Third person's POV

MEHENDI & SANGEET

The next day it was Mehandi and Sangeet.

Dhriti got ready in her graphic lehenga in hot pink and orange, pairing it with pop printed silk blouse . She has kept her hair straightened. She was looking simple yet stunning. Her face was naturally glowing.

"You are glowing.. Is this affect of my brother-in-law's love??" Her sister exclaimed. 

Dhriti blushed even more.

"Come now, everyone is waiting downstairs..." She said helping Dhriti with her lehenga.

They departed their room and saw Atharva with Shavya in his arms standing near the corridor.

"We were coming to call you both only.." He said smiling.

.

.

Atharva and Swati took Dhriti to the backyard and made her sit on a sofa. Dhruv was not yet here.

The mehendi/ henna artist came and showed Dhriti some designs. Dhriti selected a simple yet unique design. The artist started applying henna on her hands.

Dhruv's mom and bhabhi came and side hugged her. 

"Dhriti you are looking really beautiful."Dhruv's Bhabhi said making her smile.

Dhriti looked here and there for Dhruv. That idiot was not here yet.

"The person whom are you trying to find is not here..." She heard his bhabhi's voice.

She had a teasing look on her face. Dhriti blushed hearing her words.

The mehendi artist were done with her hands and now were applying henna on her feet.

The music playing in the background stopped and the emergency door opened but no one entered.

After a second the music started playing..

Dil Ka Dariya Bah Hi Gaya
Ishq Ibadat Bann Hi Gaya
Khudko Mujhe Tu Saup De
Meri Jarurat Tu Bann Gaya

Dhriti and Dhruv's pics started moving in the background. A man entered from the emergency door and started dancing to the tunes.

His back was towards Dhriti. She was not able to see his face but the man looked familiar.

He turned. Everyone hooted cheering him up. A smiled adored Dhriti's face seeing that person.

No prize for guessing.. It was Dhruv.

He was wearing a khadi kurta chudidaar with a pink nehru jacket over it to match her lady love.

Baat Dil Ki Nazro Ne Ki
Sach Keh Raha Teri Kasam
Tere Bin Ab Na Lenge Ek Bhi Dum
Tujhe Kitna Chahne Lage Ham

Dhruv started dancing with 2 other dancers. His eyes were focused on Dhriti like telling her that he really mean those lyrics. Dhriti's eyes got teared.

.

.

Iss Jagah Aa Gaye Chahtein Ab Meri
Chheen Lunga Tumhe Saari Duniya Se Hi
Tere Ishq Pe Haan Haq Mera Hi To Hai
Keh Diya Hai Ye Maine Mere Rab Se Bhi
Jis Rashte Tu Na Mile
Uspe Na Ho Mere Kadam

Tere Bin Ab Na Lenge Ek Bhi Dum
Tujhe Kitna Chaahne Lage Ham
Tere Sath Ho Jayenge Khatam
Tujhe Kitna Chaahne Lage Hum
Tujhe Kitna Chahne Lage Hum

By the end of the song Dhruv came to where Dhriti was sitting and lifted her in bridal style carefully making sure not to spoil her mehendi.

He took her near the stage where the other 2 dancers were dancing and put her on the ground. When Dhriti reached the stage, Dhruv gestured something to the dancers.

As the cue the both dancers turned the blocks kept at backside and joined them which created a mosaic of Dhriti's picture. 

She looked at Dhruv with tears in her eyes and kissed his cheek forgetting the surroundings.

Everyone hooted making Dhriti conscious. She hid her face in Dhruv's chest.

Dhruv chuckled and put his hand around her shoulder protecting her blushing bride.
.

.

.

The elder couples also shook their leg on "Oh meri zohra jabeen.."

The children cheered for their parents.

(P.S.- I think most of the people can relate.. This is the MUST song in every wedding 😂❤)

Then Dhruv's bhai and bhabhi came and danced on "Dil diyan gallan..". Dhruv's sister and brother law also danced. They selected "Raabta.." song for their performance.

It's been years of their but still they looked at each other like newly weds.

After every performance there was a round of applause and hooting to cheer them up. 

.

.

.

Now it was Atharva and Swati's turn. They first danced on a romantic track.

Then after their duet performance, the track changed and a spotlight fell on Dhriti.

Tu jo rootha toh kaun hansega
Tu jo chhuta toh kaun rahega
Tu chup hai toh yeh darr lagta hai
Apna mujhko ko ab kaun kahega

Tu hi wajah
Tere bina bewajah bekar hoon main
Tera yaar hoon main
Tera yaar hoon main

Dhriti and Swati's pics started roaming in the background. Swati danced while repeating each and every word looking towards Dhriti.  Atharva also joined Swati and they both danced. There were tears in their eyes. 

