»»———Tilak Ceremony———««
It holds an importance in traditional Hindu customs as regards to its auspiciousness. Tilak is generally put by the male members of the groom’s family using Kumkum.
Tilak is usually held at the groom’s residence or often held in temples so that the groom is blessed by the Almighty before beginning his married life. The bride’s father offers gifts ranging from fruits to clothes, goods and sweets to the groom and his family during the ceremony. The groom’s father sends sugar, coconut, rice, clothes, jewelry and henna to the bride’s family in exchange.
The ceremony is equally important for the bride’s family as well. Offering Tilak on the forehead of the groom ensures a loving husband for their daughter, who would look after her and also shoulder her responsibilities all along her life.
The ceremony is the first step towards strengthening the new relationship between the two families. The significance of the ceremony lies in the fact that both the families celebrate their new bond with joy and merriment.
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02:21 PM, 6 DECEMBER, SATURDAY, UMAID BHAWAN PALACE, CIRCUIT HOUSE RD, CANTT AREA, JODHPUR, RAJASTHAN
Kainaat ran down the stairs, her gaze going all over the palace. "Bhaiya waha nahi! Ye railing ke liye hai." She yelled pointing the white and pale pink roses towards the railings and the men nodded. "They are going to be here in an hour and look at you Bhai! What in the world are you doing in your casuals?! It's your teeka for heaven's sake!" Kainaat yelled in bafflement when she saw Hardik walking in and he smiled at her in reply. His mother was indeed right, his sister was more excited than him.
What he didn't know was that Kainaat was anxious as well. She didn't want anything stopping their wedding, and she had a strong reason to support her suspicion, she thought as she stared at the chandelier. Closing her eyes, she remembered the chat she had with Abhay a few days ago.
FLASHBACK (After Jindal's verdict)
"What happened Abhay?" Kainaat asked Abhay as she rummaged through her closet to find her missing jacket. "Kai, i need to talk to you about something important. Are you alone?" He asked in a hushed tone and Kainaat frowned. "Yeah, what is it?" She asked and he sighed. "The accident a few days ago? With the Jindals? I don't think it's an accident anymore." He stated and she paused, her frown deepening.
"What do you mean?" She asked as she straightened up. "The van, it didn't explode by itself. Somebody shot the gas tank. It was planned." He said and she clenched her jaw. "And? What else did you find?" She questioned, walking out of her closet. "Two of the four bodies we have recognised after postmortem. It's indeed Ritvik Jindal and his father Yug. But." He paused and Kainaat sat down on her desk, taking out her laptop.
"But what Abhay?" She asked impatiently. "Anshuman and his grandfather, their bodies were too burnt to recognise. We couldn't find anything in their postmortem." He replied and Kainaat's face fell. "Was there somebody else with them? In the van except the police officers?" She asked and Abhay seemed to be looking for something as she heard ruffling of papers.
"Yes. The day of their trial was another trial that took place. There were two terrorists we found. The van they were supposed to go in got damaged at the last minutes so they were allowed to be transported with the Jindals." He replied and Kainaat sighed. "Abhay do you have those people's information?" She asked and he muttered a yes. "Send that to me right now and don't cut the call." She said and he mumbled another yes.
A few seconds later she received the files and checked the terrorists' data. "And where are these terrorists now? Did they die as well?" She asked as she looked at the profiles. "No. They weren't found at the scene. We have suspicions that their team was behind the attack to get them out. They fled the scene before the bus blasted." He replied and Kainaat's eyes widened when she noticed something on the profiles. "Abhay send me profiles on Anshuman and Kushagra Jindal please." She said and Abhay frowned but did so.
"Abhay by any chance did you guys think it weren't the terrorists but the Jindals escaping? They had the same heights and weights." She asked and Abhay frowned, looking at what she was saying. "But why would they leave the other two to die? Wouldn't they escape together?" He asked and Kainaat sighed. "These people are fucking psychopaths Abhay! They don't care about anyone other than themselves." She spat, frowning when she realised their plan.
"If that is true then-" "the van breaking down wasn't a coincidence. Neither was the van blasting. It was their escape plan. The Jindals could still be alive." Kainaat cut off Abhay. "Shit! Do you want me to rep-" "No! No don't report it to anyone for now. I have to find a lead behind this first. If they are still alive we need to get to them first before they cause any damage." She cut him off again. "But Kai what if they do something destructive?" He asked and she sighed.
"It will be my responsibility then. For now don't tell anyone. Not even Viraj sir. You get it Abhay?" She said and he sighed but nodded. "Fine. But if you think something's wrong, or something bad happens I won't hesitate to open it." He replied and she agreed. "Okay, now whatever you find on them, send it to me. I'll start with my search." She replied and kept the call.
Flashback Over
Ever since that day after getting the news Kainaat had been suspicious. She was still looking for the Jindals but to her bad luck, she didn't have a single clue on them. It was either they were in hiding or they were really dead. She knew she wasn't doing any good hiding everything from her family but she didn't want to ruin their happiness, especially Hardik's. She let out another sigh and opened her eyes when Hardik hugged her. Letting out a groan as she tried pushing him away.
"Chii yaar bhaiya! You're all sweaty and smelly! Get away from me. Go and shower. Ishu Di's gonna run for the hills if she sees you like this." She whined and he backed away. Hardik chuckled at his sister and kissed the top of her head before running up the stairs to get changed. "Kainaat Rathore! What are you doing here roaming around in your pajamas? Why are you not ready yet?" Devyani yelled at Kainaat, her eyes wide in anger. "Maa, I was just looking over the preparation." Kainaat replied sheepishly and Devyani sighed.
"I am the parent! I'll look after everything honey, you are the kid. You're supposed to be goofing around. Now go and get changed okay? Go!" Devyani said, caressing Kai's cheek softly and the girl smiled, nodding in agreement before running up to her own room. Devyani turned around, humming when she saw everything almost ready. Her eyes widened when she found her sons and nephews in the drawing room, playing video games in their shorts. "Boys! What the hell are you doing? Today's your brother's teeka and you all are here playing games?" She scolded and they turned to her.
