All eyes were glued to the announcer. The hall was so silent you could almost hear the sound of hearts pounding. Everyone leaned forward, breath held, waiting for the verdict that would decide the night.

“And the winner is…” — a dramatic pause — “the Singhania family!”

But Raichands won our hearts

For a moment, there was pin-drop silence. Then — BOOM! — the hall exploded in cheers, whistles, and thunderous applause. Aditya jumped up, screaming like a madman, while Kartik spun Shaili around in a bear hug. Confetti burst overhead, people clapped till their palms went red — it was pure chaos and celebration.

But in that ocean of laughter and victory… one smile didn’t reach the eyes.

Riddhima stood frozen her hands clutched tight, jaw clenched, eyes burning with silent rage. Because she knew knew  that if Vansh hadn’t stormed onto that stage mid-performance, that trophy would’ve been hers.

Vansh, meanwhile, looked far too pleased with himself, a faint smirk playing on his lips. And Riddhima? She was mentally strangling him from across the hall.

As the music softened and the crowd began dispersing, Shaili was walking toward the garden when a calm voice stopped her.

“You dance really well.”

She turned to see Vihaan, hands in pockets, that ever-serene calmness on his face.

Shaili blinked, slightly taken aback but flattered. “Thank you. You weren’t bad either.”

He chuckled softly. “I manage a few moves here and there. But that ‘Choli ke Peeche’ performance? Legendary. I don’t think anyone’s topping that soon.”

She burst out laughing. “Don’t remind me! Aditya & pranav  still can’t look people in the eye after that.”

They shared an easy laugh, walking together under the twinkling fairy lights  their voices fading into the night.

Meanwhile, at the bar, Kartik sat swirling his drink, lost in thought.

That’s when Dhruv Rathee appeared beside him, his aura carrying that dangerous mix of charm and threat.

“You’re not just a good lawyer, Dixit,” Dhruv said with a sly grin, “you’ve got some serious dance moves too.”

Kartik raised an eyebrow, cool and composed. “Thanks, Mr. Rathee

Dhruv’s grin sharpened. “And thank you… for taking such good care of my sweetheart while I was away. Three days, and look at that bond — impressive.”

The air shifted. Kartik set his glass down, meeting Dhruv’s stare head-on.

“You’re mistaken. We’ve known each other since college. She was my junior.”

Then, without another word, he walked off  leaving Dhruv seething.

Dhruv’s knuckles turned white around his glass as he muttered under his breath, voice dripping with venom,

“So, sweetheart… that’s what you were hiding from me. There’s definitely something going on between you two.”

Back near the stage, Aditya and Shaili were still riding the high of victory.

They rushed toward Vansh like two overgrown children.

“Bhai!” Aditya yelled. “Winners deserve a reward, don’t they?”

Vansh smirked, already pulling out his wallet. “Of course.”

He handed them each a note.

They looked down.

“Ten rupees?” they said in perfect sync, faces blank.

“Seriously, Bhai?”

“Fine,” Vansh shrugged casually, “give it back then.”

Aditya sighed dramatically, pressing the note to his chest. “No, no—it’s fine. Ten rupees has… emotional value.”

Before they could roll their eyes again, Pranav appeared. “Sir, I need a word.” Vansh nodded and walked away with him, leaving his overdramatic siblings plotting rebellion.

The moment he disappeared, Shaili groaned. “We should’ve joined the Raichands. At least they’d have given us fifteen rupees!”

Aditya deadpanned. “I just danced to ‘Choli ke Peeche’ for ten rupees. This betrayal deserves its own song.”

Shaili clutched her stomach laughing.

“At least,” Aditya continued, “I don’t use people to get my work done.”

Shaili frowned. “What? When did I even did this

“Oh please,” he cut her off. “You were buttering up Ranawat about your degrees.”

“I was not! We were just talking. Unlike you, I have manners.”

“Yeah, yeah, Miss Fulandevi,” he teased. “You do know who he is, right?”

“Of course, Vihaan Ranawat,” she said, shrugging. “What about him?”

