Preparations were in full swing at the Oberoi Mansion; and why would they not be, the eldest son of the family was going to get married again to his wife; this time, following every single ritual! There was joy and merriment all around and all the family members basked in it's warmth.
It had been planned that the three brothers would get married in succession; Shivaay being the eldest, would be the first one of the three to get married, followed by Om and Rudy.

All the pre-wedding rituals had kick-started; and the Oberois being hard-core Punjabis, the rituals were also magnificent; the first one being Roka. 'Roka' is an unofficial engagement ceremony wherein the groom's family and friends come together and give presents, money and blessings to the bride-to-be. This ritual and all the rituals till post-wedding, were to take place at the Oberoi Mansion itself. The Roka ceremony was a family affair with only the Oberois present. ShInky (Shakti and Pinky) gave Annika numerous gifts and showered her with all their love and affection. Everyone from the family had taken a chance to gift Annika something that was meaningful and thoughtful; much to her happiness.

The next ritual is called Mangni/Shagun and it is a significant part of a Punjabi wedding. The bride's family visits the groom's family with gifts to confirm the engagement. This ritual was skipped as ShivIka were already married.
All the responsibilities on behalf the bride's - Annika's - parents was done with elation and utmost happiness by Tej and Janhvi; because had it not been for Annika's effort to reunite them and fix their broken marriage, they could not have been the way they were now. Not only had Annika managed to reunite TejVi (Tej and Janhvi) but she had also helped Tej mend his broken relationship with his children; especially Om - whom he shared the most strained bond with.
Post their reconciliation, Tej and Janhvi had showered Annika with immense love and blessings; perhaps even more than her real parents would ever have. And it was truly an emotional moment for Annika; who had been taunted and joked at, for being an orphan; to be loved - not by her husband but someone she could call her 'PARENTS'! And according to their wishes, she addressed TejVi as 'Maa' and 'Papa', while addressing ShInky (Shakti and Pinky) as 'Mom' and 'Dad'.
Annika smiled as she reminisced the moment when Pinky became 'Mom' to her than her 'Auntyji'!

