After 2 weeks......

The following days passed in a flurry of activity. The house was buzzing with excitement and tension as the wedding preparations took over every corner of the mansion.

The ladies of the families-Kamini, Archana, Sneha, Sayli and Aaradhya-worked tirelessly to ensure that everything would be in place for the wedding in just two weeks. The air was filled with the sounds of conversation, the rustle of fabric as wedding outfits were selected, and the clatter of servants rushing around to meet the tight deadline.

Avantika, while caught up in the frenzy, found herself feeling a mix of emotions. She was unsure of what was happening, her heart racing with a cocktail of anxiety, excitement, and confusion. She had not been given the full picture of Reyansh's reasons for pushing the wedding date so quickly. But seeing the determination in his eyes whenever he spoke about it made her trust him, even though she didn't fully understand why everything had to be so rushed.

Reyansh, on the other hand, spent much of his time in meetings with his trusted aides, Sarvesh and his security team. He was keeping a close eye on the situation, aware that danger could strike at any moment. Though his demeanor remained calm and collected on the outside, his mind was always calculating, weighing every move carefully. He had his reasons for speeding up the wedding, but those reasons were far from simple.

The morning sun bathed the Singhania farmhouse, located just outskit of Jodhpur, in a warm golden glow. Birds chirped melodiously, adding to the serene ambiance that contrasted with the flurry of activity inside. The farmhouse, a sprawling estate surrounded by lush greenery, had been meticulously decorated for the wedding functions, which would unfold over the next few days.

Inside, the Singhania family and guests were already immersed in preparations. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as everyone moved about with purpose, ensuring every detail was perfect. 

Kamini and Raghavendra, sat in the central courtyard, overseeing the floral arrangements. Kamini gave instructions to the decorators, her keen eye ensuring that the marigold garlands and roses were placed just right, while Raghavendra exchanged a few jokes with the workers, keeping spirits high. 

Aaradhya and Pratap, were busy coordinating with the caterers and the priest. Aaradhya, ever graceful, moved effortlessly between tasks, while Pratap ensured that the workers adhered to the schedule. 

In the kitchen, Abhiram and Archana supervised the preparation of the welcome snacks. Archana tasted a laddu and smiled approvingly, while Abhiram ensured the cooks had all the ingredients they needed. 

Radha flitted about with a clipboard in hand, managing the seating arrangements. She was joined by Vinesh, who teased her about her "bossy wedding planner" demeanor but helped her nonetheless. 

Yash, ever the life of the party, was outside near the pool, rehearsing a dance performance with a group of cousins and friends. His energy was infectious, drawing laughter and cheers from everyone present. 

In another corner of the farmhouse, Yug and Sneha worked together to finalize the guest list, Sneha pausing occasionally to remind Yug to relax. Meanwhile, Sayli and Digvijay, though not as involved, observed everything with mild curiosity, offering occasional comments but largely keeping to themselves. 

Raghav and Siya, were in charge of ensuring that the bride’s side was represented well. Siya helped coordinate the mehendi artists, while Raghav worked with the decorators to create a cozy seating area for the bride. Both exchanged amused glances at the chaos around them, ready to jump in wherever needed. 

On the other hand Kaira was like a bridesmaid who was always with her Avi bua.

Every corner of the farmhouse brimmed with activity and joy. The hum of laughter, the shuffle of hurried footsteps, and the occasional burst of music blended into a symphony of celebration. 

The farmhouse, with its rustic charm and modern elegance, seemed to glow in anticipation of the upcoming festivities. The entire family, united in their efforts, was determined to make the wedding unforgettable. As the day progressed, it was clear that this wasn’t just a wedding—it was a celebration of love, family, and togetherness.

The vibrant mehendi function began as the sun dipped lower, casting a soft golden hue over the Singhania farmhouse. The open courtyard was transformed into a colorful haven adorned with bright yellow and green drapes, fairy lights, and fragrant flowers. The scent of fresh henna filled the air, mingling with the sound of traditional music that set the tone for the evening. 

