AKSHAT SINGHANIA - A literature professor in Singania Institute of Arts and Commerce. He is soft and caring person
with a tough exterior, who doesn't believe in love or marriage because of his parent's broken relationship and his ex wife's betrayal...
The soft hum of wedding shehnai filled the small mandap, its golden marigold drapes swaying gently in the evening breeze. Everyone’s chatter slowly died down as the music shifted into the familiar, heart-stirring tune for the bride’s entry.
The doors at the far end opened, and there she was, Nandini.
She walked slowly, every step measured and graceful, her gaze lowered. The lehnga she wore was a breathtaking shade of royal lavender, its panels delicately embroidered with silver zari and resham floral motifs that caught the warm lights with every movement. The net dupatta, edged with heavy gold borders, was draped over her head, the soft veil lending an ethereal glow to her face.
Her jewellery was rich yet elegant, layered necklaces of polki and kundan resting against her collarbone, matching earrings swaying with each step, and the ornate maang tikka perfectly centered on her smooth forehead. The bold nath framed her lips, which curved into the faintest nervous smile. Mehendi-darkened hands, adorned with chooda and kangan, were clasped lightly in front of her.
Gasps of admiration rippled through the family. Her friends had already pulled out their phones to capture the moment.
Vedant, waiting on the stage with the varmala in his hands, couldn’t take his eyes off her. His teasing smirk had completely vanished, his gaze softened, a mix of awe and quiet pride settling over his face.
She reached the stage, lifted her eyes for just a moment, and their gazes locked.
A flicker of shared memory, of all the laughter and arguments they had survived, passed between them before the crowd broke into cheers.
As the varmala was lifted, a playful chaos erupted.
Vedant stood tall on the small wooden platform, grinning mischievously as he deliberately kept his chin lifted high, making it hard for Nandini to reach him with the floral varmala.
"Neeche aao na," Nandini said with a playful pout, struggling to match his height even while standing on her toes.
"Khud pehna lo," Vedant replied, pretending to look here and there, avoiding her gaze as if the varmala was some heavy negotiation.
"Kyun pareshan kar raha bechari ko?" Preeti called out from the side, folding her arms and smiling.
Vedant turned to her with a mock-offended expression. "Mumma, aap meri side ho ya Nandini ki?"
Before Preeti could respond, Akshat, standing nearby, chuckled and shouted, "Chal chal… yahan sab Nandini ke side hai!"
