Chapter 23 : Sola Shringar Karke Godhbharai Le

It was finally the day of the Godh Bharai. To ensure they were relaxed and had their own space to get ready for the evening festivities, Maira and Maysha arrived at the Wadhwa Mansion early that morning.

After lunch, Maan and Ayush approached Maysha, their expressions a mix of nervous excitement and pride. Carefully, they lent her their support, each holding one of her hands as they guided her toward a room they had kept strictly off-limits.

Just as Ayush reached for the handle, Maan paused, looking at Maysha earnestly. "This room is something we designed together, Maysha. Like Ayush mentioned yesterday, our nurseries at our own houses were just the beginning. For this one, we wanted to curate a neutral palette in the grandest way possible. We originally planned to show you after the ritual, but we didn't want you to be too exhausted to enjoy it. So, we’re giving you this gift now."

Maan eyed Ayush to do the honors. With a gentle smile, Ayush whispered, "From both the fathers, with love," and pushed the doors open.

Maysha stood frozen in the doorway, a gasp escaping her lips as she took in the stunning sanctuary before her.

The room was a masterpiece of soft, ethereal warmth. Dominated by a creamy, off-white palette, the nursery felt like stepping into a peaceful cloud. Two identical white wooden cribs stood side-by-side, each crowned with a delicate, flowing lace canopy that draped down like a protective veil. Inside, plush teddy bears sat waiting, and neutral-toned blankets were folded with precision.

The center of the room featured a massive, custom-made plush rug shaped like a cluster of fluffy clouds, scattered with soft fabric stars and a crescent moon. To the left, a cozy cream-colored teepee created a magical nook for future stories, filled with more soft bears and pillows. Every detail, from the wooden toy train on the floor to the rainbow accents on the wall shelves, spoke of a meticulously planned santuary of peace for the twins.

"It’s breathtaking," Maysha whispered, her eyes shimmering with tears. "You both truly outdid yourselves."

She placed her hands over her stomach, her voice thick with emotion. "Babies, look... your fathers have created this beautiful world for you. They can't wait to hold you."

As if responding to her voice, Maysha felt a sudden, vigorous double-thump from within. She gasped and quickly grabbed Maan and Ayush’s hands, pressing them against the high curve of her bump. "Feel that? Your babies agree. They are so happy."

Overcome with emotion, Maan and Ayush both dropped to their knees before her. "I'm so glad you liked it, babies," Maan murmured, his voice cracking. Ayush nodded in silent agreement, his eyes locked on her.

Simultaneously, they leaned in, each placing a tender kiss on her baby bump—a silent promise of protection to the life growing inside.

When they stood up to meet her eye level, the three of them moved into a deep, sideways hug. With Maan and Ayush’s hands resting protectively over her stomach and Maysha leaning into their strength, the room was filled with the quiet sound of her happy tears. For this one moment, the weight of the future felt light, anchored by the beautiful nursery they had built together.

*

The evening had finally arrived, draped in the golden hues of sunset and the scent of a thousand marigolds. The Wadhwa Mansion was transformed into a shimmering palace of lights, the air thick with the rhythmic beat of the dhol and the chatter of arriving guests.Inside the girls room, the sisters were a vision of maternal grace, their shared journey finally reaching this grand milestone.

Maira stood before the full-length mirror, her fingers fumbling slightly as she tried to adjust the intricate silk dori of her blouse.

Maysha, moving with careful deliberation, stepped in to help. "Let me, Di," she whispered, her fingers expertly knotting the gold tassels. Maira returned the favor, gently helping Maysha fasten her maternity support belt to ensure she stayed comfortable throughout the long ritual, before securing Maysha's own blouse strings.

A rhythmic knock echoed through the room. "Girls, it’s me... Mom," Shaira’s voice called out.

"And your Mama, Maira!" Diya added playfully from behind her.

Maira quickly reached for the door, a radiant smile lighting up her face. "Haha, Mom, Mama... come in! We’re finally ready."

As Shaira and Diya entered, they stopped in their tracks, momentarily breathless at the sight of their daughters.

Shaira held up a hand as they started to move. "Not just yet. Not until we put our nazar ka teeka behind your ears."

