FATEFUL: TANGLED VOWS

After the Vows

The wedding rituals had concluded, but the festivities were far from over. The Rajvansh mansion buzzed with excitement as the family and guests gathered for the post-marriage games and rituals. It was a time to welcome the new bride, Tashvi, into the family with warmth and tradition.

Tashvi sat in the middle of the living room, still adorned in her bridal attire, feeling a mix of nervousness and anticipation. The vibrant colors of her lehenga and the intricate henna on her hands contrasted sharply with the cool demeanor of her new husband, Aayan, who sat beside her, his expression as unreadable as ever.

The elders called everyone’s attention to the next ritual, the traditional ring-finding game. A large silver bowl filled with milk, rose petals, and other auspicious items was placed before the couple. The idea was simple: both bride and groom would search for a ring hidden in the bowl, and whoever found it first would supposedly rule the household.

Gayatri Badi Maa, a formidable presence in the household, took charge of explaining the rules. "Yeh ek pariksha hai, dono ki samajh aur kismat ka. Jo pehle angoothi dhoondh lega, wahi ghar mein raj karega," she said, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

("This is a test of both your wits and your luck. Whoever finds the ring first will have the upper hand in your marriage.")

Aayan rolled his eyes slightly but complied, submerging his hand into the bowl. Tashvi followed suit, her fingers brushing against his in the water. She looked up, catching his gaze for a moment, and saw a flicker of surprise in his eyes. The brief contact sent a shiver down her spine.

The guests and family members cheered, urging them on. Yuvaan, Aayan’s younger brother, couldn’t resist teasing.
"Come on, bhai, don’t let Tashvi bhabhi win so easily!"

Kiara, Tashvi’s best friend, added her own encouragement.
"Tashvi, show them what you’ve got!"

As they fished around for the ring, Aayan’s competitive nature kicked in. He smirked slightly, determined to win. But Tashvi wasn’t about to let him have it easy. Her fingers moved quickly and deftly, and just when Aayan thought he had the ring, she snatched it away, holding it triumphantly above the bowl.

Aayan’s eyes narrowed slightly. He leaned in closer, his hand brushing against hers under the milky water, and whispered,"You think you've won?"

Tashvi felt her heart race. ,"Yes, and you'll have to lose." she replied with a playful smile.

The room erupted in laughter and applause. Aayan looked at her with a mix of amusement and admiration. "Well played" he said quietly, his voice carrying a hint of genuine respect.

Yuvaan clapped Aayan on the back. "Looks like you’re going to have to listen to bhabhi now!"

Tashvi couldn’t help but laugh, feeling a bit of the tension ease between them. Maybe this was a small victory, but it was a start.

As the evening continued, more rituals and games followed. Each one was designed to break the ice between the newlyweds and integrate Tashvi into the Rajvansh family. One particularly memorable moment was when Vedant, Aayan’s best friend, orchestrated a dance-off between the family members. Even Aayan, usually so reserved, was coaxed into participating, much to everyone’s delight.

Tashvi muttered something to herself not knowing she said out that loud that it reached aayan ears "Kiara already said I am too beautiful to resist and I will make it happen"

Aayan, with a cold smirk, couldn't resist teasing Tashvi, "Khubsoorat? Vo toh tumhara ladna bhi hai?"

Tashvi, giving him an amused look, retorted, "Looks like I've got you all figured out, Mr. Rajvansh."