Yuvraj's pov

"Khaane mei masale kam rakhna."

(Keep the spice level low in dinner)

The resounding beat of the dhol echoed through the rear section of the haveli, prompting a sigh to escape my lips. I patted the back of the cook, offering a silent gesture of encouragement.

The sun had dipped below the horizon, casting a twilight glow over the haveli, which now shimmered with golden lights. The weather was pleasantly mild, with gentle breezes weaving through the evening air.

As I made my way across the aangan, I passed a group of village women seated together, playing the dholak and other traditional instruments, their voices harmonizing in the soulful strains of folk songs.

I spotted Arun, diligently directing the others in the wedding preparations. Since the previous night, he had been unwavering in his support, tirelessly working by my side to ensure everything was in place.

Vikrant, (the male lead of "His Ibadat), had also dispatched his loyal men to discreetly station themselves around the haveli and among the villagers, ensuring an extra layer of security and support.

He couldn't attend the engagement due to his responsibilities towards his pregnant wife and their two young babies.

The thought of babies made my heart flip, reminding me of my own secret joy. No one in the village knew about Heer being pregnant, and I intended to keep it that way. I knew I was being paranoid, but after so many months and sleepless nights, the day of having my lover become my life partner felt utterly surreal.

Though the absence of feeling them move in her stomach made me anxious, Heer reassured me that it would take time. Her calmness helped soothe my worries, even as I grappled with the anticipation and excitement of our future together.

The feeling of getting married was overpowering all my other senses.

I had already consulted the doctor about the limits of physical intimacy on our suhagraat, determined to prevent any harm to the babies in Heer's womb.

My mother had been taking care of every small detail for Heer wholeheartedly, and I felt truly blessed to have such a supportive mother.

The dhol played again, interrupting my thoughts. Arun approached me, detailing the priest's scheduled visit and informing me that my outfits for the upcoming functions were ready.

I nodded at Arun and advised him to take some rest before the start of the mehendi ceremony. I then headed to the room assigned to me. After a quick shower, I dressed in a green kurta and dhoti, matching with Heer's outfit.

Feeling the need to calm my nerves, I laid down for a few minutes and drifted into a light sleep. I woke up to the sound of knocking at the door.

"Saale shaadi hai teri bahar hai "

(Fucker it's your marriage. Come outside)

Vikrant yells came with loud knocking.

Groaning in frustration, I went to open the door. He gave me a bored look and pulled into a manly hug.

"Aaj hi neend puri karni hai taki shaadi wali raat jaag sake haan? Sab samjhta hu mai."

(You want to sleep today yeah? So could wake up all night on your wedding night. I understand it.)

He teased with smirk, punched my stomach.

His words made me smile and we both left for courtyard.

The courtyard was adorned with vibrant red and yellow pardas, creating a festive and inviting atmosphere. Strings of flowers hung elegantly, adding a touch of natural beauty to the setting. Tables were set up with alcohol bottles strategically placed around, reflecting the celebratory mood of the occasion.

Men were joyously dancing to the rhythmic beats of the dhol, their movements infused with the energy of the festivities. Some were indulging in drinks, while others enjoyed smoking hookah, creating clouds of fragrant smoke that mingled with the night air. Laughter and chatter filled the air, creating a lively and jovial ambiance.

"Ek jaam dulhe raja ke naam!!"

(One shot for happiness of groom)

Vikrant came with a shot of alcohol and forced it down my throat, while others hooted.

As the evening progressed, my distant cousins and friends joined the celebration, adding to the lively atmosphere. Conversations flowed freely, accompanied by wishes and toasts with glasses of alcohol.

I found myself getting slightly intoxicated, a feeling I didn't mind amidst the joyous occasion. Soon, my mother arrived with a few other relatives. They ushered me to sit, where they delicately adorned my palms with intricate mehendi designs. The fragrance of henna filled the air, blending with the scent of flowers and the lingering aroma of hookah smoke.

Amidst the laughter and music, the intricate patterns of mehendi slowly emerged on my skin, symbolizing the beginning of a new chapter in my life. Each stroke of the mehendi brush seemed to carry the blessings and well-wishes of my loved ones, making the moment all the more special and memorable.

Seated on a stool, I watched as the mehendi artist carefully applied the intricate designs on my palm, the rhythmic beats of the dholak accompanying the traditional song being played in the background.

As the shagun of mehendi was completed on my hand, the attention shifted to Heer. The artist and my family members left to apply the beautiful henna designs on her hands, continuing the age-old tradition with love and enthusiasm.

As the females left the mehendi ceremony, Manish, the guard, approached me. He leaned in close, his voice low and confidential, knowing I would understand the unspoken message.