As the song ended Dhriti ran to both of them. They took her in their embrace. Atharva's parents were looking happy watching their kids. They went to them and hugged Dhriti. 

Who says that blood relation is required to be called as a family ?? The thing which is important is the love, care and respect you have for one another.. 💖💖

Atharva asked DJ to change the track to a happy one. He played random bollywood tracks and everyone enjoyed to their full dancing, eating and having fun. 💃💃

They clicked the selfies and lot of pictures. Dhruv also applied some mehendi on his hands.

_________________________________

HALDI CEREMONY

Next was the haldi ceremony. 

In haldi ceremony, a paste prepared is prepared by mixing turmeric powder, milk, rose water, sandalwood powder and some quantity of oil. This paste is applied to bride and groom. 

Dhruv's mom, sister and sister in law made him sit on a stool . They applied him haldi followed by other relatives..

They were also singing their folk songs and some danced to the tunes.

Dhruv's friends and brother, brother in law smashed haldi all over his face. 

By the end of the function he was completely covered with haldi. 😂😝

He badly wanted to see Dhriti but his mom has restricted him not to see her till wedding. Dhruv pouted.

Knowing her son very well, Mrs Sharma made sure to lock Dhruv in his room and took the keys with her. 😝

(P.S.- Oh my poor Dhruv.  🥺🥺😂😂)

.

.

.

On the other hand on Dhriti's side, her condition was also same. She was filled with haldi. All thanks to her besties, her sister and brother in law.

She went to take a shower and came out in a punjabi suit. She saw Atharva's mother waiting for her.

 "Maa??.." She called her.

"Dhriti as you know we are from Punjab.. So we have a ritual to wear choodha at the time of wedding .... " Dhriti nodded.

(Choodha is set of red with a few white bangles which are worn by a bride for a months after her wedding. It is gifted by maternal family of the bride.)

"I know maa.. " Dhriti said.

"Come.. let's go then." Maa said.

Dhriti nodded and followed her to the hall. There was a couple seated near the priest. She went close to them and saw her elder brother Rakshit along with his wife Soumya sitting there. She was shocked to look at them.

Her younger brother Shivam along with his wife Samiksha, her second twin Sachin and the two kids of her brothers were also there. She knew that they might come but still.

"Dhriti.. beta go and sit near them.." Maa said.

"But ma.. How can they?? Only maternal Uncle is supposed to make a bride wear choodha right??" Dhriti asked.

"Yes baccha.. But since you don't have any maternal uncle so they will do the ritual on their behalf." Maa said caressing my cheeks. 

"But maa.. I will wear it myself." She said but got interrupted by Rakshit.

"At least let me do this one ritual please... I know you don't think me as your brother. But please let me do it... Your maternal aunt(mom's sister) has sent this for you."  Rakshit requested.

"It's alright baccha.. Go ahead." Maa said to Dhriti.

Dhriti looked a bit hesitant but sat near Rakshit and Soumya. The priest started the ritual and asked Dhriti to close her eyes. She did the same.

( A bride is not supposed to see her choodha till the time she is all ready to go to aisle.)

Rakshit And Soumya made her wear the choddha and after that covered that with a cloth. Dhriti opened her eyes and saw that choodha was covered with a red cloth. She got up and went towards her room to get ready accompained by Swati.

She gave a small smile to her brothers but didn't initiate any conversation. When Sachin came near her to talk, her beautician came asking Dhriti to move towards her room.

_________________________

In Mohali

The elder Malhotra were waiting for their sons'in the living hall. The day they had  got to know the truth, nothing was same. No one talked to each other. Everyone had their food in their respective rooms only. There was complete silence in the mansion.

The ladies were upset and they wanted to see their daughters. They wanted to go there and took their daughters in their arms and apologize them for their behavior.

Swati's father was regretting every moment he talked  to his daughter and niece like they are some useless creatures when infact he was the one. They were the pure souls. He was regretting every second.

Dhriti's father hadn't reacted anything. He stopped talking with everyone. He will just sit down looking at the stars or looking at their family pictures. Every time he remembered the way he beat up her daughter and slapped her but that poor soul didn't say anything. 

He was crying over his actions. Many a times in this week he wanted to call Dhriti and ask for her forgiveness but he knew he didn't deserve that. Long gone was the man who used boast his sons, wealth, business and himself . In a week he turned into a weak and dejected person. He used to cry every night thinking about his actions. He was regretting his behavior every second. 

