Chapter 46 – Aradhya's Wedding

The much-awaited wedding day finally arrived.

The Rajawat house was glowing with lights, fresh flowers, and traditional decorations. The sound of shehnai echoed through the venue as guests gathered to bless the couple.

Poornima stood before the mirror in her room.

She wore a beautiful red silk saree with a golden border. Her hair was neatly tied into a graceful bun adorned with fresh jasmine flowers. She wore only simple jewellery—a pair of earrings, a delicate necklace, matching bangles, and her wedding mangalsutra.

The vermilion in the parting of her hair (maang) shone brightly, completing her look.

She smiled softly at her reflection.

Just then, Veeresh entered the room.

For a moment, he simply stood there, looking at her.

He forgot to blink.

Poornima noticed him staring.

Poornima: "What?"

Veeresh slowly walked towards her.

He smiled in admiration.

Veeresh: "Oh God..."

She raised an eyebrow.

He gently held her hand.

Veeresh: "You're glowing."

Poornima smiled shyly.

Poornima: "Stop exaggerating."

Veeresh shook his head.

Veeresh: "I'm not."

He looked at her from head to toe.

Veeresh: "You look beautiful, Poons."

She smiled.

Poornima: "Thank you."

He adjusted the pallu on her shoulder and smiled proudly.

Veeresh: "Come."

Veeresh: "Our daughter is waiting."

Together, they walked towards the beautifully decorated mandap.

The wedding ceremony began.

The priest welcomed both families and started the sacred rituals by chanting Vedic mantras.

Puja

Aradhya and Richard sat before the holy fire.

The priest performed the wedding puja, invoking Lord Ganesha and seeking blessings from the sacred fire for a happy and prosperous married life.

Both families offered flowers, rice, and prayers.

Sacred Thread Ceremony

Following the priest's instructions, Aradhya and Richard tied the sacred thread around each other's wrists, symbolizing protection, trust, and the promise to stand by one another through every stage of life.

The family watched with smiles and applause.

Kanyadan

The priest then called Veeresh and Poornima.

They walked forward together.

Aradhya looked at her parents with moist eyes.

Veeresh gently held his daughter's hands.

Poornima stood beside him.

Together, they placed Aradhya's hands into Richard's hands.

The priest chanted the sacred mantras.

With folded hands and emotional hearts, Veeresh and Poornima performed the kanyadan, blessing their daughter as she stepped into a new chapter of her life.

Veeresh's eyes became wet.

Poornima quietly wiped away her tears.

Richard respectfully bowed his head.

Richard: "I promise to take care of her."

Veeresh nodded with a proud smile.

Gathbandhan

The priest called for the gathbandhan.

Smiling happily, Thoshini stepped forward.

She lovingly tied the end of Richard's stole to Aradhya's saree pallu, symbolizing the sacred bond that would unite them for life.

The family clapped as Thoshini finished the knot.

Seven Pheras

The holy fire burned brightly.

Hand in hand, Aradhya and Richard took the seven sacred pheras, each step representing a promise—of love, trust, respect, companionship, prosperity, family, and lifelong togetherness.

The priest explained the meaning of each vow while the couple completed all seven rounds around the sacred fire.

Mangalsutra and Sindoor

Finally came the most awaited moment.

The priest handed the mangalsutra to Richard.

With folded hands and a silent prayer, Richard gently tied the mangalsutra around Aradhya's neck.

The family smiled with happiness.

Then, taking a pinch of sindoor, Richard lovingly filled the parting of Aradhya's hair.

The priest smiled.

Priest: "From this moment, you are husband and wife."

The entire mandap echoed with applause, flower petals, and blessings.

Veeresh slipped his hand into Poornima's.

She looked at him.

He smiled with moist eyes.

Together, they watched their daughter begin a beautiful new journey, their hearts filled with pride, love, and blessings.