Chapter 22: Sacred Vows

The morning after the nikah, the Rathore Palace in Rajgarh was beautifully decorated for the Hindu wedding ceremony.

The entrance was adorned with marigold garlands, mango leaves, and fragrant roses. Traditional shehnai music echoed through the palace, creating a serene and auspicious atmosphere.

The wedding mandap stood in the centre of the courtyard, decorated with fresh flowers and a sacred fire (Agni) prepared for the rituals.

Veeresh arrived wearing an elegant ivory sherwani with a matching safa (turban).

Poornima entered a little later, dressed in a graceful red bridal saree chosen for the Hindu ceremony. Her bridal look remained simple, with light jewellery and the same quiet dignity that everyone had come to admire.

Ayat and Aarhan walked proudly beside their mother, while Mahendra, Mahesh, Haji Kareem, and Shabana watched with emotional smiles.

The priest invited the bride and groom to begin the ceremonies.

Varmala

Veeresh and Poornima stood facing each other.

The priest smiled.

Priest: "Exchange these garlands as a symbol of accepting one another."

Veeresh gently placed the flower garland around Poornima's neck.

Poornima then smiled softly and placed her garland around Veeresh's neck.

The family showered them with flower petals as everyone clapped happily.

Gathbandhan

The priest tied one end of Veeresh's stole to the pallu of Poornima's saree.

Priest: "From today, your lives are tied together. Walk together through every joy and every challenge."

Veeresh glanced at Poornima.

She quietly nodded.

Kanyadan

Haji Kareem slowly walked forward.

The priest looked at him respectfully.

Priest: "Who gives the bride?"

Haji gently held Poornima's hand.

His eyes became moist.

He placed her hand into Veeresh's.

Haji Kareem: "Veeresh..."

Veeresh looked at him respectfully.

Haji Kareem: "Today, I am not giving away my daughter."

Everyone looked towards him.

Haji Kareem: "She will always remain my daughter."

His voice trembled.

Haji Kareem: "I am simply trusting you to walk beside her with respect, kindness, and honesty."

Veeresh held Poornima's hand gently.

Veeresh: "I promise, Abbu."

Haji smiled through his tears.

The Sacred Pheras

The priest lit the sacred fire.

Priest: "Agni is the witness to this marriage."

With the gathbandhan tying them together, Veeresh and Poornima began walking around the sacred fire.

With each phera, the priest explained the vows—supporting one another, protecting the family, earning an honest livelihood, respecting each other, raising children with good values, standing together in happiness and hardship, and remaining lifelong companions.

Neither Veeresh nor Poornima rushed the ritual.

Each step was taken calmly, understanding that they were making promises meant to last a lifetime.

Mangalsutra

After the pheras, the priest handed the mangalsutra to Veeresh.

Veeresh looked at Poornima.

She gently lowered her head.

With steady hands, he tied the mangalsutra around her neck.

The black beads rested against her saree.

The women around them smiled happily.

Sindoor

The priest handed Veeresh a small silver box containing vermilion.

Priest: "Complete the final ritual."

Veeresh took a pinch of sindoor.

Poornima lowered her gaze.

Very gently, he filled the parting of her hair with sindoor.

The priest folded his hands.

Priest: "From this moment, according to Hindu tradition, you are husband and wife."

Conch shells echoed through the palace.

Flower petals rained down upon the couple.

Mahendra wiped away a tear.

Mahesh smiled proudly.

Haji Kareem and Shabana looked at Poornima with mixed emotions—sad that she was leaving their home, yet grateful that she was beginning a new chapter with dignity and blessings.

Veeresh looked at Poornima and offered his hand.

Without hesitation, she placed hers in his.

They had married through nikah, honouring Poornima's faith and family traditions.

They had also completed the Hindu wedding rituals, honouring Veeresh's family's traditions.

Both families stood together, united by love, mutual respect, and the shared hope that this marriage would heal two hearts and bring peace to two families.