Moving with practiced tradition, Shaira took a tiny bit of kohl from her own waterline and applied a small black dot behind Maira’s ear, then Maysha’s. Diya followed suit, performing the same protective ritual for both girls. Diya then circled her hands around their heads, symbolically removing any lingering negative energy, and let out a soft, protective "Thu, thu, thu."

"Shaira, look at them," Diya said, her voice trembling with pride. "Both our daughters are glowing so much on their baby shower."

"True, Diya," Shaira agreed, her eyes shimmering. "I only wish Sugandha Bua were here with us in Mumbai. She would have been so happy to see both her girls witnessing motherhood together."

"Yes," Diya nodded. "Mom would have left no stone unturned to make her granddaughters feel like queens today. I can’t believe she’s going to be a great-grandmother now."

A soft, nostalgic silence settled over the room. Maira turned to Maysha, her gaze softening as she took her sister’s hands. "You were so little when I first held you in my arms, Mayshu. Because of Shayaan, I already had practice being a big sister at six, but holding you when you were born... I was only eight. How time flies. Now, we’re both experiencing this bliss together."

"It really is surreal, Di," Maysha replied softly and she continued,

"To be doing this with you is the greatest comfort I could have asked for."

Shaira and Diya exchanged a look, tears finally brimming over. They stepped forward, each giving their daughters a tender side-hug. With steady, loving hands, they reached for the heavy, embroidered transparent veils, draping them over Maira’s and Maysha’s heads and pulling them down to their chest level .

"Time to go down," Shaira whispered, adjusting the fall of the silk.

Together, the four women began their descent toward the grand hall, ready for the ritual to begin.

*

The evening air was thick with the scent of incense and blooming jasmine as the four women began their descent. At the base of the grand staircase stood Ishaan, Maan, and Ayush, their gazes locked on the sisters with a mixture of reverence and readiness to help. However,

Shaira and Diya offered them a firm, knowing nod—a silent command that for this moment, the daughters belonged only to their mothers.

The men stepped back respectfully, watching as Shaira and Diya carefully guided Maira and Maysha toward the ornate, floral-decked sofa. Shaira gently helped Maysha settle, whispering a soft "Slowly," before eyeing Diya. Diya immediately moved to fluff and arrange the silk pillows behind the sisters, ensuring the heavy embroidery of their outfits didn't cause discomfort.

"Comfortable?" Diya asked, her eyes searching both their faces.

Maysha let out a long, shaky sigh of relief as she sank into the cushions. "Yes," she murmured, her hand instinctively resting on the high curve of her belly. Maira, seeing her sister settle, finally allowed herself to lean back as well, nodding gratefully to Shaira and Diya as she rested her hand over her own baby bump.

Diya then straightened up, her gaze sweeping across the prestigious gathering. The room was a tapestry of the families' intertwined lives:

Ishaan’s parents stood proudly along with Rahul; the Luthras—Rishabh and Preeta, Sameer and Shristi, along with Siraj and Suhana—watched with misty eyes;Siddharth and Roshni stood close by with a woman who appeared older than Siddharth, visibly pregnant and married.

Nearby stood Mayank, Shayaan and the extended Wadhwa family —Dev, Rhea, Reva and Milind, who held their young son while their newborn baby girl slept soundly in a bassinet.Reyaan stood with his wife Juhi, alongside the Kothari family —

Arvind,Shweta,Rudra, Palki and Aarohi, looked on with deep warmth and wonder at the beautiful scene and stealing glances with Shayaan who was standing opposite to her.

Diya’s voice rang out with maternal authority and joy. "Thank you all for being here. One by one, please come forward to offer your blessings to the mothers-to-be after the immediate families finish."

While the elders were performing the ritual first.Roshni, Aarohi and Suhana pulled in a leg while dancing to the tune of Sola Shringar Karke...

Wari jawa wari jawa wari jawa

Sau sau bari sau sau bari wari jawa

Wari jawa wari jawa wari jawa

First, Shaira and Mayank stepped forward. Mayank placed a gift on Maira's lap, his eyes welling with tears. "My firstborn, whom I have loved and cherished even though I was an absentee father... before Rahul could be the father figure who gave you the love I couldn't fulfill. May you always be blessed; I am eagerly waiting to play with my grandchild."

He then turned to Maysha, placing two gifts on her lap. "And my precious daughter... after Shayaan, I craved a girl to fill the void, and then you happened. Seeing you expecting twins alongside your sister makes me realize you are indeed a replica of your elder sister."

