The next morning, Ram arrived at the Sharma house with his usual charm, ready to take Priya, the kids, and her parents, Shipra and Sudhir, out for shopping. As he stepped inside, Aryan ran up to Priya, a big smile lighting up his face.

Priya crouched down to Aryan's level and kissed on his cheeks. Aryan also kissed on her cheeks.

Priya's eyes filled with warmth. "Did you miss me?" she asked playfully, brushing a strand of hair away from his forehead.

Aryan grinned sheepishly. "I missed you, Mumma, but I had so much fun at Kapoor Mansion. Dadi and Bua played with me, and Papa and me played in the bathtub!" he exclaimed, his excitement bubbling over.

Ram whispered in Priya's ears, "I want to play with you in the bathtub soon." Priya's face turned red in no time.

Priya quikly turned to Aryan and said, "I'm glad you enjoyed yourself, my little prince. But now, it is time for the shopping."

Ram, watching the exchange, chimed in with a grin, "Alright, let's get going!"

With everyone ready, they set off as a family. The atmosphere was lively, filled with laughter and conversations about the upcoming wedding. Aryan, Amaira, and Peehu eagerly discussed what they wanted to buy, their excitement contagious.

Shipra and Sudhir exchanged warm smiles, enjoying the rare opportunity to have their entire family together. Ram and Priya shared a few stolen glances, their unspoken love shining through as they looked forward to this special day of shopping and celebration.

Natasha too joined them for the shopping. The family spent a vibrant and eventful day shopping for the wedding, diving into all the excitement that came with preparing for the big day.

Their first stop was a grand boutique brimming with elegant wedding attire. Ram and Priya carefully browsed through racks of exquisite sherwanis, lehengas, and sarees, discussing every detail with their characteristic mix of banter and affection.

"Ram, this color will suit you perfectly," Priya suggested, holding up a sherwani.

Ram smirked, his eyes glinting mischievously. "I'll wear it, but only if you pick a matching lehenga for yourself," he challenged.

Priya rolled her eyes but couldn't help smiling as she turned to the attendant for options. Meanwhile, Aryan, Amaira, and Peehu were having their own fun, trying on accessories and picking outfits, their enthusiasm lighting up the store.

From there, they headed to a renowned jewelry store, where Shipra and Sudhir joined in selecting pieces for Priya and the kids. Ram, ever the attentive husband-to-be, offered his input, much to Priya's amusement.

"Ram, do you even know the difference between emerald and sapphire?" Priya teased, as he admired a necklace.

"No," Ram admitted with a laugh, "but I know what looks good on you." His heartfelt response left Priya momentarily speechless, her cheeks warming.

They selected wedding rings for themselves and took some ornaments for the kids as well.

After hours of shopping, they stopped at a cozy restaurant for lunch. The table buzzed with lively chatter as they shared meals, laughter, and stories. Ram made sure to order Priya's favorite dishes, earning a grateful smile from her.

Post-lunch, the family resumed their spree, selecting matching costumes for the kids, Shipra, and Sudhir. Ram and Priya also took time to pick outfits for each other, exchanging playful jabs and sincere compliments in the process.

As the day wrapped up, their bags were filled with wedding costumes, jewelry, and accessories, but their hearts were filled with an even greater treasure—memories of togetherness, love, and the joy of preparing for the milestone ahead.

***********

After a long, exhausting day, the family returned home with shopping bags in tow and hearts full of excitement. They had some evening snacks and tea.

"Okay then I will make a move from here. Neha and Vikram are looking after the preparations and I will go and see the arrangements at Kapoor Mansion." Ram announced.

Turning towards Priya, Ram said, "I will come tomorrow to meet you."

Shipra smiled and announced, "No Ram, as per tradition, you're not allowed to see her until the wedding."

Ram's face fell into a playful pout. Priya chuckled softly, thoroughly amused by his over-the-top reaction.

With no choice, Ram reluctantly agreed. He bid Priya and the kids goodnight and returned to Kapoor Mansion.

After an exhausting yet fulfilling day of shopping and preparations, everyone drifted into a deep sleep, their hearts brimming with excitement for the upcoming celebrations.

