Celebrating Life: An OS Series Part 2 Updated - Page 3

Thank you so much ❤️☺️. I love having positivity going around, so there will only be some fluffy light hearted romantic chapters.

You are inspiring me to continue my romantic AbhiMaan chapter

YES PLEASE 🥺🥺! We do deserve it for putting up with everything that's thrown on us.

Eagerly waiting for next chapter

Please update soon

Patiently waiting for the next update

Please update soon

Dedicated to all of us who probably will never get over the trauma that their wedding was. Eager, as always, to know what you think about this piece.

*****

Guided By Starlight

For as long as Abhira could remember, the stars had been her quiet refuge. She and her mother would lie on their backs under the expansive night sky, gazing up at the clusters of light as if they held secrets only the two of them could understand. Her mother had always told her, in a gentle voice brimming with conviction, that the ones they loved became stars once they left this world—a belief Abhira clung to with all her heart.

It started as a comfort, a way to feel her father’s presence, to imagine him as a star looking down, watching her grow, protecting her from afar. She and her mother would share stories, and sometimes Abhira would whisper her thoughts to the sky, letting them float up into the vast expanse. In these moments, she felt held by the warmth of invisible loved ones, far beyond the reach of the world’s judgement or the whispers that followed her family.

Growing up without a father wasn’t easy, and as she grew older, she understood that people often talked—pitying, criticising, speculating. It hardened something in her heart, and she resolved never to let anyone so close, never to open up her world to someone who might leave. She always believed it would be her and mumma against the world, until a cruel twist of fate snatched her mother from her.

Yet, even in her final moments, Akshara ensured Abhira wouldn’t be left alone. She entrusted her heart to a man in whom she perhaps saw fragments of her own spirit, recognizing the connection between them as soulmates even before they did.

Abhira smiled to herself, mixed with tears she didn’t bother to wipe anyway. She, who didn’t believe in love and equated it to weakness in a person’s life, found herself caught in a whirlwind romance that could make for an excellent bedtime story for their children and grandchildren. After a year of marriage of convenience and two years of dating after their divorce, they found themselves exactly where they belonged ; in each other’s lives and arms.

Standing by the window, she let her gaze drift to the night sky, the stars twinkling like silent confidants, the way they always had. Abhira closed her eyes for a moment, inhaling the cool night air that filled the room, imagining her mother’s laughter echoing through the cosmos approving their relationship. “Do you remember when we tried to name all the stars?” Abhira chuckled softly, the sound mingling with the night’s serenity. “We would barely make it past the Big Dipper before getting lost in giggles.”

She opened her eyes, the corners of her lips turned up in a full blown smile, “and now I’ve found a person who passionately debates about Lyra and Scorpio.”

As the door creaked open, Abhira swiftly brushed the last of remaining tears and turned around to see her battalion of cousins standing at the doorway with bright smiles. They helped her adjust her dupatta, tweaking the delicate jewellery she wore and straightened out every fold and pleat in her outfit until they deemed it perfect. “Time to get your prince charming, Ms. Sharma.”

Armaan stood at the altar, a quiet anticipation coursing through him as he adjusted the cufflinks on his sherwani for what felt like the hundredth time.Today, he wasn’t the composed, unshakable Armaan Poddar everyone knew; he was simply a man in love, utterly swept off his feet, counting down the seconds until he could see her, his Abhira. His heart raced, his eyes fixed to the entrance, waiting for the moment he’d see her.

Around him, the open-air setting felt almost dreamlike, bathed in the soft glow of fairy lights woven through branches overhead and lanterns that lined the pathway she’d soon walk down. Gentle whispers floated through the crowd, guests exchanging smiles and laughter, while the soft strains of music filled the air with warmth and joy. Yet, all of it faded into a gentle hum, like the backdrop to a dream. The only thing that felt real was the empty space at his side, soon to be filled by the woman who had turned his life upside down in the best way possible.

Beside him, Charu nudged him with a teasing smirk. “Bhabhi looks like a celestial nymph who’s just descended from heaven today, bhai. Are you sure you’ll be able to stand straight when you see her?”

Without taking his gaze off the entrance, he murmured under his breath, “She could be wrapped in a potato sack, Charu, and still look just as perfect.”

Charu laughed softly, revelling in his smitten behaviour . “You’re hopeless, you know that? Just try to breathe, okay? I don’t want you fainting before the ceremony even begins.”

“Shut up.”

Tujhse mera jeena marna, jaan tere haath mein

Sau janam bhi kam kyun laage, laage tere saath mein

A hush fell over the crowd as the music shifted. Armaan’s heart skipped a beat as the familiar, sweet sound of Abhira’s voice filled the air, and his breath caught in his throat.

The rest of the world faded away and he stood mesmerised, drinking in the sight of Abhira decked in a breathtaking maroon and midnight blue lehenga. The rich maroon fabric enveloped her like a timeless embrace, adorned with delicate gold zari that glinted softly, catching every glimmer. Her midnight blue dupatta was draped elegantly over her shoulder and framed her face with its soft, sheer fabric, twinkling with tiny beads and sequins.

It was as if the universe had woven itself around her.

Her eyes locked with his, holding him in her captive. Those eyes that had seen him at his worst, laughed with him in his happiest moments, and now held a depth of emotion he could feel in his very bones. She met his gaze, her lips curving into a shy smile that brought warmth flooding through him. It was just the two of them, locked in a silent promise that went beyond words.

