MOMMA BY CHOICE

Chapter 32

Lets get started...

The Raichand mansion, nestled among lush gardens, was alive with the vibrant energy of Vihan's wedding day. This was no ordinary event for the Raichand family, known for their extravagant celebrations. Today, the grand estate was transformed into a haven of intimacy and simplicity, reflecting the unique love story of Vihan and Meera.

As the first light of dawn touched the mansion's elegant facades, the atmosphere inside was charged with anticipation. The once lavish ballroom was now a serene setting, with delicate decorations and warm, glowing lights. The sprawling courtyard, where the ceremony was to take place, was adorned with a canopy of fresh jasmine and marigold flowers. The banyan tree, a symbol of strength and continuity, provided a natural, majestic backdrop.

Meera stood at the entrance of the mansion, gazing at the grandeur that surrounded her. Dressed in a simple yet elegant red saree, her heart was a whirlwind of emotions. This mansion, which had once seemed distant and impersonal, was now the place where she would begin a new chapter of her life. As an orphan, Meera had always felt the absence of a family, but today, she felt a profound sense of belonging. She was about to marry Vihan and embrace the family she had yearned for.

Vihan, a successful business tycoon known for his sharp mind and reserved nature, had been captivated by Meera's grace and strength from the moment they met. Despite his wealth and social standing, Vihan valued simplicity and sincerity— qualities that Meera embodied perfectly. His feelings for her ran deep, and he wanted their wedding to reflect their shared values of love and simplicity.

In the late morning, guests began arriving at the mansion. The air was filled with a sense of warmth and excitement as family, friends and business world gathered to witness the union of Vihan and Meera. The usual hustle and bustle of wedding preparations had been replaced with a peaceful, almost reverent atmosphere, aligning perfectly with the couple's vision for their special day.

Vihan, dressed in a traditional ivory sherwani, stood by the mandap, his gaze fixed on the approaching figure of Meera. His usual composure was replaced by a softer, more vulnerable expression as he waited for his bride. His heart raced with anticipation as she held their little son, Veer, who was dressed in a tiny matching sherwani. Seeing Meera approach with Veer in her arms filled him with a deep sense of contentment and joy.

Meera walked gracefully towards the mandap, her heart brimming with a mix of nerves and excitement. Without her parents to give her away, she made her way on her own, her steps steady and resolute. The ceremony was about to begin, and she felt the weight of the moment settle upon her. Vihan's mother, who had embraced Meera as her own, prepared to perform the kanyadaan, symbolizing the giving away of the bride.

As Meera reached the mandap, Vihan took Veer into his arms. The sight of their small family standing together, ready to take their vows, was a poignant reminder of the love and unity that bound them. Vihan's mother gently placed Meera's hand in Vihan's, an emotional gesture that signified the acceptance of Meera into their family. For Meera, this moment was particularly significant, marking her transition from an orphan to a cherished member of the Raichand family.

The priest began chanting the sacred mantras, guiding Vihan and Meera through the traditional rituals. The couple exchanged garlands, their eyes locking in a silent promise of love and commitment. The ritual of circling the holy fire (the agni), was performed with reverence. As they walked around the fire, taking the seven vows that would bind them together as husband and wife, each vow was not just a promise to one another but also a pledge to their young son, Veer, who watched with innocent curiosity.

The ceremony continued with Vihan carefully tying the mangalsutra around Meera's neck. The black and gold beads of the mangalsutra symbolized their eternal bond, a tradition that marked the beginning of their married life. Vihan was about to apply sindoor in Meera's hairline, when the commotion and loud shouting voice of a female were heard, along with thumping steps of her entering the holy premises....