Chapter 19 — The Qureshi Wedding Rituals

While the Singh mansion was filled with wedding preparations, the Qureshi mansion was also beautifully decorated for Arnav.

The family followed their own traditions before the wedding, keeping the ceremonies simple, intimate and meaningful.

Day One — Prayer and Shagun

The first ritual began with prayers.

Arnav sat quietly with his family as they offered their prayers and sought blessings for the new chapter of his life.

After the prayers, the family gathered for the shagun ceremony.

Rehnaa looked at Arnav with a teasing smile.

Rehnaa: Beta, did you give Ritika the saree and bangles?

Arnav nodded.

Arnav: Yes, Phupi.

Rehnaa: Good. At least you remembered.

Shabana smiled and brought forward a beautifully wrapped package.

Shabana: Didi, I have brought this for Ritika.

Rehnaa opened it and saw a beautiful saree along with a pair of bangles.

Rehnaa: Shabi, this is beautiful.

Shabana: I wanted something special for her. She is going to be our daughter-in-law, but from the moment she enters this house, I want her to feel like our daughter.

Rehnaa smiled warmly.

Rehnaa: She will be very happy.

Rehnaa then brought out another box.

Rehnaa: And I have something for her too.

She opened it and revealed a beautiful pair of gold bangles.

Rehnaa: These are my gift to Ritika. I will give them to her after the wedding.

Shabana smiled.

Shabana: She will treasure them.

Arnav quietly watched the preparations, saying little, but there was a softness in his expression.

Day Two — Haldi

The next day, the Qureshi mansion was filled with laughter as the Haldi ceremony began.

Arnav wore a simple traditional outfit and sat surrounded by his family.

Rehnaa was the first to apply haldi to him.

Rehnaa: May you always remain happy, beta.

Arnav smiled faintly.

Shabana: May this new chapter bring peace into your life.

Arnav: Ameen.

The family continued the ceremony with laughter and teasing.

For someone usually so reserved, Arnav found himself tolerating all the attention quietly.

Day Three — A Small Mehendi Ceremony

The Qureshi family kept the Mehendi function small and intimate.

There was music, laughter and a few close family members gathered around Arnav.

Rehnaa walked toward him and held out her hand.

Rehnaa: Beta, show me your hand.

Arnav looked at her suspiciously.

Arnav: Why?

Rehnaa: Just show me.

Arnav reluctantly held out his hand.

Rehnaa took a little mehendi and placed a small dot on his palm.

Arnav looked at it.

Arnav: That's it?

Rehnaa laughed.

Rehnaa: Yes. A small blessing for your new beginning.

Shabana smiled at her son.

Shabana: Tomorrow, everything changes.

Arnav looked down at the tiny mehendi mark on his hand.

For the first time, the reality of the wedding truly settled in.

Tomorrow, Ritika would become his wife.

And Rishi would become part of his life.

Arnav quietly looked at the small mark on his palm.

Arnav: InshaAllah.

The Qureshi family smiled as the final preparations for the wedding began.