My Word is My Bond… Part – 41

Hi friends…

I hope you all are doing good…

Thanks for all your support… Silent readers thanks for your time… I hope that I’m not boring you all… Good or bad, please let me know your views… I’ll make it interesting…

Let’s get started… Happy reading…

Wedding Hall, few minutes after all the drama and revelations, Daadi was seated in the chair along with other elders. Youngsters came and stood in front of them.

Daadi: (Inhaling a deep breath.) Pari, puttar, come here…

Pari: (Hesitatingly stepped towards Daadi and kneeled in front of her.)

Daadi: (Caressing her hair.) If I ask you something, will you tell me the truth, puttar…?

Pari: Sure Daadi…

Daadi: Do you really don’t want to proceed with this marriage…?

Pari: (Was taken back for the sudden question, but she composed herself quickly and nodded affirmative.) Yes Daadi, I’m sure… In fact, this marriage proposal was fake to bring Shivaay and his lady love together… Only twist was his lady love turned to be my Anu thaai…

Daadi: (But her experienced eyes could read the unspoken pain of Pari’s eyes. She simply gathered her in her arms.) Everything will be fine, puttar… One day, even your ishqbaazi will kick start with your right man… Just wait patiently for him, puttar… And see what a major turn it brings in your life…

Pari: (Simply cuddled into the old lady’s embrace and let out all her pain silently.)

After few minutes,

Daadi: (Pulled Pari out of hug and blessed her.)

Pari: (Walked back to the rest of the ladies and stood beside them.)

Meera & Anika: (Embraced her from either sides.)

Daadi: Dil, I think it is time for us to proceed with what we thought of…

Dilshad: Ji maa… (She walked off and returned with a thaali covered with a red silk cloth and handed it to Daadi.)

Daadi: (Slowly and steadily walked towards Anika.)

Anika: (Started trembling.)

Pari: (Tightened her hold on Anika.)

Radhika: (Supported her from the other side.)

Sammy: (Was smiling wide and was praying desperately for an yes from Anika.)

Shivaay: (Was waiting for what is going to happen, with his breath caught.)

Rest of the guys had the same feel and were waiting for Daadi’s next move.

Daadi: (Standing in front of Anika, she caressed her hair.) Puttar, throughtout all these days, I had been watching you and I can say one thing for sure, there could be no one else better for my Billu other than you… So, will you show us your mercy and accept our Billu in your life…?

Anika: (Her breath got caught and heart skipped few beats. With much difficulty she spoke.) Daadi, I… (Inhaling a deep breath.) Daadi, (joining her hands, with head hung low) I’m sorry, but I’m declining your wish… I can’t accept this proposal…

Shivaay: (Let out the tears that were held controlled till this moment.)

Ankita: Anu…

Daadi: Ek minute, puttar… (Stopped Ankita from scolding her stubborn daughter.) (To Anika.) Is it you can’t or you won’t, puttar…?

Anika: (Tears flowing down.) Daadi, mein…

Daadi: Puttar, (handing the thaali to Dilshad and cupping Anika’s face in her palms and looking straight into her eyes) this time you had been lucky that it was your Pari who was the girl to get married to my Billu and she understood and accepted your love for each other and stepped back… You wouldn’t be lucky as this always… You may even miss out the love and life that you had been wanting…

Anika: (Cried more now.)

Sakshi: Ani, bachcha, think about it… We just want you both happy…

Dilshad: And kids… What mistake did they do, dear…? Don’t pull them away from our Shiv, it would for sure lead them to a difficult spot…

Pinky: Haan Anika… Accepts for the weddings… My Billu is happys after kids coming into his lifes… (Joining her hands, with tears brimming her eyes.) Accepts my Billu and live happily…

Jhanvi: (Touching her shoulder.) Accept it dear… Even you have all right to be happy… And it is with Shiv and kids together…

Anika: (Tried to object and say they were wrong thinking that.)

Ankita: (Cutting her off.) Don’t deny the truth, Anu… (Bringing the kids in front of Anika, pulling her hands and placing each hand on her both kids.) Swear on your kids and say that we are wrong thinking that you and kids would be happy with Shivaay…

Anika: (Broke down completely. Her trance was broken by two pair of hands around her. She lifted her gaze to see Yash and Aarthi on her either sides. They made her stand.)

Aarthi: Anika, do you know about me and Yash ji…?

Anika: (Nodded as no.)

Aarthi: It is second marriage for both of us… He lost his wife, Arpita ji, in an accident and I lost my husband, as he wanted to free himself from me and start a new life with another woman… We lived our life with same burden for years… He stopped living his life and pushed himself into a shell and I hated everything and lived only for my Anshuman… It was our family who brought us together to save our life and our kids’ life too… We joined together without any love, in fact we hated each other’s presence… In your case, he loves you dearly… And you too… (Anika tried to deny.) Don’t try to deny, Anika… Your eyes speak tons…

Yash: Just think once, Anika… If Aarthi ji and I can fall for each other hatred being the base, why not you two…?

