Chapter 21 — The Nikah

After the Hindu wedding rituals were completed, the atmosphere became quieter as the families prepared for the Nikah.

Ritika had changed into the beautiful cream saree Arnav had given her as the shagun. She wore the matching bangles and payal, along with simple jewellery. Her veil gently covered her head.

She sat with the women on one side of the partition.

Shabana, Rehnaa, Poornima, Rukmini, Siya and Rajshree sat beside her.

On the other side of the partition sat Arnav, Abhram, Devraj, Aravind and Arjun.

The Maulvi Sahib took his place and began the prayer.

Maulvi Sahib: Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem. May Allah bless this union, guide both of you toward kindness and understanding, and place love, peace and mercy between your hearts.

Everyone listened respectfully.

The Maulvi Sahib then explained the Mahr that had been agreed upon for Ritika as part of the Nikah.

Maulvi Sahib: Ritika beti, the Mahr has been agreed upon and will be given to you as your right according to the Nikah.

Ritika nodded.

The Maulvi Sahib then turned his attention toward her.

Maulvi Sahib: Ritika beti, kya aap Arnav Qureshi ko apna shohar qubool karti hain?

Ritika took a breath.

Ritika: Qubool hai.

The women around her smiled.

The Maulvi Sahib asked her again.

Maulvi Sahib: Ritika beti, kya aap Arnav Qureshi ko apna shohar qubool karti hain?

Ritika: Qubool hai.

The Maulvi Sahib asked for the third time.

Maulvi Sahib: Ritika beti, kya aap Arnav Qureshi ko apna shohar qubool karti hain?

Ritika: Qubool hai.

The Maulvi Sahib then turned toward Arnav.

Maulvi Sahib: Arnav Qureshi, kya aap Ritika ko apni biwi qubool karte hain?

Arnav looked straight ahead.

Arnav: Qubool hai.

The Maulvi Sahib asked again.

Maulvi Sahib: Arnav Qureshi, kya aap Ritika ko apni biwi qubool karte hain?

Arnav: Qubool hai.

The Maulvi Sahib asked for the third time.

Maulvi Sahib: Arnav Qureshi, kya aap Ritika ko apni biwi qubool karte hain?

Arnav: Qubool hai.

The Nikah was complete.

A wave of happiness passed through both families.

Abhram walked toward Ritika with the Nikahnama.

Abhram: Beta, sign here.

Ritika carefully signed the Nikahnama.

Abhram smiled warmly before taking the document to Arnav.

Abhram: Beta.

Arnav took the paper and signed it.

The moment was finally official.

Arnav was now Ritika's husband, and Ritika was now his wife.

After the formalities, Arnav slowly walked toward Ritika.

She sat quietly beneath her veil.

Arnav stopped in front of her.

He gently lifted her veil.

For the first time that day, he looked at her properly.

She was wearing the cream saree he had chosen for her.

For a moment, Arnav simply stared.

He thought she looked beautiful.

Ritika looked up at him, slightly nervous.

A small mirror was placed between them as part of the tradition.

They looked into the mirror together and saw their reflections side by side.

Arnav's expression softened.

He gently leaned forward and kissed Ritika's forehead.

Ritika closed her eyes for a moment.

Everyone watched the newly married couple with warm smiles.

The Maulvi Sahib offered a small prayer for them.

Maulvi Sahib: May Allah bless this marriage with love, patience, mercy and understanding. May He protect your home and bless your family with happiness.

Arnav and Ritika quietly listened.

And as the prayer ended, they looked at each other through the mirror.

Two people who had entered the marriage with uncertainty were now husband and wife.

Their new life had officially begun.