Chapter 61

Helllooo sohneyooo ❤️
Ki haall chall …..
So they are finally married in chapter…
Jaldi jaldi jao padho … Do tell me your emotions in the comment section 💗

Total words:- 6K+

_____________________________________

After the roka ceremony, the house buzzed with noise again
laughter, clinking plates, elders arguing over who would sit where.

Nav, meanwhile, had decided that public decency was optional.

He stood close to Vani, leaning in just enough to whisper things that made her glare at him one second and fight a smile the next.

Every time she tried to move away, he somehow ended up right there again offering water, pulling out a chair, adjusting her dupatta like it was his personal duty.

Ranvijay noticed.
Of course he noticed.

As lunch preparations began, Nav casually slipped into the kitchen, helping Divya arrange plates, lifting heavy serving bowls before she could even ask.

“Divya aunty, aapke haath ka khana.
… ,Insaan diet ko diet bhulwadeta hai. ” Nav said cheerfully.

(“Divya aunty, your cooking…
it makes a person forget all about their diet.”)

Divya laughed, shaking her head.
“Bas bas, zyada makkhan mat lagao.”

(“Enough, enough—don’t butter me up so much.”)

From the doorway, Ranvijay watched the exchange, jaw tightening just a little.

Too comfortable.
Too familiar.

Randeep, sensing the shift, leaned toward Nav with irritation masked as authority.

“Tum chup nahi reh sakte kuch time?” he said loudly enough to her for nav
“Kitna bolta rehta hai.”

(“Can’t you stay quiet for a while?” he said loudly enough for Nav to hear.
“He just keeps talking nonstop.”)

Before Nav could even respond, randeep cut in sharply.

“ “kyoon bache pai gussa nikal rha hai??”
Hos tone was light, but final.
“Kaam hi toh karwa raha hai.”

(“Why are you taking your anger out on the kid?”
His tone was light, but final.
“He’s just getting some work done.”)

Ranvijay scoffed under his breath, folding his arms.

“Saala… meri biwi pe bhi line maar raha hai.”

(“That bastard… he’s even hitting on my wife.”)

Nav had heard that.

He turned slowly, eyebrows lifting, completely unbothered.

“Line maarne ke liye mere paas meri biwi hai,” he said calmly.

(“If I want to flirt, I already have my wife for that.”)

The room went quiet for half a second.

“HUI NAHI HAI ABHI!” Ranvijay snapped instantly.

(“She’s NOT your wife yet!”)

Without missing a beat—

“Ho jaayegii,” Nav said.

( She will be)

“Ho jaayegii,” Randeep echoed.

( She will be)

At the exact same time

Father and son froze, then looked at each other.

And burst out laughing.

Ranvijay stared at them, unimpressed.

“Dono baap-beta ek number ke kamine hai,” he muttered.

(“Both the father and son are complete assholes.”)

Randeep shrugged, still smiling.
“Don’t be so overprotective, Vijay.”

“Saale chup,” Ranvijay shot back.
“ beti nahi, opinion bhi nahi… “

(“Shut up, asshole,” Ranvijay shot back.
“No daughter—and not even an opinion.”)

Randeep rolled his eyes at the familiar tactic, then stepped closer, voice lowering—no teasing now.

“Vani meri beti hai ab,” he said honestly.

( Vani is my daughter now)

Ranvijay finally looked at him.

“Main samajhta hoon tera gussa,I can feel your frustration,” Randeep continued.

(“I understand your anger…..)

“Par ek baat likh ke le, she’ll be the happiest,—Nav se zyada uska khayal rkha jayega. I assure you that, uski ankh mai ek ansu ni ayega, bahu ni beti bna ke leke jaunga, I promise.”

(“But write this down—she’ll be the happiest. She’ll be taken care of even more than Nav. I assure you of that. Not a single tear will come to her eyes. I won’t take her as a daughter-in-law, but as a daughter. I promise.”)

Ranvijay exhaled slowly.

Not agreeing.
Not refusing.

Just… letting go, a little.

Across the room, he watched Nav and vani, laugh with the elders, vani being genuinely happy.

And,

Ranvijay allowed himself to believe
that maybe…
his gudiya would be okay.

Randeep, patted his back, smiling silently saying

” Don’t take too much stress, everything will be fine, i can understand you”

✧

Note:-

You all are invited in nav and vani’s wedding.

This is called sahe chitthi, also known as first invitation, sahe chithi is the formal first invitation sent by the bride’s family to the groom’s family.

It is given after the wedding date is finalized and before any public invitations are distributed.

It is traditionally accompanied by:
Sweets,Gifts, Fruits, Clothes
Sometimes gold/silver tokens

Song:- kal mappeya ne sahe chithi bhej ti, mohr laggi aa ve pakki gal baat nu, ah le likh ta carda ute naam vae, le avi tor ji kada ke tu baraat nu

(“Yesterday the elders sent the official letter,
The matter is sealed with a stamp, it’s confirmed.
Here, they’ve written your name on the card—
Now come, get yourself ready and bring the wedding procession.”)

