After breakfast, everyone settled in the living area. Kashish sat beside Kabir on the couch, smiling as family members started bringing small gifts for her. Kabir's eyes softened as he watched her receive so much love.

Devansh said, stepping forward with Shivangi "Kashish, this is a Heritage Diamond Set, specially designed for you. We've gifted similar sets to our other bahus on their first day at the Singhania mansion. Now it's your turn." Shivangi added with a warm smile: "We wanted to make this special for you." Kashish replied softly: "Thank you so much, Dada-Dadi." She held the sparkling set carefully in her hands, her eyes glowing.

Next, Rajiv and Nandini approached, holding a gold kada engraved with the family crest.

Aman stepped forward with Sandhya, handing over a pair of diamond earrings. Arjun and Jeevika followed with an emerald choker and matching earrings.

Then came Abhimanyu and Akriti with something very personal. Abhimanyu said proudly "Kashish beta ,  This is a scholarship program under your name for underprivileged children." Akriti added, smiling "And we also got you a villa at your favorite destination, Leh-Ladakh. Your parents told us how much you love it." Kashish's said warmly  Thank you both, really." Kabir said enough to make it hear for all "They know exactly how to spoil you."

Jay and Diya arrived next with a set of limited-edition royal sarees Banarasi, Kanjeevaram, and Patola woven with gold thread. Riaan and Sandhya handed her a gold and diamond bracelet engraved with Kabir and Kashish's initials. Shourya and Tanushri presented a diamond-encrusted clutch. Piyali, holding a folder of papers, came forward she said  "This is from Raiansh and me, A rose garden in his wildlife luxury safari named after you, and a custom artwork for your office walls with sculptures." Kashish's said Thank you!"

Naksh held out a customized Hermes handbag. Naksh said teasingly: "Rhea helped me choose it... so it's basically approved by me too." Kashish laughed, shaking her head and replied "Too stylish" Yatharth stepped forward, holding two small gift boxes Yatharth explained "These are from Yug bhaiya 24K anklets." Finally, Yatharth Alia, Arohi, and Ivaan presented luxury watches and high-end sunglasses.

Riaan teased loudly and said  "Kabir, hope you're taking notes. You've got some stiff competition now in gifting." Naksh laughed and added "Bhai, better keep up or she'll start comparing" Kabir chuckled, looking at Kashish: "I think I can manage...." Kashish leaned slightly towards him, a glowing smile on her face, feeling the warmth and love of her new family

✨✨

After the gift-giving ceremony, the Singhanias gradually returned to their respective routines. Some  went for personal errands, and a few retreated to their rooms to relax after the busy morning. Today, however, there was a rare calm in the mansion, no one had pressing work except Raiansh and Yug, who had urgent professional commitments that couldn't be postponed.

Meanwhile, the family had thoughtfully arranged a lunch to honor those who couldn't attend Kabir and Kashish's wedding. Most of the guests were close friends of Abhimanyu and Akriti from the medical world, doctors, professors, and colleagues of Kabir who had ties to the hospital. A few distant relatives of the Singhanias, who had been unable to make it to the grand wedding, were also invited.

Kashish sat in front of the long mirror, adjusting her saree for the hundredth time. Tanushri and Piyali had just helped her get ready and had gone downstairs, leaving her alone with her thoughts. A flutter of nerves settled in her chest.

Her phone buzzed. It was Jiya. Taking a deep breath, Kashish answered, her fingers twisting the edge of her saree.

"Hi, Jiya bol," she said softly, her voice betraying a hint of unease.

Even through the phone, Jiya sensed it. "Hey, what happened, Kashish? My newly bride sounds different. Something's wrong?"

Kashish looked down at her hands, fiddling with the delicate fabric. "I don't know, Jiya it's just, I feel a little pressured. A bit stressed."

"Did Kabir say anything?" Jiya asked, her voice steady and probing.

Kashish glanced toward the mirror, catching her reflection for a moment, then looked away. "No, he's been really nice. He makes me feel comfortable. And the whole family, they've been so kind, so caring. But I don't know. I feel nervous."

