Originally posted by: A_Star39
Part 25: The Bridal Dream and The Seed of Love
It was late eveningat the Goenka Villa. Muskan walked into a seldom-used dressing room, herexpression serious. She pulled out a heavy, ornate key and approached a large,imposing safe, disguised behind a full-length mirror. This was not the banklocker; this was the Big Safe where the most cherished and sentimentally heavyheirlooms of the Goenka legacy were stored.
She slowly turnedthe key, and with a heavy thunk and a soft whir, the thick metal door swungopen, revealing velvet-lined drawers and antique boxes. Muskan carefully pulledout a drawer marked with a small, faded tag: "Naira."
Inside lay severalexquisite pieces, but her hand immediately gravitated towards a heavy,intricate gold necklace and a pair of magnificent chandbalis. These piecesbelonged to Naira Goenka, Kairaâs grandmother and Muskanâs reveredmother-in-law, treasures passed down through the family.
Muskan gentlylifted the necklace, the ancient gold cool against her fingertips. These pieceswere meant for Kairaâs wedding, symbolizing the unbroken connection to herroots.
As she admired theantique beauty of the necklace, a thought, born of habit and family duty,crossed Muskan's mind.
Muskan (Thinking):"Maaji's jewellery... it's too much for just Kaira. It should bedistributed. A part of this legacy should go to the other grandchildren too, johamare apne hain..."
Her thoughtsimmediately turned to Abhira and Abhir.
Muskan (Thinking,focusing on Abhira): "Abhira... she is Akshara Bhabhi's daughter. Shedeserves a share of the family's shaan. She faced so much hardship, and she isa daughter of this house. Lekin... usne Armaan Poddar ko chuna. She chose tomarry into a family that values papers and pride over people. She knew Armaan'sfamily was trouble, yet she went ahead. She chose the wrong side."
A wave ofbitterness hit her. She loved Abhira, but her decision to prioritize Armaan andthe Poddar name felt like a rejection of their values.
Muskan (Thinking,focusing on Abhir): "And Abhir? Mera baccha... He is a good boy, atalented musician. But he is still reeling from the past. He destroyed hismarriage to Kiara. He cheated on Kiara with Charu, shattering a relationshipand bringing shame to the family. How can I give sacred jewellery to a son whocouldn't protect his wife or his marital vows?"
The past scandalsand the recent choices of both siblingsâAbhira's strategic marriage and Abhir'sinfidelityâfelt like stains on the family honour, making them unworthy of thepurity symbolized by Naira's heirloom.
Muskan felt a sharpsurge of disgust. She couldn't, in good conscience, divide Naira's sacred,untainted legacy among those who had made such fundamentally flawed choicesregarding love and loyalty.
Muskan carefullyplaced the chandbalis and the heavy necklace back into the box.
Muskan (Thinking,decisively): "No. This is for Kaira. She is the only one right now holdingonto her integrity, fighting for her identity, even if she is numb. Yeh gehnesirf Kaira ke hain. She needs the strength of Maaji's blessing more than anyone."
She closed thevelvet lid, secured the drawer, and pushed it back into the safe. Muskan lockedthe heavy door with a decisive turn of the key, resolving to use the other,more recently acquired jewellery for the rest of the family's needs. Theheirlooms of Naira Goenka would remain whole, reserved for the granddaughterwho needed its spiritual armour the most.
The next morning,the Goenka trioâKairav, Muskan, and Kairaâarrived at the austere Poddar Housefor the crucial wedding discussion. The atmosphere in the drawing-room wascharged; the Poddars (Kaveri Dadi Sa, Manoj, Manisha, and Vidya) sat stiffly,ready for negotiation.
Muskan (Leaningforward, starting the discussion sweetly but firmly): "Since the muhuratis so soon, we need to decide on the venue. Hum Goenka hain, we prefer thingsto be thoda hatke. I was thinking a lovely destination wedding in Goa. Beachshaadi, very modern, very memorable."
Kaveri Dadi Sa(Sniffing, immediately rejecting the idea): "Goa? Absolutely not! Yehshaadi Poddar khandaan ki hai, Muskan! We need tradition, not beach parties!The wedding will happen in Jaipur, at our ancestral haveli. That is where our shaanlies."
Manisha (Eagerlyjumping in): "Yes! And it must be grand! A week-long celebration! Pooreshehar ko dikhana hai that the Poddarsare marrying the Goenkas!"
Kairav(Interjecting calmly): "We understand the need for grandiosity, but weprefer something intimate and luxurious. Less crowd, more class."
The discussionquickly dissolved into a tug-of-war between traditional grandeur (Poddars) andsophisticated intimacy (Goenkas).
