July 8
This is the same day when Shivani was supposed to marry Prem. But look at the game of fate—the wedding is happening on the same day it was decided, but the groom is someone else.
She stepped out of the car with Aditya. As soon as she emerged, all the guests at the wedding turned their gaze toward her. Jay, who was sitting in the mandap, was left staring at Shivani without blinking. She looked so beautiful that it was impossible to describe her in words. In the red bridal attire, she resembled a royal princess. The red color glowed on her fair skin. Her lips were as crimson as rose petals. Her eyes were like dark clouds, deep and mesmerizing. Her lehenga was intricately embroidered with golden threads and studded with real diamonds and pearls. Aditya, too, looked nothing less than a young prince.
Holding Shivani's hand, Aditya began to walk on the carpet. Just as they moved forward, Shivani's foot got caught in the carpet. She was about to fall when, like a hero from a movie, Jay rushed from the mandap and caught her, saving her from hitting the ground. He held her in his arms, and at that very moment, their eyes met. For a moment, time stood still. Both got lost in each other's eyes, forgetting that all the guests were watching them. It was Aditya's voice that broke the trance, and Jay and Shivani returned to reality.
Jay asked Shivani, "Are you alright?"
Shivani nodded with a slight smile, "Yes, I am fine."
Jay held Shivani's hand and walked her along the carpet, while Aditya walked alongside them. People standing by the carpet began to shower them with flowers. Jay, holding Shivani's hand, led her to the mandap.
The priest began chanting mantras. Shivani started feeling slightly dizzy. The priest announced, "The bride's parents should come forward for the Kanyadaan (giving away of the bride)." Hearing this, tears rolled down Shivani's cheeks, dripping onto Jay's hands. Seeing her tears, Jay felt a deep pain in his heart; he felt guilty. Why wouldn't he? It was because of him that Shivani's parents were not in this world today.
At that moment, an elderly couple stepped forward, extending their hands. They said, "We will do the Kanyadaan."
They were retired DSP Somesh Shetty and his wife, Sambhavi Shetty. Somesh Shetty was a friend of Digvijay Ji. About 15 years ago, Somesh Ji married his daughter into a wealthy family. But because the dowry was less, her in-laws began to torment her in various ways. One day, things went too far. Her in-laws poisoned her tea and killed her. They then burned her body to hide the evidence. When Shetty Ji filed a case against them, they bribed the police and erased all the evidence. They even paid a huge sum to the judge to close the case. Shetty Ji lost the case and fell to his knees, crying outside the courtroom. By chance, Digvijay Ji was in the courthouse discussing something with his legal advisor. He saw Shetty Ji and inquired about his situation. When he found out, he helped reopen the case and get Shetty Ji justice. Since then, the two became close friends. From that day, Shetty Ji and his wife made it their mission to perform Kanyadaan for any girl whose parents were not alive.
Today was no different. When they learned that Shivani's parents were not alive, they decided to perform her Kanyadaan.
The priest said, "The mother of the bride should apply turmeric to the bride's hands and prepare her for the rituals."
He continued, "The parents of the bride should place her hand in the groom's hand and chant with me. After that, the groom should hold her hand and take the vow to fulfill all his responsibilities towards her."
Thus, the Kanyadaan was completed. The priest then said, "Now, the bride and groom should be tied together for the sacred bond." Being Jay's aunt, Deepali Ji tied the sacred knot between Jay and Shivani.
The priest continued, "Now, the bride and groom should stand for the pheras (sacred rounds around the fire). The bride will lead for the first three rounds."
Jay and Shivani stood up, but as soon as they did, Shivani felt dizzy again. Jay quickly caught her before she could fall. Without a second thought, he lifted her in his arms and began to take the rounds, his gaze never leaving hers.
The Seven Vows of the Bride:
1. I will join you in all religious, spiritual, and charitable activities.
2. Just as you respect your parents, you will also respect mine and my family.
3. Through youth, adulthood, and old age, we will always stay together.
4. I will adorn myself with purity and love, and with my words and actions, I will always be playful and gentle with you.
5. I will be your companion in every joy and sorrow and will never look toward another man.
6. You will never insult me publicly and will keep away from bad habits.
7. I will follow your wishes in all matters of life, wealth, and desires. Today, before the sacred fire, you have become my husband, and I have offered myself to you.
The Seven Vows of the Groom:
1. You will align your heart with mine and follow my path.
2. You will enjoy my wealth and remain devoted to me.
3. You will be the mistress of my home and enjoy all its pleasures.
4. Wherever you wish to go, even to your parental home, you will ask me first.
After the vows, the priest declared the pheras complete and asked Jay to place the mangalsutra (sacred necklace) around Shivani's neck. With steady hands, Jay did so, marking her as his wife.
