Part 29

Here's your super-long chapter, everyone! Enjoy reading ❤

It's PG-13 again.

--*--

It was the day before both weddings. Guests and close friends of all 3 families had already arrived, including Kashish's parents, who had flown in from London. The weddings were to take place at IVC Maurya, one of the most sought-after five-star hotels in India not just in Delhi NCR, renowned for its grandeur. Bookings typically required a year's advance planning for this place (yeah, like 'The Plaza' of NYC)!. Yet, the Raizada name worked its charm, and Aman had secured not only the hotel but also its grand banquet hall for the haldi and wedding ceremonies.

The haldi was scheduled for the next morning, while phere and all main wedding rituals were to take place in the late evening the same day- or rather night.

Everyone had checked into their opulent suites, each one designed for luxury- giving vibes of a princes' and princesses' chambers!

Arnav's suite was right next to Vikrant's and then it was his parents'. Across the hallway, Akash and Payal's suite was located beside Nani's, and Mama-Mami's suite was adjacent to hers. Other family members were spread out along the same floor.

The bridal suites, however, were at the far end of the hallway. These rooms had exclusively special three-sided balconies that gave breathtaking views of the lush garden and the grand fountain below... making them truly fit for a queen on her special day.

Both Arnav's and Vikrant's rooms too had private balconies, and they had a stunning view of the artificial lake below, its waters shining in the soft evening light. Also, the balconies were uniquely connected, a feature that would later prove to be incredibly fortunate for Arnav (and Khushi!).

Arnav was still unpacking his things, well trying to unpack in between his urge to just go find khushi and spend this evening with her- when he heard a knock on his door.

And as he opened it, Anjali came in, seemingly talking on a video call with someone.

"Who is it, Di?" Arnav asked, as he moved to the side to let Anjali in and then closed the door.

Anjali turned to him with a broad smile, "NK bhai. He couldn't make it to the wedding, but he wanted to wish you." Anjali said smilingly

"Good that he is not coming. I don't want Khushi to faint in shock hearing his hindi!" arnav said even as Anjali came to stand by his side so now, they both could see NK on screen.

"I heard that." NK's voice came from the phone.

"I meant to." Arnav said, with a casual shrug.

"Nannav, mere bhai, why so much ghoosa (ghussa)? Tumhari shaadi ka intekaal toh ho gaya hai na (your wedding's funeral is done, right)?" he said, as usual using a wrong word that meant death instead of preparations.

"What the!" Arnav uttered as he was furious while Anjali gasped in horror.

"Intekaal nahi NK bhai, intezaam. Intekaal means funeral." Anjali instantly corrected him.

"Intekaal is what you do to Hindi. So please stick to English, NK!" Arnav added, giving him death glares.

"Oops. Sorry. Sorry." NK sincerely apologized.

After the siblings had a few minutes of chat- where Nk did his best to 'stick to English' and gave many moments to laugh to Anjali and Arnav, both.

And then Anjali left, asking Arnav to go to bed early as the next day was busy.

Arnav closed the door behind her and decided to head for a quick shower before going to bed. Tomorrow morning was his haldi, he was not allowed to see Khushi until the wedding after that. He was already missing her.

How he wished he could hold her close, just for a moment...

Vikrant stood there, staring at the girl in front of him. The cute pout on her lips, the request sparkling in her eyes, she reminded him so much of Veera, his dear younger sister whom he had lost years ago.

Khushi stood there, asking him to let her use his balcony door to step into Arnav's side of the balcony, planning to surprise him.

Now, under any other circumstances, the protective older brother in him would have immediately refused. But today, a day before her wedding, as she made this request as her gift, Vikrant found himself powerless to say no.

And thus, with a sigh, he gave in. "Okay."

Khushi's face lit up in pure excitement as she clapped her hands and rushed out through the balcony door, leaving Vikrant smiling to himself.

And now, she stood outside the door to Arnav's room.

Khushi sometimes couldn't believe her luck. Just until a few months ago, she could only dream of having Arnav as hers, she would watch him from a distance, longing for his love. But tonight, exactly 24 hours away from becoming his wife, she not only had the right to be close to him but also to claim his love. That thought alone filled her with strength, erasing her last-minute worries as she gathered the courage to take that final step and push open the balcony door to enter his room.

What she hadn't prepared for, however, was seeing him half-naked!

Well, not really... but still.

He had clearly just stepped out of the shower, dressed in a black vest and loose pants, water droplets still clinging to his hair, with a towel casually draped around his neck. He was a vision of pure perfection. He was Adonis.

