It was the evening of her sangeet and Naira was getting dressed in the guest bedroom in the Goenka Mansion when she got a call. She knew it was him. Her husband.

“Hey babe, remember yesterday I had challenged you about coming to your mehendi.” He asked.

“Yes. What about that ?!!” she asked while putting her dupatta in the right place.

“Well we had decided that you would give me a return gift if I complete the challenge.” He said.

“Yeah. I completely forgot about it. Tell me what do you want ?!!” she asked.

“I want you to sing a song for me. Tonight. At our sangeet.” He said.

“Umm…Ohkay, if that’s what you want.” She said.

“I will be waiting. Bye.” He said and ended the call.

———-

“Naira !! You are looking gorgeous. So pretty.” Ishana said as she entered the room.

Naira was dressed in Gold this time. Her skirt was shimmery and lunged out whereas her full sleeve blouse had sequins on it making her look very grand and at the same time, very simple and elegant.

Her hair had been done to reveal a side, with slight curls here and there. A pair of golden jhumkas for her ears and a simple necklace completed her look.

She nodded a thanks and started walking out with her. Just as she reached the top of the staircase to descend to the hall, Karthik joined her. He was wearing a navy blue and gold sherwani that absolutely matched her dress. They stood there a minute admiring each other.

“Do you guys have any plans to come down ?!! Your sangeet is taking place here.” Shivay teased them from downstairs.

They returned back to their senses and started coming down while all the guests laughed good naturedly. They reached downstairs and were seated on a royal red velvet sofa side by side. They looked like some prince and princess of a kingdom.

“Ladies and gentlemen !! I welcome you all to my beloved sister Naira and my lovely jeeju Karthik’s sangeet. Today there will be lots of music, dance and enjoyment. So without any further delay, let’s start the celebrations.” Anika concluded and stepped aside from the centre of the stage.

She went towards Ishana and Soumya and pulled them towards the centre of the hall and started their performance.

“Main daalun taal pe Bhangra,
Tu bhi gidda paa le,
Chal aisa rang jamaa de hum Ke bane sabhi matwaale.”

“Mann kahe ki main le aaun Chaand aur taare saare,
Inn haathon par main chaand rakhun,
Iss maang mein bhar doon taare.”

“Hello !! Hello !!
Tu floor pe kab hai aayi,
Ye lo, ye lo, badi solid masti chaayi,
Hello !! Hello !!!
Too much hai tumne lagayi,
Ye lo, ye lo, control karo mere bhai.”

“Dhak-dhak dhak-dhak dhadke ye dil,
Chhan chhan bole Amritsari choodiyan,
Raat badi hai mastaani,
koi dilbar jaani kar le gallan goodiyan.”

Soon Shivay, Om and Rudra joined their lady love and started dancing to the peppy beats. The girls and the boys killed it with their dancing moves and their sparkling chemistry. Karthik and Naira felt really happy looking at all of them.

“Ye nain matakka tera,
mujhe bada tadpaave,
Tu dekhe to ajj vi dilbar kudiye teer sa ek chal jaave,
Kar de bin piye sharabi,
Chehra tera gulaabi,
Koi kyun na yamla ban jaave jo itni ho betaabi.”

“Hello !! Hello !! d
Dil dil se connect karna,
Ye lo, ye lo,
Ye baatein direct karna.”

“Dhak-dhak dhak-dhak dhadke ye dil,
Chhan chhan bole Amritsari choodiyan,
Raat badi hai mastaani,
toh dilbar jaani kar le gallan goodiyan.”

Naira’s mumma and keerti chachi and naksh chacha were also pulled onto the dance floor and even they had a galla time.

“Ye baat na maine jaani,
Kyun itni khush hai diwaani,
Tu mujhko aisi kahaani samjha de, samjha de.”

“Ye baat hai sabne chaahi,
Mile janmon ka humraahi,
Yahaan huaa hai kuch aisa hi Samjhe na samjhe na o ho.”

