Last night was filled with dance and laughter as we celebrated our sangeet ceremony. I danced my heart out, losing myself in the rhythm of the night.
But Reya… she didn’t dance like she usually does. I noticed it right away.
She swayed and smiled, but something was different. I asked her softly, “Are you okay, Sunflower?”
She just smiled and nodded. I wanted to press further, but before I could, Param and Rakshit pulled me back onto the dance floor.
They had just arrived last night, and seeing them after so long, I felt so happy.
And now it was 4 a.m., and while the world outside was still, I was wide awake, excitement bubbling within me.
I quietly made my way to Reya's room, a surprise ready to unfold.
I tiptoed into the room, careful not to wake Navi who was sleeping beside Reya. The room was quiet except for the soft sounds of their breathing.
I knelt down beside Reya, gently whispering her name, trying to wake her, “Sunflower, wake up!”
She frowned in her sleep, turning around, clearly not wanting to be disturbed. I paused for a moment, thinking of my next move.
Then, without another thought, I stood up, leaned down, and scooped her up in my arms, holding her close. Her body stirred, but I couldn’t help but smile.
I carefully slipped her phone into my pocket and quietly locked the door behind me.
As I descended the stairs, holding her close, I felt her stir in my arms. Her eyes fluttered open, and the confusion was clear on her face.
Her lips parted, ready to say something, but before she could shout in surprise, I leaned down, capturing her lips in a soft, quick kiss, silencing any words she might have said.
The warmth of the kiss made her relax for a moment, her hands gripping my shirt.
As I stepped off the last stair, I pulled away from her lips, leaving her gasping for air.
Her eyes widened, and she cursed under her breath, clearly taken aback.
“What the hell is all this?” she asked, half-frustrated, half-amused.
I smiled, leaning in close to whisper, “Get used to these untimely surprises for the next few days, Sunflower!”
“I want to sleep Kashyap, I'm really tired!” She cried, hiding her face in my chest.
I chuckled and kissed her cheeks, “You can sleep after you become Mrs. Kashyap—there’s a lifetime for that, but for now we're going out.”
Her lips twitched into a reluctant smile, even though I knew she was trying hard to keep that frown.
We hopped on the bike, the engine roaring to life as I steered us toward the destination I had planned.
Reya sat behind me, her arms wrapped around my waist, her head resting against my back .
As we drove through the streets of Mussoorie, I asked her, “Won't you ask where I'm taking you?”
“As if you will tell me!” She taunted leaning forward, keeping her chin over my shoulder.
I just smirked, knowing that she knew me so well.
Finally, we arrived at our destination—Gun Hill, the famous sunrise point in Mussoorie.
The air was crisp, and the sky was still cloaked in darkness, with just a hint of light on the horizon. I parked the bike, and as Reya hopped off, she looked around, her eyes widening in recognition.
“The sunrise?” she asked softly, realisation dawning on her face.
I nodded, smiling at the surprise that was finally out in the open. “I wanted you to witness your last sunrise as Reya Sharma... because from tomorrow, you’ll be Mrs. Kashyap.”
Her eyes met mine, and in that moment, the beauty of the sunrise paled in comparison to the warmth in her gaze.
“Ye bhi tha meri bucket list mein?” She asked playfully, stepping closer.
Pushing my hands in the pocket of my pants,I shrugged my shoulders and whispered, “Shayad meri bucket list mein!”
She laughed and we walked to the edge, and as we stood there in silence, the first rays of sunlight began to peek over the mountains.
She gazed at the sunrise, her voice soft as she whispered, "It's beautiful."
I could see the emotions flickering in her eyes. She turned to face me fully, her expression a mix of joy.
“We’ve come so far,” she said, her voice catching slightly. “I can't believe we're here. You know the time when..when I suffered the acid…attack, I thought I lost you forever. I thought w-we…we couldn't…” her words broke as tears rolled down her cheeks.
I tightened my grip on her hands, pulling her closer as I looked into her eyes. “Shhh…don't cry my love. We fought through it all na and look where we are now. None of that could stop us.”
More tears slipped down her cheek, her fingers tracing the side of my face. “Main survive hi nahi kar pati tere bagair, all those two years without you…I was merely a body…”
I wiped her tears away and leaned my forehead against hers, my voice steady as I said, “I was the same Sunflower, just existing. But now, we're together, about to enter a new life..hmm?” I tried to coo her.
