Unexpectly Yours:The Journey Of An Arranged Marriage

PART 15

{The sound of dhols and shehnai echoed through the venue as Abhay's baraat approached, signaling the groom's grand entry. The groom himself, dressed in a stunning ivory sherwani with intricate gold threadwork, sat atop a white mare, looking every bit the royal groom. His turban was adorned with a string of pearls, and his face, though calm, betrayed the nervous excitement bubbling inside him.}

{The baraat wasn't just any procession—it was a full-blown celebration. The team members had taken it upon themselves to turn the baraat into a party of its own. Rohit and Virat led the way, dancing to the beats of the dhol, while Hardik, always full of energy, pulled Shreyas and Rahul into the mix. Jadeja, with his signature swagger, danced with his usual flair, making everyone laugh. Yuzvendra, the joker of the group, was the life of the party, pulling random guests into the dance circle.}

Rohit (shouting over the music):"Abhay! Ready to get hitched?"

Abhay (grinning from the horse):"Do I have a choice?"

Virat (laughing):"You've survived cricket—marriage is easy!"

{The atmosphere was electric, filled with laughter, music, and the excited chatter of friends and family. As the baraat reached the entrance of the wedding venue, Kavya's family stood ready to welcome Abhay. Her parents performed the customary aarti, blessing him as he dismounted from the horse, his feet touching the ground lightly, though his heart felt heavy with emotion.}

{Inside the bridal suite, Kavya was getting ready for her grand entrance. The room was a flurry of activity, but Kavya, despite the chaos, remained calm. She wore a magnificent red lehenga, embroidered with delicate gold threadwork, reflecting the traditions of her family while embodying her own modern elegance. Her jewelry—a collection of gold and emeralds—complimented her outfit perfectly, and her makeup was simple yet radiant.}

{Her bridesmaids, along with some family members, gathered around her, placing the final touches on her outfit and arranging the dupatta over her head. Kavya caught her reflection in the mirror, and for the first time, the reality of the moment truly hit her. She was a bride, and in just a few moments, she would be walking toward Abhay, the man who was about to become her life partner.}

{As the door to her suite opened, the instrumental strains of soft, romantic music filled the air. The guests turned in their seats, eager to catch the first glimpse of the bride. Kavya, flanked by her bridesmaids and female family members, appeared, walking slowly toward the mandap under a canopy of flowers. Her face, though slightly veiled, glowed with excitement, and her heart raced with every step.}

{Abhay, already seated at the mandap, turned as she approached. For a moment, time seemed to stand still. Their eyes met across the distance, and for that brief second, the noise of the world fell away. They smiled at each other, a mixture of nervousness, excitement, and joy swirling between them.}

{Kavya reached the mandap, and Abhay stood to greet her, offering his hand as she stepped up. There was a soft murmur of approval from the crowd as they took their places next to each other, under the sacred canopy.}

Priest (beginning the chants):"These mantras will guide the couple through the sacred rituals of marriage. Today, they begin a new life together, bound by love, trust, and commitment."

{The rituals began in earnest, with both families watching intently. The soft rustle of silk saris, the clinking of bangles, and the crackling of the holy fire were the only sounds that broke the serene atmosphere.}

{As the Kanyadaan ceremony began, the atmosphere around the mandap shifted. Kavya's parents stepped forward, their eyes glistening with emotion. The priest's chants filled the air as Kavya's father held her hands, gently placing them into Abhay's. Kavya, already overwhelmed, felt her heart race as she realized what this moment truly meant.}