"Come on maa, we don't take hours like Kai. We'll be ready in giffy don't worry." Rudransh replied and Devyani clenched her jaw. "Get up this instant or you'll see a real rifle pointing toward your head Rudransh Rathore. Three of you, get up! And go get changed!" She threatened and they gulped, nodding furiously before running out. "These kids I swear are gonna give me wrinkles on my heart!" Devyani muttered and walked out to look for another kid she didn't know she was adopting when she was getting married aka her husband.
About an hour later, Kainaat came down dressed in a red anarkali, simple for the ceremony, her hair tied in loose braid.
A grin broke onto her face when she saw the invitation cards sitting on the table. Picking one up, she examined it, the grin on her face unwavering.
"You like it?" Devyani asked, sneaking behind her and Kainaat nodded. "They're so beautiful maa." She replied and Devyani nodded. "We'll give one to the Roy's for their ganga nimatran and after we're done with the Ganesh puja, we'll send them according to the guest list." She stated and Kainaat carefully kept the box down. Her mother had specially designed a golden invitation box card for the Roys while a red box card for the other guests.
Kainaat picked up the little scroll from the golden box and opened it, going over the details of the wedding.
┏━━━━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━━━━┓
।। ॐ गं गणपतये नम:।।
वक्रतुंड महाकाय, सूर्य कोटि समप्रभ निर्विघ्नम कुरू मे देव, सर्वकार्येषु सर्वदा।।
ᴛʜᴇ ʀᴀᴛʜᴏʀᴇ ғᴀᴍɪʟʏ ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ʀᴏʏ ғᴀᴍɪʟʏ ʀᴇǫᴜᴇsᴛs ʏᴏᴜʀ ɢʀᴀᴄɪᴏᴜs ᴘʀᴇsᴇɴᴄᴇ ᴛᴏ ᴛʜᴇ ᴡᴇᴅᴅɪɴɢ ᴀɴᴅ ᴘʀᴇ ᴡᴇᴅᴅɪɴɢ ᴄᴇʀᴇᴍᴏɴɪᴇs ᴏғ
HARDIK RATHORE
𝑆𝑜𝑛 𝑜𝑓 𝑀𝑟. 𝑃𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑎𝑝 𝑅𝑎𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑟𝑒 & 𝑀𝑟𝑠. 𝐷𝑒𝑣𝑦𝑎𝑛𝑖 𝑅𝑎𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑟𝑒
𝐺𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑠𝑜𝑛 𝑜𝑓 𝑀𝑟. 𝐵ℎ𝑎𝑖𝑟𝑎𝑣 𝑅𝑎𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑟𝑒
&
ISHIKA ROY
𝐷𝑎𝑢𝑔ℎ𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑀𝑟. 𝐴𝑣𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑠ℎ 𝑅𝑜𝑦 & 𝑀𝑟𝑠. 𝐴𝑛𝑎𝑚𝑖𝑘𝑎 𝑅𝑜𝑦
• ───────── ✾ ───────── •
Ceremonies' Details:
Ganesh Puja
Time: 7:15 am onwards
Date: December 7, 2022
Venue: Ganesh Temple Ratanada, Ganesh Mandir Road, 65, Circuit House Rd, Marg, Ratanada, Talab, Rajasthan
ꨄ︎
Ai Buro bhaat& Mel Ceremony
Time: 3:00 pm onwards
Date: December 8, 2022
Venue: Hyatt Regency, Iskcon Rd, Mansarovar, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302020
ꨄ︎
Mehendi & Sangeet Ceremony
Time: 7:15 pm onwards
Date: December 9, 2022
Venue: The Oberoi Rajvilas, Babaji Ka Modh, Goner Rd, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302031
ꨄ︎
Haldi Ceremony
Time: 12:45 pm onwards
Date: December 13, 2022
Venue: The Oberoi Rajvilas, Babaji Ka Modh, Goner Rd, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302031
ꨄ︎
Biye Ceremony
Time: 07:35 pm onwards
Date: December 14, 2022
Venue: ITC Rajputana, Palace Road, Gopalbari, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302006
ꨄ︎
Wedding Ceremony
Time: 8:30 pm onwards
Date: December 15, 2022
Venue: Rambagh Palace, Bhawani Singh Rd, Rambagh, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302005
Reception to follow
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Closing the scroll, Kainaat placed it neatly back in the box. The wedding was going to take place in Jaipur, the place she grew up in, the place she remembered like the back of her hand. The three day break between the events was due to the kids. On 11th December was Trinity's annual competition 'The hunt' and thus all of them had to leave a day before, i.e, on 10 December. Kainaat was thankful that their finals were after Hardik's wedding, or she would've been juggling them with it. Their engagement was the only private event that was taking place in Jodhpur and Kainaat was glad for it.
"What are you looking at midget?" Rudraksh asked as him and the other three walked into the room. "Rudy move away and stop pestering her. Kai, baccha would you please pin this brooch? I can't pin it correctly." Hardik pushed away Rudraksh who rolled his eyes. Kainaat smiled and gestured Hardik to sit on the sofa. She took the brooch from him and carefully pinned it on his safa. Suddenly loud sound of music, specifically dhols sounded and Devyani came rushing in.
"They're here. Kainaat, beta help him and you four, come with me. Raj and Ashrut are already at the entrance." She told the kids all of whom nodded. Kainaat smiled when she was done and Hardik smiled back as he stood up. "Are you ready Hardik Rathore?" She asked and Hardik nodded. "Ready as I ever will be." He breathed out and both of them walked towards the palace's temple where the tilak ceremony was going to take place. "Kai, Kai, Kai!" Kainaat heard someone calling her name and snapped her neck back.
Samaira came running towards her, her beige white lehenga almost making her fall face first. "Calm down. Samaira what happened?" Hardik asked and Samaira paused panting for breaths. "The rings. Aunty can't find the rings. You need to come. There are chaos in there. Your father almost got smacked." She replied and Kainaat face palmed. "Oh god." She muttered and turned towards Hardik. "Don't worry, I'll make sure everything is okay. Mimi, take him with you to the temple. The muhurat have already started." She assured and Samaira nodded.
