. The air smelled of roses and jasmine, mixed with the faint aroma of biryani from the kitchen. But inside, emotions were heavier than the glitter around. The time everyone had dreaded, yet waited for, was finally here—**Nandini’s rukhsati**.
Asad stood near the car, trying to keep his composure while checking again and again if Nandini’s luggage had been placed properly. Zoya was holding Nandini’s hand tightly, tears spilling down despite her best efforts. Aliya had already broken down, hugging her sister’s dupatta as if she could stop time by holding it.
“mama, bas… please rona band karein. Agar aap roengi toh main bhi ro donn gi ” Nandini whispered, her own voice shaking.
Zoya cupped her daughter’s face, pressing her forehead to hers. “Beti, har maa ke liye yeh din sabse mushkil hota hai. Lekin mujhe tasalli hai ke tum aise ghar ja rahi ho jahan tumhara pyaar aur izzat dono intezaar karte hain.”
Asad finally came forward and placed his palm on Nandini’s head. His voice cracked but carried strength: “Allah tumhe hamesha apne hifazat mein rakhe. Tumhari muskaan humari dua hai.”
Aliya hugged her next, whispering in a broken voice, “Mujhe bhool mat jana, Di. Please.”
Nandini forced a small smile through her tears. “Pagal. Tu meri jaan hai, kaise bhoolungi?”
Meanwhile, Manik was standing a little behind, restless, fists clenching and unclenching. For him, seeing Nandini cry was torture, but he also knew this moment belonged to her family. When Nandini finally turned towards him, her eyes wet and her lips trembling, his heart clenched. He stepped forward, gently holding her dupatta.
“Bas ab… enough tears. From today, tum meri zimmedari ho. Aur main wada karta hoon, tumhari zindagi mein kabhi aansoon nahi aane dunga—sirf meri wajah se chhod ke,” he said, half serious, half teasing.
Despite her state, Nandini let out a soft laugh that instantly eased everyone’s hearts. That sound was all Manik needed to push her into the car with care. The doli drove away, leaving Khan Mansion echoing with sobs and prayers.
Malhotra Mansion was glowing like a palace. The family welcomed the new bride with dhol, laughter, and playful teasing.
Mukti and Aliya (who had been brought along for post-rituals) clapped mischievously. “Arre, bhabhi Jaan ab ghar mein aayi ho toh rules bhi follow karne padenge,” Mukti said, winking at Manik.
“Rules toh main set karunga,” Manik muttered under his breath, earning a glare from Nandini who was already overwhelmed.
The rituals went on—rice pot, ring finding game, feeding sweets. Nandini’s shyness only added fuel to the family’s fun. Each time someone teased, Manik’s smirk grew wider while Nandini’s cheeks burned crimson.
Finally, after hours of rituals, giggles, and endless selfies, Ayesha stood up. “Bas, ab bohot ho gaya. Ab dono ko rest karne do. Subah se poori shaadi chal rahi hai.”
The girls erupted in cheers, dragging Nandini to her decorated room while locking Manik outside. “Rule number one: dulha waits!” Mukti laughed, shutting the door on his face.
When the door finally opened after endless jokes and giggles, Manik entered his room. The sight froze him in place.
The room was dimly lit with candles. Roses and jasmine garlands draped the canopy of the bed. And in the middle sat **Nandini**, in her heavy red bridal lehenga, dupatta covering her face, hands folded nervously on her lap.
For the first time in his life, Manik felt his throat go dry. He closed the door quietly, walking closer. Sitting beside her, he gently lifted her dupatta.
“Beautiful,” he whispered, his voice raw with awe.
Nandini looked down, her breath shallow. “Manik… yeh sab… mujhe bohot darr lag raha hai.”
He chuckled softly, cupping her face. “Darr? Mujhse? Tum toh meri jaan ho. Main tumse pyar karta hoon”
Still, she trembled under his gaze. He leaned in closer, brushing his lips against her forehead, then her closed eyelids. “Look at me, Nandini.”
When she finally raised her eyes, he kissed her—softly at first, testing. But the moment her lips parted in shock, his control snapped. He deepened the kiss, pulling her closer, one hand sliding around her waist.
Nandini gasped, hands pushing weakly at his chest. “Manik… please… slow.”
But his desperation was louder. “I’ve waited so long for this, Nandini. Tumhe pata bhi hai tum meri zindagi ban gayi ho.” He kissed her again, harder this time, swallowing her protest.
Her hands, once resisting, slowly clutched his shirt. The fire in his kiss melted her defenses. She moaned softly against his lips, and that sound undid him. His kisses trailed down her jawline, to her neck.
“Tum meri ho… sirf meri,” he murmured against her skin, leaving burning marks that made her shiver.
“Manik… nikkah ke baad… sab itna jaldi…” she whispered, torn between nervousness and the heat of his touch.
He pulled back just enough to look into her eyes. “This isn’t jaldi. This is right. Tum meri biwi ho ab. Aur main tumhe dikhana chahta hoon kitna chaha hai maine tumhe.”
His lips crashed onto hers again, more passionate, his hands moving to untie the heavy jewellery weighing her down. One by one, bangles clinked off, necklace unhooked, pins slid out of her hair until her dupatta fell away.
“Manik…” she breathed, half protest, half surrender.
“Shhh… trust me,” he whispered, kissing her shoulder where her blouse slipped. His hands roamed her back, pulling her flush against him.
The night blurred into heated kisses, stolen gasps, and whispered confessions. Nandini’s initial hesitation dissolved into soft moans and desperate clutches. Manik’s intensity was overwhelming, yet every touch carried love and reverence.
When he finally laid her down on the bed, their foreheads pressed together, both panting, he whispered against her lips:
“I love you, Nandini. Tonight, tomorrow, forever. No one will ever come between us.”
And with that, their souls intertwined as much as their bodies did, sealing their marriage in the most intimate way.
Sunlight streamed through the curtains, dancing across the messy bed and scattered rose petals. Nandini stirred, her body aching but her lips curving into a shy smile. Manik’s arm was still around her waist, his face buried in her neck.
“Good morning, Mrs. Malhotra,” he murmured, kissing her temple without even opening his eyes.
✨️
Mystery
YOU ARE READING
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...
