????The Crown and the Badge????

Next Morning –

The golden rays of the sun melted into the fresh morning breeze as Iraaya stepped out, draped in a breathtaking yellow organza saree that danced with the wind. Her soft curls were adorned with jasmine, her bangles chiming softly as she adjusted her pallu.

Pankti glowed in a sunshine-yellow suit, her eyes sparkling with joy, while Sanya and Amrita walked down the stairs hand-in-hand, twinning adorably in nayra-cut suits, radiating the infectious energy of celebration.

The Aditya, Ranveer, Neel and Lakshya weren’t far behind, dressed in different shades of yellow kurtas paired with crisp white pyjamas—elegant, confident, and adding their own charm to the function.

The Garden for Haldi function –

The garden had transformed into a floral paradise. Yellow and white marigolds draped from canopies, mogras woven into dreamcatchers, and rose petals scattered along the pathway. Fragrance mingled with laughter. It felt like the garden itself was glowing.

In the center sat Rihaan, on a low wooden stool, laughing nervously. On the other side of a delicate white transparent cloth partition, sat his blushing bride-to-be Aadhya, glowing even through the veil.

The air was filled with giggles, shlokas softly playing in the background, and dhol beats slowly picking up rhythm.

From the main entry, arrived the elder ladies—each step regal, each hand carrying tradition.

Joshana Dharmesh Rajput, the matriarch, led the way with the haldi bowl, her eyes moist yet smiling. She gently applied turmeric on her grandson’s forehead, blessing him with a trembling hand.

Deepika Rajput, Rihaan’s mother, followed with a proud yet teary smile. Then came Suhashini Yashvardhan Raghuvanshi, Vedika Tej Raghuvanshi, and Chitra Vikram Raghuvanshi, all applying haldi with love, giggles, and warm teasing.

Meanwhile, Dharmesh Rajput sat under a shaded corner, sipping tea with Yashvardhan Raghuvanshi, both laughing over old happy tales.

Sanjay Rajput, Rihaan’s father, stood with Tej and Vikram Raghuvanshi, exchanging nods of pride and silent understanding.

As the haldi thickened into golden layers on Rihaan’s face, Vedansh, who had been standing nearby with arms crossed, let out an audible sigh. His face scrunched like he’d smelled something foul, and he stepped back with an expression of dramatic annoyance.

“Ugh, it stinks ,” he muttered under his breath, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a tissue pack like it was a weapon.

He handed one to Rihaan, scowling.
“Clean yourself, idiot.”

Rihaan, grinning like a sun-soaked menace, rubbed more haldi near his jaw just to annoy him and teased,
“Ha ha... kar le tu nakhre. Jab teri shaadi hogi na, main bhi dekh lunga tujhe.”

He smirked, waiting—expecting Vedansh to throw one of his classic scathing one-liners: ‘i am never going to marry’, or ‘i hate the word marriage ’—anything sarcastic and defensive.

But it didn’t come.

Instead, Vedansh just stood there. Silent. Brows faintly furrowed, eyes distant. Almost… thoughtful?

Rihaan blinked. “Bro? Tu theek hai na?”

But Vedansh wasn’t listening.

Vedansh’s POV

"Sugar… you’re having too much effect on me."

"Haldi, shaadi, laughter… the stuff I used to mock. The word ‘marriage’ once made my fists clench and fill my brain with rage. And now? That same word pulls your face into my thoughts.