Time had flown by in a blur of stolen kisses, whispered promises, and dreams slowly turning into reality. The days after the party had been filled with laughter, teasing, and undeniable love. Rishi kept his word....he proposed the moment he was back on his feet.
Rishi had been preparing for this moment for a long time. Every stolen glance, every whispered confession of love had been leading up to this. He had imagined this proposal countless times, ensuring it would be perfect....because Aisha deserved nothing less.
It was nothing short of breathtaking....a proposal fit for royalty. The rooftop of their grand estate had been transformed into a paradise of fairy lights and cascading roses, the city skyline glittering in the distance. A string quartet played a soft melody as Rishi, dressed in an immaculate black tuxedo, held out a dazzling diamond ring. With a glint in his eyes, he went down on one knee, the golden glow of lanterns casting a halo around him.
"Aisha, I don't know fancy words, and I won't make poetic speeches, but I know this....I love you. You are my home, my madness, my peace, and my chaos. Marry me and be mine forever."
Tears welled up in her eyes, her heart hammering against her chest. "Yes, you idiot! A thousand times, yes!" she laughed, pulling him up and kissing him senseless.
The night didn't end there. After their passionate kiss, Rishi scooped Aisha into his arms, spinning her around as she laughed, breathless and overwhelmed with joy. The sound of fireworks erupted in the sky, illuminating the moment with dazzling colors, as if the universe itself was celebrating their love.
He led her inside, where a private candlelit dinner awaited them. A grand table was set with her favorite dishes, soft petals scattered across the floor. They fed each other, their touches lingering, eyes filled with unspoken promises. The air between them crackled with desire, with longing.
Rishi traced his fingers along her wrist, pulling her closer. "I can't wait to call you my wife," he murmured, his lips brushing against her ear, sending shivers down her spine.
Aisha smirked, her fingers tracing over his chest. "Oh? You already called me your wife. Should I start calling you my husband then?" she teased, her voice laced with playful mischief.
Rishi groaned, rubbing the back of his neck, clearly flustered. "Don't tease me. I was drunk, okay? I barely remember half of it." He glanced away before meeting her eyes with a desperate sincerity. "But I do know one thing....I just want you. Always."
Aisha smiled, cupping his face. "Then stop talking and show me how much you want me."
A wicked smile played on his lips as he lifted her, carrying her to the bedroom, their laughter fading into whispers and breathless sighs. That night, they didn't just celebrate the proposal....they sealed their love in every way possible, lost in each other, lost in the magic of forever.
The next day, Rishi made his way to Aisha's parents' home, his heart pounding in anticipation. He hadn't told Aisha about this visit....he wanted it to be a surprise. As he stood before them, he took a deep breath and got down on one knee, sincerity shining in his eyes.
"I love Aisha more than words can ever express. She's my everything, and I want to spend my life making her the happiest woman in the world. Please, give me your blessing to marry your daughter."
Her parents teased Rishi mercilessly. "I can't allow that," her father said, crossing his arms with mock seriousness.
Rishi's eyes widened in panic as he looked between Aisha's parents. But he caught them smiling, their eyes twinkling with warmth and approval. "Oh, come on! I love her! I swear I'll keep her happy forever! Please, don't do this to me," he pleaded, his voice almost desperate.
"Not unless you can convince me why I should let you marry my daughter," her father laughed.
Rishi took a deep breath, his eyes filled with determination. "Because I love her more than anything in this world. Because every single day, I'll cherish her, protect her, and make her laugh when she's mad at me. Because I know that my life without her wouldn't mean a damn thing." He glanced at Aisha, who had just walked in, her eyes twinkling with amusement as she listened to the exchange. A teasing smirk curled on her lips as she folded her arms, leaning against the doorframe. "Well, well, look at you, Mr. Smooth Talker. Should I be flattered or concerned?" she teased.
Then Rishi continued with a smirk, "And also, because I'm the only one who can handle her stubbornness, her endless chatter, and her dramatic flair without losing my mind. Honestly, it's a full-time job."
Aisha gasped dramatically. "Excuse me?!"
Her father chuckled, shaking his head. "Are you sure you can handle our daughter? She's quite the handful," her father joked, nudging Rishi playfully.
Rishi chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Well, I've survived all her teasing, her tantrums, and her endless chatter so far. I think I deserve some credit."
"Endless chatter? Excuse me?" Aisha's voice rang out from behind as she walked in, hands on her hips, feigning offense. "I was just about to vouch for you, but now I'm reconsidering."