Avantika, dressed in a stunning green lehenga with delicate mirror work, sat on a beautifully decorated swing, her hands extended as expert mehendi artists skillfully applied intricate designs. Her face glowed with a mix of excitement and shyness, while her friends and family gathered around her, adding their chatter and laughter to the lively atmosphere. 

Reyansh stood at a distance, leaning against a pillar, his expression unreadable. His white kurta-pajama paired with a royal blue dupatta made him look effortlessly dashing. Vinesh and Yash wasted no time pulling him into the fun. 

"Reyansh, you should also get some mehendi applied," Yash teased, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Maybe just her name on your palm? After all, it’s tradition!" 

Reyansh shot him a sharp look. "I think I'll pass," he replied coolly, though his lips twitched as if suppressing a smile. 

His gaze briefly flicking toward Avantika, who was laughing at something Siya had said. 

Raghav and Siya were no less. They circled Reyansh like hawks. "Reyansh," Raghav began, grinning, "are you sure you don’t want to sit beside the bride-to-be? It’ll make her mehendi even more special!" 

Siya chimed in, "And maybe smile a little, Mr. Serious. This is a celebration, after all." 

Despite himself, Reyansh allowed a small smile to slip. "You all seem far too interested in my mood. Don’t you have your own tasks to handle?" he retorted, his tone tinged with mock irritation. 

The teasing continued, lightening the mood and drawing Reyansh further into the vibrant energy of the function. While he didn’t join every activity, his subtle gestures—helping Radha with decorations or sharing a quiet word with his mother—showed his effort to blend in. 

As Avantika sat on the swing, the mehendi artist carefully worked her magic on the delicate patterns of her hand. The artist, with a playful smile, glanced up at Avantika and asked, "So, which name shall I write on this hand, my dear? The one you're most fond of?" 

Avantika’s cheeks flushed a deep shade of pink. She lowered her gaze, knowing exactly what was coming. The artist, in a teasing tone, added, "I suppose it must be Reyansh’s, right?" 

Avantika nodded sheepishly, biting her lip. "Right," she whispered, though her voice was barely audible. 

The artist chuckled, clearly enjoying the moment. She began to apply the mehendi in swirling patterns around the name, making it as beautiful as she could. 

It didn’t take long before the teasing started. 

Sneha, always ready to join in the fun, stated, "Better get used to his name on your hand, Avantika. Who knows? You might end up with it on your heart too." 

Even Aaradhya joined in the playful banter. She smiled at Avantika, saying, "If Reyansh doesn’t put his name on your heart, at least the henna will remind him where he belongs!" 

A few more chuckles rippled through the gathering, with family members exchanging knowing glances. 

Reyansh, observing from the corner of the courtyard, couldn’t help but overhear the laughter and teasing. He glanced at Avantika, who was trying to suppress her embarrassment, and for a moment, there was an unfamiliar softness in his gaze. He may not have fully embraced the idea of the marriage yet, but it was clear that the people around him—his family and Avantika’s—had already started to make it feel real.

As the henna designs began to settle into the women’s hands, the atmosphere shifted to a more relaxed and jovial one. The ladies, seated comfortably in a large circle, laughed and chatted while the artists continued their intricate work. The courtyard buzzed with energy, and everyone was excited as the mehendi function took full swing. Kaira was playing as the mehendi which was an hour ago applied was by removed by her saying it is ichie but always loved the smell of it.

Meanwhile, the boys had taken on a more active role, helping the ladies with anything they might need.

Vinesh, ever the doting cousin, was the first to approach the ladies with a tray of water bottles. "Thirsty, anyone?" he asked with a grin, offering a bottle to Sayli and then to Avantika. 

Sayli nodded appreciatively and took the water from him. "Thank you, Vinesh. You boys are quite the helpers today." 

"Well, what else would we do?" Vinesh winked, his playful tone lightening the atmosphere. "We’re here for moral support and water delivery." 

