Sorry for the delay in posting Baarat late aayi main kya karun🤭

The song is a Punjabi wedding song but it also featured in the movie 'Phillauri
These lines mean that the auspicious day has arrived, come everyone as we have decorated our courtyard for the wedding

Vishakha looked proudly at her son as he emerged from his room in a white sherwani.

Rohan, along with Sanjay and Raghav, was already dancing to the sound of dhol that was playing outside.

Nanu laughed as he waved at them to stop, "Arre bhai pehle sehra toh bandh jaane do dulhe ka uske baad yeh naach gaana karna. Abhi tum sabmein dulha kaun hai pata hi nahi chal raha."

Sanjay grinned, "Kya nanaji aapko kaise yeh confusion ho sakta hai. Hamare bhai ka chehra bahar ki lighton se zyada chamak raha hai, aankhen itni speed se charon taraf apni dulhan ko khoj rahi hain, poori bateesi bahar aa gayi hai khushi ke maare... aur aap keh rahe ho dulhe ko kaise pehchanenge. Shaadi mein jo naach nahi raha wohi dulha hai, kyonki na nachne ka aaj uska akhiri din hai."

Rohan nudged him, "Aur yeh baat Sanjay apne experience se bata raha hai. Mansi bhabhi ke aage iska dance dekhne layak hota hai."

Vivek cleared his throat, "Yaar tum log hum shaadishuda logon ka mazaak mat udao. Waise Rohan tu bhi practice kar raha hai yeh dekh ke achha laga. Agle mahine se kaam ayega. Lekin Raghav, beta tum kyon khud ko thakaa rahe ho. Tumhara number toh shayad hi lage... aaj tak kisi ko samose se shaadi karte dekha nahi na."

Loud laughter rang in the room as Raghav scratched his head, "Uncle, samose se shaadi kar li toh khaunga kya?"

Vishakha pulled Sameer's arm when the laughter intensified at Raghav's remark, "Inka toh chalta hi rahega, tu yahan baith."

Sameer sat on a chair in the center of the room. Vishakha tied the red pagdi around his head, placing ornamental detailing on the side and a big jewelled kalgi to complete the look. When she was about to put the pearl strings around his neck, she noticed his gold chain.

"Sameer yeh chain nikal de, teri sherwani ke saath pearls achhe lagenge. Waise yeh kaunsi chain hai? Tu toh kabhi pehenta nahi tha phir aaj kaise pehen li?" Vishakha lifted the chain in her fingers, eyeing it closely.

Sameer touched it lovingly, "Yeh Naina ke papa ki hai. Aaj hum ghar gaye the tab usne mujhe di. Papa ki taraf se gift. Iske saath hi pearls pehna dijiye mummy. Main isse nahi nikalunga."

Nanu was overwhelmed by Naina's thoughtfulness. He patted Sameer's shoulder, "Yeh gift nahi ashirwad hai Naina ke mata pita ka. Unka bharosa hai ki tu unki beti ke chehre ki muskurahat kabhi mitne nahi dega. Beta, yaad rakhna, shaadi ka matlab sirf saath rehna nahi hota, har kadam pe saath dena hota hai. Main jaanta hun tujhse yeh sab kehne ki zarurat nahi hai, tu kisi taklif ko Naina ke aas paas bhi nahi aane dega. Bas itna kahunga ki samay ke saath iss pyar ko sirf badhna chahiye, kam mat hone dena."

Sameer nodded, knowing in his heart that their love would never fall short for each other.

Vishakha adjusted the pearl necklace around his neck, letting his gold chain visible too.

Raghav hollered from the door, "Chalo chalo ghodi taiyar hai."

"Ghodi?" Sameer gave a shocked look, "Main yahan se garden tak ghodi pe jaunga?"

Vivek laughed, "Nahi yaar, ghodi pe zara ek chakkar toh laga le bahar road pe. Apni shaadi mein ghodi pe nahi baithe toh feel kaise ayegi."

Ayush, who had come from upstairs, tugged at Sameer's hand, "Sameer papa, main bhi aapke saath horse pe baithunga."

Sameer immediately looked down at the little boy, who grinned at him cheerfully. Dressed in a white sherwani, similar to his, Ayush looked a mini version of himself. Sameer gave a thankful smile to his mom, who had chosen similar dresses for them. Vishakha waved her index finger at them, and flicked her brows in appreciation. Elated, Sameer bend down to kiss on his head.