Maysha smiled emotionally, sharing a look with Maira. Shaira then approached Maira, touching a coconut to her baby bump. "My Mairu, may Kanhaji protect you and your baby always." She broke the coconut, placing it in the thali Diya carried. Shaira then repeated the ritual for Maysha, touching two separate coconuts to her bump. "May Kanhaji protect you and the twins always." She broke both and added them to the thali.

Sau sau bari sau sau bari wari jawa

Sola singar karke godi bharayi le

Sola singar karke godi bharayi le

Diya handed the thali to Sujata as Rahul stepped forward, his expression one of deep, quiet pride. He placed a gift on Maira’s lap, his eyes shimmering with emotion. "My princess," he said, his voice soft yet steady, "thank you for accepting me as your father, and now for giving me this joy of being a grandfather. Thank you for taking my word and doing the right thing." He pressed her hand firmly, a silent gesture of his immense gratitude for the bond they had built.

He then moved to Maysha, carefully placing two gifts on her lap. "And my fairy... thank you for coming into Mayank and Shaira’s life just like a fairy, gifting them the moment to be parents of a girl child again. Thank you for giving me this moment of being a grandfather as well."

Diya followed, her movements graceful as she took a few drops of coconut water, delicately touching Maira’s head, hands, and her baby bump. "Mairu," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly with a soulful smile, "may my life come to your child. Always stay happy and blessed."

As she spoke, her eyes shimmered with unshed tears. This moment held a profound weight for her; she felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the life she had built. For Diya, being given the title of "Mother" through Maira’s adoption was her greatest treasure, and seeing her daughter now on the verge of motherhood herself made the journey feel complete.

She then moved to Maysha, her gaze softening as she performed the same sacred gesture. Leaning in close, she whispered for only Maysha to hear, "Mayshu, may your twins have a long life and even take after me. Stay happy always, my bachcha."

Before Roshni could join in for performing the ritual she danced for a bit before taking the bowl of coconut water.

Saiyyan saiyyan saiyyan saiyyan

Saiyyan se kheli bahut

Abb chhotu ko khilayi le

Sola singar karke godi

Bharayi le sola singar kare...

Sujata then handed the bowl of coconut water to Roshni but took a spoon to feed Maira herself. "Puto naao, phuto phalo, Maira. My only wish is that the ghar ka chirag (lamp of the house/son) plays in my lap soon."

Maira felt a chill down her spine at the heavy pressure of the "son" preference. Beside her, Maysha’s anger began to boil, but Maira quickly placed a hand on Maysha’s, giving her a firm nod to remain silent. Ishaan, unaware of the subtext, looked on happily.

Inder, sensing his wife’s sharpness, stepped in quickly. "Maira beta, whether Kanhaji or Lakshmi comes to our home, as long as the child is healthy, that is our only prayer. Right, Sujata?"

Sujata forced a fake smile, unable to argue in public. "Yes, you are right, Ishaan's papa." She then fed the water to Maysha with a perfunctory blessing, while Inder placed two gifts on Maysha's lap.

Wari jawa wari jawa wari jawa

Sau sau bari sau sau bari wari jawa

Wari jawa wari jawa wari jawa

Sau sau bari sau sau bari wari jawa...

Before Roshni and Siddharth could proceed, Roshni allowed the mystery woman to do the honors of feeding Maira and Maysha on behalf of Maan's late mother. Then Roshni, Siddharth, and the mystery woman performed the ritual with genuine warmth, followed by Rishabh and Preeta, before the rest of the guests moved forward.

Diya addressed the gathering, her voice clear and celebratory. "Dear guests, we are now moving forward with the Saubhagya Ashirwad ritual. For this, we require seven married women—either expectant mothers or newlywed brides who are yet to experience motherhood

They will form a circle around Maira and Maysha, who will be seated in the center. These seven women will be seated around them, passing a small brass thali containing a diya, fresh sweets, and sindhoor, symbolically weaving a 'web of protection' to ward off evil and bless the unborn children for 7 rounds."

The center of the hall was cleared. Maira and Maysha were seated on low, ornate wooden stools at the heart of the room, surrounded by the 'chosen seven'.

Among them were Juhi and Palki, joined by five other relatives who were either newlywed brides or expectant mothers in their first or second trimesters.

