Chapter 23: A New Beginning

The wedding ceremonies had come to an end.

It was time for rukhsati.

Poornima hugged Haji Kareem tightly, unable to hold back her tears.

Haji lovingly placed his hand on her head.

Haji Kareem: "Beta..."

Poornima looked at him with tear-filled eyes.

Haji Kareem: "Remember one thing."

He smiled warmly.

Haji Kareem: "You will always be our daughter."

Poornima nodded, crying softly.

Haji Kareem: "This house will never stop being your home."

He gently wiped her tears.

Haji Kareem: "Take your time settling into your new life. No one expects you to change overnight."

Shabana hugged Poornima.

Shabana Begum: "Stay happy, beta."

Ayat and Aarhan hugged their grandparents before leaving with Veeresh and the Rathore family.

By evening, they reached the Rathore Palace in Rajgarh.

The palace entrance was beautifully decorated with flowers and lamps.

Mahendra and Mahesh stood waiting to welcome the newlyweds.

A traditional griha pravesh ceremony was arranged.

Mahesh's sister performed the aarti.

A silver plate with kumkum and rice was placed before Poornima.

She gently knocked over the rice pot with her right foot, symbolising prosperity entering the house.

Then she stepped onto the tray of kumkum and walked into the palace, leaving red footprints behind.

After entering, she walked towards the small temple in the palace.

Mahendra handed her a brass lamp.

Mahendra: "Beta, light this lamp."

Poornima folded her hands before the deities and lit the lamp.

Everyone smiled and blessed the couple.

Mahendra then looked at them kindly.

Mahendra: "You've both had a long day."

He smiled.

Mahendra: "The remaining welcoming ceremonies can wait until tomorrow."

Mahesh nodded in agreement.

Mahesh: "Yes. Tonight, everyone should rest."

He then looked at Ayat and Aarhan.

The two children stood quietly beside their mother.

Mahesh smiled affectionately.

Mahesh: "Aarhan... Ayat... come with me, beta."

They looked at him.

Mahesh: "You'll sleep in my room tonight."

Ayat hesitated.

Ayat: "Really, Dadu?"

Mahesh smiled.

Mahesh: "Of course."

Aarhan's face brightened.

Aarhan: "Okay, Dadu!"

Mahesh gently held both their hands.

Mahesh: "Come on."

Before leaving, he looked at Veeresh.

Mahesh: "Both of you get some rest."

Veeresh nodded.

Veeresh: "Yes, Papa."

The children happily followed Mahesh.

A few minutes later...

Veeresh opened the door to his room.

He stepped aside.

Veeresh: "Please..."

Poornima quietly entered.

The room was spacious but peaceful.

There was an awkward silence between them.

Veeresh spoke first.

Veeresh: "You can freshen up first."

Poornima nodded politely.

Poornima: "Okay."

She collected a change of clothes and went into the washroom.

A few minutes later, she came out wearing a simple cotton salwar suit.

Veeresh then took his clothes and quietly went inside.

When he returned, he had changed into a comfortable T-shirt and track pants.

He walked towards the balcony.

After standing there for a moment, he lit a cigarette.

The night breeze carried the smoke into the darkness.

Inside the room, Poornima sat quietly on the edge of the bed.

Neither of them spoke.

Both were strangers...

Bound together by marriage.

Both carried painful memories of the past.

And both knew that trust could never be built in a single day. It would take patience, respect, and time.