Neelambari walked Sona to her late mother's picture, she wanted Sona to have the blessings of her mother. She knew, her daughter must be crying in heaven for not being able to be her first born. Sona's eyes watered. How she wished her mother was here , to walk her down till the mandap. Neelambari controlled her emotions giving Sona a gentle hug.

"Un amma oda aasirvaatham unaku eppavume irukum. Kavalai padathe" (Your mom's blessings will always be with you. Don't worry). Sona gulped her pain. Neelambari patted her shoulder, "Muthala, kannai thoduchuko, intha vilaku ethi vai. Unoda amma eppavume unnoda sirricha mugatha than paaka virumbuva.(First wipe your tears and light the diya. She would want to see smile on your face and not tears..)

Seeking her mother's blessing Sona made her way to the hall where her family waited to bless her. Kneeling, she stood waiting for them to bless her for her future. She concluded that it was the absence of these blessings the last time that her relation crumbled. She was determined to make all her relations a success. Everyone blessed her by showering atchadhai(rice coloured with turmeric). Neelambari checked time and ordered her sister, "Sagunthala, take her to the temple. It's already late. I will check the groom's family and will join with you all there in the temple"

Sona held Neelambari's hand and the latter patted her cheek, "I will be there before you". She gestured her sister to leave and decided lead the  Rathore's family. She had assigned few members to direct Rathore family to the venue.

***

Sona stood at the stairs of the temple staring up. As if praying to the deity for the blessings. Neelmbari gesture her to go up , she nodded but then a view made her feel empty. Another young girl stood as a bride as her mother offered the support she needed on her big day. Sona took a painful breath realising that moment will never be hers. Before the gasp could escape her lips, a warm hand slipped into hers, lifting her eyes she met that of woman she once feared. Ananya wiped the corner of Sona's eyes. ''I didn't accept being your mother for fun, I meant it. I will walk you to the mandap. Hereon, my daughter will never cry. Shall we?''

Sona nodded her head like a child given her favourite candy. She kept her eyes on Ananya who held her like a mother and for a strange reason, she could feel her mother walking on the other side.

Once inside the temple, Ananya decided to be at Sona's mother's place. On Neelambari's instance, Ananya took Sona to the nearby room.

*****

Dressed in traditional Tamil attire Vikram looked draper. He wore a silk dhoti & shirt with angavastram (shawl)is draped around his neck with a turban called as Thalaipaagai . Dev stepped forward and made Vikram a wear gold chain and bracelet as part of a gift from his family.

''Will you keep my sister happy?'' Vikram whispered

Dev stared at the Rathore he liked the least, ''With my life.'' Vikram's lips quirked. ''Remember that promise.''

Dev smirked, in response he pulled the bracelet a little harder. ''Same applies to you.''

***

Sona looked beautiful traditional Kajeevaram saree, her hair pleated with thick flower garlands. The traditional gold jewellery added aura to her appearance making her look like a Princess. Sona caressed the bangles; they were of her mother. Each piece of Jewellery she wore were that of her mother which was passed by her grandmother. It was tradition. ''If you have a daughter in future, pass on these to her as a blessing from your mother and grandmother.''

Neelambari described the jewellery to a very curious Ananya. '' That's Jadainagam, it's in a shape of cobra worn on plaits. It symbolises fertility. The one on over the waist, is called Oddiyanam. It's made of solid gold with temple designs and is used to keep the saree borders and garlands in place.

Every piece was unique and had a story. Ananya was intrigued, she extended her arms and Sona readily walked into the. Together they towards the the holy dais  to mark the beginning of holy union.

''This ceremony is known as Mappillai Azhaippu , means Welcoming the Bridegroom. It beings with a welcome note and then Bride's younger brother welcomes the groom in the family.'' Neelambari explained. They laughed at an excited Sagar who wanted to lift Vikram and get him to the mandap but more then Sagar, Vikram looked scared.

Ananya watched as two of Sona's aunts welcomed Vikram with the aarti taking him along to the mandap.

The priest marked the beginning of next ceremony by offering prayers to Lord Ganesha and asking his blessing to complete the marriage . He performed purifying ritual known as Panchakavya of the marriage dais (mandap), and groom before he steps in. Neelmbari explained the ritual was called Sankalpam.

