Anuragaanjali ~ The Eternal Love ✅

Chapter 42 : The Marriage

The Blessing of Union

The sun had barely begun to rise, its warm golden rays spilling over the horizon, casting a soft glow over the city of Indraprastha. The palace, once full of the usual hustle and bustle, seemed quieter today, as if holding its breath, awaiting the unfolding of an important moment.

In the main hall, Arjun stood before his family, his heart heavy with anticipation but also full of hope. His mother Kunti, his brothers Yudhishthir, Bhima, Nakul, and Sahdev, and his elder sister-in-laws Devika and Valandhara, were seated, their faces reflecting a mix of curiosity and support. Arjun had gathered them all here, knowing that this moment was crucial for the future he envisioned.

Aaradhya stood beside him, her hands nervously twisting the end of her sari, but her eyes were steady, meeting the gaze of each family member with a calm resolve. She had been through so much to be with Arjun, and today, they were finally going to take the step that would bind them for eternity.

Arjun cleared his throat, stepping forward. His voice was calm, but there was an intensity in it that revealed the depth of his emotions.

"I've gathered you all here today because I have something important to say," Arjun began, his eyes turning to meet those of his mother. "For a long time, I believed that duty and destiny would guide me. But I never understood the full meaning of love—until I met Aaradhya."

There was a quiet murmur among the family, but Arjun continued, not pausing for the usual questions or interjections.

"She has shown me a love so pure, so unwavering, that it has become my anchor," he said, his voice strong now, every word filled with conviction. "Aaradhya is not just my heart's desire—she is my soulmate, the one I am meant to be with. The one my soul recognizes, even if the world around us does not yet understand."

Aaradhya smiled softly at Arjun's words, her heart swelling with affection and gratitude. He had always known how to express himself with such passion, and hearing him declare his love for her in front of his family made her feel like the luckiest woman alive.

Arjun turned to his mother, Kunti, his eyes filled with earnestness. "Mother, I know that you have always desired for me to find a path that honors both our family and the kingdom. I have always respected your wishes. But this—Aaradhya—is not just a choice I made out of impulse. This is my destiny. And I ask you to bless our union."

Kunti's gaze softened as she watched her son, her heart torn between her love for him and the duty she had towards the family. She had known about Arjun's feelings for Aaradhya for some time, and though she had been hesitant, seeing the determination and love in Arjun's eyes now made her heart ache with pride.

"Aaradhya has been a part of this family since the beginning," Kunti said quietly, her voice warm with affection. "And I can see the love you both share. You have my blessing, Arjun, and you, dear Aaradhya, will always have a place here, as my daughter."

Aaradhya's eyes glistened with tears, and she bowed her head in gratitude, silently thanking the heavens for this moment of acceptance.

Yudhishthir, always the voice of reason, spoke next. "Aaradhya, we all have seen your strength, your kindness, and your dedication to our family. If Arjun's heart has chosen you, then we must respect that choice. May the bond between you two be filled with joy and prosperity."

Bhima, ever the protector, smiled broadly. "As long as Arjun is happy, we will all be happy. If you make him laugh, then you've earned my respect."

Nakul and Sahdev exchanged glances before nodding in agreement. "May your union be a blessed one, Arjun," Nakul said with a genuine smile. "And Aaradhya, welcome to our family."

Devika and Valandhara smiled warmly at Aaradhya, embracing her as they spoke. "We are happy to have you as a part of our family, Aaradhya. You bring something beautiful into Arjun's life."

Arjun's heart swelled with emotion as he looked at the faces of his family—his support system, his pillars. They had all accepted Aaradhya into their lives, and now it was time for the final step.

"I have one more request," Arjun said, his voice trembling slightly with anticipation. "Aaradhya and I have already decided to be together, but now I ask that we go to her family and seek their blessing. I wish to marry her, to make her my wife in every sense of the word."

The room fell silent, and Kunti, who had been silent for a moment, gave a slight nod. "It is only right, Arjun. We must respect her family and honor their place in this union."

The family agreed, and together, they made plans to travel to Aaradhya's family in the coming days.

The journey to Aaradhya's family was swift, and the meeting was filled with a quiet tension. Her father, a humble Brahmin, and her mother welcomed Arjun and his family with the respect and honor befitting of royalty. The two families sat together, exchanging pleasantries, but it was clear that the true purpose of this meeting loomed above them all.

Arjun spoke, his voice steady, but his heart racing. "I come today with my family, seeking your blessing to marry your daughter, Aaradhya. I love her with all that I am, and I ask that you accept me as her husband."

Aaradhya's father, a man of wisdom and dignity, looked at his daughter and then at Arjun. After a long pause, he smiled and nodded. "If you truly love her, then I will not stand in your way. You have my blessing, Arjun. May you both find happiness and fulfillment in your union."

Aaradhya's mother, her eyes filled with tears, joined her husband in giving their blessing. "We are proud to welcome you into our family, Arjun," she said softly. "And we are so happy that our daughter has found someone who truly cares for her."

The marriage ceremony was a grand affair, celebrated by both families with much joy and reverence. The gods themselves seemed to bless the union, as the skies cleared and the earth seemed to hum with energy.

Arjun and Aaradhya stood before the sacred fire, taking their vows with hearts full of love and promise. The atmosphere was filled with joy as the couple exchanged garlands, symbolizing their bond. The yagna flames flickered with vibrant colors, and the chants of the priests resonated in the air, marking the sacred moment.

As Arjun placed the sindoor on Aaradhya's forehead and tied the mangalsutra around her neck, a sense of completeness washed over them both. Aaradhya looked up at Arjun, her eyes sparkling with happiness.

"I am yours, Arjun. Forever," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion.

Arjun smiled, his heart full. "And I am yours, Aaradhya. Nothing will ever tear us apart."

As they took their first steps together as husband and wife, they knew that their journey, filled with love, challenges, and triumphs, had only just begun. But in that moment, under the witness of their families and the gods above, they were complete. Their hearts were united, and nothing would ever change the bond they shared.

Together, they had faced their past lives, their trials, and their battles. Now, they would walk forward into the future, hand in hand, ready to face whatever came their way. Because with each other, they were unstoppable.