"Sunny, why do you abandon me like this?" Tejasswi whispered, her voice strained, tears cascading down her cheeks.
Right then, the doorbell jingled, sending a surge of excitement through Tejasswi, convinced it was Karan returning.
"Sunny, how in the world?" She muttered, pushing the door open, only to find herself at a loss for words upon seeing the boy.
"Ma'am, this box was left for you by sir," the bell boy stated, offering a package to Tejasswi.
"Much appreciated..." Tejasswi accepted the shopping bag with a puzzled look.
"Wishing you a wonderful day, ma'am..." The bell boy greeted her before leaving.
"What's Karan up to, dispatching this with the bell boy? And where on earth is he?"
Words tumbled out of Tejasswi in a rapid stream as she made her way to the bedroom. With great anticipation, she untied the elegant wrapping to unveil her surprise.
"Oh, it's absolutely stunning," Tejasswi whispered in awe, taking in the white mid-length frock adorned with delicate silver beadwork.
A pink envelope caught her attention; she eagerly tore it open to reveal a letter inside.
'Prepare yourself and come downstairs; your chauffeur awaits. Note: You have a 60-minute window.'
"Oh, Sunny and his unexpected gestures, now deeming himself my driver."
Tejasswi swiftly rose and dashed into the bathroom like a streak of lightning.
One hour later, Tejasswi had a vision of the dress sent by Karan. Her hair was swept into a casually elegant low bun, with a few stray strands framing her face. A subtle nude makeup enhanced her natural beauty, while a dainty heart-shaped diamond pendant adorned her neck and ears. The pièce de résistance was a butterfly-design glass comb pin nestled in her bun, adding a touch of enchantment to her look.
Slipping into her silver stilettos and grabbing her coordinating clutch, she strolled to the hotel lobby, her eyes darting around in search of Karan.
A bell boy came up to Tejasswi and handed her an identical pink envelope.
'My princess, hasten to your carriage; your prince eagerly awaits you at the destination.' Tejasswi's lips curled into a shy smile as she absorbed the message.
"Karan's romantic gestures are taking my breath away. I'm feeling a flutter of excitement in my stomach. I'm eagerly anticipating what he has planned."
Filled with a whirlwind of eager thoughts, Tejasswi entered the car, her playful interpretation of a carriage. The journey felt like a blur, and in mere minutes, the car halted before San Giorgio dei Greci.
'We've been here before, so what's prompted Sunny to be so mischievous and bring me here again?' Tejasswi pondered as she stepped out of the car.
Moving with a natural grace, she entered, taking in the sight of the entire entrance adorned with beautiful white lilies and the path covered in a delicate layer of white rose petals.
Walking down the aisle to the church, Tejasswi couldn't hold back her admiration for Karan's meticulous planning, knowing there was yet another surprise waiting for her at the entrance.
Karan stood regally at the aisle's end, exuding charm in a meticulously tailored black tuxedo, complemented by a crisp white shirt and a neatly knotted black bowtie. His shoes gleamed, and a white pocket square provided a final touch of elegance.
Tejasswi approached him with her eyes widening, a constant smile gracing her lips, and inquired, "Sunny, what's all this?"
There was no need for words; Karan descended to one knee, presenting a small box with a radiant ring. In the peaceful sanctuary of the church, he posed the question, "Will you marry me?"
Amidst the solemn beauty of the church, the moment he whispered these words, the mesmerizing strains of the violin reverberated throughout the church.
Tejasswi was momentarily lost for words, but then she regained her composure; her face lit up with a joyful smile, tears glistening in her eyes, and she answered, "Yes!"
The fervent notes of the violin harmonized with Tejasswi's reply, casting an enchanting spell over the entire atmosphere.
Though they had officially tied the knot several months prior, the absence of a proper ceremony weighed heavily on Karan's heart. He could sense, even without words, how much Tejasswi yearned for the significance of those marriage vows.