It was the time of Pada puja (the ritual were bride's parents wash groom's feet.) Ananya looked at Ranvijay , he nodded and whispered something to Aadhavan. The latter looked surprised but then nodded. Ananya and Ranvijay got together to do the ritual. ''A?'' Vikram whispered

''This is to warn you that  Sona is our daughter henceforth, you better behave.'' Ananya's warning made Vikram gulp which made all around them laugh.

As priest announced the arrival, Sona walked in with small girls and Ananya beside her. ''Vicky is in trouble.'' Raksha whispered

''Good, he deserves it. And it will keep him check.'' Dipika concluded. Raksha smiled, no one could make the two women against each other. She wished same for the future brides of Rathore family.

***

It was now time to of arrival and giving away of bride known as, Kanyathanam & Kannika Thaanam – Arrival and giving away of the Bride

Ananya Ranvijay joined Aadhavan as bride parents while Veer Dipiks stood on either side of Vikram. Ranvijay, Ananya with Aadhavan came forward and gift their daughter to the parents of the Groom Veer and Dipika

Aadhavn performed Kanyathanam , the ritual when bride's father hands over all responsibility of his daughter to the groom and the groom in turn, accept her and assures her parents to provide her with a life of fulfilment.

Ranvijay rubbed the back of an emotional Aadhava, he knew one day he would be at the same place in sometime. He shook his head, his daughter was his life. Parting from her would mean unbearable.

The Priest declared the next ritual of Thaali Kattu . At the beats of Drum and classical musical pipe, Vikram tied Thaali (mangalsutra or wedding chain) around Sona's neck, sealing the eternal bond.

The elated Guests showered the couple with atchadhai (flowers and rice grains) as a blessing.  Vikram then applied Sindhoor on Sona's forehead and on her Thaali (Mangalsutra).

The priest announced the ritual of Maalai maatral nest(exchange of garlands) and Vikram's brothers lifted him up. ''Not so fast darling sister. And you , don't look so desperate.'' Advay chided Vikram.

Ananya folded are arms, ''Either you come down or I will find another groom for my girl. Right now.'' That worked as Vikram quickly wriggled out of his brother's grip and the guests laughed. Sona made him wear the garland trying to control her giggles. He made a face and she laughed joined by others.

It was time for Sapthapathi , The Seven Steps. The priest narrated and explained the seven vows , following the hymn. 

Sona and others were left shocked when Vikram took his vows in Tamil. The bride's family applauded his little gesture and Sona was left over whelmed.

''Finally, he is learning.'' Ananya said with a smile

''I am not sure.''

''Dipika, he is your son.''

''And this is why I know him. He isn't ready Ananya. He is no where close to what Bhai is.''

''He doesn't have to be him. He just have to be right.'' Ananya squeezed Dipika's hand in a gentle assurance. She nodded but being a mother she knew better, Vikram was impulsive short tempered and at times cruel.

Dipika's eyes moved to Dev. He stood with a toddler in his arms entertaining the baby with his words , she smiled. He was all she had wanted Vikram to be but her son was different. All she hoped was that Ananya's words were true.

Dev moved closer to Rolli. Slipping his hand into hers he whispered, ''I know they are the taking those vows but I we are the one who are going to live every word of it.'' She smiled like a little girl tightening her fingers around his hand. oblivious the piercing gaze of Ananya , who watched them with anger.

***

Dev moved through the guests to find his grandmother. He had to let his grandmother know that he still loved Rolli and would marry her. SHe was ready to fight so was he. He smiled when he spotted Neelambari among the ladies of the family. He walked through them saving his cheeks from aunts and cousins.

''Here comes another groom.'' Neelambari greeted him , patting the seat next to her. 

''Patti, I need to tell you something.'' She frowned, nodded giving him a go ahead. Dev took a deep breath. ''I can't marry Jyoti. I love Rolli and will marry her.''

Neelambari glared at him. After a moment, she asked, ''I am fine but will her family agree.'' Dev enveloped her hand between his. He pecked it emotionally. ''She will fight and if I have you, I will win.'' He hugged her, she caressed his head. ''Come to me if you need to elope.''

Dev pecked her wrinkled cheek. He was about to leave but then recalled his friend. ''Patti, what about Jyoti.''

''Dev! You are sometimes so naive. I agreed so easily that means nothing was serious. She was also a part of this plan. He hugged his grandmother. ''Will you let me do the wedding preparation for you?'' She asked knowing that he too would be leaving for Suryagarh and she would miss him.