Kaira, who had beensitting quietly beside Muskan, deciding this was the perfect time to drop hersecond bomb on Aaryan's inflated pride, finally spoke up.
Kaira (Lookingdirectly at Aaryan, her voice calm): "Aaryan, tum batao. Where should weget married? My heart is set on something truly special."
Aaryan, desperateto prove his compliance after the "Nikhil test," felt trapped.
Aaryan (Forcingenthusiasm): "Kairu, whatever you want, my love! I told you, yourhappiness is my priority!"
Kaira (Giving him achallenging, innocent smile): "Then I have decided. I want a wedding inUdaipur, Oberoi Udaivilas. Full destination wedding, just like the movie YehJawaani Hai Deewani."
A gasp sweptthrough the Poddar side of the room. Oberoi Udaivilasâthe most luxurious,exclusive, and notoriously expensive resort in Indiaâwas on a completelydifferent level of opulence. The Poddars were very rich, but Oberoi Udaivilaswas another level, a symbol of old-money taste and extravagance.
Kaira (Continuingher test, looking at Kaveri and Vidya): "And because both families areuniting, and we want this to be truly special, the cost will be borne equallyby both the Poddars and the Goenkas. Aadhi zimmedari aapki, aadhi hamari."
Kaveri Dadi Sa(Eyes blazing): "Yeh kya mazak hai?! Half the cost? That place willbankrupt an average family in three days! And why Udaivilas? We have a Royalhaveli!"
Vidya (Whisperingvenomously to Manisha): "She wants to empty our accounts before theshaadi!"
Aaryan (Seeing thehorror on his familyâs face, but also the potential loss of the deal):"Dadi Sa, calm down. Itâs Kairaâs dream! Thoda kharcha toh karna padega!We are the Poddars! We can manage this." He forced a laugh. "Yes,Kairu. Udaipur. Done."
The Goenkas,however, were internally shocked.
Muskan and Kairavexchanged a glance. Muskan had suggested Goa, but Udaivilas was a logisticaland financial masterstroke. They looked at Kaira, who was now leaning back, asmall, knowing smirk playing on her lips.
Kairav (Thinking,mystified): Wait... is she testing him? Goa was my suggestion, but she choseUdaivilas, knowing the expense would sting the greedy Poddars. What is going onin my daughter's mind?
The decision wasfinalized.
Kairav (Noddingprofessionally): "Udaipur it is. Oberoi Udaivilas. We will arrange theinitial booking. And yes, Kaveri Dadi Sa, 50-50 on all major expenses.Agreed?"
Kaveri Dadi Sa,defeated by Aaryan's desperate compliance, could only nod mutely, while Kaira'ssmirk remained, a silent promise of more calculated chaos to come.
Kaira sat alone inher room at the Goenka Villa, the exhilaration of having successfully droppedthe Oberoi Udaivilas bomb on the Poddars fading. She picked up the enormousdiamond ring on her finger and slowly turned it, watching the light fracture.She was trapped in a crippling emotional conflict.
The engagementincidentâAaryanâs rage, the punch, and the pushâhad started the irreversibleprocess of breaking away her trust on Aaryan.
Kaira (Thinking):"Main Aaryan se bahut pyaar karti hoon. He is the man I chose, the man whopromised me stability and power. Uske bina meri life ki planning adhoori hai.He apologized, he agreed to Nikhil's involvement, he even accepted the insane weddingcost. Doesnât that mean heâs changing? Doesnât that prove his love?"
But immediately,the counter-argument rose: her self-respect.
Kaira (Thinking,her jaw tightening): "But he pushed me. He used violence in public. Thatwasnât stress; that was control. Mera self-respect mujhe maar raha hai. Can Ireally build a life with a man who thinks he has the right to physicallydismiss me when heâs angry? If I overlook this, Iâm telling him itâs okay forthe rest of our lives. But if I leave, I destroy the future I fought so hardfor..."
She was emotionallyconflicted, caught between the deep, years-long love she felt and the stark,painful truth revealed about his character.
Just then, the dooropened softly, and Ruhi walked in, carrying a cup of herbal tea. Ruhi, who hadwitnessed the entire arc of the drama from Abhirâs song to Nikhilâs bruisednose, understood Kairaâs internal struggle perfectly. She placed the tea on thebedside table without a word, sensing Kaira needed clarity, not a lecture.
Kaira (Sighing):"Ruhi Di... I don't know what to do. Mera dil kuch kehta hai, aur meriakal kuch aur. Iâm so confused."
