Hope

The Wedding Shenanigans: Part 1

Rahul's POV:

The wedding preparations began with much difficulties as his stepmother would throw a fit for about anything. His father wasn't supportive either because he didn't like spending too much of his money. And with Rahul's salary alone, it would be a miracle if they could even afford the caterers. 

Rahul's stepmother told Demon Lord that they should ask for dowry in the name of blessings from Ananya's parents to which he promptly agreed. Whereas his stepmother tried to re-use her previously owned cloth materials and jewellery to its best to make new things for Ananya. She sewed all the garments herself to save money from tailors, designers, cloth merchants etc., and made sure that everyone else was making the minimum expenditure as well. Rahul's groom outfit was also rented out and was to be worn with great precaution as it had to be returned in perfect condition.

Ishika and Avika both came down to help with all the preparations. Ishika had brought her two sons whereas Avika was accompanied by her husband and daughter as Jai had made this very clear that she was not supposed to go out anywhere alone, even if it was her parent's house. Ishika had some savings so she bought a pair of new shoes for Rahul whereas Avika had brought gifts from her own wedding to be given at Rahul's wedding. 

Sanaya was also trying her best to help out as the groom's sister, she was making sure that everything is packed and ready to go. She also made sure that all her outfits for the various ceremonies were on point, she had even bought hair extensions from her secret savings! She was really excited and ready to welcome a new member in the family. And this was because of two reasons, first, after Ishika and Avika got married, she had no friend or companion to talk to in the house. Vidhi never really helped her with any chore, and her stepmother always had her guests at home, so she was tired of doing all the chores by herself. She thought that Ananya could not only help her with the chores but might also help to make their living situation a little better. She had hoped for a friend in her sister-in-law.

When everything was packed and ready to go, everyone boarded the bus which was supposed to take them to Ananya's town. They were holding the wedding in the house as well as Rahul's family didn't wanted to divide the expense, neither were they willing to compromise with any of the 'gifts'. The journey was long, it took about 5 hours to reach from their city to Ananya's place by road. Everyone was singing, dancing, playing games on the journey and the stepmother and the Demon Lord were not being assholes for once in their life. 

Rahul was actually quite surprised so as to how is this journey so peaceful. Little did he know that his stepmother had planned a whole new scene to cause at his wedding, whereas the Demon Lord was only looking forward towards the dowry. This wedding was going to be epic, one way or another. Rahul mostly stuck with his cousin brother as the two were much alike. He thought that its nice to have at least one friendly face amongst the wolves that surrounded him, and clung to him with his life, instructing him that he is to not leave Rahul's side under any condition. 

When they finally reached their destination, all the guests were guided towards a hotel which was booked for two days. Everyone started settling in their respective rooms as after getting some rest, everyone was supposed to get ready for the wedding. The stepmother started complaining as soon they reached that all the guests were hungry, and there is no arrangement from the bride's side in order to take care of that.

She went as far as to cancel the wedding if something wasn't done about this situation so Ananya's father and her cousin brothers had to come down to the hotel and apologise while providing everyone with food. Ananya's father wasn't so sure anymore if this was the right thing to do, but it wasn't easy back in old times to cancel a wedding because it was always assumed that there must be something wrong with the girl if the wedding was called off. Ananya's father couldn't bear the thought, and complied with every unfair request that Rahul's mother had to make.