I took a sip of the alcohol, my eyes darkening with a hint of lust as I thought about Heer, my beautiful bride-to-be. The anticipation of seeing her, mixed with the forbidden desire of the moment, intensified the air of excitement and tension around me.

The bride, adorned in a stunning green lehenga, looked nothing short of ethereal. The intricate embroidery and delicate embellishments on her attire added a regal touch to her appearance. The shade of green complemented her complexion, enhancing her natural beauty.

A delicate nose ring adorned her nose, adding a touch of traditional elegance to her ensemble. White jasmine flowers adorned her hair, their fragrance mingling with her aura and adding a hint of freshness to her overall look. The simplicity yet gracefulness of the jasmine flower jewelry accentuated her features and added a touch of innocence to her bridal charm.

As everyone around teased her with my name, she smiled shyly, her eyes sparkling with joy and anticipation.

Despite Manish's professional description, I could vividly imagine her, radiating beauty and happiness, making her the center of attention and admiration on that special day.

Feeling a surge of euphoria, I quickly downed another glass of alcohol, letting its warmth and the excitement of the evening wash over me.

With a grin, I handed Manish a bundle of notes as a token of appreciation for his services.

His smile widened in response before he excused himself and went back to his duties, ensuring everything was secure and in order.

"Apni hi hone wali biwi par nazar?"

(Keeping eyes on your own to be wife?)

Vikrant chuckled mockingly as he held his daughter Mannat, who was peacefully sleeping on his shoulder.

Her tiny hand was raised in the air, adorned with mehendi from the ceremony.

I couldn't help but laugh inwardly at the thought that if she were awake, she might have playfully smeared the mehendi on the kurtas of all the "handsome" men around her, adding a mischievous touch.

"Ab yeh nazare unki gulam hai, janab."

(Now theses gaze are slave of her, man)

As my voice slurred, Vikrant chuckled, earning a small laugh from him in return.

A few men playfully pulled me up, urging me to dance. Initially, I declined, but the festive spirit and the intoxicating atmosphere got the better of me, and I couldn't resist dancing a little. I knew I might look like a joker, but hey, it was my wedding, and nobody cared about appearances.

I twirled around clumsily, caught up in the moment, when suddenly a feminine whistle resonated through the air. Startled, I looked up and collided with my lover's gaze. Heer was standing on the terrace of the haveli, surrounded by a group of girls. Her best friend had whistled, clearly amused by our funny dance.

As Heer smiled, her eyes shimmered like stars on a clear night, radiating warmth and joy as she watched the dance below. Her smile was like a blooming rose, adding a touch of natural beauty to her already enchanting presence.

Meanwhile, I stood amidst the festivities, feeling as if I were in a dream. My eyes, reflecting the flickering lights of the celebration, held a spark of excitement and disbelief, alike to a firefly in the darkness, dancing with abandon and wonder.

Together, amidst the whirl of music and laughter, we held onto this moment, feeling as though time had paused, and everything around us was painted with the hues of a surreal dream.

I playfully threw a flying kiss towards Heer, causing her mouth to widen in surprise while those around her teased her good-naturedly. The men around me gathered, cheering and hooting at our playful interaction.

In response to her questioning gaze, I nodded, encouraging her. With a shy smile, she reciprocated with a flying kiss before quickly darting away, her laughter blending with the music and laughter of the celebration.

The night echoed with laughter, and I joined in, amused by Heer's shy response. The hours passed in a whirlwind of laughter, dancing, and the occasional sip of alcohol, creating memories that would last a lifetime.

As morning arrived, the priest came early for the rituals. I took a refreshing bath and performed the necessary rituals for the haldi ceremony, with my mother by my side, adding a sense of tradition and warmth to the auspicious occasion.

The haldi ceremony began with the application of the holy turmeric paste, a symbol of blessings and purity. Everyone present took turns applying haldi on me first. Relatives, cousins, old villagers, Vikrant and his wife, Arun, Dhuni, and her parents—all showered me with their blessings and good wishes.

As my haldi ceremony concluded, the ladies made their way to the other side of the haveli to begin Heer's ceremony.

After I had showered and refreshed, Manish approached me, detailing how Heer's haldi ceremony had unfolded.

His words painted a picture of joy and celebration, further enhancing the excitement.

The teasing and festivities continued as everyone playfully teased Heer during her haldi ceremony. Dhuni, full of energy, danced non-stop to the traditional music, while the ladies encouraged Heer to join in, making her dance as well. She looked radiant in her yellow haldi dress, her glow accentuated by the joyous atmosphere.

