I always dreamt of meeting a man like you. I'm so glad that dreams do come true. You are nothing but a blessing. You keep the kids and me so happy. You're the kind of man that every woman wants in her life. Thank you for being who you are. If a day were ever to come where I had to live without you, let that be the last day of my life as well.
- Mridula
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

~9 days left for the wedding~

Mridula's POV

Jun 8th, 06:58PM IST
Hotel Sahara Star
Opp. Domestic Airport, Navpada, Vile Parle East, Vile Parle, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400099

I looked at Yuvraj who was sitting beside me in confusion and agitation at the same time swirling through my mind. He just gave me a smile and squeezed my hand which was resting on his thigh and was laced with his fingers.

The man in front of me was nowhere near the one I saw in the morning. Now he was like his old-self. Caring! Loving! Gentleman! And a sweetheart! And that's how I liked him! Or more like I loved him! Not the side he showed me in the morning! Because it reminded me of my past! The past which has left a very deep scar on my mind!

I shivered remembering it and closed my eyes to calm my breaths. I felt Yuvraj wrapping his arm around my shoulder and giving it a gentle squeeze.

"You okay, love?" I heard him whispering in my ear.

I opened my eyes and looked at him to find him gazing at me in concern. His touch was so gentle, as if he was afraid that I would break. Giving him a reassuring smile, I squeezed his hand back which was on my forearm.

"Yeah! Don't worry, I'm fine!" I said.

He looked hesitant to believe me but nodded nonetheless. Then we turned our attention back to the entertainment stage in front of us. After announcing the surprise, Armaan and Sam climbed off the stage and took their seats back with our families. The light of the entertainment stage dimmed and a background melody played.

𝑺𝒐𝒏𝒈 - 𝑫𝒊𝒍 𝒅𝒂 𝒎𝒂𝒂𝒎𝒍𝒂 (𝑯𝒆𝒚𝒚 𝑩𝒂𝒃𝒚𝒚)

As the song started playing, professional dancers along with two men who were wearing punjabi turbans appeared in the front and blew two flying kisses at me making my eyes wide as saucers. They looked quite weird to me. With their overgrown beard and moustache and their blue eyes! Their muscles were almost bulging out of the kurtas they were wearing and they had dhotis wrapped around their waists just like any typical punjabi.

I looked to my side at Yuvraj who looked like he was controlling himself by clenching and unclenching his fists occasionally and was constantly glaring at the two punjabi men who were now dancing along to the music.

I gulped down nervously and turned back to their performance. They danced so weirdly that occasionally I was doubting them and if they were true Punjabis. Their bhangra was so weird not like the gracious ones like Yuvi, Varun bhaiya or Armaan. As the song ended, they came up to our stages. Taking my hand in theirs, they kissed on my knuckles making me gape at them. There was a fear brewing inside me as well because they kissed me on my hands so casually, that too on my sangeet night and that too in front of my over-possessive fiancé.

I glanced over at Yuvraj ignoring the cheeky smiles the punjabi duo were giving me, to find him looking at the guys in front of me with narrowed eyes.

"Pfft! Don't tell me she hasn't recognised us yet!" The familiar voice made me freeze.

My eyes snapped back to the punjabi duo in front of me and when they saw me looking at them, they gave me a teasing smile before taking the turbans off their faces. My eyes widened when I saw their soft auburn hair and a doubt of familiarity came into my mind. The doubt soon disappeared and a cloud of confidence surrounded my mind when they removed their beard and moustache, more like fake beard and fake moustache.

It revealed their real faces and my eyes teared up seeing them in front of me.

"Man! It was so itchy!" Tobias complained rubbing his chin.

I got up with a jerk and hugged both of them.

"Whoa! Easy there tigress!" Stefan said as he steadied our balance by wrapping his one arm around me.

"Awh I missed you too Mia!" Tobias cooed as he wrapped his arm around me.

"I missed you guys too!" I murmured before I heard someone clearing their throat.

We pulled back from the hug to find Yuvraj eyeing our arms around each other with narrowed eyes. Seeing this, Stefan rolled his eyes whilst Tobias smirked. I pulled back from their hug and stood by Yuvraj.

"So, this was my surprise?" I asked Yuvi with a smile on my lips.

His gaze wandered over to me and his lips stretched into a small smile as he nodded. I breathed out a smile and gave him a quick hug.

"This was the best surprise! Thank you!" I said, laying my head on his chest.

He kissed my forehead as we pulled back from the hug. Then I teased Stefan and Tobias on their oh-so-amazing bhangra moves to which the guests laughed and the two scratched the back of their necks nervously. Then they went to change their attires. Yuvraj and I took our seats back as they returned and the event went on.

The first ones to perform were Shree, Sam, Shanaya with some of my cousins and friends on a mashup of 𝑆𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑡 𝑇𝑒𝑟𝑎 𝑑𝑟𝑎𝑚𝑎, 𝑀𝑖𝑙𝑒𝑔𝑖 𝑀𝑖𝑙𝑒𝑔𝑖 & 𝐻𝑒𝑒𝑙𝑖𝑒𝑛 𝑡𝑜𝑜𝑡 𝑔𝑎𝑦𝑖. They danced so gracefully and it was fun watching. Afterwards, Sid jiju, Veer, Sahil bhaiya and Varun bhaiya performed on songs, 𝐷𝒉𝑒𝑒𝑚𝑒 𝐷𝒉𝑒𝑒𝑚𝑒, 𝐶𝒉𝑜𝑘𝑟𝑎 𝐽𝑎𝑤𝑎𝑎𝑛, 𝐴𝑛𝑔𝑟𝑒𝑗𝑖 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑡 & 𝐵𝑎𝑑𝑡𝑎𝑚𝑒𝑒𝑧 𝑑𝑖𝑙. They even dragged Yuvraj to the dance floor and made him dance with them. Everyone laughed when Varun bhaiya got on the nerves of Yuvraj and he got a punch in his stomach from Yuvi.

After that it was mine and Yuvraj's turn to perform. I danced on Bole chudiyan, chittiyan kalaiyan & some other songs with my bridal party whilst Yuvraj danced on Saajan ji ghar aaye, chokra jawaan and some more songs with his friends and cousins. Then it was time for the dance off which we enjoyed by dancing our hearts out. Then one by one everyone did their performance. At last everyone joined on the stage along with the DJ which was the most fun part of the night.

~8 days left for the wedding~

Next Day, Jun 9th, 08:29PM IST
Hotel Sahara Star
Opp. Domestic Airport, Navpada, Vile Parle East, Vile Parle, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400099

Currently we youngsters were sitting on the terrace of the hotel after our dinner. After a whole day of sleep, we all woke up, somehow at three in the afternoon and had our lunch. Then we just rested in our suites and Netflix-ed. As the elders left for homes to prepare the next function which was just for the bride, so we decided to stay and leave tomorrow early in the morning. And currently we are just chilling.