Ruhi looked at heryounger sister, her gaze steady and kind. She knew Kaira didn't need to be toldAaryan was wrong; she needed to be reminded of who she was.
Ruhi (Giving aone-line response, soft yet firm): "Kairu, you are Dr. Kaira Goenka. Neverask permission to shine."
The sentence hitKaira with the force of a sharp, cold wind.
Kaira (Thinking):Never ask permission to shine...
It wasn't a commandto leave Aaryan; it was a simple, profound validation of her identity. The coreissue wasn't the wedding or Aaryan's temperâit was Aaryan's constant attempt todim her light, control her choices, and make her smaller so he could feel bigger.Ruhiâs words cut through the confusion, reminding Kaira that her professionalpower, her friendships, and her entire self were non-negotiable.
This was not a big,immediate shift; it was a small awakening. Kaira picked up the tea, a newresolve settling in her eyes. She wouldn't break the engagement now, but sheknew the final decision would be based on whether Aaryan could accept herwhole, shining self. This small realization would sit within her, gatheringstrength, ready to unleash on the wedding day if Aaryan crossed that boundaryone last, unforgivable time.
Later thatafternoon, the Goenka entourageâMuskan, Kairav, Ruhi, Daksh, Abhir, andKairaâarrived at Nikhilâs studio. The moment they stepped in, Nikhil clappedhis hands, stopping his staff mid-motion.
Nikhil (Loudly,commanding): "Guys! Shut the doors. Flip the sign to 'Closed'. No moreappointments today."
Assistant:"But Sir, Mrs. Mehta is scheduled forâ"
Nikhil (Waving ahand dismissively): "Cancel it. Reschedule. Today, the studio isexclusively for the Goenkas. My best friend is getting her bridal lehenga; Idon't want any distractions."
He turned to Kairawith a grin that was brighter than the chandeliers above.
Nikhil:"Welcome to your personal closet, Kairu. For the next three hours, I amyour genie."
Kaira rolled hereyes playfully, but a blush crept up her neck at the special treatment. Muskanand Kairav exchanged a knowing glance, while Ruhi hid a smile behind her hand.Everyone could see itâNikhil wasn't just being a designer; he was a man completelyenamoured. Everyone, that is, except Kaira.
The studio quicklybuzzed with happy chaos.
In the corner, Ruhiwas holding up two Anarkali suits. Little Daksh was tugging at her hand,pointing decisively at a teal one.
Daksh (Cute voice):"Mumma! Take this one! You look like a mermaid in this!"
Ruhi (Laughing,kissing his cheek): "Okay, my little fashionista. If Daksh says mermaid,then mermaid it is!"
Near the menswearsection, Abhir stood scratching his head, looking hopelessly confused between amidnight blue sherwani and a charcoal grey one.
Abhir:"Mami... they look exactly the same to me."
Muskan (Walkingover, warm and motherly): "Oh, Abhir. Look closely. The blue has silverthread; it suits your artist vibe. The grey is too dull. Take the blue, mererockstar."
Abhir grinned,relieved to have his Mamiâs guidance.
Meanwhile, Muskanwas trying on a heavy saree drape. Kairav stepped in, not as the stoic father,but as the loving husband. He gently adjusted the pleats on her shoulder, hiseyes full of admiration.
Kairav (Softly):"Muskan, you still look as beautiful as the day I met you in Kasol. Maybewe should renew our vows too?"
Muskan blushed deepred, swatting his arm playfully, "Kairav! Bache dekh rahe hain!"
While the familywas occupied, Nikhil led Kaira to the central podium. He didn't call anassistant; he took the measuring tape himself.
Nikhil: "Armsup, Kairu. And breathe. Don't hold your breath; the fitting needs to becomfortable for dancing, not just posing."
He moved around herwith practiced ease. As he measured her shoulder width, he leaned in close, hisscentâsandalwood and expensive cologneâenveloping her.
Nikhil (Murmuring,focused): "I remember you hate scratchy embroidery near the waist, so Iâvelined the choli with pure organic cotton silk. And no heavy velvet; itsuffocates you. Iâve picked raw silkâroyal but breathable."
Kaira looked athim, surprised.
Kaira: "Youremember that? I mentioned that once, three years ago."
Nikhil (Pausing,looking up into her eyes, his voice dropping an octave): "Kaira, Iremember every annoyance, every favorite color, and every dream you've evertold me. Itâs my job... as your designer."
He quickly coveredthe intensity with a wink, but Abhir and Ruhi, watching from the mirrors, pokedeach other. The love in Nikhil's eyes was so loud it was practically shouting.
Nikhil disappearedinto his vault and returned with a lehenga that made the room go silent. Herevealed the masterpiece, draped over his arms.