______________________

___________

I AM JUST SO EXCITED
_______

Before continuing, i would like to clarify, that vani and nav both are in Rajasthan, remember nav bought the place infront of vani’s house.? They are all currently there.

Lets continue the chapter

Chardey sayaal tenu jattiye jaat ne viah ke le janaaa ni….. ❤

We are strictly prohibited from meeting.
No calls.
No video calls.
No “accidental” sightings.

And shockingly—
Vani is actually following this rule.

She’s rejecting my video calls.

Atyachar nahi hai yeh mere saath?
What kind of emotional torture is this?

(“Isn’t this cruelty toward me?”)

What the hell even is this rule?

And more importantly—
ab toh main milunga.

( I will surely meet her)

It’s a toxic trait, I know.
But if someone tells me not to do something, my brain goes,
Challenge accepted.

Aur Vani se na milu?
esa ho skta hai kya???

(“And not meet Vani?
Is that even possible?”)

Never.

My haldi ceremony just ended.
Yellow everywhere.
Blessings.
Smiles.
Photos.

And yet my mind wasn’t here at all.

It was with her.

I was pacing my room, thinking—
kaise milun?

( How to meet her?)

Then—

Click.

An idea hit me so hard I stopped mid-step.

After the groom’s haldi,
the haldi goes to the bride’s house.

Tradition.

Perfect.

And suddenly my brain went feral.

Meri wife, aur mai haldi na lagau?  Bilkul bhi nahi … Esa apshagun mai hone nahi dunga…. 

(“My wife—and I don’t apply haldi to her? Absolutely not. I won’t let something this inauspicious happen.”)

Never.

Bilkul bhi nahi.

Main apni zindagi mein yeh apshagun hone hi nahi dunga.

Decision made.

I turned toward the corridor and shouted—

“MEHAKUUUUUUUUUUU!”

She was passing my door.
She stopped.
Stepped back slowly.

One look at my face and she knew.

“Nahi,” she said instantly.

( No)

Just—nahi.

“Please,” I said, putting on my most innocent smile.

“Bilkul bhi nahi,” she replied, dead serious.

( “Absolutely not.”)

“Bhen nahi hai?”
I tilted my head, full emotional blackmail mode.

( Aren’t you my sister?)

She groaned and leaned against the doorframe.

“Veere, kha-ma-kha pitwaoge mujhe.
Achi lagungi?”

(“Bro, you’ll get me beaten up for no reason.
Will I look nice?”)

Her face screamed I regret being born into this family.

“I won’t let you take the blame,” I said quickly.
“I promise. No one will know.
I have a plan.”

She narrowed her eyes.

“Kaisa plan?”

( What plan?)

I smiled.

Slowly.

And twirled my phone once in my hand.

✧

At the Rathore Residence

Everything was ready.

The house buzzed with quiet excitement—
flowers, turmeric-scented air, relatives arriving one by one, soft laughter floating through the corridors.

Guests had started coming in.

And then—

Mehak and Jasmeet arrived.

They were welcomed warmly, the way only samdhis are—
with smiles that carried formality, curiosity, and a little excitement all mixed together.

As soon as Jasmeet moved toward Divya and Vani, blending into the women already gathered—

Mehak slipped away.

Casually.

Like she had done this a thousand times before.

She motioned to her friend, the one wrapped in a sari, ghunghat pulled low,
and the two of them quietly removed their slippers and walked ahead.

Mehak leaned closer and muttered under her breath,

“Dekho veere… apna hello hi karke nikalte bano.
I don’t know you here.
Yahan le aayi hoon—ab khud sambhal lena.”

(“Listen, bro… just say hello and move on.
I don’t know you here.
I’ve brought you till here—now handle yourself.”)

Her tone said don’t drag me into this even though her actions already had.

The sari, ghungaht wali friend tilted her head slightly, amusement hidden behind the veil.

“Idea to mera tha na…”

( But the idea was mine all along)

She paused, then added smoothly,

“Ab bas ek kaam aur kar de… chhota sa.”

( “Now just do one more thing for me… a small one.”)

And that’s when Nav’s voice slipped in low, quick, urgent.

“Vani ko uske kamre mein bhej de…
bas yehi.”

( Send vani to her room. Just this )

That was it.

One sentence.
One request.

Mehak turned slowly.

Her face twisted into a look that clearly said meri kismat hi kharab hai.

(“My luck is just bad.”)

Annoyed.
Suspicious.
Completely aware that she was about to regret this.

She sighed.

Hard.

Still—

She turned on her heel and started walking toward Vani.

Because some plans are stupid.

And some plans are family-sponsored stupidity.

And this—

This was definitely the second kind

Mehak spotted Vani across the room.

Yellow lehenga.
Haldi glow still fresh on her skin.
Soft. Radiant. Dangerously pretty.

Mehak’s lips curved instantly.

She walked straight up to her.

“Ohooo… bhabhi, kya laag rhe ho…”

(“Ohhh… bhabhi, you’re looking amazing…”)

Vani froze.

“…kya?”
Her cheeks flushed before the word even fully left her mouth.

( What?)

Mehak leaned in, evil-sweet.

