30. Satyams wedding #2
"Okay, I understood. If you are done with your lecture, then click my photos," Shivika said grumpily, wiping the tear that slipped from her eye, like a little child.
"That's like my lady," Rakshit grinned, taking his phone out.
After clicking some of her photos, she clicked a few of his too.
Soon after, they left for the wedding.
As they arrived at the venue which was the orphanage playground, everything looked completely transformed.
There were decorations all around, and many guests had gathered, including Satyam and Jhanvi's co-workers.
Shivika looked around and said softly, "Aksh, your employees must also be here. What if they leak my photos with you in the media?"
Her voice carried genuine worry.
Rakshit gently caressed her hand with his thumb.
"No one will do that. Satyam has strictly banned photos, and only trusted people are here. They wouldn't do anything against me," he said calmly.
Shivika nodded, finally relaxing.
They stepped inside and saw Satyam already seated in the mandap.
"I think bhabhi is going to enter," Shivika said.
Rakshit hummed in agreement.
Just then, Rahul, who was walking past them lost in his thoughts, almost tripped over a rolled carpet.
"Careful," Rakshit said, quickly holding his arm.
"Oh... thank you," Rahul said but the moment he realized it was Rakshit who had helped him, his smile disappeared.
Shivika frowned slightly, noticing that.
"You guys are here finally," Rahul said, forcing a smile.
He avoided eye contact with Rakshit, which didn't go unnoticed.
Before Rakshit could say anything, someone called Rahul, and he walked away.
"I was thinking of pulling a revenge prank on him... but it feels like his mood is already off," Shivika said, glancing at Rakshit, who was still observing Rahul.
Rakshit hummed, then turned towards her.
"What revenge, Ika?" he asked.
"Actually, he was the one who told me that you are close to Shraddha... so I need to take revenge, right?" Shivika said.
Rakshit smiled.
"You should. And I'll help you too. But let him go today... I think he has fought with his girlfriend. That's why his mood is off," Rakshit said, glancing at Rahul, who was now talking angrily on a call.
"He has a girlfriend?" Shivika asked, shocked.
"Yes," Rakshit replied simply.
Shivika crossed her arms slightly.
"Still... I'm not leaving him that easily."
Rakshit chuckled.
"Of course not. My Ika and leaving revenge prank on Rahul? Impossible."
Before she could reply, soft music started playing, and both their attention shifted towards the entrance.
"I think she's here," Shivika whispered.
And just then, Jhanvi entered, dressed as a bride, glowing, graceful, and nervous all at once.
Shivika's face lit up instantly.
"She looks so beautiful..."
Rakshit hummed softly, his gaze momentarily shifting from the bride... to Shivika.
Meanwhile, Satyam, who was already seated in the mandap, looked up as Jhanvi walked towards him. His expression held happiness but also a trace of nervousness.
As his eyes wandered, they landed on Rakshit.
For a brief second... it felt like he was silently asking something.
Asking for reassurance.
Asking if he could really do this.
If he could keep her happy.
Rakshit understood.
A small, steady smile formed on his lips as he gave a slight nod--his eyes filled with assurance.
And that was all Satyam needed.
His shoulders relaxed.
A faint but confident smile appeared on his face as he slowly extended his hand forward... towards Jhanvi.
Jhanvi looked at him, her lips curving into a shy smile as she placed her hand in his.
And just like that... the moment felt complete.
Rakshit glanced at Shivika.
She smiled warmly at Satyam too.
The rituals began soon after mantras echoing, sacred fire glowing, and emotions filling the air. The whole atmosphere felt pure and peaceful.
After a while, Rakshit gently made Shivika sit comfortably.
"Sit here, Ika. Don't stand too long," he said softly.
She nodded.
Just then, a few of Rakshit's employees came near them.
"Good afternoon, sir," one of them greeted respectfully.
Rakshit nodded slightly.
"Meet Shivika Rakshit Mahajan."
They turned towards her.
"Ma'am, it's really nice to meet you," one of them said politely.
Shivika smiled warmly.
"Nice to meet you too."
