This chapter is still unedited so read it on your own risk.
Make sure comment so that I will upload next chapter soon.
Author.....pov....
Sunita finalized the engagement date, just two days away.
As the family members left, Maya jokingly said, " Sunita jii ki mana to ye aaj hi saddi hi saddi kara de!" (Let's get the engagement done today itself!) Everyone erupted into laughter.
However, Raiya seemed lost in thought. "Ajib parani! Mujhe tension de ke chala gaya uske bolne ka matlab kya the!" (What's wrong with me? He left me with tension, what did his words mean?) She wondered.
Rashita noticed Raiya's tense expression and pinched her to snap out of her reverie. "Engagement to do din baad hai, Raiya khush ho na tum?" (The engagement is just two days away, are you happy, Raiya?) Rashita asked, looking at her.
Maya intervened, "Raiya ki marji se hi to ye saddi ke liye hai! Bola ha." (This engagement is happening according to Raiya's wishes, after all.) She looked at Raiya.
Raiya forced a hesitant smile and replied, "Hai!" (Yes!)
The Next Day,
Nirved at the airport, waiting for someone. He is constantly checking the time.
Scene 1:
Sunita planned a joint shopping trip for both families, including the bride and groom.
However, at the breakfast table, she asked Nirved about the shopping plans, and he replied, "Maine saddi ke liye hai! Bola ha ye sab mera se expect mat kijyga." (I've already taken care of the engagement shopping. Don't expect anything from me.)
Sunita fell silent, aware of Nirved's short temper. Aravind signaled her to drop the matter.
Later, Sunita called Maya and Mr. Aditya (Raiya's father) to discuss the shopping plans.
They agreed to complete the tasks, but mentioned that Raiya had an important meeting and wouldn't be able to attend.
Maya suddenly suggested, "Rashita hai na, wo dono ekdam twins sisters hai!" (Rashita is there, and she's Raiya's twin sister!) Sunita hesitated but agreed, given the time constraint with the engagement just a day away.
After an hour they all went to shopping mall , Rashita also had some work that's why she said to come within 30 min.
Scene 2:
The scene shifts to Siddharth, who has just arrived in India and is reunited with his best friend and investor, Nirved. They share a warm hug, and Nirved exclaims, "Finally, you're here, man!"
As they drive to Siddharth's house with Vijay, his personal secretary, Siddharth expresses his excitement to meet Amma. However, Nirved drops a bombshell: he's getting engaged.
Siddharth is shocked, knowing about Nirved's childhood love. "You've moved on?" he asks, incredulous.
Nirved's response is irrational: "Nahi Siddharth, mujhe ye saddi nahi karni, bus maa!" (No, Siddharth, I don't want to get engaged, but it's for Mother's sake!)
At the red light, Siddharth confronts Nirved: "But if you're still not over your childhood love, how will you give love to this girl? She deserves to experience love from you."
Nirved's expression turns serious, and he asks Siddharth for a favor: "Can you take my place at the engagement?" Siddharth's eyes widen in shock, along with Vijay's.
Siddhart instantly refused.
Scene 3:
After 30 min, Rashita and dadi went to shopping mall. They all are present in jewellery shop, they are choosing engagement ring for both bride and Groom.
Sunita asked Maya, "Raiya ki ring ka size kya hai?" (What's Raiya's ring size?)
Mamata and Maya took Rashita's hand and said, "Raiya aur Rashita ki size same hai!" (Raiya and Rashita have the same size!)
Sunita decided on the engagement ring, but there was an issue with the size. She took Rashita's hand and fixed the ring, which fit perfectly and looked beautiful. Rashita also liked the ring, but Sunita suddenly snatched it from her hand and told the shopkeeper, "Yeh final hai!" (This is final!)
Mamta and Maya felt weird about Sunita's behavior, but Aditya asked, "Where's Nirved? We also need his ring size."
Sunita and Aravind exchanged a hesitant glance, and Sunita said, "He's busy; we can call him."
Sunita called Nirved and asked, "Nirved, apni ring ki size batao!" (Nirved, tell me your ring size!)
