Manish, who had been quiet all along, cleared his throat. "Okay. My turn before I start crying."
Everyone turned.
He walked forward slowly, something wrapped in soft cloth in his hands. Then he placed it on Amyra's lap.
"I started this the day you were born," he said quietly.
Amyra looked confused for a second-until she unfolded the cloth.
It wasn't just any fabric. It was soft, old cotton, worn around the edges but carefully preserved. And across it, in fading but unmistakable paint, were tiny footprints.
Her baby footprints. At one week old. Then again at five. Then nine. Then eleven. Seventeen. All marked with the year beside them. There were footprints from 1 year old to her recent birthday.
She stared at it, speechless.
"I didn't need anything ever," Manish said in a cracking voice. "Because you already gave me everything I ever needed just by walking through this house."
He knelt in front of her.
"You were my lucky charm, my princess. Every time something good happened to me-at work, at home, even catching a green light-I'd think, She walked through this house today. That's why. I know you are going to be Ahaan's queen, but don't forget you will always be my little princess. If any day you feel that you are not respected or loved anymore, walk back to your papa; I will handle everything and everyone."
Amyra's lips trembled as she nodded. She ran her fingers over the older prints, faded with time.
"When you were a teenager," he added with a soft smile, "you thought it was weird that I kept taking prints during your birthday mornings."
"I thought you were just sentimental," she whispered.
"I was. But mostly, I just couldn't believe something so small could bring so much joy," Manish said softly.
Then he reached into his pocket and added one last thing-a final footprint, printed just a week ago, on fresh cloth. "This one," he said, "is for your wedding day."
Amyra burst into tears.
Not polite, controlled crying-but the kind where your shoulders shake and your heart breaks open, not from grief, but from being seen so deeply, so completely, by the people who made you.
Manish wrapped his arms around her. "You'll always be my miracle."
There was a silence in the room so full it echoed. After a few minutes, Manish backed away and said, "Always be happy, princess."
Finally, before he cried terribly, he left the room with Amrita, after seeing Amyra cry for half an hour until she stopped.
Samaira patted her head and said, "Now, Amyra, tomorrow is a new beginning for you."
Amyra nodded as they gave her a hug and left the room too. She looked at all the gifts and carefully placed them. She lay down, thinking to herself-she was very happy that she was finally getting married, but she couldn't help but feel emotional thinking about her parents, her family, her sister, and her best friends. Everything.
After lying like this for a few more minutes, she finally drifted to sleep.
Amyra's Room - 8:00 AM
Sunlight streamed in through the silk curtains, casting a warm, golden hue across the room.
Amyra stirred under the soft sheets, eyes fluttering open slowly. For a moment, she didn't move-just lay there, wrapped in her thoughts, staring at the ceiling with an excited smile.
She rolled around on the bed in excitement and suddenly jumped out, startled when a sudden knock was heard on the door of her room.
She quickly rushed over and opened the door and saw Samaira, Ruhi, and Jeevika standing there, completely dressed up for the day and holding large bags in their hands. They wore casual yet comfortable outfits so that they would have no problem doing the work.
"Girl, we know you are excited, but get aside; I have to show you your mystery lehenga," said Samaira, walking inside and setting the luxurious-looking bag on the couch.
Ruhi and Jeevika walked inside, smiling at the sight of Amyra's excited face, and placed the rest of the bags in the room.
Amyra quickly sat in front of the couch and opened the bag, and a gasp left everyone's mouth.
"This is gorgeous," Amyra muttered as she picked up the beautiful piece of art.
It was a deep maroon-colored lehenga with shades of red from top to bottom with real gold threadwork, cascading in royal swirls of elegance. The blouse was intricately embroidered, and the dupatta shimmered like dawn light, glimmering with royalty.
Amyra flung her arms around Samaira's neck, squeezing her tight. "Thank you so much, Sam! This lehenga is stunning. You're the best!"
Samaira laughed, hugging her back. "I'm glad you like it, Amyra. I knew it would suit you perfectly."
Meanwhile
In Ahaan's Room
Ahaan's room was dimly lit, the only sound was the soft hum of the air conditioner. Agastya, Reyansh, and Vihaan lounged on the couch, their eyes fixed on Ahaan, who was pacing here and there in nervousness. They had never seen Ahaan this nervous. Not even when he was declared the king of the underworld.
