The courtyard of the Rajvanshi Palace shimmered under a sky full of stars. Crystal chandeliers swayed with the breeze, and the warm golden lights from thousands of diyas cast a divine glow on the white marbled floors. The grand mandap, erected under the sacred Peepal tree, was adorned with marigolds, roses, mogra, and golden bells that chimed gently in the wind. It stood like a divine temple, ready to witness the beginning of a sacred bond.

The royal guests were seated in rows, all dressed in silk and zardozi, eyes focused on the mandap.

Sitara, wrapped in an intricately embroidered red and gold lehenga with a long trailing dupatta pinned on her head, walked toward the mandap with her brother Prince Rudraksh by her side. Her maang tika sparkled, her eyes lined with kohl shined with unshed tears—but her posture was straight, graceful. She looked like a queen—a warrior bride.

As she walked slowly, the shehnai played in the background, and flower petals rained over her.

Abhay, dressed in a regal ivory sherwani with emerald buttons and a matching turban, stood at the mandap, eyes fixed on her. His jaw tightened, emotions buried deep—but his gaze burned through everything else.

When their eyes met, it felt like time paused.

Pandit ji (chanting softly):

"Swagatam rajasuyasya kanyaam... sampratigachhatu mandapam."

(Let the bride be welcomed to the sacred space of this holy bond.)

Sitara reached the mandap. Her brother gave her hand to Abhay. There was a moment—a fleeting hesitation—but she offered her hand. Abhay took it gently but firmly.

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Jai Mala (Garland Exchange)

The priest asked them to stand. Sitara and Abhay exchanged garlands, flower petals flew in the air, camera flashes sparkled, and the sound of conch shells filled the space. Aryan whistled teasingly. Kavya had moist eyes. Maharani Meenakshi silently joined her hands in prayer.

Pandit ji:

"Yeh pushp mala ke dwara aap dono ek doosre ke jeevan mein sukh, samman aur samarpan ka sankalp lete hain."

(With this garland, you vow to bring joy, respect, and commitment into each other’s lives.)

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Kanyadaan

Maharaja Raghvendra and Maharani Meenakshi stepped forward. The kanyadaan was performed with sacred mantras. The Maharaja placed his daughter’s hand in Abhay’s palm.

Raghvendra:

"Aaj se meri beti, tumhari patni hai. Uska khayal rakhna, Abhay."

Abhay simply nodded, but his grip on Sitara’s hand tightened.

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Gathbandhan & Agni Sakshi Saat Pheras

The priest tied their dupattas together. The sacred fire crackled to life. The gathbandhan was made with a deep red cloth, symbolizing their bond.

Pandit ji (loudly):

"Agni ko sakshi maan kar, aap dono ab saat phere lein... har phera ek vachan hai, ek vada hai."

(In the presence of fire, you will now take seven vows—each a promise, each sacred.)

As the couple stood and began their saat pheras, a soft instrumental began to play, the chanting of mantras guiding their every step.

1. Pehla Phera – Dharma aur Samriddhi ka Vaada

Sitara and Abhay took the first step.

Pandit ji:

"Is phera ke saath, pati patni dharmik jeevan aur samriddhi ka sankalp lete hain."

(They promise to lead a spiritual and prosperous life together.)

2. Dusra Phera – Tann, Mann aur Arogya ka Vaada

They circled the fire again.

Pandit ji:

"Aap dono ek doosre ke sharirik aur maansik swasthya ka dhyan rakhenge."

(You will protect each other’s physical and emotional well-being.)

3. Teesra Phera – Sampatti aur Aashaon ka Vaada

Pandit ji:

"Sukh-sampatti ki vriddhi aur apne sapno ko saath poora karne ka vachan."

(A promise to grow together in wealth and fulfill each other’s dreams.)

4. Chautha Phera – Prem aur Vishwas ka Vaada

Sitara’s eyes briefly flickered to Abhay.

Pandit ji:

"Ek doosre ke prati prem aur vishwas banaye rakhna."

(Keep love and trust at the heart of your bond.)

5. Paanchwa Phera – Santaan aur Parivaar ka Vaada

Pandit ji:

"Kul ki maryada aur santaan ke palan poshan ka sankalp."

(Promise to protect family values and raise your future children with love.)

6. Chhatha Phera – Har Dukh aur Sukh mein saath ka Vaada

Abhay looked at her, voice low:

Abhay:

"Chahe dard ho ya jeet... main tumhara saathi rahunga."

Sitara didn't respond but heard every word.

7. Saatva Phera – Janmo janm tak ke saath ka Vaada

As they took the final step:

Pandit ji:

"Aap dono janmo tak ek doosre ke saathi rahenge."

(You will be partners not just in this life, but in every life to come.)

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Sindoor & Mangalsutra

Abhay lifted her veil. Sitara closed her eyes.

He filled her hairline with sindoor slowly, deliberately, as if sealing her fate with his own.

Then, he tied the heavy gold and black beaded mangalsutra around her neck.

Pandit ji:

"Vivah sampann hua. Ab aap dono pati-patni hain."

(The marriage is complete. You are now husband and wife.)

The conch shells blew again. Everyone clapped. Kavya wiped her tears. Aryan smirked and whispered, “Raja sahib ki rani aa gayi.”

But amidst all the cheers and smiles, Sitara whispered to herself:

"Main yeh shaadi kar chuki hoon... par dil ab bhi behosh hai. Yeh kahani ab shuru hoti hai."

And Abhay—stood beside her, unreadable, victorious, but far from satisfied.

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