Samyukta's POV

Today we'll celebrate Ganesh Sthapana and our Tilak ceremony. A few days ago, I arrived in Udaipur, where the wedding will take place. The Udaipur Palace is the possession of us Chauhans. It stands as a colossal castle, boasting over two hundred rooms, expansive lawns, and enchanting water bodies surrounding its majestic structure.

Abhimanyu arrived today in the dawn. Maa said he's tired so he's sleeping till now. He had a rough time for almost a year now. He had to deal with the Italy issue all these months and now as soon as he came home, he has to take care of the wedding. I hope he's okay.

It's ten o'clock in the morning, and the atmosphere is filled with anticipation. My grandmother, Shree, and I are busy preparing flowers, garlands, and other arrangements for the puja. The scent of jasmine-flavored incense sticks added a soothing touch to the surroundings, making me feel so calm and peaceful. Suddenly, I sense someone's gaze on me, but surprisingly it doesn't feel uncomfortable.

I look up to find Abhimanyu, clad in a green kurta set that matches my blouse, leaning onto the railing of the corridor beside the stairs. 

As he starts descending the stairs, our eyes lock in a momentary connection. The eye contact between us broke when my dadi sa asked me to pass her the sandalwoods nearby. Trying to divert my attention, I immerse myself in the work, but I can still sense him looking at me from the corner of my eyes. His unwavering gaze made my cheeks flush with warmth. I resisted looking directly into his eyes, by turning towards the murti of Ganesh ji, and focused on my tasks to shield myself from the effect of his intense stare.

Abhimanyu's POV

I arrived in Udaipur at dawn, exhausted to the core, prompting me to slumber until nine o'clock. Upon rousing, I took a refreshing bath. Both Samyukta and I were supposed to observe a fast until the completion of the Ganesh puja, so breakfast was forgone. After bath, I wore my kurta set, dried my hair and set them keenly. Then I put on my Rolex and went out of my room. When I was in the corridor I witnessed my soon it be wife sitting in the puja area in between the hall and arranging garlands. She put on a beautiful Indian red coloured saree with a pinkish- green blouse. She looked breathtaking. Her untethered hair danced lightly in the air, left to dry. A beautiful gold choker adorned her neck. Our eyes met and as I descended the stairs, her gaze locked onto mine. The spell was broken when Shakuntala dadi saa summoned her for something. After handing over the sandalwood, I noticed her attempting to avoid eye contact. I was enjoying the effect I have on her as her cheeks were hued in red. Suddenly, she turned her back to me, facing the idol of Ganesha, and I couldn't help but chuckle at her attempts to evade my gaze. She's so cute!

Soon, the puja commenced, and our panditji presented a basket of flower petals for us to collect in our palms and offer to the almighty. Both of us took our seats in front of the deity, with her to my left. As the subhanjali unfolded, my gaze couldn't help but drift towards her beautiful face, her eyes closed in devotion. The serene expression on her face, the way she held her hands in namaste, and echoed the words uttered by panditji in a hushed tone showcased her unwavering dedication.

I can keep looking at her all day. She has my meditation. My mantra to peace of mind and heart. 

Restraining myself from getting lost in her, I redirected my focus to chanting the verses guided by panditji. The ceremony progressed, and soon, we were called upon to perform the aarti.

She held the diya gracefully in her right palm, while I positioned mine beneath hers. The proximity between us was so much, with her face just in front of my lips tempting enough to plant a kiss on her right cheek. However, I resisted the urge. Following the completion of the aarti, we sought blessings first from Lord Ganesha, then from panditji, and finally, from our elders collectively.

After the puja ended, Panditji distributed prasad to everyone. I noticed Samyukta breathing heavily; her face indicated she was feeling uneasy. I asked her, "Are you alright?"

"Umm... yeah... actually, I didn't have breakfast for a long time. So my body is cramping," she explained while holding her back with her right hand.

"Then, come over and have breakfast now. I guess that'll make you feel better, right?" I replied.

"Umm... yes, but let the elders eat first, then I'll eat. Don't worry. I'll manage," she said. I was surprised at how she takes care of everyone except herself.

"You'll have breakfast now. Come with me," I said sternly.

"No, please. I'm fine," she argued back, denying my insistence.

I didn't say anything and headed towards the kitchen.

The workers were arranging the pots on the table. I grabbed a plate, put some puris on it, served some chole and halwa into two different bowls, and headed towards her.

I saw her talking with Shree, holding onto her stomach. This girl is unbelievable. She isn't fine, yet she wouldn't eat!

