𝐑𝐔𝐃𝐑𝐀𝐕𝐀𝐍𝐘𝐀

Ch18 Wrapped in Memories

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Today... so much happened in just one single day.

My mind still feels heavy with everything that unfolded.

But the biggest problem began the moment Bapusa his father entered the room.

The instant Rudra saw him, his anger shot straight to the seventh sky.

I could feel the tension radiating off him like scorching fire.

Just a few minutes ago, I managed to calm him down by holding his hand... but I know very well that I do not have the power to reduce his anger completely. He is a storm in himself. I was lost in these thoughts when I suddenly noticed something at my one request, just one, Rudraksh stopped.

He didn't say a single harsh word to his father.

He didn't create a scene.

He listened... to me.

I was shocked truly shocked that a man like Rudraksh Vardhan, whom the entire world fears... stopped just because I told him to. And then, for a small moment, a quiet happiness bloomed inside me.

At least he respects my words.

At least my voice reaches him.

I stood beside him, my hands slightly trembling, waiting anxiously for what Mamaji's final decision would be. I didn't want Rudra to say anything harsh to Bapusa (his father) in front of everyone. That fear alone made me keep praying silently in my heart

"Gauri Maa, please... please let this end peacefully."

And then Mamaji finally spoke.

With a deep, emotional voice he said,

"Vardhan sahab, I may not have chosen Rudraksh for my daughter... but I know one thing the people of Vardhanpur never break their word. If you ask me to let my daughter fulfill her duty as a wife, then I will not stop her."

The moment I heard his words, it felt like my breath returned to my lungs.

Finally... things were fine.

Finally... I could return to my husband's home without guilt, without shame, without conflict.

But just when relief softened my heart, Mamaji added

"But..."

Bapusa immediately looked at him with suspicion.

"But what, Sandeep ji?"

Mamaji turned and walked toward me. I lowered my eyes instantly, not having the courage to meet his gaze. My heart felt heavy guilty because even though none of this was my fault, I still felt responsible for the pain everyone went through today.

Mamaji gently placed his hand on my head. His touch felt like the warmth of a father I lost too early. He said softly, voice trembling,

"Rivu... it was my honor to perform your kanyadaan. The day you were born, it felt like Goddess Lakshmi herself had entered our house. Your mother, my sister... I saw her shadow in you. And look how unfortunate I am I couldn't even perform the ritual of giving my girl away..."

My eyes instantly filled with tears.

I wasn't at fault... but still the guilt tore through me.

Mamaji and Mami had the first right over me.

And today because of me, everyone cried, everyone worried.

Without lifting my eyes, I burst into tears and hugged Mamaji tightly. He held me close, gently pressing my head against his chest, whispering,

"Vardhan sahab... my girl is our heart. Please take care of her."

Bapusa stepped forward with deep sincerity and said,

"Sandeep ji, as a father I understand your pain. But remember this today I am not taking my daughter-in-law from here... I am taking my daughter. And I promise she will be treated with more love than any princess."

My heart twisted painfully at his words.

Destiny is strange...

On one side was my own father, who never once thought about me... never asked if I was happy, never protected me.

And on the other side, Gauri Maa placed this new family in my life

A family that loves me more than their own life...

A family that treats me like their own daughter...

A family that is ready to hold my hand through everything.

As I remained in Mamaji's arms, I looked toward Rudraksh. The moment our eyes met, it felt like he understood every emotion inside me... every fear, every ache, every hope. He didn't speak, but just nodded slightly telling me that everything would be alright, telling me to go.

And in that instant, I prayed again

Gauri Maa, I asked only one thing from you...

that no matter how long the wait, let my fate lead me to someone as divine as Mahadev.

Someone strong, someone fierce, someone with a heart hidden beneath roughness.

You heard me, Maa. The world may call him cruel...

but there is so much goodness inside Rudraksh, hidden away, unseen.

And I will bring that goodness out. I swear on you, Maa Gauri... I will show the world who my husband truly is.

Mamaji wiped his tears and said,

"Rivu, I may not have witnessed your wedding... but I will make sure your bidaai happens with every ritual and every emotion. You will leave this house as my daughter and enter the Vardhan family as their daughter-in-law."

I cried harder, holding his hands, and whispered,

"Mamaji... in my wedding only the bidaai ritual was missing, and now I understand why. Because my real farewell had to happen from this home from the place where my childhood lived, where my values were shaped, where Maa's blessings still breathe."