“Arre bhabhi hi to bolungi na ab.
Ya abhi aadat nahi padi? Koi dhere dhere ho jaye gi…”

Vani looked away, embarrassed, fingers fidgeting with her dupatta.

“Mehak…” she warned softly.

“Aww,” Mehak grinned, enjoying every second,
“dekho dekho—laal ho gye aap to.”

(“Look, look—you’ve turned all red.”)

Then, an afterthought

“Achha suno,” Mehak lowered her voice, suddenly serious,
“uncle aapko upar bula rahe the sayd.
Room mein wait kar rahe hain.”

(“Listen,” Mehak lowered her voice, suddenly serious,
“Uncle was calling you upstairs, I think.
He’s waiting in the room.”)

Vani’s brows knitted.

“Papa?”

“Haan,” Mehak nodded smoothly,
“shayad koi file ya kuch, pata nahi..… jaldi jao.”

(“Yes,” Mehak nodded smoothly,
“maybe some file or something—I don’t know… just go quickly.”)

Vani hesitated for half a second

then nodded.

“Okay, thank you.”

And then she walked upstairs.

Vani’s Room

The door creaked open.

Empty.

No papa.

No sound.

Just soft light filtering through the curtains.

Vani frowned.

“Papa…?” she called.

No answer.

She looked around, saw no one.
She then pulled out her phone.

Called once.

Rang.

Twice.

Nothing.

She was wondering where her papa went, then suddenly

click.

The sound of the door locking.

Sharp.

Her breath hitched.

She spun around.

At the door stood a woman in a sari,
ghunghat pulled low, face hidden.

Vani’s heart started racing.

“Kaun—?” her voice came out thin.

(Who?)

The woman didn’t speak.

Didn’t move.

Just stood there.

Slowly

her hand slid off the door handle.

And that’s when Vani saw it.

Solid.

Familiar.

A kada.

Her eyes widened.

Her breath stopped.

“No way NAV!!!!!…” she whispered.

The ghunghat lifted.

Nav.

Standing there, calm, unapologetic, eyes locked on hers

like this was the most natural thing in the world.

Her shock exploded into disbelief.

“Tum?! Yahan?? But mehak said.. oh my god..” she gasped, froze mid sentence the realisation hitting her

(“You?! Here?? But Mehak said— oh my God…”.)

And Nav smiled.

That dangerous, soft smile

the one that always meant rules were already broken

Vani hadn’t even recovered from the shock when she whispered,

“Tum pagal ho kya? Agar kisi ne dekh liya—”

(“Are you crazy? If someone sees us—”)

Nav stepped closer, lowering his voice.

“yeh to apko pehle sochna chihe tha,mujhe ignore krne se pehle. and moreover, itne sundar chehre se dur rehna muskil hai. Not my fault”

(“That’s something you should’ve thought about earlier—before ignoring me. And anyway, it’s hard to stay away from such a beautiful face. Not my fault.”)

She tried to stay angry.

Failed.

Her heartbeat gave her away.

“Nav ritulas bane hi follow krne ko hai,” she muttered.
“Mana kiya tha milne se, apshagun hota hai”

(“Nav is determined to break rituals,” she muttered.
“I told him not to meet—it’s considered inauspicious.”)

“Isliye to chhup ke aaya hoon, Aur agar dekhna apshagun hai to tum apni akhane band krlo, mujhe dekhne do” he said softly, eyes scanning her
the yellow lehenga, bare waist just peeking under the dupatta, haldi glow still warm on her skin.

(“That’s why I came secretly. And if seeing me is considered inauspicious, then you close your eyes—let me look at you.”)

For a second, neither of them spoke.

Then Nav slowly dipped his fingers into the haldi bowl kept on the side.

Vani’s breath caught.

“Nav—”

Too late.

Very gently—
he brushed haldi along her stomach to sides, just where the fabric ended and skin began.

Not bold.
Not rushed.

Just… slow.

Her eyes fluttered shut on instinct.

Nav watched her reaction instead of his own hand,
the way her shoulders softened,
the way her lips parted without her realizing.

“nav…,” she whispered, voice barely there,
“aise mat—”

( Don’t do–)

He stopped instantly.

Didn’t push.

Didn’t tease.

Just looked at her like she was something precious.

” Jesa aap kahe.” He said and withdraw his hand, but his haldi was already on her

( Whatever you say)

“I just don’t want any apshagun.”
She swallowed.

For a second, he searched her face.

Not disappointed.
Not frustrated.

Just… listening.

Then he nodded.

Immediately.

“Okay.”

No argument.
No teasing.

He stepped back, hands lifting slightly as if to show he understood.

Something in her chest loosened at that.

She exhaled, and smiled at him.

“I need to take a shower,” she said, adjusting her dupatta.
“Mehndi ke liye ready hona hai.”

( I have to get ready for henna ritual)

He smiled—soft, proud.

“Jaao,” he said.
“Main yahin hoon, mujhe koi jaldi nahi hai”

( Go.“I’m right here. I’m not in any hurry.”)

She smiled and shake her head, she knows that he won’t budge, so she didn’t argue.

She paused at the bathroom door, glanced back once.

Nav had already leaned against the headboard, arms folded loosely,
watching her like time itself had slowed down.

