Author's pov

Siya stepped forward first. Dressed in a graceful midnight-blue lehenga, she looked at Raghav for a long moment before lifting the heavy silver aarti thali.

For a brief second, neither of them moved. The flickering flames of the diyas reflected in both their eyes. Then, a gentle, welcoming smile spread across her face.

"Padhariye, Jamai sa... aapka swagat hai."

(Welcome, son-in-law you are warmly welcomed.)

She circled the flame before his face three times, blessing him before placing a deep vermilion tilak upon his forehead.

Without a second thought, Raghav bent down to touch her feet in respect. Siya immediately stopped him halfway, placing her hand lovingly over his head instead.

"Itni bhi sharafat mat dikhaiye," she teased gently, her eyes twinkling. "Isse meri naak kheechne se toh aap bachne wale nahi."

(Don't act so innocent, That won't save you from having your nose pulled)

A light wave of laughter rippled through both families. One of the elderly aunts from the groom's side chuckled, calling out, "Arre Raghav, beta, don't let her pull your nose so easily! We are from the groom's side. We don't bow down... we make others bow!"

Raghav slowly turned toward the aunt. He didn't speak right away. Just one calm, unreadable look was enough for the laughter around them to fade.

His low voice carried across the entrance. "They are giving me their daughter their heart and years of unconditional love." His eyes shifted toward Abhimanyu and Siya. "And you expect me to stand here with arrogance simply because I'm the groom?"

"The one who gives is always greater than the one who receives." He folded his hands respectfully. "Today, I've come to seek your blessings... and to take your daughter home with your trust."

Siya's eyes filled with tears. A trembling smile broke across her lips as she finally reached forward and playfully pinched his nose. "Now that's better." Her voice softened completely. "Today, I'm not welcoming a son-in-law... I'm welcoming my son."

Raghav lowered his eyes respectfully as she rested her palm against his cheek.

Siya stepped aside, and with both families walking together, Raghav crossed the threshold of the Shekhawat house for the first time not as a guest, but as the man who had come to take Jaanki home.

_________

Raghav checked his watch for what felt like the tenth time in five minutes. The sprawling wedding stage was filled with bustling relatives, photographers, and enough fresh flowers to decorate a palace, yet none of it held his attention.

His eyes kept returning to the grand staircase.

"She's not going anywhere, you know," Reyansh remarked, dropping onto the settee beside him.

Vihaan slid in next to him,exchanging a mischievous look with Reyansh before both began singing:

"Intehaan ho gaya intezaar ki... aayi na kuch khabar mere yaar ki..."

Raghav shot them a warning glance. Vihaan only grinned wider. "Uff, Bhai. We were just giving voice to your inner feelings."

Raghav opened his mouth to put him in his place, but before he could speak, the bright chandeliers overhead dimmed. A soft, haunting melody began to play across the hall.

Without taking his eyes off the grand entryway, Raghav shoved both Reyansh and Vihaan aside. "Move."

The playful teasing instantly vanished from their faces. Everyone turned together. And then... she appeared.

Her wine-red lehenga shimmered beneath the crystal lights like a crimson rose blooming under moonlight. Intricate embroidery caught every ray, making it seem as though tiny stars were sewn directly into the silk. Her sheer veil rested gracefully over her dark hair.

Her eyes remained lowered, her slender fingers clutching the edge of her dupatta ever so tightly. She looked beautiful and breathtakingly nervous.

Raghav forgot how to breathe.

He had seen her in cotton kurtas after exhausting university days. He had seen her in sharp formal suits. he had seen her sleeping against his shoulder, trusting him without realizing it. But nothing... absolutely nothing had prepared him for this.

"Ek baar dekh toh lo... please" He prayed to the universe.

(Look at me, just once)

As if the universe itself had whispered the request into her ear, Jaanki slowly lifted her eyes. Their gazes locked across the crowded hall. The music faded. The chatter vanished. The hundreds of people surrounding them simply ceased to exist.

There was only her. Only him.

For one endless heartbeat, neither looked away. Then, just as a shy, hesitant smile began to curve her lips, Jaanki lowered her eyes again, a delicate blush blooming across her cheeks.

Vihaan leaned toward Raghav.

