When one chapter ends, another begins—with tears, smiles, and the promise of forever.

-×-

Gupta House – Morning After the Wedding

The house was quiet. A strange kind of silence—the kind that comes before an emotional goodbye. Garlands still hung on the doors, remnants of celebration, yet the mood had shifted.

Khushi sat between Garima and Buaji, dressed in a simple red saree, her bridal chooda clinking softly as she wiped her tears.

Buaji (choking up):

“Humein toh laga tum sirf naatak mein dulhan bani thi… par ab toh sach mein Raizada bahu ban gayi, Titaliya.”

Garima (hugging her tight):

“Jab tum pehli baar is ghar mein aayi thi, tab humne socha tha… ek din zaroor kisi ke ghar ki lakshmi banegi. Aaj woh din hai.”

Khushi (teary-eyed, softly):

“Aap sab ke bina kaise rahungi, Amma? Buaji? Jiji toh paas rahegi, par aap dono…”

Payal entered, holding the doli ki rasam thali, her own eyes red from crying.

Payal:

“Mujhe toh lagta hai, ab tum sabse zyada khush rehogi… kyunki tumhare Arnav ji waise hi insaan hai, jinke liye har ladki dua karti hai.”

Khushi (smiling faintly):

“Unke peeche Devi Maiyya ki extra duty lagi hai, Jiji… warna Arnav ji ko sambhalna mushkil hota.”

They all laughed softly, even amidst the tears.

-×-

Shantivan – Same Time

Arnav paced nervously in the living room. Nani, Mamiji, and Anjali watched with amusement.

Anjali (teasing):

“Chhote, dulhan toh aayegi hi. Aise toh mat chalo jaise vivaah mein dulhan bhaag gayi ho.”

Mamiji:

“Hamre Arnav bitwa toh ab lover boy ban gaye hain!”

Nani (smiling warmly):

“Us ladki ne sach mein hamare Arnav ko poora kar diya.”

Just then, the car pulled into the driveway. Arnav’s steps slowed. His breath caught.

Khushi stepped out of the car, veiled, her red saree glowing in the soft sun. Her eyes immediately found his.

He held out his hand.

Without a word, she placed hers into his.

The Raizada family showered flower petals as Khushi entered the home—not as a guest, but as the daughter-in-law.

-×-

Griha Pravesh Ceremony

Khushi gently kicked the rice kalash, her anklets echoing in the hallway. She dipped her feet in vermilion water and stepped into Shantivan.

Anjali (whispering):

“Aaj se is ghar mein sirf tumhaari khushi ka raaj hoga… Khushi.”

Khushi (whispering back):

“Aur aap sabki bhi… kyunki ab aap sab mera parivaar ho.”

-×-

Later That Evening – Arnav’s Room

Khushi stepped into the room, her heart fluttering. Candles glowed, the poolside glistened with fairy lights.

Arnav stood by the French windows, hands in his pockets.

She walked up behind him, hesitant.

Khushi:

“Aaj sab kuch… ek sapna lag raha hai.”

Arnav (turning to face her):

“Par yeh sapna nahi, Khushi. Yeh humara sach hai.”

He walked closer, gently brushing a lock of hair from her face.

Arnav (softly):

“Pehli baar… tumhaare liye maine har rasam poori ki. Har woh cheez jo ek pati karta hai… sirf is liye, kyunki main tumse pyaar karta hoon.”

Khushi (tearfully smiling):

“Pehli baar… kisi ne mujhe bina kisi majboori ke apna kaha.”

He leaned down, gently placing his forehead against hers.

Arnav:

“No more misunderstandings. No more distance. Sirf hum… hamesha ke liye.”

Khushi:

“Hamesha.”

They stood there, wrapped in the warmth of their promise, as the wind rustled the poolside curtains behind them.

-×-

To be continued…

Next Up: Chapter 18: Pehla Sawera

By

Muskan Tarway

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