She held Hardik's hand and dragged his much heavier body with herself while Kainaat turned around and ran back to the palace. The sight she saw was indeed what Samaira had described. Devyani was barking orders at the staff to find the ring box and Kainaat sighed. She grabbed a glass of water on her way and turned Devyani to herself. "Ssh, maa calm down. Drink this first." She said softly and Devyani took the glass from her, her expression softening. The staff too breathed sighs of relief when they saw her.
"Kai, I can't find the rings. Your father don't have them and your brothers are absolutely useless!" She said and Kainaat smiled. "You gave them to me las night mumma. I was gonna bring them after the Tilak ceremony." She replied and Devyani held her head. "I-i'm sorry everyone. Get back to your work please." Devyani said to the staff who bowed and left the room. "Now, papa, take maa with you to the temple. The boys are already there. Mimi's bringing Hardik Bhai. I'll come there with the gifts and card." She said calmly and Devyani nodded.
She watched as her father grabbed her mother and took her away. "Bhaiya take these boxes to the temple, and give them to Anya di. She'll tell you where to keep them, okay?" She told the staff, pointing to boxes of sweets, clothes and jewellery. The staff nodded and picked up the boxes, exiting the palace. Kainaat sighed and ran up to her room, to get the rings. Calling Reeva on her way up, she waited until the girl picked up her phone.
Yes baby?
Eva, I've sent the staff with the boxes of gifts, make sure they reach Anya di. Also tell maa, I'm coming with the card and rings.
Yeah, okay.
Btw, Ishika bhabhi looks gorgeous.
She always does. Okay, I'll meet you in a few.
Saying that Kainaat kept the call. She opened the door to her room, and made her way to the locker in her closet. She tapped in the password and took out the rings, stuffing them in her hand bag. She closed the locker and walked out of her room, closing the door after her. Rushing down the stairs, she saw the timing in her phone. It was already four and she knew the ceremony was in full swing. Her leg suddenly slipped and she was about to land face first on the carpet but someone caught her before that. "Always in hurry aren't you?" The person asked with a chuckle.
Kainaat looked up her eyes meeting Sourav's black ones. His hands were currently holding her waist, his eyes raking over her face. One second she was staring into his eyes and the next she was pulled towards a warm body. Rahil stated down at her, his eyes going over her in concern. "You're okay? Didn't sprain you leg did you?" He asked and she shook her head. He turned towards Sourav, a deathly calm expression on his face and before she could decipher what he was thinking Rahil punched Sourav hard.
"Rahil!" Kainaat called out in surprise when Sourav fell on the floor with the force. He looked up at Rahil, bewildered expression on his face. "What the fuck man?" He spat and stood up. Before he could properly balance on his legs, Rahil had him pinned against the wall. "I'll tell you! How dare you touch her?" He growled out and Kainaat muttered curses under her breath. "Rahil! Rahil leave him!" She called out and but he ignored her. "I caught her so she wouldn't fall!" Sourav replied, pushing Rahil away with great force.
But Kainaat knew he was nothing compared to the angry bull that Rahil was. "You bastard! You think you can lie to me? I saw you touching her inappropriately. You could've easily 'caught' her by her shoulders and she wouldn't have sustained any injury. There wasn't any need to grab her waist or caress it, you asshole!" Rahil yelled, and by now both of them were throwing punches at each other. Though the blows Rahil was receiving weren't even the half of what he was giving.
Kainaat knew what he was saying was true but she didn't want any mess during the functions. She needed this wedding to happen as soon as possible. If the Jindals were alive, their first plan would be to ruin it and Kainaat sweared she wouldn't let it happen. "Rahil stop this instant! Rahil!" She yelled, trying to pull them apart. "What the hell is happening here?" Kabir's voice roared and Kainaat's eyes widened when the man walked in followed by Shantanu. He pulled Rahil back easily whereas Shantanu did the same with Sourav.
"Rahil, rahil calm down. This is not the time for these things." Kainaat said, grabbing Rahil's face between her palms to make him look at her.
"Let me go dada, I'll break his fucking bones!" Sourav yelled, trying to push Shantanu away. "Oh for heaven's sake!" Kainaat spat, glancing at him with angry eyes. "Oh yeah? Come on then." Rahil gritted out, but Kainaat pushed him back. "Whatever happened, you both need to stop it right fucking now! This is not the time nor the place to fight." Kabir said, his tone harsh.
"This stops right here. Not a word about it to anyone. We'll talk later. Correct you appearance and come out. You get it?" Shantanu told Sourav who gave Rahil a glare before shrugging his brother's hand and walking out. "Calm him and bring him out." Kabir said, jerking his head towards Rahil and Kainaat nodded. Both the men walked out and Kainaat turned towards Rahil. "What the hell was that?" She spat and he looked up. "You're asking me? He touched you inappropriately Kainaat!" He yelled in an incredulous tone and she sighed.
"I know that! And I would've handled that myself. You didn't need to get into a fight with him Rahil!" She yelled back in exasperation. "The fuck you could've! I saw you! I damn as well know you! You wouldn't have said a thing!" He told her off and Kainaat gulped. She knew he was right somewhere but she was too angry and panicked to let it affect her. "Even if I did, it's my business. I want this wedding to go well and I don't want any problems! You don't know Sourav Rahil! I don't want any potential threats to my brother's wedding!" She breathed out.
"Anything which concerns you Kainaat Rathore, is my damn business. You are my business. And like hell I will let any man touch you or even look in your direction inappropriately." He stated, stepping closer to her. "You have to control you fucking anger Rahil! You can't just lash out at anyone! I can handle myself very well! I am no damsel in distress. So please for fuck's sake keep you anger in until this wedding completes." She said and Rahil's jaw clenched. He took one more step closer but she stepped back.
"Not now! I can't deal with you right now. Clean yourself up and come out." She stated and picked up the card box and left, without sparing him a glance. Rahil sighed and took deep breaths, his anger still not wavering. Meanwhile Kainaat walked down the corridors, feeling guilty for the lashing she gave Rahil. She knew he was right, he was protective but her fear was getting the best of her and thus she decided she would tell her family after the function is over. Atleast that way, they would be alert as well.