Rounding out the circle as the seventh woman was the mystery guest who had arrived with Roshni and Siddharth; she, too, was in her second trimester, her presence a silent enigma.They were just settling into their positions when Sujatha’s voice cut through the air, sharp and intrusive.

"Sorry to interrupt, Diya ji," Sujatha said, her eyes scanning the room. "But why will my daughter-in-law's sister be seated along with her for this ritual?"

Shaira turned to her, her brow furrowed in confusion. "Sujatha ji, what are you saying? This is Maira's and Maysha's Godh Bharai, so all rituals need to be fulfilled for both."

"Where am I saying not to do the rituals with Maysha?" Sujatha countered, her tone edge with a forced politeness. "I am just saying... not this ritual."

Maira, sensing the direct attack on her sister, spoke up immediately. "But Mummyji, what’s the problem with this ritual?"

"This ritual is a sacred circle of Suhagans who are expectant or awaiting the blessing of motherhood, Maira," Sujatha remarked, her gaze lingering coldly on Maysha. "It is for those woman are married. How can Maysha sit for this ritual when she isn't married?"

The room went still. Maira didn’t flinch; instead, she stood her ground with a cold, unwavering confidence. She carefully masked the complex truth—that there were actually two men who had proven their absolute loyalty to Maysha and her babies—and spoke with a protective authority that commanded the room."Mummyji," Maira’s voice rang out like ice, "Maysha may not be married yet, but her children have a loving and caring father who will soon, one day, tie the knot with her. The father has made a commitment that goes much deeper than any ceremony."

Sujatha’s smile didn't reach her eyes as she dropped the final blow. "But which man, Maira? And a loving and caring father... or fathers? Do the guests even know that these twins belong to two different fathers?"

A collective, horrified gasp rippled through the extended relatives. The scandalized whispers were still echoing when the heavy front doors were flung open with a violent thud.

"Yes, Sujatha ji, it's time for the world to know the truth," a booming, cold voice rang out.

Raj Khurana stood in the doorway, the harsh, rhythmic strobing of paparazzi camera flashes turning the festive sanctuary into a public execution.

Fortunately, Maira and Maysha’s faces were shielded by their ghunghats, and Shaira and Diya moved instantly to form a human shield, blocking the lenses.

While cold chill ran down the spine of the mystery woman upon hearing the voice of Raj Khurana, Roshni came closer to the mysery woman whose back was facing the entrace and she reassured her that she is with her. Simultaneously, Maan, Ishaan, and Ayush rushed forward to halt the media's intrusion.

While everyone were angered by the sudden disruption by Raj.

Dev stepped into the fray, his voice commanding. "What nonsense is this? How dare you barge into a private ceremony? And Mr. Khurana, why on earth have you brought the media with you?"

"I will disclose everything, Mr. Wadhwa—have patience!" Raj replied coldly. "Let the media stay; let them capture everything for the front page after all why should just my reputation which is already tarnished ever since when my kids aren't with me and face media questions alone, the Wadhwas reputation and Luthras should go down the drain as well."

"Dad! What the heck is this?" Maan yelled, stepping toward his father. "I thought you never wanted media attention when it came to my personal decisions—the ones you refused to accept. You broke every tie with me, Sid bhai, and Roshni bhabhi for supporting me, and now you show up uninvited with cameras?" He turned to Ayush with a sharp command: "Keep them away."

Ayush and Ishaan aggressively escorted the media outside while Maan stayed to deal with the man who had disowned him.

Raj didn't even look at his son; his eyes were fixed on Maysha’s prominent bump.

"Over these past months, I was alone, Maan," Raj said, his voice dropping into a deceptive low. "I am an old man who just wanted his sons back and his grandkids—Yash and Yuhaan. I truly thought I could accept my own blood, which this girl carries."

"But?" Maan prompted, his jaw tight.

Raj turned his gaze toward the guests, his voice rising to ensure every corner of the room heard him. "But I see you are still the same fool, Maan. You think you can play hero? You, who ran away from the very thought of fatherhood for years? Now you’re not just accepting your own mistake, but someone else’s too? You couldn't even be a proper lover to one woman, and now you claim to be a father to two children—only one of whom is yours!"

"Enough, Mr. Khurana! Enough!" Maan roared.

