfully make her his' forever. The time when he had filled her heart with reverence and ecstasy every passing second - making her feel the most charmed and blessed bride in the world with his gestures. A period when he had deluged her closet with exquisite bridal regalia including voguish attires and every kind of jeweled and gemed bijouterie - a trousseau he had himself hand - picked for his bride. When he had done everything with utmost love and sincerity - hoping and yearning to give her the best wedding that every girl would desire - wanting to make every minute momentous for her. When he had done everything by himself so as to cherish each and every memory of the most important festival of his life - Their marriage - the most consequential fiesta of their life which tied them in the most sacred and divine bond.

Everyone got nostalgic hearing about MaNan wedding when they had enjoyed themselves to the moon and back and had experienced a gala and jocund time. Dhruv then said holding Aliya's hand in hers I will try my best to give you a beautiful wedding as buddy has raised the standards so high that its really difficult to reach it. Everyone chuckled at his statement and then Nandini saidOh come on Dhruv! Don't underestimate yourself. You can do better than Manik and we all are here with you. Manik seconded her and saidYeah Buddy! If I am good then you are best. You wedding will be a killer. Trust me. Dhruv smiled at him and replied Maybe I am better but no one in this world can surpass you when it comes to expressing Love. Everybody smiled on Dhruv's words while Manik just stared at the person - who synonyms for love in his life - Nandini. After a brief discussion on the topic - they all retired to their rooms to relax their exhausted bodies.

Getting changed in their night dresses, MaNan lay on the bed - sharing some cozy moments with each other. Manik sat on the bed, resting his back on the headboard with Nandini ensconced in his lap, facing him. She played with his hands, as usual and spoke mirthfully Manik lets relive our marriage by talking about it. Manik smiled and replied I was just thinking the same thing. Wese if you want, we can actually relive those moments. I don't mind marrying you again. She giggled and said cheekily Neither would I mind Mr. Malhotra - but for now lets just walk down the memory lane. He nodded and suggested Lets share some highlights from each ceremony. Okay? You start with the engagement. She instantly shot him a raised - eyebrow look and asked Do I need to remind you of your craziness Mr. Malhotra? He kittenishly smiled recalling the incident.

Aide - Memoire -

They were out on shopping - to buy engagement rings for each other. Being a pro when it came to selecting things for Men - Nandini picked a beautiful platinum ring for Manik. But no ring fascinated Manik. Not able to find what he wanted in any of the shops, he started surfing through the internet websites and finally came across a beautiful trinity ring. He instantly liked it for Nandini - but to his dismay - the design was available only in a local shop in Delhi and the ceremony was to be held in the evening. Without informing anyone except Cabir - he had flown to Delhi to purchase the ring and had returned Half an hour before the auspicious time to find a vexed Nandini who was trying to reach out to him since the past two hours. On being probed, he confessed it to her only to receive a punch in his stomach for his puerility followed by a warm hug by her.

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She tapped his forehead lightly and saidThat was so stupid of you Manik. I mean just for a ring you went all the way to Delhi. Who does that? Manik simpered and replied Manik Malhotra does. And it wasn't just a ring. It was the engagement ring of my bride. It was important and I couldn't slid any ordinary ring in your finger. She smiled and said Next was Haldi. She blushed registering the incidence - and he asked huskily, pulling her close Now Do I need to remind you Mrs. Malhotra? She turned crimson red and buried her face in his chest while he laughed at her shyness as they remembered their secret moment.

Aide - Memoire -

After applying Haldi, the bride was to be given a Milk and Rose bath to enhance the skin glow. She was sitting in the tub, filled with Milk and Roses - massaging her body when she felt a warm known touch on her shoulders. She expectantly looked up to find him near the bath tub - eyeing her intently. She sank deeper into the tub and asked in a trembling and weak voiceManik tum yahan kya karrahe ho? Kisine dekhliya toh? He took out a packet of Haldi from his blazer and showing it to her said I have come here to apply this Haldi on my bride. I being the groom should be given the right but you know I never had a winning hand in these rituals. So I came secretly. Do I have the permission? She smiled in accord and raised a bit higher in the tub, revealing her bare shoulders. He took the paste in his hands and instead of smearing it on her skin, he dabbed it on his cheeks and leaning closer to her, rubbed them on her cheeks - making her heart thud wildly. He lathered the paste on her shoulders and neck sedately, nuzzling her ear and benumbing her senses by his touch. He then massaged her skin subtly with the milk and said throatily They din't need to do all this to make your skin glow. You already shine - like a star. And if you keep shivering this way with my proximity - then tomorrow night is going to be really hard for you. She blushed hard as he bent down to kiss her. They were a little away from fusing their lips - when a knock on the door broke their trance. Manik quickly pecked on her lips and sneaked out of the bathroom.