"It's good that you shut off that moron." She heard a voice saying and snapped out of her thoughts turning her head to the side. Her expression hardened when she saw Sourav.
"He was getting too much in his head. Bloody idiot." He added and Kainaat stopped, turning to him with a clenched jaw. "Shut the hell up or I'll call him back. And trust me he will enjoy crushing your bones." She spat and Sourav looked surprised.
"You and I both know what you did okay Sourav? If it were upto me, you know you wouldn't even be standing here." She added and Sourav clenched his jaw.
"You do-" "one more thing. If you try to pull some shit to cause chaos in this wedding, I'll kill you." She cut him off and turned around to walk away. "Kainaat wait!" Sourav yelled, grabbing her wrist. "Touch me again, and I'll pull your arms out and beat you to death with them." She growled at him, pulling her hand back from his grasp. She stormed towards the temple, taking in deep breaths before letting out a smile. Her smile widened when she found Hardik sneakily trying to look at Ishika while following the rituals.
She shook her head and made her way to him, handing the box to her mother. "Where were you? I've received like hundred glares from Shantanu and his spawn. They're acting like I've stolen some gem of theirs." Hardik whispered to her and she chuckled. "Because you did. You're stole Ishi di from them." She whispered back. She smiled when Anish came running in her arms and picked him up. "Hey handsome." She said softly, peppering his cheeks with kisses.
Rahil stared at Kainaat and the little boy in her arms from afar. He has never been jealous of a five year old kid than he was now. He wanted to be in his place, the receiver of Kainaat's pecks but instead he was standing far away. Why? Because he couldn't control his anger. He had felt guilty when he saw the panic on her face and instantly knew something was troubling his hazel eyed angel. Her giggle snapped him out of his thoughts and he looked back up at her.
The little boy was rubbing Kainaat's nose with hers, both of them smiling at each other. It was a sight to see her with a kid and almost everyone had their eyes on them, even Hardik. "That's my son. Anish." He heard a voice and stood up straight. Shantanu walked over to him and stood by his side. "Kainaat has been with him since he was born. He loves her like family." He said, a small smile on his face as he looked at them. "I do too. Kao is like Ishu to me." He stated, glancing towards Rahil.
"I know what happened and I'm glad you did what you did." He said and Rahil's brow raised in realisation. "Sourav is well a spoilt brat. Getting everything on a silver spoon made him what he is now. Don't worry I'm working on it. On him. Thank you for showing him it was wrong. Kainaat and him have been frenemies since I could remember. And you know there's a very thin line between love and hate." He explained and Rahil nodded. "She's a smart girl. She cares too much for her people. Don't worry she'll come around. She wont be angry for long." He said, patting Rahil's shoulder.
"How did you know? That your brother was wrong?" Rahil asked and Shantanu smiled. "I saw the worried look Kao was giving you. If you were at fault, she would've given the same to Sourav. And as for her coming around, anyone can see the love in her eyes for you. Trust me, she'll come back." He replied before he was called by his mother to give Hardik the gifts. Kainaat and Ishika's family cracked some jokes every once in a while, the girl bickering with Kabir every now and then.
"Ha, like you will. You're old your bones will start whining." Kainaat remarked, earning her a smack from Kabir. "You want a spar to prove that you brat?" He asked and she poked her tongue. "Mummy!" She yelped when Kabir stepped forward playfully and hid behind Pratap. "Ye sahi hai. Bulao mujhe jao papa ke pass." Devyani commented and Kainaat hugged her father tightly who hugged her back. "Meri ek louti beti hai ye. Ise toh mere pass rehne do. Tum in teen namuno se khush nahi ho kya Devyani?" Pratap retorted and Devyani rolled her eyes.
Hardik, Rudraksh and Rudransh gave him offended looks and stood behind their mother. "Come on now dad, we all know who's the boss." Hardik remarked with a smirk and Kainaat smirked back. "Oh really?" She mocked, and dragged Ishika beside her. "I have two daughters now." Pratap said and Ishika smiled. "Seriously?" Hardik asked her and she shrugged. "Okay, now before you all start a war, let's move to the dining hall. Our guests must be hungry." Bhairav broke in and everyone nodded.
The tilak ceremony had ended a few minutes earlier after the photography session and the engagement ceremony will be starting at seven. It was already close to five thirty in the evening. "I want chocolate cake!" Anish yelled with a grin and he giggled when Ashrut picked him up. "Let's go!" Ashrut yelled and ran out with him. Another thing happened in the past few minutes. Kainaat's penguins befriended Shantanu's five year old. Well they're not much different, Kainaat thought as she made her way out with everyone else.
They were served snacks and small talks broke on the table, everyone getting along. The adults were sitting in one side of the table, completely immersed in their talks while their kids were on the other side. "And then he slipped down the sofa. The audacity this kid had I swear." Hardik said, telling them about the time Rudraksh first came home drunk and lied to their face. "You think this is worse?" Kabir asked, gulping down his coffee before pointing towards Kainaat. "You remember the annual function she had her senior year?" He asked Shantanu who scoffed.
Kainaat whereas widened her eyes and shook her head. "Oh come not that! You guys told me you'd never bring it up!" She yelled and they looked at each other, their faces breaking into grins. "What did she do?" Hardik asked Ishika who turned away, biting her lip to stop herself from laughing. "Would someone please tell us?" Reeva asked impatiently. "I'll tell y-"
"I'll shove this fork down your throat!" Kainaat cut Sourav with her threat.
"Her and Aditya, they turned themselves violet." Shantanu finally said and everyone's eyes widened in surprise. "What? How?" Rudransh asked and Kabir smirked. "It was a day before their annual function. They were supposed to be the centre dancers and these two idiots instead of practicing went to some play house. Skid in violet colour without knowing it was dye. These were their photos the next day." He told everyone, showing a photo of two sixteen year olds dressed like eggplants, grumpy looks on their faces.
"What? They were supposed to dance in that?" Samaira wheezed while the others were still in fits of laughter. "Hell no! It was some Disney theme. They manipulated the teacher into changing it to vegetables and fruits at the last moment." Shantanu said, watching Kainaat hiding her face between her palms. "You purple faced midget." Rudraksh spat, breaking into loud laughter. "Oh my god these are gold! We have to frame them!" Hardik said and Kainaat looked up, her eyes wide. "No!" She yelled in horror and everyone watching her expression started laughing again.
