Author's POV

Both the families reached Jodhpur five days prior to the wedding. Everyone was staying at the enormous palace of the Rathore's. 

Extended families started coming a day before the first pre-wedding ceremony: The Tilak Ceremony and Ganesh Sthapana.

Ganesh Sthapana involves seeking the blessings of Lord Ganesha to overcome obstacles and ensure a prosperous marriage. It took place three days before the wedding. The family priest of the Rathore's conducted the puja among both the families. Our bride and groom were slaying a green saree and green kurta- pajama, respectively. 

Shree was wearing a light green saree with a blue blouse and a simple choker necklace. Her hair was tied into a bun. She looked ethereal as always.

SAMYUKTA

Abhimanyu also put on a light green kurta set matching the theme of the function. It added a touch of elegance to his Greek god features. 

ABHIMANYU

Shree and Sam's college friends arrived in the afternoon, and Abhimanyu and Samrat's friends had been present since mid-morning. When the girls arrived, Amrit stole Samyukta for a moment to ask about 'Anshika'. She pointed to a girl wearing a purple kurti and black jeans. Upon seeing her, Amrit gave a typical 'haye mera dil' reaction. His friends teased him, and Samyukta promised to introduce him to her in the evening during the Tilak ceremony. 

In the evening, the Tilak ceremony took place. it began with the eldest Rathores and Chauhans followed by the bride and groom's parents and then the rest of the family. 

The couple adorned a pink look going along with the theme. Samyukta and Abhimanyu also graced their pink look effortlessly.

SAMYUKTA

ABHIMANYU

After the Tilak ceremony, Khushi and Suyash presented a performance for the couple enacting how the met and their entire love story earning a lot of applauses. 

During dinner, Samyukta introduced Amrit to Anshika, having informed her friend about him earlier. Anshika, having been single for a while, was now seeking a committed relationship. When Samyukta and Shree mentioned Amrit to her, she gave them a heads- up to talk to him.

"Anshika, I'd like you to meet Amrit. Amrit, this is Anshika." Samyukta introduced them to each other.

"Hi Anshika, nice to meet you." Amrit said.

"Hi Amrit, nice to meet you too. Umm...Samyukta told me a bit about you." Anshika replied.

"Oh, really? Hope it was all good!" Amrit asked nervously.

"Well, she did mention you have a thing for museums and painting."

"Yeah, I do. How about you?"

"I love them too! There's nothing better than spending a day exploring a gallery."

"Exactly!"

"Any favorite artists?"

"I'm a fan of the classics. How about you?"

"I appreciate the modern stuff."

"You know, I paint a bit myself. Perhaps one day I can show you my masterpiece."

"Absolutely, I'd love to."

"Samyukta mentioned you're a doctor as well."

"Yeah, saving lives and all that jazz. Currently pursuing my MD in cardiology." Anshika replied confidently.

"Looks like I'll need to be extra cautious not to let you steal my heart." Anshika blushed. 

"So, Anshika, how about we continue this conversation over dinner? I know this fantastic little place. And maybe afterwards, we can explore an art gallery together." Amrit continued. 

"That sounds amazing, Amrit! But I'll be leaving for Delhi the day after the reception."

"Well, what about pre-departure adventure, what do you think?"

"You really don't wanna give up, do you?" Anshika added while chuckling.

"Well, for a beautiful lady like you, Anshika, giving up just isn't an option."

"Ok fine! I'll join you."

"We can leave after breakfast, and I can help you with some sightseeing too."

"Sounds great!"

"Uh, so, Anshika, um, I was thinking, maybe, um, could I... have your number?1" Amrit asked awkwardly.

"Oh, um, sure, Amrit."

They exchanged numbers and chatted for a while, earning teasing looks from their friends and blushing throughout the conversation.

After dinner, everybody retired back to their room. Tomorrow the Sangeet performance practice will start.

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COCKTAIL PARTY (NEXT DAY)

In the morning, after breakfast, Sangeet practice began, and Samyukta planned a dance routine along with her friends for Shree and Samrat. Despite encouraging the men to join, Abhimanyu firmly refused. Sensing his discomfort, Samyukta signaled her friends to stop persuading him. Meanwhile, Abhishree and Samrat were occupied with welcoming elite guests from around the world for the royal wedding. The guests, including businessmen from different parts of India, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, and more, received a warm welcome with aarti, garlands, and gift hampers. The palace buzzed with people from diverse backgrounds to witness Shree and Samrat's marriage.

Abhimanyu smoothly mingled with guests and dived into some serious business talk.

Later, in the evening, the cocktail party was held. Everyone was dressed in black and golden fabrics.

Abhishree mingled with distinguished business persons introduced by Samrat, Abhimanyu, her father and father-in-law. Laughter, talks, drinks, and delectable food filled the air, leading to a lively atmosphere. As the night unfolded with music and dance, joy and laughter filled the air, creating an atmosphere of celebration and happiness.

SAMYUKTA'S LOOK

ABHIMANYU'S LOOK

As everyone enjoyed the party, Samyukta went to the bar for her favorite Citrus Fizz after dancing. Abhimanyu, sitting alone, noticed her, and they exchanged a smile. 

Suddenly, a photographer approached them and exclaimed, "Excuse me, you two look absolutely stunning together. Your outfits complement each other perfectly. Could I trouble you for a quick pose?"

"Um," Samyukta hesitated, unsure of how to respond.

"Please, just one photo," the photographer pleaded.

She glanced at Abhimanyu, seeking his opinion. He nodded, standing up to join her.

"Could you both come a bit closer, please?"

Closing the gap, Samyukta looked down, adjusting her hair. Their proximity caused their hearts to race. She could feel Abhimanyu's warm breath on her cheek.

"Sir, put your hand around madam's waist," the persistent photographer insisted.