Inside the Bathroom

The shower turned on.

Warm water slid down her shoulders, washing away the haldi
but not the feeling.

Her fingers lingered at her waist,
right where he had touched her.

Her lips curved into a small, shy smile.

Outside — Nav

Nav stayed exactly where he was.

Leaning back.
Head against the headboard.

The muffled sound of water filled the room.

A smile tugged at his lips.

“My Solnyshka,” he murmured under his breath.

A Few Minutes Later

The water stopped.

Soft movements from behind the door.

Nav straightened instinctively
then immediately forced himself to relax.

No rushing.
No impatience.

When the door finally opened

Vani stepped out, hair damp, wrapped a dupatta, over her choli, which was pinned near her lehenga.

Nav looked up.

And for a second

He forgot how to breathe.

He smiled.

“ kesi laag rhi hu?” she asked

(“How do I look?”)

“ bilkul meri lag rahi ho.” he said without even blinking

(“You look completely mine.)

“ tumhari to hu hi.” she smiled and said

(“I already am yours.”)

Vani came and sit beside him
He picked a mehndi cone

“ laga du?” he asked holding the mehendi cone

(“Should I put it on?”)

Instead of replying, she forwarded her hand towards him, just as he pull out the mehndi’s pin out

And then—

knock knock.

“Vani?” Divya’s voice from outside.
“Darwaza khol.”

( Open the door)

Panic hit both of them at the same time.

Vani’s eyes flew open, she started looking here and there, stood up and push nav towards the bathroom door.

“Bathroom. Abhi.” she hissed.

( Bathroom. Now)

She shoved him toward the bathroom just as the door handle moved.

Nav barely made it in before

“Vani!” Divya entered, eyes sharp, scanning the room.
Her gaze snapped to her daughter.

“Kahan hai woh?”

( Where is he?)

Vani froze.

“K… kaun, mom?”

( Who mom? )

Divya folded her arms.

“tumhara hone wala pati.
Aaj sach mein tumhare papa se pitega, aur mene bhi ni bachana. Sare ulte kam! ”

(“Your would-be husband.
Today he’ll actually get beaten up by your dad—and this time, I won’t even save him. Always doing things the wrong way!”)

She moved straight toward the bathroom and flung the door open.

And there he stood.

In a sari.

Full ghunghat.

Divya glared at him.

Long.

Hard.

“Bahar aao.”

( Come outside)

Nav stepped out, guilt written all over his face.

“Jab mana kiya tha,” Divya snapped,
“to phir kyun aaye?”

(“When It was told you both that you shouldn’t meet,” Divya snapped,
“then why did you come?”)

Before he could answer, Vani stepped forward
instinctively, like a shield.

“Mom…,” her voice softened,
“aage se nahi karega. Pakka.
Please chhod do.”

(“he won’t do it again. I promise.
Please let it go. )

Divya looked at her.

Really looked.

Surprised, not at Nav.

At Vani.

For Protecting him.

She exhaled slowly.

Then,almost dryly, picked up footwear and held it out.

“At least,” she said, unimpressed,
“agar insaan ladki ban ke aa rahe hai,
to men’s footwear pehen ke to na aaye..”

(“If someone is coming dressed as a woman,
at least don’t show up wearing men’s footwear.”)

Vani shot Nav a glare.
As if her glare said

Really?

And his eyes replied

Sorry, bhul geya

( Sorry. I forgot)

Divya shook her head.

“Jo ho gaya, ho gaya.
Abhi jao tum,
isse pehle koi aur dekh le.”

(“What’s done is done.
Go now—
before someone else sees you.”)

“Nahi!” Nav said instantly.

( No!)

“Kya nahi??”
Divya and Vani said together, in perfect unison.

( What no?? )

Nav looked from one face to the other, then cleared his throat.

“I—I mean…”
he said carefully,
“I want to apply henna on my wife’s hand.
Mujhe mehndi lagani hai use.”

( I want to apply mehndi on her)

Divya closed her eyes for a second.

Bas… ho gaya.

( So done)

“Tumein mehndi lagani bhi aati hai?”
she asked dryly.
“Ya sirf chaand–taare banane ka plan hai?”

(“Do you even know how to apply mehndi?” she asked dryly.
“Or is the plan just to draw moons and stars?”)

Nav went quiet.

He looked down, nervously rolling the mehndi cone between his fingers.

Before the silence could stretch—

“Mom,” Vani spoke up.

Both of them looked at her.

“Agar woh chaand–taare bhi bana de na,”
she said softly but confidently,
“to bhi meri mehndi ka colour sabse dark hoga. I can guarantee that.
Itna pyaar karta hai woh mujhse.”

(“Even if he ends up drawing just moons and stars,”
she said softly but confidently,
“my mehndi will still turn out the darkest. I can guarantee that.
That’s how much he loves me.”)

For a second—

Nav froze.
Divya froze.

Then Vani turned to Nav and held out her hand.

“Lo,” she said simply.
“Lagao.”

(Here,” she said simply.
Apply)

Nav looked at Divya, unsure.

Divya sighed, then shook her head with a small, helpless smile.