(Flashback Begins)
Annika had saved Shivaay's life; acting as a barrier between him and the bullet that Kamini had aimed at him. Luckily for her, the bullet just brushed her arms, nearly missing her shoulder. But the moment when Annika collapsed in Shivaay's arms, was a living nightmare for the entire family.
Shivaay had immediately rushed her to their room; the others hot on his tail. Janhvi had called the doctor citing emergency; and doctor was present at the Oberoi Mansion in merely fifteen minutes after Janhvi's call.
Every member of the family prayed for Annika's health; as the doctor was in ShivIka's bedroom, treating to Annika's wounds; the most affected however was Shivaay, of course! Even though OmRu were almost as tensed as Shivaay was, tried to console him to no success.
It was Pinky; who had come to realise Annika's importance in not only Shivaay's life but also every member of their family's; who went and hugged her son, assuring him of her daughter's (Annika's) well being!
Shivaay was happily surprised to see his mother accept his wife; whom she disapproved of days ago; as her DAUGHTER!
That indeed was a proud moment for Shivaay despite the emotional wreck he was! He could not wait to see Annika's reaction on this; and her thoughts again made a fresh stream of tears roll down his cheeks. Pinky engulfed him in a motherly hug and just then the doctor came out and announced,"Mrs. Oberoi is fine; there is no need to worry! She'll be directly waking up tomorrow morning; because of the effect of the medicines. Thank God that the bullet just brushed past her shoulder or else it could have been dangerous. And yeah, please make sure that she rests properly or else it may hamper her speedy recovery." After paying him his dues, Om lead the doctor back to the door and thanked him profusely for arriving at such a short notice at that time of the night. The doctor smiled and asking Om to call him if any other situation arises - without any second thoughts - left...
Shivaay asked everyone to go back to their respective rooms and sleep; assuring them that he would call them immediately, if need be and being assured, they all left.
Shivaay did not sleep the entire night as even after the doctor had ensured him about Annika being alright; the ghost of the moment she took the bullet meant for him, hovered over his mind and he felt scared of losing her. However, tiredness overtook his senses and worries and he fell asleep a little after dawn.
Annika woke up groggily a bit after 09.00 a.m. to find Shivaay asleep besides her; one hand still on her hair (that he kept caressing before unknowingly dozing off) and his other hand held hers in a delicate yet protective hold.
She was about to wake up Shivaay as she felt thirsty; but before she could do so, Pinky knocked at ShivIka's door slightly, garnering Annika's attention; who was sitting upright hastily, not bothering about her condition. In a go, Pinky rushed to her side and kept the tray of breakfast and milk she'd gotten for Annika and americano for Shivaay and lovingly scolded Annika saying,"Oh My Mata Annika; dheere se beta. Zakham abhi bhare nahi ki chali daudne! Doctorsaab ne aaram karne bola hain and you will do thats haan. Koi bhi tumhari kuch nahi sunega! Zyada worries mat karo, aur bass aaram karo!" Annika for the first time after their (Shivaay and her) wedding chaos had felt warmth and love exuding from her (Pinky's) side! She immediately complied saying,"Ji Auntyji!" Pinky made an angry face that confused Annika who worriedly asked,"What happened Auntyji? Did I say something wrong?" "Yes!", to which Annika made a confused face; and Pinky replied,"Why would I not be when my daughter is addressing me as Auntyji instead of Mom yaa Maa! Huh!", and twitched her nose in fake anger; while Annika was speechless, unable to believe what Pinky had just implied!
Looking at Annika's expressions, Pinky lovingly cupped her face and said,"Won't you call me Maa; or Mom like your husband does! Will you forgive me beta? I am sorry; I wronged you in so many ways; but I know no one is perfect for Shivaay as you are!", and folded her hands in front of Annika! Annika immediately held her hands and nodding in negation said,"You are elder to me and elders don't have to fold hands in front of their kids, hain na Mom?!" "But if elders commit mistake then it is oukayyy! I am so lucky to have you as my daughter!", Pinky replied, patting Annika's face in utmost sincerity and adoration.
This sweet exchange of theirs was silently observed and heard by Shivaay; who had woken up during Annika and Pinky's conversation. "Shivaay I know you are awakes! Badmaash!", said Pinky, who'd noticed Shivaay eavesdropping on her conversation with Annika.
And Shivaay cheekily opened his eyes with a 'Cat Got Caught' look. He immediately engulfed the two most (equally) important ladies in his life and then looked on as their Mom fed Annika her breakfast; showering all her love and affection on his wife!
(Flashback Ends)...

The third ritual is the Sagai, in which a forehead mark is applied on the groom's forehead. The bride's family visits the groom's family bringing gifts, the paste for the tikka mark and a silver tray with a few grains of rice and saffron in a small silver bowl, 14 dried dates (chuharey) wrapped in silver foil and a coconut wrapped in gold leaf. The bride's father applies the mark to the groom's forehead, blesses him and gives him some money. The bride's family receives baskets of seven dried fruits: almonds, cashew-nuts, dried dates, coconut pieces, raisins, dried apricots (khurman) and puffed lotus seeds (phoolmakhana). Following the same, Tej applied the mark on Shivaay's forehead and said,"I am sure that you will take great care of my daughter - Annika. But being her father, I'll request you or rather threaten you to look after her perfectly or else you have Tej Singh Oberoi to deal with!", making everyone laugh and Annika smile through her (happy) tears. "Ji Bade Papa.", Shivaay answered enthusiastically. Tej noticed Annika shedding silent tears and walking up to her, quipped in saying,"Annika beta, Oberoi Khandaan ki betiyaan aur bahuein aasoonein nahi bahati; aur tum toh dono ho! So abse no rona-dhona. Oukayyy!?" Annika cutely bobbed her head in a 'Yes', whilst Tej wiped her tears and dropped a fatherly peck on her forehead and Shakti joined him saying,"Bilkul sahi kaha Bhaisaab! Annika beta tu aaj ke baad kabhi nahi roegi!!", and he hugged her sideways, kissing the side of her forehead; making everyone go 'Aaww' over the bond they had come to share.

