Samyukta and Abhimanyu woke up at the break of dawn. Today was the vidaai ceremony. The Rathore family had departed for their mansion after midnight to make preparations for the upcoming post-wedding rituals. Abhishree, had accompanied them, eager to welcome her best friend as her sister-in-law at her maternal home.

The newly- wed got ready in their separate rooms and came down to the hall. The Chauhans were waiting for the couple to descend. Shakuntala devi initiated the aarti followed by Sarla and the other women of the family. Everyone were on the brink of tears after all the most loved daughter of the house was leaving. 

Even Samyukta, overwhelmed by the moment, felt a lump in her throat and tears that would ooze out of her eyes anytime. Abhimanyu didn't fail to notice the shift in the palace's atmosphere. He chose to keep quite at the moments. 

When the aarti was done, the couple sought blessings from the elders of the family. Arnav, the youngest, wrapped his arms around Samyukta's waist, sobbing uncontrollably. Samyukta, unable to contain her tears any longer broke down. She wept along while hugging back her little nephew. Seeing both of them cry, the women also started shedding their long held tears. 

As Samyukta released Arnav from the hug, she explained, "Bas das minute ki doori pe to rahungi. Ajana jab man kare. Or Shree did hain na?" She was sobbing in between each word. 

"Shree didi or aap same ho kya? Aap bhi Shree did jitna pyaari ho." arnav replied back sobbing.

"Mai aungi. Ro mat Arnav." She replied.

Wiping her own tears, she turned to face her family.

However, the sight that met her eyes shattered the remaining composure she held. Her father who never shed tears in his life was now openly sobbing. Without a second thought, Samyukta rushed into his arms, burying her face against his chest, unleashing a torrent of tears.

"Papa..." She cried.

"Beta, apna khayal rakhna..." is all he could say to her.

Her mother, standing behind her, also embraced them, her own tears falling onto Samyukta's arms. The heart-wrenching scene even proved too much for Samrat, who couldn't bear to witness his beloved family in mess especially his sister whom he adores so much. He quietly slipped out of the room, seeking solace in the garden to shed his tears in private.

Samyukta's father gently lifted her chin, wiping away her tears with a tender smile. "You're going to Nandini ma's place. She will love you like her daughter. Don't worry, baccha," he reassured, trying to bring a smile to her face.

"But nobody can replace you and maa... I'll miss you," she responded, tears still streaming down her cheeks.

"Bacha, bas das minute ki doori par rehte hain hum. Jab chahe aaj jana. Us haveli ke darwazein tere liye humesha khule rahenge," Devendra Chauhan stated, caressing his only granddaughter's hair.

()

"Ji dada sa..." She replied, hugging her grandfather this time. Devendra Chauhan had always wished for a daughter, and when Samyukta was born, his happiness knew no bounds. The birth of his granddaughter filled the gap carried for generations, and he celebrated it with grandeur. The entire kingdom of Mewar celebrated with delightful lunches and dinners for ten days when his granddaughter was born. Sarla was showered with numerous blessings, expensive gifts, and heartfelt care as she gave birth to the most awaited daughter of the family. However, her departure deeply affected the old man. He had never imagined the mansion without his favorite princess. The thought of her no longer being there pained him so much. Even when she was studying in Delhi, he longed for her laughter and mischief daily, despite talking to her over the phone regularly. Now, with her permanent shift to the Rathores, his grief was profound.

()

Shakuntala gathered herself amidst the emotional scene. She guided the couple to the dining space, ensuring they were seated comfortably. She lovingly offered them mixed fruit ladoos she had prepared herself. Believing that the newlyweds shouldn't leave the bride's maternal home on an empty stomach, she had dedicated herself to the preparation of these energy bites the day before.

"Abhimanyu beta, humare bache ki khayal rakhna." Ranvijay said while patting Abhimanyu's shoulders.

"Ji pitaji." he replied while touching his feet for blessings.

As the couple bid farewell to their family, they made their way to the airport. Once at the airport, they were escorted to a private wing where the Rathore's private jet awaited their arrival. Throughout the ride, Samyukta silently sniffled, facing the wind to let it dry her tears. Abhimanyu respected her need for space and refrained from disturbing her. He had already passed her a couple of tissues to help herself. 

Upon settling into the jet, Samyukta rested her head on the headrest of the elaborate couch and drifted into a deep sleep after an emotionally draining farewell. Abhimanyu observed her peaceful slumber, noticing how strands of hair fell delicately on her face. He rose from the opposite couch, placing his laptop on the table, and leaned towards her. Gently tucking the strands behind her ears, he marveled at her ethereal beauty. The soft beams of sunlight filtering through the small window accentuated her glowing face.

