The wedding started Function started a few hours ago, with baarat arriving at the venue filled with laughter, music, and dance. Aryan and Priya sat in front of the holy fire, their face glowing with happiness to embrace the life they dreamed of for so long. Their eyes were locked with each other for a moment, and then they broke when the pandit announced the gathbandhan ritual.

Gathbandhan is a holy ritual in an Indian wedding, where the cloth tied around the waist of the groom is tied up with the veil of the bride with a knot signifying the union of two souls.

“Call the groom’s sister to tie the gathbandhan, it’s auspicious if a kanya (Single woman) ties a gathbandhan.” Pandit Ji said making everyone go silent for a minute.

“Pandit ji, Aryan has no sister and all his cousins are married. He is the youngest among everyone.” Ryan’s mother said looking at him.

While the guests were looking at the scene unfolding, Aryan turned towards Priya. His eyes locked with her asking something, she nodded and smiled at him. A small smile lit up on his face and he looked around the hall, finally stopping at the figure.

“Maanvi” he called as every eye turned towards him.

Maanvi looked at him confused, not sure was his best friend was up to. Her steps slowly halted towards the mandap. Every eye on the wedding hall was turned towards them wanting to know what’s exactly going on.

“Yes, do you need anything” she asked. Her voice is low but still audible.

“I want you to do it,” Aryan said smiling wa, only at her.

Everyone smiled at his gesture especially his parents who were proud of their son. Maanvi who was baffled for a minute hearing his words looked at him with wide eyes and placed her hand towards her heart trying to calm it down.

“Me?” she asked still shocked by his words.

“Yes. Who else is here? You are my sister, so it’s your right to do this. ” Aryan smiled at him and then looked at Priya who too smiled.

Her heart tightened at the emotion of his words. She looked towards him with eyes full of tears. Taking a deep breath, she smiled at him and came forward. She took the clothes end in her hand and tied the knot tightly, hugging them emotionally. Aryan smiled and wiped her tears while Priya hugged her tightly making her smile at them.

Later that night, Maanvi sat on the terrace of the venue. Cool breeze soothed her mind, while her eyes were fixed towards Aryan and Priya who sat on the stage clicking photographs with each other. A small smile played on her lips remembering the moment that happened just a few hours ago. It was not just a ritual but something that touched her, telling them how much she meant to Aryan.

She was lost in her thoughts when a warm coat draped over her shoulders. For a second she stiffed but as soon she recognised the touch a warm relief covered her face.

“We will be the next one.” Abhiraj’s deep voice fanned her ears as his hands wrapped around her shoulders hugging her tightly.

She smiled and kissed his hand hugging it tightly.

“I am lucky to have you.” she smiled and turned towards him placing her hand over his chest.

“But I am more lucky to have a beautiful and innocent girl like you in my life.” he pulled her closer by the waist and kissed her nose.

A small giggle left her lips as she rested her head on his chest. Her finger brushed against the button of his kurta and breathed out.

“Abhiraj” she called out making him hmm at her.

“I know it’s a bit strange to ask you this now but I still wanna know.” her voice trembled with nervousness as she stilted up her head looking at him.

He smiled and cupped his cheek kissing her forehead.

“Nothing is strange between us, ask anything you want my baby,” he said creasing her cheeks.

“Umm.. actually I wanted to ask that…” she struggled to ask making Abhiraj chuckle and hold her hand.

“Maanvi doesn’t hesitate, to ask I am not going to eat you, not now at least.” he teased only to earn a small slap on his chest and chuckle.

“Abhiraj, stop being easy, I wanted to ask you if am I your first girlfriend?” a small pout formed on her, as she looked up at him.

He chuckled and kissed her pout, almost turning already blushed cheeks turn tomato and hugged her.

“Yes Maanvi, you are my first girlfriend and soon I will make you mine forever,” he said and kissed her forehead making her smile.

“I am way too excited for this new phase Abhiraj. Let’s tell our family. How about tomorrow?” her voice filled with excitement. Her glittering eyes looked deep into his.

“I too am. Let’s tell them but not tomorrow, in a few days.” Abhiraj smiled at her.

“How many more days.” she huffed and hugged him.

“Just a few, I told you I will be the one to tell them. So just have patience soon to be biwi, I will directly bring the marriage proposal for you,” he said and chuckled.

“Really?” she asked amused by his statement and looked up.

“Very really.” he smiled and kissed her hair, Hugging her tightly.

Their embrace was like a soothing balm for them, safe secure and a sense of peace which they get from each other. It was not just just a hug, but a lifelong commitment, love and care they held for each other. And it was just a start, their journey ahead was long, but not a rollercoaster instead filled with lots of love and happiness, hopefully.