Timeless Bonds : Dhruv Tara × Arjun

11. The Shotgun Wedding

"Tara?" Arjun's eyes widened in disbelief. "Why did you agree to marry Pratap? Didn't he cheat on you?"

"Bhaiya, it was just a misunderstanding. Trust me, I know what I'm doing." Tara replied calmly.

"No, Tara. You are ruining your life and I won't let you."

"Bhaiya, please calm down." Tara cupped his cheeks, "please trust me."

"Fine, you do what you want, I will do what I need to."

Tara sighed. "No bhaiya." She placed his hand on her head. "You won't do anything bhaiya. Promise me."

"Tara," Arjun glared, snatching his hand off.

Tara held his hands, "Promise me, bhaiya. Please. You will let this wedding happen."

Arjun sighed, looking away, "Do what you want. I won't be a part of it."

"Well then pretend it's somebody else's destination wedding and enjoy the food." She shrugged.

"You think it's some joke?"

"No, it's life, and I got it all figured."

Before Arjun could ask for further explanation, Sugandha called Tara for the shopping.

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"Bittu," Suryakant showed a list to Tara. "Here's the guest list, do you want to add some more names?"

"Papa, I have an idea. How about we host a reception in Mumbai later on? I mean why bother everyone all the way to Udaipur?"

"But we have to invite our family, that would be a hundred people at least."

"Hundred? How about we invite just the close ones and not cousins? We've already had one grand wedding." She eyed Arjun who walked out angrily.

Suryakant sighed. "Fine. That would be like twenty people."

"Good enough, papa. I've always wanted a small wedding, anyway." Tara smiled.

"Well, the Rathores wouldn't settle for anything less than 3-5 thousand people. It's going to be grand." Suganda added.

"That's on them, we aren't paying for it. Why bother?" Tara shrugged.

Suryakant frowned. "Why did you say that, bittu? It's-"

"Papa, I mean I told Pratap that we should have a small wedding but he said his father won't listen so, it's really on them, not us." Tara held her father's hand. "We aren't paying for the wedding, right?"

"No. Damsingh was pretty clear that he will be bearing all the expenses, even when I suggested splitting."

"Sweet." Tara smiled.

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Next weekend, the Rawte family reached the summer palace, a few kilometres on the outskirts of Udaipur, a place reminiscent of a bygone era, the epitome of luxury and elegance.

The guests are greeted by the shimmering white marble facade of the palace, reflecting the golden hues of the setting sun. The palace is adorned with intricate carvings and delicate jharokhas, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding Aravalli mountains and the tranquil lake.

Inside, the palace is a blend of opulence and history. The grand halls are decorated with crystal chandeliers, rich tapestries, and antique furniture, creating an atmosphere of regal splendour.

The soft sounds of traditional Rajasthani music and the fragrance of jasmine and marigold, adding to the enchanting ambiance.

"Welcome bahurani!" Damini greeted Tara, kissing her forehead. "Just a reminder, this will be a traditional Mewari wedding. I will explain to you all the rituals and their meanings, okay?"