Samyukta's face turned as red as a tomato. Abhimanyu, avoiding eye contact, tried to glare at the photographer, but the poor man remained oblivious to their awkwardness.

"Please, sir," he pleaded.

Giving in, Abhimanyu gently placed his left hand around her waist. Samyukta avoided looking at him, anxiously waiting for the awkward moment to end. The photographer captured the shot, showed them the results with a smile, and then left.

Abhimanyu's heart thumped loudly, fearing that Samyukta could hear it. Samyukta smiled sheepishly, still avoiding eye contact with Abhimanyu, and walked away.

The night passed, and everyone had a good time.

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NEXT MORNING

The Mehendi ceremony began at ten o'clock in the morning after breakfast. It commenced with the application of henna paste on the bride's hands. Banna-Banni songs were joyously sung by a group of elderly Rajasthani women, accompanied by traditional dances. Everybody indulged into dancing, moving to the rhythm. After a while, the bride's friends moved to another part of the expansive palace lawn to rehearse for their Sangeet performance later in the evening. At twelve o'clock, they were called back to partake in the Mehendi application. The bride was already adorned with beautiful, intricate designs on both her hands and feet.

While everyone else went to dance along with the randomly played songs, Shree pulled Samyukta to a private setting in the lawn. They seated themselves on one of the couches placed there for the Sangeet ceremony.

"Sam...I'm sorry"

"No worries, Shree! Seriously, chill! You had your reasons, and you didn't do anything wrong. No need to feel guilty about it, darling."

"Bro, we usually tell each other everything, but I didn't fill you in on this, especially when it involved your brother..."

"Bro, you once mentioned how you wanted our relationship to stay the same no matter what. I get it. Honestly, when you dropped the bomb, I was surprised, but I was also overjoyed that you're marrying my brother. He's the only one I trust with you. And, you're moving in permanently! I'm so darn excited, girl!"

"I know, right? We can hang out whenever. And you know what? I'll ditch my husband for you. We can team up and mess with him."

"Yes!!! Let's prank him."

"Absolutely." The girls burst into laughter.

"You're not upset, are you?"

"Nah re!!! I was only joking when I said I'll be an evil nanad."

"Okay...so now you'll be an evil saali ok!!!"

"Yes, Since, you're my sister from another mother I'll gladly be the evil saali for your husband."

The girls shared another bout of laughter while discussing how they would prank Samrat, causing tears to stream down from their eyes. Abhishree felt relieved upon hearing that Samyukta was not hurt. Throughout the time, everyone noticed the duo having a great time.

"Seems like they sorted it out," Vikram said.

"Hmm..." Abhimanyu replied, still keeping his eyes on them.

"It's good! Finally, Abhishree will be at peace," Divya added.

"Yeah, Samyukta too," Shruti chimed in.

Everyone hummed in response.

The duo walked back to the celebration ground, where everyone danced together and enjoyed snacks and lunch. By three o'clock in the afternoon, everyone retired to their rooms for a nap. The Sangeet was scheduled to begin at seven in the evening.

SAMYUKTA'S OUTFIT

ABHIMANYU'S OUTFIT

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SANGEET CEREMONY

The sangeet was a theme of silvers and whites.

Dressed in silver, the couple radiated ethereal charm, capturing everyone's attention.

Clad in a white sequined saree paired with a sleeveless blouse, Samyukta emitted an irresistible charm. Her captivating presence attracted men from other countries for a dance and engaging conversations. Observing from a distance, Abhimanyu, feeling a twinge of jealousy, decided to head to the bar for a drink.

SAMYUKTA'S LOOK

Abhimanyu, an eligible bachelor- the center of attention, attracted the daughters and wives of businessmen who tried to engage him in conversation and flirt with him. Sensing the situation, he gracefully excused himself from their company.

ABHIMANYU'S LOOK

In the hushed anticipation of the brighty lit hall, all eyes turned toward the stage as the performances unfurled like a mosaic of rhythm and revelry.

In the buzzing hall, all eyes were on the stage as everyone showed off their dance moves. Samyukta totally stole the show with her awesome solo dance on "Makhna." 

Later, Samyukta and her medico friends rocked the stage together. They danced to fun songs like "Jhumka," "London Thumakda," and "Girls Like To Swing," spreading joy all around.

Then came the surprise guest, Samyukta's favorite chachu, Ranveer Singh Chauhan. They put on a dramatic show dancing to "Sat Samundar" and "Dilliwaali Girlfriend."

The young men delivered a comically entertaining performance, showcasing their unmatched dance skills. Pun intended. Still they managed to captivate the audience with their confidence.

Shree and Sam decided to perform a Bollywood routine in the last moment, turning their impromptu decision into a smashing success that set the stage ablaze. They performed on Kala Chashma with black sunglasses, Radha, Tip Tip Barsa Paani and Khwab Dekhe.

The performances concluded with the couple dancing together, and soon many other pairs joined the stage for a collective couple dance. 

As the DJ Night kicked off, people spontaneously vibed on the dance floor, embracing the energetic beats. Abhimanyu observed Samyukta joyfully lip-syncing and dancing with friends, her heavy lehenga swaying in rhythm. He watched her as she twirled and spun on the dance floor. The colorful lights highlighted her every steps. Her dance with her chacha sa, Khushi, and Suyash becomes a lively celebration, filling the surroundings with joy and laughter. A smile lingered on his face as he kept gazing at her with a drink in his hand.

After tearing up the dance floor at the DJ, Shree and Sam wearily made their way to the food section and sank onto the couches, completely exhausted. Before long, others joined them on the couches, completing the circle of tired but satisfied revelers.

After a delightful continental dinner, the couple along with others retired early, eager for the wedding rituals scheduled the next day.

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