The Tikka Ceremony may be combined with the engagement. First, the girl is draped with a stole (chunni), which is usually very ornate. In some families this chunni is a family heirloom, passed down from generation to generation. She is also presented with jewelery, which her mother and sister-in-law help her wear. A tiny dot of henna paste (mehndi) is applied to her palm for good luck, and the function is sealed with the exchange of rings. Everyone present congratulates the couple by feeding them sweets. Janhvi and Prinku (Priyanka, OmRu's real sister and Shivaay's cousin whom he treated more like his own), did this ritual. While Janhvi draped the Chunri around Annika's head; she and Prinku made her wear the jewelry that they had gotten done for her; along with a few heirloom jewelry too!

(Jewelry Janhvi Gifted To Annika)

During all the rituals that were taking place, Annika was overwhelmed with emotions. She had always complained to God for snatching away her parents and her happiness; but little did she know that all this while, her Bhagwanji was busy planning her 'Happily Ever After...'. She had asked for a just a small ounce of happiness and someone she could call her own; and in return, she'd gotten an eternity full of happiness and a huge family, who loved her the most. She was really grateful for the same.

The next was the Dholki/Sangeet function; which is basically a sangeet function hosted by the girl's family, in which just a few close members of the groom's family are invited.
OmRu had planned a khidkitod function for their Bhaiyya and Bhaabhi! It was a small surprise for ShivIka from their family! This particular function was a total blast; for the other two couples - RiKara and RuMya had organised a small skit and dance for their fave jodi. The skit was about ShivIka's beautiful journey and RiKara and RuMya had put in their best-est efforts to do justice to it!
It was evening time and ShivIka hadn't seen the four of them since the morning; both aware of some khichdi being cooked! But not wanting to dampen the spirits of all four of them, ShivIka held themselves up in their room spending some lovey-dovey moments; since they were not going to be allowed to spend the night with each other after that day, till the wedding commenced, on Daadi's strict orders; albeit Shivaay was initially against it, but agreed on the elderly women's insistence. It were going to be a long couple of nights for ShivIka, as they both were so used to sleeping in each other's arms.
After their short power-nap; Annika was the one to step into the bathroom, as Shivaay was still snoozing off! Annika had a relaxing hot shower and then moved out, clad in her bathrobe; ever since they had gotten comfortable around each other, Shivaay had asked Annika to never be hesitant around him and she had happily complied to it; thus explaining her boldness.
Walking over to the bed, Annika bent down and moved her hair over Shivaay's face in such a way that the water on her hair would sprinkle on his face!  She loved doing it to him; and he too secretly loved it! And of course, his sleep was sweetly broken by her cute antics; not that he minded though; but pretended to act to be asleep. Annika once again sprinkled water droplets on her hubby dearest's face; but taking her by surprise, Shivaay swiftly pulled her and pinned her beneath himself; and smirked at her dazed expression! "Getting naughty with me Mrs. Oberoi?", Shivaay wiggled his eyebrows at a totally speechless Annika and bent down to kiss her. But if Shivaay was chalu-cheez Annika was no less! She immediately pretended to be shocked; while looking at the door; and deliberately stammered,"Da-Daadi a-aap!" Shivaay's eyes widened in listening to the name of his Daadi and he immediately rolled off Annika and turned to face the door where Daadi apparently was only to realise that he had been tricked by Annika. He turned to his side to see her gone and standing near the door, smirking at her victory. "Fooled ya Billuji!", Annika teased him. "Stop calling me that Paanika!", Shivaay exclaimed. "Then stop calling me 'Paanika' BILLUJI!", Annika retorted, emphasizing on 'Billuji' and stuck out her tongue at him and ran off to the dressing room; to change for the Sangeet ceremony while Shivaay went to take a quick bath.

