ꜱᴇᴄʀᴇᴛ ᴍᴀʀʀɪᴀɢᴇ [ᴄᴏᴍᴘʟᴇᴛᴇᴅ]

Rituals

Nikita POV:

To say I was shocked would be an understatement. I was expecting to be yelled at, to be slapped maybe, and instead, I'm being told to marry him?
"What?!" I exclaimed.
Why did Mayukh not have a reaction?

"Beta, we know you're shocked, but think about it. You two are already married. You married once on Durga Pujo and were married again technically om Akshay Tritiya, both very auspicious days. You both have been separated twice yet you still find your way back to each other through destiny. If this isn't a sign, then I don't know what is." Aai explained.
"Aai but—"
"We know it's very cultural and all, but we genuinely like you. We really do. Ruyash has been telling me for months now that make it official. Ever since we found out, we wanted to tell your parents but while waiting for the right time, you moved to the UK." Aunty added.
"You're right in your place for hiding it Nikita, but, I should have known, if I did, you two would be celebrating your 2nd marriage anniversary soon." Aai chuckled.
Aunty also chuckled, "Yes. But since you aren't, then we are going to get you married on your second marriage anniversary, and make it official."
I looked at Mayukh, who was listening but not replying. Aunty noticed and then asked Mayukh.
"What do you say Mayukh?"
Mayukh simply nodded, "I'm fine with it Mom."
"Wonderful!" Aai said.
And all eyes were on me again.

I didn't know what to do. I looked at Dad, who gave me a reassuring smile. Rahul did the same. Ruyash Dada did the same. There's no escape now and so, I nodded, "Ok. I'm fine with it too."

A bunch of cheers and congratulations bursted across the hall. I saw everyone celebrate. "Then it's settled, in 2 days time, we're getting Nikita and Mayukh married!" Aunty exclaimed.
I saw Ruyash Bhai come and hug me, "I'm very happy about this Nikdu."
I just smiled.

Riya is going to kill me.

Mayukh POV:

I was beyond happy. I'm getting married to the girl I wanted. 2 years later, but I'm there. She's going to be mine. I looked at her, she seemed worried. I didn't expect her to be happy, considering whatever she was angry about a while back, but she seemed stressed. Nonetheless, I'll talk to her in a bit.

I took blessings of all the elders and she did as well, then the Pandit ji was called, who then were checking our kundili to make sure everything is fine. After a few minutes, he announced that all 36 gunns are matching. Everyone was delighted.

Nikita went inside to make chai for everyone while I sat next to Bhai, who was playing with his son.
"Congratulations." He said.
"Thank you." I said, my eyes on Nikita.
"You don't have to stare abhi se, give it a break."
"No Bhai... I... she seems worried by our marriage."
"Oh."
"Yeah. I don't expect her to be like all celebrating because she always tried to run away from me, but why is she scared?"
"Ask her."
"As if she'd tell."'
"She'd give you a clue at least. Check with Armaan, if you want I'll talk to Manisha or Esha. Esha would be the best person."
"Yeah you're right."

~~~

The Chaudary mansion was decorated heavily for the mehendi ceremony. All ladies were seated, with two ladies applying mehendi on Nikita. She sat there in awe of the beautiful designs being adorned into her arms.
"What's the name for the groom?" One of the ladies asked.
Nikita felt very shy to answer.
"M." Mayukh answered.
She looked up to finding him looking at her with awe. She felt butterflies in her stomach but kept a straight face.
"You...You need something?" She asked, as he sat down kneeling in front of her.
"Yes." He said, "You."
Everyone was blushing hearing that. The two parlour ladies had heard that and they were trying to hide their smiles.
"What..."
"Ladies," Mayukh said turning to them, "if you don't mind, can you quickly write N on my palm, I want my bride's name as well."
Nikita stared in shock as the ladies smiled and one of them put a 'N' on his hand. He looked at it and showed Nikita. "How's it?"
Nikita couldn't reply, she was shocked, but finally managed to nod her head in approval.
Mayukh smiled and walked away, leaving a fully blushing Nikita.
"You're a lucky girl Ma'am!" One of the ladies said.
Nikita couldn't help but give a small smile.

Nikita POV:

We stayed at their place for the night. The next day we showered and got ready for the pre wedding rituals along with a bunch of shopping.  I was out with Manisha Bhabhi and Aai and Aunty for the entire afternoon, picking out outfits for the wedding, while Mayukh had to do the same with the guys. At the end of the evening, we all got back. Ideally there's a tradition that the groom and bride can't see each other before the marriage but this got eradicated for us since we saw each other well in advance and we have had a marriage before.

Currently, I sat in my room while everyone else was downstairs. I had washed off my mehendi after 3 hours and now had changed into my sleepwear. The door opened and Aai walked in.

"Aai." I sat up straight.
"Are you happy beta?"
What question is this? I don't want Aai to get upset now, so I just nodded, "Yes."
"You seem upset."
"I'm surprised Aai."
"I understand why you didn't tell me. I'm not mad at you. I just feel like I failed you as a mother by making it look like you can't tell me."
"No Aai. It was my decision. Not your failure."
She nodded.
"I... Are you happy Aai?"
"With?"
"Him, us?"
"I very much am. I liked him from the day we met him at your Dubai house, but I couldn't ask for a marriage because you both were still studying and I respected your demand of giving you time. I didn't want to lose touch because I really did like him."
"That's nice."
"He's a nice boy. A very nice boy. I'm happy you're getting married there."
"That's all that matters then."
"Your happiness matters too, Nikku."
"I'm happy Aai. Don't worry."
"Sleep now. It's a big day tomorrow."
I nodded and she left the room.

I got ready to sleep. While braiding my hair, I stared at myself. I was going to a wife, again. I was one for the last 2 years, but I'd become one again. He doesn't like me though, but he kissed me. His kisses make me melt. I feel the world in them. But... Riya clearly said that this is all just for show. Should I believe her? Should I talk to Mayukh about her? Does he still want me for my body?
What would he do now? He can't throw me away, can he?