Her adonis!

Arnav's reaction, on the other hand, was priceless. His face comically went from alarmed to thrilled in a heartbeat.

And then in two long strides, he was in front of her, blocking her change of plans- if any- in the nick of time. Now that she was here, he wanted to first ensure, he'd have enough time to get his fill.

"I can't believe you actually came to my room. At this time." He said in a husky voice. There was no hiding the excitement although he was trying to tease her.

And she had a retort ready, "Kyun? Aap ka kamra kisi shaitan ka ghar hai kya ke raat ko nahi aa sakte (Is your room some devil's den that I cannot enter at night)?"

He laughed while pulling her close, "Devil's den it is, right. But this is YOUR devil's den, Khushi." he said and then flicked her nose, "but let me warn you, you can enter here any time, however you will leave only when I allow you to."

Khushi's eyes widened in indignation, "Aaj kal aap bohot sapne dekhne lage hai (You are dreaming a lot these days)." She said, looking into his warm caramel eyes.

"Maybe." His eyes softened, "But dream or reality, both of them have you in my arms. So, I don't care."

When he said things like that, could she love him any more? Her smile widened as she nestled into his embrace, her hands resting on his well-toned chest. She couldn't resist leaning more into him, the intoxicating scent of his spicy cologne soothing her senses.

.

.

On her way back from Arnav's room, Anjali had typed out a hesitant message to Vikrant, 'Can we meet for a little while? I'd like to talk.'

His reply came almost immediately, simple and reassuring as always, 'Of course. If you're comfortable, we can meet in my room, or there's the coffee shop downstairs.'

After a moment's pause, she replied, 'Your room is fine.'

And now, here they were...

Anjali picked up the coffee cup from the machine, stirred the warm drink, and handed it to Vikrant with a soft smile before setting another cup to brew for herself.

"Thanks." he said, taking the cup.

"For the coffee?" she teasingly asked.

He smiled back, shaking his head. "For trusting me enough to meet here."

She smiled at him in reply.

"Nervous for tomorrow?" he asked

Anjali lifted her freshly brewed coffee and took a seat beside him on the plush sofa. She took a small sip, the warmth of the drink spreading through her. Was she nervous? Maybe a little. But was she unsure? Afraid? Unready? No, not at all. Over the years, she had come to know Vikrant as a kind, compassionate, and genuinely righteous man...a man who she should have always been with. If only, she had met him instead of shyam all those years ago.

"Are you ok? Kaha kho gayi, aap?" his voice broke her trance.

She looked at him and instead of answering, asked in return, "Are you nervous, Vikrant? About tomorrow?"

He looked at her for a moment before replying, "Not really. Just a bit scared about staying up until all rituals are done." He said making her chuckle as well.

They sipped their coffee in silence for a few minutes. A comfortable kind of silence that was always there between them.

"Vikrant, I never really said this before, but thank you." she began, "Thank you for choosing me, a divorced woman with her own baggage. And never holding it against me. In fact, you've been a strength. For me, for Khushi, for Arnav... for everyone." She exhaled, "I don't even know how to say this properly-"

"Anjali..." he interrupted gently, "What are you even saying? I'm not doing anyone any favors. I treated Khushi because she was my patient, and somewhere along the way, she reminded me of Veera. You know how losing my younger sister had haunted me for years... and through Khushi, I found a way to heal. Helping her was like helping Veera." He looked at her earnestly. "So, if anyone's doing favors, it's Khushi, it's you. For letting me be a part of your lives, for letting me have a sense of a closure on my own past..."

Anjali's eyes glistened, but she didn't interrupt as he continued.

"And about marrying you, then I guess you don't know this, but I admire you. Your courage to stand tall after everything you went through. Your hope to rebuild your life after betrayal. And as for the past, who doesn't have one? I've been in a long relationship too, as you know. And when Priya left, not willing to wait till I healed from my past, I thought I'd never be in a relationship again. I had even told my parents that I would never marry. And then I met you..." He smiled faintly, his voice softening further. "Yes, at first it was family, our parents, and Khushi who thought we'd make a good match. But now, I know, I couldn't have found a better partner for myself."

Anjali's heart swelled in joy as she leaned closer to him, resting her head on his shoulder. "And I couldn't have found a more perfect man for myself either. How did I get so lucky?"

His lips curved into a tender smile as he looked down at her. "We both are lucky."

It was going to be a new beginning for them, two broken hearts mending together.

.

.

Khushi's lips still tingled from the soul-stirring kisses they had just exchanged.

