My heart fluttered as his hands gently wrapped around mine, his touch firm yet unfamiliar. Holding up my lehenga, I carefully climbed the stairs leading to the stage.
With every step, my heartbeat quickened, a strange mix of emotions swirling inside me. And then, my eyes met his. Sharp. Intense. Unreadable.
But I quickly shook off those thoughts, refusing to dwell on them. Taking a deep breath, I walked to his side and settled into my place.
As soon as we both settled, Pandit Ji (Priest) began chanting the sacred mantras, his voice echoing through the mandap.
The rhythmic chants of Pandit Ji filled the air, blending with the soft crackling of the sacred fire before us. The fragrance of sandalwood and roses lingered around, yet my mind was elsewhere.
I stole a glance at him-Yuvraj Rajvansh. My soon-to-be husband. His expression was unreadable, his gaze fixed ahead, as if none of this mattered to him.
I sighed and lowered my eyes, my fingers unconsciously tightening around the edge of my lehenga. This was real. In a few moments, my life would change forever.
Dadi's words echoed in my mind. "Marriage is a new journey, Kainaat. Walk into it with faith, not fear."
Faith.
I took a deep breath, pushing away the uncertainty, and focused on the rituals ahead.
The decorations were beautiful, glowing in the soft golden lights. My little girls were so happy, giggling and running around, enjoying every moment. The guests had all arrived and settled in their places, their voices blending into the festive atmosphere.
My eyes found Dadi, sitting with his family, her face lit up with a bright, contented smile. Seeing her happy made my heart a little lighter.
His brother and cousins sat quietly, their eyes fixed on us. There was a sense of curiosity in their gaze, but they didn't say anything.
All around, people looked happy, their faces glowing with joy. Laughter, whispers, and soft music filled the air. Everyone seemed to be enjoying the moment.
His cousin sister, Riya, was sitting beside us, helping with the rituals. Every now and then, I caught her stealing glances at me, her eyes filled with curiosity and warmth.
I tried to ignore it at first, but soon, I couldn't help but smile at her.
But then, my gaze shifted to him.
Yuvraj Rajvansh.
He sat still, staring into the sacred fire, its flames dancing effortlessly. His face held no expression-no excitement, no emotion.
Why did it feel like he wasn't happy?
No, no, I'm just overthinking. He's a doctor. Maybe he's just tired. Men are not always expressive, but that doesn't mean they don't feel. Maybe he's one of them.
I shook my head, trying to push away unnecessary thoughts.
The great Yuvraj Rajvansh was going to be my husband. And I am going to be his wife, Kainaat Yuvraj Rajvansh.
Just the thought sent a small thrill through me. I was going to call him mine.
As the mantras echoed around me, filling the air with their sacred rhythm, I closed my eyes and joined my hands, trying to silence the thoughts swirling in my mind.
This moment was bigger than my worries. Bigger than my doubts.
So, I let myself surrender to the prayers, hoping they would bring me peace.
The priest's voice pulled me back to the present.
"Now the bride and groom join your hand." The priest said.
I slowly extended my hand, placing it gently on the kalash, then glanced at Yuvraj Ji. He was still staring into the sacred fire, lost in his own world, unaware of the moment.
What is wrong with him? Is he upset about anything?
"You might pay attention to the priest. He's asking you both to join hands. You have a whole life to drown in your thoughts." Riya teased, gently shaking him.
He turned his head and shot her a sharp, warning glare. She gulped and looked away, suddenly silent.
Then, without a word, he reached out.
The moment his rough, warm hand wrapped around mine, a sudden jolt shot through me, making my breath hitch. It wasn't fear, nor was it discomfort-just an unexpected rush that made my fingers tremble for a second.
His grip was firm, steady, yet something about it felt distant.
It's just a tradition, a ritual he's following. Why am I thinking so much?
Pagal ho jayegi, Kainaat. Don't overthink.
[ You will become mad, Kainaat. ]
The priest continued the rituals, his voice calm and steady as he guided us through each step.
The priest's voice rang through the mandap again.
"Now, the bride's father may come forward for the Kanyadaan."
A lump formed in my throat, and my heart sank.All my exictment suddenly vanished.My fingers instinctively clenched the fabric of my lehenga as I forced myself to say the words that always brought an ache deep within me.
"I... I don't have my parents," I whispered, my voice barely audible, but in the pin-drop silence, everyone heard it.