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Manik lifted her face and said pecking on her lips They really din't need to use that haldi on you. And you still shiver with my proximity. She blushed and replied That was a ritual Manik. And I know you love the fact that I still shiver, so stop complaining. Manik smiled and said Caught me haan? Okay lets continue. Next was your mehndi. So any special moment? She smiled reminiscing the day and Manik asked her if anything happened as he was not allowed in the ceremony. She looked at him curiously and asked Manik you remember my Mehndi? He grinned and replied Of course I remember. Your Mehndi had turned maroonish - black. That was the first time I had seen henna art and that too on your delicate hands - full with bangles. It was looking so beautiful - I can't express in words. Her lips twitched in a curve and she queried further Do you know the significance of Mehndi? He nodded and answered in an obvious toneYeah! Its a ritual of decorating brides na. She shook her head in a no and said I don't know if it is true or not but it is said that the color of henna - shows the depth of your husband's love. The darker the color - the stronger is the love. And I suppose, your love had turned my Mehndi so dark. Everyone teased me a lot seeing the color. Manik was surprised by the new information and replied What? Is that so? Hmm. So even the henna proved the purity of my love haan? Nandini looked at him lovingly and answered I don't need any proof to know about the purity of your love. Nothing in the world for me is more virtuous and chaste than your love. Saying this she pecked on his lips but he caught them and turned the peck into a passionate kiss. Feeling breathless, they pulled apart and then Nandini said naughtily Mr. Malhotra! This world needs oxygen to survive and you need my lips to stay alive. Itna addiction accha nahi hota. He pulled her closer and replied huskily I need you to stay alive. And its good to be addicted to your wife - its harmless yet advantageous. Saying this he moved closer to her lips for another kiss but she kept her hand in between and said One kiss enough for now. Lets continue with our nostalgia. He sighed and backed off saying Hmmm Okaye! So after Haldi there was Sangeet right? She nodded and remarked Our Sangeet was a blast right? We had so much fun - lots of dancing and singing. But any special moment that you want to share? He smiled and replied intently Yeah! The Sangeet. It was a cracker but the most beautiful moment was when you walked down to the hall in a saree. It was the first time I had seen you in a saree. And trust me I was spellbound. Had I known the saree looks so amazing on you, I would have made you wear it long ago. You were looking so lusciously seductive - that I had a really really hard time controlling myself. She blushed and replied sneeringly As if you controlled yourself. You behaved so desperately Manik. He yanked her closer and stated I was desperate so I will behave that way na. And it wasn't my fault. You made me so. And I see you remember what happened haan? He smirked while she reddened recollecting what Manik had done.

Aide - Memoire -

Everyone had arrived for Sangeet and the celebration was on full swing. Manik was with Cabir and Dhruv - who were blabbering while Manik was busy awaiting Nandini. After what seemed like forever, she came - bedizened in a green hued saree - with very small sleeves and a backless blouse. She had perfectly set herPallu on her shoulder and had left her hair open - with only a sheer diamond and emerald choker adorning her neck and paired diamond studs tucked in her ears. Her hands designed in semi - dried henna with only a pair of thin stone wrist-lets in each and a moderately heeled footwear that gave her some height. He was love - struck again and her appearance had enchanted him. She sensed his gaze and got assured that she was looking beautiful - his eyes said it all. She was taken and seated beside Manik - who was just not willing to take his eyes off her. On getting teased by his friends and mockingly berated by elders - he managed to blink his eyes and look away to avoid any further embarrassment. But his attention was never off her - he kept glancing at her from the corner of his eyes time and again, causing her cheeks to turn crimson. When everyone got preoccupied with dancing - he sneaked her to the bedroom, pinned her to the door and rammed his lips on hers - not leaving any scope of discussion or protests. He had kissed her vehemently, forcing her against the door and pulling her into himself. She was taken aback for a moment but then reciprocated with equal passion. On running out of breath - they pulled apart - panting heavily. She eyed him confoundedly and he mumbled against her lips Its a penalty for what you've done to me. You have no right to look so sensual - especially when we are surrounded by so many people. You have no idea, how I am holding back. You are making tomorrow night really difficult for yourself. She turned scarlet hearing his words and hid her face with her palms. He then kissed her hands and said subtly You don't need to shy and hide your blush. I Love seeing your cheeks flushed. He uncovered her face, softly kissed her cheeks and continued I Love You Nandini. She too dropped a mild kiss near his lips and replied I Love You More Manik. He smiled and said Lets go back before anyone notices us. I don't want another session of their razzing. He again pecked on her lips and then they joined the ceremony - fortunately getting unnoticed.

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Manik saw her red cheeks and said tricksily You are blushing the same as you did that time and I still enjoy seeing your cheeks flushed. I just love them. Saying this he kissed her cheeks - exactly the way he did during their Sangeet. She hit him playfully on his chest and said - trying to avoid the blush topic Okay now enough of teasing me. Lets proceed. A delight filled their eyes - reviving memories of their marriage. He smiled warmly and said And finally the day of our Marriage. It was the best day of my life Nandini. Everything about it was exceptional and unforgettable - the way you looked, the rituals - the vows, everything. I remember each and every second of it. She smiled and replied benevolentlyYes Manik. That day was Magic. Everything was so beautiful. He cupped her face and rejoined But not more than you Nandini. You know when I saw you on Sangeet night - I thought that it was the last limit for anyone to look so beautiful but on our wedding - I bet there wasn't anything more prettier than you in this whole world. You were the dream of every Man and I was the lucky one to get married to you. She smiled and repliedIt was your love that shone on my face. The happiness of finally becoming yours completely. A constant smile adhered on their faces as they relished the beautiful memories of the day.

