Authors POV

The wedding festivities were now in full swing. The destination? Kasol, Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, breezy and blooming. The Diwans' sprawling farmhouse, perched amidst pine trees and misty hills, had turned into a vibrant celebration hub. Only close friends and family from the Singhania and Diwan clans had been invited. But even in its intimacy, the wedding was nothing short of grand lavish decor, curated rituals, and elegance woven into every thread. The wedding planners, event coordinators, and house staff bustled around the estate, ticking off final details with quiet efficiency. The children ran about the garden, laughing as the cool mountain breeze tousled their hair. The men stood in clusters, sipping tea and discussing guests, the women inspected final touches on their designer lehengas and exchanged compliments with their arriving relatives. Today marked a special milestone, The engagement ceremony. After a graceful Roka, this was the official beginning of their 5-day wedding journey. But the past few days had flown by in a blur. With just ten days between the Roka and the engagement, both Kabir and Kashish had been buried in work, tying up loose ends, submitting handovers, Selecting wedding outfits, and wrapping critical deadlines. They both knew that once married, their attention would be consumed by people, rituals, and travel. So, they had barely called and texted, emotionally, still strangers on the edge of something beautiful. And so, amidst all the vibrant chaos, the two found themselves on the far side of the terrace, away from the crowd, under a canopy of Himalayan silence and early twilight. Kashish stood first, The soft breeze played with her dupatta as she stared into the mountains  quiet, reflective. A moment later, Kabir joined her,  His steps were quiet, hesitant not out of awkwardness, but out of respect for her space. For a moment, they just stood there  side by side  watching the trees sway. Breaking the silence, Kabir said, "Ten days and barely ten sentences exchanged." Kashish smiled wryly. "Work's fault. Not ours." Turning to face Kabir, she murmured, "It's strange. We're getting engaged in an hour and barely know each other's coffee preferences." "Or whether if we even like coffee," Kabir added dryly. They laughed. "Nervous?" he asked softly. Kashish shrugged. "Not about the engagement, but about marriage. I plan buildings, not relationships." He chuckled, then turned to her, sincere. "Before the chaos, I want you to know you won't face anything alone. I'll always be there, Kashish. Not just in expected ways, but when it matters, when you're tired, when things are imperfect, when you need space or strength." Kashish's eyes softened, his words resonating deeply. "That means more than you know." Kabir smiled, lightening the mood "Can I be shallow now? I loved your outfit choices at Sabyasachi, especially the wedding lehenga." She laughed and said "Well, someone had to balance your painfully minimalist sherwani choices." He raised a brow, mock-offended "Excuse me, that was 'understated elegance' according to the designer." They smiled. A comfortable silence settled between them, and something shifted. The distance remained, but it no longer felt cold, more like a space being carefully bridged. They spoke for ten more minutes before parting for their engagement ceremony.

The open courtyard of the farm house in kasol had been decorated with minimalistic, pastel florals think lavender, blush, and ivory paired with cane seating, heritage brass diyas, and twinkling lights that waited for dusk. Kabir and Kashish's engagement ceremony is set for the evening.

Kabir walked in from the Entrance, through a stone path lined with pine cones and candles. He wore a Ivory-gold sherwani richly embroidered with intricate floral and paisley patterns in  metallic gold threadwork. He walked with his parents Akriti and Abhimanyu. Kashish walked in with her parents Avni and Ranveer. She wore a Champagne Gold Color Rich, full-flare lehenga with intricate zari embroidery and sequin work. Her calm smile lit up the hilltop more than any light could.

They stood on the beautifully adorned circular stage, their parents took their seats beside their family.  A soft spotlight illuminating them as guests applauded. Piyali and Raiansh, the cheerful anchors, approached with mics. Piyali announced, "Ladies and gentlemen, the moment has arrived! Presenting the future Mr. and Mrs. Singhania!" After hearing this kabir and Kashish exchanged a knowing smile. Raiansh added teasingly, "And what's an engagement without a ring bearer moment? Let's welcome our cutest VIPs!" Piyali continued, "Please welcome Kiara and Avir.  Kiara and Avir, in pastel traditional attire, walked down the aisle, carrying the engagement rings on a floral tray. The guests "awwed" Avir shyly waved as Kiara stood proudly smiling beside her brother.