Preeti came over to him to perform aarti as his bhabhi. She put the red tilak on his forehead, and winked, "Jitna khush hona hai abhi ho lo. Naina ko dekhte hi tumhare hosh udne wale hain."

Before he could ask her anything, she stepped away, bending down to put tilak on Ayush as well.

When they were sitting atop the white mare, Sameer held Ayush securely and said, "Tum sabse smart lag rahe ho Ayush."

"Aap bhi smart lag rahe ho." He beamed.

Sameer looked around then leaned, speaking in a low voice, "Aur Naina kaisi lag rahi hai? Kis colour ka dress hai uska?"

Ayush danced his eyes, and Sameer could see the appreciative twinkle in them, "Naina toh bohot beautiful lag rahi hai. Pata hai, usne aise karke pehna hai." He moved his hand around his head.

Sameer was excited to know more, "Aur kya kya pehna hai? Baal kaise banaye hain? lehenga kis colour ka hai?"

Ayush shook his head vehemently, "Main kuch nahi bataunga. Deepika bua ne kaha hai aapse Naina ki baat nahi karni hai."

"Kyon?" Sameer was crestfallen.

"Aap dono ki shaadi hai na, isliye. Preeti maasi ne kaha aapke liye sab kuch surprise hai. Abhi se bata diya toh aap surprise kaise hoge." Ayush said matter of factly.

Sameer pursed his lips in frustration. Girls definitely knew how to train guys... right from a young age. There was no hope to catch a glimpse of Naina till she came down for the ceremony. His irritation was soon replaced with a radiant smile as his friends and family started to dance to the tunes of band which played with baraat.

Raghav, Sanjay and Rohan did not stop even for a minute, resorting to weird steps with their nagin dance. Other relatives and friends too joined in for a while. Ayush happily clapped when Vishakha danced with Vivek and nanu.

Just a short circle around the lane and baraat was back in front of the gate. Involuntarily, Sameer's gaze went towards the terrace of Naina's room.

And there she was.

Even from the distance, he could see how breathtaking she looked. Since the railing was covered with lights and flowers, a full view was impossible, but the smile on her face was unmistakable. She lifted her hand, waving at him. He dipped his head to the side, and smiled. All Naina could gather was that he was dressed in white, just like Ayush.

Once Sameer alighted from the horse, it was Bela who welcomed him with the traditional aarti. She had insisted that she wanted to do all rituals that would have been done by Naina's parents. When Preeti had mentioned the same to Naina the previous night after sangeet, Naina had immediately rushed to Bela and hugged her. It hadn't occurred to her till now that there was no one to perform the part which a girl's parents have in a wedding. Bela and Anand were more than happy to be her parents... and not just for the wedding.

Stroking her hair, Anand had gently smiled, "Tumhare jaisi beti paake mujhe garv hai."

Bela had again taken her in a motherly embrace, "Main toh bohot khush hun ki ab meri ek nahi do do betiyan hain."

Loud noise of laughter from the gate broke her reverie, and she too let out a laugh as she saw Sameer's nose being pinched by Bela.

Done with the customary welcome, the groom walked inside the well decorated lawns at the back of their house. Whole area was aglow with twinkling lights, the beauty of white and pink flowers adding to the dreamy view. Round tables with white satin covers were surrounded by chairs with same shade. A dark pink bow tied to the back of every single chair made them blend with the theme. Each table had a vase with pink orchids. A raised platform with a single three seater classy wooden sofa in the center was at one side while other side was a mandap, done up in white, red and pink flowers. Sweet fragrance of all flowers wafted in the air.

Just when Sameer was made to sit on the seat on stage, music started playing on the speakers, making him look towards the house.

And there she emerged... his bride... with a song playing softly in background

Tumse zyada main na jaanu
tumse khud ko main pehchanu
tumko bas main apna maanu maahiya

Vaaste jaan bhi dun
main gawan imaan bhi dun
kismaton ka likha mod dun

Tere alawa koi bhi khwahish
nahi hai baaki dil mein
kadam uthaun jahan bhi jaun
tujhi se jaun mil main
tere liya mera safar
tere bina main jaun kidhar

Tumse zyada main na jaanu
tumse khud ko main pehchanu
tumko bas main apna maanu maahiya

He smiled at the lyrics... absolutely certain that Naina must have asked for this particular song. His gaze roved over her form, taking in every detail as she took slow steps towards him, her eyes downcast, but stealing glances at him in between.

