Chapter 35 ~Wedding Shopping Begins

Chapter 35 ~Wedding Shopping Begins

The announcement of Mia and Rudraksh's wedding had sent waves of excitement through both families. Preparations had begun in full swing, and the first thing on the agenda was shopping. From designer outfits to intricate jewelry, from wedding invitations to countless arrangements, there was so much to do.

Mia, as the CEO of her company, had a lot on her plate, but the wedding buzz had completely taken over her routine. Rudraksh, on the other hand, was busy managing his own schedule while making time for the endless shopping sprees his family had planned.

It was a bright Saturday morning when Mia, accompanied by Ahana, Vaani, and her mother, stepped into one of the most prestigious bridal boutiques in the city. Chandeliers illuminated the showroom, and racks upon racks of breathtaking lehengas stood waiting for her.

"So, Mia, are you excited to try on wedding dresses?" Ahana teased, nudging her playfully.

Mia sighed, running a hand through her hair. "Excited? More like overwhelmed. There are just too many choices."

Her mother, Mrs. Ahuja, smiled fondly. "You'll look beautiful in whatever you choose, beta."

Vaani clapped her hands. "Let's start! I can't wait to see you in a traditional red lehenga."

The bridal consultant approached them with a warm smile. "Good morning, Miss Ahuja. We have already curated a selection of our finest pieces for you. Please follow me."

Mia stepped inside the plush trial room as the assistants carefully draped her in an exquisite maroon lehenga with heavy golden embroidery. As she stepped out, the room fell silent.

Ahana gasped. "Mia, you look stunning!"

Mia turned to the mirror, assessing herself. The intricate embroidery shimmered under the boutique lights, the rich color accentuating her complexion.

Vaani pouted. "You look like a queen. Rudraksh is going to lose his mind."

Mia chuckled, shaking her head. "It's a bit too heavy, though. Let's try another one."

She went through several more lehengas—each beautiful in its own way—but none felt perfect. Finally, she stepped into a pastel pink lehenga with delicate floral embellishments. It was regal yet graceful, heavy but comfortable.

Her mother clasped her hands. "This is the one, Mia."

Mia twirled slightly, smiling. "I think so too."

Ahana and Vaani immediately took out their phones to click pictures, sending them to Rudraksh.

Meanwhile, at another designer store across town, Rudraksh, Chirag, and Aarav were selecting sherwanis.

"Bro, you have to match Mia's lehenga," Chirag insisted, holding up a gold and ivory ensemble.

Rudraksh smirked. "I'd wear anything if it makes Mia happy."

Aarav laughed. "That's the spirit! Now, let's get you the perfect outfit."

After hours of trials, Rudraksh finally settled on an elegant ivory sherwani with intricate gold threadwork. Paired with a deep maroon stole, it was a perfect blend of sophistication and grandeur.

By the end of the day, both families had finalized most of their outfits, marking the beginning of an eventful wedding season. With countless other preparations still left, the excitement had just begun.

The sun cast a golden glow over the Shergill mansion as preparations for the Haldi ceremony began. The entire household buzzed with excitement, laughter echoing through the corridors. Marigold and jasmine garlands adorned the walls, their fragrance mixing with the scent of freshly prepared sweets. The backyard had been transformed into a festive haven, with yellow drapes swaying in the breeze and earthen pots filled with turmeric paste placed at the center.

Mia sat in her room, staring at her reflection in the mirror. Dressed in a simple yet elegant yellow lehenga, she looked radiant, her skin glowing even before the turmeric had touched her. Ahana and Vaani fussed over her, adjusting the floral jewelry adorning her wrists and forehead.

"You're blushing already, and the ceremony hasn't even begun," Ahana teased, winking at Mia through the mirror.

Mia rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress the shy smile that played on her lips. "I am not!"

Vaani giggled. "Of course, you are. Rudraksh is going to lose his mind when he sees you today."

Meanwhile, in another part of the house, Rudraksh sat surrounded by his friends and family, dressed in a white kurta with a mustard-yellow shawl draped over his shoulders. Aarav and Vivaan sat beside him, smirking as they whispered their plans for the day.

"Are we ready?" Aarav whispered.

"Oh, we are more than ready," Vivaan replied, grinning mischievously.

Before Rudraksh could question them, Tusha walked in with a tray full of turmeric paste. "Alright, it's time!"

The ceremony began with Mia's side of the family first. Her mother, Chirag, and Ahana took turns applying the turmeric paste to her cheeks, hands, and feet, wishing her happiness and prosperity. As more family members stepped in, Mia was soon covered in the golden paste, her laughter filling the air as her cousins playfully smeared it on her arms.

On the other side, Rudraksh wasn't faring any better. His mother started the ritual, gently applying turmeric to his forehead, but things quickly escalated when Aarav and Vivaan took over. Within minutes, Rudraksh was covered in turmeric from head to toe, his friends showing no mercy.

"Enough!" he laughed, trying to dodge Aarav's next attack. "I need to at least look decent when I go to see Mia!"

"Oh, don't worry," Vivaan chuckled. "She'll love you, no matter how ridiculous you look."

As tradition dictated, after their individual ceremonies, the groom's side made their way to the bride's home to apply turmeric on her. Rudraksh, still smeared in yellow, stepped into the decorated space where Mia sat, giggling as she saw his state.

"What happened to you?" she asked, covering her mouth to hide her laughter.

"Your friends happened to me," he replied, glaring at Aarav and Vivaan, who stood proudly beside him.

Chirag cleared his throat. "Alright, Rudraksh, now it's our turn."

The moment Rudraksh knelt before Mia, Vaani took a handful of turmeric and smeared it on his cheek. "That's for all the times you teased me!"

Mia laughed before gently applying turmeric to his face, her touch lingering for a second longer than necessary. Rudraksh caught her hand, giving it a small squeeze, causing a few "oohs" and whistles from the crowd.

Soon, the ceremony turned into a full-fledged war. Ahana and Vivaan formed teams, throwing turmeric at each other, and even the elders couldn't escape. By the end, everyone was covered in hues of gold, the atmosphere filled with love and joy.

As the ceremony wound down, Rudraksh leaned in close to Mia, whispering, "You look beautiful."

She blushed, swatting him playfully. "Wait until the wedding."

He smirked. "I can hardly wait."

The Haldi ceremony had been everything they could have hoped for—full of laughter, love, and the promise of a beautiful future together.