Nikhil: "Iknew you'd need something that balances the weight of tradition with yourspirit. This isn't just fabric, Kairu. It's a story."
Kaira gasped as shesaw the lehenga. It was an aesthetic marvel, not the usual crimson, but adivine shade of muted peach and champagne gold, like the first light of dawn.The skirt was a canvas of exquisite, detailed embroidery, depicting anenchanted garden with birds, flora, and even a regal palanquin, all brought tolife with countless sequins, beads, and precious stones that shimmered with asoft, ethereal glow. The border was a symphony of scalloped patterns and heavygold work, grounding the ethereal design.
But the blouse wasthe true surprise. Nikhil had designed an aesthetic choli with a contemporarytwist. It featured a deep, V-neckline that highlighted her collarbone, andinstead of a traditional back, it had a daring, low-cut design held together bydelicate, crisscrossing gold strings adorned with tiny pearl and emeraldtassels. The sleeves were elbow-length and sheer, featuring the same detailedmotifs, giving it a romantic, almost vintage feel. It was daring, designer, andperfectly Kaira.
He draped theaccompanying pink dupatta, which was sheer with a heavily embroidered border,over her shoulder.
Nikhil: "Trythis. Itâs not just a dress; itâs you."
Kaira stepped intothe changing room. When she came out, the fabric cascaded around her likeliquid starlight. She looked breathtaking.
She walked to thelarge three-way mirror. In the reflection, she saw the scene behind her.
She saw Kairavfixing a stray lock of hair behind Muskanâs ear, both of them laughing softly.It was a picture of safety, respect, and enduring love.
Then, her eyesshifted in the mirror to Nikhil.
He was standing tothe side, leaning against a pillar. He wasn't looking at the fit of thelehenga, or the embroidery, or the hemline. He was looking strictly at herface. His expression was unguardedâa mix of awe, deep tenderness, and a quiet,patient love that asked for nothing in return. He looked at her as if she wasthe only person in the room, the only person in the world.
Kairaâs heartskipped a beat.
Thump-thump.
A slow, surrealfeeling washed over her. It wasn't the frantic, anxious adrenaline she feltwith Aaryan. It was something softer, like coming home after a long, tiringjourney.
Kaira (InternalMonologue): "He remembers the lining... he closed the store... he looks atme like Papa looks at Mumma. Why haven't I seen this before? Why does hispresence feel like... peace?"
She watched Nikhilsmile at Daksh, then look back at her with that unwavering warmth. For thefirst time, the line between 'Best Friend' and 'Something More' blurred. It wasa terrifying, beautiful, heart-fluttering realization.
Nikhil (Catchingher eye in the mirror, smiling softly): "You look perfect, Kairu."
Kaira (Whispering,her voice trembling slightly): "Yeah... perfect."
She wasn't talkingabout the dress anymore. She was looking at the man who had always beenstanding in her corner, waiting for her to turn around and see him. The seed offriends-to-lovers had been planted, and it was blooming right there in themiddle of the wedding preparations for another man.
Kairav and Muskanwatched Kaira standing in front of the mirrors, bathed in the soft glow of thedusty peach and champagne gold lehenga. The exquisite bridal outfit, with itsaesthetic blouse and intricate embroidery, had rendered their usually practicaldaughter utterly breathtaking.
Muskan (Steppingforward, tears welling up, but smiling brightly): "Oh, Kairu! Yeh toh sirfkapda nahi hai, beta. This is shagun (auspicious sign)! Nikhil, tumne tohkamaal kar diya! It looks like it was made from her dreams."
She carefullyadjusted the dupatta on Kaira's head, her touch gentle. "It's perfect. Thecolor, the style... it's exactly what you are: elegant, strong, and unique. Ilove it!"
Kaira smiledgenuinely, feeling validated by her mother's enthusiastic approval.
Kairav remainedstanding a few feet back, his usual composure completely dissolving. SeeingKaira dressed like a bride, looking so vulnerable yet so beautiful, hit him hard.
His voice was thickwith emotion, catching in his throat.
Kairav (Softly,almost to himself): "Meri choti si Kairu..." (My little Kairu...)
He walked overslowly, his eyes reflecting a mixture of overwhelming pride and deep, paternalsadness at the thought of giving his daughter away. He gently placed his handon Kaira's shoulder, careful not to disturb the delicate embroidery.
Kairav (His voicecracking): "When did my little girl grow up so much? It feels likeyesterday I was holding your hand, walking you to school, and now... now you'restanding here, ready to start a new life."
He paused,gathering himself.