Main musafir, tu musafir

Is mohabbat ke safar mein

She slowed her steps intentionally, savouring every detail. Clad in a midnight blue sherwani with intricate designs embroidered in gold that hugged his form perfectly, he looked every bit the prince she had read in stories.

Tu hai toh dil dhadakta hai

Tu hai toh saans aati hai

Tu na toh ghar, ghar nahi lagta

Tu hai toh dar nahi lagta

Tu hai toh…

As she reached the first step of the altar, Armaan instinctively stepped forward and extended his hand to help her ascend. Their fingers intertwined seamlessly and both of them grinned. He gently brought her to his side, not releasing her hand, a silent vow that they would face whatever came next together, side by side.

“Ab var-vadhu ek dusre ko varmala pehnaye.”

The priest’s voice interrupted their moment, announcing that it was time for varmala, the ritual of exchanging garlands.

Abhira and Armaan turned to the beautifully crafted garlands brought to them by Charu, Kiara, Misha and Kritika in silver platters, each adorned with an exquisite array of fresh flowers that exuded a fragrance of jasmine and roses. Interspersed among the blossoms were delicate photographs of their favourite memories together, carefully preserved like little treasures.

Just as they prepared to exchange the garlands, their mischievous cousins swooped in like a whirlwind of playful energy. “Not so fast!” one of them exclaimed, grinning widely as they blindfolded Abhira and Armaan with soft, colourful fabric, obscuring their view. “Find your way back to each other!” they teased, their laughter ringing through the air.

With their hands stretched out, they began to navigate the maze of laughter and playful shoves. They could hear the sound of their own giggles mingling with the chorus of teasing voices. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, they found each other, their fingers brushing against each other’s outfits. Removing the blindfolds, they exchanged the garlands, placing them around each other’s neck, sealing the moment with a promise of a forever. Their families erupted in cheers, showering flower petals on them.

As the applause gradually subsided, the priest beckoned them to sit on the wooden platform. He began to chant the sacred mantras invoking blessings from the gods. Abhira and Armaan concentrated on his words, hands joined, attempting to absorb the significance of each syllable that would bind them together for the rest of their lives. The sacred fire flickered beside them, its flames dancing like the joy in their hearts, illuminating their faces with a golden glow.

Abir and Mishti stepped forward for Abhira’s kanyadaan. With great care, they placed Abhira’s hand into Armaan’s strong grasp. “Humara dil ka tukda aaj se tumhari hai, Maani.” Mishti cupped Armaan’s cheek tenderly. Armaan nodded, a soft smile spreading across his face as he looked into Mishti’s eyes, “Mai humesha Ira ka khyal rakhunga, badi maa. She would never know tears henceforth.”

“And you will take care of him.” Abir continued, directing his gaze toward Abhira.

“I promise, bade papa. I’ll love him so much that his cheeks will start hurting with all the smiles.” Abhira replied, her voice unwavering despite the tears glistening in her eyes.

Charu and Kiara stepped forward to perform the next ritual of Gathbandhan. While Charu held the end of Armaan’s shawl, Kiara took Abhira’s dupatta, tying them together in a beautiful knot that symbolised their union. Both of them wrapped their arms around their bhaiya-bhabhi, giving them a quick hug before descending from the altar.

“Phero ke liye khade ho jaye. Pehle chaar pheron ke liye var aage aayenge, phir baki teen ke liye vadhu.”

Armaan stepped forward, his grip on Abhira’s hand firm yet gentle. As they completed each round, they could feel their hearts swell with happiness and relief. With the first four rounds complete, he stepped back to allow Abhira to take her place in front of him. She took a breath, prepared to lead them through the remaining three pheras. Each step she took felt like a step closer to a beautiful future, hand in hand with the man she loved.

With steady hands, Armaan lifted the delicate mangalsutra. He reverently brought it to her back, pausing for a moment of reflection. Tears welled in their eyes, spilling over as they silently relieved the battles they had fought to reach this moment. It was as if the weight of their past lifted, replaced by a profound peace and gratitude for the future they were building together.

“Tum meri ho, Abhira Sharma. For the next seven hundred lifetimes and even more.” He whispered softly, clasping the black and gold beaded chain around her neck.

Abhira’s lips curved into a tender smile, her voice barely audible as she whispered back, “Aur tum mere ho, Armaan Poddar.”

Then reaching for the small box the priest handed him, Armaan took a pinch of bright red sindoor. Slowly, he brought his hand to her forehead, parting her maangtika before tracing the vermilion down the center of her partition. The bold red color stood in striking contrast against her skin.

A few specks of the vermilion dusted down onto the bridge of her nose, catching her by surprise and drawing playful hoots from their family and friends. Abhira blinked, a blush creeping over her cheeks as she caught Armaan’s amused grin.

“Vivah sampann hua, aaj se aap dono pati patni huye.” The priest declared, binding them in the sanctity of marriage.

They exchanged a tender, shared smile, their love radiating in the way they gazed at each other, then shifted their gaze upwards, drawn to the velvety night sky. Among the scattering of stars, two seemed to shine brighter than all the rest, glowing with an intensity that felt intimate.

“That’s Akshara maa.” He leaned towards her, his voice a tender murmur.

“And that’s Shivani maa.” She completed, pointing at the other bright star.

“Thank you, mumma. Thank you for always being my strength, my support in everything I do and for guiding me to him.”

“Thank you maa, for bringing her into my life and letting me experience the joy of unconditional love.”

*****

Beautifully written

Amazing story

thank you for writing. look forward to reading more.