And then she shivered slightly as Arnav's lips traced a tender path, from the corner of her lips to her soft cheek, to her chin, and then lower.

It was as though he was whispering sweet nothings to her skin, each touch sending a cascade of shivers down her spine.

Arnav was in no hurry, savoring every moment. After kissing her to his heart's content, his lips lingered at the corner of her mouth, tasting a sweetness, he knew he could never tire of. Then he navigated right, to her cheek, brushing softly against her skin with a touch that felt as gentle as the caress of a feather.

She held her breath as his lips traveled lower, tracing the delicate line of her jaw before grazing the curve of her neck. His fingers trailed down her arm.

He felt her heartbeat quicken.

He had to stop.

They both had to stop. For one day. One night...

And so, he paused.

Slowly, as if unwilling himself to pull away, he drew back from her.

Meeting her gaze, he smiled warmly, and said in a soft whisper, "You make me crazy, Khushi."

She smiled mischievously, "I know."

There went his resistance. Leaning in, he captured her lips once again in a lingering kiss, drawing a soft sigh from her.

When they finally parted, he teased her with a grin. "You know, you've changed so much. Earlier, you used to fight with me all the time."

She narrowed her eyes at him, "Me? I am sure you were the one instigating me! Besides, are you saying you miss our fights, Mr. Raizada?"

He chuckled, "Certainly not."

He then held her hand and led her to the balcony. The cool breeze, enchanting moonlight, everything made the moment more magical.

"Do you feel bad?" Khushi asked, tucking her hair behind her ear.

And he understood she was talking about her lost memories; about the parts of their past, she couldn't recall.

"No." he replied quickly, "I don't feel bad. Just..." He paused, searching for the right words.

"You feel worried about me getting them back someday and holding our past against you?" She asked as she linked their hands together, her fingers intertwining with his, "Arnav, do you not see it? Even when I forgot everything from my past, including my identity, I did remember our love. In my heart. That was why I was always pulled towards you. So, no matter what, this love will always be here. In my heart." She said, assuaging his fears.

He kissed her forehead in response and they both stared as the moonlight reflected on the calm water of the lake.

However, Khushi's mind couldn't help but think about that 'what if' situation he was worried about. She had managed to put his worries to rest. But was she not afraid herself? Weren't there some moments when she herself would wonder about that 'what if' part? What will happen if and when she really remembers her past?

Will she forget this time in between then?

Or will she remember all of it?

--*--

The morning of the wedding day began with a bang- er- band, and baja and dhol! Lavanya, Kashish, and Aman had been on their toes since dawn, looking over every detail in the banquet hall downstairs. From ensuring the perfect placement of partitions separating the groom's side and the bride's side to double-checking the preparations, they left no stone unturned.

And then they had invited this group who specialized in playing the traditional dholki and singing classic folk songs, the kind that were a part of typical north Indian weddings.

Soon, everyone started arriving downstairs for haldi.

Khushi looked gorgeous in ivory colored saree as she sat on the wooden podium beside her Anjali Di who had chosen a pale-yellow color today.

Kashish nudged Lavanya with a knowing grin as they caught Khushi, who was clearly distracted, her gaze wandering to the other side of the hall, in search of Arnav. It was the perfect opportunity to indulge in their newfound favorite pastime i.e. teasing Khushi mercilessly.

"By the way, Lavanya, did you know Khushi came back to her room very late last night? Makes me wonder..." Kashish smirked, lowering her voice mischievously. "Do you think she and ASR were, umm, tasting the starters again? Or did they move on to the main course?" She was obviously- blatantly using food euphemism for sex!

Khushi looked like a thief caught stealing something red handed!

A cheeky grin spread across Lavanya's face. "Hmm, good question, Kashish. Judging by how well-rested Khushi looks this morning, I'd say the main course was definitely enjoyed!"

"Eww! Girls, that's still my brother you're talking about!" Anjali intervened, shooting them a scandalized look and earning a grateful look from Khushi.

Kashish feigned innocence, "What, Di? We're just wondering if Khushi and Arnav had-"

"Enough!" Anjali cut in, shaking her head as she hid her own smile. "Focus on the haldi, you two!"

Kashish and Lavanya giggled as they walked away, to check where the grooms were.

Soon, Arnav arrived, looking dapper a pearl-white kurta, with Vikrant by his side, who chose a light yellow one.

Arnav's eyes instinctively searched for Khushi, and even though a curtain separated them, she managed to make his heart flutter with her charm...

Just a few more hours. Then no curtains, no nothing to separate him from her...