The soft hum of shehnai music floated through the crisp Kasol evening air as the spotlight gently bathed Kabir and Kashish in golden warmth. The murmurs of the crowd faded into a comfortable hush. All eyes were on the couple. Between them, Kiara and Avir held the floral tray, A round mirror base with the two rings nestled in velvet slots. The Diamond Rings gleamed under the stage lights, each engraved with the other's initials.

Raiansh over the mic, playfully said  "And here comes the moment, Kashish Kabir no pressure, but this is officially the most important slip of the night!" A ripple of laughter went through the crowd. Kabir reached forward first, lifting Kashish's hand gently. His touch was careful, almost reverent, as though he was holding something fragile yet precious. Kashish's fingers were cool from the evening air, and Kabir enclosed them in his palm for a moment, locking eyes with her before sliding the ring onto her finger. Kashish's lips curved into a smile, A smile that was part relief, part quiet happiness. She picked up the second ring, her fingers trembling ever so slightly. The cool metal slid onto his finger effortlessly, and Kabir glanced down briefly at the Ring before looking back up at her, their eyes holding a silent exchange the crowd couldn't quite read. The applause erupted instantly. A gentle shower of marigold and rose petals rained down from above, catching in Kashish's hair and clinging to Kabir's shoulders. 

From the crowd, Jay called out with mock gravity, his tone carrying easily over the low hum of conversation, "Kabir, I hope you know what you've signed up for!" he said, the corners of his mouth twitching with amusement. Shourya, grinning as if this was his cue, replied, "Time to say goodbye to peaceful surgeries, Now begins the emotional surgeries of marriage." Riaan chuckled, leaning in just enough to be heard"Yeah, neurosurgeon or not, bhabhi is always right," he added, shaking his head like a man imparting deep wisdom. A few steps away, the Singhania bahus, Diya, Paridhi, Tanushri, stood in their little circle, the picture of elegance and mischief. Diya leaned toward Paridhi, her eyes still fixed on the stage "Kashish looks like a dream but did you see Kabir's expression?" she whispered, her voice warm with amusement "Poor surgeon's heart finally skipped a beat." Paridhi laughed softly and replied, "Of course it did. I saw him fix his stole three times before walking in." Tanushri smirked, tilting her head toward Kabir, and said, "Forget the stole, the man's been adjusting his watch strap since he saw her walk in and he calls himself calm under pressure." Piyali chuckled and said to Kashish "Get used to it, Kashish this family teases first, explains later." And from the other side Raiansh said "Kabir remember, in this family, teasing is our love language. Today it's you, tomorrow it's one of us again." From the side, Yug's voice rang out, carrying the unfiltered glee of a younger brother who'd been waiting for this day. "Bhai, I've got to say, I've seen you handle brain surgeries without blinking, but right now? You look like you might just faint." Kabir shot him a look, part warning, part amusement and said in that calm, deep tone, "Keep talking, gentlemen, I'll remember this when your turns come." The retort only made them laugh harder.

Soumya and Nurvi, Kashish's sisters-in-law, exclaimed, "She looks so beautiful! Our baby sis-in-law is a bride!" Prisha laughed, eager for the sangeet "Can we fast-forward to the sangeet already? I can't wait to see Kabir dance." In the front row, Shivangi Singhania, Kabir's grandmother, and Vaidehi Diwan , Kashish's grandmother, held hands. "Vaidehi, your granddaughter is grace personified," Shivangi said. Vaidehi replied, "And your Kabir has the poise of a prince, you have raised him well." Nearby, family patriarchs Devansh and Angad, resplendent in sherwanis, observed the couple with pride. Devansh blessed them saying "May your partnership be as strong as our legacy, Kabir." Angad smiled at Kashish and said "And may you bring warmth and wisdom to every path you walk, beta." 