Nirved, who was driving, held the call and asked Siddhart, "What's your ring size?" Siddharth hesitated but replied, "medium"
Nirved relayed the message to Sunita over the call.
After a few hours, they finished shopping for jewelry, engagement rings, dresses for the bride and groom, and other wedding essentials.
They returned home, exhausted but satisfied with their purchases.
As the scene shifts, Siddharth arrives at his luxurious mansion, where Amma and the staff await him at the entrance gate with a traditional arti and dol nagara. The moment Siddharth steps out of the car, the dol nagara begins to play, filling the air with joyful sounds.
Siddharth approaches Amma, who is overcome with emotion, tears streaming down her face. He touches her feet as a sign of respect and hugs her tightly. Nirved and Vijay follow suit, touching Amma's feet and receiving her blessings.
Amma performs an arti for them, welcoming them home. Her voice trembles with emotion as she says, "10 saal tumhe dekh rahi hoon! Kitna badal gaya hai!" (I've been waiting to see you for 10 years! How much you've changed!)
Siddharth comforts her, "Ab mat roya, Amma! Hum aa gaye hain na?" (Don't cry now, Amma! We're home!)
Nirved reassures Amma, holding Siddharth's hand, "Ab hum dono ise kahin nahi jayenge! Tension mat lijiye!" (Now, we both won't let him go anywhere! Don't worry!)
As they enter the mansion, they're greeted by the beautiful decorations, with roses and flowers adorning every corner. Amma instructs them to freshen up, saying, "Fresh ho jao, tum log! Main dinner lagti hoon!" (Freshen up, you all! I'll get dinner ready!)
After refreshing themselves, they gather at the dinner table, where Amma has prepared all of Siddharth's favorite dishes. They enjoy a wonderful meal together.
Author pov:
As the days passed, the moment of truth arrived. The day of the engagement had finally come, and the atmosphere was electric with excitement and nervousness.
The past two days had flown by in a whirlwind of activity, with preparations for the big day reaching a fever pitch. Everyone was busy with their assigned tasks, from decorating the venue to preparing the traditional attire.
Rashita, however, was a bundle of nerves, her mind consumed by worries about Raiya's behavior. Raiya, on the other hand, was still grappling with her own emotions, her confusion and uncertainty about the engagement palpable.
Nirved, too, was struggling to come to terms with his feelings. He felt as though someone had torn his heart into a hundred pieces, leaving him feeling shattered and broken.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow over the landscape, Nirved stood by his window, his eyes vacant and longing. His gaze seemed to pierce through the darkness, hoping against hope that his true love would miraculously appear.
Though he never believed in magic, today he yearned for something extraordinary to happen, for the universe to conspire and bring his beloved to him. But deep down, he knew it was a futile wish, a desperate attempt to escape the reality that awaited him.
Just then, Sankar, his elder brother, entered the room, breaking the spell of Nirved's reverie. "Nirved, it's time to get ready for the engagement," Sankar said softly, his voice tinged with empathy.
Nirved nodded mechanically, allowing Sankar to guide him through the process of dressing and grooming. As Sankar helped him into his elaborate attire, Nirved's mind wandered back to his lost love, his heart heavy with sorrow and regret.
On the other side, Raiya, Rashita, and their family arrived at the venue, where Raiya began getting ready for her engagement. Everyone was busy with the preparations for the puja ceremony preceding the engagement.
As Raiya dressed up, she turned to Rashita with a hint of uncertainty and asked, "Rashita, maine ye sahi kar rahi hoon na?" (Rashita, am I doing the right thing?)
Rashita's concern deepened, but she reassured Raiya with a smile, "Tumha agar sahi kar raha ho, to ekdam sahi hai!" (If you think you're doing the right thing, then it's absolutely right!)
Just then, Nirved and his family arrived at the venue. Aditya, Maya, Mamta, Sunil (Rashita's father), her uncle, and aunt welcomed them warmly and escorted them to their seats.
Nirved's outfit
Nirved took his place for the puja ceremony, which commenced shortly after. The entire venue was resplendent with blue roses, perfectly matching the bride and groom's outfits.
As the puja progressed, Panditji called for the bride. Raiya made her entrance, looking stunning in a blue langha. Her brown eyes sparkled, but there was a hint of something missing in their depths.