And eventually, that is what happened. The haldi ceremony that began on a happy note, ended on even higher one! Everyone enjoyed putting haldi on both the grooms and both the brides, also splashing some on others, like Kashish on Aman or Dev on Lavanya, turning the ceremony into a mini "haldi-holi". However, it was filled with laughter and light-hearted chaos at every turn.

--*--

The dusky, twilight sky of Delhi was eager for this evening!

True to their promise, Aman, Kashish, and Lavanya had outdone themselves in creating the perfect wedding mandaps for both couples. The main canopies were a breathtaking symphony of fresh flowers, lilies, jasmine, roses, and fragrant marigolds along with delicate strands of tuberose. Their combined fragrance had filled the air, making it intoxicating, making it soothing. There was no doubt that would be left feeling as if the atmosphere itself had transformed into an Eden garden!

Evening couldn't have arrived sooner for Khushi. She had spent hours getting everything perfect, perfect hair, perfect nails, perfect makeup...everything perfect. For him. For her Arnav. She had dreamt of this evening for three long years, and now, finally, it was here.

Payal and Anjali-who herself was already ready in a beautiful maroon-colored lehenga- stood beside her, admiration in their eyes. Khushi caught her reflection in the mirror. The beautiful folds of her elegant lehenga- made of real gold threads- glowed under the soft light... Nani gently put a dot of kajal behind Khushi's ear as well as Anjali's ear to ward off the evil eye and Khushi's lips curved into a nervous smile... this was it. Her wait was about to get over.

Arnav had been counting the hours until evening. Minutes, if we are talking facts. Aman and Akash had struggled to suppress their laughter as he gave the hairdressers and grooming teams a hard time, asking them to hurry up every few minutes.

These professionals were specially invited for him and Vikrant to perfect their looks. Of course, there wasn't any makeup-makeup involved but just to ensure they looked flawless beside their respective beautiful brides.

Arnav adjusted the cuff of his sherwani impatiently, his mind already far away from the room. Perfect or not, he thought, I need to see her.

Arnav's own sherwani- was a rich gold fabric with intricate zari work in shades of red and gold while Vikrant's maroon sherwani with delicate embroidery work was a perfect match for Anjali's.

Arnav took a deep breath as he stepped a foot outside his suite, ready to go to mandap.

This was it. The moment he had never dared to hope would come in his life, had indeed arrived.

There are a few moments in life that get imprinted on your mind forever. This was one such moment for Arnav and Khushi, as their eyes met with him sitting inside the mandap, and Payal leading her toward him. As she walked toward him, Arnav knew this was a moment he would carry with him forever.

People don't often talk about a boy's dreams of his wedding, especially if the boy in question had once sworn off the idea of weddings altogether. But there was a dream a teenager Arnav had quietly locked away in his heart since he was fourteen, a dream he forced himself to detest, a dream he fought tooth and nail to keep at bay. That dream had come true today. It was HER! It was that one day he would marry a beautiful princess and his princess could be none than Khushi!

As Khushi sat beside him, and Arnav looked at her with admiration and love, she, too, couldn't help but silently thank Devi Maiyya for fulfilling her own most cherished wish.

Pandit ji asked Khushi to place her hand over Arnav's, and one by one, the rituals began.

Moment by moment, they became one, he, hers, and she, his.

Anjali and Vikrant's wedding muhurat was just a few minutes after Arnav and Khushi's, so even they had the chance to witness the rituals. Everyone showered rose petals on the newlyweds as Arnav and Khushi took phere, their hands intertwined. And soon, the priest pronounced them husband and wife. For the next seven lifetimes.

After both weddings were complete, guests had enjoyed a lavish, sumptuous feast, all had given their blessings and gifts to both the couples, it was nearly midnight. However, there was one last gift remaining. From Aman and Kashish! They shared a knowing glance, smiling mischievously as they approached Arnav and Khushi. They knew their gift was going to be unbeatable, something that neither arnav nor khushi would ever forget!

--*--

A/N - Just two more chapters until the final curtain falls. I've spent a lot of time writing this one, so please keep sharing your reviews until the end! Silent readers- that means you too :)

Anjali-Vikrant conversation was long due, I guess. I had left it implicit until here but thought to give one proper closure to how they both see this relationship. Apart from that, tried my hand at the 'spicy' bit again, you guys are judge :) And let me know if you liked the wedding(s) over all.

p.s. Hypothetically, if ArShi were to have a baby before her memory gain, what would we like in this story, a girl, a boy or a set of twins- a boy and a girl?