Chapter 21: The Nikah

The morning of the nikah arrived with an atmosphere filled with prayers and quiet excitement.

Haji Kareem's home in Bikaner had been decorated beautifully with fresh jasmine, white roses, and soft purple flowers as a tribute to the bride's wedding attire.

Relatives gathered to bless the couple.

There was no extravagance.

Everything reflected simplicity, dignity, and faith.

Inside her room, Poornima sat quietly before the mirror.

She wore the purple saree with delicate lavender embroidery that Veeresh had sent. The Kashmiri-design purple bangles shimmered softly on her wrists. Her mehendi was simple and elegant, with delicate floral patterns covering her palms.

Her makeup was minimal.

She wanted to look like herself.

Ayat adjusted the end of her saree.

Ayat: "Ammi... you look beautiful."

Aarhan smiled proudly.

Aarhan: "My Ammi is the prettiest."

Poornima smiled and kissed both of them.

Meanwhile, Veeresh arrived wearing a simple cream kurta-pyjama with a matching stole over his shoulder. He looked dignified and calm.

Mahendra and Mahesh stood proudly beside him.

After welcoming the Rathore family, everyone gathered in the nikah hall.

The Maulvi Sahib took his place.

Poornima sat behind a light veil according to the family's custom, while Veeresh sat a short distance away.

The atmosphere became completely silent.

The Maulvi recited verses from the Holy Quran and spoke about the responsibilities of marriage.

Maulvi Sahib: "Marriage is a bond built upon respect, mercy, trust, and compassion. Husband and wife are garments for one another, protecting each other's dignity."

Everyone listened attentively.

The Maulvi then looked towards Poornima.

Maulvi Sahib: "Poornima Qureshi, daughter-in-law of Haji Kareem Qureshi, do you accept Veeresh Rathore as your husband of your own free will?"

Poornima closed her eyes for a moment.

Then she answered clearly.

Poornima: "Qubool hai."

The Maulvi repeated the question.

Again she answered,

Poornima: "Qubool hai."

For the third time...

Maulvi Sahib: "Do you accept?"

Poornima smiled gently.

Poornima: "Qubool hai."

A peaceful smile spread across Haji Kareem's face.

The Maulvi then turned towards Veeresh.

Maulvi Sahib: "Veeresh Rathore, do you accept Poornima Qureshi as your wife of your own free will?"

Without hesitation, Veeresh replied,

Veeresh: "Qubool hai."

The question was repeated.

Veeresh: "Qubool hai."

And for the third time,

Veeresh: "Qubool hai."

The Maulvi smiled.

Maulvi Sahib: "Alhamdulillah. The nikah is accepted."

A soft murmur of "Mubarak" spread through the gathering.

The Nikahnama was then brought forward.

Poornima carefully signed the document.

After her, Veeresh took the pen and signed beside her name.

Their witnesses also signed the document, completing the legal and religious formalities.

Following the custom, Veeresh walked towards Poornima.

She sat quietly with her veil covering her face.

Very gently, he lifted the veil.

For the first time...

They looked at each other.

Veeresh saw a calm woman with kind eyes and a gentle smile.

Poornima saw a man whose face carried maturity, responsibility, and years of silent pain.

Neither spoke.

Veeresh simply smiled.

Then, with complete respect, he leaned forward and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead.

It wasn't a gesture of possession.

It was a silent promise of respect.

The elders smiled warmly.

According to another family tradition, a beautifully framed mirror was placed before them.

Veeresh and Poornima looked into it together.

Instead of seeing themselves separately...

They saw their reflection side by side for the very first time as husband and wife.

Haji Kareem walked forward carrying a small velvet box.

He opened it and took out a beautifully crafted silver kada.

Smiling, he looked at Veeresh.

Haji Kareem: "Beta, this has been in our family for generations. Today, I give it to you with my blessings."

Veeresh respectfully extended his hand.

Haji slipped the kada onto his wrist.

Veeresh: "Thank you... Abbu."

Haji's eyes filled with emotion at hearing that word.

Beside him, Shabana Begum smiled through her tears.

She gently placed her hand on Veeresh's head.

Shabana Begum: "May Allah bless both of you with peace, understanding, and a lifetime of happiness."

Veeresh respectfully bowed his head to receive her blessing.

Around them, relatives offered prayers and congratulations.

The nikah had been completed.

Not as the union of two strangers...

But as the beginning of a new chapter for two people who had known heartbreak and were now choosing, together, to give hope another chance.