👑Twelve~

The Taj palace's courtyard was a kaleidoscope of vibrant colours, the very ground thrumming with the energy of a royal baraat about to depart. Prince Hardik, resplendent in his heavily embroidered sherwani, sat atop his favourite white horse, decorated royally, showing a picture of regal serenity.

After the photoshoot was done, Virat said,"now take the horse in that carrier van. The prince will go in that floral decorated Range Rover. He will mount his horse again at the entry gate of Ratnagiri."

The men gave a nod and took the horse away once Hardik got down from it. Virat gave him a hug and said,"today you'll finally be united with your beloved Princess Durdhara. I am very happy for you, my dear brother."

"Thank you Dadabhai,"Hardik replied with a smile before Shubman and Rishabh came to his side and danced around as the band was playing a wedding tune.

"Maan! Rishi! Control,"Virat said while Hardik chuckled and pulled them in his embrace.

"Dadabhai! Bhai huye paraye,"Rishabh added.

"Dushman huya zamaana,"Shubman added.

"Kuch bhi! Don't use those stupid proverbs here. Where's Dad?"Hardik asked.

"Already in his car. It's your turn now,"Shubman said.

"Haan, Hardik get to your car now. Maan, Rishi, you both will be going with him. Go,"Virat said.

"Dadabhai, what about you? You too come along,"Hardik said.

"I'll be there. Don't worry,"Virat said and he held his hand and asked,"why won't you go with me?"

"I don't want to cast my bad luck on you by going with you. I'll go by another car. Vaisey bhi, Rishi and Maan's cars will also go along. While returning only you and Durdhara will return in that car. Now don't think so much."

"You don't think so much, Dadabhai. You can never cast bad luck upon me,"Hardik argued when Meenakshi came there and said,"let him be, Harry. You do as said. We are getting late. Hmm? Jao."

"Chaliye Bhai,"Shubman and Rishabh said while pulling away a reluctant Hardik.

"Heyyyyyy! Me and Siraj are going by Rishabh's car,"Shreyas said while coming there.

"You're alive? Oh you came? Finally? Why did you come? You could have stayed in Dubai forever,"Rishabh mocked him.

"Areyyyy! Abb agaya na. Don't be so childish now,"Shreyas said and congratulated Hardik and greeted Shubman while Siraj shouted from a distance,"I am going by this car. I won't be going by Rishi's car. He'll kill me if I get a scratch on it."

"What the hell!"Shreyas said and ran towards him, shouting,"count me in! Count me in!"

The car arrived in front of the brothers and Hardik got in first, and amidst the organised chaos, Rishabh surveyed the scene with a mischievous glint in his eyes. His gaze landed on Devangini, standing a little apart, her usually practical attire replaced with a breathtaking light pink lehenga. The fabric shimmered softly under the morning sun, complemented by her matching jewellery—a gift from the royal family itself. He hadn’t noticed how striking she was until now, her dark brownish long hair done in an elegant hairstyle, with her eyes reflecting the vibrant atmosphere.

Since Devangini was more than just the family’s physical therapist, and was a constant presence in the life of rajmaata, hence she was invited to join the baraat. However, unfortunately, she was Rishabh's favourite target for teasing. And with each passing day their relationship was turning into a playful war, a constant back-and-forth of witty banter and lighthearted jabs.

A smirk tugged at Rishabh’s lips. He abandoned his duty to be with Hardik, and made a beeline for her.

“Well, well, look who decided to scrub off the hospital scrubs and dress up properly,” he said, his voice dripping with mock surprise.

Devangini rolled her eyes, a familiar response to his antics. “And look who decided to ditch the serious princely persona for a moment of childish amusement,”she retorted, her voice calm despite the tremor of annoyance that ran through her.

“Ouch, someone’s in a mood,” Rishabh chuckled, deliberately leaning closer. “Is that beautiful outfit too uncomfortable for your practical soul?”

“Unlike some, I can handle a bit of fabric without making a fuss,”she snapped back, avoiding his gaze. Her cheeks flushed a delicate pink, a colour that perfectly mirrored her lehenga, and she hated it at once that he had managed to fluster her at the moment.

Their banter, however, was cut short by a frail but firm voice. “Rishabh, stop bothering the poor girl,” Rajmata said, her eyes twinkling with amusement as she was helped into her royal car.

“Devi beta, come here.”

Devangini approached Rajmata, relief flooding her features.

“You will ride with Rishabh,”Rajmata declared, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. She knew perfectly well the effect of her words on both of them, as she had been noticing them since day one.

Devangini's eyes widened in horror. "But Daadi Sa..."

Rishabh, on the other hand, simply chuckled, a victorious glint in his eyes. “As you command, Daadi Sa,” he said, already steering her towards his sleek, black car.

“This is torture,” Devangini muttered under her breath, her face burning with embarrassment.

“Don’t be so dramatic,” Rishabh said, opening the car door with a flourish. “It’s just a car ride. Unless you’re secretly terrified of being in my company?”

