Oh for you, I would have done whatever

And I just can't believe we ain't together
And I wanna play it cool
But I'm losin' you
I'll buy you anything
I'll buy you any ring
And I'm in pieces, baby fix me
And just shake me, 'til you wake me from this bad dream
I'm goin' down, down, down, down
And I can't just believe my first love won't be around

-Yuvraj

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

~3 days left for the wedding~

━━━━━━━🦋━━━━━━━

Kubi Patta Ceremony

━━━━━━━🦋━━━━━━━

Groom's (Yuvraj's) side - Anil & Madhuri Singhania, Sunil & Mahira Singhania, Hrithik & Priyanka Singhania, Samaira Singhania, Harshali Singhania, Rani ma, Veer, Pihu, Hina, Sahil, Varun, Siddharth, Nicole, Robert, Rose, Trevor and Families

Bride's (Mridula's) side - Avinash & Devina Roy, Subho maa, Abhimanyu Vishwas, Prem Kapoor, Shraddha, Shanaya, Tobias, Stefan, Rajveer & Twinkle Ahuja, Armaan, Pammi aunty, Harshit, Baldev uncle and Families

Yuvraj's POV

June 14th, 09:45AM IST
9/32A, Singhania Mansion
Jor Bagh, Delhi NCR

The ceremony of worshipping lord Kuber, which is a Bengali pre-wedding ceremony just ended some time ago. After having the prasad, we did our breakfast and currently I was in my room getting ready as we have a flight to catch for Mumbai. 

Just three days more and I will be married to the love of my life! Sometimes when I think about it, I really couldn't believe that this is for real! This all feels like a dream sometimes! A very beautiful dream! 

I was snapped out of my thoughts when I heard a knock on the door.

"Yuvi! Come fast! We are waiting for you downstairs!" I heard Duggu bhai.

"Yeah, bhai! Coming!" I said and he hummed before I heard his footsteps leaving.

I sighed and raked a hand through my hair. I was wearing a maroon Gucci hoodie along with a pair of black jeans and Nike shoes. I grabbed my wallet and phone before tucking them inside my pockets and took my Ray-Ban aviators from the desk before I made my way out of my room. Hopping down the stairs, I found everyone in the living room waiting for me. Everyone, as in the people from my (groom's) side.

"Let's go!" I said and we left the mansion in our cars to the airport.

After some time, we reached the airport which was as usual packed with the paparazzi. The driver drove us straight to our private runway from where we took our private jet with the Johnsons and fled for Mumbai.

12:03PM IST, June 14th
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport
Mumbai, Maharashtra 400099

The jet landed post the scheduled time because of some turbulence on the way due to the bad weather. We came out of the jet and the guards led us to our SUVs which were arranged by Sunil chachu. We settled in and then drove off.

12:42PM IST, June 14th
Singhania's Residency
Vasant Bihar, Alexander Graham Bell Marg, Malabar hill
Mumbai, 400006

I jogged upstairs to my room whilst the others went to there respective rooms to freshen up before lunch. Opening the door to my room, I went in and closed it behind me. Taking my phone out, I texted Mia about my arrival.

𝑱𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒅 𝒉𝒐𝒎𝒆! 𝑯𝒐𝒘 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒖𝒋𝒂?

I put the phone on the bed and took off my hoodie and shoes before walking into the washroom to take a shower. I stripped off my sweaty clothes and jumped into the shower. After shower, I came out wearing a towel around my waist and took out fresh clothes to wear from the closet. 

After wearing my clothes, I sat down on the bed and grabbed the phone. I saw two texts from Mia.

𝑨𝒘𝒆𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆! 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒖𝒋𝒂 𝒘𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒘𝒆𝒍𝒍.

𝑰 𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖😫

I chuckled seeing her second text which had the emoji at last. I dialled her number.

"Mridula speaking!" I heard her groggy voice from the other side.

Looks like I woke her up!

"Hey baby! It's me!" I exclaimed excitedly.

I terribly missed her. 

"Ohh hey, Yuvi! Did you reach safely?" She asked in her happy tone.

"Yes, As a matter of fact I've already taken a shower!" I smiled.

Listening to her voice makes me happy and all those exhausting feelings evaporate into the air. 

"I'm glad you arrived safely" she paused, "I've missed you! And having you in the same city as me, is making me more anxious to see you now!" She breathed, then she sighed.

"I miss you too, baby! And, we're meeting tomorrow, right? So don't worry, you'll get to see me soon!" I said.

"Hmm! I will wait for that!" She sighed.

"So! What are you doing right now?" I changed the subject as I leaned back on the bed.

"Still in bed!" She said lazily.

"Do you have any plans for today?" I asked.

"I don't know! I haven't talked to Shree or Sam! Maybe they have something in their minds! But after seeing Shree yesterday, I'm not really into going out with her today!" She whined, making me chuckle.

She has told me how Shree dragged her all around the mall at least for ten to twelve rounds. 

"Okay love! Let me know about it later, yeah?" I said.

"Yeah, I will!" She paused, "Did you have your lunch?" She asked.

"Yeah! I was just going for it! I will let you go then so you can sleep more! I will call you later. Bye for now! Miss you!" I said.

"Bye! Miss you too!" She replied with almost a whisper to my ears. I hung up and made my way downstairs.

"Come on, Yuvi!" Chachi said as she found me stepping inside the dining hall. I nodded and took my seat beside Sam.

Then I served some food on my plate and we dug in doing small talks among each other. 

"Do you have something planned for today?" I asked Sam as I took a bite of my parmesan chicken.

"Um! Yeah actually! Tomorrow's the Bach party so I have a plan!" Sam said, looking at me mischievously.

"What's the plan? And does it include me?" I asked.

"Yes yes! In fact, you and Mia are the very important people in this plan!" Sam said, bobbing her head up and down.

"Okayyyyy! Now will you tell me what it is?" I asked.

"Long driveeeeeee!" She said in a sing-song voice.

"What?" I frowned.

"Yeah! You heard me! A long drive around the town on motorbikes before your wedding and I promise it will be a memorable ride! Pleaseeeeee!" She pleaded with her joint hands whilst batting her eyelashes.

"Fine! I will talk with the guys!" I said.

"Oh don't worry about that! I have already talked with them!" Sam said, smiling cheekily.

"You were sure that I would agree huh?" I asked, cocking a brow.

"Yeah! Who could resist this cute face of mine?" Sam shrugged, making me shake my head with a smile. She smiled back and we went back to our food.

04:20PM IST, June 14th
Singhania's Residency
Vasant Bihar, Alexander Graham Bell Marg, Malabar hill
Mumbai, 400006

"Sam yaar! Jaldi kar na!" I yelled from downstairs and heard her response from upstairs.

"Coming Coming!"

I sighed and looked around. I was wearing a maroon sweatshirt with a pair of blue jeans and white sneakers. I had my goggles tucked in the neckline of the shirt and the bike keys in my hands, tossing it occasionally.

"I'm here! I'm here!" I heard and turned around to find Sam coming downstairs hurriedly.

"Finally!" I muttered.

She was wearing a crew neck grey cropped jumper, a pair of ripped blue jeans and a black leather jacket with her white sneakers. She had tied her hair in a high ponytail and was holding a bag on her shoulder.

"Let's go!" She said as she finally stood beside me.

I nodded and informed mum about us leaving before we left the house in my white Kawasaki Ninja. After a short drive, we reached the destination just a few minutes ahead of Roy's mansion where the others were waiting for us. From others, I meant Mia, Abhi, Sahil, Sid, Shree, Shanaya, Tobias, Stefan, Rose, Trevor, Varun and Armaan. 

I stopped the bike beside them and Sam and I got off the bike to greet each other. After greeting everyone, I pulled Mia into my embrace. She was wearing a white sleeveless, collared, cutout crop top with a pair of pink skinny jeans, a black zipped up leather jacket and a pair of shiny pink boots. Half of her hair was tied up in a bun whilst the rest were down. 

"I've missed you so much!" She whispered in the crook of my neck making me smile and nuzzle more into her hair.

"I've missed you as well my love! I can not even express in words!" I whispered back.