The room dissolved into a frenzy of gossip. Shayaan spotted a guest live-streaming the chaos; he snatched the phone, ended the stream, and signaled to Aarohi. She stepped forward with a large box, her expression stern. "Everyone, hand over your phones if you wish to stay until the ceremony concludes," Shayaan ordered. "Otherwise, kindly leave."

As Ayush and Ishaan re-entered the mansion, Maan looked at the dispersing crowd and sighed. "Leave it, Shayaan... Everyone, please just leave. I don't want Maysha’s, Ayush’s, or Ishaan’s families under this scrutiny because of my father."

As the guests began to scramble out, Maysha stepped forward, adjusting her ghunghat to the top of her head. Her face was pale, and her hand pressed firmly against her lower back as a sharp, familiar twinge of pain flared through her spine.

"You speak of fatherhood, Mr. Khurana?" Maysha’s voice was remarkably steady despite her pallor. She looked Raj directly in the eye. "Maan has grown into a better man and a better father in the last seven months than you have in a lifetime. You talk about 'blood' as if it’s the only thing that matters, but we all know the truth now... Maan told me everything."

She took a ragged breath, the physical strain and emotional heat making her lightheaded. "You didn't even acknowledge your own wife’s child from her previous marriage. Maan told me how Simran aunty used to reminisce about her firstborn, who was raised by her parents. It was only through his maternal grandparents that Maan and Siddharth ever got to meet their sister, Malvika. She never got to be a Khurana or experience a fatherly bond because you hated that she wasn't yours. So why would you ever understand Maan? He isn't differentiating between blood—he is choosing to love. That is something you were never brave enough to do."

"You told her everything? About that girl and your mother? How could you?" Raj hissed at his son.

"She is the mother of my twins," Maan countered. "She has every right to know how you wouldn't even let Malvika Di visit Mom on her deathbed while she was suffering from cancer two years ago. Dad, the way you have always treated Malvika Di is exactly why I dreaded being a father all along. I was terrified of becoming like you. That’s why I gave everyone lame excuses for years—to avoid the very topic of fatherhood."

The only woman sitting by the circle who refused to get up while Juhi,Palki stood up along with rest of the woman present in the circle, stood up to face Raj revealing her face to Raj.

"Malvika...you!" Raj said looking at the woman who stood besides Roshni.

'Yes Sasurji, Malvika Di! Any problem?" Roshni said

"We are disowned Roshni, I don't think Mr.Khurana would have any problem by that".

"You all are gone mad with this 'khoon ke rishte se behtar dil ke rishte' melodrama, you all are so influenced by these families here that's making your mind cracked.

Maysha moved to Maan’s side, taking his handfirmly. She then turned her gaze toward Sujata. "Sujata aunty, you were so curious to know who the husband and father would be, right?"

She turned back to Raj, her look one of pure defiance. "I choose Maan. He will prove to be not only a better husband but a better father who will care for both his kids equally and who is for sure mentally cracked to love my kids."She placed her hand over her baby bump

The confession hit the room like a thunderclap. Ayush was taken aback, his heart sinking. Maan stood in stunned shock. Before Raj could retort in fury, Maysha’s breath suddenly hitched. It wasn’t a gasp of surprise; it was a sharp, mechanical catch in her chest, as if the air had been physically blocked by a sudden rising pressure against her diaphragm. Her face, already pale, turned a ghostly shade of grey. Her hand, which had been resting firmly on her bump, suddenly clawed at her lumbar region, her fingers digging into the small of her back as a searing, jagged pain shot through her spine.

Ayush’s eyes darted toward her. He noticed the way her posture stiffened Her breathing quickly became —with intense physical strain.Her breathing quickly became ragged and shallow, her heaving chest struggling to pull in air as the weight of the twins and the sudden internal crisis pushed her to the limit.Seeing her sway, he moved instantly, catching her and guiding her to the nearest chair. "Shayaan, get the oxygen concentrator! Now!"

Maan rushed to her other side, his voice panicked. "Maysha? Maysha, are you okay?"

Mayank hurried over with water while Shayaan sprinted for the medical equipment. But the crushing stress of the confrontation, combined with the underlying weakness from her previous injury, had reached a breaking point. Maysha’s eyes flickered and closed as she collapsed into Ayush’s arms.

Ishaan quickly checked her pulse and blood pressure, his face grim. "I’ll get the car ready," he directed the family. "Keep the oxygen on her—we need to move, now!"