Shivaay: Yash Bhaai… (Walking towards them.) Thank you, both you and Bhabhi, care for us and wanted best for us… But don’t pressurize her anymore… Even accepting their love is not be pressurized, it isn’t going to stay… And she is too stubborn to hold on to her stand and not going to accept her heart, come what may…

Aarthi: Shivaay ji, it doesn’t mean you let go of her…

Shivaay: I’m not letting go of her, Aarthi Bhabhi… I’m just not going to pressurize her… (Stepping close to Anika.) But that doesn’t mean, I’m letting go of you or letting you to move forward without me… I’m getting you back even at the cost of my life… (Slowly stepped backwards.)

Sammy & Anjali: (Hugged him from either sides.)

Our guys stepped forward and joined their hands in front of her, pleading her to accept. Our ladies joined them too. Later, even our elders joined them.

Mr. Sinha: (Placing a hand on her shoulder.) Once I wronged you by gifting hell to you… This time I would like to gift you with heaven… (Joining his hands in front of her.) Accept for this wedding, beta…

Mrs. Sinha: (Holding her hands.) The whole family is in front of you pleading you for your acceptance… You’re too lucky… Don’t miss this life, dear… Even we won’t be able to search a guy like him (pointing Shivaay) for you… Please, bachcha…

Raj: (Caressing her hair.) Don’t stress, beta… Just take things slow, think well and then decide… It is about two innocent kids too…

Shashank: And I would be always with my daughter, come what may… I would respect your decision and support you… But I would like to remind you one thing before you make your decision… Remember, love is common for all and missing true love is not only stupidity, it turns your life into a disaster…

Anika: (Her gaze moved from one person to another and finally locked with the blue green eyes that turned her nights sleepless. They spoke love and hope. Inhaling a deep breath, she lowered her gaze and looked at her kids. Kneeling, extended her hands.)

Kids went running into her open arms and hugged her tightly. She said something to her kids, only audible to them. Kids smiled wide, showered her with kisses and ran towards Shivaay.

Kids: Pappa…

All eyes teared with a wide smile spreading on their face.

Shivaay: (Scooped the little bundles in his arms and hugged them tight.)

Kids: (Showered him with kisses.)

Shivaay: (Smiled wide.)

Everyone: (Exhaled deeply.) Finally…

Anika: (Looked down with embarrassment.)

Dilshad: (Cupping her face.) No need to be embarrassed, dear… It is about your life and of your kids, there is no wrong in thinking deep and long…

Sakshi: Absolutely… (Caressing her face.) I’m happy that you decided to give a chance to your life… Trust me you won’t fail…

Jhanvi: Our Shiv won’t let you fail… (Kissed her forehead.)

Pinky: Oh my mata… My Billu’s weddings finals hai… Mummy ji, ab delays mat keejie…

Daadi: (Nodding affirmative.) (To Mr. & Mrs. Sinha.) If you both don’t mind, we would like to get them married today, by evening… Pandit has given the auspicious timing…

Mr. & Mrs. Sinha: (Shared a look.)

Mrs. Sinha: But today… Akash…?

Mr. Sinha: Fine, maa ji… As you wish… But I would like to confirm with my daughter once… I don’t want to push her this time… I don’t want to repeat my mistakes…

Daadi: That is absolutely fine, puttar…

Mr. Sinha: (Holding Anika by her shoulders.) What is your opinion, beta…? Are you ready to get married this soon…? Or would you like for some time…? I would do as you say…

Anika: (Inhaling a deep breath. Turned her gaze towards Shivaay, who was carrying her kids in his arms. Smiling, she turned towards her father and nodded affirmative.) I’m ready…

Our guys cheered and whistled. Our ladies cheered and hugged Anika tight and showered her with kisses.

Ankita: Ok now, stop it you all…

All stopped at once and looked puzzled at her.

Ankita: What…? Till now the wedding is not over, this stubborn head in front, I don’t want to cheer until the wedding is over… I’ll wait for the Pandit to call them as husband and wife, and I would recommend you the same…

Anika: Aai…?

Sammy: What…? She said right… There is no trust on your stubbornness and moods… Aai, you’re absolutely right and I’m with you…

Ankita: (Smiled and kissed her forehead.)

Pari: Enough, now no one will tease my Anu thaai… (And hugged her.)

Prateek: Yup… (And stepped forward and hugged his sisters tight.)

Sakshi: Now lets get moving, we have only few hours for the muhurat… Ladies, get the bride to her room, I’ll come soon… With the bride’s dress…

Our ladies dragged Anika and rushed towards the room.

Pinky: Oh my mata… Yeh sab tho abhi bhee little girls thara behaves kar rahi… Don’t knows hamari sons kaise manages karangi…

All blasted into laugh.