"Calm down, Kashish. You're getting way too nervous," Jiya said, her tone firm but warm.

Kashish's fingers twisted the saree hem again. "It's because Kabir's Ma and Papa have arranged a lunch for the guests who couldn't attend our wedding. Mostly Kabir's parents and his friends, doctors and professionals. What if,  what if they judge me?"

"Kashish! Since when are you worried about what others think? You've never been like this. Calm down, pretty lady. You're beautiful, intelligent and no one can take that away," Jiya said sharply, but encouragingly.

Kashish bit her lip, glancing at the reflection in the mirror as if seeking reassurance. "But... Abhimanyu Papa and Akriti Maa have such respect in this society. I don't want anyone to judge them because of me."

"You are beautiful in your own way. No one is going to judge you. Be yourself. Cheer up. Go downstairs, everyone's waiting. And tell me, when are you heading to the Diwan mansion for your Pag Phera?" Jiya added, her voice gentle but insistent. (Pag Phera ceremony, the bride has to stay at her parental home for two or three days, as a part of post wedding ritual)

Kashish smiled faintly, a soft blush warming her cheeks. "After this lunch party. Kabir will drop me there, but I'll come back tonight after dinner. I can't take too many holidays Jiya, the AIIMS Project Phase 3 preparations are still pending."

"Don't worry, Kashish. Aryan and I are here. But still I won't force you. If you want, you can join your firm from tomorrow. But knowing you, you probably won't listen to me anyway," Jiya teased lightly, and a small laugh escaped Kashish's lips.

"Alright we'll meet tomorrow," Kashish replied, smiling a little more genuinely now.

She hung up, took a deep, steadying breath, and ran her fingers once more along the edge of her saree, letting herself absorb a moment of calm before heading downstairs to face the lunch.

Just then, Kabir stepped into the room. He had been in the study, giving Kashish time to get ready in peace. As he entered, he saw her near the mirror, adjusting her earrings.

"Are you ready?" he asked gently.

Sensing him, Kashish stood up from the chair and walked toward him. "Yes I'm ready."

But Kabir noticed a nervous flicker in her eyes "Are you okay?" he asked softly.

She hesitated, then blurted, "Kabir do I look fine? Is my makeup too loud? Is the lipstick too dark? And this saree, does the color even suit me?"

Kabir led her to the edge of the bed and made her sit. Taking a seat beside her, he said, "Look at me, Kashish. Why are you so nervous? I've never seen you like this,  Not even in the AIIMS boardroom when you stood infront of the Top surgeons and You were not even this nervous on our wedding day."

"I don't know," she admitted, her voice trembling. "I'm just afraid of people judging me." Tears welled up in her eyes.

"Hey, hey... don't cry," Kabir murmured. He quickly pulled out his handkerchief and handed it to her. She took it, dabbing at her tears. carefully, 

"Shall I postpone the lunch party?" he asked seriously "I'll tell Maa we can do it another day. Because right now, I don't see you fine."

Her eyes widened. "No, no... it's okay. I'll be fine. Just emotions got the better of me."

Kabir searched her face. "Are you sure you're okay with the party?"

"Yes," she nodded, a little firmer this time.

"Then don't overthink," he said.

She tried to smile while carefully wiping tears, mindful of her makeup. Kabir teased, "Nervous, overthinking, crying... but still making sure the makeup doesn't smudge."

That earned him a glare and then a laugh from Kashish. "You'll always find a way to tease me, won't you?"

"And you'll always find a way to tease me back," he countered with a smile.

Their laughter melted the heaviness in the room. Kabir stood, went to his wardrobe, and returned carrying two bags. He placed them before her.

"What's this?" she asked curiously.

"Open it," he said simply.

The first gift was a beautifully customized photo frame of her family. Kashish's lips curved into a tender smile as she looked at it.

"Thank you," she whispered, touched.

"Your family deserves a place in our room," Kabir said warmly.

Then she opened the second bag. Her breath caught. It was a stunning saree, its fabric engraved with tiny, intricate motifs narrating their journey from their first meeting at AIIMS to their wedding day.