The next morning dawned softly, and the Sharma household buzzed with a relaxed yet anticipatory energy. As the family gathered for a simple breakfast, Mehandi arrived from the Kapoor Mansion for Priya.

It was stunningly decorated silver plate adorned with delicate flowers and intricate embellishments. Nestled within it were cones of mehndi, beautifully arranged, exuding a rich, earthy fragrance. Krishna and Natasha had sent it to make Priya's big day even more special.

Shipra's face lit up as she held up the plate for everyone to see. "Look at this! Krishna and Natasha have such an eye for detail. They've made it so beautiful."

Sudhir nodded appreciatively, while Aryan and Amaira and Peehu leaned in, their eyes wide with excitement at the sight of the decorative plate.

"That's for tonight, isn't it, Ma?" Priya asked with a shy smile, already imagining the intricate designs on her hands.

"Yes, my dear," Shipra replied warmly. "Tonight, we'll apply the mehndi. Before that we have Haldi event as well. It's one of the most important pre-wedding traditions. By this time tomorrow, you'll officially be a bride!"

Priya chuckled softly, her cheeks tinting pink at the thought.

Priya turned to her mother with a curious smile. "Maa, when are Karthik and Ayesha coming?"

Shipra looked at her daughter with a warm smile. "Ayesha is arriving later today, beta. She called me this morning to confirm. As for Karthik, his flight lands early tomorrow morning."

Priya's face lit up with excitement, her eyes sparkling with joy. "Really? It's been so long since we've all been together. I can't wait to see them!"

Shipra nodded, her expression softening. "I know, dear. It's been years since you all sat under the same roof. This wedding has truly brought everyone together."

The thought of reuniting with her siblings brought a flood of nostalgia to Priya's heart. The excitement of the wedding now felt even more special with the promise of cherished family moments.

By evening, the Sharma house buzzed with excitement as Ayesha arrived and Priya rushed to her, and the two sisters embraced each other tightly. They laughed, talked, and reminisced about their childhood, their shared memories, and the times they had spent together growing up.

As the evening unfolded, Priya stepped out dressed in a stunning lehenga adorned with intricate embroidery, her beauty radiant and ethereal. The soft jingling of her bangles added charm to her presence, and the family couldn't stop admiring her. The Mehandi event, though intimate, was filled with warmth and joy, with only close family members present.

The Mehandi artist began her work, carefully drawing intricate patterns on Priya's hands. Priya watched with a mix of curiosity and excitement as the designs started taking shape. Her hands felt cooler as the henna spread, and she smiled, imagining Ram's reaction to her adorned hands. Priya made sure Ram's name was written in the Mehandi design.

The kids, never ones to sit still for long, crowded around her. Peehu, Aryan, and Amaira's eyes sparkled with delight as they watched the artist at work.

"I want Mehandi too!" Peehu declared, extending her tiny hands eagerly.

"Me too!" Aryan chimed in, while Amaira nodded enthusiastically.

With a chuckle, Shipra waved the artist over to apply simpler designs on their little hands. The children giggled as the cool henna touched their palms, proudly showing off their new designs to everyone around.

Sudhir captured these precious moments with his camera, clicking away as the family laughed and teased each other. Pictures were taken of Priya's delicate hands, the kids showing off their Mehandi, and the joyful expressions that lit up everyone's faces.

Ayesha sat beside Priya, helping adjust her dupatta and chatting animatedly. "Di, you look like a queen," she said with a wide grin.

"You're just saying that," Priya replied, her cheeks tinged with pink.

"No, really! Ram Jiju will probably forget how to speak when he sees you tomorrow," Ayesha teased, making everyone laugh.

As the evening progressed, the atmosphere remained lively yet soothing, with light music playing in the background and snacks being passed around. It was a perfect blend of love, laughter, and anticipation for the big day ahead.

Ayesha clicked Priya's beautiful picture and decided to send to Ram to tease him.

