His Dark Love

Chapter 27 : The Engagement Ceremony

The engagement ceremony of Abhimanyu and Aanushka was a highly anticipated event, marking the beginning of their official journey together. It was a day filled with love, tradition, and celebration, bringing together their families, friends, and children in a beautiful blend of Hindu culture and modern elegance.
The Khanna mansion was adorned with vibrant marigold garlands, intricate rangoli designs, and twinkling fairy lights that cast a warm glow over the entire house. The scent of incense and fresh flowers filled the air, creating an atmosphere of sacredness and festivity. The morning began with a traditional pooja, a prayer ceremony to seek blessings from the deities for the couple's future. The family gathered in the prayer room, where a beautifully decorated altar had been set up with idols of gods and goddesses, offerings of fruits, sweets, and flowers, and a sacred fire for the havan.Abhimanyu and Aanushka, dressed in traditional attire, took their seats before the altar. Abhimanyu wore a cream-colored kurta with gold embroidery and a matching churidar, while Aanushka looked resplendent in a red and gold saree, her hair adorned with jasmine flowers and her wrists jingling with bangles.The priest began the ceremony with the chanting of Vedic mantras, invoking the blessings of the divine. Abhimanyu's parents, Rajveer and Pallavi, and Aanushka's parents, Sunil and Arpita, participated in the rituals, offering prayers and performing the aarti. The flickering flames of the havan reflected in everyone's eyes, symbolizing purity and the divine presence.As the priest chanted, Abhimanyu and Aanushka performed the ritual of kanya pujan, where they worshipped young girls representing the nine forms of the goddess Durga. This was followed by the tying of the kalava, a sacred red thread, around their wrists, signifying protection and blessings.After the pooja, the family moved to the garden for the exchange of rings, the centerpiece of the engagement ceremony. The garden had been transformed into a fairy tale setting with canopies of flowers, elegant seating arrangements, and a grand stage decorated with roses and orchids.The guests, including Abhimanyu's four best friends—Zaroon, Lorenzo, Sebastian, and Arav—and their families, along with Aanushka's brother Vidyut, mingled and chatted, enjoying the festive atmosphere. The children, including Armaan and the twins, Abhinav and Abhisek, ran around excitedly, adding to the joyful chaos.As the couple took their places on the stage, the music shifted to a soft, melodious tune. Abhimanyu's eyes locked onto Aanushka's, filled with love and commitment. He took her hand, and the world seemed to fade away as they stood ready to exchange their rings.Rajveer stepped forward, holding a velvet box containing a stunning diamond ring. He handed it to Abhimanyu, who gently took Aanushka's left hand and slipped the ring onto her finger. The crowd erupted in applause, and Aanushka's eyes shimmered with happy tears.Next, it was Aanushka's turn. Pallavi handed her a matching ring, and with a steady hand, she placed it on Abhimanyu's finger. Their smiles were radiant, capturing the essence of the moment—two souls promising to share their lives together.The ceremony was followed by a grand party. The garden had been set up with food stalls offering a variety of Indian delicacies, from spicy chaat and crispy dosas to rich biryanis and creamy kulfis. There was also a lavish buffet featuring a fusion of traditional and contemporary dishes, ensuring that every guest's palate was satisfied.The center of attention was a beautifully decorated cake, symbolizing the sweetness of the couple's journey. Abhimanyu and Aanushka cut the cake together, feeding each other the first slice amidst cheers and flashes of cameras.The evening continued with music and dance. A live band played a mix of classical and Bollywood tunes, encouraging everyone to hit the dance floor. Zaroon, Lorenzo, Sebastian, and Arav took turns toasting the couple, sharing heartfelt stories and light-hearted anecdotes that had everyone laughing and reminiscing.Raina, Zaroon's wife, led a group of ladies in a traditional ghoomar dance, their colorful lehengas twirling gracefully. Aanushka joined them, her face glowing with joy as she danced with her new family. Abhimanyu watched her with admiration, feeling grateful for the love and happiness surrounding them.As the night progressed, the party took on a more intimate tone. Families sat together, sharing stories and dreams for the future. The children, now tired from their play, nestled in their grandparents' laps, dozing off to the soothing sounds of laughter and conversation.Abhimanyu and Aanushka stole a moment alone, walking hand in hand through the garden. The moonlight cast a silvery sheen on the flowers, and the cool night air was filled with the scent of jasmine."Are you happy?" Abhimanyu asked, his voice soft and tender."More than I can say," Aanushka replied, leaning into him. "This is everything I ever dreamed of and more."He kissed her forehead, holding her close. "I promise to make every day as special as today.""You already do," she whispered, her heart swelling with love.They returned to the party, where their families awaited them. Rajveer and Pallavi embraced them, their eyes shining with pride. Sunil and Arpita joined in, their smiles reflecting the joy of seeing their daughter so happy.Vidyut, ever the protective brother, clapped Abhimanyu on the back. "Take good care of her," he said, though his tone was light, the underlying message was clear."I will," Abhimanyu assured him. "With all my heart."As the night drew to a close, the families gathered for one last ritual—the exchanging of gifts. Rajveer and Pallavi presented Aanushka with a beautiful necklace, symbolizing their acceptance of her into their family. Sunil and Arpita gave Abhimanyu a traditional shawl, representing their blessings for his role as Aanushka's partner.The engagement ceremony was more than just a celebration; it was a testament to the love and unity that bound the Khanna and Aharavat families. It marked the beginning of a new chapter, one filled with hope, joy, and the promise of a beautiful future.As the guests departed, the family lingered, savoring the last moments of the day. Abhimanyu and Aanushka, now officially betrothed, stood together, surrounded by the people they loved most. The journey ahead was sure to be filled with challenges and triumphs, but they knew that with their families by their side, they could face anything.The engagement ceremony was a day to remember, a day that laid the foundation for a lifetime of love and happiness. As the night sky sparkled with stars, Abhimanyu and Aanushka looked forward to their wedding and the many adventures that awaited them.