A Love Written in the Stars

Chapter 12: A New Beginning

The day had finally arrived. The Raizada mansion was once again adorned with marigolds and jasmine, its grandeur magnified by the traditional Indian wedding preparations. This time, however, it was not just any wedding; it was Arnav Singh Raizada and Khushi Kumari Gupta's wedding. The whole city was abuzz with the news of their union, a match that had been nothing short of dramatic and unpredictable, but destined nonetheless.

The courtyard had been converted into an open mandap, with a canopy of red and gold fabric, interwoven with delicate strings of white flowers. The venue was alive with the sound of dhols and shehnais, signaling the beginning of the most awaited wedding.

---

Khushi, dressed in a stunning red bridal lehenga with intricate gold embroidery, sat in her room, looking at her reflection in the mirror. Her heart raced with a mix of emotions-nervousness, joy, and the disbelief that she was about to marry the man who had both infuriated and enchanted her.

Payal walked into the room, her face glowing with happiness for her sister. "Khushi, you're ready? You look... perfect."

Khushi turned to face her sister, her eyes wide with excitement and a touch of anxiety. "Jiji, I can't believe this is really happening. After everything... I'm marrying Arnav."

Payal smiled warmly, sitting beside her and holding her hand. "You deserve this happiness, Khushi. After all the ups and downs, you and Arnav Ji were meant to be. Look how far you've come."

Khushi let out a soft laugh, wiping a stray tear from her eye. "It feels like a dream. I never thought this day would come... that Arnav and I would be standing together as husband and wife."

"Trust me, Khushi, when you walk out there, all your doubts will vanish. You're marrying the man who loves you more than he will ever admit." Payal teased, causing Khushi to blush.

Just then, Anjali and Nani entered the room, their faces lighting up upon seeing Khushi in her bridal attire.

"Khushi Bitiya," Nani said, her voice filled with emotion. "You look like a goddess. Arnav is very lucky."

Anjali beamed with pride. "Chote may not say it, but I know he's just as nervous as you. This is a big day for him too."

Khushi blushed, her heart fluttering at the thought of Arnav being nervous. "He doesn't seem like the nervous type."

Anjali winked. "You'd be surprised, Khushi. You bring out a side of him that no one else does."

---

Meanwhile, outside the mandap, Arnav stood, looking as composed as ever in his cream-colored sherwani with a rich maroon dupatta draped over his shoulder. His hair was perfectly styled, and despite his usual stoic demeanor, there was a glint of nervous anticipation in his eyes.

Akash, dressed in a similar sherwani, nudged him playfully. "Bhai, you seem... tense."

Arnav shot him a sideways glance. "I'm not tense, Akash. Just... making sure everything goes smoothly."

Akash laughed lightly. "Yes, of course. That's why you've been glancing at your watch every five minutes."

Arnav sighed, not bothering to deny it. "I just want everything to be perfect for Khushi."

His confession surprised Akash. "You've changed, Bhai. You actually care about how someone else feels."

Arnav smirked slightly. "I guess Khushi has that effect on me."

Akash smiled warmly. "You know, Bhai, I'm really happy for you. After everything, you two found your way to each other. That's rare."

Arnav's gaze softened, and he nodded. "Yeah... I'm happy too."

As the time for the wedding neared, guests began to fill the courtyard, their colorful attire adding to the festive atmosphere. Family members, friends, and business associates all gathered, eager to witness the union of two souls who had fought through misunderstandings, heartbreak, and ego to reach this point.

---

Inside the house, Khushi's heart raced as the sound of the shehnai played louder. The time had come. Her father, Shashi Gupta, walked into the room, his eyes misting over at the sight of his youngest daughter dressed as a bride.

"Khushi, my little girl," Shashi said, his voice thick with emotion. "I always knew you were strong, but today, seeing you like this... I couldn't be prouder."

Khushi hugged her father, her own emotions getting the better of her. "Babuji, I wouldn't be here without your blessings."

He kissed her on the forehead. "Go, Khushi. Go live your life with Arnav Ji. You deserve every bit of happiness."

With one final look in the mirror, Khushi walked out of her room, her heart thudding in her chest.

---

At the mandap, the crowd grew silent as Khushi made her entrance, accompanied by her father. All eyes turned to the bride, but Arnav's gaze was the only one she felt. As she walked toward him, their eyes met, and in that moment, everything else faded away. The tension, the misunderstandings, the pain-they all dissolved into the air, leaving only the undeniable connection they shared.

Arnav's breath hitched slightly as Khushi reached him. She looked ethereal, her beauty and presence leaving him speechless. His usual confidence faltered for just a second as he realized the weight of the moment. This woman, the one who had turned his life upside down in the most unexpected ways, was about to become his wife.

The pandit began the wedding rituals, guiding them through the sacred vows of marriage. Khushi sat beside Arnav, her heart full. She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye, wondering if he was feeling the same whirlwind of emotions that she was.

Arnav, sensing her gaze, looked over at her and whispered, "You're not getting cold feet, are you?"

Khushi stifled a laugh. "No. I just didn't expect you to look so... nervous."

Arnav raised an eyebrow, smirking slightly. "I'm not nervous."

Khushi leaned closer. "You're sure? Because it looks like your hands are shaking."

Arnav looked down at his hands, annoyed that she'd noticed. "That's because it's cold."

Khushi giggled softly, feeling more at ease. "Of course."

---

As the rituals progressed, Arnav and Khushi exchanged garlands, and the families cheered. The moment felt surreal to both of them. When it was time for the pheras, Arnav held Khushi's hand, and they walked around the sacred fire, their hearts aligned with each step. With every circle around the fire, they made promises to each other-not just of love, but of trust, respect, and loyalty.

When Arnav applied the sindoor in Khushi's hair, her breath caught in her throat. This was it-the moment that sealed their bond. As he tied the mangalsutra around her neck, Khushi's eyes filled with tears of joy. She was finally his, and he was hers, in every sense.

---

After the wedding, as the couple stood before the guests, accepting congratulations, Arnav leaned in close to Khushi and whispered, "So, Mrs. Raizada, how does it feel to be married?"

Khushi looked up at him, her eyes twinkling. "It feels... right."

Arnav smirked. "Good. Because you're stuck with me now."

Khushi laughed, feeling lighter than she had in months. "I think I can handle that."

Arnav's expression softened as he looked at her, his heart full. "I love you, Khushi."

Khushi's eyes widened in surprise. Despite everything they had been through, hearing him say those words felt like a dream. She smiled, her voice barely a whisper as she replied, "I love you too, Arnav."

And in that moment, with the stars above them and their families celebrating around them, everything felt perfect