Chapter 20 — The Wedding

The wedding day finally arrived.

The Singh and Qureshi families gathered together for the ceremony. The mandap was beautifully decorated with flowers, traditional lamps and elegant arrangements.

Arnav sat beneath the mandap wearing a traditional sherwani. His expression was calm and composed, but beneath that calmness, he could feel the weight of the moment.

The priest began the wedding rituals.

Priest: Bring the Vadhu.

Everyone turned toward the entrance.

Ritika entered wearing a beautiful red lehenga. Her jewellery was elegant and simple, complementing her bridal attire. Her face was partially covered with a delicate veil.

She slowly walked toward the mandap and sat beside Arnav.

Arnav glanced at her for a moment.

Though her face was partly covered, he could see the nervousness in her eyes.

The priest continued with the rituals.

Priest: Beti, tie this sacred thread to his hand.

Ritika carefully took the thread and tied it around Arnav's wrist.

Arnav looked down at her hands for a moment before looking back at her.

The ceremony continued with the Hastamilap, symbolizing the joining of the bride and groom's hands.

A small puja was then performed as the priest chanted the sacred mantras.

Soon, the Kanyadan ceremony began.

Devraj and Rukmini became emotional as they gave their daughter's hand in marriage.

Devraj looked at Arnav seriously.

Devraj: Take care of my daughter.

Arnav nodded respectfully.

Arnav: I will.

Rukmini smiled through her tears.

Poornima then came forward for the Gathbandhan.

She gently tied the ends of Arnav and Ritika's garments together.

Poornima: Take care of each other, respect each other and always be happy together.

Veeresh stood nearby with a proud smile.

Veeresh: Finally.

Poornima looked at him and smiled.

Devraj and Rukmini watched their daughter with happiness.

Aravind and Siya smiled warmly.

Arjun and Rajshree were equally happy.

Rishi sat watching everything with a bright smile, excited to see his mother getting married.

The priest then asked the bride and groom to stand.

Priest: Vadhu and Var, stand up for the pheras.

Arnav and Ritika stood together.

The sacred fire burned before them as they began the seven pheras.

First Step — Nourishment

ॐ इषे एकपदी भव सा मामनुव्रता भव।

(May Lord Vishnu guide us. With the first step, we provide for and nourish each other with food and strength).

Arnav and Ritika took their first step together.

Second Step — Strength & Vigor

ॐ ऊर्जे द्विपदी भव सा मामनुव्रता भव।

(With the second step, may we attain physical, mental, and spiritual energy and health)

They took their second step around the sacred fire.

Third Step — Prosperity & Wealth

ॐ रायस्पोषाय त्रिपदी भव सा मामनुव्रता भव।

(With the third step, may we grow in wealth, prosperity, and righteous living).

Their third step symbolized their promise to build a prosperous life together.

Fourth Step — Happiness & Harmony

ॐ मायोभवाय चतुष्पदी भव सा मामनुव्रता भव।

(With the fourth step, may we share joy, mutual love, and happiness in our home).

Ritika looked briefly toward Arnav as they continued walking together.

Fifth Step — Family & Children

ॐ प्रजाभ्यः पञ्चपदी भव सा मामनुव्रता भव।

(With the fifth step, may we be blessed with noble children and a strong family legacy).

Arnav glanced toward Rishi for a brief moment.

Rishi smiled at him.

Arnav then looked back at Ritika.

Sixth Step — Health & Seasons of Life

ॐ ऋतुभ्यः षट्पदी भव सा मामनुव्रता भव।

(With the sixth step, may we stay healthy and united through all seasons and stages of life)

Their sixth step brought them closer to completing the sacred vows.

Seventh Step — Friendship & Trust

ॐ सखे सप्तपदी भव सा मामनुव्रता भव।

(May we be lifelong friends, companions, and devoted partners forever).

With the seventh step, Arnav and Ritika completed the seven pheras.

They were now husband and wife according to the sacred vows.

The priest then proceeded with the next rituals.

Priest: Mangalsutra.

Arnav took the mangalsutra and carefully tied it around Ritika's neck.

Everyone watched emotionally.

Shabana then gently lifted Ritika's veil.

The priest brought forward the mangtika.

Priest: Beta, remove the ring and dip it in kumkum.

Arnav removed his ring and dipped it into the kumkum.

Priest: Now smear it.

Arnav carefully applied the kumkum to Ritika's forehead.

Ritika closed her eyes for a moment.

The priest then spoke again.

Priest: Now make her wear the same ring.

Arnav gently took Ritika's hand.

He carefully slid the ring onto her finger.

Ritika looked down at the ring, her eyes becoming emotional.

The priest then announced the Varmala ceremony.

Arnav and Ritika exchanged garlands.

The family applauded happily.

Finally, the toe-ring ceremony was completed.

Rishi watched everything with a wide smile.

Rishi: Mumma is married to Baba!

Everyone laughed softly.

Veeresh looked at Arnav and shook his head with a smile.

Veeresh: Welcome to the family, bastard.

Arnav looked at him.

Arnav: Thank you, brother-in-law.

Veeresh smiled proudly.

And beneath the sacred fire, surrounded by both families, Arnav and Ritika began their new life together.