Ayesha typed a message to Ram. "Your bride is waiting for you!" Ayesha chuckled saying this to Priya. "Let's see how long it takes for him to show up." Though Priya tried to stop her, Ayesha sent it to Ram.

On the other side, Ram's phone buzzed. Seeing the picture, he froze for a moment, captivated by Priya's radiant beauty. His heart skipped a beat, and a soft smile spread across his face. He immediately said to himself, "This is unfair. Now I can't wait until tomorrow to see her."

Back at the house, Priya shook her head, her lips curving into a smile despite her mock annoyance. "Ayesha, you're impossible!"

*********

That night, no matter how hard Ram tried, sleep refused to come. Memories of Priya's smile, her laughter, and her every little gesture kept replaying in his mind. Tossing and turning, he finally gave up.

"This is ridiculous," he muttered to himself, sitting upright in bed. "I have to see her." Feeling like a love-struck teenager, he decided to sneak over to the Sharma house.

Meanwhile, at the Sharma house, Priya was wide awake too. The mehndi artist had worked her magic, decorating Priya's hands with intricate patterns. She admired the designs in the dim light of her room, her thoughts drifting to Ram.

Her phone buzzed suddenly, jolting her out of her reverie. She picked it up to see Ram's name flashing on the screen.

"Come down." Ram whispered on the other end.

Priya's eyes widened in disbelief. "Ram, are you out of your mind? What if someone sees you? We are not supposed to meet each other until the wedding, don't you remember?" she whispered back, though a smile tugged at her lips.

"Forget the traditions, I want to meet you right now. I'm already here, Priya. Please don't make me wait," he said, his voice full of urgency and charm.

Shaking her head at his antics, Priya carefully made her way to the front door, trying not to wake anyone.

"Priya?" Sudhir's voice stopped her in her tracks.

Priya shut her eyes for an instance and turned back to face her father.

"Where are you going?" Sudhir asked worriedly.

"Papa, it's Ram..." Priya said hesistantly.

Sudhir smiled and said, "Go ahead. I will handle your mother."

Priya smiled at her father and nodded.

Priya went down and found Ram standing downstairs, grinning like a child who had just won a prize.

"You're unbelievable and not following the tradition properly." she stated.

"Do hell with your traditions. I just want to see you so badly. Don't be an unromantic person." Ram replied.

She noticed how his eyes immediately fell on her hands.

Ram stepped closer, taking her hands gently in his. "Is this for me?" he asked softly, his voice laced with awe as he examined the intricate mehndi.

Priya blushed. "Who else would it be for?"

He traced the patterns lightly with his fingers, careful not to smudge them. "It's beautiful," he murmured. "But not as beautiful as the person wearing it."

"Ram," Priya said shyly, her cheeks warming under his gaze.

"Where's my name?" he asked suddenly, tilting his head to look at her hands more closely.

"It's hidden," she said with a playful smile.

"Hidden?" he asked, his tone filled with mock indignation. "How am I supposed to find it?"

"That's for you to figure out," she teased, her smile widening.

He leaned closer, his warm breath brushing her cheek. "You're making this harder for me," he whispered, sending a shiver down her spine.

The moment stretched between them, filled with warmth and longing. Moments later, Ram was elated to find his name on her Mehandi.

Priya looked at him and said softly, "Ram, you really shouldn't have come. What if someone finds out?"

"I couldn't stay away," he admitted, his tone earnest. "It feels impossible to stay away from you anymore."

Priya sighed but couldn't hide her happiness. "You're impossible," she said, shaking her head.

"For you? Always," he replied with a grin, pulling her into a gentle hug.

"I wanted to meet you before the wedding. I am happy now. Go now and sleep tight, you won't get a good sleep tomorrow." Ram winked at her and pecked on her lips before leaving.

***********

Ram and Priya's wedding day was nothing short of magical. Surrounded by their closest friends—the Shergills, Rajat's family, and their own parents—the atmosphere was filled with love, laughter, and joyous celebration. The union of the Sharma and Kapoor families was not just a marriage but a heartfelt reunion of two worlds coming together.

