The Sacred Alliance

• Chapter 14 •

~ Present ~ 

As the mehendi ceremony unfolded, Jaanvi sat comfortably on the couch, observing her dearest cousins and friends engaged in laughter, dancing and playful banter with each other. A sweet smile graced her face as she enjoyed the lively atmosphere around her. Meanwhile, skilled mehendi artists adorned both her hands with intricate designs 

One of her cousins teasingly inquired if Jaanvi was lost in the thoughts about Abhimaan, her soon-to-be husband. Before Jaanvi could respond, brushing off the teasing remark, Chhavi jumped in

Chhavi: Of course yeh bhi koi puchne wali baat hai bhala. Humari Jaanvi toh sirf Abhimaan jiju ke khayalon mein hi dubi rehti hai hamesha. Hai na, Jaanu ? 

She teasingly nudge Jaanvi's shoulders, prompting Jaanvi to roll her eyes in response. Jaanvi then shifted her attention to her arms, where two girls were drawing intricate designs with henna. 

At that moment, Samir arrived at Mehra house, accompanied by his younger grandson, Yuvraj and granddaughter, Suhana. They had come to meet the bride and also to check on the progress of the wedding preparations. Excited to see their bhabhi, Suhana rushed over to Jaanvi as soon as she spotted her, enveloping her in a warm hug

Suhana: Hi bhabhi !! You are looking so pretty

Jaanvi grinned at the 18-year-old Suhana and gestured for her to sit beside her 

Jaanvi: You are looking lovely too, my sweetie 

Suhana beamed at her bhabhi and thanked her. Meanwhile Samir and Yuvraj also joined them. Samir glanced at Jaanvi and jokingly remarked 

Samir: Jaanvi puttar, dadu ko bhul gayi ? 

Jaanvi: Mai bhala apne dadu ko kaise bhul sakti hu ?

She replied with a chuckle and Samir lovingly caressed her head before asking 

Samir: Kaisi ho meri bachi ? 

Jaanvi: Ek dam achi hu. Aap thik toh hona ? 

Samir: Mai toh, puttar, ek dam changa hu, aakhir kar mere dono bachon ki shaadi jo hai

Yuvraj: Dadu toh puri tarah se tayar hai, kal baarat mein nachne ke liye 

Jaanvi: Haa, jaise Abhimaan ji unko dance karne dene wale hai 

Samir: Arey, woh kya, uska baap bhi nhi rok payega mujhe kal naachne se

Yuvraj: Bade papa yeha honge, tab na woh aapko rokenge 

Yuvraj muttered quietly under his breath, making sure no one could hear him especially the person beside him, his dadu 

Suhana: Yeha kitna acha hai, everyone is having so much fun. But woha hotel mein kuch bhi nhi ho raha. Mujhe toh mehendi bhi lagwani thi, khair chodo  

Jaanvi: Toh yehi lagwa lo mehendi, hum sabke saath 

Jaanvi suggested getting mehendi done with her as her sweet sister-in-law expressed her desire. Uncertain about the idea, Suhana looked up at her grandfather seeking his permission 

Samir: Mujhse kya puch rahi ho, tumhari bhabhi keh rahi hai toh lagwa lo

Suhana happily nodded and settled down comfortably. Meanwhile Chhavi called over another girl to apply mehendi on Suhana's hands 

Samir: Tum sab yahi baatein karo, mai jara sabse milke aata hu

Jaanvi: Ji dadu !!

She replied with a nod. After Samir ambled away to meet the other family members, Yuvraj spoke up