Hearing this, the entire family broke down in tears.

Mami hugged me tightly, crying uncontrollably,

"Come, let me dress you like a bride. Your mother... before leaving this world... had kept aside a few sarees. She said her little Rivu would one day choose one of them for a special moment in her married life."

That made me cry and smile together.

Dhara and Mami held my hands and began walking me upstairs.

At the door, I paused.

I turned back and looked at Rudraksh.

He didn't say anything.

He didn't need to.

His eyes said everything

Go... I'm right here.

I'm not letting you go alone anymore.

I smiled softly, took a deep breath, and walked upstairs with Mami and Dhara... ready for my final bidaai.

Mami, Dhara, and I walked into my room together.

Mami guided me to sit on the edge of the bed and said gently, her voice filled with a mixture of pride and emotion,

"Sit here, Rivu. I'll bring your mother's saree... the one I have protected with my life all these years."

I nodded silently.

As soon as Mami stepped out, Dhara closed the door behind her and rushed straight into my arms.

Her hold on me was tight, almost desperate, and I hugged her back just as fiercely.

She cupped my face between her palms, her fingertips trembling slightly as she whispered,

"I am so, so happy for you, Rivu.

Finally... what you dreamed of is happening."

A soft smile touched my lips.

"Not what I wanted, Dharu...

What Maa Gauri wanted.

She wrote Rudra and me in one destiny

how could She ever let my faith shatter?"

Dhara's expression instantly changed her eyes gleamed with mischief.

"Ayeee hayee... From calling him Suniye you've now upgraded to Rudra, haan?

My, my, Mrs. Vardhan... what a glow."

Heat rose to my cheeks. I looked down shyly.

"Stop talking foolishly.

Your jijaji himself told me to call him by his name."

Dhara leaned closer, poked my cheek lightly, and teased,

"And look at the way your face turns pink when you say his name.

It's adorable."

I lowered my eyes further, embarrassed yet secretly pleased.

"Stop teasing me, Dharu..."

But Dhara only smirked wider.

"Oh no, I'm not done.

Now it's jija ji's job to tease you

in your bedroom... once you reach home."

My entire face went crimson.

I stared at her in disbelief.

"Shut up!

My relationship with him is not like that"

She cut me off with a wink.

"Not yet.

But because you're so insanely lovable,

jiju will definitely fall in love with you.

It's guaranteed."

I rolled my eyes dramatically.

"Leave me. Tell me when are you giving me a jija ji?"

Dhara groaned loudly.

"Your jija ji probably forgot to take birth, I think!

No guy on this planet appeals to me.

Tell me what to do?"

I burst out laughing.

"How can someone forget to take birth?

Tell me what kind of husband you want

I'll search the world for him."

Dhara raised an eyebrow and asked teasingly,

"Why? Planning to set me up with some grumpy devar of yours?"

I gasped dramatically.

"Aee! My devars are not grumpy.

Both of them are incredibly sweet!"

Dhara placed a hand on her chest in theatrical pain.

"Look at you...

One marriage and you've become your sasural's girl completely.

Do you know how much my tiny heart hurts because of this?"

I lightly hit her shoulder.

"Stop your overacting, Dharu."

We both laughed softly. Then I hugged her again, holding her tightly, and murmured,

"I'll miss you the most, Dharu..."

She hugged me tighter, her voice cracking.

"I'll miss you more.

You'll be fine you have jiju.

You'll dive into romance and forget me.

But I... I'll be all alone without you."

I laughed gently.

"Then come with me.

I'll find a husband for you there too."

Dhara stepped back instantly.

"Absolutely not!

Rivu madam, you enjoy the marriage sweet.

I don't want even a bite."

We were still giggling when the door opened and Nani and Mami walked in together.

In Mami's hands was a deep red saree adorned with heavy golden work...

and a tray filled with bridal ornaments.

My breath hitched.

Mami handed me the saree with trembling hands.

I took it carefully and went to the changing room.

When I stepped out wearing it,

Nani and Mami stopped breathing for a second

and then tears began streaming down their cheeks.

Seeing them cry, my own eyes filled.

I hugged both of them, trying to comfort them,

but the truth was that their tears triggered all of mine too.

The moment that saree touched my skin,

I felt my mother again her warmth, her love, her blessing.

This saree wasn't fabric anymore;

it was memory, it was protection,

it was every dream she had ever imagined for me.

And then watching Nani and Mami emotional,