While plaguing to make this trip memorable for Tejasswi, he had planned to give her the beautiful ceremony she deserves.
In the sacred embrace of the church, they exchanged vows, their promises echoing through the hallowed halls. Bathed in the soft glow of stained glass, they sealed their union with a tender kiss, surrounded by the timeless whispers of love and devotion. The hymns swelled, uniting their souls in a tapestry of faith and commitment as they embarked on their journey as one, hand in hand, under the watchful eyes of the divine.
Karan had foreseen that even amidst enduring love and holy blessings, Tejasswi might feel a tinge of melancholy without their family by her side during this paramount moment. Karan took the extra step. He coordinated a conference call on a laptop, seamlessly handled by a member of the event planner team throughout the ceremony.
The entire Kundrra clan, with Aneri and Vicky in tow, watched them with beaming smiles and showered their blessings. They raised their glasses in a toast to the newlyweds, and Karan and Tejasswi reciprocated the gesture, clinking their glasses against the screen.
In the lovely church garden, Karan had set up a modest reception, complete with lunch, for the intimate gathering of local guests. As the day waned, the event came to a close, and Karan and Tejasswi made their way to the car, holding each other close.
"Sunny, your touch made this ceremony under the gaze of heaven truly special. It's just what I'd always envisioned for my wedding," Tejasswi expressed, her head resting on Karan's chest as they took their seats in the car.
Her thoughts were still immersed in the tranquility of the most beautiful moment of her life.
Holding her close, Karan's voice, soft near her ear, revealed, "I had an inkling, which is why I settled for the chapel instead of the embrace of nature."
"You've been incredibly considerate," Tejasswi breathed out, closing her eyes in gratitude.
"Are you feeling worn out?" Karan examined her reddened face and asked
"Yes, a bit."
The drive to the hotel was brief. As they stepped out of the car, Karan lifted Tejasswi into his arms.
"Sunny, I can walk on my own."
"My dear, you've had a long day. Don't push yourself any further."
Though Tejasswi welcomed the affectionate gesture, she was a touch reserved about being too intimate in public. Yet Karan paid no heed, lifting her into his arms and taking her to their room, where he gently set her down on the bed.
"Get some rest. I'll be back before you know it," Karan said, his hand gently stroking her head as he tucked her in.
Exhausted from the day's events, she quickly succumbed to sleep. After ensuring her peaceful rest, Karan quietly slipped out of the room to prepare for their evening. Returning a couple of hours later, he found Tejasswi still in slumber. Gently patting her cheek, he stirred her awake.
"Teju, it's time for dinner. Wake up, love."
Lazily awakening, Tejasswi reached out to hug Karan, a moment of affection shared before she reluctantly left the comfort of the bed.
After an hour's time, she emerged in a one-shoulder off-white gown with a subtle shimmer, exuding an air of simple yet elegant charm. Complementing her look were matching sandals and a clutch bag. Karan, in contrast, looked suave in a white suit paired with a black shirt.
Just as they were stepping out, both of their phones chimed in unison. It was their family from LA, who had stayed up through the night to be a part of their wedding and had just risen.
Kunal's call was picked up by Tejasswi, with Aneri by his side, while Karan fielded Anjana's call.
"Karan, would you mind trying to get back a tad sooner? We're thinking of having a New Year's bash," Anjana proposed after congratulating him.
"I understand, Grandma, but we're not willing to truncate our honeymoon for a party," Karan replied, holding his ground.
"Hey, stunning, you overshadowed my brother at the ceremony."
"Congratulations, Teju; I'm overjoyed for you......"
Kunal was in the middle of a conversation when Aneri's voice echoed from behind.
"I'm still in awe of this incredible surprise," Tejasswi said, clearly moved by the unexpected turn of events.
"Ahh, ouch!" Tejasswi's gaze was fixed on her phone, causing her to miss the person in front of her. She collided with him and fell, but strong arms belonging to a stranger immediately caught her.