After draping around a designer golden saree around her slender figure Annika, moved to the dressing room to put on her jewelry and a some light make-up. She had decided to wear two of the jewelry pieces that she had received from Janhvi in the ritual that had taken place earlier.

(Annika's Saree)

(Annika's Jewelry)

When Shivaay walked out of the bathroom; looking draper hot in his black pathani suit; he was mesmerized by the beauty that his wife was! She looked absolutely ethereal and his feet carried him to her. She was a magnet that pulled him towards her with her very presence!
As Annika was about to fasten the necklace around her neck, she felt her hand grip hers and the mere touch made her go weak in her knees. After fastening the necklace around her neck, Shivaay kissed her mane that made Annika gasp in surprise. He then helped her adorn her earrings and pecked and bit her earlobe ever-so sensually that a sultry moan escaped her lips. Coming in front of her, made her wear bangles and her ever-present Chaand (Moon) bracelet; holding her in a eyelock throughout. Satisfied with his work, he gently kissed on her forehead and said,"You look beautiful Annika! Ekdum khidkitod khoobsurat!", making Annika giggle. "You look handsome Shivaay! So much so that I will have to keep tabs on every girl who would eye you in a dirty way I will make her have a taste of my chandni (footwear)!", Annika said in possessive manner making Shivaay smile.
Shivaay himself got ready (with Annika's help and cute little romantic moments) and ShivIka proceeded downstairs; their hands entwined - just like their fates! Everyone gathered for their Sangeet applauded loudly, seeing the beautiful couple descend down the stairs together! And when they were at the bottom-most step two sets of hands covered Annika's eyes and said,"Pehchaan kaun!?" It didn't take Annika even a fraction of second to recognise the voice of her best friends - more so her soul-sisters - Tia and Mallika; who both were Shivaay's exes! But it is Annika who we are speaking of; and only she could be best friends with her husband's exes.
But nothing happened without a reason and there was a story behind Annika-Mallika-Tia's friendship.
Annika had helped Mallika reconcile with her fiance, post the stunt that she'd pulled out on him - of running away from their wedding. Oh yes, Shivaay Singh Oberoi's ex-girlfriend had seeked his help having run away from her wedding, that too with his business rival! Although hesitant about it at first, Shivaay had agreed to let her be at the Oberoi Mansion for as long as she wished to be; but that was only possible because of Annika, who had instilled some sense into him! Not only that, but Annika had also managed to convince Siddharth Rana - Mallika's fiance and her mom-in-law, to sort their issues out; eventually leading to a happy ending for Mallika-Sid. That was probably when Shivaay's opinion of Annika had begun to change!
As for Tia, well that was a different story altogether! Annika had been appointed as ShiTia's (Shivaay and Tia's) wedding organiser; but over the course of time, she suspected Tia to be duping Shivaay; having been married already! Annika had even voiced it to Shivaay who had rather rudely told her off; with Daksh - Shivaay's (psycho) friend who was obsessed with Annika - adding fuel to the fire. After the whole ordeal about Daksh's lies had unfold in front of Shivaay, ShivIka's relationship had strengthened; however timidly!
After Daksh had been out of their story, Tia had made a comeback, this time claiming that she was pregnant and Shivaay was father of her unborn child. It was a false accusation; however two DNA tests later, it was proved that Shivaay apparently was the father. Annika though, refused to believe that and set out to unveil Tia's real face to the Oberois. During this she found that Tia's so-called brother, Robin, was her husband - Dushyant - and he had fathered Tia's child.
However, Mrs. Kapoor (Tia's mother) was against Tia and Dushyan's relationship; and hence staged Dushyant's fake death, when in reality he had been kidnapped by her. Having had the hunch about the same, Annika along with ShivOmRu, devised a plan to bring Dushyant back on the day of ShiTia's fake wedding.
Annika had been the one to get Dushyant back a reveal Mrs. Kapoor's real face to Tia. Post the whole fiasco, Tia had genuinely apologised to the Oberois - especially ShivIka - for her deeds. She had profusely thanked Annika for reuniting her with Dushyant. Since that day onward, Tia and Annika had been in touch with one another; their friendship budding gradually. Not only that, Tia and Dushyant had made Annika their unborn child's godmother - for she indeed was one. Over the time, Mallika, Tia and Annika had formed a close-knit bond and nothing could seperate the trio!
"Forgot us, eh?!", said Siddharth (Sid) and Dushyant (D), who were not just Annika's besties' husband's but had become the elder-brother figures to her. After OmRu, Sid and D were fiercely protective about Annika!
It had always amused Shivaay that Annika could befriend any person she met and maintain a strong bond with them; not that he mind.