Devangini shot him a glare. He knew his teasing was getting to her. "I can tolerate you," she said stiffly, stepping into the car.

"Arey wah! Daadi Sa ne kamaal kardiya. She sent Devangini and Rishabh together haan. It's getting interesting,"Hardik commented while Shubman asked the driver to drive off.

The other cars followed up, and so did Rishabh, who asked the driver to leave and decided to drive on his own.

The car ride to Ratnagiri was a study in contrasts. Rishabh, ever the imp, kept up a steady stream of teasing, pointing out every detail of the passing landscape with exaggerated enthusiasm, occasionally nudging her elbow and stealing glances at her.

Devangini, in response, maintained a cool exterior, her eyes fixed on the road, her responses short and pointed. However, amidst the teasing, there was a subtle shift. His glances lingered a little longer, his laughter seemed a little less sharp, and she found herself occasionally stealing glances back, the blush never quite leaving her cheeks.

"I am coming,"Hardik texted Durdhara in the meantime, and earned her reply,"I am waiting."

"Send me a pic of yours."

"Not only Haldi's. Your current look's please."

"Not available. You'll see me directly at the altar."

"Send me a full pic of haldi at least."

"Uh huh! The fruit of patience is sweet, Prince Hardik Singh Shekhawat."

Hardik frowned and sent an emoji, making Durdhara chuckle, when Mahendra and Sakshi came to her room.

"Dadabhai! Bhabi!"she said happily and looked at them as they made her wear the bridal veil with affection and Ziva clicked a picture in her phone, while her little brother clapped seeing them.

"May you get every happiness of this world and live a long and beautiful life with Kunwar Hardik,"Mahendra blessed her as she took his blessings and then bent down to touch Sakshi's feet, but she stopped her and hugged her.

"Mahi! She's looking like a heavenly being. Isn't she?"Sakshi asked.

"Of course,"Mahendra replied while looking at his beloved sister, and added in an emotional tone,"she's looking like our mother."

Durdhara felt emotional and hugged him, remembering their parents.

"Hey! No tears. Today's a happy day."

"Why are you crying then, Dad?"Ziva's question made them laugh.

"Now stand and give poses,"Sakshi said and directed the photographers to take their family pic first.

The photographers did as said and then took Durdhara's solo pictures.

Durdhara gave different poses before getting led out into the royal balcony for other clicks, while Hardik got impatient on not getting a reply from her despite sending several more texts.

"Offh ho Bhai. Have some patience,"Shubman said while snatching away his phone.

"Maan! Give my phone back,"Hardik commanded.

"Not before the wedding gets over. This will stay with me now,"Shubman said and kept the phone with him.

Meanwhile, they almost reached Ratnagiri.

"It's an abomination, Baujiraj!" Devangini declared, her voice laced with mock horror, as the car finally pulled to a stop. They were bantering over pizza with chocolate sauce. The majestic sight of Ratnagiri unfolded before them, meanwhile.

Rishabh grinned, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Oh, come on! The sweet and savory combination is genius! You’re just incapable of appreciating culinary masterpieces."

"Genius? You’re calling pizza with chocolate sauce genius? Baujiraj?"

But their argument was cut short. Hardik emerged from his car, beaming. And what a vision he was! His resplendent sherwani, embroidered with gold thread shimmered under the afternoon sun. But the real showstopper was the majestic white horse waiting for him, its bridle adorned with flowers and bells, its coat gleaming like satin.

The baraat, a vibrant collection of family and friends, erupted in cheers. Music filled the air, the rhythmic beat of the dhol urging everyone into a joyous dance. As the procession began to circle Hardik, Rishabh, without missing a beat, grabbed Devangini’s hand, pulling her into the lively throng.

"Come on, sourpuss! Let's show them how a non-chocolate-pizza-appreciator can dance!" he teased, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

Devangini, despite herself, chuckled at his comment, allowing herself to be swept into the infectious energy. Soon, they were joined by Siraj, Shubman, Shreyas, and the others. They moved as one, a joyous wave propelled by the boisterous music and the palpable excitement of the wedding, while Virat remained beside Hardik's horse.

Their path led them towards the imposing silhouette of the Royal Palace of the Rathores, a structure that whispered tales of kings and queens, of opulence and tradition. People peering from the balconies, staring at the royal procession, with flowers and colour blasts, and what not!

Unbeknownst to the joyous throng, a pair of eyes observed them from a distance. Princess Meghatri, who had arrived earlier that afternoon. She'd been watching the baraat with detached interest, until her gaze fell upon the laughing Rishabh and Devangini.

A strange pang, sharp and familiar, twisted within her. "Devangini Rishi ke saath aayi? How dare she? And...and...how come he is so much at ease with her?"she thought.

Sakshi did the welcoming rituals with Mahendra, and welcomed Hardik and the entire family and the baraat into their royal palace and led the groom to the royal courtyard, where the wedding altar had been set up.

Hardik sat at the altar, and started performing the rituals as directed by the priest, his eyes searching around for Durdhara.

