Chapter 69 — Her First Karwa Chauth

Ritika kept her Karwa Chauth fast throughout the day.

She spent the day with Shabana and Rehnaa, helping with the preparations and keeping herself busy.

In the afternoon, she received an email from the university.

She read it twice, unable to believe it.

Ritika: I got it...

She immediately went to find Arnav.

Ritika: Arnav!

Arnav looked up.

Arnav: What happened, Ritu?

She smiled brightly.

Ritika: I got the confirmation.

Arnav: Confirmation?

Ritika: The university accepted me. I can join from tomorrow.

Arnav's face immediately lit up.

Arnav: Congratulations, Ritu!

Ritika smiled.

Ritika: Thank you.

Arnav had been keeping something aside.

He picked up a neatly wrapped package and handed it to her.

Arnav: This is for you.

Ritika looked surprised.

Ritika: For me?

Arnav: Open it.

She opened the package.

Inside was a beautiful red saree, along with matching bangles.

Ritika gently touched the fabric.

Ritika: Arnav...

She smiled.

Ritika: It's beautiful.

Arnav: I thought you could wear it tonight.

Ritika: Thank you, Arnav.

She hugged the saree close.

Ritika: I'll wear it for the evening.

Arnav smiled and kissed her cheek.

Arnav: My beautiful wife.

Ritika blushed.

That evening, Ritika dressed for Karwa Chauth.

She wore the red saree Arnav had given her and the matching bangles.

She completed her look with simple jewellery, sindoor and a small bindi.

When she came downstairs, everyone looked at her.

Shabana: Mashallah, beta.

Rehnaa: You look beautiful.

Rishi: Mumma looks pretty!

Ritika smiled.

Later, the family gathered for the Karwa Chauth rituals.

Ritika completed the puja and waited for the moon.

When the moon finally appeared, she looked at it through the sieve.

Then she looked toward Arnav.

Arnav stood in front of her.

He smiled softly.

Ritika lowered the sieve.

Arnav gently offered her water and helped her break her fast.

Arnav: Drink, Ritu.

Ritika took the water.

After she drank, Arnav offered her a small bite of food.

Ritika smiled.

Arnav: Happy Karwa Chauth.

Ritika: Happy Karwa Chauth, Arnav.

He kissed her forehead.

For Ritika, the day held two new beginnings.

Her first Karwa Chauth as Arnav's wife.

And tomorrow, she would begin her new journey as a professor once again.