Chapter 82 The Ring Of Life
Riya looks up at him, her vision blurred with tears, then leans into his embrace. For the first time that day, her heart feels a little lighter, comforted by the bond he offers.
At that moment, Mr. Ajay looks at the three girls, his voice filled with deep affection as he declares,
“These three are not just my daughters-in-law… they are my daughters.”
His words wrap the air in emotion, pulling at every heart present. And then, with the chanting of mantras, the three brides sit beside their grooms.
Just then, the priest’s voice rings out,
“Now, it is time for the Kanyadaan ritual…”
For a moment, everyone falls silent. This is the most sacred moment, when a father entrusts his beloved daughter into the hands of her life partner.
First, Chaudhary Sahab steps forward. Rimjhim sits beside him, tears streaming down her face. He gently takes her hand and places it into Vihan’s hands. His eyes are moist, yet his face shines with pride.
“My princess, from today this is your home. Be happy… and always consider it truly your own.”
Through her sobs, Rimjhim whispers, “Papa…?”
He wipes her tears, hugs her tightly, and with a heavy heart performs her kanyadaan. Next, my turn arrives.
Papa comes forward, his eyes filled with an ocean of emotions. My heart aches as he takes my hand and places it into Samar’s. I feel his palm bless my head as he says softly, “My daughter… you are my honor, my pride. From today, you will be the light of another household. Stay happy.”
I can’t hold myself back anymore. I throw myself into his arms, crying bitterly, holding onto him as tightly as I can. He soothes me with gentle words and fatherly affection, reminding me that no matter where I go, I will always be his little girl.
Now it is Riya’s turn. Everyone expects her kanyadaan to be performed by either Chaudhary Sahab or Mr. Shekhawat. But at that very moment, Rohit steps forward with firm resolve.
“No… I will perform Riya’s kanyadaan.” The gathering falls into stunned silence. Rohit’s eyes are filled with determination. He takes Riya’s hand, sits before her, and says, “You are like my sister… and today, I will give you away like my own daughter.”
Riya’s tears flow endlessly. Rohit pulls her into a tight embrace.
“Silly girl! Why are you crying? Don’t be afraid. And if after the wedding this monkey.”
he points at Karan, “ever troubles you too much, just call me. I’ll come and give him a good beating!”
Everyone laughs. Even Riya, through her tears, smiles. Karan glares at Rohit, but Rohit only grins back.
With that, the sacred kanyadaan rituals are completed. The mandap fills with joy, and the wedding gains even more grandeur.
After the ceremonies end, everyone climbs into cars and heads toward Rajput Mansion. The mansion glows with lights, dazzling like a royal palace.
Some guests remain at the farmhouse, Chaudhary Sahab, Mr. Shekhawat, and Mr. Ajay old friends reunited after years, choosing to spend the night together, reliving memories.
When everyone reaches Rajput Mansion, Mrs. Shobha stands at the entrance with a kalash and an aarti plate, welcoming the brides. She lovingly performs their griha pravesh, warding off the evil eye again and again, guiding their first steps into their new home across beautiful rangoli patterns.
After all rituals, everyone gathers together, laughter and teasing filling the air.
Just then, Neeti walks in carrying a bowl filled with milk and petals. She slips the wedding rings into it the famous ring-finding ceremony. Excitement spreads as everyone leans forward.
The first turn is for me and Samar. Samar clasps my hand tightly inside the bowl, a mischievous smile on his face. I feel nervous but slide my hand into the milk. Suddenly, he presses my finger tightly on purpose.
“Ouch!” I pull my hand back sharply and glare at him, while he smirks as if to say No matter how angry you get, I’ll never stop teasing you.
A moment later, my fingers touch the ring. My eyes light up as I pull it out quickly, and my face glows with innocent joy. Everyone claps and cheers around us.
Mrs. Shobha laughs and teases, “Ah, Samar! Now you’ll have to spend your whole life listening to her.”
The whole crowd bursts into laughter. I glance at Samar with shy eyes, and though he tries to hide it, a genuine smile spreads across his face too.
Next come Rimjhim and Vihan. Both dip their hands into the bowl at the same time. Rimjhim silently prays in her heart that she will find the ring first. But when they both pull their hands out, everyone gasps, because the ring rests in both their hands.
A round of applause erupts. Mrs. Shobha says warmly, “Wonderful! That means both of you will share equal say in every decision of your life. Always walk hand in hand.”
Rimjhim’s eyes sparkle with happiness, while Vihan remains calm and quiet. He goes through the ritual without any fuss, but his expression clearly shows that for him, this moment feels more like a duty than an emotion.
Finally, it is Karan and Riya’s turn, the most playful one of all. Riya, shy and blushing, dips her hand into the bowl carefully, while Karan dives in with full enthusiasm. Within seconds, he pulls the ring out, jumps up, and exclaims loudly, “Ha! See? Of course I was going to win!”
The hall fills with laughter.
Mrs. Shobha shakes her head and teases, “Oh, Riya! Look at the man you’ve let win. This boy can’t even do one thing properly, and now you’ve handed him all the power in marriage!”
Karan laughs and replies cheekily, “Mom! I’m married now, I’m responsible!”
Then he turns to Riya, gives her a playful wink, and adds, “And you’ll have to listen to me for the rest of your life.”
Everyone roars with laughter, while Riya lowers her eyes shyly, trying to hide her blush.
By the end of the ceremony, everyone feels tired but happy. The air still buzzes with love, joy, and laughter. Slowly, one by one, the families make their way to their rooms, the night carrying with it the sweetness of new beginnings.
TO BE COUNTINUE...!!!