“Ek haath pe hi lagegi,” divya warned.
“Aur dono yahin baitho.
Jaldi karo yeh sab—
aur kisi ke dekhe bina nikal jaana. Samjhe?”

(“Only on one hand,” she warned.
“And both of you sit right here.
Do this quickly—
and leave without anyone seeing you. Understood?”)

Her eyes landed on Nav specifically.

Nav nodded instantly, happiness written all over his face.

“Ji.”

( Yes)

As Divya turned to leave, she paused, reached back, and lightly tugged Nav’s ear.

“Sudhar jao tum,” she said teasingly, then patted his cheek once.

(“Try behaving for once.”)

She walked

annoyed, but

secretly, quietly happy for them.

Skip to Laavan at Gurdwara sahib

They sat side by side in the gurdwara.

The sound of shabad filling the space.
Peace everywhere.

And yet

Vani’s eyes kept filling.

Not loudly.

Just quiet tears slipping down as reality finally settled in.

She is getting married, she will be going from her parents home, it won’t Be the her house, Now nav’s house will be hers

Her hands trembled slightly in her lap.

Before anyone could say anything

Nav moved.

In front of everyone.

He pulled out his handkerchief, leaned just enough, and gently wiped her tears away, slow, careful, like her emotions mattered more than the crowd watching.

No embarrassment.
No hesitation.

Just reassurance.

He then give her his handkerchiefs, as she dab her tears away, he hold her other hand tightly,

People looked on in awe.

Not because it was dramatic.

But because it was natural.

Because that one small gesture said everything.

She looked at him once.

He nodded, giving her silent support

And she breathed again.

They completed the laavan, step by step, promise by promise.

Afterward, they bowed together, touching the feet of the elders.

Blessings fell softly— hands on heads, prayers whispered, tears mixed with smiles.

✧

Evening — Phere

Night gave way to lights.

The venue glowed.

And then,

Nav stood at altar, waiting for vani, in his sherwani.

Slowly

Vani entered.

Maroon lehenga.
Heavy Royal embroidery catching every light.

When she stepped into the aisle,

Nav forgot how to breathe.

His eyes glistened.

Finally

Vani stood before him, smiling, waiting
Before anyone could cast an evil eye,

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a bundle of notes.

without hesitation, He circled the money from her head to toe, removing her nazar.

Hooting erupted.

Cheers echoed.

Ayanshi quickly clicked pictures, smiling wide, already marking them her favourite

Nav handed the money to someone standing beside him, then turned back to Vani.

He extended his hand.

She placed hers in it.

At the time of Varmala

Flowers flew.

Petals showered.

Firecrackers lit the sky.

Laughter.
Noise.
Joy.

They placed the varmala around each other’s necks,
eyes locked, smiles soft.

After the Phere

The pandit smiled and announced,

“jo phere ke baad sabse pehle baithega, wahi dampatya jeewan pai raj karega.”

(“Whoever sits down first after the pheras will rule the married life.”)

The crowd erupted.

Cheers. Whistles. Teasing.

Nav didn’t wait.

He bowed slightly and guided Vani forward, making her sit first.

Louder cheers followed.

He sat beside her, smiling like he had already won.

Because for him

Ruling never mattered.

Standing beside her did.

Vidaai

The moment everyone had been avoiding finally arrived.

Vani stood between her parents.

Her mother adjusted her dupatta one last time, hands lingering longer than needed
as if memorising the feel of her daughter.

Ranvijay tried to stay firm.
Tried.

But his jaw tightened, eyes shining despite himself.

“gudiya agar yeh thoda bhi tang kre to katal kr dena, bakki mai dekh lunga,” he said, voice rough.
“khyal rkhio mera bacha. …” his eyes glistening, and voice breaking

(“Gudiya, if he troubles you even a little, kill him—I’ll handle the rest,” he said, his voice rough.
“Take care of my child…” his eyes glistening, his voice breaking )

Nav smiled at ranvijay’s words

Vani nodded while trying to smile, her lips trembling.

That was it.

That broke him.

He pulled her into a tight hug, one hand pressing against her head, the other on her back
like if he held her long enough, time might stop.

Divya hugged her next, crying openly now.

“Phone karna phonch kar” she whispered.
“Apna pura khayal rkhna, theek hai? ”

( “Call me once you reach,” she whispered.
“Take good care of yourself, okay?”)

“Promise” Vani choked.

Nav stood a step behind—silent, respectful, eyes lowered.

Vani was holding herself together.

Barely.

Then she saw Ayanshi.

Standing a little to the side, trying so hard not to cry
failing miserably.

Her dupatta was clutched in her fists, shoulders shaking, tears spilling freely.

That did it.

Vani’s control shattered.

“Ayanshi…” her voice broke.

Ayanshi stepped forward instantly and hugged her tight.

Like she was afraid if she loosened her hold even a little, Vani would disappear.

“Tu ja rahi hai,” Ayanshi sobbed, voice muffled against her shoulder.
“Sach mein ja rahi hai.”

(“You’re leaving,” Ayanshi sobbed, her voice muffled against her shoulder.
“You’re really leaving.”)

Vani started crying with her.

