Author Pov
The day finally ended with lots of happiness. Ruhanika and Abheer could not sleep coz of the physical distance between them, also coz of the anticipation of hopeful tomorrow. Tomorrow would be finally the day when their Rishtaa is going to be fixed according to the Traditions.
The next day came soon. Both of Rathore's and Rajput's homes were bustling with people. I know though it is just shagun exchange, there has to be some other things to be done according to Rathore's rituals.
By 10.30, all Rathores were ready in the living hall waiting for Abheer to come downstairs as it is almost time when they will leave for Rajput's Mansion.
They heard footsteps and all their head turned towards stairs, to see Abheer coming down in all his glory.
The ladies came towards him smiling as he climbed down the last stair. Meera kissed his forehead,
"Mera baccha! Kitne achhe dikh rahe hai aap Abheer!" She said caressing his cheeks making him smile at her. She moved aside when Gayatri Devi came with red chillies and salt in her hands. She rotated her hands around him 7 times to ward off evil eyes off him while chanting something. She then moved outside first to throw whatever in her hands on burning coal.
(My baby! How handsome you are looking!)
Others smiled looking at the scene in front of their eyes. Finally it's going to be first marriage in the next generation!
Abheer greeted everyone as he came towards all of them.
"Meera, check once again if you have taken all things you need for shagun! Make sure nothing should be missed." Vikram said.
"Ji, Vikram ji. Maasa has made sure everything is done more than 10 times. And I have checked all things too. You don't worry." He nodded. Gayatri who entered just when Meera was talking questioned.
"What is done more than 10 times?"
"Nothing maasa. I was telling Vikram ji that all things to be given from our side are prepared and that you've also checked it." Meera answered making her nod.
"Should we leave then?" Adhiraj asked and all moved outside the mansion.
Adhiraj and Gayatri were in one car while Vikram, Vikrant, Meera and Niharika took other. Younger clan decided to ditch their own car and joined Abheer in his. Yep, they all were Rolls Royce! They were driving in the middle of 4 guard cars.
Ayaan insisted on driving so Abheer sat on the passenger seat and the other 4 were in the back seat.
"So bhaisa what are you feeling right now? Finally your wedding rituals are going to start today!" Aishu asked all excited.
"Yes. I want to know too. Is that all giddy- giddy, butterfly wala feeling?" Adu asked making Aishu giggle at her question.
Abheer just smiled at them.
"Are you nervous Abheer?" Reyan asked before Abheer could answer.
He smiled knowing his friend know him too well.
"A little you can say!" Abheer said making them all amuse with his answer.
"Wow! It's interesting! The great Hukumsa of Rajasthan, Abheer Singh Rathore is nervous when his marriage is getting fixed. Nice nice!" Ayaan said dramatically making Abheer roll his eyes.
"I can bet when it's your time, you will be more than what I'm right now." Abheer responded.
"How does love make you feel bhaisa?" Abhiraj asked looking at the gentle smile on Abheer's face. Surprised with his question, everyone was curiously looking for Abheer's answer.
Abheer gently smile when Ruhanika's smiling face flashed in front of his eyes hearing love, which was not unnoticed by others.
"It makes you feel home!..." Aditi and Aishu looked at each other and did that silent awe at Abheer's response.
"...From the day I've met Ruhi, I've always felt that soothing kind of feeling in her presence, in her smile, in her voice. No matter what situation, no matter how tense I might be, it feels that her mere presence can calm me down in seconds. I found myself always in peace whenever she is around. Maybe, I might not be able to convey in words how I feel being in love, but you can definitely relate to me once you are in love!" He said last sentence looking at Abhiraj from rearview mirror.
"Love softens you too bhaisa, right?..." Aditi asked teasing him making him chuckle.
"....You are openly expressing your thoughts and feelings, which I guess you never did in front of us all. Plus that charming smile we get to see often nowadays! You know you look more handsome while smiling!" Aditi said making others agree. While Abheer got lost in his thoughts hearing her last statement with the same smile on his face.
"I am gonna miss this beautiful smile."
"I know you are handsome. But smiling you cannot be termed as handsome. You are just beautiful when you smile!"
"Plus you remain in your thought more than in present." Reyan's teasing comment pulled him back from his thoughts. His sibling laughed while he just looked outside from the window.
In Rajput's Mansion
The last night when all of them came home, Ruhanika kept hugging her babasa all the time while they were chatting. Abhaya was fast asleep after her last meal of the day along with Hridhaan in Karan's and Arohi's room.
They all asked whatever the questions they were having about her sudden uninformed departure from Ajmer.
She told them how she used to miss all of them and thought so many times to go to them, but held thinking about ifs and buts.