"Siddy! Dee!", Annika squealed in sheer happiness and practically ran to the duo, engulfing them in a bear hug; while the Oberois looked on, with much pride. "Somebody is looking stunning haan!", Sid said, complimenting Annika. "I second that!", Dushyant commented. Annika thanked them, while Shivaay came to the trio and hugging Sid and Dushyant one-by-one, forwarded his hand to Annika and signalled her to make way towards the dias that had been set up for them (ShivIka) to be seated; from where they could get a proper view of the performances (on another - bigger - dias).

OmRu, RuMya, RiKara, RiMya along with Sid-Mallika and Tia-Dushyant presented a beautiful skit, depicting ShivIka's journey from their first meet to the present day. Both Shivaay and Annika got nostalgic and emotional, reminiscing their journey. Shivaay took Annika in a side-hug and kissed the side of her head; making her smile. Post the function, everyone proceeded to the dining area, where a sumptuous buffet had been laid. After dinner, the guests had taken a leave and the Oberois too, retired to sleep, as their were a couple of functions more to be held the next day! Sid-Mallika and Tia-Dushyant were to stay at the Oberoi Mansion, till all three weddings commenced.

The next morning, everyone woke up with a start for it was the Mehendi Ceremony - the last major function before the wedding. In the Mehndi artists are called to the houses of the boy and girl and apply mehendi to the palms of the female family members, and the hands and feet of the bride. A basket containing Bindi and bangles is handed around so girls can choose those that match the outfit they plan to wear to the wedding. The Mehendi ceremony takes place in the atmosphere of a party. The bride and other ladies get mehendi (designs) done, on their hands and feet (most ladies get it done only on their hands but the bride gets it done on both hands and feet). For the bride, the mehndi is sent by the future mother-in-law, which is beautifully decorated. Accordingly, Pinky got the Shagun Ki Mehendi for Annika and the best mehendi-artiste in the city, was called for the ceremony.

When the artiste, asked Annika what kinda of design did she want to get done; OmRu walked in and said,"Something delicate and beautiful, just like our Bhabhi!", and hugged her from either side; while Annika and the others smiled.

(Annika's Mehendi Designs)

There are a few rituals to be carried out at the brides' home; which too were held at the Oberoi Mansion. The first one was Chura Ceremony. On the wedding day the rituals at the girl's home begin with the Chura ceremony. The oldest maternal uncle and aunt play an important role in the performance of the ceremony. Chura is basically a set of red and cream ivory bangles that is touched by all present which is gifted by girl's Mama (mother's brother) the girl does not see the chura until she is ready for the marriage. People touch the chura and give their heartiest wishes to the girl for her future married life. Also, they sprinkle flower petals on the bride. After that, the girl's uncle, aunt, friends and cousins tie kaliras (silver, gold or gold plated traditional ornaments) to a bangle worn by the girl. Since Annika did not have any maternal family, this part of the ritual was carried out by Mallika-Sid and Tia-Dushyant. And to say that Annika was overwhelmed, would be an understatement. All the family members had touched the chura and gave their heartfelt blessings to ShivIka.

(Annika's Chura And Kalire)

Mayian was the next ceremony. The term Mayian is used for the preparation ceremony one day before a Punjabi wedding. This ceremony is an evening festival, at the couple's parental homes. It consists of many rites, the Vatna, Choora, Juggy Fireworks, etc. The Mayian happens on the night before the wedding.