Shree looked at her with concern. She was asking her something when I handed over the plate to her. She looked at me with shock and then checked her surroundings to see if anyone saw me doing so.

Well, everybody saw it. And, yes, now they're eyeing us with mischievous smiles. C'mon. I left from there, shaking my head, not before asking her to eat.

Samyukta's POV

I'm so shocked by his action. I said I can't eat now, but he went to fetch me breakfast. He brought the plate and handed it over to me in front of everybody and left. My god!!! The looks everyone gave me made me want the earth to open and swallow me.

Shree gave me a teasing look and said, "Oho! Bhaiyaa kitna khayal rakhne laga hai tera!" It was loud enough for everyone in the room to hear. I glared at her.

()

"Love is in the air!" My brother yelled, making everyone in the room burst into laughter.

I looked down at the floor in an attempt to hide my flushed cheeks. I wanted this moment to end as soon as possible.

Thankfully, Khushi and Gaurav started fighting over something, and everybody's attention was drawn to them. I took this as an opportunity and fled from there to my room.

I locked myself in and kept the plate on the desk beside my bed.

Author's POV

Samyukta locked herself in and kept the plate on the desk beside her bed. The look of concern in his eyes flashed in her mind, and her lips turned into a smile unknowingly. She was on cloud nine.

Mr. Rathore, you'll make me fall for you with your gestures.

She looked at her plate, and her eyes widened.

"How am I supposed to eat eight pooris?"

Well, she did finish all of them. She didn't want her 'fiancé's' efforts to go to waste.

"I can't have lunch today," she thought.

Abhimanyu's POV

LUNCHTIME

After attending a Skype meeting, I headed towards the lawn where lunch was being served. Upon arrival, I noticed her roaming around all the tables, attending to everyone's needs, asking them if they needed anything, and pouring water into their glasses. I'm sure she hadn't had lunch yet.

When she went to the food counter, I walked up to her and asked, "Did you have lunch?"

"No," she replied.

"Why?"

"Because you handed me eight pooris to eat for breakfast, and I'm still full," she explained.

"Why did you force yourself to eat?" I inquired.

"Because I don't waste food," she replied, looking at me with pride placing her hands on her waist. I shook my head at her antics and left from there.

She acts like a child.

I took a plate and served myself, standing at a corner a little away from the counter where nobody was present. She kept tending to everyone's needs. After some time, I thought of playing with her a little.

When she came to the counter to fetch some curry, I began.

"You're taking care of everyone. You should take care of me too. What if I choke on my food and need water?" I said. She gave me a confused look.

"Why would you choke on your food? Are you a child?" she asked.

Then suddenly, I started coughing. Tears pooled in my eyes as I gasped for breath. She came to me running and rubbed my back. When I stopped coughing, she hurriedly poured me a glass of water and handed it to me. I drank it and settled myself on a nearby chair as she took my plate from my hand.

"You're indeed a child," she stated.

"Yeah, so you should take care of me!" I exclaimed.

She blushed.

"Are you okay now?"

"Yes."

She went away, handing me my plate.

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TILAK CEREMONY

Author's POV

The Tilak ceremony unfolded in the hall of the palace, adorned with vibrant and colorful flowers, creating a beautiful and festive ambiance.

It was initiated by the heads of both the families—the grandparents of the bride and the groom, followed by their parents, uncles, aunties, and other relatives.

Our bride adorned herself in a stunning white silk saree with a golden border, complemented by an elegant pearl set and bronze blouse. Our groom chose a classic off-white kurta, creating a timeless and harmonious look for the couple.

SAMYUKTA'S LOOK

ABHIMANYU'S LOOK

While the ceremony was ongoing, Abhimanyu asked Samyukta, who was sitting beside him, "You'll have dinner, right?"

She chuckled and replied, "Yes. I'm not full anymore."

"Good." They smiled at each other.

"How come you can't eat eight pooris?" Abhimanyu asked.

"I'm not a pig!" 

"You mean I'm a pig?" 

"No! I didn't mean that." She said hastily. He chuckled at her embarassment.

"I know." He replied. She sighed in relief.

"Do you eat eight pooris?" She asked.

"No."

"Then?"

"Twelve." 

She gasped and gave a 'I get it' look. "Ahhh...Bhaiyaa also eats around ten of them. Young men generally eat more or less this much." She answered thoughtfully. 

She is so cute. The way her doey eyes enlarge and her lips form a pout when she thinks deeply makes me go gaga over her.

After dinner, everybody went to bed early since tomorrow guests would start arriving, and they had to attend to them. Additionally, tomorrow arrangements for the cocktail party had to be made.

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