They apologised to her again and she did the same saying that she was equally at fault as well. At the end of the day, Rajput's were all relieved with the weight of guilt lifting off of their shoulders so was Ruhanika. She kept clinging to her babasa the same way she used to do when he came home after a long business trip. She scolded them all for not taking care of themselves as they all had significantly lost their weights since the last time she saw them, and told that now that she was home she would make them fit n fine like before in these 3 months.
Upon this topic, her parents, kaka-kaki, dadisa, and Karan became emotional knowing that she was going to be with them for next 3 months only. Ruhanika too became emotional with them. And as you know it's really difficult to stop her from crying so everyone controlled themselves and consoled her saying that her babasa would always be with her. This home is always going to be hers. There would always a room for her in this home.
She told them about Sakshi that how she was with her since Abhay and she came to Jaipur, how she helped her during pregnancy, how she used to take care of her diet and used to scold her when she ignored health due to feeling down and used to cheer her up.
"So she must be knowing that you are living with Abheer sa in their home?" Nitya asked making Ruhanika nod.
"Yes, she knows. Abheer ji even invited her on Abhaya's naming ceremony. You know maasa, she literally cried when the first time she held Abhaya. She was so emotional after finally holding my baby after months of taking care of me. I'm really lucky to have her as my friend." Her family was genuinely happy knowing that after years she has at least that one genuine friend.
"Don't you want to invite her tomorrow then? She might get upset if you won't inform her." Arohi asked making her widen her eyes.
"It totally slipped from my mind. Let me go call her." She immediately got up going towards the guest room where she put her phone on charge.
"She seems really happy." Karan said looking at her retreating figure.
"Yeah. May Maa bless her and my children with all the happiness in the world." Sushma Devi said praying with joined hands.
"Last few years were really tough for her. Hope that now her life will be full of joy, along with all our children." Nikhil said.
"By the way. I heard in Royal Families we are present groom with a sword on his Tilak Ceremony. Other things can get managed till tomorrow. But how will we arrnage a sword?" Janaki questioned.
"I know an old blacksmith in Jaipur. He has prepared many swords for Rathores too. I can go visit him first thing tomorrow. Surely we can get a beautiful sword for hukumsa." Mahesh said making Nikhil agree.
"Okay then bringing sword will be your responsibility. I can arrange for clothes and jewellery we have to give him. Ladies can look after at other rituals and puja things. Karan and Arjun can handle a little decoration we have to do. Arohi can get Ruhanika ready. Okay?" Others agreed with whatever Nikhil said.
"Just do all things early as they will be here by 11.15." Nitya said. With that all of them department to their rooms as they have to wake up early tomorrow.
Ruhanika too informed Sakshi to take leave so that she can come tomorrow. After telling about today's happenings, Sakshi was so happy for Ruhanika and in instant agreed to come tomorrow.
The next day their home was bustling with people. There were maids helping with decoration. Janaki was in Puja room doing whatever Sushma was instructing. Nitya and Arohi were jn kitchen preparing for their lunch as Rathore's will be having lunch too.
Ruhanika was given the duty to take care of kids till the time she has to get ready, as Arohi will help her. Almost when it was 10.15, Nitya asked Aorhi to go help Ruhanika.
Arohi was shocked when she entered in Ruhanika's room.
"Hey bhgwan, Ruha?!" She examined looking at the room's condition.
Well, Ruhanika had opened her whole cupboard on the bed in search of a perfect saree and jwellery and now she is sitting on bed, feeding Abhaya just in her blouse and shapewear. Hridhaan was fast asleep beside her on the bed.
Ruhanika looked up at her and sighed.
"Thank god, bhabhisa you came. I was so cofused which saree I should wear and then there are these 2 devils! They were literally crying for no reason just sometime ago and now see, so peacefully sleeping like angels!" Ruhanika chuckled caressing their heads. Arohi sighed hearing her.
"Ruha, it's 10.20 now. Rathores are coming at 11.15. Come on we don't have much time. You have to get ready." She said keeping unnecessary clothes back in her cupboard. Ruhanika nodded and quickly kept Abhaya on her shoulder to burp her. The sleepy baby just leaned on her mother before a small burp was heard. She gently laid her beside Hridhaan securing both of them with pillows. Arohi came towards her with the saree.
"Yeh saree achhi hai na? Thik toh lagungi na main?" Ruhanika questioned anxiously. Arohi smiled at her nervousness.
(Is this saree good? Will I look good in it?)
"Of course the saree is beautiful. But it will look even prettier when you'll wear it. Don't be so nervous. Today is really big day for you. Don't let nervousness spoil it. Go with the flow and enjoy it. Plus you really have less time to get ready for your Abheer ji!" She teased her making her cheeks burn in shyness. She has been teasing her since she heard Ruhanika talking with Abheer late last night when she woke up to bring water.
