I know I am late 🙂!
But can't help it.
Got my thumb fractured 🥲🥲...

The palace's facade is transformed with intricate floral patterns, crafted from fresh flowers in shades of white, cream, and pale pink. Delicate strings of fairy lights dance across the walls, casting a warm, ethereal glow. Majestic entrance gates are wrapped in lush greenery and flowers, creating a breathtaking first impression.

Inside, grand halls and corridors are lavishly decorated with candelabras, ornate mirrors, and sparkling chandeliers. Fresh flower arrangements, featuring roses, peonies, and hydrangeas, adorn every available surface, filling the air with sweet fragrances. Elegant drapes in ivory and champagne hues flow gracefully from ceiling to floor, adding sophistication.

A stunning wedding mandap, adorned with intricate carvings and flowers, takes center stage. Exquisite decorations, crafted with delicate lace, pearls, and crystals, add a touch of vintage charm. Soft, golden lighting casts a warm ambiance throughout the palace, creating a romantic atmosphere.

Strategically placed uplighting highlights the palace's stunning architecture, emphasizing its grandeur. Every detail, from the floral arrangements to the lighting, is carefully curated to create an unforgettable experience.

The palace once again resonated with the chantings of holy mantras, accompanied by murmurs of the previous wedding. Despite efforts to keep gossip at bay, rumors had already begun circulating in the market. People whispered among themselves, their words unspoken but evident on their lips.

Soon, the groom, Adwait, emerged, dressed in an exquisite sherwani adorned with intricate embroidery featuring floral patterns and peacock motifs in various shades of green and blue. Paired with a white churidar, matching mojari, and a harmonizing pagdi, Adwait exuded elegance and sophistication as he took his seat at the podium. His brother's friends and family followed, taking their places beside him.

After a few moments, Pandit ji, reminiscing the mantras, called for the bride. Vritika, Riva, and Atulya departed to escort Shubhra to the ceremony.

Shubhra emerged with her friends, a big veil covering her face. Jarek held her hand, while Vidharth stood a few feet behind them, a small smirk tugging at his face. They reached the podium, and Adwait extended his hand, which she grabbed, and he helped her climb the stairs.

"Why are you wearing this veil?" he whispered in her ear, a hint of annoyance in his voice. Behind the veil, a small chuckle escaped Shubhra's lips.

"I didn't wear this veil myself," she teased, giving Vritika a sidelong glance. "It's all thanks to your sister's kindness." She mocked, raising an eyebrow.

Adwait glared at Vritika, who, along with other's, tried to stifle her laughter. "Don't worry, you'll see her face soon enough," Vidharth said, placing his hand on Adwait's shoulder. "Just wait for now."

"Don't worry, I've confirmed the person underneath is my sister, for sure," Jarek commented, maintaining a neutral expression, though his lips betrayed a hint of amusement.

Adwait shook his head, and at that very moment, Pandit ji cleared his throat, signaling the start of the ceremony. Adwait turned his attention to the priest as he helped Shubhra take her rightful place beside him.

The ceremony began, with Pandit ji chanting sacred mantras, and Adwait and Shubhra participating in the rituals.

The priest instructed the couple to rise for the varmala ritual. Adwait held Shubhra's hand firmly, supporting her as she stood. They exchanged garlands adorned with vibrant flowers, their eyes locking in a loving gaze.

As the rituals progressed, Jarek stepped forward to perform the kanyadan, handing Shubhra over to Adwait. The ceremony continued, leading up to the pheras, the sacred circling of the fire that would seal their union.

Adwait supported Shubhra as she rose, and together they completed the first four pheras, with Adwait leading the way. For the final three pheras, Shubhra took the lead, her eyes shining with happiness.

As they resumed their seats, Adwait carefully tied the nuptial thread around Shubhra's neck. He then lifted her veil, gently applying the vermilion to her forehead. Some of the powder fell onto her nose, adding a touch of playfulness to the moment.

With the final ritual complete, the priest declared Adwait and Shubhra husband and wife.

They went to take everyone's blessings. "What are you searching for?" Janav asked Adwait as he searched for something.

"My shoes! I can't find them!" Adwait exclaimed.

"Where did you leave them?" Vritika asked, stepping forward.

"Here!" He pointed at the stairs of the podium.

"Damn! Ariv, where were you? Didn't you keep them safely?" She turned and accused him.

"I didn't think they'd be stolen. I guess I left them here just..." He tried to argue.

"Well, it's in our care," Josh commented, standing near them with Jarek and Nicolas by his side.

"Why?" Janav inquired, giving Vritika a wink.

"Don't try to fool us! We know about this ritual, and now we want our compensation for the shoes," Josh replied with a triumphant smile.

Shubhra adjusted the veil on her head, allowing herself to savor the drama unfolding before her.

"You need to be younger than the bride," Janav chimed in, a mischievous glint in her eye.

Josh placed his hands on the backs of Jarek and Nicolas. "They're both younger than her," he said with a grin.

Vritika interrupted, her finger wagging at Josh. "But this ritual is for the bride's sisters, not brothers."