He noticed that every time she wore a saree, she looked no less that a goddess. In her dark red saree with an orangish-golden border and matching designs, Samyukta looked like a goddess. She paired it with the Sita- haar her dear dadi sa had gifted her on the day of her wedding. It was a piece of jewelry passed down through generations, originally gifted to Shakuntala Devi by the Rathores on her own wedding day.  

An hour later, at seven-thirty in the morning, they landed in Jaipur. A car awaited them at the airport's exit, accompanied by bodyguards who escorted them to the Rathore Mansion. The residence was adorned with vibrant marigold flowers, creating a beautiful and warm welcome for the bride.

The entrance was adorned with the vibrant hues of marigolds and the auspicious leaves. Nandini stood there, holding the aarti thali to warmly welcome her son and his bride. Vasundhara Devi and the other women of the family joined her in the ceremonial welcome. The rest of the family eagerly waited in the living room.

Nandini gracefully moved the tray, carrying a lit diya, in a circular motion three times, blessing the couple as she did so. She then extended her right hand over the flame, imparting her blessings before gently touching their heads. Following Sarla's lead, Vasundhara Devi replicated the ritual.

Then Samyukta was asked to knock over a vessel of rice with her right foot before entering the mansion, symbolizing the initiation of a prosperous life.

The couple was then guided to the house's mandir to seek blessings from Krishnaji. Samyukta took a seat on the side as the ritual of blessing commenced. Every member of the family participated in the aashirwaadi ceremony, showering the newlyweds with not only blessings but also lavish gifts.

After everyone blessed the couple, Khushi and Abhishree brought a huge brass bowl filled with milk, decorated with rose petals for the ring-finding ceremony. They placed it in front of the couple. Nandini asked Abhimanyu to sit opposite Samyukta. When he took his place in front of her, Samyukta couldn't help but notice how handsome he looked in the white kurta. Since the morning, she had been so busy with herself and the rituals that she couldn't spare a glance at her husband.

Pallavi initiated the ceremony by placing the ring in the bowl. The couple dipped their right hands into the bowl. When Samyukta looked at Abhimanyu, he smirked at her. His smirk made her heart race like mad. At this rate, my blood pressure will collapse. On the count of three, both started finding the ring. In the liquid, Abhimanyu playfully tickled Samyukta's hand, leaving her in shock. She was afraid that people would catch them playing around. Taking advantage of her flustered state, Abhimanyu found the ring, and cheers erupted.

"Maasii!!! Chachu ko harana tha!" Khushi said sadly.

()

Abhimanyu sat there with the satisfaction of his victory, not just in finding the ring but in making his wife flustered.

As everyone started to leave the premises, Samyukta said in a low voice to Abhimanyu, "This was cheating."

"Oww... my wife is sad. Don't worry; I'll make up to you." With that, he left her blushing hard at his mention of her as his 'wife' and 'making up to her'.

By nine o'clock, the auspicious rituals and blessings had been successfully completed. Now it was the time of Samyukta's pehli rasoi.

"Beta, main jaanti hoon tu thaki hui hai par aaj hi pehli rasoi ka niyam hai. Tu sirf kuch meetha bana de haan. Baaki ka breakfast Kavita maasi or Raju kaka ne banaliye hain. Tu breakfast ke baad rest le lena. Hum tujhe lunch ke time bula denge," Nandini explained to Samyukta.

()

Samyukta smiled at her sweet mother-in-law and said, "Main bilkul thik hoon. Koi aur kaam hai to aap mujhe bata sakte hain."

()

"Nahi. Tu sirf kuch meetha banale. Baaki sab tayyar hai," Nandini replied.

()

"Thik hai," replied Samyukta, heading towards the kitchen. Abhishree followed her there.

()

In the kitchen, Samyukta turned towards Abhishree to ask something but refrained and turned back.

"Bhaiya ko gajar ka halwa pasand hai," Abhishree said what Samyukta wanted to hear. She knows her best friend to this extent. They don't have to speak. Looking into each other's eyes, they know what the other wants.

()

Samyukta smiled widely at her best friend and whispered a thank you to her. Shree left the kitchen smiling.

Samyukta finely grated the carrots, sautéing them in ghee infusing the kitchen with their earthy fragrance. Then she added milk to the pan giving the carrots to create a velvety texture. As the kitchen filled with the delightful aroma, she finely chopped cashews, almonds, and raisins. when the desired thickness came into view, she added them along with a few spoon of sugar and a dollop of ghee. 

Finally, when the aroma extended to the hall, she put it in a bowl and kept it at the center of the table. Soon, the family joined for breakfast. Abhimanyu descended from his room, instantly captivated by the mouthwatering fragrance

"Ahhh....kitna sundar khushboo hai halwe ki...maasi aapne banaya?" Khushi asked. Samyukta nodded smiling at her.