The the ritual of Vatna/Haldi four lamps or diyas are lit and the bride is made to sit facing them. Oil is constantly poured into the lamps, so that the glow from diyas is reflected on her face. Vatna involves applying the paste made from turmeric powder and mustard oil all over the girl's body by her female friends and relatives. This is done to make the girl look more beautiful on the special day of our life. This ritual demands that the bride to stay at home in her old clothes for a couple of days before her wedding. Ubtan is supposed to bring glow on the bride's and groom's body especially their face. The Ubtan is first applied to the groom and later that ubtan is brought to the bride's and applied to her - signifying sharing between the two as well as it's considered to be auspicious.
Shivaay wanted to be the first one to put the Haldi on Annika and thus made a plan to have a private ceremony of their own before the actual ceremony would begin with.
He sneaked into Annika's temporary bedroom by the time she was supposed to get read for the Haldi and when he entered the room, his mind went blank; for there stood his wife, in all her glory even in the semi-dressed state, clad in her yellow coloured ghagra and a blouse - whose knot she was attempting to tie - and failing miserably. Shivaay's naughty mind went on an overdrive and he walked towards where Annika stood, as stealthily as a cat.

(Annika's Lehenga)

As Annika attempted to tie the dori of her blouse, a feather-like touch on her back stopped her dead in her track and her breathing instantly hitched; as she saw Shivaay - through the mirror - holding her by her shoulders; looking at her lustily yet lovingly. She clenched her fists at her sides as Shivaay sensuously trailed his fingers from her shoulder to her back. "Sh-Shivaay, koi aa jayega!", Annika said stammering; as she was transported to another world by her devil of a husband! "Aane do!", replied Shivaay, now dropping wet kisses on his beloved wife's shoulder! "Koi dekh lega!", Annika countered immediately. "Dekhne do!", Shivaay replied; and before Annika would say something further, he swiftly turned her around and placing a finger on her luscious lips, said,"Shh...I just wanted to be the first one to apply haldi on my beautiful bride!", with utmost sincerity ringing in his voice that Annika could feel her knees wobbling. Without talking further, Shivaay pulled out a packet of his pocket and opening it taking it on his fingers, began applying it up Annika's hand, then turning her around he did the same to her open back - so slowly and sensually that a soft yet sultry moan escaped Annika's lips. All through this Shivaay maintained an eye-contact with Annika making the moment even more intimate! A knock on the door broke their trance and Annika panicked for she feared the consequences if anyone saw Shivaay in her room! Shushing her silently, Shivaay asked her to open the door and himself escaped quickly; but not before briskly kissing Annika on her lips; making her turn into a human tomato! When she opened the door, RiMya noticed the scarlet colour of their dearest Bhaabi's cheeks and concluded that it had got something to do with their Bade Bhaiyya; but didn't probe further much to Annika's relief. RiMya brought Annika down to the temporary set-up that had been laid for ShivIka's haldi, in the enormous lawn of the Oberoi's property.
When Shivaay saw Annika stepping into the grand lawn of the Oberoi Mansion, all ready; donning a floral jewelry (for the Haldi ceremony); he secretly winked at her, making her blush yet again!
First Pinky applied the haldi to Shivaay (with mango leaves) and sent the same bowl of used hadli to be applied to Annika! For Annika, it was Janhvi who first applied the haldi to her! The ceremony then turned into Holi; with OmRu and RiMya literally smearing the haldi paste onto ShivIka's face respectively.

The next ceremony was the Ghagra Gharoli wherein a decorated pitcher of water (gharoli) is brought for the bride's bath by the groom's Bhaabi. In the Ghgara Gharoli ritual, the bride's sibling or sibling's spouse visits the nearby temple and fills a pitcher with holy water. The girl is then bathed with this holy water. Thereafter, the bride wears their wedding attire. The ghara gharoli and the vatna ceremonies take place at the groom's house too. But over there, the boy's sister-in-law brings the pitcher of water. As per the tradition, their wedding dress is presented to them by their respective maternal uncles. Here, Gauri and Soumya, both carried out the Ghagra Gharoli ritual with happiness that words could least describe.
Having seen ShivIka go through hell and above and emerge out stronger, had made RiMya and OmRu vow to protect them from all the evil.