For a moment, everything stilled. I kept my eyes lowered, afraid to meet anyone's gaze. This was supposed to be the most sacred ritual of my wedding, yet here I was-alone.
But then, before the awkward silence could stretch further, a deep, steady voice broke through.
"I will do it."
I lifted my head in surprise.
Yuvraj Ji's father, Ajay Rajvansh, stepped forward, his gaze warm and resolute. The guests murmured in astonishment, and I saw the admiration in their eyes.
He walked towards me and gently placed his hand on my head, his expression filled with something I had craved all my life-acceptance.
"A father isn't just the one who gives birth to a daughter," he said, looking at me with a soft smile. "A father is the one who stands by her side, protects her, and blesses her as she starts a new journey."
My chest tightened, and my vision blurred with unshed tears.
"You may not have been born in my home, Kainaat," he continued, his voice steady and full of warmth, "but today, you are my daughter."
A soft gasp left my lips, and I couldn't stop the tear that rolled down my cheek.
The entire hall was filled with admiration, and I could hear Dadi and Ma sniffling. Even Riya had a hand over her heart, visibly emotional.
I looked at Yuvraj Ji, hoping to read his reaction, but his face remained impassive.
Ajay Uncle then took my hand and placed it in Yuvraj Ji's palm. "She is my daughter now, and I trust you to keep her safe and happy, Yuvraj."
For the first time since the wedding began, Yuvraj Ji looked at me-just for a brief second. Then, he closed his fingers around mine.
I felt something shift inside me.
For the first time today, I didn't feel alone. I felt... blessed.
"Now, the bride and groom will take the seven sacred vows as they walk around the fire," the priest announced.
My heart pounded with excitement and a hint of nervousness as I stepped closer to Yuvraj Ji. He stood beside me, tall and composed, his expression unreadable.
The priest recited the first vow, and Yuvraj Ji took the lead for the first round. I followed, my bangles softly clinking as we moved around the sacred fire. The flames flickered, casting a golden glow over everything.
With each round, the priest continued, his voice steady and firm:
First Phera:
"My wife will never walk behind anyone but beside me, as my equal." He vowed, gripping my hand firmly.
Second Phera:
"I commit to take stand by my Husband, in all circumstances." I promised, my steps steady.
Third Phera:
"My wife will have my name, my honor, my loyalty, and the strength of my soul to protect her." He swore.
Fourth Phera:
"My husband will be the only one to hold the key to my heart, my faith, and my surrender." I whispered, letting a lone tear slip down her cheek.
"Now the bride will the lead."
With that, we exchanged positions, and I took the lead.
Fifth Phera:
"No force in this world will touch her without facing my wrath." He vowed, his voice steady but calm.
Sixth Phera:
"Even if the world turns against him, I will stand before him, shielding him from every storm." She swore, her heart resolute.
As they approached the final circle, the moment hung heavy between them.
Seventh Phera:
"I vow to remain loyal and dedicated to my wife." He promised, shutting his eyes.
"I vow to become a part of his soul, so entwined that even time cannot separate us." I smiled, unshaken.
As we completed the final round, I let out a silent breath. This was it.
I glanced at Yuvraj Ji, hoping to find something in his expression-something that mirrored what I felt. But his gaze remained fixed ahead, unreadable.
Maybe he was just composed. Maybe he was simply processing everything in his own way. After all, men weren't always expressive.
Still, a small part of me wished I could read his thoughts.
And as we completed the ritual we sat down on our respective place.
"Now, the groom will apply sindoor to the bride's hair." the priest announced.
My heart skipped a beat. This was it. The moment that would forever mark me as his wife.
I lowered my gaze, my fingers gripping the edge of my lehenga as I felt him reach for the sindoor. My breath hitched when his fingers brushed against my forehead, a fleeting touch-warm, firm, yet unfamiliar.
This was real. I was his.
As he pulled his hand away, I slowly opened my eyes.
"Bhabhi, the sindoor fell over your nose!"
Riya squealed in excitement. "It's a sign that Bhai will love you and cherish you very much!"
Her words made my cheeks burn with warmth. Is that really true? I smiled at her, my heart fluttering at the thought.
Yuvraj Ji, who had been silent all this time, turned his gaze toward me. Our eyes met, and for a brief moment, I forgot to breathe. His intense stare made my throat dry, and I instinctively gulped, my eyes widening slightly.
Then, his gaze shifted to the sindoor on my nose. A deep silence stretched between us, and I felt my blush deepen. Why is he looking at me like that?