Nitya had ordered them to sit quietly in the room until she came back with Ahaan's sherwani. Ahaan was going to see Amyra, but she had strictly said no, warning that she would tell Dadi. He would not have resisted if he hadn't caught the teasing tone in her voice. He knew she was clearly riling him up, but he also knew she would tell Dadi if he tried anything, so he just calmed himself and tried to distract himself from thinking about his Sunshine.
"Hey, Ahaan, you're finally tying the knot," Agastya said, grinning mischievously.
"We're going to miss you, man. You're going to be a married man, and Amyra Bhabhi is going to boss you around. So, now calm down and sit; you are making us dizzy."
Ahaan's expression didn't change, but his eyes gleamed with a hint of amusement. "I'm calm," he said, finally stopping his pacing and sitting down.
Reyansh chuckled. "Yeah, right. You're going to be wrapped around Amyra Bhabhi's finger in no time."
Vihaan nodded in agreement. "My dear Bhaiya is going to be no longer single; how many hearts are going to break when the marriage is announced?"
Just then, Nitya walked into the room, a luxurious-looking bag slung over her arm. "Alright, Bhaiya, let's get you ready for the big day," she said, her voice cheerful.
She pulled out a stunning cream-colored sherwani from the bag, adorned with intricate gold embroidery that shimmered in the light. The outfit was perfectly royal and matched the elegance of Amyra's lehenga.
"Wow," Agastya breathed. "Samaira really outdid herself this time."
Reyansh nodded in agreement. "The design is flawless. It's just made for Bhai."
Vihaan whistled softly. "Bhaiya, you're going to look like a king in this. Bhabhi won't be able to take her eyes off you. I can see her fainting after looking at him."
Nitya chuckled. "I see otherwise. I am sure Ahaan Bhai is going to faint first because Bhabhi's outfit is just fire."
After 2 Hours
Samaira, Ruhi, and Jeevika were busy helping Aradhya and Vandana prepare for the wedding. They were working tirelessly, making sure every detail was perfect.
In the kitchen, Samaira, Ruhi, Aradhya, and Vihaan were working together.
As they all worked, Vihaan couldn't help but steal glances at Samaira, who was talking with Aradhya and Ruhi about the not-so-respectful guests. Samaira suddenly caught Vihaan's eyes, who winked at her mischievously, and Samaira's eyes widened as a red hue spread over her cheeks.
Reyansh leaned casually against the doorframe, arms folded and an impish grin dancing on his lips. His eyes flicked from Samaira-still flushed from Vihaan's wink-to Vihaan, who looked just a little too pleased with himself.
Suddenly, they all heard a cough and saw Reyansh walking in with a smirk on his face as he stood behind Vihaan and whispered, "Careful, Romeo. You might give your Juliet a heart attack with those actions of yours."
Vihaan let out a low chuckle, and then suddenly Aradhya asked, "What happened, Rey beta?"
Reyansh stood up straight and said, now seriously, "Badi Maa, Bade Papa is searching for you."
"Oh, okay." Aradhya walked out of the kitchen after giving the checklist to Samaira.
Reyansh then turned to Ruhi. "Ruhi, I need your help with something. Can you please come with me to check the decoration?"
Ruhi raised an eyebrow. "Decoration? That's Samaira's department. I'm sure she can handle it."
Reyansh sighed and then looked towards Samaira and Vihaan, who were checking the list, and then looked at Ruhi with a knowing smirk. She suddenly understood what he was getting at. She glanced at Samaira and Vihaan, who were trying to maintain a neutral expression.
Ruhi smiled sweetly at Samaira and said, "Oh, okay Sam, Vihaan. I'll just go and... check the decoration with Reyansh." And Samaira and Vihaan nodded.
As they left the kitchen, Samaira and Vihaan exchanged a look, both of them trying to hide their smiles.
Vihaan's hands wrapped around Samaira's waist, pulling her close as he whispered something in her ear. Samaira's eyes sparkled with amusement, and she leaned in closer, her lips inches from his. The air was charged with tension.
Just then Vandana walked into the kitchen, and Samaira and Vihaan quickly separated, trying to act innocent.
"Vihaan, what are you doing?" Vandana asked, raising an eyebrow.
Vihaan quickly stepped back, trying to look innocent. "Nothing, Chachi. Just helping Samaira with the snacks."
Samaira smiled sweetly. "Yes, Aunty. We're just working together."
Vandana chuckled. "I see. Well, make sure you keep your hands clean, Vihaan."
Vihaan grinned, feeling embarrassed. "Don't worry, Chachi. I will."
Meanwhile, Ruhi and Reyansh, who were bickering while walking toward the main hall:
"You're so annoying," Ruhi said, rolling her eyes.