“ miss karegi mujhe??” she asked despite knowing the answer

( Will you miss me??)

“bilkul bhi nahi” she replied but her tears says otherwise

( Absolutely not)

“I’ll come back,soon bacha” Vani said through tears.
“Tu mujhe aise mat dekh—please.”

(“Don’t look at me like that—please.”)

Ayanshi shook her head.

“Ghar khaali ho jaayega,” she whispered.
“Tu nahi hogi to… kuch bhi theek nahi lagega.”

(“The house will feel empty,” she whispered.
“If you’re not here… nothing will feel right.”)

Vani held her face between her palms, crying openly now.

“ghar kese khali hoga. Tu hai na, chota tufan” she said.
“Meri jagah sab sambhaal legi.”

(“How will the house be empty? You’re here, little storm,” she said.
“You’ll take care of everything in my place.”)

“ teri jagah kabhi ni le sakti …. Tu rehne de na …. Jiju ko ghar jamai bna lenge…” vani chuckled listening to her, everyone smiled despite the tears,

(“I can never take your place… don’t go, na… we’ll just make jiju a ghar-jamai.”)

Nav stepped closer, gently placing a hand on Vani’s back, trying to calm her, but both sisters were crying

“ Ayanshi ek kam krte hai,  tujhe dahej mai le chlte hai.. choti si to hai tu.” nav said and ayanshi and everyone chuckled at this,

(“Ayanshi, let’s do one thing—we’ll take you along as dowry. You’re small enough anyway.”)

“ dowry…? crime ni hoga jiju?” ayanshi said with tease trying to control her tears,

(“Dowry…? Wouldn’t that be a crime, jiju?”)

nav glanced at shubh then looked at ayanshi

“point, lets modify plan a little. .to ek kam kre ge, legal wala…..tere liye punjab ka hi ladka dhund dunga mai, dono bhene pass pass rehna. Ya fir tere wala ghar jamai dundh denge.” nav said and everyone chuckled again

(“Point taken—let’s modify the plan a little. So we’ll do one thing, the legal way… I’ll find a guy from Punjab for you, so both sisters can live close to each other. Or we’ll find you a groom who’ll become a ghar-jamai.”) 

He then placed his hand at ayanshi’s head

” Take care.” ayanshi who was trying to control her tears, again started flowing, but she kept her head down

But Vani couldn’t stop.

Ranvijay and divya started consoling ayanshi silently

Seeing Ayanshi like this,
it hurt more than leaving the house.

A little distance away, Shubh stood frozen.

He wasn’t crying.

But his jaw was clenched, eyes dark, fists tight at his sides.

Seeing Ayanshi break like that,

He took a step forward, then stopped.

Didn’t know what to say.

Didn’t know if he was allowed to.

Ayanshi finally pulled back, wiping her face roughly.

She tried to smile.

Failed.

“bhul to ni jayegi..??” she said, voice shaking.

(“You won’t forget me, will you?”)

” Pagal hai kya??” Vani said and
hugged her one last time—long, tight.

(“Are you crazy?”)

“I love you, take care jaani.” she whispered.

Ayanshi nodded, unable to speak.

When Vani finally turned toward the car, Ayanshi hugged her father and started crying in his chest.

Shubh looked away.

Because watching her cry

hurt more than he expected.

When Vani finally turned toward the car, her steps felt heavy.

Nav touched divya’d and ranvijay’s feet and went towards the car.

She glanced back once.

And then she sat inside the car.

✧

Inside the Car. On the Way to Punjab

The engine started.

The house slowly disappeared behind them.

For a few minutes, there was only silence.

Vani stared out of the window, watching familiar streets blur past.
Her fingers clenched the edge of her dupatta, breath uneven.

Nav noticed.

He didn’t speak.

Didn’t rush.

He simply slid his hand over hers,
warm, steady.

She didn’t look at him.

But she tightened her grip.

A tear slipped down her cheek.

Nav gently wiped it away with his thumb.

“ we’ll come back soon. Pakka. ”

She finally turned toward him.

“ what if I miss them too much?” she whispered.

“ghar jamai banne nai koi problem nahi mujhe” he replied instantly.

(“I don’t have any problem becoming a ghar-jamai.”)

That made her chuckle, small, shaky, but real.

“ aur bakki…” he continued and looked at her while wiping her tears,

( And…)

“  tu rasoi vich jado atta ghunna, picho akke tenu hik lau ga, ched khaniya karuga, tere nall ni……. Dhaga sui vich jado paye gi…. ” vani started to smile by now, he continued further by pulling her cheeks

(“When you’re kneading dough in the kitchen, I’ll come from behind and hug you,
And when you’re threading a needle, tease you a little, ……”)

“Tera rkhna lava ke jee sohniye, ni tu pekeya nu bhul jayegi…Tera rkhna lava ke jee sohniye, ni tu pekeya nu bhul jayegi…” 

( I’ll be taking care of you, won’t let you get bored, you’ll even forget your maternal house)

He made her lean on his arm, so she’ll get some sleep, talking, teasing and diverting her mind, so she won’t cry again.

The highway opened up soon.

