The time for the varmala was set for 11:30 A.M., and by 8 A.M., the resort was already buzzing with activity. Sakshi had finished getting ready, looking stunning in a multicolored lehenga that shimmered with every movement. She had complemented it with heavy jewellery and subtle makeup, her presence both elegant and cheerful.

Kavyashree stepped out of the shower, her hair still damp and her mind swirling with a mixture of excitement and nerves. Just then, Rekha ji entered the room, her eyes warm but carrying a gentle urgency.
“Kavyashree.... get ready soon.... you have to perform Gouri Puja....”

Kavyashree nodded, her heart beating a little faster.
“Okay mummy!!”

Rekha ji turned to Sakshi, her voice soft but firm.
“Beta, please help her get ready....”

Sakshi smiled warmly, nodding.
“Yes aunty.... no need of saying it.... Shree will be the most gorgeous bride anyone has ever seen....”

Rekha ji returned her smile and left, leaving a calm yet anticipatory quiet in the room. Kavyashree fidgeted slightly, her nerves betraying her usually composed demeanor. Sakshi noticed immediately and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
“Shree..... what happened?? Are you okay....??”

Biting her lower lip, Kavyashree confessed,
“No.... I'm very nervous, Sakshi....”

Sakshi frowned slightly, concern in her eyes.
“What happened, Shree....? You were fine for the past two days....”

Kavyashree cut her off mid-sentence, her voice trembling as she admitted her worries.
“Sakshi.... Shivansh mujhse had se zyaada pyaar karta hai..... aur mai.... mai.... to pyaar to dur ki baat.... shaadi bhi majboori me kar rahi hoon..... Mai uske saath galat to nahi kar rahi hoon na.....??”
(Sakshi.... Shivansh loves me so unconditionally.... and I.... I.... leave aside love, I’m marrying him because I had no other choice.... Am I not doing wrong with him....??)

Sakshi held her gaze gently, reassuring her with every word.
“Shree.... you are not at all doing anything wrong....”

Kavyashree hesitated, her voice soft and unsure.
“B.... but....”

Sakshi interrupted with a comforting smile.
“Shree.... the best part of your relationship is.... at least he is in love with you.... and don’t worry about love.... it will happen with time.... you'll also fall in love with him.... don’t stress yourself too much....”

Kavyashree just hummed in response, absorbing the reassurance. Sakshi added with a playful nudge,
“Now start getting ready.... varna aunty datengi....”
(or else aunty will scold us....)

An hour and a half later, Kavyashree emerged, a vision of bridal perfection. She wore a heavy red lehenga, intricately embroidered and shimmering under the morning light. Her look was completed with traditional bridal jewellery and flawless makeup, radiating elegance, grace, and the quiet strength that Sakshi had always admired in her.

(These are just reference images for Kavyashree's look. They all are downloaded from internet.)

After getting ready she went for performing the Gouri Puja.

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It was around 8:30 A.M. Nikhil was busy overseeing the arrangements with Kunal, checking every little detail with a meticulous eye.

Sucheta ji walked up to him with a gentle smile. "Nikhil beta.... can you go and check on Shivu.... I'm sure he'll be still sleeping...."

Nikhil chuckled, a playful glint in his eyes. "Sure, aunty.... don't worry.... I'll go and wake that sleeping beauty...."

Sucheta ji smiled warmly and went off to attend to other preparations. Nikhil made his way to Shivansh's room and found him lying there, completely lost in deep sleep. Quietly, he drew back the curtains, letting the morning sunlight spill across the room. Shivansh, in response, turned to the other side, snuggling further into his blanket.

Nikhil grinned mischievously. "Shivu.... Kamine.... (you asshole....) wake up....."

A muffled groan came from under a pillow. "Mmm.... let me sleeppp......"

Nikhil gritted his teeth, fighting to keep a straight face. "Abe saale..... uthta hai..... ya tere muh pe paani daalun.....?? (You idiot.... are you going to wake up or.... should I splash water on your face....??)"

Shivansh's sleepy voice barely rose above a whisper. "Mmm... What's your problem man....?? Let me sleeppp....."

Unable to hold back, Nikhil jumped onto the bed. "Okay.... fine then.... I'll go and tell bhabhi that.... our groom prioritizes his sleep more, so.... he'll not be coming today...."

Shivansh smacked him with a pillow. "Aaghhh.... stop your nonsense....."

Nikhil retaliated by throwing the pillow back. "I'm not kidding at all.... If you keep on sleeping on your wedding day also.... what will people say....??" He pulled Shivansh upright, frustration mixing with amusement. "Abe chutiye..... uth jaa.... shaadi hai aaj teri.... (You idiot.... wake up now.... it's your wedding today.....)"