After rewarding Manish once again and instructing him to share the money with his partner Shankar, I settled into taking care of the arrangements from inside the house. Unable to go outside after the haldi ceremony, I delegated tasks and gave orders to ensure everything was in place for the upcoming wedding festivities.

After the haldi ceremony concluded in the afternoon, everyone eagerly rushed to have lunch, needing to regain their energy after the lively celebrations. My mother, in her nurturing way, made sure Heer was fed properly, ensuring she had a satisfying and nourishing meal amidst the excitement of the day.

As the day passed swiftly, we found ourselves at 6:00 pm, the designated time for the evening celebrations to begin. Everything had been meticulously arranged and set for the night's festivities.

With the help of Vikrant and Arun, I dressed up in a splendid sherwani, every detail adding to the grandeur of the occasion. My mother, in the presence of the priest, delicately tied the head turban, whispering sacred mantras for blessings and auspiciousness. The air was filled with anticipation and excitement as we prepared for the main event of the wedding ceremony.

After the pooja, it was time for me to mount the horse, a symbolic and traditional aspect of the wedding procession. The beats of the dhol were at a crescendo, adding to the excitement and fervor of the moment.

Vikrant, understanding the significance of the occasion, offered me a helping hand from the other side of the horse, his nod conveying unspoken understanding and support.

I desperately needed that nod, as my body surged with a mix of emotions. Finally, I was a groom, stepping into the realization of a dream that had once seemed distant but was now a beautiful and tangible reality.

The scene unfolded with anticipation as I approached the majestic horse, adorned with vibrant colors and traditional embellishments.

With a confident stride, I placed my foot in the stirrup, feeling the sturdy support beneath him.

Grasping Vikrant's offered hand from other side, I pulled myself up with determined force, settling onto the horse's back.

As the wedding procession began its journey towards the village temple, the air was filled with the rhythmic beats of the dhol and the joyful melodies of traditional songs.

In front of the adorned horse, his mother and cousins danced gracefully, their movements exuding happiness and excitement. Men around, including Arun, joined in the lively celebration, their cheers and laughter mingling with the music.

Amidst this joyful chaos, Mannat and Jannat, the young ones, added a touch of innocence and charm as they danced in Vikrant's arms, their laughter echoing through the air.

The entire procession moved forward with a sense of unity.

In the midst of the lively baraat procession, Dhuni suddenly appeared, joining in with her energetic dance moves in naagin steps. Her spontaneous antics made me shook my head.

Dhuni had been dancing enthusiastically for the past two days, adding a playful and spirited vibe to the celebrations.

After the rituals at the village temple, the procession turned back towards the haveli, this time with him leading from the front. As I dismounted from the horse with Vikrant's assistance, every moment was captured by the photographers, immortalizing the joyous occasion.

Dhuni halted our procession at the entrance with a grand gesture, balancing a big round pot (kalash) on her head—a ritual typically reserved for the bride's sister. However, Dhuni, with her unwavering support and affection for Heer, was no less than a sister to her.

In a playful yet assertive manner, Dhuni demanded an amount of 50,000 rupees as part of this customary ritual. Despite the dismay and protests from some of my cousins who wanted to haggle and banter, I graciously complied, recognizing the significance of the tradition and Dhuni's heartfelt involvement in the wedding celebrations.

Two hours dragged on, and my impatience grew as I eagerly awaited the moment to see the bride. The priest's continuous chanting seemed to prolong the wait endlessly. I couldn't fathom how much longer it would go on.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the priest signaled to bring the bride forward, signaling the much-awaited moment of the wedding ceremon.

As I was sitting, my heart raced with anticipation, waiting for the moment when the bride, my beloved Heer, would descend the stairs. The staircase, a familiar path where I had often carried her in my arms, now seemed like a bridge between our past and our future together.

And then, she appeared, like a vision in red. Her lehenga draped around her in elegant folds, the color of passion and love, resembling a flame dancing gracefully in the breeze. Each step she took was like a gentle melody, as her bangles chimed softly, adding a musical note to the atmosphere.

Her nose ring, a delicate adornment on her nose, shone like a tiny star amidst her radiant beauty. The subtle hue of her lipstick, reminiscent of the blush of a blooming rose, enhanced the natural allure of her smile.

In that moment, she wasn't just a bride; she was the embodiment of dreams fulfilled, a living painting of elegance and charm. Time seemed to stand still as I gazed upon her, feeling a surge of love and gratitude for the privilege of calling her mine.

Unlike her, my eyes left a tear drop, of happiness.