Yash, on the other hand, had a mischievous gleam in his eye as he sauntered over to Siya, who was sipping her drink. "Need some snacks, Siya?" he asked with a teasing smile. "Or are you just here to boss everyone around?" 

Siya, always quick with her wit, shot him a playful glare. "I think I’m doing just fine," she replied. "You should be feeding me snacks like the rest of them." 

Yash chuckled, clearly enjoying the back-and-forth. "You think you're too good for snacks? Fine, I’ll go spoil someone else."

Raghav then turned to his best friend, Siya, with a playful smirk. "How’s Yash treating you, Siya? Or should I come over there and make sure he feeds you properly?" 

Yash laughed loudly at the teasing. "Oh, please," he said dramatically, holding up his hands in surrender. "I’m doing my best, alright?" 

Meanwhile, Sneha and Avantika exchanged a glance, laughing at the way their friends and family were getting along. The teasing, the laughter, the playfulness—it was all part of the fun, and despite the undercurrents of tension, it felt like everyone was coming together to make this celebration something special.

Even though Reyansh was a little withdrawn, watching from a distance, his eyes occasionally flickered toward Avantika as she smiled and laughed with the people around her. The family had a way of making everyone feel welcome, and today, it seemed like the start of something new—something that might just turn into a bond stronger than anyone could have imagined.

As the evening progressed and the sounds of laughter died down, the atmosphere shifted to a more intimate, yet still joyous, dinner setting. The courtyard had been transformed, with long tables draped in vibrant colors and set with beautiful china, crystal glasses, and freshly prepared dishes. The air was filled with the tantalizing aromas of rich, aromatic food as guests took their seats.

Vinesh, standing at the head of the table, clinked his glass to get everyone's attention. "Alright, everyone! Time for the next tradition of the Singhania family!" he announced, his voice full of energy.

The men of the Singhania family, Yash, Pratap, Abhiram, and Raghavendra, immediately raised their glasses in cheerful acknowledgment, a grin spreading across their faces. Their laughter echoed as they shared knowing glances, anticipating what was coming next.

On the other side, the Rathi family, though familiar with the wedding traditions, looked momentarily confused. Sayli raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued, while Digvijay exchanged a glance with her. The others, like Sneha and Yug, were puzzled too, unsure of what this tradition entailed.

Sensing their confusion, Pratap leaned forward, his warm smile putting everyone at ease. "Ah, don't worry," he said, his voice gentle and reassuring. "This is a tradition we follow during festivals and big occasions like this. It's a way for the men to show their appreciation for the women who work so tirelessly during the preparations."

He continued, looking at his wife, Aaradhya, and then at the other women of the family. "The men feed their wives as a small gesture of gratitude for all their efforts. They carry the weight of so much of the work and care behind the scenes, so this is our way of honoring them."

A soft murmur of understanding swept through the gathering, and even the Rathi family nodded in acknowledgment. Sayli smiled, though her gaze was still a little uncertain. Meanwhile, Avantika's cheeks turned pink as she exchanged a quick glance with Reyansh, wondering what his role in the tradition would be.

Pratap’s voice rang out once more, bringing everyone’s attention back to him. "Now, let’s all enjoy this special moment and honor the wonderful women in our lives. Men, go ahead and serve your wives, and let’s make this a moment to remember."

As Pratap finished his speech, the guests settled into a comfortable silence, the weight of the tradition settling in. Everyone prepared for the next part of the evening when Radha and Siya, both with playful glints in their eyes, raised their hands simultaneously.

"Wait, wait!" Radha called out, her voice light but teasing. "What about us? We’re still single, aren’t we?" she asked, a mischievous smile tugging at her lips.

Siya, never one to be left out, chimed in, "Yes, exactly! Who’s going to feed us, then? We’ve been working just as hard, but it seems no one remembers us!"

