Wings Of Destiny

CHAPTER 26

It had been a month since Rishi and his family moved back to Bangalore, and the wedding preparations were in full swing. With just one week left until the big day, excitement was at an all-time high. Kanika and Rishi were set to get married in Jodhpur, Kanika's birth city, at the magnificent Umaid Bhawan Palace.

Both families arrived at the venue and were welcomed in a traditional manner, complete with music, dancers, and hotel staff applying teeka and greeting them with garlands. That day, only their immediate family was present, so they decided to relax and enjoy the serene atmosphere.

The youngsters, eager to explore, decided to take a tour of the wedding venue and a bit of Jodhpur. As they wandered through the grand halls and lush gardens of Umaid Bhawan Palace, Aditi decided to have some fun.

"You know, Kabir," Aditi said with a mischievous grin, "this place is haunted during the evening."

Kabir raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Haunted? Really?"

Aditi nodded, trying to keep a straight face. "Yep, they say you can hear strange noises and see shadows moving around."

Rishi, overhearing the conversation, joined in. "Oh, come on, Aditi. You're just trying to scare him."

Aditi shrugged, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Believe what you want, but don't say I didn't warn you."

Kanika laughed, shaking her head. "You guys are impossible."

They decided to play a game of catch, where one person had to find the others who were hiding. Kabir was chosen to be "it" and began counting while the others scattered to find hiding spots.

As Kabir searched for them, he couldn't help but feel a little spooked by Aditi's earlier comment. He heard a rustling noise and turned around quickly, only to find Aditi hiding behind a pillar, trying to stifle her laughter.

"Got you!" Kabir exclaimed, tagging her.

Aditi laughed and pointed towards a nearby bush. "I think I saw Rishi hiding over there."

Kabir crept towards the bush, trying to be as quiet as possible. Just as he was about to pounce, Rishi jumped out, startling him.

"Gotcha!" Rishi said, laughing.

Kanika, who had been hiding behind a tree, couldn't contain her laughter any longer. She stepped out, clapping her hands. "You guys are hilarious."

As the game continued, the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the palace grounds. The playful banter and laughter echoed through the air, creating a joyful atmosphere.

Finally, they all gathered back together, breathless and smiling. Kabir, still a bit spooked, looked at Aditi. "Okay, I admit it. You got me with that haunted story."

Aditi grinned. "I knew it would work."

Kanika shook her head, smiling at the camaraderie between them. "You guys are the best."

As they made their way back to the palace, the excitement for the upcoming wedding grew even stronger. They knew that no matter what, they would always have each other and these cherished memories.

The next morning, Kanika was gently shaken awake by Aditi. "Wake up, sleepyhead! We've got a pre-wedding photo shoot to get ready for," Aditi said, her voice filled with excitement.

Meanwhile, in another room, Kabir was on a similar mission, trying to wake up Rishi. "Come on, bro, time to get up. You don't want to be late for your own photo shoot, do you?"

Both Kanika and Rishi were still half-asleep as they got ready, their movements slow and groggy. Aditi, noticing their struggle, came to the rescue with steaming cups of coffee. "Here, this should help wake you up," she said, handing a cup to Kanika.

Kabir did the same for Rishi. "Drink up, man. We've got a big day ahead."

The caffeine worked its magic, and soon Kanika and Rishi were more alert and ready to face the day. They met up with the photographer, who had planned a fun and adventurous shoot exploring the beautiful city of Jodhpur.

Their first stop was the iconic Mehrangarh Fort. The photographer directed them to pose against the ancient walls, capturing the grandeur of the fort as a backdrop. "Rishi, hold Kanika's hand and look into her eyes. Perfect! Now, Kanika, give him a playful smile."

As they moved from one location to another, the photographer continued to guide them. "Kanika, lean on Rishi's shoulder. Rishi, wrap your arm around her waist. Beautiful!"

Throughout the shoot, Kanika and Rishi shared special moments, their love for each other evident in every shot. They laughed, teased each other, and even stole a few kisses when they thought no one was looking.

At one point, Aditi and Kabir decided to join in the fun. "Hey, photographer! How about a sibling shot?" Aditi suggested.

The photographer agreed, and soon Aditi and Kabir were posing with Kanika and Rishi. "Aditi, stand next to Kanika. Kabir, you stand next to Rishi. Now, everyone look at each other and laugh."

As they posed, Aditi couldn't resist teasing Kabir. "You know, Kabir, they say this place is haunted. Maybe we'll see a ghost in one of the photos."

Kabir rolled his eyes. "Oh, please, Aditi. You're not going to scare me again."

Kanika laughed at their banter. "You two are impossible."

Their next stop was the bustling Sardar Market, where the vibrant colors and lively atmosphere provided the perfect backdrop for more photos. The photographer captured candid moments of Kanika and Rishi exploring the market, trying on traditional turbans, and sampling local delicacies.

As the day went on, they visited various landmarks, including the serene Jaswant Thada and the picturesque Mandore Gardens. Each location added a unique charm to their photo shoot, and by the end of the day, they had a collection of beautiful memories captured on camera.

As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the city, the photographer suggested one final shot. "Let's get a sunset shot at the Umaid Bhawan Palace. It's going to be magical."

They made their way to the palace, and as the sun dipped below the horizon, Kanika and Rishi stood hand in hand, their faces illuminated by the warm light. The photographer captured the moment, and it was clear that their love story was just beginning.

The next day marked the beginning of the wedding festivities, and the atmosphere was buzzing with excitement. Almost all the guests had arrived, and a grand dinner was organized to welcome everyone. Kanika and Rishi were introduced to many guests, each one offering their blessings and well-wishes.

As the dinner progressed, Aditi pulled Kanika into an empty hall. "Come on, sis, we have a surprise for you," she said with a wink. Inside the hall, Kanika found all her siblings, cousins, and friends waiting for her.

Meanwhile, Ayesha had a similar plan for Rishi. She led him to another hall where his siblings and friends were gathered. "Time for some fun, Rishi," she said, grinning.

The agenda for both groups was to practice their dance routines for the sangeet. The halls were filled with laughter and music as everyone got into the spirit of the celebration. The dance practice was lively, with everyone trying to perfect their moves and teasing each other along the way.

After a while, Kabir called both Kanika and Rishi into another room. "You two look like you could use a break," he said playfully. "Take some time together. You'll be very busy in the upcoming days."

Kanika and Rishi found themselves alone in the room, the noise of the dance practice fading into the background. They shared a quiet, intimate moment, holding each other close. The stress and excitement of the wedding preparations melted away as they enjoyed each other's company.

Rishi gently brushed a strand of hair from Kanika's face. "I can't believe we're getting married in just a week," he said softly.

Kanika smiled, her eyes shining with love. "I know. It feels like a dream."

They shared a tender kiss, savoring the moment. The world outside seemed to disappear, leaving just the two of them in their own little bubble of happiness.

As they held each other, they knew that no matter how busy the upcoming days would be, they would always find time for these special moments together.