Mr. Sinha: Maa ji… I don’t how should I thank you and your family for accepting my daughter and kids whole heartedly…

Daadi: It isn’t necessary to thank us, puttar… In fact, we are thankful that we are blessed with Anika for our Billu…

Ansh & Anya: (Giggled.) Billu ji… (And pulled his cheeks.)

Shivaay: Oye… Not again… We had a deal you won’t call me that…

Ansh & Anya: (Giggled loud and addressed him the same.) Billu ji…

Making everyone laugh.

Sakshi: Shiv, beta remember, “Once a Billu, then always a Billu”…

Sammy & Anjali: (Came running and pulled Ansh and Anya from Shivaay’s arms and rushed towards the room.)

Shivaay: What the…?

Sammy & Anjali: (Giggled and walked forward.)

Sammy: Relax Shiv Bhai… You will meet your groom and kids during the muhurat…

Anjali: Don’t you worry, we’ll let them be with you tonight… (And winked her eyes.)

All their eyes popped out on her teasing.

Pinky: (Was the first one to recover.) Oh my mata, mummy ji… Yeh ladki tho shameless hogi…

The hall filled with fits of laughter.

Pinky: Arey Billu, now thum pinky kyun ho rahe ho…?

Making all laugh more.

Shivaay: Mom… (And walked off.)

Our guys followed him, laughing. Guys were teasing Shivaay and having fun. Ladies were teasing Anika and having fun along with kids.

Few hour later,

Pandit: (Chanting mantra.) Maa ji, please call the groom…

Daadi: Ji… Pinky…

Pinky: Ji mummy ji… (Asked Prateek to go and ask the guys to come along with Shivaay.)

Prateek: Ji… (And walked towards the groom’s room. Knocking the door.) Jiju… It is time… They are calling you…

Shivaay: (Smiled and walked towards him. Caressing his face, he hugged him. After breaking the hug, he stepped forward with him beside. Rest of the guys followed them.)

Shivaay was made to sit in the mandap. He was doing all the rituals along with the Pandit.

Pandit: Maa ji, please bring the bride…

After few seconds, Anika stepped down graciously in a red and golden bridal dress with the other ladies behind her. Ansh and Anya were stepping down along with their mother, on either sides.

Shivaay: (Was mesmerized and lost in her.)

Anika: (Blushed under his gaze.)

The ladies helped Anika get seated beside Shivaay. They shared a cute eye-lock. Their trance was broken by few cough and throat clearing sound. They looked away embarrassed, making everone chuckle.

They followed all the rituals as pandit asked them to do. Without any delay it was time for gathbandhan. Sammy and Anjali stepped forward and completed the ritual. As they were stepping down, they shared a look, turning towards the bride and groom, they tightened the knot once again, making everyone laugh and stepped down.

Neil: Shiv, no more escape now… (With a teasing simle.)

Shivaay: And who want to escape…?

Making all the mouth touch the ground. Anika blushed more.

It was time for pheras. Shivaay and Anika stood up and started to go around the holy fire. All were smiling happily, with their respective partners beside them. Pari was smiling wide but her eyes glittering. Prateek stood close to his sister and held her hand. She tightened the grip and smiled. Ankita and Shashank were happy, still felt a little bad thinking about Pari. The whole Deshmukh clan controlled their emotions and smiled.

After the pheras, the couple took their seat.

Pandit: (Offered the mangalsutra (nuptial chain) to Shivaay.)

Shivaay: (Graced Anika’s neck with the nuptial chain.)

Their eyes brimmed with tears, still smiling wide.

Pandit: (Offered the sindoor to Shivaay.)

Shivaay: (Filled Anika’s hairline with a pinch of sindoor.)

Everyone cheered for them.

Pandit: (Pronounced them as husband and wife. And asked them to get blessings from the elders.)

Shivaay and Anika took blessings from Daadi, and all the elders. They walked towards the portraits and got blessings from their grandparents and parents too. Shivaay kneeled and opened his arms wide, Ansh and Anya went running and hugged Shivaay tight. He hugged them tight and kissed them.

Shivaay: (Thinking.) I promise dear, I won’t let any evilness harm you two… (Walking towards Mr. & Mrs. Sinha.) Your daughter and kids are my responsibility now… And, (looking at Ansh) Ansh would always remain my elder son and he would be the one taking forward the Oberoi’s clan… It is Shivaay Singh Oberoi’s promise…

All were overwhelmed.

Mr. Sinha: (Patting his shoulder, smiled wide. Slowly nearing his grandchildren, he caressed their head and kissed them. Later pulled them into a tight hug.)

Kids: (Seeing their Billu ji smiling, they reciprocated the hug.)

Mrs. Sinha: Can I get some love…? (And kneeled in front of them.)

Kids: (Smiling shyly, hugged her too.)

All these were witnessed by fire spitting eyes of Anila.

Lots of Love,

Anci