I was wearing lilac high-waisted button sailor shorts and a tie-front printed ombre cotton t-shirt.

There were mattresses and cushions sprawled over the terrace floor by the hotel staff for us when we came. And right now I was curled up against Yuvraj's chest, with my back pressed against his chest and he had his arms draped around me leisurely with his one leg bent behind me and another by my side.

His chin rested in the crook of my neck whilst my head rested on his. The starry night, the beautiful views and our talks, everything felt so perfect and so beautiful. There was a certain serenity in the atmosphere which was lulling me to sleep.

Varun bhai was sitting in front of us with Yuvi's guitar in his hands which Yuvi gave him after so much begging and pleading. Varun bhaiya was carefully yet seriously observing everything on it, as if he had seen this kind of instrument for the first time in his life. And it was funny to see him all serious and careful!

"Okay guys! Listen!" Varun bhaiya called out which grabbed everyone's attention.

"What?" Priya bhabhi asked.

"So I have examined it and now I want to sing a song for all of my lovely friends! How does that sound?" Varun bhaiya asked, wiggling his brows.

Everyone denied at first but seeing Varun bhaiya's determination and puppy face, they decided to give him a chance. I was curious and excited to hear him singing for the first time ever.

"Don't get too excited! He is horrible at that!" Yuvi whispered in my ear, making me frown.

Scowling, I smacked his arm.

"Don't say that!" I said.

"Yeah yeah! Just wait and watch! After the show you will beat him instead of me, but not with these soft hands. With your slippers!" He said, kissing my cheek.

I rolled my eyes and concentrated back on Varun bhaiya who looked quite confident and determined. I saw everyone were looking at him with a scowl on their faces.

"Come on, Varun bhaiya!" I cheered, making him grin.

He blew a flying kiss in my direction before turning back to the guitar in his hands.

After some minutes

I gulped down as Varun bhaiya was finally done with his performance. Yeah finally! Because what Yuvi said just some moment ago was 100% true.

Whole-freaking-💯-percent!

Varun bhaiya was horrible at singing. He played the guitar pretty well but don't even ask me about how he sang!

The whole time when he was singing, Sam had her eyes and ears closed along with the others. Bhabhi looked like she would burst out in anger at any moment. Thank god, Varun bhai had his eyes closed or I don't know what would have happened!

"So guys! Did you like it? How about another one?" Varun bhiaya chortled, making our eyes wide in shock.

"Don't you dare V!" Before any of us could respond, bhabhi who was controlled by Duggu bhai till now, hissed out loud making us flinch.

Now it was Varun bhaiya's turn to widen his eyes and gape at bhabhi in shock.

"Agar phir kabhi gaane ki himmat ki na then main.....main! Main tujhe zinda dafn kar dungi! Aur iss guitar ko kheench kheench ke uska sitar bana dungi!" Bhabhi roared, making us gulp in fear.

Damn! I have never seen her this pissed ever before. She looks pretty scary and intimidating like this! Like a Godzilla! More like Pregozilla! I didn't know pregnancy hormones could be that bad! Now I am scared for the people around me and myself! What will happen when I will be at her place?! OMFG! Am I really thinking of that right now!!!! Unbelievable!

"Damn!" I heard Yuvi breathing out before getting up and grabbing his guitar out of Varun bhaiya's hands.

"S-sorry bhabhi! But this is mine! You can do whatever you want to do to V, instead of my guitar though!" Yuvraj said, fearfully before rushing back to his place.

Varun bhaiya's eyes widened more and jaw hung open at Yuvraj's confession. Varun bhaiya gave Yuvi a look of disbelief and betrayal whilst Yuvraj just shrugged and mouthed a sorry from behind me.

Duggu bhaiya got a hold of her to control her and took her downstairs not before giving all of us a sorry look. After they left we all turned to Varun bhaiya who looked like he had seen some ghost. Mustering up some courage, I got up from my place and kneeled beside Varun bhaiya. Then I clipped my fingers in front of him which brought him back to reality and he shrieked before clutching onto my arm which made my eyes widened in shock.

"V bhaiya are you alright?" I asked softly not to scare him more.

He had a quite strong grip on my arm and was inspecting everyone with narrowed eyes as if he would blink and they all would turn into vampires. When he heard my soft voice, he looked up at me innocently.

"Are you alright?" I asked again.

He bobbed his head up and down. And I heaved out a sigh of relief. Carefully taking my arm out of his grip, I turned to face him.

"You don't need to worry! Bhabhi is gone with bhaiya now! And it was just her hormones so, no need to be scared okay!" I said.

"Who said I was scared?! Me? Scared? No! I was just shaken up a little by her sudden outburst! By the way aaj kal ho kya raha hai logon ko? Jo dekho wo apna outburst dikha raha hai? Is it a outburst-showing-month? Pehle Yuvraj, uske baad Priya bhabhi? Pata nahi aage aur kaun kaun apna frustration nikalega!" He asked.

"Mia ko yun apne sawalon se confuse mat kar okay! And don't even dare to dodge her question with these shitty excuses! You looked like you were shitting in your pants man! I should've taken some pictures!" Sahil bhaiya said and everyone agreed making Varun bhaiya scowl.

"I was not okay! Mia! You believe me right? I am your handsome brother, ain't I? Come on, tell me that you trust me!" Varun bhaiya pleaded.

I gulped and looked at him frowning. I wouldn't lie because I have seen how scared he looked at that moment but this emotional torture?! Ugh!

"Meri biwi ko mat kheenh teri problems mein! Tere wajah se aaj mera guitar sahid hote hote bach gaya!" Yuvraj scowled as he pulled back.

"Hey! She is my sister as well! And what biwi? You are not married to her yet!" Varun bhaiya retorted.

"So what? I have already accepted her as my wife since the day she said yes to my proposal!" Yuvraj announced, proudly making me blush.

"Guys! Stop arguing! We were here to chill, remember?" Shree said, sarcastically.

"Right! Anyways! I am in no mood anymore! Let's call it a night! Mia, chalo!" Yuvraj said as he got up and stretched out his hand for me.

"Fine! Mia, what about a movie marathon?" Sam chirped.

"

Sam! You're going to leave the hotel early in the morning! So no late night movie session! Go to your room and take a rest!" Yuvi said and Sam pouted in response but nodded.

We all said good night to each other before leaving for our suites. I came back to mine with Yuvraj following me because he needed a good night kiss from me.

After our engagement, he has been super romantic and can't keep his hands off me! But I am not complaining! Not at all! I like his closeness!

