Chaahat

Epilogue 1: Wedding

1 years later:
Riya pouts at her brother, Mehndi covering her hands and feet. Shourya pulls her cheeks, tears filling his eyes.
"Bhai, I'm moving in the same apartment building as Aarav which is literally thirty minutes away!"

Meera gently pats her husband's shoulder to console him. "Aap aise mat kro. Woh khudh se rone lag jayegi."
(Don't do this. She'll start crying herself.)

Muskaan walks over, sitting next to Riya and begins fixing her earring. "Jeeju, aap phir se mat rone lag jao!"
(Jeeju, don't start crying again now!)

"Warna mein bhi rone lagungi."
(Or else I'll also start crying.)

Aarav makes his way over, he throws an arm around Meera and takes a bite out of the ladoo. "Haan please mat yaad dilao ki yeh mere itne paas rehne wali hai. I'll pass out."
(Yes, please don't remind me that she's going to living so close to me.)

A soft chuckle slips past Shourya's lips as he moves back. Rohan gently smacks the back of Aarav's head as he rolls his eyes, "Baap ban kr bhi aise hi harkatein Kroge?"
(Will you be like this after becoming a father?)

Aarav pouts before taking his Meera bhabhi away, "Let's go, bhabhi. We don't want to be near such bullies."
Riya giggles at Muskan before playfully smirking at her. "That's why I'm moving close to them, maa baap don't baache hai. My nephew or niece needs an adult."

Xavier casually stroll over to his bride, the most beautiful he's ever seen, sitting on the seat, with the mehndi artists working around her. Her ivory, embellished lehnga skirt lifted to her knees as the signs on her feet dry. Her emerald choker complementing her skin and ivory sweetheart neckline of her blouse.

Her dupatta lying behind her, telling him that she's tired of sitting in one spot. He's noticed that's a habit of hers, to move er dupatta to the side when she gets tired. He smiles at her, leaning down to give her peck before sitting on the other side of her.

"I guess....I'll leave the bride and groom alone." Muskaan giggles at the to before walking away. A hand on her still flat stomach as she wanders off to find her husband.

Riya melts against her almost husband, her head landing on his chest as she shuffles close to him to get comfortable. "I'm getting tired."
Xavier drops a kiss on her head, "almost done, baby. And then you'll get to get up. Your feet are almost dry, little bit of patience, darling."

Under the bed of stars and twinkle lights, there is a dance floor, food stalls, seating arrangements at tables covered with flowers and a stage for the bride to get her mehndi done.

Riya whines as she watches the artists work slowly around her. Seeing her restless, Xavier reaches for the glass of water. He gently puts it to her lips, helping her take a sip before going to get her food. When he returns, Riya smiles and opens her mouth.

"Sit tight, be patient. I don't want anything to fall on your clothes."
Taking his time, Xavier feeds her. Wiping her mouth when needed, dropping kisses when she gets impatient and complimenting her mehndi when she shows him.

Soon, her mehndi is done and she's hurrying down to the dance floor. Xavier rushes after her, he places her dupatta over her chest before picking up the end of her lehnga skirt to avoid ruining the designs on her lehnga. The evening sky is a canvas of deep indigo, sprinkled with stars like sequins on velvet. The rooftop is transformed into a magical realm, draped in vibrant hues and shimmering lights.

Lanterns hang from the pergolas, their soft light flickering with the gentle breeze, casting intricate shadows that dance across the space. The scent of jasmine and rose fills the air, mingling with the aroma of delicious food being served.

Riya stands at the edge of the rooftop, her lehenga swirling around her in shades of ivory and gold, reflecting the ethereal glow of the lanterns. Her hair cascades down her back in soft waves, waved with delicate jasmine flowers, and her eyes sparkle with excitement and love. Xavier watches her with her end of her skirt in his hand, his heart swelling with emotion.

He is dressed in a traditional sherwani, its rich fabric embroidered with gold thread, and he looks every bit the princely groom. The music begins to play, a melodious blend of traditional Indian instruments and modern beats. The dholki's rhythmic drumming and the sweet sound of the sitar create a harmonious symphony that demands everyone should be on the dance floor. The guests, dressed in colorful attire, gathered at the dance floor.

Xavier takes her hand gently, feeling the warmth of her touch and tries his best not to ruin her almost dried mehndi. They move to the center of the rooftop, the crowd parting to make way for the couple. The music swells, and they begin to dance, their movements perfectly in sync. It's as if they are the only two people in the world, lost in their own magical moment.

Shourya and Meera hold their children in their arms, gently swaying, Aarav holds Sofia on his shoulders as she takes pictures of her papa and mama. Chhaya olds her son in her arms and Rohan holds his wife as they gaze at the couple.

The night air is cool and refreshing, the perfect contrast to the warmth of the celebration. Above them, the stars continue to twinkle, as if they are sharing in the couple's joy. The rooftop is adorned with strings of fairy lights, their soft glow adding to the romantic atmosphere. The gentle breeze carries the sound of laughter and music, creating a symphony of happiness.

As they dance, Xavier whispers sweet nothings into Riya's ear, making her blush and smile. She looks up at him, her eyes filled with love and adoration. "I can't believe this is real," she says softly, her voice filled with emotion.

"It is," Xavier replies, his voice equally tender. "And it's just the beginning. I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you."

They continue to dance, lost in each other's embrace. Around them, the guests cheer and clap, their happiness evident. Sofia, dressed in a miniature version of Riya's outfit, twirls around them, her laughter ringing out like the sweetest melody.

Soon the family put on their favourite Bollywood songs, Sofia mimics Rohan's dance steps as Chhaya laughs her heart out. Xavier holds his bride in his arms beside Shourya and Meera as Aarav and Muskaan jam to old Govinda songs.

Laughter and joy fills the space as the family celebrate the union.

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BAS EK AUR REH GAYAAAA