Rishabh walked with Shubman while noticing Devangini who was giggling and talking with a few people whom she knew.

"Ahmm! Devi par se nazar nahi hatt rahi teri aaj. She's looking damn beautiful. Isn't she?"Shubman asked.

"What nonsense! She's looking like a overdone white mice,"Rishabh replied, taking his eyes off her finally.

"Really? And how is Princess Meghatri looking?"

"Beautiful! Very beautiful!"

"Which colour outfit is she wearing by the way?"Shubman asked, crossing his arms.

"Red blue green anything. I didn't notice the colour well."

"She's right there, behind Dr.Devangini."

"Haan so?"

"Devangini is wearing red blue and green outfit, and you're telling that Meghatri has worn that?"

"What? Get your eyes checked. Doc is wearing light pink shade."

"Really? But her bangles are of golden colour and she's wearing eleven pieces."

"Are you drunk? Is your eyes out of form? She's wearing seven bangles in left hand and a watch on the right, along with a statement ring, matching with her necklace and..."Rishabh stopped seeing Shubman's smirk.

"Haan bol bol. Please carry on. How minutely you have noticed her haan. Wowwwww brother! I am impressed."

"Shut up Maan!"Rishabh said and walked away, leaving behind a laughing Shubman.

"Rishi!"Meghatri called Rishabh and he said,"not now Megha. I have a ritual to perform now."

He walked away towards the altar, ignoring her, and she hit a pillar in anger.

"Rajkumari Ji ko le aaya jaaye,"the priest said and Sakshi went to bring Durdhara, while Rishabh was called upon the altar to carry out a ritual which was always done by the younger brother of the groom.

"Bhai! Bhabi aah rahi hain,"Shubman whispered to Hardik, after coming to the altar, once Rishabh completed the ritual.

Hardik stood up even before the priest could ask him to do so, thus making everyone chuckle. In the meantime, Durdhara made an entry in their ancestral palanquin.

[Play the song "Piya Ghar Aavenge 2.0" mentioned in the video box, as the background music here]

Durdhara stepped out of the palanquin and walked towards the altar, towards Hardik, through the pathway filled with rose petals. Their union was more than just a marriage; it was the weaving together of two powerful families, and a promise of peace and prosperity for generations to come.

Hardik watched as Durdhara was led towards him, a vision of breathtaking beauty. A white satin cloth obstructed his vision for a while, till she stood in front of him and the priest chanted a few incantations. Soon the cloth was pulled away and they got to see each other's face as Durdhara's veil was adjusted back, revealing her face, as she stood with a rose garland in his hand, the varmala, which she had specially selected for Hardik. As she put it around his neck, everyone clapped and cheered for the royal couple.

As her gaze met his, a shy smile touched her lips, and a warmth spread through Hardik. He felt the usual rush of protectiveness towards her, a desire to make her happy forever.

The rituals unfolded with the exchange of garlands, the tying of the knot, the circumambulation of the sacred fire, each step a sacred pact between them, their families, and their royal territories. With each vow spoken, Hardik and Durdhara felt their connection deepen, a sense of shared purpose forming between them. They held hands while taking the holy rounds, and stared at each other often.

"Aaj se humari zindegi, humari astitva, aap se jorh teh hain hum. Aap aur aapke parivaar aaj se humare huye. Hum yeh rishta poorey dil se nibhayenge. Yeh aapki Durdhara ka waada hain aap se, Hardik,"Durdhara thought while taking rounds with him.(From today onwards, I am connecting my life, my existence, with you. You and your family are mine from today. I'll carry on this relationship from my heart. This is your Durdhara's promise to you.)

"Aaj se humara sab kuch aapka huya, hum aapke huye, aur aap, humare. Aapke maan, aapke chhoti barih har khushi ka khyal hum rakhenge, Rani Durdhara,"Hardik thought, looking at her. (From today onwards everything that belongs to me will belong to you, I belong to you, and you to me. I'll take care of your honour and your little to bigger happiness, Queen Durdhara.)

Mahendra got emotional while doing the kanyadaan, but blessed them and said to Hardik,"humari jaan deh rahe hain aapko. Hifazat kijiyega humesha."(I am giving my life to you. Protect her always.)

"Apna jaan dekar karenge,"Hardik replied before continuing with the remaining few rituals.

When Hardik filled her hairline with vermillion, a tear of bliss flowed down Durdhara's cheek, while a smile spread across her face. Finally she was married to the man of her dreams and she was ready to live her life with him till her last breath.

"Make her wear these ornaments, Harry. These are our ancestral jewellery, the second queen in line always gets these,"Rajmata said and Hardik obeyed at once, making Durdhara wear the royal crown, anklets, armlets and other such items, before putting another heavily embroidered expensive wedding veil upon her head.

"Finally!"Rishabh said, embracing their grandmother, and Shubman stood beside Suryavardhan, who smiled in contentment and looked at Virat, who passed back a smile.

************************************Here goes the update. Keep Reading and Keep Vommenting Guys.😘❤️