After a kiss, or more like a makeout session, he went back to his suite with a cheeky smile on his face which made me giggle. I closed the door behind him and laid down on my bed as sleep succumbed to me instantly because of the tiredness.

~7 days left for the wedding~

----🦋----

Sankha Pola Porano Ceremony

----🦋----

Next Day, Jun 10th, 07:15AM IST

This is a ritual in which the purohit chants mantras and performs a puja when the bride's hands are adorned with 'Sankha' and 'Pola' by seven married women. The 'Sankha' symbolises the moon, the quality of which has to be adopted by the bride. The 'Pola', on the other hand, symbolizes good health and fertility.

After getting ready in my a white Moschino cold shoulder top with a pair of acid washed jeans with pearls stuck over it, I brushed my hairs and did a half up half down hairstyle. Then I wore a pair of converse and grabbed my Gucci handbag before walking out of my room. My luggages has already been taken care of and now all I need to do is to reach the lobby of the hotel, where the others were waiting for me.

"Let's go girl!" Sam said as she saw me coming out of the suite.

Nodding, I followed her to the lift and we went to the ground floor. There we found Varun bhai, Sahil bhai, Abhi dada, Yuvraj and Armaan and about the others, they must have left before.

Yuvraj was wearing a blue polo t-shirt with black jeans and sneakers. His raven hair was all messy and he had the sunglasses on as he talked on the phone with his other hand stuffed inside the pocket. My footsteps got his attention as his head jerked into my direction and he gave me a sweet smile before hanging up. We met halfway and he pulled me in a soft kiss before hugging me tightly.

"I left for two minutes to greet the others and they are at it again! At this rate, I wouldn't be surprised if Mia will announce her pregnancy in the second month of her marriage!" I heard Sam, which made my eyes wide in shock.

I turned around in Yuvi's arms to find Sam, Varun bhaiya, Abhi dada, Armaan and Sahil bhaiya were smiling at us cheekily. Heat rose up to my ears and cheeks as I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear whilst glaring at my so-called best friend who has not left a single chance to embarrass me after I met Yuvi.

"Shut up Sam!" Yuvraj growled, making them snicker.

"Leave them alone Sam! And let's go, aren't you guys hungry?" Sahil bhaiya changed the topic and I mouthed a thank you to him.

Shail bhaiya smiled sweetly and nodded at me. Varun bhaiya's ears perked up and he beamed ar Sahil bhaiya before walking up to him. Sahil bhaiya frowned when he saw Varun bhaiya looking at him with adoring eyes. We also looked at them confusingly. Then all of our eyes widened because of what Varun bhaiya did next.

HE FREAKING KISSED SAHIL BHAIYA ON THE CHEEK!

Sahil bhaiya froze at his place whilst his eyes widened comically and his jaw hung open at Varun bhaiya's antics. When he sobered up, he pushed Varun bhaiya away who was still looking at him like a love struck puppy.

"WHAT THE HELL MAN?!" Sahil bhaiya roared wiping his cheek where Varun bhaiya gave him a sloppy smooch.

From the corner of my eyes I found Armaan was feigning a gag. Yuvraj was looking at Varun bhaiya with a disgusted look on his face and his nose scrunched up. Abhi dada was frozen at his place. And Sam had the same expression as Yuvraj!

Talk about this brother-sister duo!

"It's my love for youuuuu!" Varun bhaiya said whilst cupping Sahil bhaiya's cheeks and batting his eyelashes in front of Sahil bhaiya dramatically to which Sahil bhaiya gave him a disgusted look.

"More like, his love for food!" Yuvraj whispered in my ear whilst I grinned and nodded barely containing the laugh which was aching to burst out.

"Hands off me dumbass!" Sahil bhaiya, hissed pushing V bhaiya's hands away who looked at him like a puppy rejected from a hug.

After a few minutes of their bickerings, we finally left the hotel and drove off. Yuvraj parked the car in front of a cafe and we all got out to have some breakfast before we left for our homes as we had some time left before the ritual started.

We reached a set of stairs as we got into the cafe and a waitress welcomed us in and showed us our table. Yuvraj pulled a chair for me and I sat down, then he sat on the seat beside me. Sam sat on my other side followed by Armaan, Abhi dada, Sahil bhaiya and Varun bhaiya near Yuvraj.

Then the waitress handed us our menus before leaving. I and Yuvraj chose banana pancakes and egg white omelette, Sam went for vegan tofu scrambles, Sahil bhai and Abhi dada got sweet potato hash browns and Armaan got empanadas with bacon and eggs. Varun bhaiya had scrambled eggs with bacon and egg & cheese burritos.

When the waitress came back we gave our orders and she smiled politely before strutting away. After some time, she got us our breakfast and we dug in.

09:45AM IST, Jun 10th
12B, Antilia
Altamount Road, Cumballa Hill
South Mumbai

Finally home!

As soon as Yuvraj pulled in front of the driveway, our sides of the doors were opened by the guards and I thanked them as I got down.

Yuvraj and Sam had to go back to the Singhania mansion as they needed to leave for Delhi in the evening. So without coming inside the house, they bid their byes and left with Varun bhaiya & Sahil bhaiya. I, Armaan and Abhi dada made our way inside and were greeted with the beautifully decorated living room and hallways.

"Oh You guys came!" Twinkle aunty approached us and we nodded.

"Good! Mia, go and get ready! Puja ko bas kuch dair hi baaki hai! And Shree ko main bhej deti hun tumhare kamre mein! And you two also get ready! Armaan, I've kept your outfit in the guest room with off-white doors!" She said.

We obliged and went to our rooms. Pushing the door open to my room, I stepped in and grinned looking around.

I missed it!

Closing the door behind me, I rushed towards the bed and dropped down on the mattress with a jump which caused me to bounce twice. I giggled before inhaling a large gulp of the familiar fragrance of my room and sighing in happiness.

"Oh god! Yeh ladki!" I heard someone from the door and looked up to find Shree standing there with a scowl on her face.

She was wearing a carmine red designer saree highlighted with minimal works and embellished with a delicate embroidered intricate border.

"Ugh! What is it with you? Why are you so cranky today?" I groaned, stuffing my head into the mattress.

"ME?! Girl! You're defining yourself right now not me because I am not at all cranky!" Shree said as I heard her stomping inside my room.

"Now get up Mia! You can take your sweet nap later! We have a ritual to complete for Pete's sake! Get up!" She hissed, pulling me up by my hand.

Groaning, I sat up on the bed and scowled at her. Then I exhaled loudly before getting up from the bed.

"Fine! Fine! I'm gonna take a shower! Can you please take out my dress and jewellery then?" I pleaded.

"That's what I am here for! Now go shoo shoo!" She shooed me whilst walking towards my closet room.