They teased her until she stood up and ran to the adults' table. It was finally time for the engagement ceremony and the guests began arriving. Kainaat who had ran up to her room half an hour ago to change, walked down the stairs, now changed in a white lehenga her hair straightened to perfection.
"Shona! Come here. I'll apply this kala teeka first." Anamika called Kainaat over and applied kala teeka behind her ear. "Tōmākē anēka jamakālō lāgachē amar shona." She complimented and Kainaat grinned. (You look so beautiful baby.)
"Kai? Haye Mera baccha kitna sundar lag raha hai!" Avni gushed, pecking Kainaat's head. "Will you all keep fawning over my daughter or will you be accompanying me to the event hall?" Devyani remarked and the women chuckled. "Haan haan, we get it Devi. Only your son in law can fawn over her isn't it?" Tahira teased.
"By the way, where is he? Knowing him, he'd be following her around like a puppy." Adhira asked Avni who too looked around. "I don't know actually. He seemed a bit grumpy in the afternoon as well. Kainaat did something happen between you both?" Avni asked but thankfully for her, Kainaat was saved by Samay's call. "I need to talk to you now please." He said and she gave the women a guilty look. "I'll get back to you. Go to the hall, I'll come in a few." She said, directing the last line towards her mother before going with Samay.
"What happened? You look panicked." She asked in concern and Samay sighed. "What happened between you and him?" He asked, ignoring her question and Kainaat looked taken back. "What? Why do you ask?" She asked in confusion. "He's been raging since the afternoon. He called us, told us to bring our laptops and then began barking orders. He has fired four people without even seeing them because they missed the deadline by a minutes. He yelled at Divit just because the poor sap spilled a glass of water on himself. He was literally ready to cry and run but I stopped him." Samay rambled and Kainaat sighed.
"So please, whatever happened between you both, please handle it before he has murder on his hands." He pleaded and Kainaat looked to the side towards Divit who was standing to the side with a pale face, while a stern faced Rahil stood infront of him, yelling about something. "Okay, I'll handle it. Go to the party and enjoy." She said and Samay nodded, walking towards the exit. Kainaat turned around and made her way towards Divit and Rahil. Rahil stopped what he was saying when he saw her but she ignored him.
"Divit?" She called out and the man looked up. "Hi, I'm Kainaat. Today's my brother's engagement." She said and he gave her a small smile. "Congratulations." He mumbled and she smiled back. "Thank you. I would really like if you could come. It's in the hall down the corridor. Please go there and enjoy. Samay must be waiting for you there." She said softly and the man looked at Rahil then back at her. "Don't mind him. Go." She said and he gulped before nodding and walking out. Kainaat turned to Rahil and threw a glare his way.
"Are you Satan?" She spat and he frowned. "What?" He asked and she bit her lip. "Then why the hell do you torture those poor guys? Let them live and enjoy for a while. Stop breathing down their neck." She let out and he gave her a baffled look. "What? What do you think I am? A fire breathing dragon?" He asked and she pursed her lips. "Yes! With a stick up his arse!" She yelled and he stepped closer to her so they were chest to chest. "Oh really now?" He gritted out and she chinned up, letting out a soft nod. A gasp left her lip when Rahil grabbed her nape and pulled her face towards his'.
"Don't fucking test my patience Kainaat." He murmured and she rolled her eyes mockingly. "Oh god! My eyes! Why do I keep catching you rabbits?!" Samaira's loud yell snapped them and they jumped away. The stress was back in the air and Kainaat sighed, walking towards Samaira. "Come on Mimi." She said and dragged the girl out with herself. Both of them down the corridor towards the grand hall. Kainaat's eyes widened when she took in the decorations. Her eyes spotted Ishika and Hardik standing on the stage and made her way towards them.
"Didu! Bhai, move away! Shoo!" Kainaat yelled, stepping between the couple and nudging Hardik away. Hardik scoffed at her but she ignored him. "Don't you look gorgeous?" Kainaat cooed at her and Ishika chuckled. She was wearing a mauve pink lehenga, her hair falling down her waist in long soft curls.
"Let's click some photos?" Kainaat suggested and Ishika nodded. "Bhaiya, click us please!" She told the photographer who nodded and both of them began posing. "Kainaat would you please not steal my fiance from me?" Hardik said with a look of distaste and she gave him a smirk, mockingly planting a kiss on Ishika's cheek. "You cheeky little brat!" He spat and Kainaat giggled, jumping down the stage. "It's fun to tease them isn't it?" Reeva asked and she nodded. "I love him getting all riled up." She replied with a chuckle.
"Shona, would you come here please?" Anamika called her over and she nodded, walking over to the woman. "Yaa Anu aunty?" She asked and Anamika handed her the cards. "Give this card to your mother. These are for the Ganesh nimantran okay?" She said, handing her a blue box and Kainaat nodded, smiling at the designs.
"Also look at these, are these good?" She asked and Kainaat looked at the gift cards they will be sending to others. "These are beautiful." She commented, raking her hand over the box.
She walked over to Devyani and handed her the card. "I'll put it with ours." She said and Kainaat nodded walking back to her friends. "Weeeeeee!" Anish came yelling and slammed into Kainaat who chuckled and looked down at him. She picked him up and looked at him face. His eyes were wide and he was giggling continuously. "Ashrut what did you give him?" She asked and Ashrut smiled sheepishly. "We drank chocolate shake," he started and Kainaat raised a brow, making him gulp before completing, "and a strawberry one."
"You are not getting near him now you get it? And you little troublemaker, are eating some veggies to shake off this sugar rush." She said, directing the last line towards Anish who pouted. "I don't want veggies." He mumbled and Kainaat hummed, walking over to the snacks table. "We'll you should've thought about it before you drank shakes." She whispered as she sat him on top of a table. She picked up some salty snacks for him and added some vegetables. "Here, eat this." She said, feeding him the snacks which he grumpily ate.