I pulled back from the hug and wiped some strands of hairs away from her face which were falling loosely here and there. Giving her a quick peck, we mounted on our bikes. Mia on mine, Sam on Armaan's, Rose on Trevor's, Tobias on Stefan's, Abhi on Sahil's, Shree on Sid's and Shanaya on Varun's. Then we drove off.

09:20PM IST, June 14th

After three and half hours of rides around the town, a lot of eating around the streets and some quality time spent at some tourist attractions, we drove off to our homes.

Sid and Shree went straight back to home with Varun, Shanaya and Sahil. Sam and Mia were on my bike whilst Abhi was sitting behind Armaan and Stefan behind Tobias as we drove back to Altamount road to drop Mia and Abhi back. After dropping Mia, Stefan, Tobias and Abhi back at their place, we drove off to our home whilst Armaan went to his.

~2 days left for the wedding~

━━━━━━━🦋━━━━━━━

Bachelor & Bachelorette Party

━━━━━━━🦋━━━━━━━

Next day, June 15th, 09:02AM IST
Singhania's Residency
Vasant Bihar, Alexander Graham Bell Marg, Malabar hill
Mumbai, 400006

Gone are the days when brides and grooms—and same-sex couples—would only celebrate their final single days separately with competing bachelorette and bachelor parties. Instead of focusing on a bash for just one person, a combined bachelor/bachelorette party can be inspired by the couple as a whole, along with their shared interests and friends. 

Currently I am having breakfast with the others before my bachelor party starts. Varun, Veer, Sid, Trevor, Stefan, Tobias, Sahil, Abhi and Armaan were already present with us at the dining table. Chachu, chachi, mum, dad, Rani ma and the Johnson couple have left for the hotel where the wedding will take place. Bhabhi, bhai and Alia are resting in their room. 

For breakfast, we were having scrambled eggs, breakfast potatoes and strawberry banana smoothie. Sam, Shree, Pihu and Shanaya had already left for Mia's home taking bhabhi along with them.  

After breakfast, we went to our respective rooms to get ready for our first special activity for today's bachelor party. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑷𝒐𝒐𝒍𝒆𝒚 𝑯𝒐𝒐𝒍𝒆𝒚! Which means a pool party! The name was chosen by Sam so don't ask me how and why it was named so!

I went to my room and changed into a pair of flamingo printed swimming trunks and a Nike swim shirt. I didn't want to wear the trunks at all but all thanks to Varun and Sam! Varun, because he had arranged them and Sam, for threatening me to wear them at any cost! I wore them on and grabbed my sunglasses and phone before walking downstairs. Then I went out towards the pool, where I found the guys. 

When I came, my other friends and cousins had already arrived. The pool was already decorated with the splash water bouncing balls, see-through unicorn balls, some tubes, some inflatable islands, pool volleyball, some different sized balls, Inflat-A-Bull Pool Float and many more. Outside the pool, there was a music system, BBQ and drinks section along with some poolside loungers and umbrellas around the corners. 

"There is the groom, guys!" Sid announced as he came and gave me a hug. One by one, I gave a hug to everyone and then sat on one of the loungers. Sahil handed me the sash which quoted 𝑮𝒓𝒐𝒐𝒎-𝒕𝒐-𝒃𝒆 and I draped it on a shoulder to the opposite hip.

"SO LET'S START THE PARTY!" Varun chimed as he pushed the play button on the remote whilst Armaan handed me a glane.

Baby, I like your style

Grips on your waist

Front way, back way

You know that I don't play

Streets not safe

But I never run away

Even when I'm away

Oti, oti, there's never much love when we go OT

I pray to make it back in one piece

I pray, I pray

Mridula's POV

09:05AM, IST, June 15th
12B, Antilia
Altamount Road, Cumballa Hill
South Mumbai

Currently I was getting ready for my bachelorette party in my room whilst the other girl's were getting ready in their rooms at our mansion. I was wearing a black one shoulder padded monokini inside my off white sarong which had black polka dots on them. I had the bride-to-be sash draped on my shoulder and a 'bride' quoting headpiece in my hair. There was a white robe in my hand which had "bride" printed on it's back. I was wearing two fluffy white slippers with Bride printed in golden cursive letters. 

I had minimal makeup on my face and my hair was tied into a messy fishtail braid to the side. 

"Mia, you ready?" Sam burst into my room with Rose trailing behind her.

"Damn! You are looking hot, girl!" Rose whistled, making me blush.

"True!" Sam agreed, nodding her head.

They both were wearing the same type of strappy white monokini with the same sarong as mine around their waists and some floral tiaras above their heads.

"Yeah, I'm ready! Let's go!" I said. 

Along with the girls, I came downstairs and we went straight to the east side of the mansion because there was an indoor pool and we had decided to party there. Mum was home preparing for tomorrow with Subho maa. Abhi dada and dad were at the hotel to check the preparations. When we finally reached the pool, I found the place decorated beautifully. The sunshine coming through the glass walls of the side was illuminating the whole place and the tropical decorations were giving it an island look. 

It’s been carefully put together with red, orange, pink and white balloons. And green palm leaves have been weaved through the structure to finish it off. There were artificial palm trees around the place along with the surfing boards and Ice cream corners. There were poolside loungers all around the pool which had umbrellas fitted over them. Alongside the ice cream stand, there were snacks corners at different places as well serving different cuisines. There was a music system and a mini bar in one corner. The pool had different coloured floating balloons which gave a playful splash of colour to it. Flamingo lawn ornaments lay here and there around the place. There were floating basketball and volleyball accessories in the pool alongside the inflatable islands. An oversized inflatable flamingo toy floats around the pool as the centrepiece. 

On the ceiling, there were ball garlands hanging down along with the DIY orange and lime cut pieces. There were even unicorns lying beside the loungers. And there were flamingoes everywhere. Flamingos, flamingos and more flamingos. There was a fruit stand giving the place a Hawaiian look and the large rattan rug beside the loungers with soft cushions on them was giving it a perfect picnic spot view. 

"Come on, Mia!" Shree chirped as she found us coming.

Shree, Pihu, Shanaya, Komal, Neha and some other friends and cousins were waiting for us beside the pool in the same outfits as Sam and Rose. Giving them a smile, I moved alongside Sam and Rose till we reached them. One by one, I gave each of them a hug and then we settled on the loungers. Sam got up holding the music system's remote in her hands. Rose handed each of us a glass of wine.

"Ready girls?" Sam asked with a grin.

"READY!" Everyone cheered.

"Here is the song to the last day of being sinmuic.

Greetings loved ones

Let's take a journey

I know a place

Where the grass is really greener

Warm, wet n' wild

There must be something in the water

Sippin' gin and juice

Laying underneath the palm trees

(Undone)

The boys

Break their necks

Try'na to creep a little sneak peek

(At us)

The morning went by us playing different games in and by the pool, questionnaire games and many more. I cut the special cake to celebrate the bachelorette bash. And we had different flavoured slushies, fruits, grilled chicken, elote and many more BBQ delicacies.

05:03PM IST, June 15th
12B, Antilia
Altamount Road, Cumballa Hill
South Mumbai

Currently I was getting ready with the help of Shree and Sam in my room for the joint Bach party tonight at Armaan's yacht, named Seaduction by him.

Now do not ask me why?! Damn! Now I am realising that I am friends with some unique creatures in the world. First Sam and now Maan?!

I was wearing a v-neck, short sleeved maroon lace embroidered burgundy cocktail dress which had the same coloured floral detailing over the fabric. Alongside the dress, I was wearing a pair of maroon long stiletto heels and a pair of maroon tassel earrings. My hair was styled in wavy smooth curls which cascaded down my back and my face had a simple party style makeup having light red eyeshadow and matte red lipstick. 

"Man! My brother is a goner tonight!" Sam fanned herself whilst looking at me from up to down with a mischievous grin. 

"Gosh! Shut up and keep your eyes away girls! You're making me uncomfortable!" I rolled my eyes as Shree and Sam grinned at me widely. 

Sam was wearing a white short dress in silver and pearl beads all over it. The dress reached till her mid-thigh. Shree was wearing a blue sequined backless dress that reached just below her knee. 