Punjab waits

But a part of her heart, memories
stayed behind.

✧

Nav shifted slightly and felt her weight against him.

Asleep.

Her head was resting on his shoulder, dupatta pooled loosely in her lap, lashes still wet from the crying she had done earlier.

He smiled.

And leaned closer.

“Vani,” he whispered.
No response.

“utho bacha.” he said again, softer, nudging her cheek with his knuckle.
“We’re here.”

( Wake up baby)

Her brows furrowed first, sleep resisting, then her eyes fluttered open slowly.

“Hm…?” she murmured, disoriented.

He pointed outside the window.

“ghar aa gye bacha. Punjab”

( We have come home baby. Punjab)

That word alone woke her up.

She straightened instantly, eyes going wide as she looked out.

The car slowed.

And driver open the door, nav get out first, then helped vani for coming out.

Lights everywhere.

People gathered.

And then

A sudden blast of light tore through the night sky.

Fireworks.

Bright. Loud. Pink and gold streaks bursting above the haveli gate.

Vani gasped.

“What—”

Before she could finish, another firework went up.

And another.

Her lips curved into a stunned smile.

Nav’s smile was quieter. Fuller.

Because right there
on the terrace

stood Shubh.

Holding a firework launcher like it was a trophy, aiming it straight into the sky, completely shameless, completely proud.

“veera te bhabhi aagye!” someone shouted.

( Brother and sister in law came)

Phones were out.
Videos recording.
Cheers everywhere.

Vani leaned forward to see better, laughing softly now, eyes shining.

“He’s… welcoming me like this?” she asked, disbelief laced with warmth.

Nav nodded, eyes never leaving his brother.

“Yeh uska style hai,” he said.
“Extra. Always. He may seem rude, but he isn’t.

( This is his style)

Another firework shot up.

Shubh turned, spotted them and smiled at them, and lifted the launcher higher, hooting like a madman.

“wooohhhhhhh!” he yelled.

Mehak’s voice cut through everything.

she hooted loudly, clapping, recording,

Someone whistled.
Someone laughed.

Vani covered her mouth, smiling so hard it almost hurt.

Nav glanced at her then.

She was glowing.

“This feels so nice,” she whispered.

“Haan,” he replied, pride heavy in his voice.
“Because they’re welcoming you.”

Another firework exploded above them, lighting her face for a second.

She looked at him.

And he looked at her..

And brar’s welcomed their daughter in law exactly the way they knew how.

Loud.
Proud.
And full of heart.

✧

Kangna ritual

The large pot was placed between them—
filled with milk, rose petals floating  on the surface.

Jasmeet ( nav’s mom) clapped once, loud and official.

“So the rules are clear,” she announced, trying very hard to sound serious.
“Whoever finds the ring, uska raaj zindgi bhar chalega.”

The room erupted.

Cheers. Whistles. Teasing.

“Veere, naak mat katwana,” Mehak called out, grinning.

Nav cracked his knuckles dramatically and leaned closer to Vani.

“Yeh round toh pakka jeetunga mai, Mrs. Brar.”

( I’ll surely win this round mrs brar.)

Vani rolled her eyes.

“Bakait mat bano, Mr. Brar. Chup chaap game khelo.”

( “Don’t be such a pest, Mr. Brar.” Just play the game quietly.”

Before Nav could reply, Shubh jumped forward like an overexcited child.

“ Main ring dalunga!”

( I’ll put the ring)

He snatched the ring from Jasmeet before anyone could stop him.

Everyone leaned in.

Shubh dipped his hand into the milk.

Then he pulled his hand out…

Nav and Vani immediately plunged their hands into the pot.

Milk sloshed over the edges.
Rose petals stuck to their wrists.
Someone shouted, “Nav jeetega!”
Someone else screamed, “Bhabhi jeetegi!”

( Nav will win… Sister in law will win)

Bangles clinked.
Laughter filled the room.

They were trying but couldn’t find the ring

Shubh was enjoying and then he  pulled it out holding the ring high in the air, just like a trophy.

“OOOOOOO!”
Cheers, hoots, whistles.

Shubh tilted his head, enjoying the attention. Smiling , Then, very deliberately, he turned slowly toward Vani.

Without saying a word.
He lowered his hand… and held the ring out toward her,

Nav blinked.

Vani froze for half a second.
Then she smiled and quietly took the ring from Shubh’s fingers.

Shubh leaned back, satisfied, as if he had just completed a sacred duty.

“Joru ka gulaam bano veere,” he announced loudly, pointing at Nav.
“Varna hum bana denge.”

(“Be whipped, bro,” he announced loudly, pointing at Nav.
“Otherwise, we’ll make you one.”)

Vani burst out laughing., shaking her head.

Nav was stunned at his brother’s doing

” Bhabhi ke atte hi bhai ko bhul geya??” Nav said in Total shock

(“The moment bhabhi arrived, you forgot your brother?” Nav said.)

” Meri bhen hai yeh. Tu kon hai..??? ” Shubh said and nav’s jaw  practically dropped on the floor

(“She’s my sister. Who are you???”

“Cheating!” Mehak shouted suddenly.
“This is cheating!”