Kabir's Bade Papa, Rajeev, placed a warm hand on his shoulder. "Kabir, beta, may you always balance life with the steady hands and heart you show in the OT." Nandini, Kabir's Badi Maa, turned to Kashish and said "And may you always find laughter in the smallest things, the real secret to a happy marriage." Sandhya Chachi, adjusting her pallu, took Kashish's hand "Be his safe place, and let him be yours, that's how a marriage grows." Aman Chachu grinned at Kabir and said "And don't you dare forget happy wife, happy life." The crowd laughed as Kabir gave a mock salute. Arjun Chachu hugged Kabir tightly "I've seen you work hard for your career, now work just as hard for your marriage." Jeevika Chachi added softly to Kashish, "And never stop talking to each other, silence can create the biggest distance."

Raghav and Natasha, Kashish's chachu chachi, approached. Raghav placed a hand on Kashish's head, smiling at Kabir. "This family is your strength, Kashish, and now you're part of it too, Kabir." Natasha added, "May you both always find your way back to each other."

The four brothers stood together, watching their sister on stage, each wearing a proud, protective expression. Samrath, arms crossed and half-smiling, quipped, "I still can't believe our little sister is getting engaged. Kabir better know he's signing up for four overprotective brothers." Shivansh chuckled, "More like four bodyguards." Abhir grinned at Kabir, adding, "Keep her happy, or we'll visit you in the OR." Dhruv playfully finished, "Don't think we can't scrub in, Jiju." Kabir laughed, overhearing their banter.

Avni, smiling at Kabir after the rings were exchanged, said, "She's our heart, Kabir, and we're entrusting her to you." Ranveer, putting a hand on Kabir's shoulder, added, "You're joining our family, remember we stand together." Akriti, looking at Kashish, softened, "You're my daughter now, Kashish." Abhimanyu concluded with quiet pride, "I'm here for guidance or support, beta, whenever you need it." Overwhelmed, Kashish smiled, and Kabir nodded gratefully.

Sayoni, said softly, "You'll always be my little sister, even when you're a wife. Remember, happiness is built in small moments, hold on to them." Rishi smiled at Kabir and said "Marriage is like surgery, Kabir. Skill helps, but patience saves lives." Kabir laughed and nodded. "I'll keep that in mind, Jiju."

Sanaya, ever quick-witted, nudged Ishika as they watched Kabir clasp Kashish's hand. "Look at him," Sanaya teased. "The same Kabir who can perform a twelve-hour surgery is fidgeting like a schoolboy." Ishika smirked. "It's the first time I've seen him this nervous." Aahann, with mock concern, said to Mayank, "Should we remind him to breathe?" Mayank grinned. "Nah, if he faints, at least he's surrounded by doctors." Overhearing them, Kabir shook his head, smiling, "You all are unbelievable."

Kashish's cheeks warmed as the laughter from both families mingled in the air. She glanced at each face  her parents, The elders, her brothers, her bhabis, her sister, Kabir's sisters and Brothers, the singhania bahus, all showering her with a mix of love, advice, and harmless mischief. She shook her head lightly, the corner of her lips curling into a smile. Kashish chuckled, a mix of amusement and overwhelm. "You're making it sound like I'm going to war, not getting engaged." The crowd laughed, and Kashish's expression softened. "But, I'll admit, it's nice having so much support. It makes this new chapter feel a little less scary." Her eyes met Kabir's, finding reassurance in his calm gaze. She mouthed a quiet thank you, a silent acknowledgment of his unwavering support amidst the chaos. Kabir responded with a small nod and a whispered, "Always."

As Piyali and Raiansh concluded the blessings, the lights dimmed, and a lively drumbeat filled the air. Arohi, mic in hand and a mischievous grin on her face, announced, "Alright, enough of the emotional talks, it's time to turn this engagement into a party!" Alia, Ivaan, Yatharth, Dhruv, Avir, and Kiara emerged in coordinated pastel outfits. The crowd cheered as the Gen Z squad took center stage. The music transitioned into a high-energy Bollywood wedding mashup. Arohi and Alia twirled in perfect sync, Ivaan and Yatharth performed a quirky "baraat-style" dance that had the uncles clapping, and Dhruv delivered a dramatic solo that drew laughter. Avir and Kiara, the former ring bearers, concluded the performance with an adorable spin and bow.