As she reached the bottom of the stairs, Heer's face lit up with a huge smile, but tears streamed down her cheeks like a river. Seeing her so overwhelmed with emotion, I couldn't help but feel a lump in my throat.

I stood up, eager to hold her hand and start this new journey together. Beside her, Dhuni was also crying, but her tears weren't of sadness; they were tears of joy and the deep bond of friendship she shared with Heer. It was a beautiful moment, filled with love, happiness, and the unbreakable connection between two best friends who truly cared for each other.

"Meri dost ko hamesha khush rakhna Sarpanch ji. Warna adhi neend mei katal kar dungi aapka."

(Keep my friend always happy Sarpanch ji. Other I will murder you in middle of your sleep)

Through her tears, dhuni managed to speak, her voice wavering with emotion yet filled with joy. Despite her tears, her words brought laughter to all of us.

"Apni jaan se jyda khayal rakhenge Inka."

(I will take care of her more than my life)

With determination burning in my heart, I made a promise to Heer amidst her tears and laughter. Offering my hand, I watched as Dhuni enveloped Heer in sobbing hug, their shared emotions flowing freely in each other's arms.

I waited patiently, feeling a heavy yet joyful anticipation as Dhuni finally placed Heer's hand in mine. With utmost care, I helped Heer settle beside me, ensuring her comfort, while Dhuni meticulously adjusted her lehenga, adding a final touch of perfection to this precious moment.

As the priest began the sacred chants, signifying the beginning of the wedding rituals, Dhuni's parents gracefully took on the responsibility of Kanya Daan, symbolizing the giving away of their daughter into my care.

The Gathbandhan ceremony followed, where Dhuni, with tender hands and a heart full of blessings, tied the knot that united our destinies. Each phera, each sacred vow uttered, was a pledge made wholeheartedly from the depths of my soul to hers. Our hands were intertwined, and with every step taken during the pheras, our grasp on each other's palms tightened, symbolizing our commitment and bond growing stronger with each moment.

As we settled back into our seats, ready for the final rituals, the priest spoke of the Nuptial Ties. Trembling slightly with the weight of the gold-heavy embodiment of nuptials in my hands, Heer discreetly patted my thigh, a gesture filled with assurance and love, reminding me that we were in this together, ready to embark on this journey as partners for life.

As if commanded by her reassuring touch, my trembling hands steadied as I confidently tied the nuptial around, a symbol of our sacred union. The shower of roses that followed added a touch of romance and beauty to the moment, as if nature itself was blessing our bond.

The red vermillion, vibrant and symbolic, seemed almost divine yet slightly intimidating in its significance at that moment. It marked the journey of a dream, the moment I had longed for and now it was finally here, tangible and real.

With a sense of relief, my hands scooped the red powder, and Dhuni gracefully moved her maangtika, showcasing Heer's bare partition. It was a symbolic gesture, marking the beginning of a new chapter, the start of a lifetime together filled with love, understanding, and companionship.

"Soch lo, bhaag nahi paaungi ab mujhse."

(Think about it, you will not be able to run away from me)

Teasingly, I remarked, and in response, a playful smile adorned her red lips.

"Aap mujhe baandh lijiye khud se."

(Tie me up with you)

With those words, spoken softly yet carrying immense weight and meaning, I felt a surge of determination and love. It was all I needed to delicately paint her partition with the sacred red vermillion, sealing our bond.

"Aaj se aap pati patni hue."

(From now on, you are husband and wife)

As my hand descended after completing the ritual, the weight of the moment settled in, and when the priest's announcement rang out, declaring our union, her head fell into my arms. Her sobs were raw and heartfelt, echoing the depth of emotion we both felt in that instant. Her cry was a symphony of love, longing, and joy, and it touched a chord deep within me, triggering tears from my own eyes.

I held her close, feeling the warmth of her tears mingling with mine, our hearts beating as one in that tender embrace. With trembling hands, I gently caressed her back, comforting her as she sought solace in my arms. Leaning down, I pressed a soft kiss to her forehead, a silent vow of love and devotion, promising to be there for her through every joy and sorrow that life may bring.

It was the "We did it" moment we had been waiting for with every breath. As the rituals drew to a close, my beloved Heer officially became my wife, and I, her husband.

The weight of the vows we had exchanged, the promises made in the presence of our loved ones and the divine, settled upon us, filling our hearts with a sense of fulfillment and joy that words could not fully capture.

Under the canopy of the night sky, adorned with twinkling stars like shimmering diamonds, our union was sealed in the embrace of celestial beauty. As we stood there, husband and wife, the universe seemed to whisper its blessings

➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖

I cried writing this. I'm too much connected to this book 😭.

As promised two updates of today are completed !