The priest continued, "Now, fill her hairline with vermilion." Jay did so with care, sealing their bond in the eyes of tradition and God.
With the rituals complete, they bowed to Somesh Ji and Sambhavi Ji, touching their feet and receiving blessings. The wedding was complete; they were now husband and wife.
The wedding ceremony concluded beautifully, and Jay, holding Shivani's hand, guided her towards the car. They drove back to the grand villa where all the post-wedding rituals were waiting for them. As soon as they arrived.
At the Villa...
Divya ji welcomed them with a traditional aarti, blessing Shivani with warmth and affection. The sound of conch shells and bells filled the air as Shivani stepped inside the villa, her feet touching the threshold, symbolizing her first steps into a new life. After the grand entry, Divya ji led Shivani to her room, advising her to take some rest.
A while later, Jay entered the room, only to find Hansika talking cheerfully with Shivani. The sight brought a smile to his face. As he walked in, Hansika, with her eyes twinkling mischievously, ran towards him. "Bhaiya, I want my 'negi' (gift)," she demanded with a playful grin.
Jay raised an eyebrow. "What is it this time, Hansika? Last time you asked for a company. What do you want now?" he teased, expecting another extravagant demand.
Hansika clapped her hands excitedly and stretched her hand towards him. "Promise me first! You have to give me what I ask for."
Without a second thought, Jay smiled and agreed. "I promise. Whatever you ask, it's yours."
Hansika's smile grew wider. She looked at both Jay and Shivani, then declared, "I want a cute little nephew or niece within a year!" Her bold wish stunned both Jay and Shivani, their eyes meeting with a mixture of shock and embarrassment. Before either of them could respond, the sound of a baby's cry echoed from the hallway. Hansika turned towards the sound, waved at them cheerfully, and added, "Remember, you promised!" She left the room with a giggle, leaving the newlyweds flustered and speechless.
Jay broke the silence, clearing his throat. "I... I should change. I'll be in the washroom," he stammered, avoiding Shivani's gaze. Shivani simply nodded, still processing Hansika's words.
Jay quickly stepped into the washroom, shutting the door behind him. The sound of heavy rain began to pour outside, filling the room with the rhythmic patter of raindrops. After a while, Jay came out, dressed in more comfortable clothes. He looked at Shivani and said softly, "I left some clothes for you in there. You should change and get comfortable."
Shivani nodded, standing up carefully and holding her lehenga. She walked towards the washroom, closing the door behind her. Minutes passed, but Shivani did not return. Concerned, Jay moved towards the door and knocked gently. "Shivani? Are you alright?" he asked, his voice laced with worry.
There was silence for a moment before Shivani responded, her voice shaky. "I... I can't..." she stuttered. Jay, growing more anxious, knocked again. "Can't what? Are you hurt?" he asked, his hand gripping the doorknob.
The door creaked open slightly, and Jay saw Shivani standing there, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. Her hands were awkwardly trying to remove the heavy bridal attire, but she couldn't manage it. Her wrists were still bandaged, making it impossible for her to reach the back of her dress. Pain was evident in her eyes.
Jay stepped forward hesitantly. "May I help you?" he asked, his voice gentle. Shivani looked up at him, her eyes reflecting trust and vulnerability. After a pause, she nodded slowly. "But... but you..." she murmured, averting her gaze.
Jay gave her a soft smile. "I'll tie a blindfold. That way, you'll be comfortable," he said, grabbing a handkerchief and wrapping it around his eyes securely. "Now, you can trust me," he added with sincerity.
Shivani watched him, her heart softening. He began untying the intricate knots of her dress carefully, his hands moving gently and respectfully. As he worked, Shivani's eyes moistened. For the first time, she felt his kindness without the shadows of their past looming over them.
Suddenly, Jay's hand brushed against her back, and he felt something warm and damp. He pulled his hand back instinctively, removing the blindfold. His eyes widened when he saw Shivani standing there in just her innerwear, her back revealing a fresh wound that had started bleeding.
His voice came out as a whisper, "Shivani... you're hurt. Why didn't you say anything?"
Her eyes met his, tears brimming at the edges. "I didn't want to trouble anyone," she replied softly.
Jay's expression hardened with concern. "Sit down. I need to tend to this," he commanded gently, his hands already reaching for the first aid kit. As he dressed her wound, Shivani watched him quietly, her heart wavering between pain and unexpected comfort.
A storm raged outside, but within those four walls, something tender and fragile began to bloom.