“Ab main jaana keh rahi ho kya fasaana ho ho.
Pyaar karne se bhi mushqil hai nibhaana ho ho.”

“Hello !! Hello !!
Don’t mind mera yeh kehna,
Ye lo, ye lo,
Zara mere touch mein rehna.”

“Dhak-dhak dhak-dhak dhadke ye dil,
Chhan chhan bole Amritsari choodiyan,
Raat badi hai mastaani,
koi dilbar jaani kar le gallan goodiyan.”

“O marjaana oye.”

They ended their dance and curtsied in front of everyone and all the guests clapped. After they finished, Naira ran over to them and hugged all of them one by one, she was glad to have them with her today.

When she was done with thanking them, she walked over to the centre of the hall and clapped her hand together so as to gather everyone’s attention. When she had every pair of eyes present in the room on her she started.

“So the last performance of this night will be mine. I would like to sing a song.” She said and pulled Karthik to stand next to her. She started singing while walking around Karthik in a circle.

“Like a dream you can’ t explain,
Love can chase a beating of your heart,
Like the sunshining in the rain,
Love can make your whole world fall apart.”

“All I wanted now,
I just wanna spend my life with you,
Time will show me how,
Suddenly everything has turned me inside out,
Suddenly love is the thing that I can’ t live without.”

“You are my dream, my love, my life,
I just wanna spend my life with you,
You are the one that makes me smile,
I just wanna spend my life with you.”

“What have you done to me,
is this how it’s meant to be,
Can’ t control this feeling in my heart,
I can see better days glowing inside your eyes,
And I know you feel it in your heart.”

“Love is a crazy thing,
it’s like when you wanna sing,
And the words are deep inside your soul, When somebody comes along,
Together you sing a song You just let the music take control.”

‘And I wanted now,
I just wanna spend my life with you,
Time will show me how,
Suddenly everything has turned me inside out, Suddenly loves the thing that I can’ t live without.”

“You are my dream, my love, my life
I just wanna spend my life with you,
You are the one that makes me smile,
I just wanna spend my life with you.”

She had poured her heart and soul in the song and everyone could see it. They all were shell shocked at the raw display of emotion in her song. She continued to stare at Karthik, whose eyes showed the shock he felt. While Naira just smiled at him.

After she finished the song she joined the others as they praised her singing. Karthik followed Naira wherever she went. He was spellbound by her performance. He never knew that she loved him so much. Today she had given complete justice to her feelings for him.

He was touched by this act of hers. He knew that he was so very lucky to have Naira in his life. He had her with him forever and he would make sure that she would be happy always.

Naira had become his lifeline. He wanted to be the reason for her smile. He wanted to be the one to banish away her pain and sadness. He wanted to be THE ONE for her. He loved her too much to not think of her every moment.
                                     

“What ?!! Are you serious chachi ?!!” Karthik asked.

“You heard me Karthik !! The groom and the bride don’t see each other during the haldi ceremony.” Keerti chachi announced.

Naksh chacha, Om and Rudra were sitting on the bed and laughing at his misery. Just then Ishana entered the room.

“Chachi, the garlands have arrived.” She said.

“Thank you, Ishana. I will be down in a minute. And you, Karthik freshen up and come down, we have to get going with your haldi. Its your wedding today and there are lots of other things remaining to do.” Keerti chachi said.

“But chachi….” He started to say but was cut off by her.

“Its final, Karthik. Naira is not coming and neither can you meet her until after the baaraat. Do you understand ?!! And you are not to smuggle yourself there or get her here by any means. Ohkay ?!!” She said angrily now While Karthik scowled at her.

Om and Rudra laughed, then shooed everyone out of the room. Only the two of them along with Karthik were left.

“ Don’t worry, Chachi said you can’t go there. But you can still talk to her and meet her.” Rudra said to a depressed Karthik.

“But not now. After your Haldi ceremony. Because, Chachi told we have to send the remaining haldi to Naira’s house as shagun. We have planned something for you. Consider this as a wedding present from our side.” Om said and smiled at both of them.