Rashita followed, wearing a light blue saree that accentuated her beauty. Her open, long hair shone in the light, and the soft jingling of her bangles created a melodious sound.
Raiya took her seat beside Nirved, while Rashita stood near her mother, her eyes fixed on Raiya with a mix of concern and support.
As the puja concluded, Nirved and Raiya stood up, performed the arti, and received the blessings of their elders. The guests had almost all arrived, and the atmosphere was filled with excitement and anticipation.
Nirved and Raiya made their way to the stage for the ring ceremony. However, just as they were about to exchange rings, Maya suddenly remembered that she had left Nirved's ring in the room. She signaled to Rashita to retrieve it, and Rashita hurriedly ran towards the room, which was located outside the ceremony hall.
As Rashita rushed out, she accidentally collided with a stranger - a young man with a scarred face, who was on a phone call. He hastily apologized and rushed out of the gate, leaving Rashita a bit startled but unhindered. She quickly retrieved the ring from the room and returned to the ceremony.
The ring ceremony commenced, with Nirved's serious expression a stark contrast to the joyous occasion. His hand trembled slightly as he placed the ring on Raiya's finger.
Raiya, in turn, sought Nirved's hand to put the ring on, but Nirved hesitated, his reluctance palpable. It wasn't until Sunita and Aravind intervened, urging him to cooperate, that Nirved finally relented, allowing Raiya to put the ring on his finger.
The crowd erupted in applause, and a shower of flowers rained down on the couple, celebrating the union of Nirved and Raiya.
Their rings
As the party reached its crescendo, the bride and groom sat quietly in their designated seats, surrounded by the vibrant atmosphere. The guests were thoroughly enjoying the delectable food, lively music, and warm company.
The sound of clinking glasses, laughter, and chatter filled the air, creating a joyous ambiance. The bride, Raiya, looked stunning in her intricately designed outfit, her eyes sparkling with a mix of happiness and nervousness.
Nirved, on the other hand, seemed lost in thought, his eyes fixed on some distant point, his expression a mask of calmness. Despite the revelry surrounding him, he appeared disconnected, his mind preoccupied with thoughts unknown.
As the night wore on, the celebrations showed no signs of slowing down. But amidst the joy and laughter, Nirved's silence seemed to whisper secrets, hinting at a story yet untold.
After the photoshoots, the guests made their way to the dinner hall, where a sumptuous feast awaited them. The aroma of delicious food filled the air, and the sound of laughter and chatter grew louder as everyone savored the culinary delights.
As the night drew to a close, Nirved and Raiya bid farewell to their guests, thanking them for their love and support. The families exchanged warm hugs and well-wishes, and the newly engaged couple departed for their respective homes, surrounded by the joy and excitement of the evening.
As they drove away, Raiya couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. She had noticed Nirved's distant behavior throughout the evening and couldn't shake off the feeling that something was amiss.
As the evening drew to a close, Rashita, too, returned home, her faith in Mata Rani unwavering. Meanwhile, Nirved and Raiya, though surrounded by the trappings of happiness, couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that had settled over them.
As Nirved drove home, he suddenly remembered that Siddhart had missed the engagement party. He quickly dialed Siddhart's number, his voice tinged with annoyance. "Siddhart, why didn't you come?" he asked gruffly.
But instead of a casual response, Siddhart's voice was laced with panic and tears. "Nirved, Amma... Amma! Tum jaldi se hospital aa jao!" (Nirved, Mom... Mom! Please come to the hospital quickly!)
Nirved's heart skipped a beat as he accelerated the car, racing towards the hospital. Upon arrival, he rushed to the reception and asked, "Where is the patient with Siddhart Singh?" The receptionist gestured towards the second floor.
As Nirved burst into the hospital room, Siddhart flung himself into his arms, tears streaming down his face. "Amma achanak se bhoski ho gayi thi?" (Did Mom suddenly faint?) he sobbed.
Nirved consoled Siddhart, helping him compose himself. Just then, the doctor entered the room, a reassuring smile on his face. "Don't worry, she's fine. She has low blood pressure, which caused her to faint."