Shivansh jerked upright, panic flashing across his face. "Shittt.... what's the time....??" He scrambled for his phone and his eyes widened. "You idiot.... why didn't you wake me up earlier....?? It's already 9 A.M...."

Nikhil gave him a deadpan look, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Kamine.... maine.... maine tujhe nahi uthaya....??? To mai kya yaha picchle aadhe ghante se lorri suna raha tha.....??? (Asshole..... I.... I didn't wake you up....??? Was I singing a lullaby for the past half an hour.....???)"

Shivansh just ignored him, muttering to himself, and headed to freshen up. By the time he came out, Nikhil had already donned his wedding sherwani and mojdis. Nikhil looked every bit the groom in a cream-colored sherwani paired with a light pink turban perched perfectly on his head.

Shivansh’s eyes widened slightly as he took him in. "Kya bhai.... shaadi to meri hai.... tu kiske liye itna saj raha hai.....?? (Hey..... it's my wedding today..... whom are you getting ready for.....??)"

Nikhil arched a brow, a teasing grin playing on his lips. "See, the thing is.... the way you met bhabhi in Abhi's engagement.... I might also find someone in this wedding..... and if I don't look good.... how will someone fall for me....??"

Shivansh shot him a death stare, shaking his head. "You'll not at all change in this life though...."

Half an hour later, Shivansh was ready. He emerged wearing an off-white, king-style sherwani, every inch the regal groom. After the pagdi ritual—where his father tied the turban on his head—the baraat, the wedding procession, was finally ready to leave, the air buzzing with excitement and anticipation.

(These are just reference images for Shivansh's look. They all are downloaded from internet.)

💞💞💞💞💞💞

After performing the Gouri puja, Kavyashree retreated to her room, her mind swirling with a mix of excitement and nerves. The delicate chimes of temple bells still echoed faintly in her ears, a gentle reminder of the sacred start to her wedding day.

A little while later, Sakshi quietly brought breakfast for her, carrying the tray with a warm, reassuring smile. But Kavyashree shook her head gently. I’ve kept a vrat today… I can’t eat…

Noticing the faint tremor in her hands and the tension in her shoulders, Sakshi knelt beside her and placed a comforting hand over hers. "Shree... relax... everything will be alright..."

Kavyashree took a slow, steadying breath, trying to calm the storm of nerves swirling within her. Can it really be alright? she wondered. Finally, she whispered, "Are you sure...??"

Sakshi’s smile widened slightly, her eyes filled with quiet certainty. "Hmm... hmm... a 100 percent sure...."

Kavyashree let out a long, calming breath and hummed softly in response, trying to absorb Sakshi’s reassuring energy. Maybe… maybe it will be alright…

The distant, rhythmic beat of drums and the lively notes of the band gradually grew louder. It was around 11:00 A.M. when the festive sounds reached them—signals that the baraat had finally arrived. Heartbeats quickened and anticipation danced in the air as Kavyashree and Sakshi leaned over the balcony to watch the grand procession.

The Singhania family, adorned in vibrant attire and joyful smiles, made their way forward, welcomed warmly by the Sharma family. The air was electric with laughter, cheers, and the sweet fragrance of marigold garlands, capturing the spirit of celebration and the beginning of a new chapter.

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After the baraat was warmly welcomed, everyone moved to the mandap for the varmala. Once everyone was settled, Pandit ji instructed, "Please call the bride for varmala...."

Rekha ji nodded and went to summon Kavyashree. Five minutes later, Kavyashree appeared at the aisle, flanked by Rekha ji and Sakshi. She walked gracefully under a floral chadar held over her head by Kunal and three other cousins. Shivansh stood at the mandap, waiting, and the moment his eyes fell on her, his heart skipped a beat. His breaths hitched, and his face flushed crimson as if he had forgotten how to breathe.

Nikhil, noticing his friend’s state, nudged him. "Abe saale.... vo teri hone wali biwi hai.... oxygen nahi.... bhabhi ko ghurna band kar aur saans le le.... pura muh laal ho gaya hai..... (Hey idiot.... she's your future wife.... not oxygen.... stop staring at her and take a breath.... your face is turning red because of it.....)"

Shivansh still didn’t respond, lost in the moment. Nikhil shook him firmly. "Saans le le chutiye.... shaadi hai teri.... aur vo tere hi saath rahegi zindagi bhar.... (Start breathing idiot.... it's your wedding.... and she'll be with you for the rest of your life....)"