Ram and Priya looked breathtaking in their wedding attire. Priya's traditional red and gold lehenga sparkled under the lights, complementing Ram's regal sherwani. The two radiated happiness, their smiles speaking volumes about the journey they had shared and the future they were about to embrace.

The rituals were conducted with utmost devotion, each moment steeped in meaning and tradition. Kids, especially Aryan, Amaira, and Peehu, were overjoyed, running around and enjoying every bit of their parents' wedding, making it even more memorable.

As the wedding concluded, Ram, in his usual charming and playful manner, swept Priya into his arms. The guests cheered, and Priya let out a surprised gasp, her cheeks flushing crimson when Ram planted a soft kiss on her cheek. Her embarrassment only grew as she noticed everyone smiling, amused by Ram's public display of affection.

Sudhir and Shipra watched the scene unfold, their hearts swelling with pride and contentment. "She's finally found her happiness," Shipra whispered to Sudhir, who nodded with a smile, his eyes glistening with emotion.

Krishna and Natasha watched Ram and Priya with beaming smiles, their hearts full of joy at the sight of the newlyweds. Krishna's eyes glistened with tears of happiness as she saw her son truly content, a glow on his face that she had not seen in years.

"I've never seen Bhai so happy," Natasha whispered to Krishna, unable to hide her delight.

Krishna nodded; her gaze fixed on the couple. "Priya has brought so much love and stability into his life. They complete each other perfectly."

The elders blessed the couple, showering them with petals and heartfelt wishes.

As the night wound down, the glow of the event lingered. With blessings and laughter surrounding them, Ram and Priya stepped into this new chapter of their lives, surrounded by love, family, and an abundance of happiness.

As the house finally settled into a peaceful silence, Ram let out a relieved sigh. After a long day filled with ceremonies, laughter, and an abundance of family moments, he had successfully managed to tuck the kids into bed.

In the soft glow of their bedroom, Priya stood in front of the mirror, delicately removing her intricate wedding jewelry. The day's memories played vividly in her mind as her fingers worked on the clasps. Suddenly, she felt a pair of strong arms encircle her waist. Startled at first, she quickly relaxed, recognizing the familiar warmth of Ram's embrace.

Ram leaned closer, his breath tickling her ear as he whispered in a deep, teasing tone, "Why are you removing them? Shouldn't that be my privilege tonight—to unwrap you, piece by piece?"

Priya's cheeks turned a deep shade of crimson at his bold words. She tried to suppress her smile but failed miserably. Gathering her composure, she turned around to face him, her eyes meeting his with a mixture of shyness and affection.

"Ram, you never miss a chance to tease me," she murmured, her voice soft yet filled with fondness.

He cupped her face gently, his gaze full of admiration. "I'm not teasing, Priya. You're breathtaking. Today, you looked like a dream, and I want to savor every moment of this night—every detail."

As his hands reached for the first piece of jewelry, Ram took his time, his touch reverent and deliberate. With each piece he removed, he showered her with compliments, making her blush harder. "This necklace is stunning, but it doesn't hold a candle to your beauty," he said, setting it aside.

Priya couldn't help but giggle at his charm, her heart fluttering with every word. As he continued, their laughter intertwined with quiet moments of tenderness, turning the intimate ritual into a memory neither of them would forget.

When the last piece was set down, Ram placed a lingering kiss on her forehead and whispered, "Now, Mrs. Kapoor, you're all mine."

Priya's smile widened as she leaned into him, their hearts beating in sync. It was a night that marked not just the start of their married life but a deepening of their love and connection—a moment they would cherish forever.

Ram scooped her in his arms and laid her on the bed before coming on top of her.

Out of nowhere, Priya broke the comfortable silence between them. "Tell me, where did you disappear, and why?" She asked about his recent disappearance.

Ram glanced at her, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "I went to find some peace in an ashram," he replied casually.

Priya chuckled, raising an eyebrow. "Did you find it then?"

Ram shook his head, glared at her. "No, not at all."

Priya rolled her eyes, a mix of exasperation and affection. "Don't do such stupid things again, Ram."

Ram leaned back, looking at her with a playful glint. "At least that incident made you realize my value and love for me. Didn't it?"