Kainaat looked at her phone and saw it was getting close to eight in the evening. "Kai, I'm sleepy." Anish mumbled suddenly and leaned on her chest, closing his eyes. Kainaat raked her fingers in his hair softly, about to pick him up but Shantanu beat her to it. "I'll handle him." He said and picked his son up, before walking out of the hall. Kainaat turned back around, and made her way towards her siblings. "Everyone it's time for the engagement ceremony to began. Gather around please." Anamika announced and within a few minutes everyone was gathered near the stage.
"Kainaat bring the rings." Devyani said and Kainaat nodded, running up the stage to give them the rings. She took out a golden box from her hand bag and gave it to Devyani. Her mother opened the box only to find it empty. Hardik and Ishika both looked shocked and turned to Kainaat. "Where are the rings?" Anamika asked and Kainaat smirked. "Did you guys seriously think I'll make it easy?" She asked and her friends hollered in excitement. "What have you planned now Kai?" Hardik groaned when he remembered what she did during Advik and Raina's wedding.
"Hmm, you both have to work for you rings. We are gonna play a fun game of Ring hunt dear brother." She stated and took out two little envelopes from her bag. "These have the clues to get the rings. Whoever finds the rings first, will get to take a reward from the other." She said and handed them one envelope each. "You up for the challenge?" She asked and both of them looked at each other before nodding. "Great! Now open them." She said and they opened the envelopes.
"Where we met first? That's easy." Ishika mumbled as she stepped down the stage and made her way to the hotel. "Ishika's favorite place in the palace? Wait I know this." Hardik said and jumped down, running out of the hall. "What are you thinking you little devil?" Kabir asked and she smirked, ignoring his question before turning towards Rudransh. "Come on." She said and he took out a drone. The drone started and flew out of the room and behind them a big white screen appeared. Eeshaan operated it and Rudransh connected it to the drone's camera.
Another drone flew out, this one handled by Rajveer. "What is this?" The parents asked when they saw Hardik and Ishika running around the palace, looking for their rings. They had almost roamed around the entire palace, and were now heading towards the palace's terrace, which Kainaat had decorated for them.
"Did you do it?" Anamika asked and Kainaat nodded. "With Raina Di's help." She said, pointing towards Raina who smiled at her. Hardik and Ishika met up at the terrace's entrance, their eyes widening when they saw the decor. They showed each other their cards and chuckled, as they walked in. They found a small table sitting in the middle, a golden box placed on it and two rings shining inside it. Hardik picked up the box and turned to Ishika with a smile.
Going on his knee for her, he took out her ring and took her hand in his'.
"With this ring, I give you my heart. I promise that from this day forward you will never walk alone. I will be by your side till the end of my time. I commit my life to you Ishika Roy, it's yours from now on. Do as you want with it." He said, slipping the ring on her finger and tears filled in Ishika's eyes as she smiled at him. She pulled him up and picked up his ring, grabbing his hand softly in hers.
"I love you and I knew it since the moment I realised it that you are the only one in my life and you forever will be Hardik Rathore. I can't ever love anyone more than you, ever beat of my heart and every breath I take now belongs to you." She said, shrugging the ring on his finger before pecking his cheek. "Okay both of you that's enough of making me emotional! Now come down!" Kainaat's voice came from the done above them and they looked towards it in surprise. They looked at each other with wide eyes before bursting into chuckles.
"We're coming you cheeky brat." Hardik said and Kainaat saw as both of them made their way down. "Why did you make them exchange rings on the terrace?" Shantanu asked and she smiled. "Because it holds a special meaning to them. They confessed there for the first time." She said and Shantanu raised his brows. "And how did you know that?" He asked and she shrugged. "I may or may have not been the reason behind it." She muttered and he chuckled at her cheekiness. All of them smiled when the couple walked back in the hall, the rings gleaming on their fingers.
They sat down on the stage and got congratulated by everyone. "Can I have your attention please?" Hardik said into the mic and everyone turned to him. "Well my lovely little sister here, really planned something good didn't she? I'm impressed but I'm also annoyed that she made run around the palace." He said and Kainaat gave him a sheepish smile. "Anyway, to right her wrongs, Kainaat will be dancing for us." Ishika said, taking the mic from Hardik. Kainaat's eyes widened when she heard the claim and she shook her head.
Ishika nodded and Kainaat yelped when she was pushed to the middle of the floor by Reeva and Samaira. Kainaat sighed and turned towards the couple. She blew Ishika a kiss and mouthed only for you before gesturing Ashrut to play the song.
The song started and Kainaat grooved to it, lip syncing to song as she moved towards the couple. She nudged Ishika playfully and Hardik chuckled at her antics. She was joined in later by Lavanya, Ashrut and Eeshaan who danced along with her. Within a few minutes the song on queue started and everyone joined them.
Kainaat dragged the couple between them as well and everyone surrounded them. Kainaat grabbed Zeeshaan and he twirled her around, until she slammed into his twin who danced as lamely as her. The song finally ended and everyone say back down on their seats. Kainaat though grabbed the mic and tapped on it twice to gain their attention. "And now it's time for the event of the night! The bride to be and the groom to be's dance which I'm sure all of you are excited for but not more than me!" Kainaat announced with a grin and everyone chuckled.
She moved to the side and Hardik turned to Ishika. Extending his hand, she took it and both of them moved to th middle of the dance floor. Dhoonde Ankhiyaan-Yasser Desai started and the lights dimmed, a soft spot light falling on the couple.
Mere saare vaade vaade
Reh gaye aadhe
Hai kusoor kya, hai kusoor kya
Jeet ke bhi haare haare
Khwaab ye bichare
Ye fitoor kya, ye fitoor kya
Duniya deewani, ishq na jaane
Duniya deewani, ishq na jaane
Dil toh bas dil ko pehchaane
Hardik and Ishika danced, smiles on their faces and love in their eyes. Kainaat smiled, her fingers intertwined in front of her chest as she stared at them both.
Naino se naina takraaye
Na jaane kya dhoonde akhiyaan
Naino se naina takraaye
Na jaane kya dhoonde akhiyaan
Kaise tumhe ye samjhaaye
Na jaane kya doondhe akhiyaan
Hardik twirled Ishika, their fingers intertwining when he pulled her back in. She slammed into his chest, erupting into giggles and Kainaat's smile widened.