She looked resplendent in her pink lehenga, which instantly made pink colour his favourite. As the lehenga swayed with every step, she was nothing less than poetry in motion. One side of her dupatta went around her dainty waist, while other end was covering her head, with tiny golden beads on the border dancing as she walked. The glistening gold border of dupatta framed her face, giving it an alluring glow... or was it her own. Her hairline was bordered with similar ornamental piece, with a large drop shaped crystal dangling on her forehead. He couldn't see her eyes, but the small bejewelled bindi and dark pink lips made his heart break into a crazy rhythm. And then, there was a nosering. Sameer gulped as he saw how the large ring went below her lips, touching the lower one with every movement. His eyes fell lower. The same necklace that they had brought in the morning adorned her neck, with matching earrings partially hidden behind dupatta. Her henna painted hands were covered with something that he had seen most of the brides wear... bracelet with chains attached to rings on each finger, and thumb. A haathphool, as it was traditionally called, made him want to take her hands in his, and admire the adornment which seemed to be made for her only. The desire was fuelled when he heard the tinkle of her glass bangles which filled wrists of both her hands. She knew how much he loved glass bangles on her. And she had made sure that on such an important day, his every wish was fulfilled.

As Naina came up to stand with him, her lashes lifted to give him a view that made him lose his breath altogether. Her honey coloured eyes were lined with dark kohl, casting a hypnotic charm on him. But more than that, it was the blissful rapture reflecting in them which made him take a step towards her, drawn completely to her the magic.

"Uhh bhai... zara control. Sab log aapko hi dekh rahe hain." Rohan held his arm, making him stop in his place.

Sameer halted, looking back at Rohan who stood right next to him. His eyes darted ahead, and indeed, all eyes seemed to be on them. He swallowed, reminding himself of the situation and place.

Naina had noticed his entire look the moment she stepped out of the house. A few stolen glances confirmed what she had established when she had seen him from the terrace. He looked strikingly handsome. White sherwani was adding to his charm, justifying the name she loved for him... malai ka katora. She had noticed the gold chain which he wore with the strings of pearls around his neck. A smile spread on her face, recalling how much he valued this gift. As her eyes moved to his forehead, she noticed the tilak, which gave his personality a look of royalty. Red pagdi and sehra further enhanced his aristocratic style. He could easily be called the charming prince who she had read about in books when she was a kid... but never believed. Her heart thudded ecstatically at the realisation that he belonged to her.

He was the fairytale that had come true for her.

Sanjay brought a tray with two floral garlands, and handed one each to them. By now, some more friends had joined them.

Raghav glanced at Rohan, "Arre yaar aise kaise bhabhi ko maala daalne denge. Mehnat karwate hain na. Chal Sameer ko utha lete hain."

"Nahi nahi." Sameer quickly stepped back, "Naina ko mushkil hogi."

His friends teased, "Oho abhi se bhabhi ka kitna khyal hai."

Preeti, who stood next to Naina, along with Vedika, frowned at Raghav, "Bad idea. Competition equal nahi hai yahan pe. Tum sab milke Sameer ko asaani se utha loge lekin hum dono Naina ko thodi utha sakte hain."

Rohan held Sanjay's hand and moved behind Naina, "Isme kya hai. Hum sab Naina ki side aa jaate hain. Ab toh competition equal hai na."

Sameer watched in horror, visualising Naina being picked up by Rohan and Sanjay, and shook his head fiercely, "No way. Yeh shaadi hai koi playground nahi. Hum log aisa kuch nahi karenge. Get aside. Naina ko maala pehnane do."

While others grumbled at his spoilsport attitude, Naina stifled a smile, well aware of his jealousy.

They looked at each other as they exchanged the garlands, made of white and pink roses. A canopy over their heads started to shower petals on them as they stood holding hands, while pictures were being clicked by everyone. Later, after several people had congratulated them and got themselves clicked with bride and groom, they finally sat for a few minutes. Instantly, his hand found hers, clasping it in a firm hold. Naina gave a shocked look to him, then quickly adjusted her dupatta to cover their joined hands, looking ahead with a straight face.