"Bhai..."

No response.

"Bhai."

Still nothing.

Vihaan sighed dramatically. "System hang ho gaya."

That finally earned him a single blink. Without shifting his focus from Jaanki, Raghav spoke in a dangerously calm tone. "Vihaan."

"Hm?"

"If either of you says one more word..."

Reyansh raised both hands in immediate surrender. "I know, you'll send me directly to God."

Slowly, Jaanki reached the stage, her father Abhimanyu walking beside her. For a moment, Abhimanyu paused.

His daughter. His little girl. The one who used to demand bedtime stories before she would sleep, who had grown into a formidable woman without him realizing when time had slipped away.

He looked at Raghav, then down at Jaanki, before finally taking her hand and placing it into Raghav's palm.

"If you ever fail to take care of her..." Abhimanyu's voice was low, carrying the raw, fierce weight of a father's love, "...I'll forget you're my son-in-law. And remember only that I'm her father."

Raghav met his gaze directly, bowing his head with quiet respect. "You won't get that chance."

Abhimanyu searched his eyes for a long second before giving a single, nod and stepping back.

Raghav guided Jaanki onto the stage, keeping his hand wrapped securely around hers until she was steady on her feet. Once she was beside him, he leaned down just enough so only she could hear.

"Miss Shekhawat..." His eyes swept over her face. "Katal karne ka bahut khoobsurat tareeka chuna hai aapne."

(You have chosen a truly beautiful way to commit murder)

Jaanki rolled her hands around him to take evil eyes off "By the way... you are looking quite good today too, Mr. Rathore."

Raghav placed a hand dramatically over his chest. "Bas... aaj toh sach mein jaan le li, Tempesta."

(That's it... today you truly took my breath away)

She glared at him gently. "I told you to stop calling me that."

He smiled without the slightest intention of backing down. "As you wish..." He paused deliberately. "...Jaana."

Her breath hitched. She stared at him for a moment before quickly ducking her head to hide the heat rushing to her cheeks. Raghav's quiet smile only deepened.

The priest smiled warmly at both families. "Now the varmala ceremony will take place."

Excitement instantly rippled through the crowd. One of Raghav's cousins stepped forward with a mischievous grin. "Brother, just give the signal. We will lift you up!"

Before anyone could join in, Raghav spoke without looking away from Jaanki. "There's no need for that." His voice wasn't harsh, but it left zero room for debate. "I won't make her uncomfortable for the sake of a joke."

The cousins exchanged looks and quietly stepped back. The priest handed the rose garland to Jaanki. She held it carefully, but as she looked up at Raghav, her racing heartbeat became impossible to ignore. He stood right before her calm, patient, looking at her.

She took a small, hesitant step forward. "I think..." she murmured with an embarrassed smile, "...you're too tall."

A faint smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth. "That's an easy problem to solve."

Without hesitation, Raghav bowed his head toward her bending down low enough that she wouldn't have to strain at all. There was no male pride, no hesitation only absolute respect.

Jaanki blinked in surprise, then lifted the garland with a bright smile, slipping it over his head. The courtyard erupted into cheers as rose petals rained over them.

The priest handed the second garland to Raghav. he carefully draped the heavy garland over her neck, ensuring it didn't catch on her jewelry or sheer veil. With incredible gentleness, his fingers freed a small lock of hair caught beneath the flowers his touch lasting only a fraction of a second.

Jaanki's gaze drifted toward him, her eyes inadvertently lingering on his broad chest and the sculpted frame beneath his shirt. Without her permission, a rogue thought slipped into her mind she had never seen him shirtless.

A sudden, hot blush crept up her cheeks. Raat mein itna sexy aadmi bina kapdon ke dekhne ko milega?

she thought, before instantly snapping her head away, silently cursing her own brain.

(I'll get to see such a sexy man without clothes tonight?)

Before she could process her own scandalous train of thought, Reyansh and Vihaan walked up toward the stage. Vihaan stopped right in front of her and dramatically bowed.

"Hello, Bhabhi Jaan."

Before Jaanki could even open her mouth to reply, Raghav reached out with practiced speed and pinched Vihaan's ear, twisting it firmly.