''Then how will my wedding happen. You are my family.'' He replied reading her emotions. Neelambari hugged him.

***

It was time for next ritual called as Prathakshanam , walk around the Agni(holy fire). The couple took first round. Vikram placed Sona's right foot on granite stone and placed a silver ring on second toe. He repeated the same on left after completing the second round .They completed the final round to symbolize their union as a husband a wife .

Vikram took Sona for next ritual of Arundhathi ( the unified vision). Together they stared at the star of Vashistha and Arundhati. The ritual marked as devotion , chastity and conjugal bliss.

The hustle of the morning turned into laughter as bride and groom competed against each other in friendly games. Sona would turn emotional time and again realizing she would be leaving that very evening.

The wedding bought different emotions out of everyone. While Dev-Rolli dreamt of being together. Raina wished for same love between her and Siddhant. On one side Vansh was determine to fight and Advay felt lost. The girl he was betrothed was stranger to him. He felt jealous of Vikram right now and Raksha could see through his pain.

''I won't let my son do something he doesn't want.'' She warned Adi before walking away.

***

As evening approached, Jyoti helped SOna get ready for her vidai. ''You are lucky to have such a wonderful family. Don't repeat your mistakes.''

''I won't.'' SHe promised her childhood friend.

The Rathores waited for Sona to meet her family and bid adieu. Aadhavan looked emotional and refused to control his tears. Neelambari walked SOna to the vehicle, ''Don't do anything which would leave us ashamed.'' Sona nodded. Dipika took a step, ''She isn't leaving as my son's wife. She will be our daughter.'' Neelambari nodded.

***

The Rathore Palace

''Is everything ready?'' Sitara asked the staff. They nodded all scared. Se had put them on their toes since the day she ha heard of the arrival of the family. Chitra walked to her mother all excited. ''Ma, they are here. I am going to welcome them.''

''You will stay here an not step anywhere near the Royal family.''

''Mom, just today. Vikram Hukum is like a brother to me. His happiness matters to me. Let me be a part of it.''

''You promisede and Ranvijay Hukum.''

''I know and I am going to keep it, but today I will welcome my brother.'' 

Dipika helped Sona out of the vehicle. The latter blinked staring at the huge Palace. It was all decorated with flowers and lights as they were being showered with rose petals. Her mind took her back to the first time she came here. Sona shook her head to get rid of the thoughts ''Welcome home Princess Sonakshi  Vikramjeet Rathore.''

Sona blushed. Shubhangi Rathore quickly moved on the other side and took the gold plate from Sitara to welcome the new couple. 

Vansh's eyes scanned the staff looking for one face that he longed to see. When he finally spotted her , he took a sigh of relief. Chitra  quickly walked forward placing the plate with red colour vermilion liquid. Sona lifted her skirt placing her feet into them. Taking her right foot forward she took slow steps towards the Palace temple to complete her entrance in the family. Vikram walked her to Sitara. Bending he touche her feet. ''Sona, if I am alive , its because of another mother of mine. She is my teacher, and my guardian angel. Sona bend forward but Sitara stopped her. ''Stay blessed Princess. I am here to serve you as well.''

''Just help me be a better Rathore.'' Sona replied

Chitra hopped around Vikram, ''I should be getting a gift for arranging your welcome.''

''What gift?'' Vikram feigned ignorance making Chitra pout.

Rolli threw an arm around Chitra. ''Don't worry Chitra. We will have our way after the reception.'' Vikram frowned while the two girls gave one and another hifi.

Chitra's eyes met her mother's and she quickly excused herself walking away. Vansh eyes followed and he wanted to go but a strong grip on his arm halted his steps. ''Don't make me do something I don't want to.'' Ranvijay warned. Vansh wanted to argue but something in his father's eyes made him retreat.

Ananya followed Rolli to her room. ''Don't think I haven't notice your closeness with Dev.''

''We never intend to hide anything hereon Mom.''

Rolli's casual response made Ananya fume. ''Don't challenge me Rolli.''

''I am not challenging you mom. I want you to be on my side but if you don't want to, I will challenge everyone including you.'' The mother daughter stared at each other before Ananya stomped off. Rolli wiped her eyes, this wasn't going to be easy.

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