Epilogue
Khushi bit her lip as she tried to walk as calmly as possible to where Arnav was standing waiting for her.Her hands trembled as she tried to firm her grasp on the bouquet.Her dress was so long Khushi was sure she would trip any second.She was so glad she hadn't worn high heels.
Payal waved from the crowd and giggled.Arnav's cousin,Akash was sitting next to her.Khushi didn't know when it began but she knew there was something going on between them.
The rest of the crowd was gawking at her,not that it helped her confidence.Khushi had a suspicion they were probably waiting for her to make a mistake.
Arnav and the priest stood,what seemed to be thousands of paces of away.Khushi's nerves failed to support her.
Arnav gave her a gentle smile,in a way telling her there was nothing to worry about.Khushi tried to relax her tense shoulders.
The outdoor nature somewhat helped.When Khushi finally was a few feet away from Arnav,He held out his hand and helped her climb the two stairs that would make them level to level.Arnav was still quite taller.Maybe she should have wore those high heels,she thought.Khushi smiled her gratitude anyway.
Arnav pulled her slightly closer than he should have and whispered in her ear
"You're not going to run out on me,are you?"Khushi gave a small laugh
"Now that I have come this far,it doesn't seem like a good idea"Arnav gave a low chuckle.
.Arnav and Khushi turned to the priest.The priest cleared his throat
"Dear beloved,we are gathered together in the sight of god,and in the face of his company to join together this man and woman in holy matrimony,which is an honorable estate,instituted of god,signifying unto us the mystical union that is betwixt Christ and his church : which holy estate Christ adorned and beautified with his presence and first miracle that he wrought in Cana of Galilee,and is commended of Saint Paul to be honorable among all men : and therefore is not by any to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly ; but reverently,discreetly,advisedly,soberly,and in the fear of god.Into this holy estate these two persons present come now to be joined.If any man can show just cause ,why they may not lawfully be joined together,let him now speak or else hereafter forever hold his peace"Nobody said a word.
The priest continued
"I require and charge you both,as ye will answer at the dreadful day of judgement when the secrets of all hearts shall be disclosed,that if either of you know any impediment,why ye may bot be lawfully joined together in matrimony,ye do do now confess it"Arnav and Khushi looked at each other and smiled.
The priest turned to Arnav
"Prince Arnav,wilt thou have this woman to thy wedded wife,to live together after god's ordinancein the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt thou love her,comfort her,honor,and keep her in sickness and in health;and,forsaking all others,keep thee only unto her,so long as ye both shall live?"Arnav smiled
"I do"The priest turned to Khushi
"Miss Khushi,wilt thou have this man to thy wedded husband,to live together after god's ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt thou love him,comfort him,honor,and keep him in sickness and health;and forsaking all others,keep thee only unto him,so long as ye both shall live?"Khushi nodded
"I do"Arnav took hold of Khushi's hands as part of the ceremony and repeated what the priest said
"I,Arnav,take thee Khushi to my wedded wife,to have and to hold from this day forward,for better for worse,for richer for poorer,in sickness and health,to love and to cherish,till death do us part,according to god's holy ordinance and thereto I plight thee my troth"Khushi smiled
"I,Khushi,take thee Arnav to my wedded husband,to have and to hold from this day forward,for better for worse,for richer for poorer,in sickness and health,to love and to cherish,till death do us part,according to god's holy ordinance and thereto I plight thee my troth"Arnav took his ring and delicately put it on her finger.Khushi put her ring on his finger
The priest held Arnav and Khushi's hand
"For as much as Arnav and Khushi have consented together in holy wedlock and have witnessed the same before god and this company and thereto have given and pledged their troth,each to the other,and have declared the same by giving and receiving a ring,and by joining hands;I pronounce that they are man and wife,in the name of father,and of the son,and of the holy ghost,Amen" He smiled at Arnav
"You may kiss the bride"Arnav looked at Khushi and lifted her transparent veil.Khushi blushed under his gaze and tentatively looked at him.Arnav lifted his hand to caress her cheek.Khushi drew a breath and closed her eyes as Arnav's lips touched hers.The guests flew into applause.
Khushi could feel Arnav smile through their kiss.She pulled back remembering that a whole crowd was watching them.She blushed.
****************************************
It was a tradition for the Raizadas to have a Christian wedding.Khushi hadn't minded.
Apparently the Raizada family had a bit of Christianity in them.A long long time ago,Arnav's many greats grandfather had married an Christian.Their children had been half Indian and half Christian.Since none of Arnav's other ancestors married any American women,they were only a quarter Christian.
Arnav raised his goblet
"To my wife and your new queen"The huge crowd raised their glasses and shouted out cheers.A light shade of pink adorned Khushi's cheeks.Most of the crowd was happy she would be part of the royal family but there were still some who thought her unworthy.Arnav had assured her that there would always be such people and that they would just have to learn to accept.
Khushi smiled as she remembered the months Arnav spent courting her.
Flashback
"Khushi! Can you open the door!" Payal yelled from the kitchen.
Khushi looked up from her book "Okay" she said.
Khushi put the book on the sofa and went to the doors.When she opened them she found a large bouquet.Someone was holding it but their face was hidden.
"May I help you?" Khushi said.
Arnav's face poked through the flowers "Let's go out"
Khushi took a step back "Arnav?"
He smiled "May I come in?"
"O-Of course" she said.
Arnav stepped in and looked around "You have a beautiful house" he commented.
"A piece of wood compared to your castle" Khushi mumbled.
"What?"
"Nothing"
"I hope these flowers please you"
Khushi smiled and took them from him "Thank you.That's very sweet of you"
"Would you like to go out with me today?" Arnav suddenly blurted out.
Khushi blinked "Um well-"
"You can't go without a chaperone" Payal said suddenly appearing by her side.
Arnav grimaced "Of course"
Flashback Ends A grin spread on Khushi's face as she remembered Arnav's uneasy expression.It had been a funny courtship especially with Payal around.
Khushi glanced at Arnav.He was smiling and laughing with his friends while his arm rested around her waist.
Khushi wondered what had made him pick her out from every other girl.As if feeling her gaze on him,Arnav turned to look at her.He smiled at her,his eyes twinkling.
Khushi smiled back and knew this was the perfect moment.After all who would have thought that a mere middle class businesswoman would become the queen one day.
There were heart balloons everywhere clearly telling everyone present that it was a love marriage.That's just what Khushi had always wanted but never thought would come true.
"Thank you" she whispered.
Arnav smiled at her as if understanding.
And they lived happily ever after
The End
I'm going to miss this story.
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Edited by khushiforever - 10 years ago
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