In the cool breeze of Shimla, the sprawling garden area of the Grand Diwan mansion buzzed with life. Twinkling fairy lights adorned every corner, pastel-hued floral decor swayed gently in the wind, and the rhythmic beats of dhols echoed in the valley, Announcing the beginning of something beautiful.

Today marked the first official wedding ritual of Kabir Singhania and Kashish Diwan, The Roka Ceremony. An intimate function, it was attended only by family members and a few dear ones like Kashish's best friends, Aryan and Jiya, stood near the floral arch.

The Diwans, dressed in soft-toned ethnic wear, moved around with excitement. Staff members hurriedly fixed the final touches to the decor, while Hridhaan and Jahaan ran across the garden, giggling and tossing marigold petals into the air "Bas ab Singhania parivaar ka intezaar hai," murmured Aryan, straightening his kurta as he peeked toward the driveway.

And just then  a procession of eight luxurious cars slowly rolled into the massive entrance of the Diwan mansion, catching everyone's attention. Glossy black, deep blue, rich ivory, each car gleamed under the golden sunlight. The Singhanias, a large joint family of doctors, lawyers, and entrepreneurs, had arrived. As the cars halted one after the other, doors opened to reveal the grandeur of the family. The elder men stepped out in regal sherwanis  while the women dazzled in silk sarees, their elegance undeniable. The young clan the cousins, siblings, rocked their pastel kurtas and embroidered ethnic wear, exuding youthful energy and charm. The two powerful families were finally under one roof, ready to celebrate a union that had just begun to bloom.

Devansh was the first to arrive, offering a warm greeting to Angad. Shivangi followed, gently embracing Vaidehi with quiet affection. Ranveer stepped forward, wrapping Abhimanyu in a brotherly hug, while Avni warmly embraced Akriti. One after the other, the elders exchanged respectful greetings, the air filled with mutual admiration and decades-old bonds.

Among the younger generation, Jay moved toward Samrath with an eager hug. Riaan shared a heartfelt embrace with Shivansh, while Shourya clasped Abhir in a firm, familial hug. Soon after, Rajeev and Nandini made their way to Angad and Vaidehi, greeting them with composed warmth.

Aman and Sandhya walked toward Raghav and Natasha, sharing a quiet moment of respect. Sayoni, ever the picture of grace, greeted Paridhi with serene elegance. Diya and Soumya's shared a cheerful hug, while Tanushri embraced Nurvi in a gentle, affectionate gesture. Piyali greeted Prisha with an understated smile.

Arjun and Jeevika made their way to the Diwan family, offering warm, respectful greetings to each elder. Amidst the gathering, Raiansh, composed and striking in his demeanor greeted Rishi Raichand, his long-time business associate and Sayoni's husband, with a subtle nod of acknowledgment.

Moments later, the black SUV rolled into the driveway, announcing Kabir's arrival. Stepping out with Yug and Naksh by his side, Kabir walked with a purposeful calm. He bowed respectfully to touch the feet of Angad, Vaidehi, Ranveer, Avni, Raghav, and Natasha. His entrance carried quiet reverence and innate confidence. Samrath, Shivansh, and Abhir welcomed him with warm hugs. Kabir was draped in a dusky rose kurta, its luxurious fabric catching the golden light. An ivory and rose-toned brocade jacket layered gracefully over it, complemented by a toned-down beige churidar, every element of his ensemble speaking of regal simplicity.

On the other side of the garden, Dhruv joined the Gen Z group, Ivaan, Yatharth, Alia, and Aarohi. With casual charm, he guided them toward the far end of the garden, excitedly showing them the intricate decor details he'd helped arrange. 

As there was still time before the ceremony began, the Singhania family gathered inside the grand hall of the Diwan Mansion. The opulent space echoed with soft music and the aroma of delicately spiced snacks. The staff moved with elegance, offering trays of fresh juices, traditional delicacies, and hors d'oeuvres to the guests.