I shook my head and walked towards the washroom to take a shower. It took me just ten minutes to take a shower as I had one already back in my hotel suite. After wiping myself off, I changed into the white tank and black cotton shorts that I had brought with me inside. Wrapping a towel around my wet hair, I came out of the washroom to find my dress and jewellery on the bed.

"Mia! I have taken your dress and accessories out! Now come here I will do your hair!" Shree said as she came out of the closet room with some brushes in her hands.

"Awh thank you babe!" I gushed as I cupped her face and kissed her on the cheek.

"Okay okay! Jyaada butter mat laga! Come on now!" Shree swatted my hands away, making me pout.

Then she dragged me to the vanity table and pushed me on the ottoman as she put the things on the table. As it was a simple puja with some traditional views, so I have decided to keep it simple with the makeup and all. That's the reason I won't be doing the heavy bridal makeup today.

When she was doing my hair, I did my makeup. Bright pink lipstick on my lips and a shade of lighter hues on the eyelids and cheeks. She styled my hair in a low ponytail with some moon and stars hairpin pushed in betweens.

"All done! Now go and get changed!" She said.

I nodded before getting up from the ottoman and grabbing my dress from the bed. Then I went inside the closet and changed my dress. It was a deep fuchsia chiffon folk printed anarkali and net embroidered dupatta paired with embroidered belt. The fabric of the anarkali was made of chiffon and the dupatta was of net and organza. The dress had a deep v-neck and the dupatta had ruffled ends to a side.

After I wore my dress, I came out and Shree helped me put the dupatta on, along with the belt. After I was ready, I wore my khusas and came downstairs with Shree. As soon as I stepped into the living room, I came face to face with a....monkey?!

Shree and I screamed out loud as we took our steps back when we saw the weird thing in front of us which screamed in return. Our screams subsided when we noticed the familiarity in the voice. Squinting my eyes, I carefully observed the thing in front of me and found it was a Homo sapiens instead of a Macaca mulatta. He was wearing a yellow kurta with off-white churidar pants. His face and hair was dripping soaked with some kind of whitish puree.

"What happ-! Whoa! What's that?!" I heard Abhi dada behind me from the stairs and turned to find him looking at the person with weird looks.

"Guys! Calm down! It's me! Armaan!" The weird person in front of us said, dramatically by throwing his arms in the air.

"Gross! What happened to you?" Shree said, scrunching her nose.

"Mat pucho! Bohot dukh bhari kahani hai inn sab ke peeche!" Armaan exaggerated, making me roll my eyes.

"Alright then! We ain't asking anymore! Mia, Shree, let's go! We're getting late for the rituals!" Abhi dada said as he took a hold of my hand.

"Hey! Hey, listen!" Armaan stopped us from moving towards the puja hall by jumping in front of us and splashing some sprinkles of the whitish puree here and there.

"Ew, Armaan stop jumping like a monkey or you will ruin our dresses! Ban" I glared at him which made him pout.

"Hey! Not fair! What about me huh? My dress is also ruined, can't you see? And what do you mean by monkey? Who can mistake this handsome face for a monkey's face!" Armaan said proudly.

"Um actually for a moment I did! When you suddenly appeared in front of us!" Shree said, sheepishly.

Abhi dada looked like he would burst out laughing any time soon and Armaan looked like a raging bull.

"Dada, let's go! And Armaan, come fast!" I said as I dragged dada with me whilst Shree followed us to the puja hall.

My parents, Pammi aunty, Rajveer uncle, Twinkle aunty, Prem uncle, Subho maa, Baldev uncle, Harshit and some other ladies along with my cousins were already present in the puja room. A priest was seated in front of maa Durga's idol and was preparing for the puja whilst mum and Subho maa were helping them. After greeting them, mum and Subho ma made me sit in front of Maa Durga's idol. I clasped my palms together as I bowed my head in front of Maa.

The priest started to chant mantras and the others sat behind me. The priest put a tilak on my forehead and sprinkled a little holy Ganga water over me. Then he did the puja of the sankha and pola, which I will be wearing today by seven married women. These bangles are made of conch shells and red corals. After the puja, mum, Twinkle aunty, Pammi aunty and four other married women made me wear the bangles in my hands. Subho maa couldn't do it as she is a widow.

After the ritual ended, we did the aarti of Maa Durga and had khichdi prasad. I went back to my room whilst the others stayed till the guests left.

I changed into a mustard long sleeved raglan cut trapeze dress and laid on my bed. Shree has gone back to her home after the puja and Sam must be on the flight, going to Delhi and about Armaan, he is busy helping dad and dada and the others with the next ceremony preparations. And I'm bored. Tomorrow I'm free as I didn't have a role in the Adhibas tatva ceremony because it is for the groom and my family members only. With the next events of my wedding in my mind, I didn't know when I drifted off to sleep.

07:34PM IST, Jun 10th
12B, Angilia
Altamount Road, Cumballa Hill
South Mumbai

Currently I was cooking dinner with Nirmala aunty in the kitchen because mum and Subho maa were tired after all the ceremonies that took place. Even though they insisted on cooking or helping me in the kitchen, I pushed them back to their rooms and asked them to rest till I cooked.

"Yeh lo beta, yeh aata bhi hogaya! Aur kya karna hai batao?" Nirmala aunty asked as she passed the flour dough to me.

"Oh thank you aunty! Everything's almost done! Just the salad is left and I will handle that! It's already late so you can take your leave now! Sneha must be waiting for you!" I said as I peeled the boiled potatoes.

P.S. Sneha is Nirmala aunty's daughter.

"Are you sure beta? I can help if there's something left and I've already informed Sneha that I will be coming late today!" She insisted.

"It's okay aunty! I can manage! You should leave and I will ask the driver to drop you!" I said and she nodded before thanking me.

I called the driver and asked him to drop Aunt Nirmala at her home.

"Hey princess! What's cooking?" Abhi dada asked as he stepped into the kitchen.

"Hey dada! Everything's almost done! You came right now?" I asked.

"Yeah! I had some work left in the office! Where's mum and masi!" He asked, taking out a water bottle from the refrigerator.

"Oh they are resting in their rooms! I asked them to! They were persistent about helping me in making dinner though!" I said whilst adding the boiled potatoes in the gravy.

"Oh! Need some help?" He asked as he stood beside me.

"No dada! It's almost done as I said! And you should freshen up!" I said.

He hummed and asked me to call him if I needed his help before walking out of the kitchen. I covered the pan and started cutting the salad. After half an hour, everything was ready so I went to call everyone down for dinner but not before putting the food into the servewares.

"Mum! Dad!" I called out as I knocked on their door.

"Come in sweetie!" I heard dad from the other side.