Siddhart's eyes welled up with tears as he grasped the doctor's hand. "Thank you, Doctor. She's my everything; she's the only one in this world."
The doctor nodded sympathetically, his expression a testament to the deep bond between Siddhart and his mother.
As they entered the hospital room, Siddhart's mother lay on the bed, looking pale but serene. Siddhart rushed to her side, grasping her hand in his. "Sorry Amma hum aapke pass nahi the us time, aap kasi ha?"
(Amma, I'm so sorry I wasn't here. How are you feeling?)
he asked, his voice trembling with emotion.
Nirved and Vijay stood at the foot of the bed, watching the tender moment between Siddhart and his mother. Vijay smiled warmly, while Nirved's expression was more subdued, his eyes fixed on Siddhart's mother.
Siddhart's mother smiled weakly, her eyes filled with love for her son. "Maine thik hu beta! Tum parsan mat ho!"
(I'm fine, beta. Just a little tired. Don't worry about me.)
Siddhart nodded, relief washing over his face. "Hum aaj aapke sath hi rukga!"
(I'll stay with you tonight, Amma. I won't leave your side.)
Nirved and Vijay exchanged a glance, and Vijay nodded." Thik ha ! Humdono kal subha aayga doctor ne bola aapko kal ghar le ja sakata ha!"
( We'll come back tomorrow, doctor said we will take you back to home!)
As they turned to leave, Siddhart's mother called out to Nirved. "Nirved, beta, maf karana aaj humdono nahi aa pay!."
(Sorry Nirved we wouldn't came for your engagement)
Nirved walked back to her bedside, a curious expression on his face. "Koi baat nahi Amma! Aap apna khyal rakhiyga. "
(No worry Amma! You just take care of yourself!)
After that the scene sift to Nirved house,
it's to late night.
They are so worry about Nirved, they all are present in the hall way staring at the main door.
Suddenly door bell rang, Sankar opens the door.
By sudden Nirved fall in his arms, because he drank.
Everyone shocked by his appearance, Nirved not able to stand on his feet but he walk and stand towards Sunita, tears are falling down from his eyes and he said with sob
" ku Maa ! Ku kiya aapne asa? Aapne mujha kasam ku diya ! Aapko pata ha meri halat kya ha ?
Maine har pal mar raha hu ! Waha waha (he put the finger on his chest) waha dard hota ha.
Wo kabhi nahi milti to kya! Maine use hamasa dhundta apni akhri sas tak wo bhe khushi khushi...."
(Why, Mother? Why did you do this to me? You promised me! Don't you know my condition? I'm dying of sorrow! Here, here (he pointed to his chest), this is where the pain is. What if I never find her? I've been searching for her until my last breath, and still, I will be happy..)
suddenly he fall on the floor. Sunita's expansion is just like a selfish person, she sigh to Sankar to take him to his room and she ordered to everyone to go and sleep.
Next day,
Everyone woke up to the sound of Sunita's voice, discussing marriage with Panditji. They stepped out of their rooms, shocked to see Sunita arranging a marriage.
Aravind rushed to stop her, his face red with anger. "Sunita kya kar rahi ho?"
(Sunita, what are you doing?!) he exclaimed.
But Sunita ignored him, focusing on Panditji. "Pandit ji please ek acha mohrat batya saddi ke liya jald se jald."
(Panditji, please give me a suitable date for the wedding as soon as possible.)
Panditji nodded." Ji! 3 din baad raat 12 baja ke baad pharo ke liya bhout acha mohrat ha warana fir 4 month baad ha."
(Ji, three days from now, at 12:00 AM, is an auspicious time. And then, four months later, is another good date.)
Sunita's face lit up. "Jii! Saddi usi din hogi, aap saddi ki tyari suru kijya!"
(Ji, the wedding will take place on that day. Start making arrangements!)She stood up and called someone.
The atmosphere was tense, with everyone worried about Nirved's well-being. Meanwhile, Sunita called Raiya's family and ordered, "Ji! Saddi 3 din baad ha tyari suru kijya!"
(The wedding is in three days. Start preparing!)before hanging up.
Raiya's family felt uneasy, sensing something was off, but they had no choice.