"Okay, can we go?" I asked as I grabbed my phone and a matching clutch.

They nodded and we made our way out of my room. We walked down the stairs, giggling and talking. 

Abhi dada and Sid jiju are going to take us to the venue. As they saw us, they got up from the couch and gave us all a hug before complementing how beautiful we all looked. I bid my bye to mum, dad and Subho maa who wished me to enjoy the party to the fullest. And then we came out of the mansion and walked our way down towards the car. 

"I'm driving!" Sid jiju said as he tossed the car keys and we nodded.

Sid jiju and Abhi dada sat in the front whilst Sam, Shree and I settled down behind with me between them. The engine roared to life as Sid jiju turned the key in the ignition. 

Sam fiddled with her phone whilst Shree and I talked and Sam butted in betweens. We made it in thirty five minutes to the yacht site and my anxiety, nervousness and every feeling of fear vanished away as I found Yuvraj strolling towards us with one of his hands pushed inside his pants. He was wearing a black tight t-shirt which had golden faded designs over it, a pair of black skinny jeans with matching black boots and a grey leather jacket with black edges. He looked heavenly.

Abhi dada and Sid jiju went out and they bro hugged Yuvraj before Abhi dada and Sid jiju opened the door for us from two sides. Sam went out first when dada opened the door. I was about to place my foot out as well when I found a hand stretched out in front of me. I looked up to find Yuvraj smiling down at me. Giving him a smile back, I placed my hand in his as he helped me to come out not before giving a reassuring squeeze to my hand. I smoothed my dress as I took a look around the place.

The place was literally buzzing. The yacht was just a little away from the gateway of India and the night skyline of Mumbai alongside the different coloured lights coming from the yacht was making the seaside appear so beautiful and illuminating. The yacht, or shall I call Seaduction was buzzing with the people inside and with the music and chatters. 

"Shall we?" Yuvraj asked as he wrapped his arm around my slim waist.

I nodded at him with a smile and he led us aboard. Various fresh flowers were decorated around the place. Same coloured ribbons were tied around the railings of the yacht. The yacht was huge and it could hold 240 people at one time. We were greeted and congratulated by many of Yuvraj's friends including Aman (at the clubbing night after Yuvi & Mia's engagement), Raghav, Rishabh and Amit (if you remember the birthday party of Yuvi) and escorted to inside the yacht by Armaan and our friends. We greeted everyone of them before Armaan tossed a champagne bottle for us and everyone hooted. The music played again whilst Yuvraj led me to the couch where the rest of our gang was sitting.

"Here comes the Rab ne bana di jodi!" Sid jiju commented, giving us a sly smile.

I blushed, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear as I took a seat beside Yuvraj. As usual, he draped his one arm around my waist and intertwined my fingers with his, before placing it on my lap. I leaned my body back on his chest as I looked around happily at the people who were celebrating us. The yacht had now moved a little far ashore and the wind blowing was so fresh and serene here. 

"COME ON, MAN! JOIN US!" Some of Yuvraj's friends called us to the dance floor.

"Wanna dance?" Yuvraj asked me as he turned his face towards me.

"Sure!" I gave him a smile and nodded.

Yuvraj got up and helped me up after him before leading me towards the dance floor with an arm around my waist. As everyone saw us approaching the stage, they hooted and cheered for us. I gave them a smile when we reached the stage and turned to face Yuvi who was already looking at me with adoration, clearly visible in his eyes.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" I asked as he wrapped his both arms around my waist whilst I locked my hands behind his neck.

Leaning his forehead against mine, he swayed us with the music as the background music changed to Love me like you do by Ellie Goulding.

"Well, you always amaze me! My friends love you! I don't think there is someone who can escape from rms!" He said, cheekily, which made me laugh by throwing my head back.

The night went by us playing games, dancing, talking and much more. To be honest, I couldn't have enjoyed my bachelorette party alone without Yuvraj. It was perfect! It's true that a fun way to get everyone in the same space and make memories is to hangout together. The party was big. Everyone with whom I and Yuvi mingled were so cheery and happy that it made us euphoric. The shoppable, Instagram-friendly goodies that were arranged by the guys brought the event to the next level. Yuvraj and I were made to wear sashes quoting The best hubby & Wifey for lifey.

The competitive games and the spirit of everyone gave a different boost to the party. We clicked so many pictures together and there were professional photographers on the yacht to take candid and posed pictures as well. Everyone gave us gifts after I and Yuvraj cut the cake and we gave them the return gifts that had been arranged. And the elegant dinner at the end was the perfect way to finish a party off.

Around 2 or 3 at night, the party ended and we went back to our homes.

~1 day left for the wedding~

━━━━━━━🦋━━━━━━━

Makeover Day

━━━━━━━🦋━━━━━━━

Mridula's POV

Next day, June 16th, 10:02AM IST
BBLUNT Khar
Plot No 329, Linking Road, 7th Rd, Khar West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400052

Currently we were inside our royal spa room which was booked for us by Abhi dada. He had dropped us here and left back home as there was some work left for the wedding tomorrow. But Armaan, who had come with us, was waiting for us in the car outside.

I was wearing a cropped polka print bow top, a pair of poplin shorts with gerbera-daisy print, drop hoop earrings with crosses, a pair of leopard print strappy sandals and held a medium dauphine leather Sicily bag in my hands. 

I was sitting on a plush velvet chair and a girl from the salon was doing my toe nails. Sam and Pihu were doing the same as me whilst Rose, Shree and Shanaya were doing their hair. Komal and Neha couldn't join us for this as they were busy with their families. Everything was almost done.

Facial ☑️
Nails ☑️
Eyebrows ☑️
Waxing ☑️
Massage ☑️
Face shaving ☑️

Sighing, I brought my hand to my jeans pocket to take out the phone but I didn't find it in there. I frowned and looked in the other pocket.

"Guys! Looks like I forgot my phone in the car! I am gonna get it!" I informed the girls who nodded absentmindedly.

"I am sorry! I will be back in a minute!" I said to the girl who was doing my toe nails.

"It's okay ma'am! I will be here!" She said, 
smiling politely.

I gave her a nod and got up from the chair. I wore my sandals. Tucking a strand of hair behind my ear, I made my way out of the parlour. After reaching outside, I didn't find Armaan near the car. I shrugged it off and walked towards the parking lot. There weren't many vehicles around so it was easy for me to find it. Opening the back door, I found my phone on.

"Here it is!" I grabbed my phone and closed the car door behind me.

Checking my phone, I turned around towards the parlour. There weren't any texts or calls from Yuvraj for which I thanked God. Otherwise he would've slaughtered me with his never ending lectures and questions. Shaking my head, I put the phone in my pants back pocket and took a step forward towards the parlour.

But I couldn't move any further! Because I was frozen at my place. There was someone in front of me, whom I never wanted to see ever again in my life! He was crossing the road with some people behind him! He was talking on the phone!

My breathing quickened as I found him moving towards me. His eyes weren't on me but still it was too terrifying for me. My hands started to shake and sweat beads formed on my forehead and neck. Along with my hands, I felt my whole body shaking as I stumbled backwards to the car as one by one tears dropped from my eyes. My lips parted in shock but nothing came out of it. Not even a whisper! i

My lips wobbled as tears blurred my vision. Still looking at my front, my hands shakily went behind me and tried to find the handle of the car door. When I finally found it, I turned around in a flash just when his eyes were about to fall on me. My eyes wandered around to my sides whilst I was struggling to open the door. My lungs were constricting and a whimper left my mouth as I accidentally scratched my finger with the new fake nails. 

Thankfully, the car door opened and I stumbled inside. As soon as I sat inside, I turned around fearfully. When I turned fully around, from the car's half opened door, I found him staring straight at me with a smirk forming on his lips. It felt like he was staring straight into my soul, ripping it. His full face wasn't showing, only half of it. But the crooked smirk was clearly visible. 

Panic seized me, making it more difficult for me to breathe as I stared at the monster in front of me. My eyes widened and a gasp left my mouth. More tears clouded my vision as I grabbed the car handle and pulled it to close. 

