Chapter 47 – The White Wedding

The next morning, the celebration continued with Richard and Aradhya's church wedding.

The church was breathtakingly beautiful.

White roses, lilies, and soft pastel flowers decorated the entrance. Elegant white drapes lined the pews, while hundreds of candles glowed softly, creating a peaceful and sacred atmosphere. Sunlight streamed through the stained-glass windows, filling the church with warm colors.

Guests took their seats as soft instrumental music began to play.

Richard stood at the altar in a classic black tuxedo, looking both excited and nervous.

The priest smiled at him.

Then the large wooden doors of the church slowly opened.

Everyone turned around.

Aradhya stood at the entrance.

She looked radiant in a graceful white wedding gown with a long flowing veil. In her hands, she carried a bouquet of white and pink tulips, holding them gently against her gown.

For a moment, the entire church fell silent.

Standing beside her was Veeresh.

He looked at his daughter with immense pride.

She looked up at him, her eyes already moist.

Aradhya: "Papa..."

Veeresh smiled warmly.

He gently kissed her forehead.

Veeresh: "Ready, my Aru?"

She nodded softly.

Aradhya: "As long as you're beside me."

Veeresh offered his arm.

Aradhya slipped her hand through it.

The wedding march began.

Slowly, father and daughter walked down the aisle together.

Every step reflected years of memories—her first steps as a child, the times she held his hand to cross the road, the bedtime stories, the laughter, the tears, and now this beautiful moment.

Veeresh glanced at Aradhya.

He smiled through tears.

Veeresh: "You'll always be my little girl."

Aradhya smiled back.

Aradhya: "Always."

Poornima watched from the front pew.

She wiped away the tears that wouldn't stop falling.

Beside her, Rudra quietly handed her a handkerchief.

Adwait and Thoshini smiled proudly, watching their sister walk toward a new beginning.

Richard couldn't take his eyes off Aradhya.

As she reached the altar, Veeresh gently placed her hand into Richard's.

He looked directly at him.

Veeresh: "Take care of her."

Richard nodded with complete sincerity.

Richard: "I will. Every single day."

Veeresh smiled and gently squeezed Aradhya's hand before stepping back to stand beside Poornima.

The priest welcomed everyone.

The ceremony began with prayers and readings about love, faith, patience, and commitment.

Richard and Aradhya then turned to face one another.

Holding hands, they exchanged heartfelt vows, promising to stand beside each other in joy and sorrow, in success and hardship, for the rest of their lives.

The priest blessed the rings.

Richard gently placed the wedding ring on Aradhya's finger.

She smiled and did the same for him.

The priest looked at the couple warmly.

Priest: "By the authority vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife."

A joyful smile spread across Richard's face.

The priest nodded.

Priest: "You may kiss your bride."

Richard gently kissed Aradhya as family and friends applauded.

The church filled with happiness.

The newly married couple walked back down the aisle together as husband and wife, while guests showered them with flower petals.

Veeresh quietly reached for Poornima's hand.

She looked at him.

He smiled softly.

Watching their daughter begin this new chapter, both of them silently thanked God for bringing their family to this moment—one filled with love, healing, and hope.