"Kabse wait kar raha tha main." He mumbled, leaning sideways towards her.

"Kis baat ka wait? Main toh tumhare aate hi neeche aa gayi." She gave him a puzzled look.

His eyes moved over her face, closely observing all that he had seen earlier. Up close, she was even more exquisite. He lost all his words, all his thoughts, gazing at her dark pink lips which were slightly parted. Seeing the longing in his eyes, she bit her lip, turning her face to hide her flushed cheeks.

"Naina, you look so beautiful." He muttered in a husky voice.

Before she could say anything, Preeti came over with a glass of chilled juice.

"Yeh lo dulhe raja. I think you need it." She grinned, holding the glass to Sameer.

He furrowed his brows, taking the glass nonetheless, "Tumhe thought bubbles nazar aate hain kya?"

While Preeti burst into laughter, Naina couldn't hold back her chuckle, in spite of a deep blush spreading on her face.

When Preeti could control herself, she winked at him, "Matlab tumhare thought bubbles mein kuch gadbad thi?"

"Shut up Preeti." Sameer gulped the juice, averting his eyes.

"Aye haye, hamara dulha itna sharmata hai mujhe pata nahi tha." Preeti teased him more.

Naina gave a quick shake of head to Preeti, silently telling her not to tease. Preeti zipped her mouth, waved at them and walked away.

"Kya Naina, hamari shaadi hai aur humein hi ek doosre se baat karne ko nahi mil raha." He whined, going for her hand again.

"Sameer, gussa kyon ho rahe ho. Hum hi toh chahte the na sab aayein hamari shaadi mein. Akele wali shaadi toh hum pehle hi kar chuke hain." She looked at him, speaking in a soft voice.

It calmed Sameer greatly. He smiled, and offered her the glass which still was half filled with juice, "Tumhare liye bacha ke rakha hai."

A few more known people came over to offer their greetings, followed by nanu and Ayush.

"Sameer papa, aapko achha laga jab aapke upar flowers gire the?" He asked enthusiastically.

When Sameer nodded, nanu declared, "Dekha hamare chote partner ka idea kitna special tha."

Naina glanced at Ayush with proud smile while Sameer pulled him to make him sit on his knee, "Tum toh bade intelligent ho. Itna achha idea kahan se aaya tumhe?"

Ayush turned and pointed at nanu, "Bade dadu ne bola flowers sabko achhe lagte hain. Isliye humein aap dono ke liye dher saare flowers laane chahiye."

Nanu patted Sameer and Naina on the head, "Main toh bas itna chahta hun ki mere bachhon ke jeewan mein hamesha phoolon ki mehek rahe. Bohot achha lag raha hai tum dono ko aise dekh ke. Hamesha aise hi khush rehna."

Naina held his hand, "Nanu, jiske paas aap jaise bade hon woh hamesha khush rahenge."

Blinking his eyes to hide the emotional moisture, nanu chuckled, "Makkhan lagane ki koi zarurat nahi hai beta. Ab tum Sameer se bhi zyada pyari ho mujhe. Tumhara number first."

Sameer did not feel bad even an ounce, elated at the affection Naina was getting, "Main second aake bhi khush hun nanu."

Ayush was looking from one to another, unable to understand the heavy talks, but bobbed his head at Sameer's words, "Lekin main toh first hi aaunga class mein."

They all laughed, giving the camera person a chance to get some candid shots.

When Bela and Anand came up to meet them, Naina felt similar warmth in her embrace as she found in her mom's arms.

"Naina, shaadi ke baad ek ladki apne ghar se vidaa hoke sasural jaati hai. Main chahti hun meri beti bhi apne mayke se vidaa ho. Kya tum pheron ke baad ki pooja ke liye hamare yahan chalogi?" Bela cupped her face.

She looked at Sameer. He flicked his brows at her, indicating that it had to be solely her decision.

Turning back to Bela and Anand, Naina nodded, "Main chalungi. Aapke yahan nahi... apne ghar."

Preeti was thrilled when she came to know. She hollered from some distance 'JIjaji' making all eyes turn to her. When Sameer found her eyes on him, and found no one else around him who she would be addressing, he was confused, "Preeti ko kya hua?"

She rushed up to him, grinning excitedly, "Ab se tum mere jiaji. Naina toh pehle bhi meri behen thi, lekin ab woh mummy papa ki beti bhi ban gayi toh maine tumhara promotion kar diya."