Aditya grinned wickedly. “Doctor Vihaan Ranawat. Top neurosurgeon. All India Life Care Hospital.”

Shaili froze mid-step. Her mouth fell open. “What?! That Vihaan?!”

“Yup,” Aditya said, smug. “The same one you called ‘cute’ for knowing dance steps.”

She groaned, facepalming. “Oh my God, Aditya, you idiot—why didn’t you tell me sooner?”

“Because I’m the idiot, remember?” he said, laughing as he walked off, leaving her gaping in disbelief.

Meanwhile, in a quiet corner, Pranav spoke softly to Vansh.

“Sir, I fund about that  Dr. Vihaan’s very close to Riddhima ma’am. He hardly talks to anyone, but she’s  different. They’ve known each other since the orphanage. Mr. Ashish sponsored his studies back then.

Vansh didn’t reply.

He simply nodded once… and walked away

And now finally the most awaited day it's wedding finally

And everything and everyone was ready for wedding The mandap was set against the shimmering backdrop of Udaipur’s royal lake, draped in ivory and gold silks. Crystal chandeliers hung above, casting a soft glow over the carved marble pillars adorned with fresh red and white roses. Brass diyas lined the pathway, and the fragrance of jasmine filled the air...

And now everyone was waiting for Vansh as the song played...

"Sajan ji ghar aaye sajan ji ghar aaye dulhan kyu sharmaye "

The soft sound of shehnai filled the air as golden petals floated down from the open sky. The grand doors slowly opened, revealing Vansh Rai Singhania  walking in with a calm authority that made time itself pause.

He wore a deep black embroidered sherwani with gold zari detailing and a long velvet stole cascading from his shoulder. Each step he took echoed with quiet power, his posture regal, his expression unreadable  like a king walking toward his destiny.

Behind him, his cousins and friends followed with lit mashals, their flames dancing in the evening breeze. The orchestra swelled, blending tabla beats with royal trumpets, announcing his arrival.

Guests turned, whispering in awe. Some clapped, some simply stared — because the man walking down that path wasn’t just a groom.

He was the ruler of the moment  Vansh Rai Singhania, in his full glory.

Now everyone waiting for one thing:

to see the bride, Riddhima Raichand.

Soft wedding music floated through the air,

Upstairs, Riddhima sat before the mirror in her bridal attire.

She looked at herself, lost in thought —

“After today, everything will change… and from tomorrow, Mom and Dad will be alone.”

Just then, the door opened softly —

Ashish stepped inside.

He froze at the sight before him — his daughter, radiant in her bridal glow.

For a moment, time seemed to slip away.

He remembered the day he had first held her in his arms…

and now, she was all grown up — ready to leave.

With eyes glistening and a lump in his throat,

he walked toward her, placed his hands gently over her head, and said,

“Vansh is a good man… he’s a good choice for you, beta.”

Riddhima met his eyes through the mirror.

Tears shimmered at the corners, but she smiled faintly.

“Dad,” she said softly, “can I tell you a story?”

Ashish didn’t speak, just sat beside her quietly.

Her voice trembled — gentle yet filled with emotion.

“When I was four, I fell in love with a dollhouse at a store.

But it was already sold. I cried so much that day…

Mom tried to convince me to pick another toy,

but you didn’t let me buy anything.”

She smiled faintly, recalling the memory.

“And then, on my birthday, you brought me that same dollhouse.

You told me, ‘Riddhima, never compromise on what you truly want.’”

Taking a deep breath, she turned to face him

her eyes now glistening under the bridal veil.

“And today, Dad…” she whispered,

“you’re asking me to forget the every lesson you taught me.”

Silence fell.

Ashish said nothing — his eyes spoke everything.

He knew he was the one who had taught her to never bow before circumstances…

and yet today, he was marrying her off to the very man she despised.

Riddhima slowly lifted her veil, covering her face once again.

Her tone was steady, but her heart trembled.

“Everyone’s waiting, Dad…” she said quietly.