The Jaggo ceremony; wherein the family dances and sings in the beautifully decorated wedding home; was strictly 'Family Only' affair! It is celebrated in the last hours of the night.

Finally, the D-Day arrived; that of Shivika Di Shaadi! There was hustle-bustle all around the Mansion; with everyone looking into last minute arrangements and making sure everything was perfect! OmRu were going to help Shivaay get ready; whereas Mallika and Tia were going to doll up Annika!

OmRu walked into Shivaay's room and found him to be already dressed up in a cream-colored sherwani; looking dapper as he always did! Both complimented him on how handsome he looked and helped him with his pagdi as well as the jewelry! "So happy for you Bro!", Om said to Shivaay, whilst hugging him! Rudra joined in saying,"Me too!"; and the trio had an OBro moment.

On the other hand, Mallika and Tia were in Annika's room, helping her get ready. Annika was wearing a regal dark-pink lehenga with golden embroidery on it. She looked like a queen; which she was - of Shivaay's heart and soul! Mallika was skillfully working on Annika's hair whilst Tia did her make-up. They were already ready in their outfits for the grand ShivIka wedding; but none could compare with how Annika looked. She was teased by the duo on how Shivaay was going to be in for a wicket on seeing her; which obviously made her blush! A while later they were almost done and proceeded to put on her jewelry; thus completing Annika's look!
As time passed Annika began to feel a bit nervous - blame the pre-wedding jitters! Agreed that she had been already married to Shivaay, but at that time the situation was totally different! This time she was actually going to get married - and that to the man of her dreams; the man she had come to love with everything she had. And that thought made her a bit nervous.

Thankfully for her, Janhvi walked in, with Prinku tagging along! As they (Janhvi and Prinku) took in Annika's appearance a wide smile graced their lips! However, being the mother that she was, Annika's nervousness didn't go unnoticed by Janvhi, who immediately walked over to her. Understanding that Annika needed her mother right now - more than anyone else - the other three ladies walked out.
"Nervous?", Janhvi asked Annika; who simply nodded in affirmation; not quiet finding her voice. "I understand! It's normal Anu, so chill! And just remember that you are an Oberoi, and we are confident!" Hugging her slightly; careful to not wrinkle her lehenga or smudge her make-up; Annika said,"Thank you Maa...for everything!" Janhvi cupped her cheek and said,"Anytime Beta!" She then applied a dot of kohl behind Annika's ear - so as to ward off the evil - and then smiled at Annika who enthusiastically returned it back; already feeling better! Pinky too did the same to Shivaay.

(ShivIka's Attire)

An elegant mandap with vibrant seating arrangements, were hoisted in the outspread lawn of the Oberoi Mansion.

(The Wedding Set-up)

The groom - Shivaay - was first called to the mandap and he proceeded downstairs with OmRu by his side; but not before touching his parents' feet, seeking their blessings! After some preliminary rituals that are performed by the groom only, the Panditji beckoned Annika for the Varmala. Gauri and Soumya went to get Annika from her room.
"Wow Annika Di, you are looking beautiful! Shivaay Bhaiyya ke hosh udne hain ab!" "Chup kar, badmaash!", Annika replied, going all red.
RiMya flanked Annika on her either sides and led her to the mandap, where an extremely eager Shivaay awaited her.
When Annika stepped into the lawn, ShivIka noticed each other and the world around them began to fade. Annika was enchanted by her husband's looks. Looking more handsome and hot than he ever had, sitting at the mandap was her Shivaay - waiting only only for her! Shivaay was even more affected on seeing Annika all decked up - only for him; to be his bride, his wife...yet again!
Had it not been for RiMya walking Annika forward towards where Shivaay was, Annika would not have moved even an inch forward; such was her condition.
Finally, after what seemed like forever, Annika reached the mandap and Shivaay stood up, holding out his hand at her! Without a second thought, Annika put her hand in Shivaay's welcoming one; giving him an exhilarating smile, which Shivaay returned with his breathtaking one! Once ShivIka sat besides one another, the Panditji started chanting the required mantras; thus commencing the wedding!