She quickly made her wear her saree and tied her hair in beautiful bun. The saree always looks beautiful on her due to her medium tall figure. Arohi made her wear a beautiful gold necklace which went perfectly with the saree along with earrings.
Ruhanika looked at herself in the mirror being satisfied with the look.
Just when Nitya and Janaki entered the room. They looked at Ruhanika to see her all ready and smiled.
"Haye mera baccha! Kisi ki nazar na lage." Nitya said rotating her hands around Ruhanika. Janaki put a little kajal dot behind her eyes making her smile.
"You are looking so pretty Ruha!" She complimented.
"Yes, Abheer sa's eyes will not leave you even for a second." Arohi commented teasingly making her widen her eyes. Others giggled at her blushing face.
"Umm...Hridhaan woke up. I...I will see hi..him." She stuttered shyly going towards the bed where Hridhaan was rubbing his eyes.
"We are going down now. They will be here any moment. Arohi will come to take you downstairs. Hmm?" Nitya said making her nod before they leave the room. Ruhanika sat feeling a little nervous on the bed. She just hugged Hridhaan closely to her chest making him lean on her still feeling drowsy. Her heart was beating like crazy. She was excited as well as edgy for today.
Her thoughts broke when the room door opened revealing Sakshi behind Arohi.
"Ruha, your friend came." Arohi left saying leaving them both alone.
"Look at you babymama! You look fab!" Sakshi commented the first thing when she entered.
Ruhanika rolled her eyes and got up from bed going towards her.
"I thought you forget you had to come." Ruhanika felt relieved having her friend by her side.
"Of course not. How can I not be present on such an important occasion!" She said and awed at Hridhaan in Ruhanika's arms.
"Is he your brother's baby?"
"Yes. His name is Hridhaan." Ruhanika said kissing his cheek.
He smiled holding her cheeks and babbled as if appreciating her kiss.
"Nice name. He is so cute though! Just like our Abhaya. Where is my bhanji though? It's been ages I've seen her." She said looking around. Her gaze fell on her sleeping figure on the bed.
"Aww! She has grown up so much since the last time I saw her." She exclaimed sitting beside Abhaya on the bed.
"She is!" Ruhanika smiled at her daughter. She sat on the bed in front of Sakshi.
"So!? Ranisa Hukum huh?!" Sakshi teased now turning her whole attention to Ruhanika. Her whole face became red when she said that.
"Please you don't start. My bhabhisa is already teasing me since morning." She whined making her laugh.
"But seriously! You know I really had this doubt that Hukum sa at least likes you if not love when he started dropping you and picking you up from college daily. I even told you that time too. But you straightaway ignored my signals. And look at us now! He head over heels for you and you too drowning in his love!" She winked at him making her shyly look down. She again laughed looking at her blushing tomato like face.
"His choice is really great though! Even I could have fallen on love with you if I were a boy and would have fight with anyone for your love, hukum sa or not?" Sakshi giggled when Ruhanika whined at her flirty talks.
"But I can't even tell you how happy I'm for you! Looking at you again going to settle in life with such a great man is so overwhelming for me!" Sakshi's eyes got a little teary followed by Ruhanika.
"My baby sister is going to get married!" She forwarded her hands to Ruhanika and hugged her tightly sobbing.
Click They heard the sound making them pull out.
"Moment captured! But now guys we need to go downstairs. Ruha, Rathores and your Abheer ji have come and waiting for you downstairs. Come on let's go! Give Hridhaan to me." She said looking at their photo in her mobile and then kept it down coming towards them.
"And what is this? You both were crying? I thought were just hugging. Come let's get up and fix your look first before going down." She said when she saw tears on both of their faces. She hurried them and both helped Ruhanika to fix her make up and calm her down.
"Hridhaan's cradle is downstairs so we can take Abhaya with us too." She said holding Hridhaan.Sakshi nodded and gently picked up Abhaya in her arms.
Ruhanika came downstairs followed by Arohi and Sakshi behind her.
Abheer's gaze landed on her and he was mesmerized seeing her.
Her cheeks had coated with the light shade of pink with her gaze down. She came and was made sit beside Abheer.
And I can't even tell you HOW GOOD THEY LOOK TOGETHER!! (🤭)
Her gaze was on her hands all the time. Abheer leaned near her ears and whispered softly.
"You totally took my breath away Jaan! You are looking gorgeous!" She smiled with red cheeks making him want to bite them.
They heard a throat clearing voice breaking their trance.
"Shall we start?" Niharika asked teasingly wiggling her eyebrows at Abheer. Abheer royally ignored her comment being used to with his kakisa's behaviour.
They headed towards their home temple seeking Maa Kaali's blessings for the couple first. Then they all gathered in the living room. Families exchanged their shagun ki thaal which contain sweets, dryfruits, clothes, jewellery along with shrifal .