Finally snapping out of it, Shivansh muttered, "Abe.... ye to doctor hai na....?? Ye kaatil kyun lag rahi hai....?? (Dude.... she's a doctor no....?? Why does she look like she’s going to murder me....??)"

Everyone around burst into laughter at his reaction. By then, Kavyashree had reached the mandap. Pandit ji instructed them to exchange the varmalas. Once done, it was time for the traditional photoshoot.

Sakshi accompanied Kavyashree, and Nikhil, ever the mischief-maker, teased, "Are Bhabhi..... aapne bataya nahi.... ki aapne ek chhipkali paal rakhi hai..... (Bhabhi.... you never told us.... that you have a pet lizard....)"

Kavyashree, genuinely terrified of lizards, jumped and clutched Shivansh’s arm tightly. "Chi... chhipkali.... (Li.... lizard....)where is it....?? Please..... please.... shoo it away.... Mr. Singhania..... please....."

Nikhil chuckled at her reaction. "Are Bhabhi..... relax..... I'm talking about your best friend.... jo aapse chhipkali ki jaisi chipki hui hai..... (who has stuck to you like a.... lizard sticks to the wall.....)"

Kavyashree let out a soft chuckle, but Sakshi, unamused, shot him a glare. "Han..... Han..... aur jo tum apni Bhabhi ke sir pe chamkadar ke tarah mandrate rehte ho..... uska kya.....?? (Yes.... yes..... and you who are always hovering over your Bhabhi like a bat..... what about that....??)"

Nikhil and Sakshi engaged in a playful back-and-forth:
Nikhil: "Chhipkali"
Sakshi: "Chamkadar"
Nikhil: "Chhipkali"
Sakshi: "Chamkadar"

Shivansh and Kavyashree, watching the childish banter, finally shouted together, "Chuppp (Shut uppp.....)"

Shivansh added, "Chup hojao dono..... kya bacchon jaise lad rahe ho.....?? Aur Nikhil.... agar tu chup nahi hua na..... to pitega..... (Both of you shut up..... why are you fighting like kids.....?? And Nikhil, if you don’t stop, I’ll beat you up.....)"

Kavyashree chimed in, "Sakshi..... tu bhi chup kar..... kya bacchon jaise lad rahi hai....?? (Sakshi.... you also shut up..... why are you arguing like a kid....??)"

The chaos settled, and the photoshoot continued smoothly.

Afterward, Sakshi reminded Nikhil, "Mr. Singhania..... vo kya hai na..... hamare yahan ek rassm hai ki..... pheron se pehle dulhe ke pair dhoke..... puja karni hoti hai..... (Mr. Singhania..... actually, the thing is..... we have a ritual..... before the wedding..... the groom’s feet are washed..... and a small puja is performed.....)"

Nikhil, sensing mischief, protested, "No.... no..... we are not aware of any ritual like this....."

Lata ji intervened, smiling kindly, "Nikhil..... we don’t have it..... maybe they do..... Right Sakshi.....??"

Sakshi flashed a victorious smirk at Nikhil. "Yes.... yes aunty....."

With permission granted, Sakshi executed her little plan—she stealthily stole Shivansh's shoes. Nikhil, realizing the trick, grumbled, "Dekha.... maine kaha tha na..... kucch to gadbad hai.... (See.... I knew something was fishy....)"

Sakshi, triumphant, taunted him, "See..... it’s a challenge for you..... take the shoes back if you can..... if you succeed before the wedding ends..... you can ask for any task..... else you’ll owe us anything we ask for....."

After some debate, Nikhil and the groom’s team had no choice but to accept. "Done..... challenge accepted....."

The hunt for the shoes began amidst the ongoing rituals. Nikhil crossed paths with Sakshi. Playfully, she asked, "What happened?? Did you find the shoes....??"

Annoyed, Nikhil snapped, "Listen Sakshi..... wherever you hid the shoes..... give it to me..... if I get it then....."

Sakshi raised an eyebrow teasingly. "To.... to kya karoge Mr. Chamkadar....?? (Then..... then what Mr. Bat [bird]??) And moreover.... I don’t think you’ll find them....."

Nikhil, frustrated, growled, "And why do you think so Ms. Chhipkali..... (lizard)??" After searching fruitlessly, he exclaimed, "Aaghhh..... kya aafat hai ye chhipkali.....??!! (Aaghhhh...... what a trouble is this lizard.....??!!)"

Sakshi chuckled, "See.... I told you..... you’ll never find the shoes..... Mr. Chamkadar....."

Finally, Nikhil demanded, "Where are the shoes...??"