I pushed the door open to find dad on the armchair and mum on the bed. Giving them a smile, I walked inside.

"The dinner is ready! Come on!" I said and they nodded before getting up from their places.

Then I went to Subho maa's room and woke her up. I informed her that the dinner was ready and then I came out to find Abhi dada coming out of his room. Dada and I came downstairs together and stepped into the dining hall to find mum and dad already present there. Subho maa joined us a little after and then we did our dinner.

After dinner, we slept early as dad and Abhi dada had a ritual to complete tomorrow in the morning at Yuvraj's house, for which they need to leave for Delhi, early in the morning.

~6 days left for the wedding~

----🦋----

Adhibas Tatva Ceremony

----🦋----

Next day, June 11th, 07:36AM IST
12B, Antilia
Altamount Road, Cumballa Hill
South Mumbai

Adhibas Tatva are the gifts that are gifted to the groom's family from the bride's side. The gifts are presented in the copper container and are decorated with colourful papers. The Tatva contains sarees, dhan, durbo, sweets, nuts and so on.

Dada and dad along with Armaan and Prem uncle had just left for the airport with the gifts and other items for the ritual with them. Mum and Subho maa went to the kitchen to cook breakfast whilst I went back to my room. I have already completed my workout early in the morning. After taking a shower, I changed into a sleeveless collared denim short dress and a pair of shite low cut Converse shoes. I made a high half bun with my hair and left the rest down. I did a little makeup and put on some light shade of orange lip balm. After getting ready, I came downstairs and helped mum and Subho maa in bringing the breakfast to the table.

There was cheese omelette and sandwiches for breakfast. After breakfast, I grabbed my coffee mug and went to my library at home. Standing beside the windows of the library, I lazily smiled at the scene in front of me. The morning blue sky lying above the beautiful greenery of the place looked rather captivating. I sighed happily, it had been so long since I'd enjoyed a warm cup of coffee and the Mumbai skyline.

Breathing in the morning air, I closed my eyes. The memories of my jolly past and the events some days before rushing back to me. Taking in the fresh breeze, I relished in the moment. I was born in this city and was brought up till my teenage years here. It is a very convenient place to grow up in- after all it's everyone's dream city- Mumbai. Everything here is so serene yet so technological. I had planned on living here as well but life was unexpected and I had my goals to achieve. That's why I had to fly all the way to London to get a chance to study at King's College. It was one of the best medical universities around the globe.

After finishing my three years bachelor's course there and getting a degree, I was eager to come back to my parents. Of course, I loved it in London and the lifestyle there matched mine perfectly, but my heart rested in this place. In my Mumbai. I just couldn't keep the smile off my face when I come back to this place every time. Swallowed up in my thoughts, I took a sip of my coffee.

My chain of thoughts was broken when I heard a ping coming from my phone which was lying on the couch beside the shelves. Putting the mug on the side table, I made my way towards the couch and picked my phone up. I found some pictures received from Varun bhaiya. Smiling, I opened them and found some pictures of all of them from today. There were several pictures of my in-laws, Yuvraj and all of the boy's selfies. I replied to him by saying a thank you for sending those pictures and by telling him how good they all looked.

After that I put my phone back and grabbed my coffee mug which was almost empty. I sipped the rest and rummaged through the books in the health and fitness section. Being a doctor, I always loved reading about the human body and the internal systems and how they worked. After some time, I got a perfect one called I've been thinking by Maria Shriver. I settled on the couch with the book on my lap and started to read it.

01:28PM IST, June 11th

My phone beside me started to ring which brought me back to reality from the book and I found our landline number. I picked it up.

"Hello?" I said as I pressed the phone to my ear.

"Hey Sweetie! I know you must have engrossed yourself in a book, but lunch is ready!" I heard mum on the other side.

"Oh! Yeah coming mum!" I said before cutting the call.

Sighing I put the book back at it's place but not before marking the page I was studying and grabbed my phone as I jogged out of the library and went downstairs.

I had my lunch with mum and got to know from her that dad, dada, Prem uncle and Armaan are already on their way back to Mumbai. Subho maa has left for some work, so it was only me and mum right now. After lunch, mum and I watched some movies in the living room and spent some mother-daughter time together.

05:20PM IST, June 11th

After a little rest in the afternoon, dad and dada arrived back at home whilst Armaan and Prem uncle went back to their places. They went to rest and I informed mum that I will be going to the beach which she agreed upon. There was an area of private beach just near our house. But still two bodyguards followed me to the beach according to dada's orders but stayed at a comfortable distance as my plea.

I could smell the salt from the sea before I actually saw it. I removed my shoes and let the warm sand silts stick to my feet. Walking over the lapping waves, I sat down. I sighed happily. Silence and Alone, at last.

After sitting there and enjoying the sunset for a whilst, I walked back towards the car and the driver drove me back to the house. Mum was in the garden when I came back, examining her flowers that she adored. Maybe more tHey mum!" I greeted her before kissing her on the cheek.

"Hey sweetheart! You enjoyed it?" She asked.

"Of course she did!" I heard Abhi dada and found him walking towards us in his white t-shirt and grey sweatpants. I gave him a smile.

"Mia! I'm going to the market, wanna come? I will buy you an ice-cream!" Abhi dada suggested.

"Sure dada! Coming in a bit!" I said and kissed dada's cheek before dashing inside the house.

"TAKE YOUR TIME!" I heard Dada from behind.

Bursting inside my room, I closed the door behind me. I walked inside the closet and took out a pair of skinny blue jeans with a strappy ruffled white top and placed them on the bed neatly before stepping into the bathroom. Stripping out of my clothes, I hastily stepped into the shower. Enjoying the cool streams running down on my sides, I leisurely took my time. Once my skin started to prune, I decided it would be better to get out. Wrapping the grey bathrobe around my body, I dried my body with a fluffy black towel.

I came out of the washroom and wore my inner wears first before slipping into the skinny tight blue denims and the ruffled white top. After I wore my clothes, I brushed my hairs and left them down. I applied the moisturiser and a little lip balm before wearing my rose gold wristwatch and a pair of white sneakers and rushing downstairs.

I walked out of the house to find dada leaning on his black BMW and was doing something on his phone. I hopped down the stairs and walked towards him. My footsteps caught his attention and he looked up, giving me a sarcastic smile.

"You really did take your time, didn't you!" He said, shaking his head.

I smiled sheepishly and hopped in the passenger seat when he opened the door for me. Then he rounded the car and settled in the driver seat. And we drove off.

06:09PM IST, June 11th

"Wait here!" Dada said as he parked the car and took his seatbelt off.

"But I also wanna come!" I whined, stomping my foot.

