LOVE OR ARRANGED - 2

CHAPTER - 1

Aadhya and Arush return from their honeymoon feeling refreshed and excited about arranging a wedding for Viraj and Ananya. The idea of bringing their loved ones together through such a grand event filled them with joy. Both of them cherished their own wedding memories and wanted to ensure that Viraj and Ananya had an equally special experience.

Aadhya, known for her flair for details, was already imagining an opulent theme blending Viraj and Ananya's personalities. They both wanted the wedding to reflect the couple's journey, knowing the highs and lows Ananya had experienced with Viraj. They made calls to top wedding planners, decorators, and designers, ensuring everything was perfect down to the last detail.

Aadhya wanted Ananya's wedding attire to be as stunning as the one she wore, but with an even more personal touch. Together, they selected exclusive designs, delicate fabrics, and exquisite jewelry. Aadhya and Arush wanted the wedding to be memorable, not just for its grandeur, but for how it celebrated love and family.

As Aadhya and Arush dived into wedding preparations, they started bringing their vision to life. They spent hours finalizing every detail at the perfect location Ananya decided, Jaipur—a majestic palace that radiated royal charm. With intricate floral designs, elegant décor, and a color scheme of gold and ivory, the wedding was set to be nothing short of a regal affair.

Meanwhile, Aadhya noticed Ananya seemed distracted, often lost in thought. Knowing her cousin's emotional turmoil with Viraj, Aadhya decided to have a heart-to-heart. One evening, after a long day of planning, Aadhya found Ananya sitting alone in the garden.

"What's on your mind, Minnie?" Aadhya asked, her voice soft but concerned.

Ananya sighed deeply, hesitating before responding. "I still can't shake the hurt from what happened between Viraj and me. I'm scared, Sweety. What if he again gets busy with work? I mean, I love him, but now that we are finally getting married after these many years, everything feels like a dream. I have missed him for a very long time, and I can't stay away from him ever, Sweety. He means so much to me." Her voice trailed off; her eyes filled with tears.

Aadhya sat beside her, taking her hand. "I know what happened hurt you and every day you longed to stay with him, but you've got to ask yourself—do you believe in Viraj? In what you two have built together, what you've sacrificed all these years? If you do, then talk to him, Minnie. Clear things up before the wedding. You both deserve to walk into this marriage without any lingering doubts. Tell him how you felt all these years so that he understands it's important for you that he doesn't go anywhere without taking you, ok?"

Ananya nodded, knowing Aadhya was right. The next day, she gathered the courage to speak with Viraj. Viraj, who had been feeling equally guilty and conflicted, was relieved when Ananya asked to meet him privately. They met at the palace, where the wedding preparations were in full swing. With the stunning backdrop, Viraj and Ananya sat in a quiet corner of the garden, away from the bustle.

"I didn't handle things well, Minnie," Viraj began, his voice heavy with regret. "I should have been closer to you, met you often, and I'm sorry for making you feel uncertain that I will prioritize my work and career over you. I never meant for things to get so complicated, but seeing you today reminds me why I've loved you all these years. Can we move past this? I love you so much that I don't ever want to lose you."

Ananya looked into his eyes, the sincerity of his words sinking in. "I want to believe that, Viraj. But trust needs to be rebuilt, and we both need to work on it. I'm willing to try, but we need to be having more time with each other from now on, please promise me that."

Viraj nodded, determined to make things right, "I promise, Pari. Nothing will be important to me than you". They embraced, both feeling the weight of past hurts slowly lifting, ready to take on their future together.

As the wedding day approached, everything fell into place beautifully. Aadhya and Arush ensured every detail were perfect. From grand entrances to personal moments, the wedding was a celebration of love, not only for Viraj and Ananya but for the entire family.

Haldi Ceremony: A Splash of Sunshine

The wedding festivities kicked off with the traditional Haldi ceremony. Hosted in the stunning courtyard of the palace, the space was transformed into a vibrant sea of yellow and gold. Marigold garlands hung from the trees, and the seating was decorated with yellow and orange silk cushions. The sunlight streaming through the leaves added a natural glow to the event, making everything look golden.

Ananya arrived in a bright yellow lehenga, her face glowing with excitement and a touch of nervousness. She was seated on a golden swing draped in marigold flowers as her family and friends applied turmeric paste to her face, hands, and feet. There were playful moments, as cousins smeared haldi on each other's faces, turning the ceremony into a joyous and messy affair. Viraj's haldi ceremony took place in a separate courtyard, but the two events were filled with laughter, music, and the teasing of both sides.

The most heartwarming moment was when Viraj and Ananya exchanged cheeky glances across the distance, covered in haldi from head to toe. The atmosphere was relaxed yet filled with anticipation, as everyone knew the wedding day was just around the corner.

Mehendi Ceremony: A Kaleidoscope of Colors

The Mehendi ceremony followed, a riot of colors and intricate designs. The venue was set under the palace's open terrace, surrounded by blooming bougainvillea and vibrant drapes in shades of pink, purple, and green. The theme was boho-chic, with Moroccan lanterns, low seating adorned with silk cushions, and fairy lights hanging overhead.

Ananya's hands and feet were adorned with intricate mehendi designs, her arms covered in delicate patterns symbolizing love, luck, and prosperity. Hidden in the designs was Viraj's name, which became a playful game for him to find later.

Dressed in a rich emerald green lehenga with floral jewelry, Ananya sat with her friends as they sang traditional songs, filling the air with warmth and joy. Viraj arrived halfway through the event, surprising Ananya with a special song dedicated to her. The moment was magical as everyone swayed to the music while the mehendi artists worked their magic. The night ended with food stalls offering delicious chaats, mocktails, and desserts, keeping the festive mood alive.

Sangeet: A Night of Dance and Drama

The Sangeet was the most anticipated event, filled with fun, glamour, and lots of dancing. The grand ballroom of the palace was decked in silver and royal blue, with chandeliers sparkling overhead. The theme for the evening was Bollywood Glam, and everyone brought their A-game to the dance floor.

Aadhya and Arush kicked off the event with a romantic duet, their chemistry setting the tone for the night. The families performed elaborate dance routines and Viraj's family surprised everyone with a flash mob. Ananya dazzled in a midnight blue lehenga, embroidered with silver and crystals that caught the light with every twirl. Viraj, not one to be outdone, wore a regal sherwani that matched her ensemble perfectly.

The highlight of the night was when the couple performed a graceful slow dance, their connection evident in every step. The dance floor remained packed well into the night, with guests swaying to the latest Bollywood hits and DJ beats. A rooftop bar and live dessert stations made sure no one left without indulging in the lavish treats prepared for the evening.