Kairav: "Yehlehenga... it looks like royalty, Kairu. But meri beti (my daughter) is thereal queen. Just remember what I told you: never dim your light for anyone.This marriage is your choice, but your identity is yours alone." Hesqueezed her shoulder, a tear finally escaping his eye. "Bahut khubsooratlag rahi ho, beta. Humari sabse pyaari dulhan." (You look very beautiful,child. Our dearest bride.)
Kaira turned andhugged her father fiercely, the emotion finally breaking through herprofessional facade. She felt the weight of her parents' unconditional love andrealized how terrifying it was to walk into a marriage with Aaryan whilecarrying so many doubts.
Kaira (Whispering):"Papa, I know. I promise."
Nikhil, watchingthe intensely private, loving moment from across the room, looked awayrespectfully, his own eyes misty. He knew this dress was more than just silkand thread; it was Kairaâs last beautiful moment of peace before the war.
The next morning,the Poddar House was buzzing with activity for the auspicious Ganpati Sthapanaand Pooja to bless the upcoming wedding of Aaryan and Kaira. The air was thickwith the scent of incense and flowers. The dress code was strictly traditional,and everyone was impeccably dressed.
Aaryan, seizing theopportunity to perform his "doting fiancĂŠ" act, was omnipresent. Hehovered near Kaira, adjusting the pallu of her saree and ensuring she hadeverything she needed.
Aaryan (Smilingexcessively, whispering): "Kairu, are you comfortable? That Chanderi sareeis exquisite, but it looks heavy. You look beautiful, darling. Humara Ganesh jisab theek kar denge."
Kaira, dressedelegantly in a sophisticated Chanderi silk saree in a subtle pastel hue,offered a small, polite smile, accepting his care while keeping her emotionaldistance.
Nikhil, havingarrived with the Goenkas and Ruhi, made a beeline not for Kaira, but for KaveriDadi Sa, who was looking regal in a heavy traditional silk saree and ancestraljewelry.
Nikhil (Withgenuine admiration): "Dadi Sa, you look magnificent! I must say, yourcolor choice todayâthis rich maroonâis absolutely stunning. Itâs rare to seesuch innate style and grace. Aapka dressing sense toh hum sab designers ko bhifail kar de!"
Kaveri Dadi Sa, whousually treated Nikhil with disdain, was completely flattered. She straightenedher posture, a pleased, rare smile touching her lips.
Kaveri Dadi Sa:"Ah, Nikhil Beta! You notice these things? Yes, tradition is everything.Poddar khaandaan ka pehnaawa (Poddar family dressing) always sets the standard.Thank you, dear. You are a clever boy, I see."
The politeatmosphere shattered when Abhira walked in, slightly flustered, holding thehand of her seven-year-old daughter, Maira.
Maira, being amischievous and energetic child, stumbled slightly, and Abhira reflexivelypulled her up, using a common, if slightly unkind, term of endearment.
Abhira (A bitexasperated, but affectionate): "Maira! Watch your step, Bandar (Monkey)!You run around like a wild thing!"
The word hung inthe air. Muskan froze, and her face went instantly rigid. She waited untilAbhira finished settling Maira near Armaan, and then pulled her aside, hervoice low and dangerously controlled.
Muskan (Her eyesfixed on Abhira): "Abhira, what did you just call Maira?"
Abhira (Confused):"Mami? I just called her Bandar. It's a silly nickname."
Muskan (Hissing,nodding toward the Poddars): "A silly nickname? Yahaan, apne in-laws kesaamne ? Abhira, she is your daughter. She is the Ghar ki Lakshmi! You do notcall the Lakshmi of the house a Bandar.
Muskan lowered hervoice further, delivering a sharp lecture on maintaining appearances andrespect in a traditional family setting.
Muskan:"Remember where you are, Abhira! Every word you say about your daughterreflects on your upbringing and your family's standards. You insult her, youinsult us. Dhyaan rakho, ghar ki Lakshmi ko kabhi Bandar nahi kehte."
Kaveri Dadi Sa, whohad overheard the entire exchange, walked over, nodding approvingly at Muskan'sswift correction.
Kaveri Dadi Sa:"Muskan is absolutely right, Abhira. Bahu, tumhe apni beti ko achcheshabdon se bulaana chahiye . Ghar ki Lakshmi should be treated with utmostrespect, especially in front of us. This is the Poddar sanskar."
Vidya, standingnearby, looked utterly embarrassed by the whole incident, shiftinguncomfortably and agreeing with the matriarch. The incident served as a starkreminder to Abhira that she was constantly under the Poddar microscope, even inher casual interactions with her own child.
Shiv Shakti
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