"Hey! It's my new car! And duffer, I asked you to wait because I was going to open the door for you!" He said, flicking the side of my head.

I scowled at him because he called me duffer and also flicked my head. He got out of the car and came to my side. Opening the door for me, he took a look around whilst I climbed off. Then he locked the car. I was about to run off towards the cafe but dada got a hold of my wrist.

"You're such a baby! Why were you running off?" He asked, giving me a stern look.

"I can't control it when it comes to dessert! You know that! And can I get a pineapple pastry as well pleaseeeeeee!" I asked, feigning my puppy eyes at him.

Dada groaned and muttered I should've left when she was taking so much time under his breath.

"Hey I heard that!" I glared at him.

"Fine! Fine! Let's go now and do not run off!" He said, holding my hand like I'm a baby and dragged me along with him.

He ordered whilst I waited beside him as he won't leave my wrist. After paying for our order, we walked out. I hopped back inside the car and snatched my pastry box and blueberry ice cream from dada with a squeal which scared him a little. I and Dada had our desserts and then he drove the car to somewhere I don't know because he said he had some work around the corner.

After a whilst, he parked the car in front of a cafe and took his seatbelt off.

"Mia! I am going inside to meet one of my employees. He is here to hand me some files. It will take hardly ten minutes, wanna come inside with me?" Dada asked.

"Um no! I will be fine here! Waise bhi aapke business related conversations se main bore ho jaungi!" I said, pouting.

"Okay then! As you wish but stay here okay! Don't go anywhere!" He said.

"Dada! Main bachchi thode hi hoon! Pata hai mujhe! Main kahin nahi jaa rahi! I will enjoy my ice cream here! You go!" I said.

Dada chuckled and ruffled my hair which made me scowl before climbing out of the car. He closed the door and went inside the cafe. I turned the radio on which played Worth It by Fifth Harmony ft. Kid Ink and enjoyed my ice cream whilst looking out.

A few minutes later, Dada came back with some files and settled inside and out the files in the dashboard, after which we drove back home.

07:29PM IST, June 11th
12B, Antilia
Altamount Road, Cumballa Hill
South Mumbai

As soon as we came back home I rushed inside and stuffed the refrigerator with the rest of the ice creams and pastries.

Then I went to my room and changed into a hooded blue tee and a pair of black runner shorts. I came downstairs and helped mum in setting the table after which we all had our dinner. After dinner, I came back to my room and called Yuvraj.

What? I haven't talked to him today at all!

"Hey baby girl!" I heard him on the other side which brought a smile to my face.

"Hey Yuvi! What were you doing?" I asked.

"I was checking on some preparations for our wedding! What about you?" He said.

"I just had my dinner and came back to my room! Did you have your food?" I asked.

"Not yet! Will do after dad is back home!" He said.

"Oh! Where did he go?" I asked.

"He had a meeting with some officials! Must be coming back! Did you see the pictures V sent you today?" He asked.

"Yeah! I did! You looked very handsome!" I said.

"Mhmm! Trying to act bold huh?" He chuckled and then continued, "how was your day?"

"It was good! Dada took me out for ice cream and pastries!" I chirped, making him laugh.

"Glad to know that!" He said as he continued to chuckle.

"So you will be coming on 14 right? After the puja at home?" I asked.

"Yeah! Why?" He asked.

"Nothing! I just miss you!" I said in a low voice.

"I missed you too amore!" He replied.

After talking to him for some time more, we hung up and I slept.

~5 days left for the wedding~

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Ghara Gharoli Ceremony

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Next day, June 12th, 07:21AM IST
12B, Antilia
Altamount Road, Cumballa Hill
South Mumbai

Ghara Gharoli is a Pre-Wedding ritual in Punjabi weddings where the decorated pitcher of water (ghara, gharoli, or ghadoli) is brought for the bride's bath. In the Ghara Gharoli ritual, the bride's sibling or sibling's spouse visits the nearby temple, Gurudwara, or relative's house and fills a pitcher with holy water. They dance and sing Boliyan in the way. The girl is then bathed in this holy water.

The ghara gharoli ceremony takes place at the groom's house too. During the ceremony, the groom's sister-in-law with some female relatives goes to a well or nearby temple, Gurudwara, or relative's house to fill a "gharoli" or a specially decorated jug with water. The water is later used to bathe the groom. Gharoli ceremony is done in the morning on the wedding day or some days just before the wedding day.

Currently I was sitting in front of the vanity mirror as Shree and one of my cousins did my hair. Dada with some other relatives had already left for the gurudwara to bring the holy water from there, in which I will take the bath. I was wearing a simple yellow coloured kurta with a round neckline and a pair of white leggings. I had floral earrings in my ears and some floral bangles along with the sankha and pola in my hands. My hair was finally done and it was styled in loose wavy curls.

"Girls!" I heard mum and we turned to find her at the door of my room.

Giving me a wide smile, she walked towards us. She was looking beautiful like always. She was wearing a hot pink georgette saree paired with a silver grey embroidered geometric sequin embroidered blouse. She had her hair tied in a low chignon with some jasmine flowers around them.

"My baby!" She gushed and kissed my forehead which widened my smile even more.

"You're looking so gorgeous!" She said, cupping my face.

"Thank you mum! You're looking so pretty!" I said.

"Both of my girls are looking awesome as always!" I heard dad and found him coming inside.

He was wearing a ivory silk kurta with textured border and a pair of ivory churidar pants.

"Dad!" I exclaimed as he took mum and I in his warm and strong embrace.

The girls left my room leaving me alone with my parents. I leaned my head against dad's shoulder who kissed my head and then mum's as he tightened his hold on us. Mum had her head rested against dad's other shoulder.

"I love you both so much!" Dad whispered, making me and mum grin.

"We love you too!" Mum and I both said in unison and then the three of us burst out laughing.

"Okay okay, now let's go! Abhi had arrived with the holy water!" Dad said.

Mum and dad led me downstairs to the living room with them. There weren't many people as it is a private ceremony. The room was decorated with different types of flowers and drapes giving it the perfect shaadi-wala home look. In the middle of the room, there was a huge inverted dome which had a silver coloured stool in the middle of it. Abhi dada was talking with the priest, must be about the ritual as it was a punjabi ritual and we didn't know much of it. Shree and mum led me towards the inverted dome where Abhi dada was standing. Dada held my hand and helped me to get inside the inverted dome. I sat down on the stool carefully whilst dada brought the pitcher of water.

As the priest started to chant some mantras, Abhi dada poured the water on me from above. The water was cold but I wasn't complaining because Mumbai's weather was kinda hot today. I saw as the water cascaded down to my feet where I saw some rose petals falling as well. Soon the pitcher was empty and the mantras as well. Shree brought me a towel which I wrapped around me. Everyone gave me their blessings and left. Whilst dada and dad were seeing the guests off, I got up from the stool with the help of mum and Shree who led me back to my room.

