𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐁𝐑𝐈𝐃𝐄 - 𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐊𝐔𝐑

7.

Author's POV

After the Haldi ceremony, Rudra wastes no time and swiftly departs for the wedding of that man's daughter.

The man stood at the door, his eyes fixed on the path ahead. His wife, sensing his worry, came beside him and whispered, "He won't come, not to the house of poor people like us."

"It's getting late," she added, her voice trembling. "Pandit ji is calling the bride to the mandap."

Just as they turned to resign themselves to the moment, the unmistakable roar of a vehicle broke the silence. They turned back, stunned, as Rudra stepped out the instant his man opened the door. Relief washed over the man's face, a faint smile forming.

The entire gathering froze. Conversations halted, and every pair of eyes shifted toward Bade Thakur Saheb. His commanding presence sent waves of silence rippling through the crowd.

The man rushed forward, his steps quick and eager. "Thakur Saheb, please, this way," he stammered. Rudra moved with measured steps, his air of authority as he took his seat.

"It looks like it's time for you to bring your daughter to the mandap. Go, bring her," Baldev says, noticing Rudra's gaze on him. The man glances at Thakur Saheb, who nods.

Without delay, the man and his wife hurried inside, returning moments later with their daughter, adorned in a red wedding dress that shimmered in the soft light. She looked radiant.

The ceremony commenced.

Throughout the event, the man spared no effort in hospitality, but Baldev intervened, urging him not to overdo it.

Meanwhile, the groom's parents, who had planned to demand dowry after the ceremony, are now wide awake and on edge. They had intended to threaten the bride's father with abandoning her if their demands weren't met. But now, with Bade Thakur's presence, they dare not utter a word. The fear of crossing him is too great.

As the marriage concludes, the bride and groom, approach Rudra for his blessings. He blesses them with a curt nod. Then, he departed into the night.

                             •••

Wedding day

The preparations for the wedding were complete. The temple, located a located a bit away from the village and nestled closer to the neighboring one. Rajesh had ensured that not a single detail was overlooked, making sure the mandap stood out with its magnificent adornments.

Inside a room near the temple, Paridhi sat before a mirror, getting ready. Kanak and her mother busily attended to her, helping her with the final touches. On Kanak's insistence, Paridhi wore minimal makeup, her natural beauty shining through without the need for anything excessive.

Once her makeup was complete, they began to adorn her with jewelry. As Kanak's mother left the room, Paridhi suddenly reached out and grasped Kanak's hand. A strange sense of unease had settled over her, and she couldn't explain why. Her heart was restless, her mind clouded with worry.

Kanak gave her a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, it's just the wedding nerves," she said softly, squeezing Paridhi's hand.

Paridhi nodded, trying to calm herself. All she could do was hope and pray that everything would go smoothly. After all, she was about to marry the man of her dreams.

Groom's side

The groom's procession had already set off, and soon, they arrived at their destination-the temple. As everyone stepped out of the cars, as they see. Rajesh stood proudly at the entrance, dressed in a traditional turban and kurta-pajama.