The lights dimmed. A hush spread through the crowd. The fragrance of jasmine and roses lingered in the cool night air as the melody of

"Khushi ki mubarak ghadi aa gyi h saji surkh jode me chaand si dulhan jami pe falak se pari aa gayi h "

Veena & Flute Instrumental” began to flow through the courtyard.

And then—

the grand doors slowly opened.

Behind them stood Riddhima.

A vision in maroon and gold. Her lehenga shimmered like liquid rubies under the golden lights, every embroidery thread catching fire in the glow of the diyas. A sheer dupatta veiled her face, fluttering gently in the breeze as flower petals drifted from above.

Vansh, standing by the mandap, froze.

He didn’t blink, didn’t breathe… just watched her walk, as if the world had slowed for him alone.

Every step she took echoed like a heartbeat, steady and proud. The guests turned to look at her, whispering in awe, but Vansh didn’t hear a thing. His gaze stayed locked on the woman walking toward him not as an opponent this time, but as something dangerously more. She looked even more beautiful than he had ever imagined — far beyond words.

Vansh felt as if no bride in the world could ever compare to her;

she was, without a doubt, the most beautiful bride he had ever seen… or ever would.

As she neared the mandap There were tears glistening in Vansh’s eyes — something no one had ever seen before.

Everyone noticed.

Kartik, Shaili, and Aditya exchanged stunned looks, their eyes practically popping out as they stared at Vansh in disbelief.

Meanwhile, under her breath, Riddhima muttered softly,

“Ab kya drama hai yeh…”

And when their eyes finally met beneath the open sky, surrounded by flickering diyas and silent witnesses

the air itself seemed to bow.

It wasn’t just a bride walking to her groom.

It was Riddhima Raichand stepping into Vansh Rai Singhania’s world

Vansh and Riddhima were already standing face-to-face, the sacred fire glowing softly between them. He lifted her veil and his eyes met hers he was so mesmerized by her beauty but he spoke with fustration "you are late as usual"

As she repiled "you are earlier as usual"

The crowd had gone still — as if time itself had paused.

And then the song began…

“Aaja sanam madhur chandni mein, hum tum mile toh zamane mein aa jaaye gi bahaar…”

The melody floated through the night, and in that moment, the entire atmosphere turned surreal as the music swelled Vansh took the garland — his movements steady, regal. He stepped closer, the jasmine fragrance between them mingling with the faint scent of sandalwood smoke from the fire. Without breaking eye contact, he lifted the garland and placed it around her neck.

For a heartbeat, everything stilled.

Petals rained. The sky roared with fireworks and followed him  Riddhima lifted the varmala in her delicate hands, her eyes locked with Vansh’s — steady, unblinking.

Vansh stood tall before her

Riddhima took a step closer, but the height difference made her pause. The garland barely reached his shoulders.

Vansh noticed her struggle. His lips curved in a faint smirk as he looked around once, then murmured under his breath

“ye pahli aur akhri baar h ki mai tumhare samne jhuk raha hun"

And then, slowly… Vansh bent forward.

But even now, she can reach but she pretended that she is still short. and this time, with exaggerated drama, he bowed his head completely.

A few guests laughed softly; petals kept falling like rain.

Riddhima took a deep breath and, with a steady hand, placed the garland around his neck.

The crowd erupted into applause and whistles —

Kartik whispered to shaili

"Vansh sach me jhuk gya "

Vansh, with that signature smirk of his, brought his hands together and clapped once — loud, sharp, and confident.

Everyone turned, startled.

Just then, a maid stepped forward carrying a large silver tray — shimmering with gold coins, silver ornaments, gemstones, diamonds, emeralds, and crisp notes.

The entire mandap glittered under the reflection.

A soft, devotional tune began to play — “Laxmi ji varu, nazar utaro…”

Without saying a word, Vansh picked up the tray himself.

He looked at Riddhima, whose brows furrowed in confusion, and then — in full royal style — he began moving the tray from her head to her feet, five times, slowly, deliberately, his eyes never leaving hers.