In my room, I changed my wet clothes into an ash grey salwar suit with a touch of ice blue that makes for a chilly combination in this beautiful new formal. The chiffon shirt features rich embroidery and a Swarovski jeweled neckline with bell sleeves and a cutwork hemline. It was paired with embroidered silk bootcut pants, and a net criss cross chann dupatta in the same colour. I had a hand embroidered evening clutch with feathers in my hands. Then in jewellery I had a necklace with inlayed zircons, fresh Water Pearls & Fluorite and a pair of matching earrings.

I have already dried my hair with the hairdryer and then along with Shree, Abhi dada and some of my cousins, I left for the nearby gurudwara. After praying the gurudwara, I came back home and got changed before laying down on my bed.

Damn! These rituals are so tiring but it's worth it!

After some time, mum called me down for breakfast. I had my breakfast and then came back to my room to take a little rest.

~4 days left for the wedding~

Next Day, June 13th, 11:20AM IST
12B, Antilia
Altamount Road, Cumballa Hill
South Mumbai

Currently I was getting ready in my room because today I along with Abhi dada and Shree will be going out for shopping. I needed a dress and some accessories for the combined bachelor-bachelorette party. Yeah it was a co-ed party. Or you can say a joint Bach party.

And as we have today free of any ceremonies, we decided to visit the boutiques today. I was wearing a blue full sleeved dress with a sweetheart neckline and a pair of blue wedges and holding a Gucci bag in my hands. I had left my hair down with the minimal makeup on my face. I wore my wristwatch and grabbed my phone from the bed before hopping downstairs.

"Hey guys! Ready?" I asked as I found Shree and Abhi dada talking in the living room.

Their eyes snapped to me when they heard my voice and they nodded as they got up from the couch.

"Let's go!" Abhi dada said and we made our way out of the house.

01:22PM IST, June 13th

"-looks good!" Shree said pointing at the blue sequined backless dress.

"But don't you think, this is really short?" I asked, raising my brow at her.

"So what?" She asked nonchalantly, copying my facial expressions.

"I will be uncomfortable!" I whined.

"God! Mia! He is your to-be-husband! There's nothing to be uncomfortable about!" Shree groaned.

It's been two hours in this mall and I still hadn't tried on a single dress. We walked from store to store almost annoying the hell out of Abhi dada. And at last he stormed out of the mall gates yelling that he would better sit in the car instead of roaming around with us like some hooligans.

To be honest I was also regretting agreeing Shree to go shopping and all to blame was me myself. But she was better than Sam. I don't know what Sam would've done and don't want to think about it either. Why did I come here in the first place? Why did I even agree with her? Was my mind turned upside down or lost? I should not have come. I should have refused her and instead hear her continuous chattering of please and please. I don't know what had happened to her after marriage. She was not like this before. Now she is like a new Shree who is out of her shell and I am quite proud of that. But I'm not at all proud of my own decision today. At least, my legs wouldn't have been hurting with throbbing pain like now.

It's been two hours at this damn mall and she has rejected every piece of cloth I've chose. And the ones she chose for me is way too sexy for me to wear. I have been following her for two hours and my feet and legs were hurting like hell and I swear, I could just literally fall on the tiled floor any minute now. I was literally dragging my poor body against it's will.

"Shree! Let's just go then, we will see something online!" I told her for the fifth time whilst groaning and shifting from one foot to another.

I was tired as hell. Damn! Why couldn't she just chose one?

"What will be the benifit of coming here then?" Shree pouted, making me curse under my breath on my not-so-lucky-moment.

It will be the dreadest shopping day of my life and I could swear my life on it. I don't get it, how people so easily walk for straight six to seven hours in a mall?

"I don't know about the beneficial thing but I definitely am loosing my legs today!" I muttered under my breath.

"You said something?" Shree said.

"Ah! What? No No! I am not!" I panicked.

"Fine! Eeaaakkk, Mia look!" She shrieked which almost gave me a cardiac arrest.

"Damn! What is it now, woman?" I said as I moved to her side and peeked over her shoulder where she was pointing at.

"Samosa chaat?" I asked in confusion. There was a girl holding a samosa chaat plate in front of the food court.

"Yes yes, samsosa chat! Let's go! I am so hungry!" She squealed and grabbed a hold of my wrist before dragging me towards the food court with her.

"Oh god! Shree, careful!" I squeaked as I controlled my balance whilst copying her pace.

Finally we reached the food court with her making me bump in here and there on the posters and sometimes on the shop doors. All the whilst, I controlled myself from plopping down on the tiled floor and crying my heart out because of the torture I was going through. I exhaled a sigh of relief when I finally gave rest to my aching legs. I slumped my head down on the table whilst Shree looked around excitedly.

"Waiter!" She called out and a waiter walked towards us with the notebook and a pen in his hands.

"Welcome ma'am! What can I get for you two?" He asked politely.

"Um! I will be having three plates of samsosa chaat garnished with chopped onions, ketchup, cheese, lemon juice and curd and two cans of pepsi!" She said.

The waiter and my eyes widened at her weird yet huge order as our mouth agape and then we closed it. No words came out of our mouths as we silently look at each other and then at Shree. Shree scrunched her eyebrow and glared at us.

"What are you two looking at? Mia, aren't you going to order something for yourself?" Shree said.

"Uh yeah! Of course!" I cleared my throat and looked at the waiter who was looking like he has seen a ghost, "A frappe for me!"

He nodded frantically before rushing away. I glanced at his retreating back apologetically and then turned to Shree.

"What has gotten into you? And what's about that order?" I asked Shree who shrugged her shoulders.

"Dunno! I was craving for it!" She said nonchalantly.

Then it hit me! Mood swings, snappy behaviour, weird antics, extra weird cravings!

"Oh my god! Shree, you're pregnant!" I squealed making her eyes wide and she slapped my forehead.

"Ouch!" I winced and scowled at her.

"What the hell, Mia? Keep your voice low!" She hissed.

I frowned. I looked around to find some people looking at me weirdly. Smiling sheepishly, I turned my attention back on Shree with a wide grin on my face.

"My. Bestie. Is. Pregnant!" I whispered in a sing song voice making her roll her eyes.

"I wouldn't have been bleeding from my vagina if I was pregnant, woman! And this is called period cravings not pregnancy cravings! God! I hate periods!" She groaned.

I sat there frozen at my place with my jaw hanging open. The fuck! I cleared my throat and kept silence.