After that Karan stood and put Tilak on Abheer's forehead performing Tilak ceremony as bride's brother. Nikhil then brought the sword he has to give to Abheer. Abheer stood up seeing him holding the sword followed by others. Nikhil first did the puja of sword with haldi-kumkum.
"This is for you Jawaisa!" Abheer smiled by the endearment he hot addressed with.
Abheer touched his forehead to the sword before pulling it out from its scabbard looking at the glory of the sword.
"It's beautiful!" Nikhil patted his back before sitting beside Mahesh appreciating his choice.
Vikram stood up coming towards Ruhanika along with Meera.
"Rathoro mein ek rivaaz hai! Jaise shaadi ke vakt ladko ko talwar di jati hai, vaise hi hum mein ladkiyo ko khanjar diya jata hai. It's like your mini sword." Vikram said handing a beautiful dagger to Ruhanika. She was in aww with that thing.
(We Rathores have this one ritual. Just the way groom is presented with a sword on his wedding, we gift our bride a dagger! It's like your mini sword!)
"That does not mean that you cannot have your own sword. You can learn it if you want. But a queen or princess at least should know how to use a dagger for her own protection!" Meera added smiling at Ruhanika. Rajputs unaware about the tradition were amused with the beutiful thought behind it.
"It is amazing! Thank you." Ruhanika said. Vikram patted her head before they both sat in their place.
On the que Arohi and Sakshi brought plate of different sweets as the rituals were done.
"Abheer first you make her eat and Ruhi bete you do the same." Gayatri Devi said. Arohi held the sweet plate in front of them which contain lots of different sweets. Abheer saw Ruhanika eyeing at Gulab Jamun as it was her favourite. So he picked it up and made her eat half. Ruhanika kept the half in plate before feeding him a little moong dal ka halwa with spoon as it was his favourite. Others smiled at this cute gestures of them. Abhiraj as usual started capturing the beautiful moments in his camera.
Sakshi and Arohi then distributed them in others. Arohi came in front of Adhiraj who was having scowl on his face as Gayatri Devi has warned him for not eating sweets.
"Dada hukum, this halwa is specially made for you with less sugar. This much won't har...harm I guess." Arohi said holding the bowl of gajar ka halwa in her hands. She eyed at Gayatri Devi while saying the last sentence. Gayatri Devi sighed seeing this. She squinted her eyes to grinning Adhiraj.
"Aap ko kal se ek hi time chai milne wali hai. Iss phul si bacchi ne khaas aap ke liye banaya hai isliye khane de rahi hai hum!" She huffed looking other way making both Adhiraj and Arohi smile.
(You are going to get only a cup of tea from tomorrow. Just because this lovely child made it for you, I'm letting you eat.)
"Are wah bacche! Jiti raho. Khush kardiya aapne." He said taking the bowl from her hands and patting her head. He tasted it,
"Um! It is really delicious!" He said making her smile.
(Amazing! Stay blessed dear! You made me really happy!)
Sakshi came in front of Reyan holding the tray. She was nervous to go in front of him after their last encounter. He just took the bowl without looking at her and continued talking with Karan. She felt sad being ignored by him. Reason? Doesn't know why! She shrugged her messed up thoughts and moved forward.
"There is something else you all should know about!" Abheer stated gaining everyone's attention.
"Along with being king of Rajasthan, I'm king of Indian Mafia as well!" He said dropping the bomb on Ruhanika's family as well as Sakshi.
"Yes. We don't want to keep you in dark so we thought to reveal the truth. Anyways we are going to be family, you all deserve to know this." Vikrant added making them more shock.
"H...how? And why?" Karan asked standing up.
"We were into Mafia since my babasa's time. I was obliged to stay in mafia for my family as well as my people, so were my children. It was basically to control underworld smoothly with Rajasthan." Adhiraj answered.
"The attack on Karan 8 months ago was done by my mafia rival as he heard his plan to kill me." Abheer said making Rajputs gasp in horror.
Namaste people!😁🙏
Another twist! Yeah I know I'm cruel! But I am what I am, and I know you people love me for that!😉😁😚
So the wedding functions has started! First ceremony is done which is Tilak Ceremony! Being honest I don't know anything about Rajasthani culture. So I am writing everything upon my research. Hope my Rajasthani readers don't mind me! If you feel like, then please give me little guide on upcoming wedding functions! I'm sorry but I won't be making any changes to uploaded chp!
Hope you understand! And upon everyone's choice THE STORY WON'T BE ENDING SOON!!🎊🥳😁😽😌
So stay tune the story! Give me lots of love through your votes and comments!
Till next chp, bye bye👋😊😘🤗😇💖❤
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