As soon as the car's door was closed, I felt myself struggling for breath. Whimpers and sobs left my mouth as I ducked myself on the seat so he wouldn't see me. Although the car's windows were tinted, his eyes which were on me some time ago made me feel endangered. I grabbed my phone hurriedly and dialled the first number which was on the history. Sobs left my mouth, as I curled into a ball on the seat and closed my eyes tightly whilst praying to God to let someone pick up the call.

"Hey baby girl!" I heard Yuvraj from the other end which gave me hope.

I was trying to say but nothing came out of my mouth except whimpers and hushed words.

"Mia! Baby, are you alright?" I heard his voice which was filled with concern.

I shook my head frantically hoping that he would understand but how would he, when he cannot even see me?!

"Mia! Baby, talk to me! What happened, love?" He asked, worriedly.

I gulped down the lump which had formed in my throat and tried to control my breathing so that I could talk.

"Mia, say something? You're worrying me!" 

I opened my mouth to say something but nothing came out. I shook off the urge to break down and tried again.

"Y-yu-!" I tried but it came out as a croaked and hushed voice.

"Yes baby! I am coming and I heard you! What happened, love? Tell me!" I heard him shuffling around.

Ping Ping

I heard a sound coming from my phone and pulled it back from my ear to find the battery dead. A sniffle left my lips as I threw the phone away and tucked my hands near my chest as I curled into a ball. Sobs left my mouth as I clutched onto the car seat.

My body was trembling with terror, my mind replaying those awful memories and I could hear him laughing at my dreadful expressions. Clamping my hands over my ear to block out the sound of his laughter, I shut my eyes to stop seeing the images floating through my brain. But it was of no use. Nothing was helping. Those memories were too real, too vivid. 

Yuvraj's POV

10:32AM IST, June 16th
BBLUNT Khar
Plot No 329, Linking Road, 7th Rd, Khar West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400052

In less than fifteen minutes, I was in front of the parlour where Mia and the other girls were for a makeover. To be honest, Mia's call and her silence terrified me. And all my heart wanted was having her in my arms, protected.

Hurriedly, I came out of my car and rushed inside the parlour. I was trying the other girl's phone but none of them were picking up which increased my panic more. I asked about the girls in the reception and when the receptionist told me the room, I found myself running towards it. I slammed the door open which made the girls squeal inside.

"Bhai! What are you doing here?" Sam asked whilst I was looking around the room from Mia.

"Where is Mia? Mia kahan hai?" I asked when I didn't find her.

"Oh she said she was going to fetch her phone! But she hasn't come yet! Shit! How can we forget about her?" Shree exclaimed.

Without listening to their banters, I turned around and rushed out of the door. When I reached outside, I looked around but didn't find Mia anywhere in the parking area. I was about to look in the cars when Sam came outside and pointed to the car in which they came. Without thinking twice, I rushed towards it and yanked the door open in hope to find my girl.

But what I found inside, broke my heart!

"MIA!" A scream left my mouth when I found her inside, curled up in a fetal position, shivering badly.

Her eyes opened wide and she looked up. Her eyes filled with tears as she got up from her position and flung herself into my arms. I was frozen then but when I heard her sobbing in the crook of my neck, I got my senses back and wrapped my arms around her tightly and protectively. 

Picking her up, I slid inside and put her on my lap as she clung on to me and closed the car door because I didn't want anyone to look at her in this state. And there could've been paparazzi around. So I ain't taking any risks. Once inside, I saw Sam getting into the passenger seat whilst looking at Mia worriedly.

"God! What happened to her?" Sam muttered whilst frowning at Mia, then she continued, "I'll inform the others!" She left.

"Shh baby! I'm here! I'm here! What happened, love? Tell me!" I said as I patted her back and hair. 

"Y-y-yuvi!" She whispered as if she was confirming if it's really me.

"Yes sweetheart! It's me. Look, it's your Yuvi! Come on, look at me!" I said as I pulled her back from my neck.

She was holding onto my biceps tightly and her head was hung low as the tears dropped one by one on my lap. I cupped her face with one hand and wrapped the other around her waist to steady her on my lap.

When she finally looked up, her red, terrified eyes and tear stricken cheeks. Caressing her cheeks, I kissed her forehead tenderly whilst she shivered under my touch. Her breathing was ragged as if she had run miles. 

"Breath for me, love. Slow, deep breaths!" I murmured gently as she tried to control her breaths.

Whilst she was taking the oxygen, I rubbed her back, encouraging her with my words to breathe in and out and that everything was all right. I wiped her tears and brushed my lips with her in the softest of caresses. After a soft and tender kiss to make her believe that I was here, I pulled back and stared at her in hope that she would say something. 

"Shh! Tell me, what happened?" I asked, softly as I took out my handkerchief from the pant pocket and wiped her tears off her cheek gently.

"He i-is her-e!" She croaked out and her eyes filled with tears again as her lips quivered. I looked around out of the windows but didn't find anyone suspicious.

"Shh baby! Calm down! Noone is here! It's just me!" I tried to calm her down. She shook her head frantically and buried her head back into the crook of my neck.

"T-take me a-way from h-ere ple-please! He will c-come ag-again! Le-let's j-ust go!" She pleaded whilst she again started to shake.

"Okay okay! Fine! We are leaving okay! Calm down!" I said as I took her in the bridal style.

"Baby, now I'm going to take you out to my car, okay? Just calm down and keep your eyes closed! I have got you!" I said.

She nodded and hid her face in my chest before wrapping her arms around my neck tightly. Exhaling a breath, I pushed the door open and got out of the car, holding Mia in my arms. I found Armaan jogging towards us with a worried expression. I signalled him to keep quiet and he obliged but asked me what happened to her through his eyes.

"Later!" I muttered before walking towards my car and Armaan followed me to it.

Thankfully, the parking place was silent and there weren't many people. The people who were present there didn't pay attention, thank God for that. Armaan opened the passenger side door for me and I put Mia in. She whimpered and tightened her arm around me in reflex.

"Shh baby! I am here! I am just putting you on the seat so we can leave, yeah?" I said and she understood me as she loosened her hold around my neck.

I pulled back from her clutch and held her hands as she looked at me with tearful eyes. I knelt down outside the car and pecked her hands which were still in mine.

"I'm just gonna inform Armaan and then we will go, okay? See, he is just here! It will take only two minutes! You, be my brave Mia and stay here okay! I am just by the car!" I said and she nodded reluctantly.

I pecked her forehead before getting up and closing the door. I turned to Armaan who was still looking at my terrified girl with a concerned and pained expression.

"So, what happened to her?" Armaan asked.

"Don't know! She called me and well, she couldn't say anything as if her voice was choked. When I came here, I found her in the car, curled up in a ball with tear -stricken face and shaking pretty badly! She didn't say much! But she mentioned a certain he! He is here! He will come again! Take me away from here! Etc! I don't know what the hell happened to her all of a sudden!" I explained to Armaan as I raked a hand through my hair whilst the other rested on my hip.

"Hmm! Strange! I've never seen her behaving like this! Anyway, so what are you gonna do?" Armaan asked.

"I am just gonna take her back home now! I don't think she can stay here any more! I'll explain it to maa so she can check her! Will you do me a favour?" I asked Armaan.

"Yeah, anything! Tell me!" Armaan asked.

"Can you arrange the CCTV footage of this place! From every angle, if possible!" I asked.

"Sure! That's not a big deal! Anything else?" Armaan asked.

"No! Thank you, Man! See you later!" I said as I shook his hand and gave him a bro hug.

"Sure Raj! I will get the CCTV footage ASAP!" Armaan said and I nodded.

"Take care of Mia! She is too precious for all of us!" Armaan said whilst gazing at Mia over my shoulder.

I nodded and looked back at her, who was looking at me curiously. I gave her a reassuring smile whilst her gaze stayed on me.

"Okay man! I will drop the girls at home soon! You should take Mia home now!" Armaan said.

"Yeah! Thank you!" I said.

"Oh don't mention it!" Armaan said before he waved at Mia and walked away towards the Parlour.