Reyansh smirked. "I'm just trying to help. You're the one who's being stubborn."
Ruhi crossed her arms. "I don't need your help. I can do things on my own."
Reyansh chuckled. "Oh, really? Then why are you getting so frustrated?"
Ruhi glared at him. "I'm not frustrated. I'm just... passionate about things."
Reyansh raised an eyebrow. "Passionate? You're just passionate about being right all the time."
Ruhi huffed. "That's not true. I'm passionate about many things."
Reyansh grinned. "Oh yeah? Like what?"
Ruhi thought for a moment before responding. "I'm passionate about... about... okay, fine. I'm passionate about being right."
Reyansh laughed. "I knew it."
Ruhi playfully hit him on the arm. "Shut up."
After Few Hours
Amyra's Room
The room was now buzzing with quiet excitement. Soft music played in the background while the makeup artist carefully applied foundation on Amyra's glowing skin. Her hairdresser stood beside her, working through her long, dark locks, curling and pinning them delicately.
Amyra sat calmly in front of the large mirror, draped in a soft robe. Her eyes sparkled with joy and nervousness as she watched her transformation begin. Every few seconds, she'd glance at the lehenga laid carefully on the bed, as if to remind herself that this day was real.
Samaira, Ruhi, and Jeevika were also getting their makeup and hair done on the other side of the room, sitting in chairs brought in for them. They had all decided to get ready in Amyra's room to keep her company and share in every little moment.
"I still can't believe the big day is finally here, this is the first marriage from our group" Jeevika whispered, her voice full of emotion.
"I know," Ruhi said, smiling at Amyra through the mirror. "Our girl is going to be a bride!"
Amyra blushed, her cheeks naturally turning pink. "I still feel like I'm dreaming. I've been imagining this moment since I fell in love with Ahaan."
Samaira smiled, applying a light tint to her lips. "And it's going to be perfect. You look so beautiful already, and we haven't even seen you in the lehenga yet."
The makeup artist leaned back slightly and smiled. "She doesn't even need much. Just a little touch here and there, and she's glowing like a bride should."
The hairdresser pinned the final curl into place and added delicate red and gold hair accessories that matched the lehenga. They shimmered under the lights, completing the elegant look.
While Amyra sat patiently, Samaira walked over and gently placed the necklace set on the table-gold with red rubies, designed to match the intricate embroidery of the lehenga.
"Let's wait till your makeup is set before we put this on," Samaira said, brushing a strand of hair behind Amyra's ear.
Ruhi leaned over and whispered with a smirk, "You know, Ahaan is probably pacing around like a madman right now."
Amyra laughed softly, imagining it clearly. "I wouldn't be surprised."
There was a soft knock on the door and Vandana peeked in. "Everything okay, girls?"
"Yes, Aunty," Samaira answered. "We're almost done with the makeup. Amyra will start changing into the lehenga in a bit."
Vandana smiled warmly. "Take your time. No need to rush. But let me know when she's ready. Dadi wants to see her before the varmala."
Ruhi smiled at the mention of Dadi and nodded. "I will, Aunty."
As the makeup artist added the final touch-a soft shimmer to the eyelids and a light blush-Amyra finally looked like the bride everyone had been waiting for. Her transformation was magical, and the room filled with hushed gasps as everyone admired her reflection.
"You look breathtaking Amyra," Jeevika said with a huge smile
Amyra looked at herself, eyes glistening. "I just hope Ahaan likes it."
Samaira laughed. "He's going to faint. And if he doesn't, I will."
They all burst into laughter. The day was gonna be long but Amyra wanted nothing more than that.
After a few hours, the whole palace was decorated like a new bride in royal Rajasthani colors, looking no less than a dream palace.
The sun hung low in the sky, bathing the entire palace in a golden hue as drums thundered and shehnais resonated through the air. The sound of music, laughter, and clapping echoed across the estate.
The guests had started arriving for the biggest wedding celebration in Rajasthan in decades - after all, it was the day that the eldest prince of Rajasthan, and the future king, was going to get married.
The whole city was fluttering with excitement and anticipation as the royal baraat finally made its entry.
Adorned in his regal sherwani, Ahaan sat tall on a white horse, his golden turban gleaming under the sunlight. A umbrella hovered over his head as Agastya, Reyansh, Vihaan, and Nitya danced ahead of him, surrounded by royal guards and dholwalas who added grandeur to the moment.