Rohan, who had also heard her loud voice, joined them, "Arre aise kaise rishta change kar rahi ho tum. Bhai toh tumhare bhi bade bhaiya hue na. After all tumhari shaadi unke chote bhai se hogi."

Preeti stuck her tongue out at him, "Main Preeti hun. Kuch bhi kar sakti hun. Tum chaho toh tum Naina ko apni saali bana lo."

Rohan's eyes twinkled with mischief. He clicked his fingers, "Yeh perfect hai. Naina abse meri saali... yaani aadhi gharwali."

"Nahi." Sameer snapped, pulling Naina to himself with an arm around her, "Aise faaltu ideas dimaag mein laane ki koi zarurat nahi hai. Naina teri bhabhi hai aur bhabhi hi rahegi."

Sanjay was also with them to witness his grumpy friend's outburst. He narrowed his eyes, "Sameer yaar mere paas ek idea hai. Kyon na Naina ka surname Maheshwari ki jagah bhabhi rakh dein. Phir saari duniya usse Naina Bhabhi bulayegi."

Sameer huffed at him for taking Rohan's side in teasing him while Naina pacified her husband, reminding him that they all were just pulling his leg.

Soon they were summoned to the mandap for next ritual. Naina was again overwhelmed to find Bela and Anand sitting on the side meant for her parents. Ayush sat crossed legged close to her. She smiled at him, "Tu thak gaya hoga. Aaram se peeche baith ja."

He cupped his hand around his mouth, sharing the secret, "Mujhe yahan baithke dekhna hai ki tumhari shaadi waise hi ho rahi hai jaise Dhruv ki behen ki hui thi. Bade dadu ne kaha hai panditji ne puja mein koi mistake ki toh mujhe hi batana padega."

She looked back at nanu who was seated on a chair. He showed a thumbs up sign. Naina leaned and placed a kiss on Ayush's cheek. He kissed her back, asking in a concerned voice, "Tum tired toh nahi ho na?"

She shook her head, "Jab mera baby tired nahi hua toh main kaise ho sakti hun."

"Haan. Hum dono strong hain." Ayush bobbed his head, happy with the scenario.

"Main bhi strong hun. Main bhi tired nahi hua. Lekin mujhse koi baat hi nahi kar raha." Sameer showed fake annoyance, tapping on Ayush's arm.

He immediately wrapped his arms around Sameer's neck, "Mere Sameer papa toh sabse strong hain. Aapko horse se bhi darr nahi laga."

As Sameer gave a satisfied grin, Naina gazed at them fondly, "Samajh nahi aata dono mein se zyada chota kaun hai."

The small family had to shift their attention to puja when panditji started chanting mantras. He explained the meaning of marriage and importance of a partner in life. When he asked for groom's sister to do the gathbandhan, Deepika took Ayush with her. Together they tied the knot of Naina's dupatta with a light pink dupatta that Sameer was given to place on his shoulder.

They were then told to take rounds around the holy fire. With each round, panditji made them take vows to love and support each other in all circumstances. At the end of seven rounds, after they were seated, panditji asked Anand and Bela to come ahead for kanyadan.

As they placed the hand of their new daughter in Sameer's hand, Bela smiled through tears, "Mujhe pata nahi isse kanyadaan kyon kehte hain. Humein toh aaj ek beti mili hai. Naina, yeh daan nahi hai, hum tujhe wahan bhej rahe hain jahan teri saari khushiyan hain. Sameer jaisa jeevansaathi har maa baap apni beti ke liye chahte hain. Aur woh maa baap bohot khushnaseeb hote hain jinki betiyon ko Sameer aur Rohan jaise ladke aur itna pyara parivar milta hai."

Vishakha wound an arm over her shoulders, "Arre Bela, aap kaisi baatein kar rahi ho. Lucky toh hum log hain jo aapki beti hamare ghar aayegi."

Bela smiled at her, "Meri ek nahi dono betiyan aapke hi ghar aa rahi hain, Vishakha ji."

Sameer stiffened, hoping that his mom doesn't say anything inappropriate. But Vishakha surprised him when she replied, "Lekin Naina ko dhoondne ka credit toh main Sameer ko dungi. Aapki beti banne se pehle woh meri bahu ban gayi thi."