The air was filled with the vibrant hum of laughter, light-hearted teasing, and the warm chatter of a family immersed in celebration. The atmosphere was unmistakably one of wedding excitement, spirited yet graceful. Riaan and Naksh, unable to resist the opportunity, playfully teased Kabir, who sat composed and quiet, a soft smile playing at the corner of his lips. The elders, meanwhile, were deep in their conversations, reminiscing, discussing, and sharing fond moments. Soumya, Nurvi, and Prisha moved with graceful attentiveness, ensuring each guest was comfortable and tended to. Sayoni sat gracefully with the Singhania daughters in law

On one side of the hall, Samrath, Shivansh, Abhir, Rishi engaged in an animated conversation with the Singhania brothers. A few steps away, in the beautifully curated children's play corner, little Kiara, Jahaan, and Hridhaan laughed and played under the gentle watch of their nannies, their joy adding a tender innocence to the atmosphere.

And amidst all the cheer, Kabir sat still his mind elsewhere. Beneath his calm exterior, emotions stirred quietly. From today onwards, Kashish would begin her journey toward becoming his wife. That thought, that reality, made his heart ache in anticipation.

As he looked around, at the smiling faces, the flowing conversations, and the harmony in the air, a quiet assurance settled in his chest. His decision to choose Kashish felt right. But behind his thoughtful gaze lay a single longing, An eagerness to see her, just once before the ceremony began.

Just then, two luxury cars rolled into the driveway almost simultaneously. From the first stepped out Sanaya Singhania, daughter of Rajeev and Nandini, poised, elegant, and recently married. Dressed in a blush pastel saree with intricate mirror work, her calm grace stood out even among the flurry of colors. Beside her was her husband, IAS officer Ahaan Khurana, his beige  crisp Kurta. The Diwan family noticed first. Kashish's sister-in-law, Soumya, paused from guiding the staff and glanced toward the entrance. Her expression curious, she nudged Nurvi, her sister in law, "Looks like more guests from the Singhania side." Riaan, standing with Shourya and Paridhi near the marble staircase, immediately broke into a smile. "Sanaya's here!" he whispered. The Singhania siblings walked forward to greet the couple. Shourya hugged his sister tightly. "You took your time," he teased. Sanaya smiled. "Blame Ahaan's last-minute call. Otherwise, I was ready before him." Ahaan exchanged handshakes with the Diwan men and folded hands respectfully before the elders. "It's an honor to be here for Kabir's big day," he said sincerely. Just then, the second car halted. From it stepped Ishika Singhania, the striking and focused daughter of Aman and Sandhya. Clad in a mustard-gold Banarasi saree. Her husband, Mayank Desai, looked effortlessly regal in his tailored grey kurta set. Sandhya's eyes immediately welled with pride. "Ishika," she said softly, walking forward. Ishika bent to touch her parents' feet. Aman pulled her into a brief side-hug. "Finally decided to join the madness?" "I wouldn't miss Kabir's tilak for anything," she said. Mayank added with a polite nod, "And finally, I get to see all of you together again." Kashish's father, Ranveer Diwan, came forward with folded hands. "Welcome, beta. Please feel at home." Soumya, Nurvi and Prisha exchanged quick glances — both clearly noticing how sharp and composed the Singhania daughters were. First impressions were forming fast. Tanushri and Paridhi walked over with light smiles, welcoming both Sanaya and Ishika, introducing them to the Diwan family for the first time. This is Sanaya, Rajeev Bade Papa and Nandini Badi Maa's daughter," said Paridhi, her tone warm yet formal. "And this is Ishika, Aman Papa and Sandhya Maa's Daughter."

The Diwan family  greeted them with folded hands and hand shakes with a graceful smile. "It's lovely to finally meet you both, said Soumya." Nurvi nodded in agreement. "We've heard so much about the Singhanias. I hope we'll get a chance to sit and talk once things settle a bit." Ishika gave a polite smile, always a little reserved with new people. "I'm sure we will." And Soumya Prisha and Nurvi came forward and hugged them. As introductions wrapped, Kabir's eyes kept darting toward the stairs, his heart thudding louder with each new arrival. But his gaze still hadn't found Kashish.