It was the time of the siblings to depart for Dhriti's wedding. The reached the hall with their bags and saw their parents sitting in the hall.

They didn't talk to them. They silently took their blessings and went towards the main door.

"Rakshit.." Rakshit heard his father calling him.

He turned and saw his parents coming towards them. They gave him a envelope which contained some money in it. Rakshit looked at him confused.

"As much we want to come there ourselves and give her our blessings and also ask forgiveness for our sins.. but we don't want to create a scene there. So give this to her as our blessings." His father said in a broken tone.

"You still think that she is after your money?? Unbelievable..." Sachin said in feeling disgusted.

"No beta.. this is a gift from us. We are ashamed even to go in front of them so we are giving this to you, give her this on our behalf. " His mother said.

"But..." Rakshit was interrupted by his uncle.

"I am sorry... I have done a huge mistake.. No, not a mistake but actually a sin. People worship girls as they are considered as form of goddess 'Durga'. But... I... with my very own hands harmed her. Not only emotionally but physically too.
She asked for my help for the very first time but i was a big fool.. I didn't listen to her.
I harmed my child with my own hands. No one will do such thing with someone else, but i did it with my very own hands to my own blood... " He fell to the ground crying.

"I have realized my sin... I want her back. I want her to call me 'papa'. I want to do everything which a father does for his daughter. I want to repent my sins. Please... forgive me.." He cried joining his hands.

"Chachu... What are you doing?? Why are saying 'sorry' to us. You have to ask forgiveness from them." Rakshit said.

"Will they forgive us?? Forgiving is far, will they even agree to meet us." His aunt asked.

"Papa, maa.... Swati dii will maybe forgive you.. We don't know about Dhriti dii" Sachin said.

"He is right,.... She hadn't even forgiven us yet." Shivam continued.

"Okayy.. Take this with you.." The twins' mother said and handed a box to them.

"What is this??" They asked.

"This is choodha.. During the wedding choodha worn by bride is gifted by maternal family... Your aunt had sent it... " She replied.

They nodded and went to their destination.

.

.

.

.

____________________________________

The WEDDING

Dhriti was in her room getting ready for her D-day. She had decided to wear a pale pink lehenga with a handcrafted embroidery and heritage jewelry.

The beautician had kept her make up simple with a hint of natural blush on her cheeks to compliment with her lehenga perfectly.

She had tied her hair in a bin and put fresh flowers around it to give her fresh look. 

She looked completely stunning in her bridal look.

Her bestie Kriti was giving her company in the room.

"Oh my gosh.. Dhriti.. You look amazing. If i had been a boy, i would have eloped you from your wedding... Dhruv is gonna have tough time today..." Kriti said making Dhriti blush.

"You are right mam... Her face was glowing already so we didn't had to put much efforts.." The beautician said.

"I know... It's the glow of love which is clearly visible on her face.. The effect of her soon to be husband..😉  " Kriti said making Dhriti go red .  

She chuckled looking at her blushing friend and put her in a hug. 🤗🤗

They were busy in their talks when they heard some shuffling sound from the balcony .

They got alert. Kriti went towards the balcony.

.

.

.

There was the culprit half hanging on the balcony.  He was actually stuck while climbing and was sitting on the railing. 

Kriti hid her laugh and went to him. She patted his back. The intruder got alert. He gulped nervously and turned towards Kriti. He gave her a sheepish smile.

 Kriti smirked at him and folded her hands to her chest. 😏🙊

"Jiju?? Can I know why are you here??" She asked hiding her laugh.

"Woh.. woh.. I was pra..prac-tic-ing... Yaa i was practicing." He stammered.

"Practicing how to elope with your bride from your wedding ??" She asked with a mischievous smile.😝

"No.. no actually.. Today i missed my work out,.. Ya i missed my work-out." He said.

"So ??" She asked.

"So i was working out.. Yaa i was working out." He said .

"And what kind of work out it actually is??" She asked raising her eyebrow.

"Work out.. Yaa it is... " He started thinking.

"Yes..I am all ears... I would love to do this kind of work out. It looks interesting." She chuckled. 😂🙊

Dhruv got embarrassed. 🙈

.

.

"Kriti.. What is it.." Dhriti's voice came.

"Don't ask 'what' ask 'who'.." Kriti laughed and helped Dhruv to jump in the balcony.

Kriti entered the room leaving Dhruv there only.

"What do you mean??" Dhriti asked.

"What i mean is my dear jiju is here to meet you... He couldn't even wait for few hours.. Hayee so romantic." Kriti said dreamily. 😍😍

Dhriti looked in Kriti's direction and Saw Dhruv behind her.

