𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐓𝐖𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐓𝐈𝐄𝐒 : 𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓱𝓸𝓻𝓮 𝓑𝓻𝓲𝓭𝓮𝓼

𝟔. 𝐖𝐄𝐃𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 - 𝟐

┌──❀*̥˚───❀*̥˚─┐
CHAPTER 6
└───❀*̥˚───❀*̥˚┘

Dadi’s voice cut through the silence as she clapped her hands lightly. "Alright, enough with the formalities. The bride and groom must be tired. Let’s move on to the next ritual quickly so they can rest"

But just as Dadi finished speaking, a sharp voice interrupted. "Rest? Already planning to pamper her, Maa?"

It was Rudrani, her tone laced with sarcasm. She approached slowly, her eyes narrowing as they locked onto Nainika. "You’ve made quite the grand entrance, haven’t you, Nainika?"

Nainika’s heart raced, her nerves jangling under the harsh scrutiny. But before she could respond, Reyansh stepped forward, positioning himself slightly in front of Nainika, shielding her from his mother’s cold gaze. "Maa, I think we’ve had enough of this for one night" he said, his voice firm but respectful. "Whatever issues you have with my choice, we can discuss them later. Tonight is not the time"

Rudrani’s eyes flashed, but she said nothing, merely turning away with a huff. "Do as you wish, Reyansh. After all, you’ve been doing that from the start" With that, she walked away, leaving behind an awkward silence.

Dadi sighed, shaking her head. "Ignore her, beta" she said to Nainika, her tone soothing.

Nainika nodded, though her heart still felt heavy. She knew winning over Rudrani wouldn’t be easy, but she was determined to try. Reyansh squeezed her hand again, as if reading her thoughts. "We’ll face it together" he whispered.

Mayuri tried to lighten the mood, stepping forward.

"Now, let’s move on to the ring-finding ritual!" Her teasing tone managed to draw out a chuckle from Nainika, who appreciated the effort to shift the atmosphere.

The family gathered around a large brass bowl filled with milk and rose petals, where a ring was dropped in for Nainika and Reyansh to find. Everyone crowded around, eager to see who would win. As the two dipped their hands in, their fingers brushed against each other under the cool water. Reyansh flashed a mischievous grin. "Let’s see who’s the more competitive one here."

Nainika raised an eyebrow, her confidence returning. "Don’t be so sure you’ll win" she shot back, her playful side finally emerging.

The lively atmosphere of the Haveli grew even more spirited as the family gathered around for the ring-finding ritual. The big bowl, decorated with rose petals and filled with milk, was placed in the center of the hall. It shimmered under the golden lights, the water within carrying a delicate floral scent. Reyansh and Nainika took their places opposite each other, a playful tension buzzing between them. Everyone except Buaji's family and Arjun who went away with his wife gathered and watched eagerly.

Everyone was cheering or teasing while Samrat and Abhimanyu were standing in the corner but their heart was filled with content seeing atleast their brother happy a small smile embracing their faces.

Dadi clapped her hands in excitement. "Ah, this is the real test! Whoever finds the ring first is said to rule the marriage. Let’s see who will win!" Her voice carried a mixture of tradition and jest, drawing smiles all around.

Reyansh leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to a low murmur meant only for Nainika. "Ready to let me win and make it easy for yourself?"

Nainika scoffed, a glint of determination in her eyes. "Who says I’m going easy on you? This is my chance to prove I’m not just a delicate trophy bride!"

Tammna, always the instigator, grinned widely. "Bhai, you’re in trouble now! Bhabhi looks like she’s out to win this for sure!"

With that, the ring was dropped into the bowl, sinking to the bottom and getting lost among the petals. Both Reyansh and Nainika dipped their hands into the cool water, their fingers brushing against each other’s in the search. There was a spark of connection every time their hands met, but neither was willing to give the other any advantage.