Gasps echoed all around.

Every single guest rose to their feet.

Dadi’s face hardened, anger flashing in her eyes.

Ishita’s eyes welled up, her lips trembling.

Riddhima stood frozen, unsure whether to do with this

Her smile trembled as she whispered to herself,

“Bas yehi baaki tha…

After this he commanded

“Distribute this among the poor… and tell them, it’s an offering in the name of my pranpriy so that no evil eye ever touches her.”

Then leaning closer to her ear, his voice dropped to a smirk  whisper that only she could hear —

“except mine"

The air was thick and the sound of the shehnai floated softly in the background.

Firecrackers burst in the distance,

Riddhima and Vansh stood facing each other — two souls bound by fate

The priest’s voice echoed, “Now its time for phera"

Vansh extended his hand toward her.

For a moment, Riddhima hesitated. Then, with quiet grace, she placed her hand in his.

His grip was firm

They began walking around the sacred fire.

Each round felt heavier, deeper, more intimate than the last.

When the priest chanted the sixth vow, Riddhima’s gaze fell on the flames  her mind whispered

I never wanted this and i will never want this "

And Vansh’s eyes stayed fixed on her  silently vowing,

"You hate me today but i promise you will always hate me"

As they completed the seventh round, the priest said, “Now, the groom shall apply the sindoor.”

Vansh picked up the vermillion, his fingers steady but his heart trembling.

The moment Vansh filled Riddhima’s maang with sindoor, a loud crack of thunder split the sky  lightning flashed so brightly that for a fleeting second, the entire mandap glowed in its brilliance.

In that divine shimmer, Vansh and Riddhima’s faces illuminated, their expressions radiant  as if even the heavens had paused to bless their union, marking the moment with a celestial glow that outshone everything around.

The red powder glowed under the golden mandap lights  fierce, royal, divine.

The priest handed Vansh the mangalsutra.

He placed it around her neck with a solemn whisper

" Welcome to hell mrs.Rai singhaniya "

She also whispered with same cold expression

"You will also live in the same hell mr.Raisinghaniya"

Applause erupted.

Cameras flashed.

But in that storm of noise, only anger,scaracsm  existed between them

After that As the kanyadaan ritual began, the soft chanting of mantras filled the air. The priest’s voice echoed with sacred solemnity, while Riddhima sat quietly, her hands were in Vansh's hands

The priest’s voice was calm yet heavy with meaning as he recited

“Aaj se ye kanya prayi hui aapke liye…”

Those words struck straight at everyone’s heart.

Rajeshwari’s eyes glistened with unshed tears. She gently leaned her head on Ashish’s arm, clutching it as if drawing strength from him. Ashish’s grip on her hand tightened — his knuckles pale, his breath uneven — as he tried to control the storm rising inside him.

But the moment slipped.

A tear escaped.

Then another.

And soon, he couldn’t hold it back anymore. His eyes overflowed with the love and ache of a father  giving away the most precious part of his heart.

Seeing him break, the composure Riddhima had been holding for so long finally crumbled. Her vision blurred as tears welled up in her eyes. She looked up, and her gaze met Vihaan’s  a silent exchange of pain and helpless affection.

Without a word, Vihaan moved forward, knelt beside Ashish, and hugged him tightly.

Ashish’s voice trembled as he whispered,

“Betiyaan kyun prayi hoti hain…? Jab ye to ghar ki sabse pyari hoti hain.”

That one line shattered whatever restraint was left. The atmosphere grew heavy with emotion — eyes turned moist, hearts ached quietly.

Vansh, too, couldn’t look away. His eyes softened as they found Shaili standing nearby, tears glistening in them. Shaili walked to Rajeshwari, unable to stop herself, and hugged her tightly.

After that wave of emotions settled into silence, the priest’s voice once again echoed through the mandap — calm, sacred, and powerful:

"Aaj se aap dono pati-patni hue"

"Tumko paya h to jaise khoya hu kahna chahu bhi to tumse kya hu"

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Thank you♡