She nodded, her breath soft against my skin. We stood there wrapped in each other's embrace as the sun kept rising.
We didn’t realise how quickly time had passed until my phone buzzed. I pulled it out, and it was Param.
“Kahan ho tum dono? Sab log tumhe dhoondh rahe hain. Bhaag vaag gaye ho kya?” he teased, his voice filled with mock concern.
I chuckled, glancing at Reya, who was still lost in the beauty of the sunrise. “Nah, nothing like that. We’ll be back in half an hour. Tell everyone to chill,” I replied with a grin.
As I hung up, I turned to Reya. “Chalein Dr. Reya Sharma, ghar vale dhoondh rahe hai hume!” said playfully.
“Yes, Captain Kashyap!” She replied with a smile.
“After you, ma'am!” I winked playfully as we made our way back to the cottage.
So, the day had finally arrived—the day Vayu and I would become husband and wife.
I had just stepped out of a relaxing shower, the warmth of the water still lingering as I prepared to get ready for the biggest moment of our lives.
The hours before the wedding seemed to fly by in a blur of rituals and laughter.
There were blessings from our elders, smiles exchanged across the room, and the comforting hum of tradition wrapping around us like a familiar blanket.
I sat in front of the large mirror, my reflection barely registering as my hands gently rested on my belly.
A wave of emotion washed over me, and I smiled softly, whispering to the little life growing inside me.
“Your mom and dad are marrying today, little one,” I said, my voice catching slightly.
“I wish you could see how beautiful this day is... but you’re here, aren’t you?”
I closed my eyes, feeling the quiet connection between us. “You know what? I’m finally going to tell Vayu about you today. He deserves to know that he's going to be a father!”
I chuckled softly, imagining his reaction. "He’s going to lose his mind, in the best way.”
A tear slid down my cheek as I gently rubbed my belly, my heart swelling with love.
“I can’t wait for the day when we'll finally meet you, but for now… just know that this day, it’s not just about me and your father. It’s about us—our little family, starting today.”
Just as I was about to get lost in the moment, the door creaked open, and in walked Navi and Tanu, chatting away.
I quickly composed myself, sitting up straight and trying to act as normal as possible.
“So ready to marry my idiot brother?” Navi asked with a bright smile, while Tanu stood behind me.
I smiled back, keeping my hands resting casually in my lap, hiding the secret just a little longer. “Yes!” I replied, with excitement and chuckle.
Tanu handed me a carefully wrapped bag, her eyes twinkling with excitement. "Here’s your wedding dress," she said with a playful nudge. "Go on, wear it! We can't keep the groom waiting, can we?"
I took the bag, my heart skipping a beat as I held it in my hands.
This was it—the dress I would wear to marry Vayu.
"Alright, I’m going," I said, standing up and heading towards the changing room.
As I opened the bag, my eyes widened in surprise. It was a stunning yellow Rajputi poshak—the traditional dress we Rajasthani women wear for our weddings.
I stood there, holding it in awe. I had no idea about my wedding dress; they’d kept it a secret from me too.
I smiled to myself, and slipped into the poshak, feeling its elegant fabric wrap around me, and stepped outside where Navi and Tanu were eagerly waiting.
Their faces lit up when they saw me, and I couldn't help but smile back at them.
"Wow, you look stunning, bhabhi!" Navi said, her voice full of admiration.
"Just wait till Vayu sees you!" Tanu added with a playful grin.
"I thought the wedding would be according to Punjabi traditions, you know," I said, half-expecting a nod or agreement from them.
But instead, both of them just chuckled, exchanging a knowing glance.
My brows frowned at their response, but before I could say anything, they made me sit on the stool in front of the mirror, and immediately got to work, carefully styling my hair and adorning me with each piece of traditional jewellery.
The room filled with chatter and laughter, but all I could think about was the moment I would finally walk down the aisle.
As they placed the final touches, I glanced at myself in the mirror, barely recognizing the bride staring back at me.
Once I was ready, both Navi and Tanu left, saying they had to get ready too. I nodded, watching them leave, and then carefully sat down on the bed.