I bit my lower lip, feeling a wave of shyness wash over me. My fingers trembled slightly as I gently tapped over his thigh.
"Yuvraj Ji..." I whispered, my voice barely audible.I doubt if he even heard me Or not.
"Hmm?" he asked, his voice low and indifferent.
I hesitated for a second before whispering, "Udhar dekhiye."
[Look there.]
As soon as I said it, he turned his gaze away immediately, as if avoiding something. Or maybe... He is like that only.
"Now, the groom shall tie the mangalsutra around the bride's neck," the priest announced.
I lowered my gaze. Yuvraj Ji picked up the sacred necklace. My heart raced when I noticed the small Y symbol hanging at the center of the black and gold beads.
Yuvraj Ji leaned closer, his fingers brushing against my skin as he carefully tied the knot at the back of my neck.
A shiver ran down my spine at the unexpected touch. The weight of the mangalsutra settled against my collarbone, marking me as his wife.
I lifted my eyes for a brief moment, hoping to catch a glimpse of his expression, but he had already looked back, his face still unreadable.
"From today, this bond is unbreakable." the priest declared, and I swallowed hard, letting the words sink in.
"Ms. Kainaat Thakur is now Mrs. Kainaat Yuvraj Rajvansh, the wife of Yuvraj Rajvansh."
The priest's words echoed in my ears, making my heart flutter. Mrs. Kainaat Yuvraj Rajvansh. The name felt new, unfamiliar, yet strangely comforting.
"Shaadi sampurna hui. Now, the bride and groom shall seek the blessings of their elders," the priest announced.
[ The marriage rituals ends here. ]
And all the guests clapped congratulating us.
I stole a glance at Yuvraj Ji, but he remained as composed as ever.
Taking a deep breath, I followed him as we moved towards our elders, we took everyone's blessing one by one.
As we reached his mother, she held my hands warmly, her eyes shining with both pride and emotion. Then, to my surprise, she placed my hands over Yuvraj Ji's.
"I give my son to you, Kainaat. Love him, understand him, and be the light in his life," she said, her voice filled with motherly affection.
My lips trembled, but I quickly wiped away the tears before they could fall.
Closing my eyes, I let out a quiet breath. His family was so warm, so full of love. They knew how to care, how to make someone feel at home-even when I had once been a stranger to them.
Then, turning to Yuvraj Ji, her tone shifted to one of playful warning.
"And you, Raj, don't you dare hurt her. Keep her happy, love her, and cherish her. If I ever see tears in her eyes because of you, you'll have to answer to me."
A small, soft chuckle escaped from the guests, but I could only look at her in awe in between my sob.
"Ji maa." Yuvraj Ji responded lowering his graze.
As we moved towards Dadi.We bent down and took her blessings.
She cupped my face, her warm, wrinkled hands trembling slightly.
"My little girl... it feels like just yesterday you were running around, holding my dupatta, asking for stories. And now, you're married, starting a new life."
Her voice wavered, and my chest tightened.
"I won't always be there to guide you, Kainaat, but remember-love, respect, and patience make a home, not just walls and rituals. Be happy, and never let the darkness dim your light."
A lump formed in my throat, and before I knew it, I hugged her tightly before bursting into a full cry.
"Dadi..." I whispered, my voice breaking.
She patted my back gently. "You'll always be my little girl, no matter where life takes you."
For a moment, I forgot everything-the crowd, the rituals, the uncertainty. In her embrace, I felt safe, like I always had.
Dadi gently held Yuvraj Ji's hand and placed mine in his once again, her eyes filled with both love and a silent plea.
"Yuvraj Ji, you are taking my dearest child. She is my heart, my little girl. Please keep her happy. Don't make her cry."
Yuvraj Ji remained silent for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then, with a small nod, he responded in a calm yet firm voice, "I will take care of her."
A soft smile played on my lips at his words. He promised to take care of me, to love me, and never to hurt me.
Maybe he's just reserved, not one to show emotions easily. But deep down, he has a good heart.
It may feel like a loveless marriage now, but I believe that with time, love will find its way into our lives, slowly and naturally.
We have vowed before the sacred fire to care for and love each other, and no matter what, we will honor that promise.
From now I'm his.
His wife.
His other half.
The heart that now beats alongside his.
The first step toward a lifetime together.
From this day forward, Kainaat Yuvraj Rajvansh will be the melody in the rhythm of his life.
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