Aide - Memoire -

The hall was embellished and festooned - with numerous lights and scads of flowers, the Mandap set in the middle of the hall - garnished entirely with her favorite orchids - canopied by a pearl baldachin and soft music playing in the background - A scenery exhibiting extreme pomp and grandeur - waiting to witness two souls in love to get connected in a sacred and consecrated bond - that promised togetherness for a lifetime. As the crowd anticipated the arrival of bride and groom, Manik entered the hall - accoutred in a dark purple Sherwani and an aureatePagdi - bearing a Royal and Imperial Aura - similar to that of a King - riveting the assemblage by his charisma. He walked to the Mandap and contemplated the staircase, awaiting his bride. The priest announced for the admittance of the bride and the girls hastened towards her room to fetch her to the awning. After a prolonged wait - she appeared - looking heavenly gorgeous - alike an Empyrean jane - an emanation of Venus who had just descended from Paradise - appareled inhis chosen lavish Dark Purple embroidered Lehenga and Golden Choli - with a gold hued - purple bordered net veil covering her head and hair that were tied in a raised coiffure - ornamented with 16 existing kinds of exquisite delicate Diamond and Charoite Bijouterie - fromMang - tika to Payals - her hands colored in the darkest shade of henna with a dozen of bridal bangles in each of her hands that created a mellifluous sound. Her face glowing seraphically with a subtle amount of bridal make - up - her eyes wearing a natural look and her lips shaded in purple. She looked so beautiful - that Manik felt his breathing pause as she moved closer to him - walking over the rose - petaled path that trailed from her room to the ceremonial canopy - lowering her eyes and blushing. He was enthralled and bewitched - would be an understatement to his situation. He wondered if that was possible for any human to look so divinely beautiful. He advanced to receive his bride and proposed his hand, which she shyly accepted. He led her to the Mandap and she seated herself beside him. She felt him beholding her ardently - his eyes so intense that she felt her insides melting. She glanced at him furtively and her breathing hitched - seeing him in the traditional Sherwani - looking Adonically winsome and suave. He bent down a little and whispered in her ear Nothing in this world is more beautiful than you Nandini. Your beauty knows no bounds today. She blushed and smiled timorously. The rituals began and she was given - away by her Chacha who did herKanyadan. They were tied in a strong knot by Mukti - who fulfilled the Gat - bandhan rite as Sister of the Groom. TheMantras were chanted and they stood up for the hymeneal rounds - taking vows of togetherness and eternal love as they revolved around the Agni - holding their hands and eyeing each other reverently - they completed the Saat - Pheras. Manik then tied the nuptial riviere around her neck and filled her hairline with the vermillion - designating her as his for the seven lifetimes and denoueming the Marriage Customs. He leaned down and kissed her forehead - as the Priest declared them Legitimate couple hereafter. They were blessed by the elders for a perpetual alliance and were congratulated by their friends. They were taken to the banquet to dine, where they fed each other sweet - completing another ceremonial ritual.

After serving them and expressing heartfelt gratitude - for joining them in their special moment - they bid adios to the guests - proceeding towards theBidaai. Nandini was a mature woman - who understood that a girl looses nothing but only gains with marriage - she din't find the need to cry as she could go to herMaayka whenever she wants to and get pampered by her family. After a smiling and happy farewell, she was taken to her new home - a home which would be hers - where she would rightfully live with the Man she loved - as his wife. Manik had au revoir - ed to Fab - 4 at the marriage hall itself, not wanting any sort of interruption betwixt him and his bride. On her arrival - he had welcomed her in a customary way - by doing her Aarti himself - just to make her feel good. He had surfed through the net and gathered information about these mores so that he can give her a full bridal failte. She pushed the Kalash lightly and raised her foot to enter but was abruptly stopped by him. She looked at him perplexed and he just gestured to wait and fetched a thick clay slate and kept it on the doorstep. He eyed her avidly and said cupping her face in his hands It is the first time you are entering this house as Mrs. Malhotra - and I wanted to record your first footstep in our home as my bride. So place your feet on this and imprint your steps so that I can cherish them forever. She was overwhelmed by his indulgent affection and her eyes welled up in happiness. She took his hand and made him stand beside her. She entwined their hands and said demonstratively Manik I want to have the imprints of both our feet on this - as henceforth there wouldn't be me without you. Its all about US. Shall we? He smiled warmly and they debossed their feet on the slate - entering their house as husband and wife. She found the entire house, decorated with roses and a strange quietude around. She looked beside at Manik and asked naively Manik why is the Mansion so hushed? Manik slid his arms around her waist and replied pulling her closer Because I have given everyone a week - long holiday. Itne intezaar ke baad, this moment has come and I don't want any sort of disturbance between us. For the next seven days, this Mansion is latched from inside - neither are we going out nor is anyone coming inside. There will be only Us and our love. She instantly turned pink and he swiftly lifted her in his arms and carried her to their bedroom.

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To Be Continued ..