Priya's smile softened as she nodded slightly. "I won't deny that, but still, never do something like that again. You scared me."

"Okay, Mrs. Kapoor," Ram said with a mock salute, his tone serious yet warm. "Never again, I promise."

"Good," Priya replied. "Because I don't ever want to feel like I'm losing you again."

Ram kissed the top of her head, his voice gentle. "You never will. That's my promise."

Ram started to kiss Priya, their passion building as the world outside faded away. Just as they were about to cross the threshold of intimacy, an unexpected knock broke the moment.

Ram groaned, resting his forehead against Priya's shoulder in frustration. "Who's knocking at this hour?" he muttered.

Priya chuckled softly, pushing him gently. "Go and check. It might be something important."

He hesitated, clearly unwilling to let the moment slip away. "I'll pretend I didn't hear it," he whispered, trying to return to where they left off.

Priya shook her head, her smile warm. "Ram, just go. We can't ignore it."

With a heavy sigh, Ram got up and made his way to the door, grumbling under his breath. As he opened it, he was met by Aryan, looking up at him with sleepy eyes, quickly followed by Amaira and Peehu, who were already holding their pillows.

"Papa," Aryan said, rubbing his eyes, "You said, we will sleep together when we come to Kapoor Mansion. We couldn't sleep without you both."

Before Ram could respond, the kids pushed past him, making a beeline for the bed. Amaira climbed in first, followed by Peehu, who settled herself beside Priya, and Aryan, who snuggled up on the other side.

Ram stood at the door, staring at the scene in disbelief. "You've got to be kidding me," he muttered under his breath, his plans completely foiled.

Priya hid her laughter behind her hand, watching as Ram walked back inside, his shoulders slumped in mock defeat.

"You three are a conspiracy against me," Ram teased, sitting at the edge of the bed as the kids giggled.

Ram groaned dramatically, falling back onto the bed, making everyone laugh.

Aryan, noticing his parents still in their wedding attire, raised an eyebrow and asked, "What are you guys doing till now? You didn't change into night clothes yet?"

Ram and Priya exchanged a glance, a playful tension in the air.

Ram, with a mischievous grin, replied, "We had some other plans, but..."

Before he could finish, Priya smacked his hand lightly, cutting him off. "We are going to change now," she said firmly, a soft smile tugging at her lips.

Ram and Priya took their places on either side of the kids after changing into comfortable clothes. The soft rhythm of their children's breathing soon filled the room, creating a serene atmosphere. Ram turned his head to look at Priya, their eyes meeting across the sleeping children.

Priya smiled, her expression a mixture of love and contentment.

"Not quite how we imagined our wedding night," Ram whispered softly.

Priya chuckled quietly, reaching over to lightly brush his hand resting on the blanket. "Not at all," she admitted, "but this... this is perfect in its own way."

Ram looked at Priya, a mischievous glint in his eyes as he leaned closer and whispered, "Mrs.Kapoor, I will have to plan for a honeymoon very soon where I can take you all by myself. I deserve uninterrupted time with my wife, don't I?"

Priya blushed deeply at his words, her cheeks turning a lovely shade of pink. "Ram!" she admonished softly, glancing at the sleeping kids to ensure they had not stirred.

He gazed at the peaceful faces of Aryan, Amaira, and Peehu, their tiny hands clutching the blanket and their expressions serene. "Yes, this is what matters," Ram murmured, his voice tender. "We're together. We're a family. Nothing else could be more perfect."

Priya's eyes shimmered with emotion as she nodded. "I couldn't ask for more. This is everything I've ever dreamed of."

They lay there in comfortable silence, watching their children sleep, their hearts full. Even though the night hadn't unfolded as they had planned, it carried a unique beauty of its own—a testament to the love and unity they now shared.

As the night deepened, Ram and Priya remained by their children's side, feeling a profound sense of fulfillment. They were complete, a family bound by love, and the future seemed brighter than ever.

*****************************

P.S: Like all good things, this story too must come to an end. Thank you for being a part of this journey and supporting the story so far.

*********** The End ***********