Chapter 85 — Mehendi Ceremony
Morning sunlight spilled across the Udaipur palace courtyard like liquid gold.
The palace looked completely different today.
Yesterday it was royal and elegant.
Today—
It was alive.
Green silk drapes hung from marble pillars.
Dark pink flower garlands wrapped around carved arches.
Thousands of marigolds and roses decorated every corner.
Low seating cushions were placed around the courtyard.
Brass lanterns glowed softly even in daylight.
The scent of henna, jasmine, and sandalwood filled the air.
Traditional musicians sat near the fountain playing soft Rajasthani melodies.
Dhol drums occasionally echoed through the courtyard as servants finished arranging decorations.
Even for people who owned half the world's luxury properties—
This felt magical.
---
The Brides
In the center of the courtyard, four ornate seats were placed.
And sitting there—
Were the brides.
Lyra. Care. Nova. Daisy.
Their outfits were designed specially for the Mehendi ceremony.
All four wore variations of green and dark pink, matching the ceremony theme.
Lyra wore a deep emerald green lehenga embroidered with dark pink floral patterns. Her blouse had delicate gold threadwork and mirror detailing that shimmered every time she moved. Her hair was loosely braided with tiny jasmine flowers woven into it.
Care wore a dark pink lehenga with green embroidery along the borders. The fabric was lighter, flowing easily as she moved. Her jewelry was minimal today—just delicate bangles and small emerald earrings.
Nova wore a mint green lehenga with soft rose embroidery. Her outfit was elegant, calm, graceful—exactly like her personality. A soft dupatta draped over her shoulders while henna artists carefully worked on her hands.
Daisy wore a pastel peach and green combination, blending cultures again like she always did. The soft peach skirt paired beautifully with green floral designs.
They sat together on cushioned seats while expert mehendi artists carefully drew intricate patterns on their hands and arms.
Henna spiraled across their palms.
Delicate peacock designs.
Tiny flowers.
Hidden initials of their grooms.
The process was slow.
But peaceful.
---
The Other Women
Around them the rest of the women were enjoying the ceremony.
JJ wore a dark pink silk saree with green borders, looking effortlessly confident as always. She moved around like a commander overseeing a festival.
Honey wore a bright green lehenga with mirror work and carried her camera everywhere.
She was filming nonstop.
"This footage is gold."
Freya wore a bold magenta lehenga, laughing loudly while helping organize the music.
Rakhi wore an elegant deep green saree, quietly observing everything with a soft smile.
Ella wore a light rose pink lehenga, clapping along to the music.
And then there was Ash.
Ash wore a simple leaf-green lehenga with light embroidery.
Nothing overly grand.
But she looked peaceful.
More peaceful than anyone had seen her in months.
She sat quietly beside Care.
Watching everything.
Listening.
Breathing in the moment.
---
The Brides Talk
Henna artists worked slowly on their hands.
Which meant—
The brides couldn't move much.
So naturally—
They started talking.
Lyra sighed softly.
"I can't believe we're actually here."
Nova smiled.
"After everything we survived…"
Care leaned back slightly.
"The hospital."
Daisy nodded.
"The jungle."
Lyra laughed quietly.
"Kevin."
They all went silent for a moment.
That name still carried weight.
Ash looked down.
Care immediately noticed.
She reached out gently with her free hand and squeezed Ash's fingers.
"You're not alone anymore."
Ash looked up.
Care's voice softened.
"You're family."
Ash's eyes filled instantly.
She blinked quickly trying to control it.
But her voice trembled.
"I almost lost everything."
Care shook her head.
"No."
"You found us."
Nova added quietly—
"And we found you."
Daisy smiled warmly.
"Families are rarely born."
"They're built."
Ash wiped her eyes quickly.
But this time—
She was smiling.
---
Meanwhile — The Men's Side
Across the courtyard—
Things were far less emotional.
And far more chaotic.
Percy stood in the center of the courtyard like a dance instructor from hell.
"Alright gentlemen."
He clapped loudly.
"Welcome to Bollywood boot camp."
Alex looked unimpressed.
"I regret everything."
Joong looked confused.
"What is happening?"
Percy pointed dramatically.
"You're dancing."
Ben crossed his arms.
"No."
Percy ignored him.
Aries turned on loud Bollywood music from the speakers.
The drums started blasting.
Percy began demonstrating ridiculous dance moves.
Hip swings.
Shoulder rolls.
Hand gestures.
Alex stared at him.
"Absolutely not."
Joong tried copying the move.
And nearly tripped.
Everyone laughed.
Cole leaned against a pillar watching the chaos.
Freya immediately dragged him forward.
"No spectators."
Cole sighed.
"I'm a surgeon."
Freya crossed her arms.
"Then operate your feet."
Percy grabbed Cole's shoulders.
"Alright Doctor."
"Show us your Bollywood soul."
Cole tried once.
It was awkward.
Everyone cheered like he just performed a masterpiece.
Ben still stood in the corner pretending he hated everything.
But slowly—
He started copying the moves.
Very subtly.
Nova noticed from across the courtyard.
She smiled quietly.
---
Chaos Builds
Within twenty minutes—
The courtyard had turned into a dance battlefield.
Percy screaming instructions.
Aries cheering.
Joong trying desperately to keep up.
Alex moving exactly one inch at a time.
Cole trying to maintain dignity.
Ben secretly enjoying himself.
Meanwhile—
The women were watching and laughing nonstop.
Honey zoomed in with the camera.
"This footage will ruin all of you."
JJ leaned beside her.
"Release it after the weddings."
Honey grinned.
"Deal."
---
Care and Ash
Later—
The music softened.
The henna designs were nearly finished.
Ash still sat quietly beside Care.
Care looked down at their hands.
Both covered in intricate mehendi patterns.
Then she said softly—
"You're stronger than you think."
Ash looked at her.
Care continued.
"You survived betrayal."
"You survived fear."
"You survived losing everything."
She squeezed Ash's hand gently.
"Now you get to live."
Ash's voice trembled.
"I'm scared sometimes."
Care nodded.
"So am I."
Ash blinked.
"You?"
Care smiled slightly.
"I almost died in that jungle."
Ash whispered—
"But Cole saved you."
Care glanced across the courtyard.
Cole was currently being forced into another ridiculous dance move by Percy.
She shook her head.
"Yeah."
Ash followed her gaze.
Then smiled.
"You two are obvious."
Care rolled her eyes.
"We're not."
Ash laughed quietly.
"Sure."
---
The Ceremony Ends
As sunset approached—
The courtyard glowed under hundreds of lanterns.
The henna designs were finally complete.
Beautiful.
Intricate.
Perfect.
The brides carefully held their hands up to dry the mehendi.
The musicians played a slow celebratory tune.
Everyone gathered around the four brides.
For a moment—
Everything felt peaceful.
Safe.
Whole.
After everything they had endured—
Betrayal.
Gunshots.
Hospitals.
Storms.
Jungles.
Near death.
They had reached this moment.
Together.
One family.
Four weddings waiting ahead.
And the celebration—
Had only just begun.