“That’s another thing. Haldi is for girls and women. Why on Earth am I having it applied on me?!! Unbelievable !! The whole world is against me.” Karthik groaned with irritation.

Om and Rudra chuckled at his state. Karthik went to freshen up and then the three of them went downstairs.

An hour later, Karthik sighed as he sat on the bed. He was stuck in his room still covered with haldi. Keerti Chachi had prohibited him from removing it until she told so.

“Bad enough I can’t do anything for Naira. It’s so unfair that Om and Rudra are allowed to go there and give the shagun. What about me ?!! Even I wanted to go and meet her, And on top of that, Half an hour of torture with those aunties putting this haldi. Why does a boy have to put Haldi ?!!” he muttered to himself. Just then Naksh Chacha entered his room.

“Can I please change now ?!!, Chacha.” He asked.

“Not yet !! Someone wants to see you.”Naksh Chacha said grinning.

“Like this ?!! No way !!” Karthik asked horrified and shielded his face with his haldi covered hands.

“Too late !! Mr. Husband.” He heard Naira’s chuckling voice and removed his hands that were covering his face to have a look.

“You’re here ?!!” he asked as he searched around the room but didn’t find her.

“I’m here.” Naira said and he turned to the sound and saw the source. The phone in Naksh Chacha’s hand.

“We are skyping her. Now you can enjoy as much as you want !!” Naksh Chacha said and winked at Karthik. He gave the phone to Karthik, then left the room.

“Naira. Just a minute. Please. I’ll go, wash my face and come. Then I’ll talk to you.” Karthik said.

“I have already seen you. And don’t you want to see me ?!!” Naira said bashfully.

Karthik’s eyes perked up at that. Was she shy ?!! He picked up the phone and slowly turned the camera so that they were both facing each other.

His breath caught in his throat. Though this was the haldi ceremony, She was just wearing a simple orange saree with no jewellery and no make up. The effect was breath-taking. The orange saree made her skin glow like gold. Her hair was straight and she looked so beautiful with haldi on her cheeks and hands.

“Gorgeous.” He whispered.

She looked down and blushed.

“Not so bad yourself as well.” She said.

“You are freaking me out, babe. Where is your usual talkative self. This silent treatment is not going down well with me. What happened ?!!” he asked.

“I guess the fact that the day has actually come. Miss Singhania to Mrs Goenka. Well you get it right ?!! Life’s going to be so different from today. But at the same time, wonderful.” She accepted dreamily.

“It sure will be wonderful with you by my side always.” He said and smiled.

“Anyways, I heard you troubled Keerti Chachi a lot today.” She asked him mischievously.

“Me ?!! I didn’t do anything. She was the one who refused to let me see you.” He said defending himself while Naira chuckled at his childish nature.

“So were you planning to sneak in again ?!!” she asked him.

“Yes !! It would have been a replay of what happened in the mehendi ceremony.” He said and they both grinned. Their mehendi ceremony played before their eyes.

“Ohkay bye. I gotta go now. Mumma is calling me. I have to go wash the haldi and then we have to come there as well. By the way, You are not allowed to see me in my wedding attire until we both are at the mandap.” She said.

“Why not ?!!” he asked groaning.

“It’s a tradition and I want to see you there. In front of all the others. No where else.” She said softly.

“All of you will kill me one day. But fine. I agree.” He said giving a suffering sigh.

“It’s finally happening, Karthik !!” she said.

“Congrats Mrs Goenka. We are going to get married.” He said softly.

—————-

The entire Goenka Mansion was in a frenzy. The guests had started arriving. Last minute arrangements were taking place. Naira along with her mumma, Anika and Shivaay had already reached there two hours ago.

“Naira, the baraat has left. They will be here in some time.” Anika said.

Naira turned, her smile wide and clear radiance visible in her eyes.

“It’s really happening, isn’t it ?!!” Naira asked Anika.

