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Randhir and Sanyukta had been busy preparing for their journey. He took her to the doctor to make sure she was fit to travel. On the doctor's advice she was administered an injectable hormone based contraceptive, the effect of which was meant to last for three months. They were asked to continue using barrier contraception for additional precaution. Both were through with their college terms, with all loose ends tied. They did a fair bit of shopping for essentials for their journey. Sanyukta stocked up her wardrobe with some branded apparel. She decided she could not carry her old things to New York, this trip was going to be special for many reasons. It would be her first foreign visit, and she was doubly excited as she was joining Randhir. She was also expecting to lay a foundation for her future career. Randhir had decided to arrive in the US a few days before he started work, so that he would have enough time to settle down, and also to share some quality time with Sanyukta.

Sanyukta looked at her air ticket for the first time, confused to see the schedule. "Randhir, did you check my travel dates while booking the Mumbai-New York flight?" She asked him. "Why, what happened?" He asked casually. "According to my summer work schedule I start training a week after and finish a week before my travel dates. That means I get two weeks of free time, once when I get there and the other just before I return. You did this on purpose?" She probed. "You know your J-1 visa has a duration of four months. So what is the problem? You are traveling within the visa validity period, and in any case, I did not book your ticket, grandpa did. He said it is a gift from him, but he wants you to return him a favour." When he said this she was taken aback. "Gift? But why? I can pay for my own ticket. And what favour does he need?" Her curiosity was piqued.

"He'll tell you himself. He'll be here in a couple of hours." Butter wouldn't melt in his mouth as he spoke to her, knowing fully well that she would suffer a panic attack. Right enough, she nearly had a fit to hear what he just said. "What, and why are you letting me know now? The house is such a mess, I need your help to tidy up quickly. Randhir, what is happening, what are you not telling me?" She tossed around like a hurricane, trying to flick off every imaginary speck of dust from her meticulously clean abode. "I am not sure, but he made me buy fresh milk for "dudh uthlano"!" He was trying to appear casual, it was all part of the plan. "What? To boil milk over? What for?" She tried to stay calm, this could not be happening. She had a vague idea about this ritual being carried out in Bengali homes, but that was only when...Her thoughts confused her so much that she completely missed seeing the smirk widening on Randhir's face to see her in that state.

After she was convinced that she had done enough to smarten up the home she rushed into the bathroom for a quick shower. She could not afford to look sloppy before Nobin da, she respected him too much. As she dried herself Randhir handed her a bright yellow ensemble. Just when she was done looking presentable, the doorbell rang and Randhir answered the door. Vidushi, Nobin da and Parth stepped into the house, their hands laden with bags, and Sanyukta's heart began beating wildly. Vidushi set aside her packages and hugged Sanyukta, just as Parth and Nobin da embraced Randhir. "Mhari lado, this is to be your biggest day ever, you are getting married!" Sanyukta was stunned, she looked at Randhir who was grinning shamelessly at her. "Don't look at me, they warned me not to tell you, wanted to keep it a big secret!" He sat down next to her. Vidhshi rushed to the kitchen and in a few minutes returned with a large bowl of haldi ubtan. Meanwhile Nobin da brought out a pair each of shankha paula, the obligatory bridal bangles made of shell and coral for a Bengali bride, which were slipped onto Sanyukta's wrists.

Sanyukta could not consolidate her feelings, she had tears in her eyes, a million myriad emotions coursed through her head- there was confusion, amazement, joy, thrill- she thought she was dreaming. Vidushi began applying haldi to Randhir first, and then to Sanyukta. She was joined by Nobin da and Parth, they anointed the couple expressing good wishes for their life together. Parth was the official photographer, capturing the special moments with his camera. 

Vidushi took Sanyukta in for a ritual bath, after which she helped her drape the red Benarasi brocade saree that had been Madhabi's own wedding saree. Sanyukta felt honoured, she had never imagined her wedding would happen so unexpectedly but she felt both happy and overwhelmed. Vidushi did Sanyukta's hair and fitted the shola pith tiara over it. She briskly made up Sanyukta's face, including the traditional alaka-tilaka pattern on the forehead in white and red colours.

Vidushi donned her red and off-white lehenga choli and made up her face quickly. Sanyukta helped her put on her accessories. "You look gorgeous as usual, my dear!" Sanyukta complimented her, she really looked striking. "And you look every inch a radiant bride, my Bhabhi sa!" Vidushi hugged her again, just as Parth began clamouring for the girls to let Randhir in for his bath. Vidushi lead Sanyukta out, while Randhir went in for his bath. Sanyukta bent down to touch Nobin da's feet to seek his blessings. He sat her down and gave her a gold bangle that had iron inside, asking her to wear it on her left wrist, explaining the symbolism behind it. He then handed her some more jewellery, telling her that it belonged to his wife Madhabi, like the wedding saree. "I cannot tell you how blessed I am feeling, thank you for the honour and for making this wedding happen." She expressed her gratitude to Nobin da, who simply gave her an affectionate smile. Vidushi helped Sanyukta put on the gold earrings, necklaces and bangles.

Randhir emerged, looking handsome in his traditional brocade kurta suit, and was followed by Parth who too was dressed in ethnic best. Nobin da went in to change into his own traditional attire, as Randhir sat down besides Sanyukta, admiring his bride who seemed to glow with happiness. "I am sorry we had to rush you like this, but it was Grandpa's idea, he wanted us married before we flew to the US. But he has also insisted on keeping it low key and quiet, Mom does not know, and we are not planning to disclose it to anyone, not even Dad. If we do he will feel guilty for not telling Mom, so we don't want to burden him emotionally. We will have a temple wedding, all arrangements are made, though we cannot register the marriage yet as there may be some complications. When I am financially independent and when you finish your education we will formalise it, I promise! I hope you trust me enough to go through the ceremony." He looked at her in anticipation. "Randhir, if I cannot trust you, I cannot trust anybody. You have stood by me through everything, you are my anchor, my answer was yes even before you could ask me. Of course I'll marry you!" Once more tears glistened in her eyes. "Don't cry baby, you'll ruin our wedding pictures!" He gave her a light peck on her forehead. "Come on, we don't want to miss the mahurat!" Nobin da gathered the family and in a few minutes they were all headed toward the wedding venue, where Aman and his grandmother were already waiting for them to arrive.

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