Page 226 of The Redemption
Just then, Haider clears his throat. “The priest is ready. I think we should begin.”
Everyone nods.
Raghav walks towards me before silently extending his hand. I place my hand in his, and together we walk towards the sacred fire to mark a new beginning.
The priest takes his seat. Mom helps me settle beside Raghav, carefully adjusting my dupatta over my head, while Kailash Uncle proudly pats his son’s shoulder before taking his place. A little farther away, Haider and Esha are recording every moment, occasionally angling the camera so everyone watching from Walia Mansion can witness every ritual as though they are standing right here beside us.
As the priest begins chanting the sacred mantras, the sound fills the temple. And all I can think about is the man sitting beside me. The man I am hopelessly, completely in love with.
For all these years, I had dreamt of someone who would choose me, fight for me, respect me, and heal what life had broken. If this isn’t what my Prince Charming was always meant to do, then what is?
I had never imagined that my Prince Charming would be a feared mafia prince, or that he would one day take the ugliest memory of my life and transform it into the most beautiful one.
The last time I sat beside Raghav like this, I couldn’t wait for the ceremony to end. After that day, I had stopped wearing the mangalsutra or applying sindoor. Every symbol of that marriage had felt forced upon me.
But today, my heart cannot wait for him to put them on me again. Today, I want every symbol of this marriage, because each one now belongs to the man I love.
The rituals continue one after another. Together, we rise for the seven pheras. Hand in hand, we walk around the sacred fire. Strangely, we have already lived through so many of these vows before ever standing here and making them.
Trust.
Sharing life’s challenges.
Protection.
Forgiveness.
Partnership.
Family.
Love.
When we finally return to our places, Raghav gently lifts the mangalsutra and fastens it around my neck. Then, with the same reverence, he picks up the sindoor and carefully fills the parting of my hair.
This time, I don’t feel trapped. I feel chosen and loved.
When the final mantra comes to an end, the priest declares,“Vivaah sampan hua”(The marriage is complete). Raghavcradles my face and presses a kiss to my forehead, then wraps me into his arms once again.
This is nothing less than a fairytale.
Together, we step away from the sacred fire to seek Kailash Uncle’s blessings. His places his hands gently over our heads.
“Live a long and happy life together,” he blesses us warmly. “May your marriage always remain stronger than every storm life throws your way.”
“Thank you... Baba,” I say.
Both Raghav and Kailash Uncle go completely still.
“Did… did you just call me Baba?” Uncle asks, his voice clogged with emotion.
It’s only then that I realise what I’ve said. I glance at Raghav before looking back at him. “My husband calls you Baba, so… I thought maybe that’s what I should call you too.”
His eyes glisten, but he still laughs, shaking his head. “Oh, Siya, I’ve wanted to hear you call me something other than Kailash Uncle for so long. Dad... Paapa... anything. Just the way Meher does. But I never had the courage to ask you. After the way Raghav married you, I never wanted another relationship to be forced upon you. So, I kept waiting.” His smile widens. “And today, you gave me something I had been silently hoping for.”
Before I can respond, he pulls me into a warm, fatherly hug. His hand rests over my head in a loving gesture. “Stay blessed, my daughter. I couldn’t have asked for a better gift today.”
Tears sting my eyes as I miss my dad. I wish he were alive today to see his little princess married to the man who loves her. I know he and Raghav had been sworn enemies in the past, but I’m sure if Dad had seen the man Raghav has become for me and everything he has done to make me happy... he would have placed my hand in Raghav’s himself and blessed us with all his heart.