“Yup, should I Pinch you to make you believe it ?!!” Anika asked teasingly.

“No. Go down. You enjoy the baraat.” Naira said and pushed anika out of the room.

—————–

The baraat entered into the Goenka mansion driveway, Karthik in a gold and red sherwani with a turban on his head and regal-looking sat on a horse. Ishana, Soumya, Om and rudra danced in front of the horse while Keerti Chachi and Naksh Chacha walked along the sideways. But soon enough they were also pulled in by the dancing troupe. They all danced. Karthik laughing atop the horse.

Karthik got down from the horse and the party stood in front of the door. Mrs. Singhania, wearing a resplendent green saree performed Aarti and put tilak on his forehead.

“Dear Son-in-law, Please enter !!” Naira’s mumma said oh so sweetly.

Karthik made a move to enter, But Anika stopped him.

“I want my gift first. Then only I will allow you to meet Naira.” She said.

“What is this ?!! No money now. Only if you manage to get and keep his slippers.” Soumya said on behalf of Karthik.

“Soumya !! Everything is fair in love and war. And this is both. So no money, No entry !!” Anika replied.

Karthik laughed amused, and asked Om for his wallet. He took out some money and handed it over to her.

“Enter Jiju !!” Anika said.

Everyone laughed and entered. Karthik was made to sit while everyone else went on to attend the guests and look after what they needed.

“When will Naira come ?!!” Karthik asked Rudra.

“Have patience my man. She’ll come soon.” Rudra answered chuckling lightly.

“Naira is coming.” Ishana announced as she saw Naira at the top of the stairs.

Karthik turned around to see Naira descending the stairs. She looked like an angel. Wearing a red and gold saree, She absolutely complimented him. Her ethnic jewellery accentuated her look. He couldn’t take his eyes off her. Naira’s eyes soon met his and she too held his gaze, not looking anywhere else.

Naira came down and Keerti Chachi came in front of her and hugged her, told her she was looking absolutely wonderful. Karthik walked up to her and tried to say something but was cut off.

“Come on kids. Let’s Begin the Varmala ceremony.” Naira’s mumma said.

Karthik and Naira stood on the mandap facing each other. Anika and Ishana handed them the garlands.

“Naira, First you have to put it on Karthik.” Keerti Chachi said.

Naira nodded and raised the garland to put it on him. At the last minute, Om and Rudra lifted him up that she couldn’t reach him. Everyone laughed.

“How can you do this ?!!” Anika asked.

“All is fair in love and war !! Remember that ?!!” Om said in a teasing tone.

“Don’t worry, I am with my daughter at this.” Naksh chacha said and moved towards naira.

He and Shivay lifted Naira up so that Karthik and she were on the same level.

“What say Mr. Goenka ?!! I win ?!!” Naira asked him smiling playfully.

“I lost a long time ago.” He answered.

“Get used to it.” Naira said, a smirk playing at her lips.

She put the garland around his neck and everyone clapped. Karthik lifted the garland and tried to put it on Naira but Naksh Chacha and Shivay brought her down and Karthik couldn’t put it around her neck.

“Come down, then you can put it.” Shivay said.

Karthik stepped down and again attempted to make Naira wear the garland but this time, They pulled her back at the last minute. Naira giggled and Karthik scowled. He looked at her with a pleading look and she smiled and moved forward. Karthik put the garland around her neck and everyone smiled again.

“Please sit down. We will begin the wedding ceremony now.” The pandit jii said.

Karthik and Naira sat down in the mandap. The rest of them stepped down to give everyone a clearer look.

“Om !!” Ishana exclaimed as she came running towards where he stood with Rudra and Soumya.

“Where is the fire Ishu ?!!” Rudra Joked.

“Don’t pay any heed to him, dii. What happened ?!!” Soumya said ignoring the joke cracked by Rudra.

“The shoes. Karthik’s shoes are missing !!” Ishana exclaimed.

“What ?!!” Om shouted.

Precap : Wedding Part 2!!!The happily ever after!!!