The Pandit called TejVi for Annika's Kanyadaan. In the Kanyadaan, the bride's father gives away his daughter to the groom amidst the chanting of sacred mantras. TejVi happily gave away Annika to Shivaay, knowing that he would take care of her more than his own self! Moreover, Annika was going to be in front of their eyes 24/7.
In the Vivah Homa, the sacred fire ceremony ascertaining that all auspicious undertakings are begun admist an atmosphere of purity and spirituality. Likewise happened with ShivIka, with the Pandit chanting the mantras and ShivIka undertaking every single ritual religiously.
During Pani Grahan, the groom takes the right hand of the bride in his left hand and accepts her as his lawfully wedded wife. In the same way, Shivaay took Annika's right hand in his left hand, thus accepting her as his lawfully wedded wife!
In the ritual of Shila Arohan, the mother of the bride helps the bride to step onto a stone slab and counsels her to prepare herself for a new life. Janhvi stepped forward and helped Annika to step onto a stone slab and counseled her to prepare for her new life.
During Laja Homa, puffed rice offered as oblations into the sacred fire by the bride while she keeps the palms of her hands over those of the groom. Annika placed her hands over Shivaay's and together they offered the puffed rice as obligations into the havan (sacred fire).
Thereafter, Prinku stepped ahead and tied the Gatbandhan (the marriage knot) ; by tying the end of the dupatta of Shivaay's sherwani with that of Annika's dress' odhni.
Now it was time for the Saptapadi/Saat Pheras (the seven vows around the sacred fire 8; wherein the bride and the groom promise each other nourishment, strength, prosperity, happiness, progeny, long life, and harmony and understanding, respectively.
For the First Vow, ShivIka invoked the Gods for the plenitude of pure and nourishing food and a life that is noble and respectful.
For the Second Vow, ShivIka prayed for physical and mental strength and to lead a healthy and peaceful life.
For the Third Vow is taken for the fulfilment of spiritual obligations; ShivIka invoked the Gods for blessings with spiritual strength.
For the Fourth Vow is taken for the attainment of happiness and harmony through mutual love and trust and a long joyous life together; so did ShivIka.
For the Fifth Vow, ShivIka prayed for the welfare of all living entities in the entire universe and for begetting noble children.
For the Sixth Vow, ShivIka prayed for bountiful seasons and seeks that they may go through these seasons together, just as they would share their joys and sorrows.
For the Seventh Vow, ShivIka prayed for a life of understanding, loyalty, unity and companionship not only for themselves but also for the peace of the universe.
After the Saptapadi, ShivIka again sat down as instructed by the Pandit. Panditji then asked Shivaay to tie the Mangalsutra around Annika's neck and fill her maang with Sindoor (vermilion). As Shivaay tied the Mangalsutra around Annika's neck, she could not help but prod over how far they had come from their first marriage...or rather from their first meet. When Shivaay filled the Sindoor in Annika's maang, she closed her eyes, cherishing the moment; as her lips curved into a satisfactory smile and tears of esctacy rolled down her cheeks. Shivaay instantly, yet gently, wiped off her tears and they preceded with the wedding.
The following ritual is the Abhishek, that is, the sprinkling of water, meditating on the sun and the pole star; and the same was followed by ShivIka.
Anna Praashan is the next ritual, wherein, the couple makes food offerings into the fire then feed a morsel of food to each other, expressing mutual love and affection. ShivIka too, made the food offerings into the fire and then fed each other a morsel of a sweet dish.
Aashirvada is the final ritual signifying that culmination of the wedding ordeal; wherein the couple seeks the blessings of the elders of the House. ShivIka began with taking Daadi's blessings first - for she was the matriarch of the Oberoi Khandaan - followed by the rest of the elders of the House.

The Panditji then announced them as 'Husband and Wife'! ❤