It was midnight, but the light of one room was still on, an indication that the inmate of the room was awake. It was Naman's room. Someone barged into his room." I was waiting for you Abhi, now spill out everything". Manav confronted Abhi.
Abhi told him that "Pankhuri had confronted you about your feelings towards Deepti, she then talked to Deepti about her feelings towards you. After making sure that you both love each other, she took the initiative and talked to Deepti's mother and told her everything. Then they inquired about you, after which they approached Sanjay uncle and finalized everything. You were not involved as it was meant to be a surprise for you". Abhi had a smug smile on his face
Manav felt overwhelmed with the fact that his family and friends love him so much. Both of them called the night off as the next day was quite busy.
Lots of hustle and bustle was going on in both the mansion. Today was the day when Sanjay and Simmi were getting married.
" Everything is prepared so let us proceed. Mom come. Are you worried or nervous?" Manav came near Simmi and tugged on his mother's hand.
"Yes, a little bit.Especially the fact that it is not my age to get married or the fact I'm a widow." Simmi took the lead and accepted Manav's hand.
"Please mom, don't think such things, be happy and enjoy the moment," Manav assured his mother.
They all proceeded towards the registrar's office.
In the presence of the magistrate and both the families both of them signed their matrimony. Both of them exchanged garlands and Sanjay filled Simmi's hair parting with sindoor(vermilion colour powder used by Indian married women). Thus conceding their relationship forever.
"I'm so lucky to have you as my son," Simmi spoke with a choking voice. She hugged her son.
Ajay patted Manav's back, "I'm proud of you. It requires a lot of courage to give your father's position to someone else. She is not your biological mother but whatever you did for her is commendable. You are a very loving, caring and understanding person. My daughter is lucky to have you as her life partner."
"Please uncle, never say that she is not my mother. She has sacrificed everything for me. No one can take her place. Whatever I did was my duty as her son, nothing extraordinary." Manav got out from his mother's hold.
"Enough of emotional talking, let us now celebrate my only brother's marriage." Excitement was filled in Sanket's voice.
Sanjay and Simmi took blessings from their parents. The faces of the senior Khannas were thriving with happiness. Today their dream of getting their elder son settled was fulfilled. Even their granddaughter is getting married to the grandson of their best friend. It was the happiest day of their life.
Celebrations went on past midnight. In the morning everyone departed to their destination with a promise to meet after two months
After two months
Two months passed in a blink of an eye. The mansions were decorated with lights and flowers. Rose and marigold strings hung throughout the mansion.
Today it was the Haldi function for all the four youngsters. Everywhere there was hustle and bustle. At first, Abhi was applied Haldi and then Pankhuri's Haldi took place. Then Manav was applied Haldi followed by Deepti.
It was evening and everyone was so excited about the marriage. Both the brides were in the same room. They were decked up with heavy wine colour lehenga and traditional jewellery. Both wore the same outfits.
"My, my, both of you are looking so beautiful. Your grooms won't be able to keep their hands off", teased Devyani, one of their common friends.
The two grooms wearing sherwani, a turban and a sword hung at their side with the help of a stole. They were sitting in the mandap waiting for their beautiful brides. The bride's parents were asked to perform the Kanyadaan, a ritual in which the bride's parents give the responsibility of their daughters to the groom.
The panditji(holy man)asked to bring the brides. As soon as they came near the mandap(a holy place for weddings), the groom's breath hitched and both of them forgot to breathe. One of the companions shook them to break their trance.
They took the vows. Then the panditji asked them to take seven phera in which they took seven rounds of the holy fire. They were asked to tie the nuptial chain and fill the bride's hair parting with vermillion powder. Hence completing the marriage.
" I now pronounce you both as husband and wife. Go and take blessings from your elders." Panditji blessed them. The wedding took place with gloriousness and happiness.
Simmi was happy to welcome her daughters-in-law. She happily performed all the rituals. The newlyweds took blessings from the elders for their new life. All that ends well is well for Simmi. Although she suffered a lot in the end she got everything she ever wished for.
With time, Abhi was blessed with a son and daughter while Manav was blessed with twin daughters and a son. They all shifted to Kolkata while Simmi stayed back with Sanjay. They lived happily ever after.
THE END