Sighing, I rounded the car and opened the driver side before sitting inside. I closed the door and buckled in. When I looked at her seatbelt, I found that she had already done that. I revved the engine as we drove off to her house.

"So Princess! Wanna listen to some songs?" I asked her with a smile whilst wiggling my brows at her.

She just stared at me with her big, curious eyes before giving me a small smile and nodded. My smile widened and I played the radio.

Tu Jahaan Main Wahaan

Sang Sang Yu Chalu Tere

Jaise Tera Aasmaan

Tu Jahaan Main Wahaan

Sang Sang Yu Chalu Tere

Jaise Tera Aasmaan

She was still staring at me whilst I was driving and occasionally taking glances at her. 

Jo Dhup Nikli Chaya Ban Jaaunga

Jo Ho Tu Akeli Saaya Ban Jaaunga

Jo Uljhan Mein Ho Mann Main Behlaaunga

Tum Aa Gaye Ho Toh Jeena Aaya Hain

Khushiya Ka Tumne Yeh Jaal Bichaya Hain

Khoya Hain Khudko Yah Sab Kutch Paaya Hain

Tu Jahaan Main Wahaan

Sang Sang Yu Chalu Tere

Jaise Tera Aasmaan

With a small smile on her face, she turned to look out of the window. Staring at her peaceful face, I pushed a button and the glass of her window slid down, pushing the fresh air in which blew her hair a little. 

 Ho Gam Ke Badal Mujhpe Tham Jaane De

Bechainiyo Ko Mujhse Takrane De

Dukhti Ho Koi Baat Mujhpe Aane De

Dil Sochta Tha Ke Koi Apna Ho

Koi Raaz Na Ho Jo Uss Se Rakhna Ho

Aankhein Na Kholu Main Shayad Sapna Ho

Tu Jahaan Main Wahaan

Sang Sang Yu Chalu Tere

Jaise Tera Aasmaan

Now she was smiling a little bigger than before which brought peace to my heart. When we were passing through the sea link, she looked like a typical child by her expressions. She was glancing up at the flying clouds with an unexplainable happiness twinkling in her eyes, like she is seeing the world for the first time.

11:09AM IST, June 16th
12B, Antilia
Altamount Road, Cumballa Hill
South Mumbai

I parked the car in the driveway of Roy's mansion and climbed out of the car before walking around. Then I pulled the door open on Mia's side and stretched my hand in front of her. She took a hold of my hand and climbed out whilst I closed the door behind her. 

"Come!" I said as I wrapped my arm around her shoulder and led her inside the house.

When we reached the living room, I found Nirmala aunty coming out from the kitchen.

"Mia! You came so fast! Yuvraj beta! Welcome! And please take a seat! I will call Devi!" She said.

"It's okay aunty! Just send Maa to Mia's room, I will.be waiting for her there!" I said.

"Oh okay, sure!" She said as I led Mia upstairs.

Pushing her room's door open, I led her inside and helped her to lay down on the bed as she looked a little tired. She protested when I took off her sandals but one look from me, stopped her protests. I took off her sandals and tucked her inside the duvet when maa entered the room.

"Yuvi, what happened? And how come Mia is home early?" Maa asked as she found Mia sleeping on the bed.

"She had a panic attack at the Parlour maa!" I said.

"What?" She asked in bewilderment.

Then I explained what had happened there whilst she listened to everything carefully. 

"So, yeah! That's what happened!" I said.

"Okay, don't worry! She looks fine to me now!" Maa said as she checked her heartbeats and pulse.

"I will take care of her! Thank you for dropping her off Yuvraj!" She thanked me.

"It's my responsibility maa! And don't worry about the Parlour fiasco, I will take care of it! You just take care of Mia!" I said.

"Of course beta!" She said.

I stayed there for sometime before coming back home. 

12:33PM IST, June 16th
Singhania's Residency
Vasant Bihar, Alexander Graham Bell Marg, Malabar hill
Mumbai, 400006

"So that's what happened!" I explained in front of everyone in the Singhania residence. 

Armaan has already dropped Sam and Shanaya in here and currently everyone is worried about Mia's sudden panic attack.

"Do you have any clue about what happened to her suddenly?" Bhai asked.

"No! I don't know anything! But I think it's the same person about whom I reminded her because of my outburst that day!" I said.

"So, did she say something?" Mum asked.

"No! She was too terrified to say something!" I said.

"We should give her some time so she can open up to us!" Dad said and we nodded in agreement.

"Did Devi say something about the wedding tomorrow? Seeing Mia's condition, did she mention anything about postponing the wedding?" Mum asked.

"No mum! There is no need to! Mia will be fine! And I am marrying her tomorrow itself, as decided!" I announced, "She'll be mine tomorrow officially, in front of the world!" I muttered.

Everyone nodded in agreement.

05:10PM IST, June 16th
ITC Grand Central
287, Dr, Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar Rd, Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400012

Inspired by the Maratha dynasty, located conveniently close to both the international and domestic airports and in close proximity to the business districts of north and central Mumbai, the majestic ITC Maratha reaffirms the understated grandeur and ethos of warm Indian hospitality. With beautifully appointed rooms and suites, signature cuisine, bespoke wellness and a range of elaborate banqueting facilities, the hotel is the perfect choice for a business trip to India’s financial capital or to enjoy a holiday in the entry point to Maharashtra. 

I parked the car in front of the hotel as we all climbed out and walked in, greeted by the hotel staff and manager. As there were some rituals to complete in the morning, we had decided to stay in the hotel for the night as well. Mia with her family and friends will be here soon as well.

I was wearing a Puma signed white polo round necked t-shirt, a pair of blue jeans and a pair of white ankle length shoes with my Ray-Ban sunglasses. I was holding Alia's hand in mine as I followed the other's inside. The whole hotel was booked for us and the guests so there was double security around the place.

The most visible styles in the design palette are the timeless touches of Indo-Saracenic architecture and Victoriana in its regal attire. The art and artefacts exhibited in the hotel have been chosen carefully to mirror the culture of the region. Contemporary art has been sensitively juxtaposed with traditional styles. Each floor explores a different theme, from Ajanta frescoes to Chitrakatha drawings, from Warli tribal art to tantric forms. Guests enjoy the framed displays of antique coins and flawless jewellery and textiles including the acclaimed Paithani silk sarees.

The domed roof, the main identity of the hotel, which is inspired by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus. The hotel champions Indian and British history and pays tribute to the great Marathas. There were several Maharashtrian elements in the lobby including Shivaji Maharaj’s portrait. Another striking feature is the glass sheet etched with the “Tree of Life” motif and a poem in the ancient Modi script. 

As soon as the manager handed us our suite keys, we took the elevators and went to our floor. After dropping Alia off in bhabhi and Bhai's room, I went to my suite which was on the fifteenth floor same as my family and the member from the groom's, which means my side whilst Mia, her family and the bride's side people will be staying at the floor above us.

My suite was beautiful and there was a regal touch to it. The jaw-dropping 2120 sq ft suite of ITC grand maratha exudes luxury. Located in Mumbai's lower parel, this suite offers an endless view of the Mumbai skyline, which you can enjoy while relaxing in a jacuzzi and sipping on your choice of wine or whiskey. The master bedroom of the suite features a large king size bed, a walk-in wardrobe and a work desk with an ergonomic chair. The décor had a purple and golden colour theme throughout and there was a small working desk, a tea and coffee table, an in-room refrigerator, a flat screen etc. There was a small box by the bed which featured products such as pillow mist, eye masks, earplugs, and stress relief mist by Forest Essentials. The bathroom was modern and functional and was done in golden hues and featured luxurious Essenza Di Wills toiletries. 

I sat on the bed and dialled Mia's number.

"Hello! Yuvi!" She said from the other side and she was talking normally.

"Hey love! Where are you?" I asked.

"Oh! We are just near the hotel and will be there in five minutes! What about you?" She asked.

"We arrived just some minutes ago! Okay! Come soon! I will be there down, waiting for you!" I said.

"Okay! Bye!" She said.

"Bye amore!" I hung up.

I washed my face in the washroom before checking myself in the mirror and walking out of my room. I found Varun talking with someone on the phone in the hallway.

