Chapter - 11
The next day, both families were bustling with excitement as it was time for the Mehendi and Sangeet ceremonies, held simultaneously.
At the Rathore Palace, everyone was in high spirits, preparing for the evening's festivities.
However, Aarav, true to his nature, remained immersed in work.
He had already informed the family that he would not be participating in these functions.
Sumitra Ji tried convincing him, but Aarav firmly replied, "I've already told you, I don't like unnecessary celebrations, and I hate the smell of mehendi." Hearing this, Sumitra Ji didn't push further and let him be.
By the evening, the Rathore ladies had all adorned beautiful mehendi designs on their hands.
Once the mehendi was done, hunger struck.
In the dining area, a heartwarming scene unfolded.
Rajveer fed Neelam lovingly, Vijay did the same for Meera, and Arjun was happily feeding Anaya.
Sumitra Ji, having mehendi on only one hand, managed to eat by herself, smiling as she watched her family enjoy the moment.
The sight of their happiness filled her with immense joy and pride.
After eating, the family gathered for the Sangeet. The garden echoed with laughter and music as everyone danced and celebrated. Aarav, however, remained absent, engrossed in his work elsewhere, his location unknown to the family. Despite his absence, the Rathores celebrated with great enthusiasm.
Over at the Rajput house, a similar atmosphere of joy and festivity filled the air. The ladies were excited about their freshly done mehendi designs, while Meenakshi couldn't contain her happiness, beaming with pride for her daughter, Natasha.
When it was time to eat, Dev fed Tara and Siya lovingly, while Suresh took care of Meenakshi and their "lovely daughter" Natasha. It was a picture of a happy family enjoying a cherished moment together.
After the meal, the family joined in for the Sangeet.
Music, dance, and laughter filled the house as everyone had a wonderful time.
By the end of the evening, the Rajputs concluded the celebration with joy, wrapping up the day early to prepare for the big day ahead—the wedding at Rathore Haveli.
In the Rajput house, everyone woke up early, buzzing with excitement and preparations for the big day. They packed their belongings and got ready to leave for Rathore Haveli. Sumitra Ji had generously arranged for cars and guards to assist them with the journey.
Dev, however, didn't feel comfortable with this gesture and voiced his concern to his father.
"Papa, we could have managed on our own," he said.
But Suresh brushed it off, saying, "If they are offering us privileges, why not accept them?
They've already agreed to our wishes, so we should also respect theirs.
" Hearing this, Dev didn't press the matter further.
After a journey of nearly two hours, the Rajput family arrived at the magnificent Rathore Haveli. As soon as Suresh and Meenakshi saw the grandeur of the place, they were overwhelmed with joy—and greed. The sheer luxury of the Haveli was beyond their expectations.
The family was directed to the backside of the Haveli, where accommodations had been arranged for them. Suresh and Meenakshi didn't mind being away from the main Haveli, as Meenakshi saw this as an opportunity to keep Siya hidden and out of sight from everyone.
Once everything was checked and settled, Dev and Tara headed to their assigned room to get ready for the day.
Natasha went to her room, where professional beauticians were scheduled to help her prepare.
Meenakshi and Suresh also went to get dressed, as they needed to oversee the arrangements and maintain appearances.
Meanwhile, Siya, as always, was given a list of tasks by her Taiji. Once she finished those, she quietly went to her room to get ready, keeping to herself as the rest of the family prepared for the grand occasion ahead.
In the Rathore Palace, excitement filled the air as everyone prepared for the grand wedding.
In her room, Sumitra Ji lovingly adjusted a framed photo of her late husband.
With a soft smile, she said, "I can't express how happy I am today.
You would have been so proud. I'm finally fulfilling your last wish.
I pray for everyone's happiness." After a moment of quiet reflection, she placed the photo back on the table and left her room to check on the preparations.
Neelam and Meera were busy overseeing final arrangements when Sumitra Ji joined them. She asked, "Is everything ready?"
Meera responded, "Yes, Maa, everything is done. But I've noticed there's no media or large crowd. I even personally arranged for invitations to be sent out."
Sumitra Ji smiled and explained, "Aarav didn't want the media involved. He insisted the wedding be an intimate affair with only close relatives. A grand reception will be held later for everyone else."Satisfied with her explanation, Meera nodded, and they continued their tasks.
Turning to Neelam, Sumitra Ji said, "Go and check on Aarav. We need to leave soon, and you know how he gets lost in his work."
Neelam entered Aarav's room and found him focused intently on his laptop. "Aarav," she said, a hint of concern in her voice, "today is your wedding day. You should be getting ready, not working."
He glanced up, his brow furrowed. "Just five more minutes, Mom," he replied, trying to brush her off.
Without waiting for his response, Neelam moved forward and gently closed the laptop. "You can't win against me today. Get ready," she said, her tone firm but affectionate.
Aarav sighed, knowing he had no choice. "Alright, I'll get ready," he conceded as he stood up.
Aarav got dressed and was soon joined by Anaya, who was glowing with excitement. She twirled in her outfit and beamed, "How do I look, Bhai?"
Aarav smiled and said, "You look beautiful."
Anaya grinned and hugged him. "Thanks to you, I got to wear my favorite designer dress!"
Just then, Arjun entered and started teasing Anaya about her look. However, one sharp glance from Aarav was enough to make him stop. "Alright, alright, I'll behave," Arjun muttered, scratching the back of his head.
Meera soon arrived, scolding Arjun, "I sent you to bring Aarav, and here you are, wasting time!"
After some lighthearted family rituals, the Rathore family gathered. They made sure everything was in order before leaving for the Rathore Haveli. Aarav and his family sat in their luxurious cars, ready for the journey to the next chapter of their lives.
At Rathore Haveli, the Rajput family was fully prepared to welcome the groom's family. Dev and Tara stood in the hall, where Meenakshi and Suresh were already waiting. Meenakshi greeted them warmly, complimenting their outfits and smiling brightly.
After a moment, Meenakshi suggested, "You both should go to the front of the haveli. Guests will start arriving soon."
Just then, Siya entered the hall, looking radiant in her simple yet elegant attire. Dev noticed her and smiled. "You look beautiful, Baccha," he said warmly. Siya gave a small smile in response, appreciating the compliment.
Dev turned to his mother and said, "Mom, Tara, Siya, and I will go together to greet the guests.
" At these words, Meenakshi's expression faltered for a moment, but she quickly composed herself.
"No, Siya should stay with Natasha," she said, forcing a smile.
"She needs someone from the family right now since your father and I will be busy welcoming the Rathore family. "
Dev nodded, finding the suggestion reasonable. "Alright, Mom. Siya, you stay here with Natasha. Tara and I will take care of the guests." He smiled at Siya before leaving with Tara.
The moment Dev and Tara were out of sight, Meenakshi's expression hardened.
She turned to Siya with disdain. "I've tolerated you enough.
I can't stand your presence any longer," she said coldly.
"Go to your room and stay there until the wedding is over.
I don't want your evil eye on my daughter's happiness. "
Siya's heart sank at the harsh words. Tears welled up in her eyes as she ran to her room, unable to respond. Once inside, she closed the door and broke down, her sobs echoing softly in the quiet room. She sat on the bed, hugging her knees, feeling a deep sense of sadness and loneliness.