()

"Oye, Samyukta abhi teri maasi nhi rahi, chachi ban gayi hain." Pallavi said smacking her daughter's head playfully.

()

"Haan...Samyukta chachi..." Khushi exclaimed. Everyone present started giggling except our cold Abhimanyu. Even though he felt joy hearing them call her 'chachi,' he didn't let it show on his face. 

()

As everyone took the first bite of the dessert, Samyukta nervously observed their expressions, eagerly awaiting their feedback. The room was filled with a momentary silence, and then, one by one, smiles began to appear on their faces.

"Beta, halwa bahut acha bana hai." Uday Singh Rathore complimented.

()

"Ghee or shakkar ekdam sahi matraa pe dali aapne beta." Vasundhara devi said smiling. 

()

"Waah chachi! Majaa aagaya..." Suyash squealed.

()

Everyone showered her with compliments, praising the rich flavor and perfect balance of sweetness.

However, her husband remained silent, focused on his plate. Samyukta couldn't help but feel a twinge of anxiety, wondering if he enjoyed the dish. As the compliments continued from others, she stole a glance at Abhimanyu, trying to gauge his reaction. The fact that he kept eating without uttering a word only added to the suspense, leaving her uncertain about his opinion.

Is it to sweet for him? 

Nandini broke her trance, encouraging Samyukta to take a seat beside Abhimanyu. As she sat down, she nervously observed him. She decided to taste the halwa herself. To her relief, the dessert had the perfect balance of sweetness, just as she intended. Yet, she couldn't shake off the thought that he didn't like it. 

Then why didn't he say anything...Everyone liked it. 

She immersed herself in the meal, but the lingering thought continued to bother her.

After finishing their meals, everyone dispersed to their respective rooms or tasks.

"Samyukta beta, abhi tu Abhishree ke room pe jaake rest lele. Suhagraat ke liye tera aur Abhimanyu ka room sajaya jayega abhi," Anjali advised her as Samyukta emerged from the kitchen, setting her plate on the sink.

()

Samyukta nervously acknowledged Anjali's suggestion, her mind racing with anticipation. As she made her way to Abhishree's room, she couldn't shake off the jitters that came with the mention of the word 'suhagraat.' The weight of the upcoming night lingered on her mind, and her anxiety heightened with every step.

What if he forces himself on me?

No, no. He was being all gentlemanly. Why would he do that? 

Abhishree took her to her room not before giving her a teasing smile. This made her heart go more crazy.

Once in the room, she lay down on the bed, contemplating the unknown path ahead. The room seemed very familiar because of how many times she had been there enjoying with Shree since her childhood but the butterflies in her stomach didn't fail to intensify. 

Meanwhile, the Rathore family was busy preparing the couple's room for the night. Decorations adorned the space, and the soft glow of candles along with the scattered rose petals on the bed added a romantic ambiance.

As the evening approached, Samyukta grappled with a mix of excitement and nervousness. She eagerly awaited what lay ahead.

Abhimanyu's POV

When we left the Chauhan Palace, she was crying rivers. I felt helpless at the moment, not knowing how to console her. I thought it would be best to give her some space, though I did pass her some tissues in an attempt to comfort her. She cried the whole ride.

As we settled in the jet, exhaustion from the emotional turmoil led her to fall asleep. I resumed my office work on my laptop, occasionally glancing at her sleeping form. She wore a beautiful red saree with intricate embroideries; she looked enchanting. Unable to see her entire face due to her locks, I stood up to gently remove them.

After an hour, we landed in Jaipur. I woke her up with a light pat on her shoulder, and she jerked awake. I informed her that we had landed, and she collected herself to walk with me to the car, escorted by the bodyguards.

Upon reaching the mansion, a series of pre-wedding rituals took place. We were seated at the mandir of our home, and my family members showered us with blessings and gifts.

The ringing finding ceremony was so fun. I loved her reaction so much when I tickled her palm. she was so flustered that her cheeks become dark red. I like the effect I have on her. 

After that, I went to my room for a brief moment to collect some files from my drawer. When I came down for breakfast, the scent of ghee filled my nostrils. She had made gajar ka halwa, my favorite dessert.

Did she know it's my favorite?

Upon tasting the halwa, I experienced a kind of foodgasm. It was perfect—the right amount of sugar, ghee, and dry fruits. While everyone showered her with compliments, I chose to remain quiet. I planned to compliment her later in private. I noticed the curiosity on her face regarding my opinion, but I didn't reveal anything.

My room was being decorated for our first night, so I went to work in my office. I'm on the edge about our first night. I don't want to make her uncomfortable. We'll talk today. We've not had a real conversation at any time before the wedding. It's much needed.

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