The Khan mansion had been glowing for days, but tonight, it looked like a dream. Fairy lights draped the walls, fresh gajray of motiya and roses filled the air with fragrance, and the soft beats of dhol echoed in the background. The baraat had finally arrived.
Inside, the hustle was unmatched. Servants hurried with trays of drinks, Mukti shouted instructions to the decorators who still hadn’t fixed a curtain properly, and Aliya tried to calm her nerves with laughter.
Upstairs, Nandini sat quietly on the bridal sofa in her room, her lehenga spread around her like fire and gold. The deep maroon velvet shimmered with antique zardozi, her dupatta pinned delicately on her head. Zoya adjusted her bangles one last time, while Aliya fussed over the heavy jhumkas.
“Ammi, please bas kar dein,” Nandini whispered, her throat dry, eyes lowered.
Zoya smiled softly, cupping her daughter’s face. “Meri beti aaj dulhan lag rahi hai… bilkul raani.” Her voice trembled, but she quickly kissed Nandini’s forehead. “Yaad rakhna, shaadi sirf ek nayi zindagi ki shuruat hai, darna nahi, beta.”
Aliya jumped in dramatically, “Aur dulhan jee, thoda smile bhi kar lein warna dulha bhaag na jaye!”
Nandini swatted her arm lightly. “Chup karo, Aliya!”
Before the teasing could continue, Mukti barged in, still holding her phone. “Baraat pohanch gayi! Aur suno… mere bhai ka style dekhna aaj. Full sherwani, golden saafa… he actually looks like a dulha!”
Nandini’s heart skipped a beat at the mention of Manik. She looked down immediately, but her pulse betrayed her calm face.
Downstairs, the Malhotra family walked in with grace and style. Ayesha in a regal saree, Faiza glowing with Ibrahim beside her, and at the center of it all, Manik Malhotra — tall, striking, in an ivory sherwani with subtle golden embroidery. A matching saafa tied perfectly, his sharp jawline set, his eyes scanning the hall.
Girls giggled from the sides, whispering about him, but his gaze was searching for just one face.
Mukti ran to him. “Bhai, ap itna serious kyun lag raha hai? Smile thoda warna log sochenge shaadi pe bhi gussa hai.”
Manik shot her a glare, then smirked faintly. “I’m not here for people, Mukti. I’m here for…” He stopped mid-sentence but his eyes betrayed him, glancing upstairs.
Aliya and Mukti exchanged looks, suppressing their laughter.
The maulvi sahib was seated in the drawing hall, the family gathering around. The elders settled in front while cousins filled the corners with hushed excitement.
Asad guided Nandini downstairs, her face hidden beneath the heavy red veil. His hand trembled slightly, but he masked it with a father’s pride. Zoya walked alongside, her eyes moist.
Manik stood up instantly when he saw her. The noise around him blurred; for him, it was just the sight of *her*. His dulhan.
She was seated opposite him, veil lowered, while witnesses gathered. Maulvi sahib began the khutbah, reciting verses that filled the room with solemnity.
“Beti Nandini Khan bint Asad Ahmed Khan, kya aapko yeh nikah Manik Malhotra ke saath qubool hai?”
Her heart raced. Zoya squeezed her hand gently. Nandini whispered, her voice barely audible, “Qubool hai.”
Three times the question was asked, and three times she said the words, each heavier yet sweeter than the last.
Manik’s turn came. His voice was firm, unwavering. “Qubool hai.”
With the witnesses confirming, the dua was recited. Just like that, in the eyes of Allah and family, they were husband and wife.
After the formalities, Mukti couldn’t hold her excitement. “Ab toh dulhe ko dulhan dikhado!”
Manik slowly lifted her veil and kissed her forehead while everyone hooted and blessed them with lifelong happiness.
Manik finally met her eyes properly. Nandini looked down immediately, but he didn’t stop staring. His gaze was so intense, she felt her cheeks burn.
Leaning slightly, he whispered just for her, “Ab toh haq se dekh raha hoon. Meri biwi ban gayi ho tum, Mrs. Malhotra.”
She shifted uncomfortably, trying to move her hand away, but he caught it under the dupatta, squeezing softly. “Daro mat. Main hoon yahan.”
Her heart softened.
The ceremony turned lighter as cousins brought sweets. Ibrahim cracked a joke about how Faiza never said “qubool hai” this shyly, making everyone laugh.
Ayesha kissed Nandini’s head. “Meri beti, meri ghar ki izzat ab tum ho. Bohat duaon ke saath tumhe apna rahi hoon.”
Asad too leaned down, whispering, “Khush raho beta"
Nandini blinked back tears, nodding respectfully.
Mukti and Aliya meanwhile stole Manik’s jootay, running around with cousins, demanding “joota chhupayi” money. Manik rolled his eyes but gave in, throwing cash notes dramatically. “Bas, tum dono chor ho!”
As the crowd thinned and people got busy with dinner, Manik found a chance to slip closer. She was seated in a corner, sipping water nervously.
“Thak gayi?” he asked softly.
She nodded, eyes still lowered.
He bent a little, his voice husky near her ear. “Tumhe pata bhi hai kitni khoobsurat lag rahi ho?.”
Her eyes widened. “Manik, please… sab yahan hain.”
“Main kya karoon? Tum meri biwi ho ab.” His hand brushed hers under the dupatta again. She shivered at the touch but didn’t pull away this time.
For once, his intensity wasn’t angry — it was protective, almost tender.
The night stretched with laughter, pictures, and family chatter, but in Manik and Nandini’s world, everything had shifted. They were bound now, not just by tradition, but by something deeper neither could deny.
✨️
Mystery
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Meri Jaan
Romance'Why can't you leave me alone' Nandani yelled helplessly. 'Why should I leave you? You are my life, Zindagi ban gayi ho meri' I whispered yelled each word so it stays in her mind forever. She ignored my confession as usual and pushed me away. 'Mer...