The soft golden light from the antique vanity mirror bathed Kashish in a warm glow as she sat in front of it, her hands trembling slightly while adjusting her saree. She is wearing a hot pink organza saree with delicate golden Zari work and Minimal jewelry. And hairs into  soft curls half pinned. She is looking like a poetry of the mountains, graceful and soft. She glanced at herself, elegant, radiant, yet visibly anxious. Today was not just any other evening. It was her Roka ceremony. The moment she would officially be introduced to the sprawling, deeply rooted Singhania family. Beside her stood her best friend Jiya, cool as ever, brushing through Kashish's saree pleats with the ease of an old habit.

"Stop fidgeting, Kash," Jiya said softly. "You look wonderful. They're going to adore you, And hey Aryan would've been here pulling your leg if that urgent site issue hadn't popped up. He'll be back soon, till then, you've got me." Kashish replied nervously "I'm going to mess something up, trip, call someone 'uncle' when they're a cousin." Jiya laughed "Then you'll fit right in. They're human, not royal guards." A knock sounded, and the door opened to reveal Nurvi, followed by four graceful women. "Kashish," Nurvi said cheerfully, "Look who has come to meet the star of the evening. She directed  Diya, Paridhi, Piyali, and Tanushri to come inside.

Diya the eldest daughter in law of singhania entered with a  light teasing smile went towards Kashish and said "So this is the bride our silent devar has been secretly blushing about."  Kashish stood, adjusting her Saree Pallu "Namaste. Said Kashish" Paridhi stepped forward, smiling. "Namaste is too formal, Kashish. Get used to calling us  'bhabhi', you've got four of us now." Kashish laughed nervously and said "Okay bhabhi, Just don't test me with all your names today. I might mix them up." Piyali grinned "You're already doing better than Kabir did. He didn't speak for two days when I came as a new bride in Singhania house.'' Tanushri added, "Classic Kabir. Quiet as a monk, but such a gentleman." Diya reassured her softly, "And we're crazy, nosy, pampering sisters-in-law. You've married into a family full of drama, food fights, and midnight gossip." Jiya smirked. "Just her kind of people." Kashish visibly relaxed, her laughter joining theirs. "I was nervous... but this already feels like home." Paridhi touched her shoulder. "And that's exactly what it is now. Welcome to the madness, Kashish." As they adjusted her jewelry the room filled with warmth, chatter, and giggles, the quiet beginning of new bonds.

The sound of soft Garden Music filled the air as Kashish descended the staircase, flanked by Nurvi, Diya, Paridhi, Piyali, and Tanushri. All conversations quietened. Everyone turned.

And for a moment time paused. Draped in delicate hues, Kashish walked with grace, a hint of shyness in her eyes, yet a warmth that radiated. Akriti, her would-be mother-in-law, joy glistening in her eyes. Avni grew a bit emotional, her hand unknowingly reaching for Soumya, who patted her gently in quiet understanding. On the men's side, Samrath, Shivansh, Sayoni, and Abhir watched their sister with soft smiles and quiet pride. Among the elders, joy bloomed on every face. Nandini, seated beside Akriti, leaned over and whispered with admiration, "You've found a gem, Akriti. She fits." Meanwhile, Kabir stood with his brothers, being teased relentlessly. Yug elbowed Naksh and looking at Kabir he said . "Look at him already zoned out." Riaan teasingliy looked at kabir and Said "Kabir, she's just walking down. Not floating from heaven."

But Kabir didn't hear them. He only saw her. Kashish's eyes locked onto Kabir's, and for the briefest moment, the world dimmed. The two exchanged a warm smile—no words, just a silent promise. As Kashish stepped onto the final stair, she gracefully touched the feet of the elders seated in the hall. Akriti rose and hugged her, her joy overflowing. Abhimanyu placed his hand gently on her head, blessing her. Kabir, watching all this, felt a quiet pride in his chest, seeing Kashish being embraced so warmly by his family. 

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