LOVE OR ARRANGED - 2

CHAPTER - 2

The Wedding: A Royal Affair

The day everyone had been waiting for finally arrived—the grand wedding. Held in the palace gardens under the open sky, the setting was nothing short of a fairytale. The mandap was crafted from ivory and gold, adorned with roses, orchids, and jasmine. Surrounding the area were canopies draped in silk, with soft candlelight and chandeliers creating an ethereal glow.

Viraj made a grand entrance on a white horse, accompanied by his friends and family dancing along to the beats of the dhol. His cream-colored sherwani with intricate gold embroidery shimmered as he arrived at the mandap. Ananya, who was hidden from view, was soon to make her royal entry.

Ananya's arrival was nothing short of breathtaking. She was carried in on a beautifully decorated palanquin, dressed in a deep red lehenga with gold zari work and a veil that glittered in the soft light. Her jewelry, passed down from generations, was a statement in itself, making her look every bit the royal bride. As she walked toward the mandap, her eyes locked with Viraj's, and the entire crowd could feel the depth of their bond.

The wedding rituals were a perfect blend of tradition and personal touches. As they exchanged garlands and performed the sacred vows around the holy fire, there was an air of serenity and happiness. Aadhya and Arush, along with their families, watched with pride as the couple tied the knot. Tears of joy were shed during the Bidaai (farewell), as Ananya's family bid her an emotional goodbye.

Viraj and Ananya, now officially husband and wife, were led to their suite—a beautifully decorated room in one of the palace's towers, offering a breathtaking view of the moonlit gardens. The room was filled with fragrant roses, jasmine garlands, and candles that flickered softly, casting a golden glow across the space. The bed was adorned with fresh flowers, and the air was thick with the scent of sandalwood and roses.

Ananya, still slightly overwhelmed by the emotions of the day, felt a flutter of nervous excitement. She was wearing still wearing her bridal outfit, exhausted but still breathtakingly beautiful. Her heavy wedding jewelry had been removed, leaving just the delicate gold chain Viraj had tied around her neck during the ceremony. She felt the weight of the day's events—the love, the vows, and the start of a new chapter.

Viraj, equally moved, couldn't take his eyes off her. Dressed in a simple yet elegant kurta, he approached Ananya slowly, his eyes filled with tenderness. The atmosphere between them was electric yet calm, the air filled with the quiet understanding that they were now embarking on a journey together.

"You look beautiful," Viraj whispered as he reached out, gently brushing a strand of hair from her face. His voice was soft but filled with sincerity, and the intimacy of the moment made Ananya's heart race. She smiled, her eyes meeting his. "I still can't believe we're married," she said, her voice carrying a mixture of disbelief and happiness.

Viraj chuckled softly, taking her hand in his. "Neither can I. But I wouldn't have it any other way." They stood in silence for a moment, simply absorbing the gravity of the day, the meaning behind the vows they had exchanged. The room seemed to shrink around them, leaving only the two of them, standing together in the glow of candlelight.

Once Ananya changed into a simple satin night gown, Viraj led Ananya to the balcony, where they could see the moonlit gardens and hear the gentle rustling of the wind through the trees. The cool breeze brushed against their skin, calming the remaining nerves. "Everything feels so surreal," Ananya said, leaning against the balcony rail, her voice quiet as if speaking too loudly would shatter the moment.

Viraj wrapped his arms around her from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder. "It's real, Pari. We've made it. After everything, we're here." They stood like that for a while, wrapped in each other's arms, the night sky stretching out above them. It wasn't about grand gestures or nervous anticipation—it was about the quiet comfort of being together, the understanding that they were partners now, in every sense of the word.

Eventually, they returned inside, the warmth of the room embracing them once again. Viraj gently took Ananya's hand and led her to sit on the bed, his eyes never leaving hers. He could see the love and trust in her gaze, and it only made his feelings for her deepen.

"We have a lifetime ahead of us," he said softly, sitting beside her. "But tonight, let's just be us. No expectations, no pressure—just you and me." Ananya smiled, feeling her nerves finally ease. She leaned into him, resting her head on his shoulder. "I like the sound of that."

The night stretched on as they shared quiet moments—conversations about their hopes, their dreams, and the life they wanted to build together. There was no rush, no need for anything more than the comfort of each other's presence. As the candles flickered and the moon shone through the curtains, Viraj and Ananya fell asleep in each other's arms, their hearts full of love, peace, and the promise of a beautiful future.

The Grand Reception: A Night to Remember

The wedding celebrations concluded with a lavish reception held in the palace ballroom. The décor was stunning—crystal chandeliers, mirrors reflecting soft candlelight, and tables set with gold and ivory accents. Ananya looked like a dream in a champagne-colored gown, while Viraj complemented her in a sleek black tuxedo.

The evening was filled with speeches, laughter, and a stunning cake that stood over six feet tall, adorned with sugar flowers. As the couple took to the dance floor for their first dance as husband and wife, the room erupted in applause. The music, the food, and the endless stream of well-wishers kept the night alive.

The reception was a culmination of days filled with love, laughter, and joy, marking the beginning of Viraj and Ananya's new life together. They had overcome hurdles, and now, as they danced under the stars, surrounded by their loved ones, it was clear that their love story had only just begun.

After the whirlwind of wedding celebrations, the palace seemed to settle into a peaceful calm as the night fell. The grand reception had ended with the sound of laughter, clinking glasses, and heartfelt goodbyes as guests slowly retired to their rooms. The palace was now draped in the warm glow of candlelight and the quiet echoes of the festivities.