Nanu and Vivek looked at each other, exhaling in relief that she wasn't holding grudges against Naina anymore.

After kanyadan, panditji forwarded a thali to Sameer.

"Ab aap apni patni ko mangalsutra pehnaiye." He pointed at the nuptial chain placed in the decorated thali.

Naina was pleasantly surprised to see the mangalsutra. The string of black beads had the initials of their names. She looked at Sameer. Not even once he had mentioned that he was getting a new one made or talked about the design. When his fingers went behind her neck to secure the clasp, he whispered in her ear, "Ab hum dono ke naam hamesha ke liye judd gaye."

She touched the pendant, and a new sense of belonging filled her being.

"Ab aap dulhan ki maang bhar dijiye." Panditji brought ahead a small silver box.

Sameer took a generous pinch between his fingers and for the third time, filled sindoor in the parting of Naina's hair. (If you wonder why third, let me remind you that Sameer had done it once at the time of her grah pravesh to his house too)

Naina closed her eyes as a few specks fell on her nose. Unlike previous times, today she readily accepted this gesture, absorbing the real meaning of a marriage and these rituals.

"Lijiye. Vivah ki saari vidhiyan sampann hui. Aaj se aap dono pati patni hain." Panditji announced.

A loud cheer resonated around them, along with a shower of flowers as everyone started to congratulate them.

Naina looked behind her to search for Ayush. She was surprised to see him sleeping in Rohan's arms.

"Don't worry bhabhi. Ayush ko neend aa rahi thi isliye maine goud mein le liya. Abhi isse upar sula dunga." He assured her in a soft voice.

"Main sula dunga. Mujhe de de." Sameer stepped ahead to take Ayush.

Rohan chided him, "Kya bhai. Na bhabhi se baat karne dete ho na apne bhateeje ke saath rehne dete ho. Let me remind you, main chachu hun Ayush ka. Ek baar Mumbai se wapas aane do, phir isse apni team mein le lunga."

Sameer smacked his head lovingly, "Okay chachu. Jaa ab isse sula ke aa. Aur haan, iska planetarium on kar dena. Mere bete ko stars chahiye hote hain apne room mein."

"Pata hai." Rohan held Ayush snugly, "Main do baar Ayush ke room mein so chuka hun."

This left both Sameer and Naina gaping at his retreating back in surprise.

Vishakha's voice did not let them dwell over it for long though, "Sameer, ab tum dono ko puja ke liye Bela ke saath unke ghar jaana hai. Jab tak tum log wapas aaoge, main grah pravesh ki taiyari karti hun."

Preeti and Vedika, along with nanu, accompanied them to Preeti's house while others got busy in seeing the arrangements at home.

After praying in the small temple they had at home, Bela looked at both of them, "Tumhe pata nahi hoga lekin iss mauke pe dulha dulhan ko ek doosre ke liye kuch sunana hota hai. Sirf bol ke nahi, kavita ke roop mein."

Sameer had seen a few of his cousins go through this test, and he was prepared. Shifting his gaze to her, he recited with a relieved smile

Kitne intezar ke baad
yeh din aaya hai
jo maine kismat se
apni Naina ko paaya hai

Naina had been writing poetry for a long time. Coming up with a few lines to show her feelings for him wasn't difficult for her. She looked up at him, her eyes brimming with love

Kya ho tum mere liye
mushkil shabdon mein kehna hai
bas yeh jaan lo har janam mein
sirf Sameer ki yeh Naina hai

"Hayee." Preeti exclaimed, "Kitna achha bola tum dono ne. Naina, maine abhi se tujhe apna script writer appoint kar diya. Meri shaadi ke liye aisa hi kuch heart touching sa likh dena. Aur jiaji, aap Rohan ko help mat karna. Dekhte hain woh khud likh sakta hai ya nahi."

Bela scoffed, "Yeh kya baat hui Preeti. Jab tu cheating karegi toh Rohan kyon nahi puch sakta Sameer se. Uske saath thoda pyar se baat kiya kar."

Sameer laughed, "Aunty, yeh dono aise hi perfect hain ek doosre ke liye. Preeti ko pyar se bolte hue dekhega toh shayad Rohan behosh hi ho jaaye."

A few more light remarks and laughs later, nanu told Anand and Bela that they should now leave.