"Aah! bhai!" Vihaan groaned, wincing in pain as he tried to pull away. He scoffed defensively, rubbing his red ear. "Simple math, yaar! Jaanki + Bhabhi = Bhabhi Jaan!"

Before anyone could break down Vihaan's logic, Ruhi marched straight up onto the stage, unceremoniously shoving Reyansh out of her path.

"Jiju, I need your blessings!" she announced, her face a picture of absolute innocence.

Everyone's eyes widened in collective shock. Reyansh stumbled back, looking at her in utter disbelief. "Kaun sa maal phook kar aayi hai yeh aaj?"

(What kind of stuff has she smoked today?)

Ruhi bent down as if she was genuinely going to touch Raghav's feet in respect. But the moment her hands reached his shoes, her posture shifted. In one swift, practiced movement, she pulled his shoes right off his foot, and bolted

"Keep the cash ready!" she yelled over her shoulder, sprinting away with her prize.

Reyansh stared at the empty space where she had been standing, shaking his head in exasperation. "I knew it! Is chalaak lomdi se kisi acche ki umeed hi nahi thi."

(I knew it! You can never expect anything good from this cunning fox.)

The priest's gentle voice guided them forward: "Now, may the bride and groom enter the mandap."

Raghav offered his hand to Jaanki.

"There are a lot of stairs, and I'd rather my bride not trip on our first ritual."

"I've been climbing stairs long before I met you," she retorted, though her smile remained.

"I know," he replied with quiet amusement. "But today you're wearing fifteen kilos of confidence."

She laughed despite herself.

She placed her palm in his. They walked toward the mandap beneath a canopy of fragrant white jasmine and red roses. As they reached the steps, Raghav naturally slowed his pace to match hers.

When they sat before the sacred fire, the priest chuckled. "Dulhe Raja, ab dulhan ka haath chhod bhi dijiye."

(you can let go of the bride's hand now)

A wave of light laughter spread through the guests. Only then did Raghav realize he was still holding her hand. He looked down at their intertwined fingers, then up at her face. Instead of releasing, his thumb lightly stroked the back of her.

"I'm not letting go of this hand now."

Jaanki ducked her head to hide her warm cheeks as the priest began chanting the sacred mantras.

The fire burned steadily between them, its golden flames rising and falling with the evening breeze. The priest's rhythmic chants filled the mandap, wrapping everyone present in a quiet, sacred stillness.

One by one, the rituals unfolded.

Raghav offered the sacred grains into the fire exactly as instructed. Jaanki followed beside him, carefully repeating every step. As the ritual progressed. Without making a scene, he quietly slid the glass of water closer to her.

She looked at him in confusion.

"You've been biting your lip for the last five minutes," he murmured without breaking his posture. "You only do that when you're anxious."

Her eyes widened. "I wasn't..."

"You were," he replied softly.

"How do you even notice these things?"

Across the mandap, Siya wiped a tear from her eye. "See?" she whispered to Abhimanyu. "He notices even the smallest details."

Abhimanyu watched Raghav silently for a long moment before sighing softly. "I still don't know if I fully like him... but I can't deny he looks at our daughter the way every father hopes a man would."

The priest folded his hands. "Now it is time for the kanyadaan."

He and Siya stepped forward. The priest began the Sankalp, asking the parents to declare their intention of entrusting their daughter to a new family while blessing the union.

Every word felt heavier than the last.

Abhimanyu slowly reached for Jaanki's hand. The same little hand had clung to his finger while learning to walk. It had tugged at his sleeve whenever she wanted ice cream.

His fingers trembled as he placed her hand into Raghav's. Suddenly, Abhimanyu's composure shattered. Tears spilled over his eyes. "I can't do this..." his voice cracked. "I can't give my daughter away."

Jaanki's eyes filled instantly. "Papa..."

Before another word was spoken, Raghav slipped his own palm underneath both of their joined hands, supporting them together.

"You aren't giving her away," Raghav said, his voice ringing with absolute stability. "You're simply trusting me with someone you've loved your entire life. She will always be your daughter. My home will become hers... but your home will never stop being hers."

Abhimanyu looked up into Raghav's calm eyes and gave a slow, emotional nod. Siya stepped forward with the silver kalash, pouring the holy water, milk, and flower petals over their joined hands.