Heer na jaane, na jaane Ranjha
Jaane yeh kaisi dor
Jud jaaye toh, tode na toote
Ishq ki aisi dor
Heer na jaane, Ranjha na jaane
Jaane hai dil mera
Kahin pe jaake mil jayega
Naam yeh tera mera
Kainaat felt someone staring at her and looked around to find Rahil gazing at her, more like gazing at her smiling like a fool. She raised her brows, a gesture to ask what? Both of them forgetting their fight. He broke into a grin, when he realised he was caught staring and mouthed you. Kainaat shook her head, a small blush coming on her face which fell when she remembered she was supposed to be angry at him.
Heer na jaane, Ranjha na jaane
Jaane hai dil mera
Kahin pe jaake mil jayega
Naam yeh tera mera
Log deewane dete hain taane
Log deewane dete hain taane
Dil toh bas dil ki hi maane
She looked back up, her hand flying to her face to hide her laugh when she saw her brothers surrounding Rahil who was giving them a distasteful look. She felt a pat on her shoulder, and turned to find her mother.
Naino se naina takraye
Na jaane kya dhoondhe akhiyaan
Naino se naina takraaye
Na jaane kya dhoonde akhiyaan
Kaise tumhe yeh samjhaaye
Na jaane kya dhoondhe akhiyaan
"Yeah maa?" She asked and Devyani leaned forward. "Beta will you please check the gifts I've prepared? They are in the drawing room. Here's the list." She said and Kainaat nodded, taking the list from her mother. "Okay." She replied and Devyani patted her arm. "Thank you so much." She replied and Kainaat smiled, walking towards the drawing room.
Tu jab jab mujhse roothega
Mera yaar mera dil tootega
Dil tootega, jag chhootega
Jab yaar tu mujhse roothega (X2)
Duniya deewani (deewani)
Log deewane (deewane)
Ishq Khudari (Khudari)
Kyun na ye jaane (na jaane) (X2)
Na jaane kya dhoonde akhiyaan
(Dhoonde akhiyaan...)
Naino se naina takraye
Na jaane kya dhoonde akhiyaan
(Dhoonde akhiyaan...)
(Aa... dhoonde akhiyaan...)
Kainaat stepped into the room, walking towards the pile of gifts, reading from the list in her hand. She hummed the song playing in the background which was reaching it's end. She checked all the items on the list, making a note in her mind to tell her mother that everything was alright. She turned around, only to slam into someone's chest. She looked up, her lips parted to mutter an apology but she closed them, when she saw it was Rahil. "What are you doing here?" She asked and he grabbed her face between his hands.
"What happened?" He asked and she frowned. "What do you mean?" She asked and he caressed her cheek softly. "I know something's bothering you. I'm sorry I was being an ass and I didn't see it earlier. But please tell me Kainaat, what is it?" He asked softly and she gulped, looking into his concerned eyes. "I-why do you think that? There's nothing." She said, trying to pull away from him but he didn't let her. "Don't lie to me my moon. You know I can't help you if you don't tell me. Don't keep it inside Kai, please tell me." He said and Kainaat took in a sharp breath before told him.
She told him everything about the Jindals and her fear and he listened patiently to her, an understanding expression on his face. When she was finally done, Rahil sighed and raked his finger through her hair. "Why didn't you tell me before Kai? Why didn't you tell anyone?" He asked, his tone worried. He realised that's why she was panicking earlier, that's why she wanted the wedding to go well. His little moon was worried sick about her family and was keeping it all inside, he thought and his heart hurt because he couldn't see it earlier.
"I was scared." She muttered, tears filling up in her eyes. And then she finally broke in his arms. Sobs escaped her as she clutched onto him tightly and Rahil sighed, hugging her to his chest. "It's okay. It's okay. Let it out. Let it all out sweetheart. I'm here." He said, rubbing her back softly. "I can't do this alone Rahil. I'm not that strong. I'm not that strong. I was scared. I didn't want to ruin their happiness." She wailed, and Rahil took in a deep breath. "You're not alone Kai. I'm here with you. I'll always will be. You don't have to be scared anymore." He whispered, and her sobs changed into hiccups.
"I think I'm going to tell them everything. They deserve to know." She mumbled and he nodded. "Whatever you want. Don't keep everything inside yourself." He whispered and wiped her tears. Kainaat smiled up at him and he grabbed her hand in his'. Both of them walked out where their families were and Rahil nodded at Kainaat. She nodded back and took in a deep breath before looking up. "I, um, want to tell you guys something." She said and everyone stilled. They turned to her and found her fiddling her fingers.
"What happened?" Bhairav asked when he saw the scared look on her face and she gulped, her eyes going to Rahil who rubbed her knuckles comfortingly. "The Jindals may not be dead." She stated and everyone's faces dropped. "What did you just say?" Hardik asked and she sighed before she began telling them everything she had learned the previous days. After she was done, she looked around, her heart thundering in her chest, in thoughts that she just ruined the vibes. Hardik stood up suddenly and made his way to her.
Kainaat looked down, only to be hugged tightly. "Thank you. Thank you for telling us." Hardik breathed out and Kainaat melted in the hug. "Why didn't you tell us before Kai?" Advik asked softly and Kainaat backed away and looked at him. "I didn't want to put any stress. It's bhai's wedding and I didn't want the only thing everyone thinking is to be about them. I'm not even sure if they're truly alive or its someone else messing with us." She replied and Hardik patted her head.
"It's okay. Nothing will ruin this wedding. I knew you were protecting us and now let me handle it okay? You are the younger sibling, your job is to enjoy and pester me." He said, a small smile coming on his face and Kainaat smiled as well. "He's right. We're your older brothers for a reason. Don't worry, just enjoy. We'll handle everything." Shantanu said as he walked over to her and patted her shoulder soothingly. Kainaat looked at the brothers, and found all of them nodding in assurance.
She turned towards Hardik, tears filling her eyes again before she bursted into sobs again.