My mind drifted to all the moments Vayu and I had shared over the years—every challenge, every joy, and how far we'd come.
Just as I was lost in thought, the door creaked open, and I looked up to see my parents walking in.
Mumma's eyes welled up with emotion as she looked at me in the bridal attire. "Bahut sundar lag rahi hai!" she whispered, her voice trembling.
Papa, usually so composed, smiled softly, though I could see the pride and nostalgia in his eyes. "You've grown so soon, itni si thi jab pehli baar Papa bola tha! Ab dekho Ruchi, shaadi hone vaali hai humari Kittu ki." he said, his voice low but full of warmth.
I couldn’t help but tear up as well. “Okay please, ye emotional conversation shaadi ke baad, abhi mera makeup kharab hojaega!" I said, my voice shaky.
Mumma gently cupped my face, her eyes filled with love. “Pagal hi rahegi bilkul!”
Papa put his hand on my shoulder, squeezing it reassuringly. I immediately went near him and hugged him trying to control my tears.
“Acha haan, preshan mat karna Vayush ko, samjhi?” Papa teased making me pout.
“Vo to main karungi!” I smiled through the tears, making them chuckle.
Tears still glistened in their eyes as they placed their hands gently on my head in a gesture of blessing.
"Meri beti hamesha khush rahe," Mumma whispered as she leaned down to kiss my forehead. Papa stood beside her, his hand still resting on my shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze.
"We'll call you in a while, sab taiyaar ho jaane ke baad," Papa said with a warm smile, as they turned to leave the room.
I nodded, watching them walk out, feeling the love and support they’d always given me.
As the door clicked shut, I was left with my thoughts again—feeling both the weight and the joy of the moment ahead.
I sat on the stool, checking my makeup in the mirror when the door suddenly creaked open again, making me gasp.
My heart skipped a beat as I turned around, and there he was—Vayu, standing tall and looking incredibly handsome in a cream-coloured sherwani and a traditional Rajasthani safa (turban).
For a moment, I was speechless. He walked in with that signature smirk, his eyes never leaving mine.
“Bahut sundar lag rahi hai, just like the way I used to see in my dreams.” he whispered, his voice filled with emotions.
Then, with a playful grin, he gently waved his fingers across my head, and broke his knuckles over his own head, casting off any evil eyes.
I could only smile, still in awe of how perfectly he’d blended into the Rajasthani look. "Tu bhi bahut acha lag raha hai!" I replied, fixing the brioche on his safa (turban).
He smiled, that familiar mischievous glint in his eyes, and before I could react, he gently lifted me off the floor in his arms.
I gasped, laughing softly, “You know na, we're not supposed to meet before the marriage.”
His hold tightened around me as he leaned closer, his breath warm against my ear. “Subah se nahi dekha hai tujhe,” he whispered, his voice filled with longing, “aur raha nahi jaa raha tha.”
I felt my heart skip a beat at his words, and despite everything, I couldn't help but smile. Being in his arms felt like home.
I pressed our nose together, teasing him as I whispered, “Vayu I was about to come down in some time.”
His lips curved into a smirk, moving even closer, our lips almost touching as he softly replied, “Lekin main to kisi or kaam ke liye aaya hoon!”
Before I could ask him what he meant, his lips captured mine in a passionate, loving kiss.
My hands instinctively clenched around his nape as he deepened the kiss, pulling me closer, our breaths mingling in the quiet intensity of the moment.
After what felt like forever, he pulled back slightly, his forehead resting against mine.
He looked straight into my eyes, his gaze full of mischief and love, and whispered with a grin, "Iss kaam ke liye!"
Before I could even react, his lips found mine again, and we were lost in the kiss once more, the world melting away around us.
We pulled apart, startled by the sudden knock at the door. My eyes widened with panic as the thought hit me—what if someone saw him here?
But this idiot, standing there, was grinning like he'd just gotten away with a prank.
I rushed to open the door, trying to compose myself, only to find Navi and Tanu standing there, all dressed up like dolls in their beautiful Rajasthani poshaks.
They entered the room without hesitation, leaving me behind as I stared, still in shock. Tanu smirked at Vayu and said, "Laa, hamari treat!"