"V!" I called out and he turned to me, giving me a questioning look.

"Come on! The Roys are here!" I said. 

Varun nodded and hung up before following me to the elevator. We came to the lobby and moved forward to the entrance of the hotel to find the cars approaching. The cars stopped in the driveway and the bodyguards opened the doors as they came out. 

My eyes were stuck on my girl who looked quite happy and normal now. She was wearing a full sleeved blue floral midi dress which reached just a little after her mid-thigh with her hair cascading down her waist in soft loose curls. She was wearing white strappy heels and held a Balenciaga handbag in her hands. She was also wearing white Chanel squared goggles with metallic white earrings which had golden ends. She looked simply gorgeous in her outfit and I never doubted her fashion sense. The orangish blush on her cheeks and the orange matte lipstick was making her look so ravishing yet so cute at the same time.

How can someone look so sexy yet so innocent at the same time! I thought.

I saw as her eyes wandered around the place and fell on me at last which brought a wide toothy grin on her beautiful face. I couldn't hold back the smile which formed on my face instantly seeing my girl all fine and perfect. Maa, papa, Shree, Shanaya, Subho maa, Prem uncle, Rajveer uncle, Twinkle aunty, Abhi, Tobias and Stefan or in short the people from the bride's side, came out of the cars as well. 

The hotel staff, Duggu bhai, me, Sahil and Varun welcomed them and handed them the keys which we had already collected from the reception. The paparazzi were crowding out of the hotel gates, clicking every picture they could. Some even tried to come in but the guards kept them out of the hotel premises. 

Remind me to give them a bonus after the wedding!

After they were escorted to their suites, I too went to our floor with bhai, Shail and Varun to take a little rest before checking on the preparations again.

I came to my suite and changed my clothes into a comfortable pair of black Nike shorts and a white sleeveless loose vest. I messed up my hair as I climbed on my bed and laid down. Soon I fell asleep as the tiredness kicked in.

09:51PM IST, June 16th
ITC Grand Central
287, Dr, Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar Rd, Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400012

Currently me, the guys and the girls except Mia were in my room having dinner whilst planning something secret. Well Mia couldn't come as it was a private meeting for us and we couldn't share the information with her as well. And also Mia was already asleep as she has been through so much today. 

"Mia is already asleep so can we start our plan now as decided?" Sahil asked as he took a bite of his chicken lollipop.

"Mhm! I think it's the perfect time!" I nodded and sipped from my water as I finished my meal.

"Okay then, let's get going guys!" Sid said as he got up from his seat.

"Yes, let's do it!" Shree and Sam cheered together.

I can't understand how these girls can have this much energy after an eventful day!

I shook my head and followed Sahil and Veer outside as planned for our scheduled works. We took the elevator and went to the ground floor. When we finally reached the ground floor, we talked with the manager and the hotel staff who were helping us with our plan. He led us to the garden where the surprise plan is being worked on. 

The garden was decorated beautifully with fairy lights and white flowers. There was a big decorated table in the middle which had balloons stuck to the edges. And there were white and pink coloured balloons hanging from the ceilings.

Without wasting any further time, I started to do my work whilst Sahil and Veer did theirs.

Mridula's POV

11:45PM IST, June 16th
16th floor, ITC Grand Central
287, Dr, Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar Rd, Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400012

I was woken up by someone shaking me. I rustled in my duvet and peeked up, Sam was standing over me with a creepy smile on her face.

I frowned and grabbed my phone to check the time. When I did, my frown deepened.

"At 11:45? What happened? And how did you come inside?" I asked, groggily.

 "Get up, we need to be somewhere, Mia!" She said before yanking me to sit up by holding my one hand.

I looked at her with wide, horrified eyes as the sleep slipped out of my eyes. I looked at the person by squinting my eyes but still found Sam in front me.

"Aisa kaise ho sakta hai? How can you have so much energy?" I muttered under my breath.

A smack behind my forehead brought me back to reality and a squeal left my mouth as I rubbed the back with a scowl on my face.

"What was that for?" I glared at Sam.

"Bitch! You're light as fuck! Now don't waste any more time by working your head! Just shut up and follow me!" She said as she dragged me out of the bed.

"Wai-! What are you doing?" I asked when she started to wrap a blinding cloth on my eyes.

"This is necessary! Now, not even a word! Just follow my lead!" Sam said as she tied the cloth behind my head and made me wear my slippers. Then out of nowhere she started dragging me.

"But where are we going, tell me that at least! I am in my PJs for god sake!" I said, throwing my hands up in the air dramatically.

Currently I was wearing a white tank top with a glittery print of Elsa on it, a pair of blue trousers that reached till my mid calf and had white snowflakes prints on it. My hair was cascading down my back in my natural straight look.

"You will know that soon! And don't worry, you look good!" She said as I heard a door closing behind me.

"Bu-!" I was interrupted by Sam.

"Mia, not a single word! Or I will whack your arse!" She said which made me silent.

"That's what I thought!" Sam muttered under her breath and I was shooting daggers at her in my mind 'cause I couldn't see her through my eyes.

Damn her! She can be so blunt sometimes!

11:55PM IST, June 16th

All I knew with my covered eyes were, that we first took the elevator and came downstairs. And now I think we are outside because the cold air that was hitting my bare shoulders and arms was making me shiver. But I haven't opened my mouth since Sam's extraordinary threat.

I felt like I was walking on grass because the cold, wet leaves were touching the sides of my feet and it was soft to walk on. We finally stopped somewhere and Sam left my arm. I waited for sometime but didn't hear a noise.

"Sam?" I called, hesitantly because I didn't want a smack on my arse. It's embarrassing, that too outside.

When I didn't hear anything in particular other than the wind blowing and crickets, I took off my blindfold and was surprised to see the devoted garden in front of me.

11:58PM IST, June 16th

The garden was overflowing with different coloured and types of flowers. Small bouquets of flowers were tucked into the teacups which had my name printed on them in glittery cursive letters at different corners around the place. In the middle of the place was a table which was decorated with floral garlands, balloons, ribbons and something was on the top of it. I couldn't see it as it was covered with a lid. There was fairy lights mesh, a little above the table which was illuminating the place brightly yet serenely. Polaroid pictures of mine with Yuvraj & my parents and with some others were hanging down the mesh of fairy lights from strings. Bright pink and white balloons were hanging around the garden from the tree branches and all.

Lamps and string light arrangements brightened the place even more. Fabric white lamps were hanging down with strings attached to them, giving an overall luxurious look to the backyard. Colourful paper strips were tangled with the fairy lights mesh above the table which was enhancing the appearance. Confetti filled see-through balloons were lying here and there around the area.

~WEDDING DAY~

12:00AM IST, June 17th

I was startled when different coloured balloons started to crawl or more like flow towards my direction with a gush of wind. 

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MIA!" Loud screams of wishing me a happy birthday brought me back to reality and I looked up to find a lot of people in front of me. 

They came out of nowhere and I didn't even realise when they came. I looked around them to find Yuvraj, mum, dada, dad, Subho maa, papa, maa, chachi, chachu, Twinkle aunty, Rajveer uncle, Sam, Shree, Tobias, Stefan, Veer, Pihu, Rani ma, Prem uncle, Shanaya, Alia, bhabhi, bhai, Varun bhaiya, Sahil bhaiya, Rose, Trevor, Nicole, Robert and Armaan along with the other cousins and friends.

It's my birthday! Damn! I can't believe I forgot it because of all the ceremonies that were going on!

A smile broke out on my lips as I stared at the people who surprised me with this.

"Thank you guys!" I said as tears clouded my vision.

Yuvraj came forward and enveloped me in his arms. I wrapped my arms around his torso and laid my head on his chest.

"Happy Birthday, baby!" He murmured, nuzzling his face in my hair.

"Thank you! I loved the surprise!" I smiled.

He pulled back from the hug and placed his lips on mine. After a soft and gentle smooch, we pulled back and he led me to the others. Mum and dad were the first ones to come and hug me.

"Happy Birthday sweetie, may all your wishes come true!" Mum said as she kissed me on my forehead.

"Happy Birthday, princess!" Dad said and gave me a tight hug.