The room erupted into laughter, and everyone turned to look at the two women, who had cleverly thrown the question into the air. The men exchanged puzzled glances for a brief moment. But then, as if on cue, Yash, always ready for a bit of fun, stood up with a dramatic flourish and grinned at Siya.

"Well, as the most charming man around, it seems only fitting that I take it upon myself to feed the beautiful and hardworking Siya!" Yash declared with a wink, his voice playful and full of confidence. Siya raised an eyebrow, but the sparkle in her eyes said it all—she was enjoying the attention.

"I’m glad someone’s taking the responsibility," she said, leaning back in her chair with a smile, giving him a teasing glance.

At the same time, Raghav, ever the gentleman, leaned over to Radha with a smirk. "I suppose I should help out our lovely Radha, too. After all, who else could take on such a noble task?" he said, with a slight bow of his head.

Radha, couldn’t help but grin at Raghav. "Oh, so now you want to help, huh? Well, I’ll graciously accept, but only because you’re such a nice guy."

Vinesh, always one to enjoy a good act, stood up in front of everyone, raised his hand dramatically, and adopted an exaggerated tone. "Ah, the true stars of the evening, the single ladies, are left without a hero. Fear not! I, Vinesh, have arrived to rescue the day!"

His theatrical performance drew a round of applause and laughter from the crowd. He took a bow, enjoying the moment, before continuing in his usual playful manner. "But just to be clear, I’m not feeding anyone. I’m just here for moral support. You’re all welcome."

The whole room broke into laughter at his antics, and the moment of levity lightened the atmosphere. As the teasing continued, Reyansh, still somewhat reserved, watched with a small smile tugging at his lips. The playful banter had a way of drawing people in, even the most serious of them.

With the mood light and the tradition in full swing, the men went to work, each offering their wives food, as per tradition. Yash’s playful gestures towards Siya were met with teasing remarks, and Raghav’s casual feeding of Radha had a warm camaraderie that showed the close bond between them.

As the evening progressed and the men continued to serve their wives, Avantika found herself watching Reyansh, wondering if he would partake in this tradition too. His calm, composed demeanor remained unchanged, but there was a soft glimmer in his eyes as he observed the light-hearted interactions.

And as she sat there, lost in her thoughts, she couldn't help but feel the weight of the impending union, knowing that soon, their lives would merge in ways neither of them could yet fully understand. But for now, in this fleeting moment of joy, there was just family, laughter, and a celebration of togetherness.

The playful banter continued as the night progressed, with everyone enjoying the warmth of the moment, the family coming together in celebration, laughter, and love. The excitement for the wedding only seemed to grow with each passing second, but amidst all the chaos, Avantika's heart felt a little lighter. The love, the teasing, and the support of everyone around her began to make her feel that, perhaps, this wedding might just be the beginning of something beautiful.

Avantika couldn't shake off the feeling that the journey ahead would be much more complicated than she had ever imagined. There was something about Reyansh's rushed approach, the secrecy behind his decisions, that made her wonder.

But for tonight, at least, she allowed herself to get lost in the celebration. After all, it was the start of a new chapter-one that she was about to share with the man she was soon to marry.

❤

The garden was buzzing with energy, the glow of fairy lights casting a warm, golden hue. Avantika, Radha, Siya, and Sneha were seated on a low bench, focused on removing the dried henna from their hands. Their giggles and banter filled the air, only interrupted by the louder laughter of the boys-Reyansh, Yash, Raghav, Yug, and Vinesh-seated nearby.

"Wow, Avantika," Sneha teased, holding up Avantika's hand for everyone to see. "Your henna is so dark. You know what they say, right? The darker the color, the deeper the love of your future husband!"

Avantika's cheeks turned crimson, matching the henna on her hands. She quickly tried to dismiss it. "That's just a myth," she mumbled, but the playful smirks around her didn't fade.

Raghav, meanwhile, leaned closer to Radha, mischief dancing in his eyes. "Radha, tumhari mehendi toh sabse sundar lag rahi hai. Shayad yeh is baat ka signal hai ki tumhe shaadi kar leni chahiye... mere saath."