Navi chimed in with a playful wink, "We let you meet bhabhi before the wedding, so now we want a treat!”
I couldn't help but roll my eyes while Vayu just chuckled, clearly enjoying the situation.
After paying a hefty amount to Tanu and Navi, just for the privilege of seeing my Sunflower before the ceremony, I finally made my way downstairs.
The air was filled with excitement, laughter, and the sound of wedding preparations.
Everyone had gathered around, and the priest called me to sit in front of the holy fire. As I took my seat, the weight of the moment hit me.
Today was the day I’d marry Reya, my Sunflower.
I glanced around, feeling the warmth of my family’s presence, but my eyes kept drifting towards the stairs, waiting for her to arrive.
The sacred fire flickered in front of me, its flames reflecting my anticipation. I couldn’t wait to see her again, this time as my bride.
And finally, she walked down the aisle, her face covered with a delicate yellow veil that danced softly with each step she took.
It felt as if time had slowed, and everyone around us faded into the background, leaving just the two of us in that moment.
The yellow poshak hugged her figure beautifully, the intricate embroidery glistening in the light. I was captivated by the way the delicate fabric flowed with her movements, enhancing her grace and beauty.
As she neared, I could just make out the features of her face through the veil—her eyes sparkling with a mixture of joy and nervousness.
I stood up, my heart pounding with excitement, and made my way towards her, extending my hand to take hers.
She placed her delicate hand in mine, and together we walked towards the Mandap, every step filled with anticipation.
As we reached the Mandap, I gently helped her settle into her seat, ensuring she was comfortable.
I could feel the warmth radiating from her, a mixture of love and nervousness. Taking my place beside her, I could hardly believe that this was really happening.
The priest began chanting the mantras, his voice steady and calming, grounding us in this sacred moment.
I stole glances at Reya, her veil shimmering softly as she looked ahead, completely immersed in the rituals.
As the mantras echoed in the surrounding, my eyes filled with tears, overwhelmed by the reality that we were finally marrying each other.
It was a moment I had dreamed of, and now that it was here, I struggled to contain the flood of emotions.
Just as I felt the tears threatening to spill, Reya leaned in closer, her voice a soft whisper in my ear. “What happened, Vayu?”
I shook my head, a smile breaking through the emotions, and took her hand in mine, gently kissing the back of it.
“Nothing, just... I can’t believe how lucky I am to be here with you,” I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.
Her presence was calming, and in that moment, I knew that no matter what lay ahead, we would face it together.
We exchanged varmalas, the beautiful garlands symbolising our love and commitment, and my heart swelled with joy.
The moment felt surreal as we both smiled at each other, lost in our little world amidst the sea of our loved ones.
Next came the pheras. As we began our sacred walk around the holy fire, I helped her walk before me carefully, making sure she was comfortable in her beautiful attire.
I kept my pace slow, mindful of her every step. With each round, I could feel the weight of our vows—forever, together.
The atmosphere was charged with love and laughter, and I couldn’t help but glance at her, her face glowing with happiness.
I silently vowed to protect her, love her, and make every day of our lives together as special as this one.
After the pheras, the priest asked me to tie the nuptial chain around her neck.
Tanu forwarded the nuptial chain and I carefully took the delicate chain in my hand and gently curled it around Reya's neck and fastened the hook from behind.
The priest further signalled for the ritual of applying the vermilion in Reya’s hair partition.
Navi eagerly forwarded me the small, intricately designed box filled with the vibrant red powder.
My heart raced as my Sunflower slowly lifted her veil, revealing her radiant face, glowing with happiness.
I took a pinch of vermilion between my fingers and gently moved my hand toward her forehead.
With a steady hand, I filled the partition of her hair, staining it red—a beautiful symbol of our union.
As I did so, I noticed her eyes flutter closed, and soon I could see tears rolling down her cheeks, a mixture of joy and emotion.
Concern washed over me as I leaned forward, wiping her tears away with my thumb. “Finally the two of us are one now, sunflower!” I whispered softly.
She opened her eyes, sparkling like the stars above, and her lips curled into a warm smile that melted my heart.
But then, in an unexpected move, she pulled my hand and placed it on her belly. Confusion flickered in my mind for a brief moment, before she whispered, “Not two! Three of us are one now, Vayu!”
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