Her mother laughed, shaking her head. "Oh, Aisha, don't pretend. We all know you adore him."
Rishi smirked, turning to Aisha. "See? Even your mom's on my side."
Aisha rolled her eyes but couldn't fight back a smile. "Fine, fine. You win this time. But don't get used to it, Mr. Husband-to-be."
Her parents exchanged a knowing look, their smiles warm and approving, hearts swelling with happiness for their daughter. They had always adored Rishi and knew his love for Aisha was unwavering.
"You didn't even have to ask, Rishi," her father said with a chuckle. "We know how much you love our daughter, and we trust you to cherish her. Of course, the answer is yes."
Tears of joy welled up in Rishi's eyes as Aisha's mother pulled him into a hug. "Welcome to the family, officially," she whispered.
Relief washed over him, knowing that soon, Aisha would truly be his forever.
The days that followed were a whirlwind of preparations for the grand engagement ceremony. Aisha found herself wrapped up in dress fittings, venue selections, and endless teasing from her friends about becoming "Mrs. Rishi Malhotra." Rishi, on the other hand, made it his mission to steal every possible moment with her, sneaking kisses between meetings and whispering sweet nothings that left her blushing. The excitement was electric, and as the day of the engagement approached, their love only grew stronger, burning brighter with every passing second.
The engagement ceremony was nothing short of a fairytale, an extravagant affair befitting the love they shared. The grand hall was decorated with cascading flowers, shimmering chandeliers, and golden drapes that set the perfect ambiance. Friends, family, and business tycoons gathered, raising their glasses to celebrate the union of two souls destined for each other.
Aisha walked in, draped in an exquisite emerald green and gold lehenga, her beauty breathtaking, her smile radiant. Rishi's breath hitched the moment his eyes landed on her. He had always known she was stunning, but tonight....tonight, she was ethereal. His heart pounded as he realized she was his, forever.
Unable to hold back, he leaned in and whispered, "You do realize you're making it incredibly hard for me to behave, right?"
Aisha smirked, tilting her head playfully. "Oh? And here I thought you had self-control, Mr. Malhotra."
Rishi chuckled, his fingers lightly brushing against hers as he murmured, "Not when it comes to you."
His hands trembled as he took the ring, a symbol of the promise he was about to make. He tried to steady himself, but the overwhelming emotions took over. He blinked rapidly, trying to fight back the tears, but failed miserably.
Aisha noticed, a soft chuckle escaping her lips as she reached for his hands, holding them firmly. "Breathe, Mr. Malhotra. You're marrying me, not signing a billion-dollar deal."
Rishi let out a shaky laugh, nodding, but his voice was thick with emotion as he whispered, "You're more important than any deal I'll ever make, Aisha."
With that, he slid the ring onto her finger, sealing their promise. The crowd erupted into cheers, their families clapping with joy. Rishi pulled Aisha into a tight embrace, whispering against her ear, "You're mine now. No take-backs."
Aisha smirked, her arms wrapping around his neck. "I was yours the moment you called me your wife."
Laughter and love filled the air as the ceremony continued, marking the beginning of their forever.
As the ceremony reached its peak, everyone gathered around them, clapping and cheering. Aisha's friends rushed forward, squealing with excitement.
"Congratulations, you two! Finally, it's official!" one of them gushed, hugging Aisha tightly.
Ranvir smirked, patting Rishi on the back. "Never thought I'd see the day when Rishi Malhotra would willingly chain himself down. But damn, you look happy, man."
Rishi chuckled, wrapping an arm around Aisha. "Happier than I've ever been."
Ranvir smirked, shaking his head in disbelief. "Honestly, I was starting to think he might be gay, considering no woman ever managed to catch his attention. But damn, Aisha, you did the impossible." He turned to her with a grin and pulled her into a quick hug. "Congratulations, bhabhi. You officially tamed the beast."
Aisha laughed, shaking her head. "Taming Rishi? Oh, Ranvir, you have no idea what you're talking about. If anything, he's the one who has me wrapped around his little finger." She turned to Ranvir with a teasing smirk. "But hey, best of luck to you."
Ranvir hesitated for a moment before stepping forward, his voice unusually soft. "Can I have one last hug before I officially give you away?"
Aisha smiled warmly and nodded, wrapping her arms around him. "Of course, Ranvir."
He held her close, whispering, "Be happy, Aisha. That's all I ever want for you."