Raiya's confusion deepened, and she thought, "Maybe this wedding is against Nirved's wishes!" Suddenly, she burst into tears.
Everyone assumed she was crying because the wedding date was so soon. They began preparing for the wedding, planning the mendhi ceremony for tomorrow, followed by the haldi ceremony, sangeet, and finally, the wedding.
Rashita and Raiya were tense, but they tried to enjoy the wedding preparations. Raiya's mood lifted when Rashita said with a smile, "You're taking unnecessary tension, maybe what you're thinking isn't true."
Raiya thought, "Maybe Rashita is right, a wedding happens only once, so why not enjoy it? And who knows, maybe my doubts are unfounded!" With renewed enthusiasm, Raiya joined in the wedding preparations.
They called wedding planners, jewelers, dress designers, and ordered innovative wedding cards. The house buzzed with excitement as everyone worked together to make the wedding a memorable event.
On the other side, Nirved woke up, freshened up, and headed to the hospital. He met Siddhart and his mother, Amma, and they went to their mansion. After arriving, Nirved sat with Siddhart and began talking about something that had happened the previous night.
Nirved asked, "What about your crush, Mrs. Lawyer? What's your plan, Siddhart?"
Siddhart's expression turned melancholic. "I want to marry her. She's the main reason I came to India. She lives in the same state, but my secret researcher found out that her family is looking for a groom from a full family, and I only have Amma."
Nirved's curiosity was piqued. "Can I see your crush?" Siddhart showed him a picture and said, "She's mine!"
Nirved's eyes widened in surprise. "Rashita..." he trailed off. Siddhart's eyes lit up. "You know her?"
Nirved nodded. "She's Raiya's best friend!" Siddhart's face lit up with a plan. He thought to himself, "After Nirved's marriage, I'll propose to Rashita."
(In engagement ceremony, when he collided with her, he can't see her.)
Just then, his phone buzzed, displaying Aravind's name. Nirved picked up, and his face turned red with anger as he heard Aravind's words: "Nirved, your mother has finalized your wedding date for three days from now!"
Nirved's eyes widened in shock, and he slammed his phone to the floor. "What? How could she do this without even asking me?" he exclaimed, his voice shaking with rage.
Siddhart's eyes widened in surprise. "Nirved, what's going on?" he asked, concern etched on his face.
Nirved took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down. "My mother has fixed my wedding date without my consent. I need to stop this wedding, Siddhart."
Siddhart said "Sant ho jao Nirved!"
Nirved slumped to the floor, his knees bent, and tears streaming down his face. "Whatever is happening, let it happen, Siddhart. Sub khatam ho gaya!"
(Everythings is over.) he exclaimed, his voice cracking with despair.
He stood up, his eyes red-rimmed, and walked out of the mansion. He headed to a nearby bar, a place he had never frequented before. But now, he found himself seeking solace in alcohol to dull the pain.
The bartender raised an eyebrow as Nirved ordered drink after drink. Nirved, once a teetotaler, was now drinking regularly to escape his emotional agony.
As the night wore on, Nirved stumbled out of the bar, his senses dulled. He made his way back home, where he found the house empty. Everyone was busy with the wedding preparations.
Nirved dragged himself to his room, collapsed onto his bed, and fell into a troubled sleep, haunted by his mother's betrayal and the looming wedding.
Next morning,
The atmosphere was electric as the bridal side busied themselves with the day's festivities.
The decoration
The tilak ceremony, a significant ritual in their culture, was about to begin. The house was resplendent in flowers and vibrant fabrics - yellow, pink, green, and red - creating a kaleidoscope of colors. The garden was beautifully set up, with intricately arranged furniture.
Raiya and Rashita were bubbling with excitement as they tried on their mendhi dresses. Today was a special day, and they couldn't wait to celebrate.
As the men from the bridal side prepared to leave for the groom's house, they were laden with gifts and adorned in their finest attire. The atmosphere was electric with excitement and anticipation.
Maya, Raiya's mother, performed an arti, praying for their safe journey and the success of the tilak ceremony. She applied a tilak to the foreheads of the men, including Raiya's father and brothers, and handed them a small bag of sweets and a few rupees as a symbol of good luck.