Soon the waiter got us our order and we thanked him as he left. I took a sip from my frappe whilst looking at Shree attentively as she gobbled on her samsosa chaat which was garnished with lemon juice, curd, ketchup, chopped onions and cheese and took a sip from her pepsi in betweens. I looked at her with my wide opened eyes with the straw in my mouth.

"Any problem?" She asked as if challenging me to say a word against her food. My eyes widened more and I shook my head frantically. She smirked and went back to her food whilst I was so close to choke on my frappe but gulped it down slowly.

After an hour more, we didn't find a proper dress for me but she did find three dresses for her. By the time, my whole body was aching and my muscles were all cramped.

What a day! I thought to myself sarcastically.

We walked out of the mall and the guards took the bags from us which held some accessories for me and Shree's dresses and more. Dada came out of the car when he saw us coming and opened the door for me and Shree. Shree settled on the backseat whilst I slumped down on the passenger seat. I huffed and puffed as I leaned back on the seat as dada came in and gave me a amused look.

"Looks like you had fun!" Dada said sarcastically which made me glare at him. He smirked in return and drove us back home whilst I passed out on my seat.

03:47PM IST, June 13th
12B, Antilia
Altamount Road, Cumballa Hill
South Mumbai

I felt someone carrying me and peeked my eyes open to find dada carrying me upstairs.

"Dada!" I muttered in a low, tired voice. I was worried about falling.

"Shh! Sleep princess!" He whispered back and I slept again knowing that I was in my big brother's arms who will not let any harm come to me.

I felt him placing me on my bed and kissing my forehead before I heard his footsteps leaving the room. And I slept.

05:45PM IST, June 13th

I woke up just some minutes ago and was taking a shower after the tiring day in the mall. After shower, I wore a bathrobe and came out of the washroom. I dried my body with a towel and went to closet. Rummaging through the shelves, I took out a multicoloured off-shoulder romper and wore it on before slipping into my slippers and rushing downstairs.

"Hey Subho maa!" I greeted her with a kiss on the cheek.

"Hey sweetie! How was your day?" She asked.

I thought about the morning and shuddered when I remembered how torturing it was!

"Um tiring!" I said making her chuckle.

"I saw how tired you were when Abhi brought you back home!" She said.

"Mia!" Mum called out and I turned to find her coming towards me with a bowl in her hands.

"Here! You didn't do your lunch today!" She said as she gave me the bowl.

"Sorry mum! I was damn tired!" I said as I took the bowl and took off my slippers before dragging my feet up and sat crossing my legs in Indian style.

The bowl had watermelon cubes in it with a fork. I started to eat them whilst talking about today with mum and Subho maa. I got to know from them that dada was out for some work and dad was in his study.

~3 days left for the wedding~

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Kubi Patta Ceremony

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Next Day, June 14th, 06:28AM IST
12B, Antilia
Altamount Road, Cumballa Hill
South Mumbai

Kubi Pattais a ceremony to revere Saint Kuber. Carrying out the ritual family members place three metal glasses filled to the brim with dhaan, khoi (pulses) and crushed rice at the altar of the Saint.

Getting up early in the morning was never this awful for me. But after all the past events and the yesterday's tiring shopping, I was so reluctant to leave my bed. But I had to as there was a puja in the house. I lazily dragged myself into the washroom and completed my morning chores before brushing my teeth. After that I took a shower and washed my hair as well. Then I came out wearing the bathrobe and sat on the ottoman to dry my hair. After that I dragged myself to the closet and took the dress out for today.

The outfit was a lehenga with crushed front open short peplum accentuated with embellished floral motifs and intricately embellished neckline and sleeves. This gorgeous lehenga was heavily embroidered with floral pattern all over decorated with floral vases and finished with embroidered border all around. This luxurious outfit was paired with beautiful organza dupatta allured with sequins spray and embroidered motifs all over. I wore the dress and came out holding the dupatta in my hands.

"Thank god, you're ready! Come on, sit here! I will do the rest!" Shree said as she barged into my room looking as gorgeous as she always looks in her Pishwas. Worked in gold and silver with rosey and coral pink resham details, the classic pishwaas looked beautiful on her. A fully worked bodice and classy churidaar sleeves were complimented with the saffron dupatta and its intricate appliqué work border plus sequin and gota details.

She did my hair and a light makeup before dragging me downstairs with her where I greeted everyone by touching their feet. I swear by the wedding I will break my waist!

I was led to the puja hall with everyone and we took our seats as the priest said the muhurat time was near. The Kuber idol was placed on the platform with flowers everywhere around it. There was a swastik sign drawned with vermilion in front of the idol. We all joined our palms and closed our eyes as the priest started chanting the mantras for meditation and remebering Shri Kuber.

Manuj-Brahma-Viman-Sthitam,
Garuda-Ratna-Nibham Nidhi-Naykam।
Shiva-Sakham Mukutadi-Vibhushitam,
Var-Gade Dadhatam Bhaje Tundilam॥

Aavahayami Dev! Tvamihayahi Kripam Kuru।
Kosham Vardhdaya Nityam, Tvam Pari-Raksha Sureshwar॥

॥ Shri Kuber-Devam Aavahayami ॥

The priest gave us flowers in our palms and we poured them near the idol's feet as the priest showed us.

Nana-Ratna-Samayuktam Kartya-Swar-Vibhushitam।
Aasanam Dev-Devesh! Preetyartham Prati-Grihyataam॥

॥ Shri Kuber-Devay Aasanarthe Pancha-Pushpani Samarpayami ॥

After that, the priest worshipped the idol with chandan, akshata, pushpa, doop, deep and naivedhya while chanting following Mantras.

Om Shri Kuberaya Namha Padyom Padhyam Samarpayami।
Om Shri Kuberaya Namha Shirsi Arghyam Samarpayami।
Om Shri Kuberaya Namha Gandhakshatam Samarpayami।
Om Shri Kuberaya Namha Pushpam Samarpayami।
Om Shri Kuberaya Namha Dhoopam Ghrapayami।
Om Shri Kuberaya Namha Deepam Darshayami।
Om Shri Kuberaya Namha Naivedyam Samarpayami।
Om Shri Kuberaya Namha Achamaniyam Samarpayami।
Om Shri Kuberaya Namha Tamboolam Samarpayami।

After it, we took gandha, akshata and pushpa in left hand and leave them near the idol's feet with right hand while chanting following Mantra.

Om Shri Kuberaya Namha।
Anen Pujanen Shri Dhanadhyaksha-Shri Kuber Preeyatam।
Namo Namah।

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Author's Note

Word Count : 10782

Hey lovelies! I am back with another chapter and as you all have wished I've kept the sangeet night short in explanation.

• Did you like this chapter?

• How did you like the surprise?

• Next chapter is for wedding, how excited you are?

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Love x, Ishika Sehgal

🦋