She pulled back, eyes glistening, and playfully nudged him. "Don't go getting all sentimental on me now."
Ranvir chuckled, turning to Rishi with mock seriousness. "Take care of her, or I swear, I'll hunt you down."
Rishi smirked, pulling Aisha to his side. "You don't even have to say it. She's my everything."
Ranvir sighed dramatically before placing Aisha's hand in Rishi's. "Well then, she's officially yours now."
Aisha's mother wiped a tear from her eye. Reaching close to them , she said, "My little girl is all grown up. May you both always be this happy."
Rishi grinned, squeezing Aisha's hand. "With her by my side, I will be."
Aisha excused herself for a bit, her heart still fluttering from the whirlwind of emotions. As she stepped away, she stole a glance at Rishi, who was surrounded by his friends, laughing and celebrating. A small smile played on her lips....this was their moment, their happily ever after beginning to unfold.
Now everyone surrounded Rishi, grinning mischievously as they declared, "You can't see Aisha before the wedding! It's tradition!"
Rishi sighed, running a frustrated hand through his hair. "Come on, guys! You can't be serious."
Aisha's friends giggled, crossing their arms. "Very serious. Consider this your trial before marriage. If you can survive without seeing her, maybe you actually deserve her."
Ranvir smirked, clapping a hand on Rishi's shoulder. "Tough luck, buddy. Looks like you're stuck waiting."
Rishi sighed dramatically, looking toward the door as if he could somehow will Aisha to appear. "This is torture. Absolute torture."
Aisha, overhearing from the hallway, stifled a laugh before calling out, "Missing me already, Mr. Malhotra?"
He turned toward the sound of her voice, only for her friends to block his view. "No peeking!" they scolded.
Rishi groaned. "I swear, once we're married, I'm never letting her out of my sight again."
Laughter erupted, and Aisha's teasing voice floated through the air. "We'll see about that!"
The days passed in a joyous blur, and soon, the haldi ceremony arrived. The air was filled with laughter, music, and the scent of fresh turmeric as friends and family gathered to celebrate. Rishi sat shirtless, a big smile on his face, as his family smeared haldi on him, teasing him mercilessly about his upcoming wedding.
"You're glowing already, Rishi! Or is it just Aisha's love making you shine?" Ranvir quipped, earning a round of laughter.
"Shut up, Ranvir," Rishi groaned, though he couldn't hide the small smile playing on his lips.
Meanwhile, in another part of the house, Aisha's friends and family covered her in haldi, giggling as they made sure she was completely drenched in the golden paste.
"Rishi is dying to see you," one of her friends teased. "He's already trying to sneak a peek."
Aisha laughed, wiping some haldi off her cheek. "Oh, let him suffer a little. He'll value me more."
On the other side, Rishi, growing impatient, attempted to find a way to sneak a look at his bride-to-be. But before he could succeed, Ranvir and the others dragged him back. "Nice try, lover boy. But tradition says no meeting the bride before the wedding."
Rishi groaned. "This is unfair. I'm the groom! I should have some special privileges."
"Your only privilege is waiting for your bride," his mother said, smirking as she applied another streak of haldi on his cheek.
With no choice left, Rishi finally gave up, laughing along with everyone as the celebrations continued, the love between them shining brighter than ever.
But Rishi couldn't wait any longer. When everyone was asleep, he quietly sneaked into Aisha's room, his heart pounding with excitement. Closing the door behind him, he tiptoed towards her bed, where she lay peacefully, lost in dreams. Unable to resist, he wrapped his arms around her from behind, pulling her close. Aisha stirred slightly, her eyes fluttering open. "Rishi?" she mumbled sleepily.
"Shh..." he whispered, nuzzling into her neck. "I couldn't stay away any longer."
She turned in his arms, blinking at him in surprise. "You're going to get caught, you know?"
He smirked. "Worth the risk. I needed to see you."
Aisha giggled, brushing a hand through his hair. "Hopeless romantic much?"
Rishi kissed her forehead, his voice laced with tenderness. "Only when it comes to you."
Their lips met in a slow, searing kiss, igniting a fire that neither could resist. Rishi's hands traced the contours of her body, his touch sending shivers down her spine. "I missed you too much," he murmured against her lips, his voice husky with desire.
Aisha's fingers tangled in his hair as she whispered, "Then show me just how much."
With a low chuckle, he lifted her effortlessly, carrying her as their laughter melted into breathless gasps. As he settled her down, he hovered over her, his fingers tracing slow, teasing patterns against her skin. "You have no idea how much I've missed you," he murmured, his voice thick with desire.