“Hatto, hatto!” Mehak pushed Shubh aside dramatically.
“Not valid. Main khelungi ab. Cheaters”

( Get aside. I’ll play now….)

There were Groans. Laughter. Mock protests mixed in the atmosphere.

The next round began.

Hands back into the milk.

They again laughs, and tried to find the ring desperately.

This time, Nav’s fingers found Vani’s wrist.

He grab vani’s wrist under milk, out of everyone’s gaze

Then slowly, very deliberately, his hand slide to her hand and then fingers under the milk.

She shot him a warning glare.

He didn’t let go.

Instead, he slipped the ring from his fingers into hers, hidden beneath petals and milk.

Her breath hitched.

But she didn’t pull away.

She tightened her grip on him.

And in one smooth motion, she lifted both their hands together out of the pot,

Ring sparkled between their fingers.

The room went silent.

Then exploded.

Cheers. Whistles. Teasing screams.

Nav stared at her, surprised, caught off guard.

She looked at him and smiled.

Shubh sighed dramatically from the side.

“Main fir bhi pehle wale score se khush tha.”

(“I was still happier with the earlier score.”)

Everyone laughed.

And somewhere between the noise, and game, it wasn’t about winning or who will rule.

It was about choosing

And they chose each other.

Again.

Jasmeet said softly.

“Chalo, ab sab so jao.”

( Okay, now go sleep you all)

She turned to Vani, her voice instantly gentler.

“Vani beta, subah jaldi uthne ki koi zarurat nahi. Aaram se uthna.”

(“Vani, dear, there’s no need to wake up early in the morning. Get up comfortably.”)

She cupped Vani’s cheek and patted it with affection.

“ Theek hai, mera bacha?”

( Okay my daughter? )

Vani nodded, smiling.

“ Aur main?” Nav peeked between them shamelessly.

( And me?)

Jasmeet laughed, then reached up and ruffled his hair.
“Tu bhi. Shaadi ke baad kaafi thakaan hoti hai. Dono aaram kar lena.”

(“You too. After the wedding, there’s a lot of exhaustion. Both of you rest.”)

One by one, the elders drifted away to their rooms.

Soon, only cousins and the younger lot remained, smirks, whispers, unfinished mischief hanging in the air.

Nav and Vani were just about to leave when

“Rukooooo.”

( Stop)

Mehak stepped forward, hands on her hips, eyes gleaming.

“Ek aur game.”

( One more game)

Groans. Smiles. Immediate interest.

“What if we make a ritual of our own?” Mehak announced dramatically.
“Eye contact hold karna hai. Jo pehle aankhen jhapkaye, woh haarega.”

(“Hold eye contact. Whoever blinks first loses.”)

She turned to Shubh.
“Teri shaadi mein bhi yahi karenge.”

(“We’ll do the same at your wedding too.”)

Shubh raised an eyebrow.
“Kya fayda iska?”

(“What’s the point of this?”)

“Arre maza kharab mat karo mera,” Mehak whined, then turned to Nav.
“Veereeee.”

(“Hey, don’t ruin my fun.”)

Before Nav could respond, Vani spoke softly, eyes warm.
“Khel lete hain na, Nav. Chhoti si game hi toh hai. Bachi ka mann rakh lo.”

(“Let’s play, Nav. It’s just a small game. Indulge the kid a little.”)

Mehak gasped and blew Vani a flying kiss.
“I love you, bhabhi.”

They took their positions.

Face to face.
Too close.
Too quiet.

At first, it was easy.

Then Nav noticed it,
Vani’s lashes fluttering. Trying. Really trying.

He mouthed silently, “haar jaun?”

(“Should I lose?”)

Vani nodded, almost impatient, but not believing he’ll do it.

Nav smirked.

He tapped his cheek.

She glared.

He deliberately blinked slowly, and kept his eyes close for a second before opening them.

The room exploded.

Hoots. Whistles. Teasing claps.

Shubh shook his head, grinning.
“BRAVOOO…” He chuckled “Main pehle hi samajh gaya tha.”

(“I had already understood.”)

Before anyone could say anything

Vani stepped forward, wrapped her arms around Nav, and kissed his cheek.

In front of everyone.

The hooting doubled.

And the second it hit her what she had done,

She froze.

Then buried her face straight into his chest.

“ I didn’t meaannnn toooooooo.” she whined

Nav laughed quietly, arms coming around her instinctively, holding her close.

Over her head, still grinning like an idiot, he lifted one hand and silently waved everyone away.

Go.
Enough.
Scene khatam.

“ pareshan maat kro meri biwi ko, niklo chlo…” he said and slowly everyone started to go.

(“Don’t trouble my wife. Get out—come on.” he said.)
______________________________________

Bhaiiiii
Abhi wedding night baki hai…

Hehe ..
Yaaaarrr itna sukoon mila na yeh likh ke…

Tbh i get emotional while writing the vidai scene, ayanshi and vani’s convo…

Apka favourite scene konsa tha??

And itna lamba chapter bhai… Shikayt khtm ho gai hogi ab to sari…hna???

Do tell me apne saryeee khayall…

Abhi ke liye alvidaaaa