A beautiful red and gold theme mandap set at the middle of the massive garden. Arnav sat on the small stool beside the priest who was chanting the holly mantra while guests settled down on the chairs place on both side of mandap.
He was doing all the rituals under the priest's guidance without showing any expression. Suddenly there was a blow of soft wind. He looked up and his heart skipped a beat. The guests, the noise and everything else around him faded out all of a sudden seeing the prettiest bride walking on the path adorned with rose petals in her cherry red bridal attire with matching heavy uncut diamonds, emeralds pearls and gold jewellery set; her cherry ball gown-esque lehenga was topped off with delicate hand-cut organza flowers and french knots in silk floss and layers of thread work along with her half-sleeved ; and the red net long veil draped over her head.
His breath hitched as his eyes beheld the most beautiful sight ever. He had never seen anyone else do more justice to an Arnav Singh Raizada creation. Khushi was looking breathtakingly beautiful in her cherry red bridal attire. Anjali had insisted that he himself design Khushi's bridal lehenga. He had been highly reluctant at first but had finally given in. He had sketch out this outfit seeing the photo of her draped sinful red Saree. Now seeing her in his designed outfit he knew that the outfit was brought to life as Khushi wore it.
Khushi walked slowly keeping her eyes lowered. She stood opposite Arnav in mandap but didn't dare to look up. She was feeling her stomach full of butterflies and her heart running at an insane pace similar like she had felt on the photoshoot day under his intense gaze. Payal nudge her little making her eyes rising towards him slowly; and then her green hazel eyes met with his melting brown ones. Her eyes move up and down on his form. Seeing him in ivory floral zardozi and resham embroidered sherwani with turban placed elegantly over his head and a pearl necklace rested proudly on his broad chest Khushi thought Arnav looking like a royal king like him in real life.
Arnav and Khushi stood facing each other. Anjali handed one red rose garland to Arnav while Payal passed another to Khushi. Khushi went on her tip-toes to put the garland on Arnav and then Arnav put the garland around her. Everyone cheered and clapped.
Arnav and Khushi took their seats. The priest carried on with the mantras and after few minutes called Bride's father to come forward for the Kanyadaan. Shashi came to Khushi. He lifted her right hand and placed it above Arnav's right hand.
The priest kept reciting all mantras along with pouring things into the holy fire. Khushi was asked to put her hand on Arnav's on several occasions to pour the holy things together into the fire while reciting after the priest. Finally the time came for pheras. Khushi was assisted up by Payal. Anjali tied Arnav's stole with Khushi's dupatta. The priest kept chanting the holy mantras as Arnav and Khushi took arounds of the sacred fire with Arnav taking the lead on first three rounds and Khushi on last four rounds while their family members shower flower petals on them.
As Arnav and Khushi both sat down, the priest carried on with the mantras and few minutes later asked the groom to tie mangalsutra around the bride's neck. Anjali came forward with the tray. Arnav took the mangulsutra from the tray. Khushi's breath hitched as Arnav came closer to tie the mangalsutra around her neck. She could feel his hot breath on her neck as he clasped it behind her neck.
The priest asked Arnav to fill Khushi's maang. Arnav took a pinch of sindoor from the small pot on the tray and moved it towards Khushi. Anjali raised Khushi's mang tika. Arnav applied the sindoor on Khushi's mang. Khushi closed her eyes feeling his fingertips on her forehead; and Arnav slowly dragged it to fill her entire maang.
A tear roll down from Khushi's eyes. She was now Khushi Arnav Singh Raizada. She was overwhelmed with emotions and happiness to belong to Arnav for lifetime.
Priest " Now you both are husband and wife ... Take the blessing of elders "
Dadi along with Anjali and Akshat came to mandap. Arnav bent down along with Khushi and touchesd Dadi's feet. Dadi happily put hands on both of their heads and blessed them with long life and happiness.
Anjali with moist eyes " I am so much happy today Chote " softly cupping Arnav's cheek
Arnav " Di ... har baat pe rona zarori hai kia ? " irritatingly
Anjali with smile " Tum nahi samjho gey, Chote " moving to Khushi " Welcome to family " hugging Khushi
Akshat " Congratulations "
Arnav " Thanks "
Next came Shashi, Garima and Bua together. Arnav and Khushi bend down and touch their feet. Sashi blessed the couple whole heartedly while Garima & bua for just showing off. Sashi's eyes were moist thinking his little naughty daughter now belongs to other family.
Payal move forward and hugged Khushi tight " Congrats Jiju " looking at Arnav
Waiters removed the pooja accessories at the corner of mandap and brought two large seats forward. Anjali made Arnav and Khushi sit down. One by one both side family members came and congratulated the bride groom while Khushi gave her beautiful smile at them and Arnav kept a sour face all the time.
It's time for Bidaai.
Khushi just couldn't control her tears now as the time of bidaai has come. They all moved towards the entrance of the resort where the big car standing outside the hall, beautifully decorated in white and red roses. Payal came to Khushi with a tray of rice and told her to throw it behind for three times. Khushi did what she was told. She kept scooping up the rice and throwing it behind her for three times while Garima catch the rice in the small piece of cloth.
Letting out a sob, Khushi threw her arms around Sashi. Sashi pulled Khush into a fierce hug, and held her tight.
Khushi "Babuji " cried hugging Sashi tightly
Sashi " Gudiya, don't cry " breaking the hug slowly wiped Khushi's tears and placed Khushi's hand on Arnav's " Beta, Take care of my Khushi. She do mistake sometimes but she is very good by heart "
Arnav " Uncle ... you don't need to worry about her. I promise I will take care of her "
Shashi " Thank you Beta " smiled at Arnav " May Devi Maiya will keep you both always happy "
All move outside and Payal helped Khushi getting inside the car. Arnav sat beside Khushi in the car and closed the door while others went into other cars. Glancing over her shoulder, she saw Sashi and Payal standing, tears running down their face, but still smiling and waving at her. How could she leave them? She sobbed quietly. Arnav waited a few minutes for her to calm down but when she showed no signs of it he entangled his fingers with hers to give her some silent support making her heart skipped a beat.