Aisha arched a brow, her lips curving into a playful smirk. "Oh? And what do you plan to do about it, Mr. Malhotra?"
His eyes darkened with intent as he leaned in, his breath fanning against her lips. "Let me show you."
Their lips met in a feverish kiss, a collision of longing and passion. Rishi's hands roamed over her, mapping every inch as if trying to memorize her all over again. Aisha gasped, threading her fingers through his hair, pulling him closer. "You're relentless," she whispered against his lips.
"Only when it comes to you," he replied, his voice husky.
Aisha let out a breathless laugh, her fingers toying with the buttons of his shirt. "Well, I suppose I should make it worth your risk of sneaking in."
Rishi grinned, flipping her beneath him, his lips trailing a path down her neck. "You always do, sweetheart."
The night stretched on in a feverish dance of tangled sheets and desperate whispers, their bodies moving in a rhythm only they understood. Rishi's lips traced a searing path down her skin, drawing gasps that echoed through the dimly lit room. Aisha arched against him, her fingers gripping his shoulders, pulling him closer, as if she could never have enough of him. Every touch ignited a fire, every kiss deepened the longing, until the world outside ceased to exist and only their burning desire remained, consuming them whole.
As the first rays of dawn filtered through the curtains, Aisha stirred awake, feeling the warmth of Rishi still wrapped around her. She pressed a soft kiss to his forehead before nudging him gently. "You need to go before anyone finds out," she whispered, though a part of her wanted to keep him there forever.
Rishi groaned sleepily, burying his face into her neck. "Five more minutes," he murmured, tightening his hold around her waist.
She giggled, running her fingers through his messy hair. "You mean five more hours? If my parents find you here, our wedding might turn into a funeral."
With a dramatic sigh, he finally sat up, raking a hand through his hair. "Fine, fine. But I expect a reward for sneaking out so obediently."
Aisha smirked, leaning up to press a lingering kiss to his lips. "There. Now go."
Rishi grinned. "Not enough, but it'll do for now."
She rolled her eyes, pushing him toward the window. He climbed out reluctantly, pausing to flash her one last wink. "See you at the mandap, Mrs. Malhotra-to-be."
With her heart still fluttering, Aisha watched him disappear into the morning light, already counting down the hours until she could be in his arms again.
That night, the mehndi ceremony was in full swing. The grand hall was adorned with intricate floral decorations, lights casting a warm golden glow. The air was thick with the sweet scent of henna and laughter as Aisha sat in the center, her hands and feet being adorned with the most beautiful designs.
Her friends surrounded her, teasing her endlessly. "They say the darker the mehndi, the more your husband will love you," one of them said, winking.
Aisha smirked, glancing at her hands. "Well, if that's the case, Rishi's love better turn this the darkest shade possible."
Meanwhile, Rishi was being held hostage by his friends in his own house. "No going to the bride's place!" Ranvir warned, blocking him.
"But I just want to see her hands," Rishi groaned.
"Patience, lover boy," his mother teased, smirking. "You'll see her soon enough."
Just then, Aisha's phone buzzed. It was a text from Rishi: I may not see you, but I already know you look breathtaking.
Aisha chuckled, shaking her head as she replied: You're such a flirt, Mr. Malhotra.
He responded instantly: Only for my soon-to-be wife.
Their playful banter continued, a silent exchange amidst the lively celebrations. As the night progressed, the music grew louder, and soon, everyone was dancing....except Aisha, who playfully pouted.
"I can't even move my hands!" she complained.
Aisha got up to dance, moving gracefully despite the mehndi on her hands, careful not to smudge the intricate patterns. As the music swelled, she twirled lightly, her laughter ringing through the air.
She laughed at how her cousin danced, doubling over when he attempted a dramatic twirl and nearly toppled over. Her friends clapped and cheered, pulling her into the fun, twirling her around until she was breathless with laughter.
As the music played on, Aisha felt a warm glow in her heart....tomorrow was the big day. Excitement bubbled in her veins, mixed with nervous anticipation. Her mother adjusted her dupatta, planting a soft kiss on her forehead, while her friends wrapped her in tight hugs, gushing about the wedding. She felt surrounded by love, and at that moment, she knew....no matter what, she was ready for this new chapter.
She laughed, her heart swelling with happiness as the night carried on with endless dancing, laghter, and love filling every moment.