Behind them, a golden chariot carried gifts from the groom's side, and behind that, the rest of the family - Dadi, Aradhya, and Vandana - followed gracefully in their beautiful outfits that exuded elegance and royalty.
Amyra's Room
The warm glow of the setting sun painted the room in soft shades of amber, gently reflecting off the mirror. Amyra sat in front of the vanity, her lehenga cascading around her like a pool of rubies and gold. The scent of roses and sandalwood lingered in the air.
Amrita stood behind her daughter, delicately adjusting the dupatta on her head with trembling fingers as happy tears filled her eyes. "You look exactly like the bride I once dreamed my daughter would be," she said softly, her voice filled with emotion. "So graceful... so beautiful. I can't believe my little daughter is getting married today."
Amyra smiled nervously, her eyes meeting her mother's in the mirror. "Maa, I'm scared... and excited. My heart's beating so fast."
Manish chuckled gently, standing beside them. "That's natural, beta. Every bride feels that. But look at you - our little girl is about to become the queen of Rajasthan."
Amyra looked down at her mehendi-stained hands, her voice barely a whisper. "It feels like everything's changing all at once. I don't know if I'm ready."
Ruhi stepped forward with a teasing grin, trying to lighten the mood. "Ready or not, your prince is already halfway here!"
Samaira giggled, adding, "I swear, if Ahaan jiju sees you like this, he might just faint on the spot."
Just then, a thunderous burst of dhols and shehnais echoed through the palace walls. The windows trembled lightly with the sound, and distant cheers erupted from the courtyard. Everyone paused.
Samaira rushed to the window and peeked out, her face instantly lighting up. "Oh my God - Amyra! The baraat has arrived!"
Amyra's breath caught in her throat. Her hands clutched her lehenga as a flurry of butterflies erupted in her stomach.
"This is it," she whispered. "He's really here..."
Amrita took a deep breath and turned to everyone. "Alright, everyone - it's time. Let's go downstairs and welcome the groom. Samaira, Ruhi, Jeevika, bring her to the room near the mandap and then quickly come, we have to welcome the groom."
Amyra looked at her mother, a flicker of nervousness in her eyes.
Jeevika hugged her tightly. "Don't get too emotional now. You'll ruin all the waterproof makeup we worked so hard on!"
Ruhi chimed in with a wink, "And if you cry, I'll cry, and then Samaira will cry, and it'll be a mess!"
Amyra laughed through her nerves, hugging each of them.
Samaira held out her hand. "Come on, princess. Let's take you to your royal chamber. Your wait there will be short - but magical."
The four of them walked slowly down the hallway, Amyra's heart pounding louder with each step. The closer they got to the royal room, the louder the music became - and so did her heartbeat.
As they reached the specially prepared room just beside the grand mandap, Samaira opened the door, revealing a space fit for a queen. Velvet drapes, rose petals, and glowing lamps bathed the room in soft, golden light.
Amyra stepped in, her eyes wide with awe. "It's beautiful..."
Jeevika turned back before closing the door slightly. "Now breathe, Amyra. You're about to meet your forever. We'll be back in no time."
Amyra nodded and watched them go out. She looked at the mirror and finally breathed. She hadn't noticed it before, but just maybe, she actually needed this moment - alone and in solace - before she finally ties the knot with her Mr. Right.
The bride's side stood at the palace gates, waiting as Amrita stood with an aarti thali, watching her daughter's-to-be husband - now her son-in-law - with an emotional smile. She still remembered the first time Amyra had introduced Ahaan to them. It had caused a havoc in the house, but now, as she looked at him, she realized that even if she and Manish would have never selected Ahaan for their daughter due to their differences, their love had won it all.
Samaira, Ruhi, and Jeevika stood on the sides, looking excitedly at the royal baraat.
As Ahaan dismounted from the horse, Amyra's mother welcomed him with the aarti. Manish and Amrita blessed him, and Manish teased, "Today, I'm handing you my lucky charm. Never dare to hurt her, or even if you're the king of Rajasthan, I won't hesitate to take her away from you."
Ahaan smiled softly. "I will never give you a chance to take her away from me, Papa, and I would kill myself before even thinking about hurting her." Manish nodded, his eyes shining with happiness and a hint of tears, and Ahaan was escorted to the mandap area.
As Ahaan removed his shoes, Samaira, Ruhi, Jeevika, Reyansh, Vihaan, Agastya, and Nitya rushed to grab them. Thanks to Ruhi and Jeevika, who quickly stood in front of the groom's side, Samaira quickly picked up the shoes and ran away, laughing triumphantly.






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