Saathiya: Ek Pyaar Bhara Vachan
The first rays of the sun gently caressed the Mahajan estate, casting a golden hue over its grand façade. Today was not just any morning—it was the day Yuvika and Neil would become one, bound by love, trust, and the sacred vows of marriage.
Inside the mansion, every corner was alive with festivity. The aroma of fresh flowers mingled with the sacred scent of sandalwood and ghee from the havan kund. Twinkling fairy lights adorned the vast garden, where the mandap stood in all its grandeur, draped in hues of red and gold. The sound of shehnai and tabla echoed softly, setting the tone for the most awaited wedding of the Mahajan family.
***
In her room, Yuvika sat before an ornate mirror, the morning light making her glow even more than the elaborate gold and red bridal lehenga she adorned. The intricate embroidery, the heavy dupatta draped over her head, and the delicate nath adorning her nose—everything made her look no less than a royal bride.
As the makeup artist applied the final touches, Yuvika felt a soft hand on her shoulder. She turned and found Bhoomi standing there, eyes brimming with emotions.
"Meri beti aaj dulhan ban rahi hai," Bhoomi whispered, her voice trembling. "Lagta hai jaise kal ki baat ho jab tum chhoti thi... aur aaj tumhari vidaai ki tayyari ho rahi hai."
Yuvika held her mother's hand tightly, her own eyes moist. "Maa, main kahin nahi ja rahi hoon... bas ek naye safar pe nikal rahi hoon. Aur yeh safar aapke aashirwad ke bina adhoora hai."
Bhoomi cupped her daughter’s face. "Neil accha ladka hai. Main jaanti hoon woh tumhara humesha dhyaan rakhega. Par kabhi koi baat ho toh yaad rakhna, tumhari maa hamesha tumhare saath hai."
Yuvika nodded, hugging her mother tightly, her heart swelling with love.
***
Across the mansion, Neil stood before a full-length mirror, adjusting his ivory sherwani with gold embroidery. The excitement in his eyes was unmistakable.
His father, Vidhur Bharadwaj, observed him with a rare smile. "Aaj tak maine tumhe sirf mere bete ke roop mein dekha tha, Neil… par aaj tum ek zimmedar pati banne ja rahe ho."
Neil turned, a soft chuckle escaping his lips. "Aur aaj aap pehli baar mere Papa ki tarah baat kar rahe hain."
Vidhur sighed, stepping closer. "Main jaanta hoon ki humara rishta hamesha se aasan nahi raha… par Yuvika ek samajhdar ladki hai. Tum dono saath ho, toh har mushkil paar kar loge."
Neil smiled. "Main sirf Yuvika se shaadi nahi kar raha, Papa. Main apni zindagi ka sabse accha faisla le raha hoon."
Vidhur patted his shoulder, a rare warmth in his gesture. "Toh chalo phir, dulha bann ke mandap tak chalo."
Neil took a deep breath, his heart racing with anticipation.
***
The baraat was nothing short of grand. Neil sat atop a majestic white horse, looking every bit the regal groom he was meant to be. Dhols played loudly, guests danced, and flower petals showered upon the procession as they made their way to the mandap.
Inside, Yuvika, peeking from the balcony, couldn’t stop the soft smile that graced her lips. Bhoomi, catching her daughter’s expression, teasingly whispered, "Kya dekh rahi ho?"
Yuvika blushed, turning away. "Kuch bhi toh nahi Maa."
Bhoomi laughed softly. "Neil ka intezaar ho raha hai na?"
Yuvika, unable to deny it, simply nodded.
***
The mandap was breathtaking—a perfect blend of tradition and elegance. As Neil arrived, he stood mesmerized when he saw Yuvika walking toward him. Clad in red and gold, her beauty left him speechless.
As she stepped closer, he leaned in and whispered, "Tum aaj sach mein pari lag rahi ho."
Yuvika blushed, whispering back, "Aur tum ek rajkumar."
The ceremony began with the exchange of garlands. As they slipped the floral varmalas over each other’s heads, the crowd erupted into cheers.
Then came the saat phere—seven sacred vows that would bind them forever.
Holding hands, they walked around the holy fire, making their promises.
"Har janam main tumhara saath nibhaunga," Neil whispered as he took a step.
"Aur main tumhara saath kabhi nahi chhodungi," Yuvika replied, her voice filled with emotion.
With every vow, their bond deepened. Their love wasn’t just in words—it was in every glance, every touch, every unspoken promise.
Finally, as Neil applied sindoor in Yuvika’s maang and tied the mangalsutra around her neck, she felt a tear slip down her cheek—not of sorrow, but of overwhelming joy.
Neil noticed and wiped it away, murmuring, "Aaj se yeh aansu sirf khushi ke honge."
Yuvika smiled, nodding.
***
As the evening turned into night, the grand reception began. Music played, laughter filled the air, and guests showered the newlyweds with blessings.
Neil and Yuvika moved through the crowd, hand in hand, greeting everyone. But soon, Neil pulled her aside into a quiet garden, away from all eyes.
"Thoda waqt sirf hum dono ke liye," he said softly.
Yuvika sighed happily, resting her head on his shoulder. "Aaj jo sapna dekha tha, woh sach ho gaya hai."
Neil kissed her forehead. "Aur yeh sirf shuruaat hai, Yuvika. Tumne mujhe sirf apna pati nahi banaya... tum meri taqat, meri zindagi ka hissa ban gayi ho."
She looked up at him, eyes shining. "Aur tum mere pyaar ki sabse khoobsurat wajah."
Under the moonlit sky, wrapped in each other’s warmth, they stood together—husband and wife, partners for eternity.
And just like that, a new chapter of their story began—one of love, trust, and togetherness, where neither would ever walk alone again.
~THE END~