Radha rolled her eyes, a laugh escaping her. "Raghav, tumhari flirting skills mujhe impress karne ke liye kaafi nahi hain."

Raghav clutched his chest dramatically, looking at Reyansh. "Dekhiye, Jija ji, aapki behen meri feelings ke saath khel rahi hai!"

The group burst into laughter at the audacity, but before Radha could respond, Reyansh's calm voice cut through the mirth. "Raghav, flirting ke liye kaafi ladkiyan milengi tumhe, lekin Radha unmein se nahi hai."

His words weren't harsh, but there was a protective edge to them that made Raghav sit up straight, holding his hands up in mock surrender. "Aree bhai, bas mazaak kar raha hoon. Aap tension mat lo. Radha meri dost hai."

On the other side, Yash was busy charming Siya. "Siya, tumhari mehendi toh acchi hai, par agar tumhara naam Mrs. Malhotra ho jaye, toh yeh aur bhi sundar lagega." He leaned back with a dramatic wink, clearly proud of his line.

Siya didn't miss a beat, smirking as she flicked some henna dust his way. "Mr. Malhotra, agar aap flirting ke badle apni kaam par dhyan dete, toh shayad aap thoda interesting lagte."

The group erupted into laughter again, but before Yash could retort, Yug chimed in, leaning forward with mock seriousness. "Yash, ek baat yaad rakhna. Siya meri chhoti behen jaisi hai. Agar zyada close hone ki koshish ki, toh Mr. Malhotra se Mr. Gayaab banane mein der nahi lagayenge."

Sarvesh held up his hands, laughing nervously. "Arre, Yug bhai, mazaak tha. Aap itna serious maat ho jao. Aapki chhoti behen ke sath nahi ulju ga kabhi."

Siya smirked, crossing her arms. "Good. Tumhe pata chalna chahiye ki chhoti behen jaisi hone ka kya matlab."

Reyansh was quitly observing the henna on Avantika's hand when Yash chimed in. "Arre wah, Reyansh, Avantika ka mehendi rang toh aapke dil ka hal suna raha hai!"

Before Reyansh could respond, Yug smirked and leaned forward, adding fuel to the fire. "Reyansh, yeh sab rang ka jaadu dekh rahe ho? Avantika ka dil toh tumhare liye already jeet chuka hai. Tum kab apna rang dikhane wale ho?"

Avantika gasped, her eyes widening. "Yug bhaiya, please! Aap bhi shuru mat ho jaaiye!"

Reyansh, who had been watching the exchange with his usual calm demeanor, finally spoke, his voice deep and deliberate. "Kuch cheezein kehne ki zarurat nahi hoti, Yug bahiya," he said, his gaze flickering briefly to Avantika before settling back on the group. "Jo sach hai, woh apne aap samajh aa jaata hai."

His subtle yet impactful comment sent the group into a frenzy of laughter and whooping. Avantika looked down at her palms, her blush deepening further. Sneha leaned over, nudging her. "Dekha? Reyansh ji ne khud accept kar liya. Ab toh tumhari sharmana aur bhi cute lag raha hai."

Avantika groaned, covering her face with her hands. "You all are impossible!" she muttered, though the small smile peeking through her fingers didn't go unnoticed by Reyansh.

His smirk grew ever so slightly, but he didn't say another word, letting the teasing continue as he returned to his reserved, quiet self.

And as the night went on, the teasing and laughter continued, filling the garden with warmth, camaraderie, and an unmistakable air of affection, both spoken and unspoken.

------------------------

Hey loveliss!!

3.9k words!!!...longest chapter till now. Some chapters will be small and some will be big so try to adjust.

BTW How was the story?

Don't forget to vote and comment ❤️

Make sure to follow me on instagram to get spoilers..

Insta I'd:  books_firstlove31

Bye...!!!