38. THE PAST

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Vaishnav thought for a while and wondered if his mother would agree for the wedding. He thought for a longtime but he realised that his mother would never agree for the wedding. He spoke with his mother but he received lot of harsh words from her. He is confused but clear that he should marry vaishali. He decided to take a drastic step which he felt like the best thing to do in current situation. 

The idea of a simple, intimate wedding had always appealed to Vaishali and Vaishnav. They had envisioned a ceremony that was true to their love rather than one overshadowed by societal expectations and family drama. But the reality of planning a wedding became increasingly complicated by the disapproval of Vaishnav's family.

As the wedding date approached, Vaishnav made a decision that would change everything. He knew that the grand ceremony his mother Gayathri had envisioned  for him was not something Vaishali wanted or could endure. So, in a bold and defiant move, he decided to forgo the traditional wedding and instead opted for a quiet, yet deeply meaningful, ceremony at the local registration office.

On the morning of their wedding day, Vaishali awoke with a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation. The prospect of marrying Vaishnav was a dream come true, but the secrecy of their plans added an undercurrent of tension. She dressed in a simple yet elegant saree which is a stark contrast to the lavish silk sarees of traditional weddings.

Vaishnav arrived at her apartment with a bouquet of wildflowers and a tender smile. They exchanged nervous glances but were buoyed by the determination in their hearts. The registration office was a far cry from the opulent venues Gayathri had envisioned, but to them, it was the perfect setting for their union.

As they walked hand in hand to the office, the weight of their decision hung heavy. The office was modest, with sterile white walls and a small desk where the registrar awaited them. They completed the necessary paperwork with trembling hands, their eyes locked in a shared, resolute gaze.

The registrar, a middle-aged woman with a kindly demeanor, conducted the ceremony with efficiency. There were no elaborate vows or grand declarations, only a simple exchange of promises and signatures. Yet, in that small, unassuming room, their love felt palpable and profound. The act of signing their names on the marriage certificate was a declaration of their commitment, a testament to their desire to be together despite the obstacles. Their friends cheered for them. 

The ceremony concluded swiftly, and Vaishnav and Vaishali emerged as husband and wife, their hearts are pounding with a mix of exhilaration and apprehension. As they walked out of the registration office, the reality of their decision began to settle in. They were bound by marriage, yet their families were completely unaware.

Vaishnav had made arrangements for a small, celebratory dinner at a cozy, private restaurant. The evening was meant to be a peaceful celebration of their love, away from the prying eyes and judgmental gazes of their respective families.

But as they arrived at the restaurant, Vaishnav's excitement was tinged with nervousness. The restaurant was an intimate space, lit by soft candlelight and adorned with simple yet elegant decor. They enjoyed a quiet meal, toasting to their new life together. Their conversation was filled with anticipation for the future and the hope that their love would overcome the hurdles ahead.

As the evening wore on, Vaishnav and Vaishali knew that the moment of truth was approaching. They had agreed that it was time to introduce Vaishali to Vaishnav's family, a step that would bring the reality of their marriage into the open.

..........

The next morning, Vaishnav and Vaishali prepared to face a new chapter. They decided to go to Vaishnav's family home, a grand estate that was both a symbol of their wealth and a source of Vaishali's anxiety. Vaishnav had hoped that introducing Vaishali as his wife would lead to acceptance and understanding, but the prospect was daunting.

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