They introduced themselves one by one, and Shivika greeted each of them sweetly, her calm and kind nature instantly making them comfortable.
After a few minutes, they excused themselves and left.
Some time passed.
Then Rahul came near them, holding two glasses of lemon juice.
Without saying much, he handed one to Shivika and other to Rakshit.
"You should drink this. The serving will start late... you can't stay hungry till then," he said.
Shivika looked at him, a little surprised by the sudden gesture.
Before she or Rakshit could respond, Rahul turned and walked away.
Rakshit watched him go, a small smile forming on his lips at his care but his eyes also held a hint of concern.
"Something is wrong," Shivika said softly, looking at Rahul's retreating figure.
Rakshit hummed lightly.
"I'll handle it," he said calmly, placing his hand over hers.
"And you... don't worry."
Shivika nodded, trusting him completely, as the wedding rituals continued in the background.
"Call the groom's sister," the priest said for the next ritual.
"Shivika," Satyam called, making everyone's gaze turn towards her.
Shivika, who hadn't expected this at all, was completely shocked.
"Ika, go... he wants you there for him," Rakshit whispered softly, encouraging her.
Rakshit helped her walk towards the mandap carefully.
She followed the priest's instructions, performing the ritual with slightly trembling hands, but a soft smile on her face.
After finishing, she came back and sat beside Rakshit again.
Suddenly, Shivika's eyes filled with tears... and before she knew it, she started crying.
Rakshit instantly grew worried.
"What happened, bacche?" he asked, pulling her close by her shoulder and gently wiping her tears.
"I... I also want to get married like this... with every ritual..." Shivika said between her sobs.
Rakshit opened his mouth to say something but stopped.
He sighed softly and pulled her closer, letting her hide her face in his chest.
"We will, Ika... we will," he murmured, rubbing her back gently.
"And you should be happy that our baby will be with us during our marriage."
His words hit her instantly.
Shivika pulled back, her tear-filled eyes suddenly lighting up.
"Yes! You're right... I didn't even think about that," she said, her face breaking into a bright smile.
She held his cheeks and pulled them lightly.
(My cutie lifeline.)
They both started giggling softly, talking and stealing glances at the wedding.
But what they didn't know was that they had an audience.
Almost all the guests, instead of looking at the bride and groom, were looking at them.
Some with admiration.
Some with shock.
Some with jealousy.
But one question lingered in everyone's mind-
How can two people be so deeply in love?
As the wedding concluded, Jhanvi and Satyam came towards Rakshit and Shivika.
They both stood up to congratulate them.
Rakshit hugged Satyam and patted his back.
"Now give all the love you have inside you to her... and just live happily without thinking about the past," Rakshit whispered in his ear.
Satyam smiled and nodded.
"Aksh," Shivika called softly, gesturing about the gift.
"Oh... yeah," Rakshit said, quickly taking out an envelope from his pocket.
He placed it in Shivika's hand, silently asking her to give it.
"Here... your wedding gift from us," Shivika said, handing it to them with a smile.
"There was no need for this," Satyam said, while Jhanvi hesitated to take it.
"There was," Rakshit said firmly.
Then he leaned closer to Satyam and whispered so only he could hear,
"You're going to like the gift... a lot."
Satyam's eyes widened at his tone.
"Bhai..." he stuttered.
(Bhai=Brother)
Rakshit chuckled, patting his back.
"Did you guys eat?" Jhanvi asked.
"No, we were just waiting to wish you both. After eating, we'll head home," Shivika said softly, her energy clearly low now.
"Yeah... no problem. You should take rest," Satyam said, looking at her with concern, then turned to Rakshit.
"Bhai, where is Rahul? I haven't seen him for the last hour," he asked.
Shivika, who hadn't heard him call Rakshit bhai before, looked shocked.
"I don't know... he came once to give us lemon juice, and after that, I didn't even get a glimpse of him," Rakshit said, glancing around.
"You called him bhai?" Shivika asked with wide eyes before Satyam could respond.
Satyam looked at her, then at Rakshit.
"I didn't tell her. You should," Rakshit said with a smile.