The sacred water flowed from a father's hands Across Jaanki's delicate fingers and finally into Raghav's waiting palms. It felt less like water...

And more like years of love, trust and blessings flowing from one family into another.

Ab pheron ki rasam," the priest announced.

"Var aage aaye," the priest instructed.

Raghav stepped forward first. Without letting go of Jaanki's hand, he led her toward the sacred fire. His grip was neither possessive nor hesitant. It was steady, reassuring, as though silently promising that every step she took from this moment onward would never have to be taken alone.

Together they began the first round.

The priest recited the sacred vows, explaining the promise of providing food, security, and a stable life. Raghav listened with unwavering attention, his gaze occasionally drifting toward Jaanki as though every vow was already engraved into his heart long before he stood beneath the mandap.

The second and third pheras followed, each vow binding them further through strength, prosperity, and unwavering commitment. Their footsteps remained perfectly in rhythm, the soft chime of Jaanki's anklets blending with the chanting of the mantras.

When the fourth phera was completed, the priest raised his hand.

"Ab vadhu aage aaye."

"Lead the way," he whispered, just loud enough for her to hear.

"I'm right behind you."

Jaanki slowly stepped ahead of Raghav. For a brief second she glanced back at him. Their eyes met, and a faint smile touched his lips, encouraging her without a single word.

She led the next three rounds.

With every step, the priest spoke of love, trust, companionship, children, and lifelong friendship. Jaanki listened quietly, feeling the weight of each promise settle deep within her heart. Raghav followed just behind her, his eyes never leaving her for even a moment, as though every destination in his life began and ended with the woman walking before him.

The final phera came to an end.

The priest smiled warmly.

"Saat phere sampann hue."

The moment the seventh round was completed, a shower of rose petals descended from above, filling the mandap with crimson.

The priest looked at them with satisfaction.

"Ab mangalsutra," the priest instructed.

Raghav took the delicate diamond and black-beaded chain. For the first time all evening, his effortless confidence faltered slightly.

Jaanki caught the tiny hesitation as he reached out. "Nervous?" she whispered.

A quiet, breathless laugh escaped him. "A little. You?"

"A lot," she admitted.

He leaned in closer. "Good. If you're nervous... it means I'm not the only one whose heart is racing."

He carefully fastened the mangalsutra around her neck. But before moving forward, Raghav reached into his inner pocket and pulled out a matching black-beaded bracelet, holding it out to her.

"For me?" she asked.

He shook his head. Jaanki smiled, understanding the unspoken gesture, and fastened the band around his wrist a quiet promise made outside of traditional script.

The priest reached for the silver box and placed it in Raghav's hands.

"The sindoor."

Raghav accepted the box. The tiny pinch of vermilion suddenly felt heavier than anything he had ever held. Jaanki sat before him with her gaze lowered, her hands resting quietly in her lap. The flames reflected softly against her face, making the tears gathered in her lashes sparkle like tiny crystals.

He took a slow breath, his left hand rising instinctively to cradle the back of her head with exquisite gentleness.

Jaanki felt the warmth of his hand against her neck and lifted her eyes.

For one suspended heartbeat, the mandap, the crowd, and the chanting vanished.

Raghav's fingers moved forward, The vermilion brushed against the parting of her hair, leaving behind a deep crimson line that transformed her forever.

A single tear slipped down Jaanki's cheek, matched by one escaping Raghav's eye.

A few stray grains of sindoor fell onto the bridge of her nose.

Without thinking, Raghav leaned forward until his forehead rested lightly against hers. The vermilion on Jaanki's forehead brushed against his skin, leaving a faint streak of red above his eyebrow.

"The marriage is complete," the priest declared. "From today, you two are husband and wife."

His forehead still pressed against her slowly, he kissed her forehead. "Mrs. Rathore," he whispered, a breathtaking smile lighting up his face.

Then...

A loud voice shattered th

e silence across the mandap.

"Raghav Singh Rathore!"

Okay, so I'm not a professional or something, but I tried my best to write this scene. If you find any mistake, then let me know; otherwise, I tried my best to include the rasam and all.

How was the chapter??

Lot's of love and puchiisss ❤️ 💋