Nicolas raised his hands in mock submission. "We believe in equal rights for both men and women."

Jarek turned around, a determined look on his face, and marched off.

"No, it's not fair!... You!" Vritika exclaimed, but before she could reason further Jarek returned with Riva in tow. "She's her friend, she should be counted, and she's younger than her too."

Riva's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Yes, I deserve a part in this too!"

Ariv shook his head, a sly smile spreading across his face. "No way, we aren't giving you even a penny!"

Riva shot back, "Oh, hello! Who asked for your opinion? We'll take it anyway!"

Other's turned to watch the banter, amused by the exchange.

Adwait whispered in Shubhra's ear, "Tired?"

Shubhra yawned, replying, "A little."

Adwait turned to Josh, asking, "How much do you want?"

Josh grinned mischievously. "Not much, just your car for me, and I'll let them name their price."

Vritika jumped in, whispering urgently in Adwait's ear, "We sent Vidharth bhai to retrieve the shoes, don't worry!"

Riva chimed in, her grin spreading from ear to ear, "Vidharth bhai has already switched sides – he's on our team now!"

Vritika huffed, frustrated, "What the hell! You're all in cahoots!"

Ariv chuckled, "We can buy new shoes or you can wear mine, Bhai!"

Josh teased, "Tchh! Your brother can't afford a few gifts for us?"

Janav shook his head, "No!"

But Riddhika intervened, "Let him give it to them, Janav. It's a ritual."

Jarek high-fived Riddhika, grinning. "Look! Even Aunty's on our side!"

Ariv whispered to Vritika, "When did he pull Mom to his side?" Vritika just glared at Jarek, who smirked in response.

Adwait handed out gifts to everyone, and only then did Vidharth emerge, triumphantly holding up the shoes.

As the rituals drew to the end, the Yorks headed back to their hotel, while the Randhawa's returned to the palace. The elderly family members were waiting for them, eager to begin the post-marriage rituals.

Riddhika carefully placed a kalash filled with rice at the entrance, accompanied by a small bowl of red liquid dye. Shubhra slowly kicked the kalash, spilling the rice and then stepped into the red dye, leaving behind a trail of crimson footprints on the white cloth.

Ishwari smiled, "Let's go, everyone." The family proceeded to the living room, which was beautifully adorned with garlands and twinkling fairy lights.

Vritika carried a large, ornate copper vessel filled with a mixture of water and milk, garnished with delicate rose petals. The vessel held a secret – the wedding rings, hidden beneath the surface.

Riddhika submerged her hands into the vessel, stirring the liquid with a gentle touch. The family watched with bated breath as Adwait and Shubhra dipped their hands into the vessel, searching for the rings.

The first time they pulled their hands out, the family burst into laughter. Adwait was clutching the ring, but more hilariously, Shubhra was holding his hand, as if claiming her prize.

The game of ring retrieval continued, with Adwait successfully grasping the ring the second time. However, Shubhra was not one to give up easily. With a sly smile, she dug her nails into Adwait's hand, cleverly extracting the ring from his grasp. She quickly pulled her hand out, ring in tow, leaving Adwait looking at her in shock.

The third attempt ended in a stalemate, with both Adwait and Shubhra clutching the ring, refusing to let go.

Vritika squealed with delight, clapping her hands. "Okay, now for the next ritual! Bhai, find your name in bhabhi's mehendi!"

Adwait obligingly began searching for his name on Shubhra's hands, finally finding it with a triumphant smile.

As the rituals drew to a close, Adwait asked, "Is there anything else left, or can we leave?"

Ishwari teased her son, "Of course not! You can now take your wife back to your room." The room erupted in chuckles and knowing glances.

Adwait interjected, his exhaustion evident on his face, "We're tired, okay? We have a reception tomorrow too!"

Shubhra corrected him, "Well, technically today. It's already 4 am."

Ariv chimed in, teasing his brother, "Bhabhi, you should spend less time with bhai, or you'll grow old quickly like him!" The room erupted in laughter, with everyone clutching their stomachs.

Adwait shot his brother a warning glance. "Meet me in the morning, I'll see you then."

Shubhra suppressed a chuckle, adding fuel to the fire, "It's already morning." The room burst into laughter again, earning Adwait's glare.

Adwait grabbed Shubhra's hand, saying, "Let's go, or you'll go mad like them!" As they reached the door, Vritika quickly intercepted them.

Adwait raised an eyebrow, inquiring, "What is it now?"

"Now it's my turn for neg," Vritika said, extending her hand.

Adwait pulled out his car keys and handed them to her.

"How did you know I'd want these?" She giggled, clutching the keys in her hand.

"I just knew! So, can we enter now?" he asked, looking at her.

"Okay! You can go now," Vritika said, opening the door for them before retiring to her room.

Finally, the groom and bride entered their room, which was decorated with rose petals and bathed in the warm, yellow glow of candles.

Author's Scribbling Point

So? What are your opinions?
About what you wanna read in next chapter?

1. Vritika and Jarek
  2. Riva and Vidharth
   3. Rudra and Vihaan.
4. Some romantic moments
  5. You choice............➡️