Mafia's Heartbeat

chapter 24

The golden sun rose over the Haveli, casting a warm glow over the palace grounds. It was the wedding day—a double wedding, one that would unite Mafia brothers Nishant and Nikhil with their chosen soulmates, Tanuj and Aarav.

Inside the haveli, it was chaos—but joyful chaos. Rahul and Anjali, proud and misty-eyed, bustled through the house like lightning bolts. Rahul oversaw logistics with military precision, while Anjali supervised the food, rituals, and decorations.

Downstairs in the main hall, Kritika, dressed in a lemon-yellow lehenga, barked orders at the decorators.
“Put those marigold garlands higher! And where’s the Kalash for the Mandap corner?”
Beside her, Kai, calm as ever, adjusted the seating arrangements, smoothing every crease in the white sheets and ensuring the flowers on each seat were fresh.
Raj, flustered but enthusiastic, ran around collecting ritual items—betel leaves, sindoor, sweets, kalashas—muttering, “If one more pandit uncle asks me for a coconut…”

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Morning Rituals Begin

As per tradition, the grooms began with Ganesh Puja to invoke blessings. Nishant and Nikhil, dressed in soft ivory kurta-pajamas, sat side-by-side, hands folded, as the pandit chanted mantras. Behind them, Rahul placed a hand on each son's shoulder while Anjali offered flowers with reverence.

Then came the Haldi touch-ups, just for good luck. Anjali applied a light smear on their cheeks. “For glow and blessings,” she whispered, her voice cracking with love.

Kritika entered with two hand-decorated silver bowls. “Haldi for the grooms,” she grinned. “Also, I mixed rose water in. You're welcome.”

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The Wedding Attires & Sehra Bandi

Hours later, the brothers were led to their rooms to change. Nishant wore a royal cream sherwani with gold threadwork, paired with a maroon safa. Nikhil's was ivory with pale gold and navy accents. Both had long embroidered dupattas that flowed behind them like capes.

The Sehra Bandi—where the grooms’ heads were adorned with floral veils—was done by Rahul and Anjali, tears glistening in their eyes. Tanuj’s favorite toys were placed near Nishant’s belongings for comfort, while Aarav’s ring sat safely pinned inside Nikhil’s sherwani.

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The Baraat

Outside, dhols thundered as the Baraat procession began. Nishant and Nikhil, astride regal white horses, were flanked by Kai and Raj. Kai danced with calculated grace, while Raj and Kritika broke into full desi mode, swirling in their outfits to the beat of the drums.

Inside, the brides—or rather, the grooms’ soulmates—waited.

Tanuj, in a soft blush pink sherwani with delicate gold embroidery, held a teddy bear and rocked on his heels. His eyes sparkled as he repeated softly, “I marry my hubby today!”

Aarav, a vision in mint green and ivory, looked down at the mehendi on his palms. Nikhil’s name was hidden inside the pattern.

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Jaimala Ceremony

As the grooms arrived, rose petals rained from above. Nikhil and Nishant walked to the Mandap, hands shaking ever so slightly. When the veil lifted, and their eyes met their lovers’, everything else melted away.

The Jaimala—garland exchange—was sweet and playful. Aarav stretched on tiptoes to place the garland around Nikhil, cheeks flushed pink. Tanuj, with a wide giggle, held his up with both hands until Nishant leaned forward so he could slip it over his head.

Cameras clicked. Families cheered.

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Kanyadaan and Mangal Pheras

Since Aarav and Tanuj had no blood parents, Rahul and Anjali took the honor of Kanyadaan, placing their hands over theirs and whispering, “Today, you’re ours in every way.”

The sacred Agni was lit, crackling and powerful.

Then came the Mangal Pheras. Nikhil and Aarav circled the fire seven times, the fabric of their dupattas tied together. Each round brought promises—of duty, love, strength, and unity. Aarav’s fingers tightened every time the fire came near, and Nikhil gently squeezed back.

Nishant and Tanuj’s pheras were gentle. Nishant guided him tenderly, matching his pace to Tanuj’s baby steps. Tanuj hummed softly, lost in his little space, whispering “fire go swish” every time they circled.

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Sindoor and Mangalsutra

Nikhil leaned in and drew the red sindoor across Aarav’s hairline. Aarav held his breath as the mangalsutra was tied around his neck. A tear slipped down his cheek.

Nishant kissed Tanuj’s forehead before applying the sindoor, whispering, “My baby is now my husband.” Tanuj clapped softly and held out his neck for the mangalsutra.

The weddings were sealed.

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The Sabotaged Graha Pravesh

By sunset, the family gathered at the doorstep of the haveli for the Graha Pravesh.

A decorated thaali full of water mixed with turmeric, rose petals, and milk sat ready at the threshold. As per custom, the newlyweds would enter by dipping their right feet into the thaali and walking inside.

Aarav and Tanuj stood with flower petals in their hands.

But just as Tanuj, in his little voice, squealed “Leggie go splash!” and stepped into the thaali—

“AAH!” he screamed, retracting his leg and stumbling backward.

“Tanuj!” Nishant was beside him in a heartbeat. The air filled with panic.

“Tanuj baby, what happened?” Nikhil rushed over, holding Aarav aside protectively.

Kritika, sharp-eyed and furious, looked at the thaali and muttered, “It’s hot! Who the hell used hot water?!”

Kamolika and Komal were lurking nearby. Komal quickly took the chance while everyone looked at Tanuj’s foot, and subtly swapped the thaali with another one filled with cool water.

Kritika turned back, suspicious. “I swear it was—wait—it’s cold now?!”

Komal shrugged with a fake gasp. “Are you sure? You have proof? Maybe Tanuj got startled.”

“You—!” Kritika stepped forward but Raj held her back.

Nishant had no time for debates. He scooped Tanuj up in his arms. “I’m not letting him walk.”

Suddenly, an elderly aunty from the Baraj spoke up, “Beta, if they don’t enter with proper Graha Pravesh, it will be inauspicious!”

Anjali hesitated but agreed. “She’s right.”

Kritika checked again—the water was now lukewarm. “That’s not the same bowl,” she whispered to Raj.

Still, the ritual had to continue.

Holding Tanuj in bridal style, Nishant gently dipped his husband's injured foot in the cold water and stepped inside.

Nikhil followed, lifting a stunned Aarav and whispering, “Just hold me.” Aarav blushed crimson but obeyed.

Once inside, Nishant rushed to the bedroom, setting Tanuj down carefully and pulling out the first aid box. “Shh, baby, you’ll be okay.”

Tanuj sniffled. “Leggie hurted…”

“I know,” Nishant said, applying burn cream gently, placing soft kisses on Tanuj’s temple. “No one’s ever hurting you again.”

Outside, Kritika narrowed her eyes at Komal and Kamolika.

“This isn’t over,” she murmured.

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