Fire In Hearts

Chapter 22

The sun cast a warm, golden glow over the city of Delhi, painting everything in hues of nostalgia and joy. Delhi held countless memories for them.

It was only fitting that their roka ceremony, the traditional marker of commitment, took place in the heart of the city that had witnessed their story unfold.

The venue was set on an elegant, heritage hotel, overlooking the sprawling cityscape. Strings of marigold flowers and soft white jasmine hung from every pillar and arch, filling the air with a delicate fragrance.

Warm lights intertwined with the floral arrangements, creating an ambiance that was both festive and intimate.

"Tu apni behen ke bina kiu aya?", Kartik pouted.

"Kiuki woh apke liye subah se tayaar hone main lagi hui hain. Kabhi make up jyada hota hain kabhi kam. Kabhi baal idhaar kabhi udhaar", Ibrahim sighed.

"Paar woh to hair style aur make up sab decide kar chuki thi na?", Kartik frowned.

"Aaj subah uthke unhe aur kuch pasand nahi aa raha tha so sab change kar chuki hain"

Kartik sighed sadly.

"Sara t-shirts main bhi aa jati fir bhi aap fida ho jaate, hain na vhai?", Kritika teased.

All teased Kartik but eventually got busy in other things. But Kartik was roaming around the entrance constantly.

Suddenly a soft sound of some girls' giggle came to his ear but he could differentiate a special giggle which was no less than a melody to him.

He turned and his breath caught in his chest, and for a split second, the world around him faded away, leaving only her.

There she was, framed by the carved wooden archway, her presence lighting up the room. Sara was adorned in an exquisite orange lehenga that shimmered with delicate embroidery.

Her hair was styled perfectly, cascading down her back, and a small smile played on her lips as their eyes met.

His eyes widened, and before he knew it, his knees buckled. He stumbled backward, his feet tangling as he struggled to steady himself.

She darted forward, her eyes wide with surprise as she reached out, catching him by the arm just in time.

"Kartik!" she whispered, her voice tinged with worry and amusement.

He blinked, regaining his senses as a slow, sheepish grin spread across his face. "I... I swear, meri galti nahi hain" he said, eyes sparkling. "You just... took my breath away...Sara r u even real?"

"Aur tum mujhe flirty bolte ho?"

"I am not flirting, I'm stating some facts"

"Baas baas ab koi dekh lega", she said going away with a blush.

As the roka ceremony unfolded, the families gather.

The ceremony began with Kartik’s parents, his mother radiant in a beautiful saree, and his father, ever so dignified.

His mother placed a beautiful dupatta over her and then placed kiss on Sara's forehead and said,

"Sara kitni pyaar lag rahi ho tum aaj beta...kisiki nazar na lage"

Sara smiled and then felt overly emotional as her eyes got teary.

"Arey arey dekho to...", Kartik's father came closer placing his hand on her head.

"Sara subh din pe rote nahi beta", her mother smiled.

"Nahi baas ese hi", Sara said softly.

"Sara," his mother said warmly, her voice laced with love for her, "Beta tum Kartik se shaadi karke baas apne doosre ghar aa rahi ho ek aur parents ke paas"

Sara hugged his mother.

At that moment, Sara's heart swelled with emotion as she realized just how much Kartik’s family cared for her, how deeply they were welcoming her into their world.

Sara's mother also did the rituals with Kartik and blessed him.

As the moment was getting emotional, Kartik said,

"To main bhi technically apka beta huya so ap mere side rehna kiuki mummy to sara k side chali gayi", he faked sadness and Sara lightly slapped him on his arms playfully.

"Obviously..." her mother laughed giving a high five to Kartik.

"Aur main bhi Kartik ke side", Ibrahim laughed.

"Dekha vhai ko chura liya", Kartik winked.

Kritika leaned and hugged Sara from behind resting her chin on her shoulder and said,

"Main apni vhabi k side"

Sara placed her palm on her cheek lovingly and Kartik smiled.

After the formalities of the ceremony and the laughter-filled moments with their families, Kartik caught Sara’s eye and tilted his head toward the back door with a mischievous glint. She raised an eyebrow but followed his lead, her orange lehenga shimmering under the soft lights as she slipped out of sight.

He guided her through the winding garden paths behind the house, where the sound of their families’ chatter faded into the distance.

He made her sit on a couch.

Sara’s eyes lit up with curiosity as he knelt in front of her, holding out a delicate pair of silver payals adorned with tiny charms that tinkled softly.

Her breath caught as he gently lifted the hem of her lehenga, fastening one payal and then the other around her ankles, his fingers brushing her skin lightly. The gesture, so intimate and thoughtful, brought a warm flush to her cheeks. The soft jingle of the anklets sounded like music in the stillness.

"Kartik, they’re beautiful", she said, her voice barely above a whisper, eyes glistening with emotion.

"This is your gift on our first ceremony of our marriage"

"I have got something for you too thinking the same", she smiled shyly.

He sat beside her and she made him wear a wrist watch. But it wasn’t a normal wrist watch. It was a customised one and there was a word engraved there "SARTIK"

He smiled and kissed her hand.

"Sara, I want you to make you feel special every moment. Aur sab kuch wesa hi hoga jese humne plan kiya tha"

"Matlab?"

"Matlab we are flying to New York for our wedding"

Her eyes widened and she said, "What?!"

"Haan...I have told our parents and I know it’s what you wanted for so long"

"Kartik mene to majak main...", she was overwhelmed with happiness.

"Our destination mandir wedding is my dream too Sara. New York main simple tarike se traditional way main humari shaadi hogi. That's how we have dreamed of"

Tears welled up in her eyes as joy overwhelmed her. A laugh escaped her lips, and she threw her arms around him, the silver anklets chiming with the movement.

"You are insane Kartik" she mumbled.

He held her close, his heart pounding with happiness, "And you love it"

"I do" she smiled tightening her grip.

That's it for today lovelies.

The part is dedicated to "rahogimeri" who had taught me about all the rituals way more beautifully.

Also I just simply love you all...When it comes to overthinking and being anxious or sad over any tiny thing, there's no comparison with me. I just don’t know what I would do if I didn't have you guys with me:)