"In the quiet union of two hearts, a new journey begins, where love becomes the compass and trust lights the way."

The day had arrived, the day that Roohi had only dreamt of in fleeting moments,today was her wedding day. The house was filled with an energy that buzzed in the air, a mix of excitement, nervousness, and overwhelming love. The soft sound of traditional music played in the background, blending with the chatter of the guests, but for Roohi, everything seemed like a blur. Her mind was racing, yet there was a strange peace deep within her.

As she sat in front of the mirror, adorned in her bridal attire, her thoughts lingered on Vivaan. They had shared so many quiet moments over the past few weeks, moments where words were unnecessary, and it was in those silent exchanges that she had begun to realize just how much she had grown to care for him.

Her cousin Aditi, who had been with her through every step of the journey, was busy making sure Roohi looked perfect. The vibrant maroon and gold lehenga shimmered against Roohi’s skin, and her makeup, light but enhancing, only added to the radiance she had begun to feel inside.

"You’re ready, Roohi," Aditi whispered, her eyes soft with warmth and pride. "He’s going to see you and wonder how he ever got so lucky."

Roohi’s heart skipped a beat. She wasn’t sure if she was ready, but Aditi’s words gave her a sense of reassurance. "I don’t know if I can do this," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper.

Aditi smiled gently, brushing a stray strand of hair away from Roohi’s face. "You already are, Roohi. You’re stronger than you think. Just trust in yourself and in him. You’ll be fine."

Roohi nodded, but deep down, she still felt the fluttering of nerves in her stomach. She hadn’t known Vivaan long, but something in the quiet moments they shared made her feel like he understood her in ways others couldn’t. Their connection, though still new, was something she hadn’t expected, but something she knew she couldn’t ignore.

Vivaan, on the other hand, was sitting in the men’s room, his palms sweaty as he adjusted his kurta for the umpteenth time. His grandmother, Nirmala, smiled at him from where she stood by the window. "You’ve come a long way, Vivaan. Today is your day, too."

Vivaan glanced at her, his lips curving into a small smile. "I’m not sure I’m ready, dadi."

Nirmala chuckled softly, her voice full of warmth. "You don’t have to be ‘ready’,you just have to be yourself. Roohi already sees you. And she’s waiting for you, beta."

Vivaan’s chest tightened at her words. He had always been reserved, but when he thought of Roohi, something stirred inside him. The thought of standing before her, of taking their vows, filled him with a strange sense of peace. He had never imagined himself in this position, but now, with Roohi, he couldn’t imagine being anywhere else.

As the ceremony began, the guests slowly gathered in the beautifully decorated mandap, where the air was thick with anticipation. The flowers- white lilies, marigolds, and jasmine created an aroma that filled the room, and the soft sound of the sitar blended with the occasional hum of excitement. Roohi was escorted by her cousins

She glanced at Vivaan, who stood at the altar, his gaze fixed on her. His expression was serene but held a quiet intensity that made her heart race. His suit was simple yet elegant, and as always, his demeanor was calm, like he was in control, but there was something different today. Today, there was a subtle vulnerability in his eyes - a soft openness that she had never seen before.

Roohi reached the altar, and as her father placed her hand in Vivaan’s, she felt a calm settle over her. The weight of the moment, of the vows they were about to take, felt real now. She wasn’t just marrying a stranger. She was marrying someone who, in their own quiet way, had become an important part of her world.

Vivaan looked at her, his voice barely above a whisper as he spoke, "I never thought I’d be here, Roohi. But now, standing with you, I can’t imagine being with anyone else."

Roohi’s heart fluttered at his words. There it was again,the soft vulnerability she had come to admire in him. "I feel the same way," she replied, her voice a little shaky but full of sincerity. "You’ve made everything feel… right."

The pandit’s voice broke through their quiet moment, signaling the start of the vows. As Vivaan and Roohi exchanged promises, the air between them felt like a gentle thread, binding them together in a way words could never fully capture. The vows were traditional, full of promises to love and support one another, but as they looked into each other’s eyes, there was an understanding between them a promise to be there, even in silence.

After the vows were exchanged, it was time for the sacred saat pheras, the seven rounds around the holy fire. Roohi and Vivaan walked together, their hands still entwined, the weight of the rings on their fingers symbolizing their new bond. With each step they took, the connection between them deepened, and Vivaan, though usually reserved, found his heart swelling with something he couldn’t fully express yet. He felt grounded with Roohi by his side, each round solidifying their promise to one another.

As they completed the final phera, Roohi felt a sense of completion. This was no longer a marriage of obligation- it was becoming a partnership, something real, something she could build on.

The ceremony ended with blessings from both families, and as Roohi and Vivaan stood side by side, their hearts full of hope, the weight of the day began to settle. The room was filled with joy, laughter, and the gentle clinking of glasses, but for Roohi and Vivaan, the world around them faded away.

Vivaan turned to her, his hand brushing against hers. His voice was quiet, but there was a warmth to it that made her smile. "You look beautiful today, Roohi," he said softly.

She felt her cheeks warm at the compliment, and she squeezed his hand. "Thank you, Vivaan. So do you."

For a moment, neither of them said anything. But in that silence, there was an understanding,an unspoken promise that they were going to walk this path together.

As the evening unfolded, with music, dancing, and laughter filling the air, Roohi and Vivaan shared quiet moments amidst the celebration. They didn’t need to say much. In their silence, they had already begun to build something beautiful - a partnership grounded in understanding, respect, and love.

And though the road ahead would be filled with challenges, that night, under the stars and amidst the joy of their wedding celebration, they both knew one thing for certain: they were no longer strangers. They were partners, bound not just by vows, but by the quiet, growing love they had found in each other.