"Thank you mum, dad!" I replied with a smile.

One by one everyone wished me and gave me a hug after which I was escorted under the mesh of fairy lights where the table was. The table was now decorated with different types of delicacies like scones, pastries, macaroons, ice-cream cones, cupcakes, doughnuts and more. I looked at the pictures and a smile spread on my lips remembering the moments when the pictures were taken.

There were some pictures after my birth, some from mum holding me in her arms, and in some where dad held me, some from my toddler days, some from my school, some from my holidays with my parents, from my school dramas, from my teenage days, from my uni, with my friends, from my days around Mumbai, from London, from some other places in the world whilst I was on holidays, with Yuvraj, from Yuvraj and my trip to kashmir, from our first date, some candids from the pre-wedding video shoots, some from the ceremonies of our wedding and many more. It brought tears to my eyes.

"No crying babe! I forbid you from crying tonight!" Yuvraj said, making me smile. He wiped my tears away and handed me a knife.

The lid was taken off the cake and I saw a beautiful pink gin themed birthday with custom toppers on it.

"Come on Mia! Make a wish and cut the cake!" Varun bhaiya chirped, making some people laugh.

I nodded and closed my eyes. 

Thank you for everything you have given to me, God! I am very very thankful for everything you have done for me! On this twenty third birthday of mine, I wish you to keep showering me with your love and blessing! I want you to help me in cherishing mine and Yuvraj's future together! I want you to keep every loved one of mine happy and healthy! And please bring my boudi back! I wished and blew the candles off as everyone chorused the classic happy birthday song for me.

Clasping Yuvraj's hand in mine, we cut the cake together. I cut out a tiny piece and fed the little angel, Alia beside me. After that I fed a piece to Yuvraj who ate half of it and fed me the other. Then I fed the others. After that everyone gave me more wishes and gifts and then I was escorted back to my room by Abhi dada and Shree. 

After I came back to my room, I went to the washroom and washed my face before laying down on the bed.

━━━━━━━🦋━━━━━━━

Chooda chadhana ceremony

━━━━━━━🦋━━━━━━━

06:03AM IST, June 17th
16th floor, ITC Grand Central
287, Dr, Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar Rd, Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400012

If you translate the nomenclature of this ceremony literally to English, it would be “placing bangles”. This is a punjabi pre-wedding ritual. A havan or a sacred fire is lit and the elderly male members from the side of the bride sit around the fire. The eldest maternal uncle of the bride plays a vital role and he also takes part in the havan. The maternal uncle or mama and his wife would gift a set of 21 bangles – red/maroon and white/ivory in color. Nowadays, since ivory is becoming rare, brides also wear plastic bangles in different hues like pink, purple and many other colors. But before sliding it onto her wrists, the bangles are blessed by all the elders present.

The bangles are purified in a liquid mixture containing milk and rose petals. The mama has to put the bangles on the wrist of the bride. But the head and face of the bride is covered with a white scarf at that time as she is not supposed to see the bangles at the time when it is put on her wrists. At the time of the ritual, flower petals are showered on the bride. The mama of the bride also gifts the bride a lehenga-choli/sari which she wears at the time of the wedding. It is expected that the bride would wear the set of chooda for a minimum period of 40-45 days.

Currently I am getting ready in my suite for the first ceremony of the morning which is the chooda chadhana ceremony. I was wearing a stunning red lehenga featuring intricate floral dori embroidery on lightweight silk organza. The lehenga is paired with a complementing dupatta and silk choli adorned with resham and sequins, for a comfortable, contemporary look. Pairing with the lehenga, I was wearing white crystal longline earrings and red Jimmy choo sandals whilst the makeup artists did their work on my face. My hair left down to cascade on my back with soft curls at the ends and I had pearl hairpins tucked in my hair.

As per the ritual, my mama or maa-maa and mami (maternal uncle and his wife) should be the one to play the main role in the ceremony but as mum had no other sibling except for Subho maa, Rajveer uncle and Twinkle aunty had offered to do the ritual. And of course, mum and dad agreed. After all, Rajveer uncle is no less than a brother for mum.  

"It's done, ma'am!" One of the makeup artists said and I looked at my reflection in the mirror in front of me. 

I was looking simply gorgeous in the sunkissed makeup with red matte lips. I thanked them for their amazing work with a smile which they reciprocated and left. 

Today is my wedding! That too with the love of my life! And I am happy! More ecstatic! The way Yuvraj handled me yesterday boosted my confidence and belief in him, that he will be beside me with every step in life. He didn't force me to explain about the incident, instead he calmed me down and assured me that everything was fine! And hell yeah it was. With him by my side! Dating him was the best decision I made and marrying him will make the most beautiful future for us together. From being a possessive boyfriend to an extraordinary fiancé, he has proved himself the right choice for me and I know he will be an amazing husband as well. I just can't wait to get married to him.

My phone beeped bringing me back from my subconscious mind. I looked down at my phone to see a text from the one I was dreaming about right now.

Happy Birthday again, Principessa!
Je t'aime
Ti amo
Ich liebe dich
Kocham Cię
Я люблю тебя
Te quiero
And lastly
Ami tomake bhalobasi

I smiled widely at his message especially when I read the last letters.

"Mia!" Someone called out which made me snap my head towards their direction.

My eyes found Shree and Shanaya at the doorstep grinning at me. I gave them a smile back in return and got up from the ottoman, turning to them.

"Hey girls!" I greeted them with my enthusiastic voice.

Shree was wearing a simple beige coloured sleeveless crop top and beige embroidered skirt with golden floral works on it. The lehenga came with a net golden organza dupatta. Shanaya was wearing a royal blue full sleeved crop top with a deep square neck and a sparkling blue skirt with cancan. Her outfit came with a net blue dupatta and a blue pouch which she had fixed on her wrist.

"Girl! You look ravishing!" Shanaya said as she stepped into the suite with a whistling Shree. 

"Thank you guys! You two are looking beautiful as well!" I said.

"Why thank you! If you're ready, shall we leave?" Shree asked.

"Yeah, I'm ready! Let's go!" I nodded.

Shree and Shanaya led me to one of the banquet halls where the function was held. When we reached there, I saw the havan arrangements were already done. There was an idol of Maa Durga and some pictures of Guru Nanak Dev Ji in front of the havan kund. To the middle of the banquet hall was the havan kund without which the havan cannot be completed. The havan kund was made up of pure copper. This is the vessel in which the fire is ignited to burn all the sins and evils by chanting the powerful mantras during the homam or havan. 

Havan or Homam is a sacred purification ritual that is performed in household as well as work places and shops by chanting mantras and worshipping different Gods and Goddesses.  It brings success and prosperity in your way, eliminates all kinds of hardships from the path you are on towards achieving success. The positive vibrations from the havan also helps you curb losses in business. It brings financial stability and growth in life. And also helps you recover from serious illness and improve academically.  

My family and Yuvraj along with his family were already present at the place. The priest who will conduct the havan was already sitting in the south direction whilst facing the north. I was led towards the havan kund by mum and Shree and they made me sit on the west side whilst facing the east. Rajveer uncle and Twinkle aunty sat beside me whilst the others sat behind us on the mattresses.

There were two plates placed in front of us. In one plate, pooja ingredients like ghee, cotton wicks, tilak items, halwa, sweets and flowers were kept whilst kalawa and other flowers were kept on the other plate. Four bowls were filled with water by Rajveer uncle. Then the priest tied the kalawa around a kalash and filled it with water before keeping it near the south-west corner of the havan kund.  

Om Bhur Bhuva Swaha ।
Tat Savitur Varenyam ।।
 Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi ।
Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat ।।

The priest started the puja by chanting the holy Vedic mantra which purified the whole place alongside us with a sense of serenity and peacefulness. After a little while, the priest stopped chanting the mantras and poured some water into Rajveer uncle's left palm and asked him to touch it using his middle two fingers. When Rajveer uncle did as the priest said, then the priest again started to chant mantras.  