With the arti complete, the men set off for the groom's house, accompanied by the sound of drums and cheers. As they departed, Maya and the other women of the household bid them farewell, their faces filled with a mix of happiness and nervousness.
Their left only women,As the appointed time arrived, Panditji and the relatives gathered. It was time for the lagan ritual, where five married women would apply kajal to Raiya's eyes and oil to her hands. Raiya wore her mother's yellow saree, a family heirloom, as a symbol of love and blessings.
The five married women, including Raiya's mother and aunts, gathered around her. With gentle hands, they applied the kajal and oil, praying for Raiya's happiness and well-being.
As the ritual concluded, the atmosphere was filled with laughter and chatter. The sound of music and singing filled the air, and the aroma of delicious food wafted through the garden.
Scene 2:
As the sun rose, Nirved's mansion was transformed into a vibrant celebration venue, adorned with flowers and other decorations.
In the morning, Sunita welcomed their relatives, who gathered to perform the Haldi Kutai ritual.
This traditional ritual involved Sunita's mother and other married women grinding whole turmeric into a paste. The paste was then sent to the bride's house for the Ubtan ceremony. As part of the ritual, Nirved was required to touch the Haldi paste.
As the women worked on grinding the turmeric, they sang folk songs, creating a lively atmosphere. Sunita entered Nirved's room, urging him to get ready. "Nirved, wake up quickly! Our relatives have arrived!"
Nirved's eyes were red, and he felt like a puppet on strings. Without reacting, he followed his mother's instructions, taking a bath and wearing a yellow kurta. He went downstairs, touched the Haldi paste, and prepared for the Tilak ceremony.
After a while, the bride's family arrived, and they were warmly welcomed with a refreshing drink. Once they were comfortable, Panditji summoned the groom's and bride's families to begin the Tilak ceremony.
As the rituals concluded, the Tilak ceremony came to an end. The groom's family presented the bride's family with gifts, including jewelry, clothes, and furniture. These gifts were a symbol of love and respect, not dowry.
As part of the tradition, the groom's mother handed the Haldi paste to the bride's father, signaling the start of the bride's Haldi ceremony the next day.
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As evening fell, the bride's house sparkled with joy, celebrating the Mendhi ceremony. Raiya's hands were intricately decorated with Mendhi designs, and she beamed with happiness.
The atmosphere was electric as the ladies and girls danced and enjoyed the Mendhi ceremony. Maya, Mamta, Raiya's aunts, and Dadi were all smiles as they applied intricate Mendhi designs from a renowned designer.
Meanwhile, at Nirved's place, he was also getting ready for the mendhi ceremony. A designer applied a vibrant design to his hand , while Sunita, Varsha, and other ladies cheered and sang traditional songs.
The excitement was palpable as both families reveled in the joyous celebrations. The sound of laughter, music, and chatter filled the air, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.
As the Mendhi ceremony reached its climax, Raiya's hands and feet were adorned with stunning designs, making her look like a radiant bride-to-be.
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As the Haldi ceremony and sangeet done. A day after, the day of the wedding finally arrived.
Raiya was getting ready as a bride, with her bridesmaids helping her into her stunning wedding attire. Raiya found a message dropped by.........................
Meanwhile, the groom's family was also preparing for the barat ceremony.
Everything seemed perfect, but Nirved was nowhere to be found. Instead of being in his room, he stood alone on the banks of the River Ganga, fully intoxicated. He stumbled as he dialed Siddhart's number, who was getting ready for the wedding.
Siddhart's phone buzzed, and he picked up, saying, "Aa raha hu Nirved!" (I'm coming, Nirved!). But instead of Nirved's usual voice, Siddhart heard his friend's sobbing.
Siddhart's expression changed from excitement to concern. "Kya hua Nirved?" (What happened, Nirved?) he asked, but before he could get an answer, Nirved's voice sent chills down his spine.
"I'm going to commit suicide..."
Nirved's words trailed off, and the call dropped. Siddhart's eyes widened in horror as he stared at his phone, his mind racing with thoughts of his friend's desperate state.
To be continue..........
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Thank you and I will try to update next chapter as soon as possible.....🤗
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