"Oh my god.. The groom is here." The beautician exclaimed.

Kriti smiled and took beautician with them leaving the couple alone...

Both of them were not speaking anything. They were just looking at each other. Dhruv was looking at Dhriti from head to toes like admiring her.

Dhriti blushed and looked downwards. Dhruv came close to her and held her chin making her look into his eyes. They shared a eye lock.

"I don't know what to say... You are looking like a queen.. I am lucky to be your King." He said and kissed her crown. 😘😘

They both hugged and closed their eyes feeling warmth in each others' embrace.

.

.

They drifted apart hearing a throat clearing. 

"As much as I didn't want to spoil your moment. It has been 15 minutes and someone might come. " Kriti said smiling widely.

"Will meet you soon.. My gorgeous bride." 😘 Dhruv said to Dhriti and kissed her knuckles in presence of her friend and the beauticians making her blush even more.

He started to move towards the balcony but at the same time they heard a knock. He stopped in his tracks.

"Jiju... You hide in the balcony.. I will check who it is." Kriti said and move towards the door.

She opened the door slightly and Mrs Sakshi,  Dhruv's dear mother entered.

"Aunty.. You here at this time?"  Kriti asked.

"Beta.. I am here to meet Dhriti..." She smiled and moved towards Dhriti.

"Dhriti.. These are our traditional bangles. Please wear them at the time of wedding." she said and gave Dhriti two thick bangles.

"I must say.. You are looking beautiful beta.." She said kissing Dhriti's forehead.

Dhriti took the bangles and smiled at her. Dhriti's eyes moved towards the balcony praying to God in mind to keep Dhruv safe. 

Mrs Sharma blessed her "Okay.. I will go now."

Both friends and Dhruv who was hiding in balcony sighed in relief.

But instead of going towards the door Mrs Sharma moved towards the balcony. 
Both the friends looked at each other worriedly. They both followed her in the balcony.

"Your balcony has a great view beta..." Mrs Sharma said. 

Before Dhriti can reply anything she moved towards the curtain behind which Dhruv was hiding.

"Haina Dhruv..??" Mrs Sharma removed the curtain and smiled extra sweetly at her son.

Both the friends slapped their forehead. 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️

Dhruv looked at her mother and gulped nervously. 

"Maa?? You here..." Dhruv asked in a scared tone.

"Ji beta... Maa hu main aapki (I am your mother) " She said with a sarcastic smile and twisted his ear.

"Ahh.. ouch.. maa. sorry..." Dhruv said painfully.

"What were you doing here??" She asked.

"Maa.. i was here to check whether Dhriti needs anything and everything is fine or not..." Dhruv said trying to get out of his mother's hold.

"What are you?? A room service guy??" She said and took Dhruv to the room. 

The girls chuckled looking at them. 😂😂🙊

"Girls you carry on... I will look after him" Mrs Sharma said to both girls.

She took Dhruv outside room still holding his ear😂 . Dhruv winked at Dhriti while going outside😉 . Dhriti smiled at the mother-son duo. 

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

The wedding mandap(stage) was decorated with pastel theme.

Different types of flowers in pastel shades were used in the decoration. The fairylights were used to give a fairytale look to the wedding. And the location indeed was looking like a dreamy look with all the lights and color co-ordination . 

And the lamps hanging from mandap was making it even more beautiful.

Dhruv was sitting on the chair placed on mandap following priest's order. He was looking at at the direction of Dhriti's entrance impatiently . 

He had worn ivory raw silk sherwani , hand embroidered in a vintage Benarsi pattern. He looked at the empty seat beside him and smiled shyly.

"Pandit ji.. I think you must call the bride now... My brother can't wait anymore. He is smiling with himself..." His brother teased him .

He got embarrassed  making Everyone chuckle.

"Kanya ko bulaiye... (Call the bride)..." The priest said.

Swati went with Atharva to call Dhriti.

"Dhriti come it's time..." She said smilingly looking at her little sister who was about to get married. 

She got emotional. She hugged Dhriti and kissed her forehead. Dhriti's condition was also same. They went towards the door.

Dhruv was looking for Dhriti's arrival.
 Din Shagna Da (by Jasleen Royal)  started playing in the background. Dhruv smiled in happiness. She was finally here.

Atharva opened the door and Dhriti came out . Kriti and Swati were helping her with lehenga. Dhriti came out and saw her Atharva's parents standing there looking at her with teary eyes. Her another bestie Dhiraj was also there standing with them.