Sakshi began singing mischievously, "Nazar ke saamne..... (In front of your eyes....)"

Nikhil sighed, "Stop singing....."

Sakshi, with a teasing smile, asked, "Are.... waise tumhe meri height kam nahi lag rahi hai....?? (By the way.... do I not look short to you....??)" Nikhil hummed noncommittally.

Sakshi pulled up her lehenga, revealing she had worn Shivansh's mojdis. Seeing this, Nikhil exclaimed, "Hmm.... Han....?? Tumne kyun pehne hai....?? Bade jute hai Sakshi.... gir jaogi.... utaro unhe..... (Hmm..... yes.....?? Why are you wearing them.....?? They are too big for you..... remove them or you’ll fall....)"

Sakshi nodded and darted off, with Nikhil chasing after her, calling her name. They ended up near the mandap, where Pandit ji announced, "Kanya ke mata pita kanyadaan ke liye aajayie..... (Bride's parents please come forward for the kanyadaan.....)"

The kanyadaan took place, followed by the mangal pheras. Kavyashree led the first four, Shivansh the next three. Then came the Saptapadi, symbolizing their shared journey through life.

Afterward, Pandit ji instructed them to sit for the sindoor daan, where Shivansh applied sindoor to Kavyashree’s maang. Then he tied the mangalsutra around her neck. Pandit ji declared, "Ab Vivah sampann hua.... Ab var vadhu sabhi badon ka aashirvaad le..... (Now the marriage rituals are over.... now the bride and groom take the blessings from the elders.....)"

The couple received blessings, and Nikhil couldn’t resist teasing Sakshi, "Ms. Mehta.... ab aap Shivansh ke jute utarengi ya.... aapke heels hi Shivansh ko pehna ke le jaye.....?? (Ms. Mehta..... are you going to remove Shivansh’s shoes or will he wear your heels instead....??)"

Shivansh laughed, "Abe.... mai already kaafi lamba hoon.... aur ye heels ka size to dekh.... (Hey..... I’m already tall enough.... and look at the size of her heels....)"

Nikhil smirked, "Okay then.... ask your sister-in-law to return your shoes....."

Sakshi snatched her heels, "Okay.... okay.... but you’ve lost the challenge..... so you’ll have to pay us in return...."

After a half-hour argument, Shivansh finally said, "Okay.... how much should we pay to get back my shoes....?? Anyways, we have to give the Shagun...."

Nikhil gave him a playful death stare, "Abe..... itni jaldi maan gaya.... pagal aadmi..... (Man.... you agreed so easily.... crazy guy.....)" Then turning to Sakshi: "Now when he has agreed.... tell us your demand....."

Sakshi smirked, "25 lakhs"

Nikhil’s eyes widened. Ritu gasped, "What??!! 25 lakhs??!!"

Sakshi nodded confidently, "Hmm.... hmm..... obviously....."

Nikhil teased, "Are.... 25 lakh kya.... aap to 50 lakh lelo.... aur aap bhi humare saath chal lo.... (Hey.... why only 25 lakhs.... you take 50 lakhs but.... you also come with us....)"

Sakshi raised an eyebrow. "Kya.... hum kyun aayenge aap ke saath.....?? (What.... why will I come with you....??)"

Nikhil smirked, "Okay then.... we’ll only give 10 lakhs...."

Sakshi countered, "No.... no..... we want 25 lakhs only...."

Nikhil, still teasing, "Then accept my deal...."
Sakshi: "No...."
Nikhil: "Then you also come with us....."

Kavyashree, exhausted from fasting and the morning’s events, pleaded, "Chupp... please.... dono chup karo.... Sakshi.... Nikhil bhai.... please.... Sakshi tu ya to 10 lakh me maan ja.... ya to..... (Shut up.... please.... both of you stop arguing..... Sakshi..... Nikhil bhai please..... and Sakshi you accept for 10 lakhs or....)"

Sakshi finally relented, "No.... no.... I’ll agree for 10 lakhs only.... but never accept this Chamkadar’s deal."

Shivansh handed over 10 lakhs for his shoes. Nikhil’s victorious smirk said it all—revenge successfully claimed for the stolen shoes.

Author's Note

✨💛🌸

And as the echoes of laughter faded, the last ritual was done, and the shoes reclaimed, one thought lingered softly in the air — that love, mischief, and memories often walk hand in hand, even on the most serious of days.

My dewdrops… as Kavyashree and Shivansh step into this new chapter, hearts fluttering and secrets waiting to unfold… do you think every perfect wedding truly hides a story only time can reveal? 💭💍