Everyone looked shocked by her response and Hardik shuffled closer.
"Kai? Hey, baccha what happened? Why are you crying?" Hardik asked softly, tipping up her chin with his finger and the rest of her brothers too came by her side. "Kai, what happened now? You're scaring us now." Rudraksh said, and she sniffled, looking at them. "Nothing, I'm happy. These are happy tears." She replied in a raspy voice and all of them sighed.
She yelped when Zeeshaan smacked her head and turned to him with a glare. "Why did you do that?" She asked and he shrugged. "I am happy. It was a happy smack." He mocked her and she gave him a dirty look, pushing him away from herself. "Arse." She muttered and pouted. "Okay, now that it is cleared out, let's get to sleep. It's already eleven we have to wake up early for the Ganesh puja." Devyani said and everyone nodded, as they rushed to their rooms.
"What are you standing here for? Go to your room you look tired." Pratap told Kainaat who nodded and made her way up. Sourav too followed after her sneakily when he saw her leaving. He stood outside her room, and bit back his chuckle when he heard her scolding Cloud to not pee on people.
He stepped back when he heard footsteps heading their way and hid behind the curtains. He frowned when Rahil walked into the room and sneaked behind Kainaat. Sourav watched with a clenched jaw as Kainaat yelped in surprise when Rahil snaked his arms around her waist and rested his head on her shoulder.
"Your fucking brothers are annoying." He grumbled and Kainaat chuckled, going back to take off her jewellery as if it were normal. "Kai? Are you ignoring me sweetheart?" Rahil whispered in her ear but Kainaat didn't reply. "Hmm, let's see how long you can ignore me." He mumbled, kissing her neck and Sourav scoffed, turning around to leave the room only to slam into a decorative vase. A loud clank echoed and he instantly hid down the room whereas Rahil straightened up in alert. He walked out to check the corridor to find no one there.
Coming back in, he picked up cloud who was snapping his teeth at him and threw him out of the room. Closing the door on the dog's face with a smirk he strolled towards Kainaat who was keeping the jewelry back in the boxes. He followed her to the closet where she tucked her dupatta before turning towards him. "Did you throw Cloud out Rahil?" She asked, pursing her lips and he smiled innocently. She sighed and grabbed her towel, walking out towards her washroom.
Meanwhile Sourav came out of hiding and walked in front of her room to listen in what they were talking about. "I'm going to take a shower. Are you-" "Yes!" He interrupted her with a loud yell, a grin on his face. Kainaat thought frowned at his excitement and a small amused smile came on her face. "What yes?" She asked and he pointed to the washroom. "Yes I'll join you in the shower." He said and she shook her head. "I wasn't asking that you dummy. I was asking if you're going to your room." She stated and he sighed, his grin deflating.
Outside Sourav felt something warm on his leg and looked down to find Cloud peeing on him. "The fuck? You fucking d-" He spat only to pause when cloud gave him an almost smug look before sauntering down the corridor, yipping happily. He looked down at his leg in disgust and walked away to his hotel room. "You're no fun." Rahil mumbled and Kainaat rolled her eyes. "And you're not clean. Go and shower." She remarked before getting into her washroom. She walked out a few minutes later, dressed in a towel, and drying her hair with another.
She paused when she found Rahil lounging in her bed, now changed into a black hoodie and grey sweatpants. He looked up from his phone when he heard her footsteps and his eyes widened when he took her in. His eyes though darkened the next second and he gulped evidently. "You took longer than I expected." He rasped out and Kainaat hummed, before embarrassment hit her and she ran to her closet. Slamming the door close after her, she released a sigh of relief.
Rahil meanwhile shifted uncomfortably and looked towards the door Kainaat had just closed. "Why does she thinks I have some sort of supernatural control over myself or that I'm in celibacy? Because it's neither of those and if she doesn't stops tempting me, I'm one step away from throwing her right on this bed and having my way with her." He rambled to himself, as he laid back down on the bed. Kainaat walked out, changed in white fleece top and shorts. Rahil stood up straight when he saw the red scratches on her legs and she sat down beside him, grabbing some antiseptic lotion.
"What happened here?" He asked in concern and she shook her head. "Cloud scratched me because I left him alone." She said and he pursed his lips, taking the lotion from her. "Lean back. I'll tend to it." He said and Kainaat smiled, leaning back. He pumped out some lotion and rubbed it down her legs, fully concentrated on his task. Kainaat stared at him, a small smile still on her face and Rahil feeling eyes on him, looked up. He smiled at her and leaned forward, pecking her lips before putting the lotion back on her bedside table.
Kainaat stilled when she felt Rahil kissing down the slope of her neck and a shiver passed her when he dragged his lip over her jaw. A moan escaped her lips when he nibbled her jaw, his amber eyes staring into her own hazel ones. Ignoring her lips entirely, he kissed her cheeks, and shifted to her neck. He peppered her pulse with light kisses, and Kainaat's stomach fluttered. He moved back up and Kainaat frowned when he again ignored her lips and instead kissed her forehead. He gave her an innocent smile and she narrowed her eyes in return.
Rahil's eyes widened when she flipped them and sat on his hips, her mouth descending on his'. "Don't fucking tease me like that." She mumbled into the kiss and Rahil chuckled oh to be silenced by her lips. He felt her frustration in the kiss and quickly flipped them again, locking her hands above her head. "Calm down baby. I'm here and all yours." He whispered, as he sucked on her collarbone. "Rahil Raichand, i swear to god if you put another hickey on me, I'll kill you." She threatened and he looked up to find her staring down at him with hazy eyes.
Her lips parted in a silent sound of pleasure and he clicked his tongue. "Fuck it. It's worth it." He whispered, going back to kissing her neck. Their makeout session came to an end when Rahil found Kainaat slipping back and forth into sleep and he cuddled her to his chest. "Sleep. Good night my precious little moon." He said and Kainaat hummed in her sleep, nestling her face in his chest, her mind at peace.
9453 words
Hello my babies! So how are we? It's been days since I last talked to you all. How's it going your side?
My side has been hectic, not only with studies but with events as well.
How did you like the chapter? Please share your views and what you guys expect next.
XOXO,
AVI