Dhriti became suddenly nervous. Swati held her hand and gave her assurance. She started walking towards the area with Kriti and Swati on her either sides and Atharva's parents following them.

She turned and saw Dhruv in front of her.

Dhruv stood up after seeing her. She was looking like a princess. He smiled looking at her. He was looking at his bride in wonder. He had seen her an hour ago but this was different. Seeing the love of your life walking down the aisle in her bridal look was something so much beautiful.

Dhriti looked into his eyes and smiled. They were just looking at each other. It seemed that they both were alone and others got invisible. 

Dhriti heard the hooting of Dhruv's family. She gave them a smile and blushed.

She saw her brothers with their wives and kids. She smiled genuinely at them for the very first time. The brothers were happy getting her response. 

She reached the mandap where Dhruv was waiting for her. He took her hand in his and helped her in climbing the stage.

They both keep looking at each other with all love in their eyes. ❤❤

The priest brought the garlands(varmala) and gave one to Dhriti and other to Dhruv.

Dhruv said "Ladies first" and asked her to put the garland first.

She was about to put garland around his kneck when his brother and brother in law lifted him up. 

Dhruv laughed. Dhriti stood on her toes and try to put garland but no success. Dhruv started moving his head backwards making her and everyone laugh at his antics. 😁😊

Dhriti's brother in law and her bestie Dhiraj came to her rescue. They lifted her up matching Dhruv's height. She grinned at him and put garland around his neck.

Their siblings put them down. Dhruv picked the garland and raised his eyebrow at Dhriti. She nodded with a blushing face. Dhruv chuckled and put garland around her neck.

The priest then asked them to sit. He started chanting mantras and told them about meaning of marriage and its values.
He asked them to put ghee in the holy fire and continued his mantras.

He told them about value of each ritual and significance of marriage. He told them the seven vows and asked them to repeat it behind him.

After the vows he asked Dhruv's sister to tie Dhruv's shawl with Dhriti's veil. He then asked both of them to stand up and take pheras(rounds) around the holy fire.

They took the pheras and again sat on their seat. The priest completed the other rituals with some fun moments in between . 

"Beta.. Aadhi shaadi ho gyi hai shaheed hone ke liye ready ho jaa (Half wedding is already completed.. Be ready to get martryed)..." His brother said jokingly earning a slap from his wife.

"I am coming in your category bhai.." He said in helpless tone and fake cried.

Dhriti raised her eyebrow at him. He raised his hands in surrender and everyone laughed.

The priest asked for bride's father. Atharva's father completed all the rituals as Dhriti's father.

The priest then asked Dhruv to tie mangalsutra (nupital chain) aroud Dhriti's neck and fill vermillion in her hair's partition.

He tied the mangalsutra around her neck and put vermillion in her partition. Dhriti closed her eyes like capturing the moment. 

"Vivaah sampann hua (marriage is completed now). Now you are husband and wife by the blessings of God...  Take blessings from you elder to start the beginning of this new phase.." The priest said.

Dhruv and Dhriti looked at each other with a teary smile. They took the blessings from the priest and then all the family members. The siblings and friends hugged them congratulating on their new beginnings.

Dhruv kissed her crown.

"Congratulatins my dear wife ... Thank you for coming in my life and being my soulmate.. Thank you for being my life partner..
I am lucky to have you. "

"Congratulations to you too Mr. Husband... I am indeed lucky to have you as my life partner...
Thank you entering my life when I had no hope. Thank you for making me smile... Thank you for giving me the respect...
Thank you for giving me your friendship and love..
Thank you for giving me loving parents who don't treat me as daughter in law but their own daughter... Thank you for giving me amazing bunch of siblings and friends... 

I can't THANK YOU enough for my entire life.... You have filled my empty hear with lots of love and care... Thank you for filling my heart with your love which was Yearning for love my entire life.."

.

.

.

He took her hand in his and they looked at their joined hands which were promising to be together no matter what it is..

THE END!!

####################

Hello everyone..

How are you doing??

I hope you all are fit and fine. 

So this was the last chapter of my book "❤Yearning of Love❤"

Did you guys like it??

I loved writing this chapter as it had each and every Virushka pic depicting the every moment i wrote. So all thanks to Virushka, this chapter turned out amazing.

Today we are done with all the chapters. I am very happy as I was able to complete this story. And i am upset too as i will miss writing, reading your amazing comments and interacting with you. Also today is one more special thing. 

Any guesses??

 I will tell you before 12 for sure. Keep guessing till then ❤❤😉

Will meet you soon 

Byeee.

-Pratima :)