Chapter 15: The Wedding Day

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The day of the wedding dawned bright and clear, with the château bathed in the soft morning light, ready to welcome the festivities. As the morning sun illuminated the lush gardens and elegant architecture, Raha and Saayan prepared for the day they had meticulously planned. The air was filled with the fragrance of flowers and the sound of traditional Indian music, setting the stage for a celebration that beautifully blended their cultural heritage with the elegance of their European setting.

The courtyard was a hive of activity, with friends and colleagues bustling about, ensuring every detail was perfect. The mandap, a beautifully decorated structure under which the sacred rituals would take place, stood majestically in the garden, adorned with marigold garlands, fresh roses, and twinkling lights. The vibrant colors of the decorations created a striking contrast against the serene backdrop of the château's gardens.

Raha looked radiant in her traditional red and gold lehenga, the intricate embroidery catching the light as she moved. Her jewelry sparkled, and the henna on her hands, still dark and fresh from the Mehendi ceremony, added a final touch of tradition. As she prepared for the ceremony, her heart raced with excitement and a sense of profound joy

In another room, Saayan was surrounded by his friends as he donned his cream sherwani and turban. The atmosphere was lively, filled with laughter and teasing, but Saayan's thoughts were entirely focused on Raha and the life they were about to begin together.

The sound of the shehnai, a traditional Indian wind instrument, filled the air as the Baraat, the groom's procession, began. Saayan, on a beautifully adorned white horse, led the procession, accompanied by friends and colleagues dancing and celebrating. The joyous music and vibrant energy of the Baraat drew everyone's attention, setting a festive tone for the day.

As Saayan approached the mandap, Raha made her entrance, accompanied by her closest friends who held a decorative canopy over her. Her eyes met Saayan's, and in that moment, everything else faded away. They smiled at each other, the love and excitement evident in their expressions.

The priest began the ceremony, chanting Sanskrit mantras that echoed through the garden, invoking blessings for the couple. The rituals were a beautiful blend of tradition and meaning, each one symbolizing different aspects of their commitment to each other. They performed the Kanyadaan, where Raha's friends symbolically gave her hand to Saayan, signifying the union of their lives.

Raha and Saayan exchanged garlands in the Jai Mala ceremony, smiling and laughing as they placed the flowers around each other's necks. "You look beautiful," Saayan whispered, his eyes shining with love.

"So do you," Raha replied, her heart full.

The highlight of the ceremony was the Saptapadi, the seven steps around the sacred fire, each step representing a vow they made to each other. As they walked around the fire, hand in hand, the priest recited the vows, and they repeated them, their voices steady and filled with emotion.

"With each step, we promise to cherish and support each other," Saayan said, his voice unwavering.

"To respect and honor each other," Raha added, her eyes locked on Saayan's.

"To share in each other's joy and sorrow," they said together, their voices a perfect harmony.

The ceremony culminated with the Sindoor and Mangalsutra rituals, where Saayan applied a small amount of vermilion powder to Raha's forehead and tied the Mangalsutra, a sacred necklace, around her neck. These acts symbolized their union and Saayan's vow to protect and cherish Raha.

"With this, we are bound together for life," Saayan said softly, looking into Raha's eyes.

"And beyond," Raha replied, tears of joy glistening in her eyes.

As the ceremony concluded, their friends and colleagues erupted in applause and cheers, celebrating the beautiful union they had witnessed. The couple's faces glowed with happiness, and the air was filled with a sense of completion and new beginnings.

"This was perfect," Raha said, holding Saayan's hand as they walked away from the mandap.

"It was," Saayan agreed. "And now, we start our life together as husband and wife."

The festivities continued with a grand reception in the château's ballroom, a perfect blend of Indian grandeur and European elegance. The room was filled with laughter, dancing, and heartfelt speeches, celebrating the couple's love and the unique journey that had brought them together.

As they danced under the sparkling chandeliers, surrounded by their loved ones, Raha and Saayan knew that this was just the beginning of their beautiful adventure together.

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