As applause for the Gen Z squad faded, giggles arose from the garden. Krish, Hridhaan, and Jahaan, the family's youngest, chased each other across the lawn, their sherwanis flapping in the Kasol breeze. Their infectious laughter softened the formal occasion, drawing smiles from the guests. When Jahaan tripped, Krish dramatically rallied him with "Come on, team! with his childish voice" Photographers captured the scene, tiny feet on grass, fairy lights twinkling, and unscripted joy. From their seats, Kabir and Kashish watched for a moment, their linked hands resting casually on Kabir's knee. She glanced at him with a small smile and whispered, "They're stealing our spotlight." Kabir chuckled softly, "Let them we'll have the rest of our lives for the attention." Kashish smiled to him. 

The crowd roared with applause as the performance concluded. Throughout the performance, Kabir and Kashish sat side-by-side in the engagement area, their hands unconsciously finding each other between a blessing and a dance. Across the room, Diya pointed it out to Tanushri, whispering, "Look at them, they don't even realize they're holding hands." Tanushri smirked, "Surgeon saab and our Kashish are already in sync, no need for practice." They chuckled, touched by the sight. As the performers took their bows, Kabir noticed their linked hands. He and Kashish exchanged a brief smile, neither pulling away.

Kashish's phone rang. Soumya picked it up from the clutch on the side table, a teasing smile spreading across her face as she saw the screen. "Kashish, it's a video call from Jiya and Aryan. Your partners-in-crime couldn't resist calling during the engagement." Kashish's eyes lit up as she accepted the call. Jiya's face appeared, her background an office setting. "Oh my God, you look like a princess! I'm so mad I can't hug you right now. I hate this emergency site visit" Aryan leaned into the frame. "And Kabir, looking sharp, Doc don't get too comfortable, tomorrow we're crashing the party properly." Kabir stepped into frame, a half-smile on his face. "I'll keep her safe till then. Promise." Jiya mock-threatened, "You better. We've got our eyes on you." Kashish's grin softened. "I can't wait for you both to be here. The Mehendi won't start until my two idiots arrive." Aryan responded, "Challenge accepted. Tomorrow morning, count on us."

As the night's laughter mellowed into soft background chatter, Piyali announced, "And now, the official couple portraits!" Kabir and Kashish moved to the beautifully decorated photo backdrop, a cascade of white orchids and golden fairy lights. The photographer directed them gently, "A little closer....yes, perfect... now look at each other." Flash after flash captured their smiles, some shy, some unguarded  and the warmth in their eyes that neither could hide. Soon, their families joined in, first the Singhanias, then the Diwans, and then a grand group shot that somehow fit the entire guest list into the frame. Diya, Paridhi, Tanushri, and Piyali pulled Kashish in for a laughing "bahu squad" photo, while Jay, Riaan, Raiansh, yug and Shourya dragged Kabir into a "groom's side" pose full of playful teasing. The Gen Z squad insisted on a goofy "hands in the air" shot, while the little munchkins Krish, Hridhaan, and Jahaan photobombed half the pictures with cheeky grins. Once the photos were done, the guests made their way to the open-air dining area. Long tables were set under glowing lanterns, and the air was filled with the aroma of rich North Indian delicacies, saffron biryani, butter naan, paneer lababdar, and fragrant dal makhani. A live counter served steaming kebabs and chaat, while a dessert corner displayed miniature gulab jamuns, chocolate mousse, and kesar kulfi. Kabir and Kashish moved from table to table, greeting guests and accepting blessings, their hands occasionally brushing, their glances saying more than words. The evening closed with everyone enjoying the hearty meal, laughter mingling with the clink of cutlery, and the Diwan farmhouse glowing in the quiet Kasol night.

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And that's how Kabir and Kashish's engagement night unfolded , A blend of laughter, blessings, and unspoken promises under the Kasol stars.
What did you think of this chapter?
Which moment stood out to you the most, The Gen Z surprise dance, the teasing from both families, or the quiet hand-holding no one was supposed to notice?
Tell me your favorite scene in the comments. Your thoughts always inspire me for the next chapter.

All images are property of their respective sources.

VOTE AND COMMENT

-[Pristi Scrolls]