07:12AM IST, June 17th

Now Rajveer uncle lit a diya and took a piece of camphor in a wooden spoon. He lit the camphor in the diya and then as per the priest's instructions, he dropped the camphor in the havan kund whilst the priest chanted the fire starting mantra. Adding desi ghee into a stick, Rajveer uncle lit the havan fire whilst the priest chanted the mantras. 

Then Rajveer uncle started to drop ghee into the havan fire with Twinkle aunty when the priest chanted svaha and signalled him to do it. 

07:35AM IST, June 17th

The priest got up with the kalash of Ganga jal and sprinkled it around the place, starting from the east direction. After he sat back, he signalled Rajveer uncle to take a little ghee and halwa along with some crumbles of sweets in the spoon. Rajveer uncle did the same and then he dropped them into the havan fire as the priest asked him to do so. 

After sometime, Rajveer uncle kept putting the ghee into the havan fire and now he dropped a few bits of the havan samagri into the vessel as well whilst the priest kept on chanting the mantras. 

08:03AM IST, June 17th

The vessel which had milk and rose petals and the chooda dipped in it was placed in front of us as the havan was coming to an end. Shree got up from her place and covered my eyes with a white scarf, after which Rajveer uncle and Twinkle aunty made me wear the chooda in my hands. 

After I was wearing the bangles, I felt someone wrapping a cloth around the bangles so I wouldn't be able to see them before the wedding. After the cloth was tied around the bangles, Shree took the scarf off my eyes and I looked down to find two pieces to white clothes wrapped around my wrists. 

Then the shanti mantra was chanted by the priest as we sat there by clasping our palms together in front of us. Then we all got up as the priest did aarti by chanting Aarti Mantra and served us the blessings from the holy fire. The kalawa which was tied around the kalash was taken off and was tied around the wrists of mine, Yuvraj's and everyone present in the hall. Adding a drop of water into the haldi and roli bowl, mum applied tilak on everyone's forehead. Then the prasad of halwa and sweets were distributed among everyone. 

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Kalire Ceremony

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Mridula's POV

08:20AM IST, June 17th
16th floor, ITC Grand Central
287, Dr, Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar Rd, Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400012

This is also a related ceremony. The sisters and friends of the bride tie umbrella shaped figures called kalire to the chooda of the bride. They are red in color, a color which signifies fertility and a happy conjugal life and coconut-shaped, signifying prosperity at the home of the newly-weds.

The kalire is often encrusted with dried betel nuts, dry fruits or coconut. There is a fine traditional practice of the bride shaking her kalire tied to the chooda worn on her arms and young unmarried girls stand beneath it. It is believed that if a part of the kalire or a leaf or a nut or a fruit falls on her head, then she would be the next one to get married.

I think it is pretty similar to the belief in Christian weddings that if any one of the bridesmaid or a young unmarried female guest manages to catch the wedding flower of the bride when she throws it into the air after her marriage when she is leaving with her husband, she would be the next lucky one to get married! 

I was taken back to my room after the havan and chooda chadhana ritual ended to freshen up because the steam from the havan kund had messed up my make-up. I washed my face with my face wash in the bathroom and wiped the water off whilst coming out. Then Shree and Shanaya helped me in getting ready for the next ritual. I gulped down some water whilst they did my hair. I was wearing the same outfit for this ceremony so there wasn't much to do. After getting ready I was led to another banquet hall of the hotel.

Yuvraj and his family along with his friends were already present there. He also had the same outfit he was wearing in the havan. I gave him a smile back when he smiled at me. I was led to the couch where he was sitting and Shree made me sit beside him.

"You look gorgeous!" Yuvraj whispered and kissed my forehead making everyone awe at us. I blushed and gave him a smile.

Sam came up to us with a big brass flat plate which was covered with a red velvet cloth with golden tassels at the edges. She placed the tray on the table beside the couch and took the cloth off the tray. I found a beautiful pair of kalire on the plate. The Kalire were embedded with pearls, green and golden tassels, heart shaped metallic accessories and holy Gurmukhi Ek Onkar in punjabi letters at the ends. 

As there were just some hours left for the wedding, it wouldn't be a sin or misfortune to watch my chooda or bangles. And the cloth was also needed to take off so we can perform this Kalire ritual. Sam took my one hand in hers and started peeling the white cloth off my wrist whilst Shanaya did the same with the other hand. Soon the clothes were off and I got to see the bangles in my hands which looked so pretty in my mehndi claded hands. The bangles were maroon and bronze in colour. Them they slid the kalire into my both wrists. 

"Here you go!" Shanaya exclaimed as she grinned at my hands. A smile spread on my lips as well.

"They look beautiful in your hands!" I heard Yuvraj and turned to face him. 

There was a smile playing on his lips as he stared at my hands which was adorned with the mehndi, chooda and now the kalire. 

"Sure it does, brother!" Sam said, wiggling her eyebrows.

Yuvraj narrowed his eyes at her and then rolled his eyes making everyone in the hall laugh. 

"Come on, girls! Every unmarried girl, come here and line up!" Maa said.

Sam grumbled under her breath as she got up from beside me and went towards the other unmarried girls. Yuvraj snickered watching Sam's facial expressions. Sam never liked the idea of getting married and be someone's for the rest of your life. She was more like a stay single and never mingle girl. 

"Mia! It's your turn!" Shree brought me back to reality and pointed towards the girls who were kneeled like they were being punished.

Giving Shree a smirk, I got up from my place and went towards the girls. Shree and Pihu, as they are now married didn't participate in the ritual so they stayed behind me and cheered me as I rounded the girls. Some were looking excited, some looked gleeful and some grim including Sam. 

I grinned cheekily as I brought my wrists forward above the girls and started to shake them. Initially, none of the objects fell from the kalire but as I shook them a little violently, it worked. Total three girls got some pieces from my kalires and unfortunately it didn't consist my bestie, Sam who was now grinning ear to ear. We all laughed at her weird behaviour. 

The thing that caught everyone's attention was when one of the tassel along with a love pendant from my kalire fell on Shanaya who was kneeling beside Sam. Shanaya looked shocked at first but then her expressions changed drastically into a rejoiced one. She grinned ear to ear whilst holding the piece of kalire in her hands.

"God! Iss Varun ke bachche ne phasa liya hai meri behan ko puri tarah se!" Veer groaned making Varun bhaiya blush and everyone chuckle.

"Varun ne mujhe nahin! Maine Varun ko phasaya hai!" Shanaya said which widened everyone's eyes in the hall including Veer and Varun bhaiya's as well. Our mouth fell agape at her blunt revelation. 

Looks like there will be another wedding soon!

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Author's Note

Word Count : 13351

Hey lovlies! I'm back with another chapter of your favourite book and I hope it will statisfy you!

As I said in the last chapter, I couldn't publish the wedding in this chapter because I forgot there were some more rituals left! But now all the pre-wed rituals are done so you can count on me to publish the wedding day in the next chapter!

And some of the readers had asked me to update sooner on my message board and comments! So you gotta understand, that it's not a easy job to do!

I've my medicine studies, uni works, my regular life as well! I keep the chapters long so you will be able to contain the excitement to read the next chapter in a small gap of days! It's not at all easy to browse all the wedding accessories, dresses and rituals by myself! And I don't know about the Indian wedding rituals precisely so it is difficult for me! And you need to compromise some days for that because I want my book to have perfect data and explanation on everything!

And as this is my first book on Wattpad, I want it to be the best as Yuvraj and Mia are one of my favourite imaginary couple.

So yeah, that's how it is! But still I try to write the contents asap.

Anyway, I hope you liked the chapter! Now please answer some questions that I'm going to ask you for preference and suggestions!

• Did you like the idea of joint Bach party?

• Did you like the decorations and outfits I used for the Bach party?

• What do you think of Mia's panic when she saw a certain someone outside the salon?

• Who do you think he is?

• Did you like how Yuvraj responded to Mia's sudden panic attack?

• Say, HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIA! (Actually I used my birth date as hers)

• Did you like the outfits in chooda chadhana and Kalire ceremony?

• How was the chooda and kalire?

• What do you think of Shanaya's blunt revelation in the last section of the chapter?

Thank you for reading my story. Keep showering your love as votes and comments. Don't forget to follow me!

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Love, Ishika Sehgal x

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