Anand folded his hands, "Sir, aap hamesha se mere liye pita ke barabar hain. Aaj meri ek beti aapke ghar jaa rahi hai yeh mere liye bohot khushi ki baat hai."

Nanu took him in a friendly hug, "Anand, tum toh mere bachhe ho. Hamare do ghar alag kahan hain. Yeh sab bachhe shuru se saath rahe hain. Aur main jaanta hun, Naina bhi ab dono gharon ko dil se apna samajhti hai."

Bela turned to Naina and hugged her, "Beta, kabhi apni maa se kuch kehne mein ya maangne mein hichkichana mat. Humne tujhe beti sirf kaha nahi hai, dil se maana hai. Yeh ghar jitna Preeti ka hai utna hi tera bhi hai."

Anand tried to lighten the heavy moment, "Aur haan, jab pati se jhagda ho toh rooth ke foran yahan chali aana."

This brought a smile on everyone's faces.

When they reached the door of their house, Vishakha was ready with puja thaali to welcome the new bride as her daughter in law. After puja, she made Naina knock the brass pot of rice with her right toe before entering the house.

"Aaj mujhe lag raha hai bahu ko ghar leke aayi hun." Vishakha let out a relieved exhale, "Sab log kitne khush the. Keh rahe the aapki bahu bohot sundar hai."

Vivek looked at her, "Ab toh sab kuch waise ho gaya na jaise tum chahti thi."

"Haan." Vishakha rubbed her hands, "Bas ab kal ke reception mein baaki saare guests bhi aa jayenge toh mujhe satisfaction ho jayega."

Vivek rolled his eyes, shrugging, "Theek hai bhai. Sabse certificate sign zarur karwa lena. Aisa na ho ek bhi jaan pehchan wala reh jaaye. Warna uske liye humein phir se inki shaadi karwani padegi."

"Aap bhi na. Har waqt bas mazaak hi karte rehte hain." Vishakha made a face at him.

Nanu intervened, "Vishakha, sab log bohot thak gaye hain. Ab aaram karte hain. Baaki baatein kal kar lenge."

"Lekin papa, abhi toh dulha dulhan ke liye kuch aur rasmein baaki hain." Vishakha protested.

Nanu was firm, "Baaki ki rasmein kal karenge. Mujhe ab rest karna hai. Aur tum log bhi apne apne rooms mein jao."

Feeling tired, Vishakha accepted her father's idea. She asked Preeti to take Naina to her room, asking Sameer to wait for some time.

"Main kyon wait karun? Mera bhi toh room hai." Sameer was flustered at this delay as he saw Naina going up with Preeti.

Rohan answered on behalf of his mom, "Kyonki bhai, aapko tax dena hai."

"Tax?" Sameer was perplexed.

Deepika jumped in front of him, "Room mein jaane ke liye aapko toll tax dena hoga. Fifty thousand."

"Pagal ho kya tum log?" Sameer looked around.

From Vishakha to Deepika, Rohan Sanjay and Raghav, everyone stood in front of him with crossed arms, challenging him.

"Okay. Kitna dena hai? Fifty thousand jaisa koi toll tax nahi hota. Main five thousand de dunga." He offered.

"Sixty thousand." Deepika said firmly.

"Arre." Sameer widened his eyes, "Maine five bola hai toh tumhe apni bid kam karni chahiye."

Sanjay placed a hand on his shoulder, "Dekh bhai, yahan tera MBA kaam nahi ayega. Payment hui toh yahan se jayega nahi toh woh sofa raha aur yeh hum rahe... tere chowkidaar. Ab tu soch le, marwari banna hai ya majnu."

Sameer looked at Vishakha helplessly. She raised her hands in resignation.

"Achha theek hai. Sixty it is." He agrees.

Deepika raised her brows, "Aapne jo hamara time waste kiya decision lene mein late karke, uske extra ten. Ab seventy thousand chahiye."

Rohan chuckled, thumping his sister's back, "Tujhe toh MBA karne ki zarurat hi nahi."

After paying them the said amount, Sameer went up the stairs, keeping his pace normal with great difficulty. He wanted to take three stairs at a time and reach the room as fast as he could. He smiled as he thought about the deal his siblings and friends had struck. He was just playing along, so they don't tease him. He would have gladly paid ten times, or even hundred times the amount they asked for. Coming to their room to his bride was priceless for him.

Hash 😅😅 long one indeed

Next update on Tuesday