"Kabir..." her voice broke. "This, this is unbelievable. I'm not finding words to describe how beautiful the saree is . How did you even think of this?"

He shrugged lightly, a teasing glint in his eyes. "Even though I'm a strict, silent neurosurgeon, I still know what to gift my wife."

Their eyes locked, and they shared a smile full of meaning. Kabir said her "cheer up I will get ready. And kashish you look beautiful like always." This words of him brought genuine smile on her face and she felt much better. 

Kabir glanced at her when she is still surprised with the gifts kabir gave her, he said "By the way, I should've told you earlier, the breakfast you made today was really delicious. I liked it." Kashish gave a soft smile and replied "Thank you."

He hesitated for a second, then admitted honestly, "To be true, I didn't think you would cook so well. Sorry, if that sounds blunt."

Kashish's lips curved and she said "Your guess is fifty percent correct. I do know cooking, but not the details and I wasn't much aware of traditional Himalayan food."

Kabir raised his brows slightly "Then how did you manage today?" She lowered her eyes and replied calmly, "When our marriage got fixed, between the roka and engagement, A cook used to come to Diwan Mansion and teach me. That's how I learned."

Kabir looked at her with mild surprise and replied "It wasn't necessary, Kashish. You knew the staff were always there to cook. Why take that stress?" Kashish met his gaze with quiet composure and said  "Yes, I know. But what's wrong in learning? At least it made me feel prepared."

Kabir studied her for a beat, then nodded slightly, a faint smile tugging his lips "Fair enough. If it was in your interest, then it's fine. but the breakfast was genuinely good." Kashish's expression softened, a little glow of pride flickering in her eyes and she replied "I'm glad you liked it."

A few minutes later, Kabir went to change into his suit for the lunch party, leaving Kashish still holding the saree close to her heart.

✨✨

As Kabir and Kashish stepped into the grand living area of the Singhania mansion, the soft hum of chatter and laughter filled the air. The hall was decorated elegantly, sunlight filtering through the tall windows and glinting off the polished chandeliers. Families and guests turned almost in unison, and soon the murmurs grew into smiles, claps, and greetings.

"Ah, here comes our newlyweds!" Jay announced cheerfully, and all eyes instantly warmed upon them.

A few of Abhimanyu and Akriti's doctor friends came forward first, shaking Kabir's hand firmly and congratulating him. One of the senior doctors, Dr. Rishab Batra smiling with fondness, said, "Kabir, we saw you as a resident, always lost in your surgeries. And today, seeing you with your wife, ah! time runs fast indeed. Congratulations, to you both."

Another Doctor friend of Abhimanyu came forward, with a playful smirk, turned to Kashish and said. "You'll have to get used to it, Kashish. Singhania men are too dedicated to their stethoscopes. If Kabir ever disappears from sight, just check the hospital first," He teased, making the crowd laugh.

Kashish blushed softly, lowering her eyes, while Kabir gave a faint chuckle and gently placed his hand over hers, as if wordlessly reassuring her.

Piyali rushed to her side, "Look at you, Kashish , glowing like a bride should. No wonder Kabir bhai is walking taller today."

Tanushri joined in with a mischievous grin and said, "Walking taller? He's floating.

The elders laughed lightly at the teasing while Kabir only shook his head, the corners of his lips curving in helpless amusement.

Akriti stepped forward then, touching Kashish's cheek affectionately. "You look beautiful, beta. This house already feels warmer with you in it."

And Abhimanyu, with his steady, fatherly voice, added, "The way you've blended into this family, Kashish, makes us proud. Today, more than guests, we celebrate having you with us."

Kashish said Thank you Ma papa. 

As the lunch party gradually came to an end, the grand living room echoed with lingering laughter, blessings, and the clinking of glasses. Guests began to disperse, still showering Kashish with compliments, while the Singhania cousins refused to let her go without a final round of teasing.

Soon, it was time for Kashish's Pag Phera. With warmth and love, the Singhanias escorted the couple to the waiting car. Akriti kissed her daughter-in-law's forehead, whispering, "Go, Kashish beta, spend some time with your parents... but remember, this is your home now, too."

Kashish's eyes softened, touched by the affection. Kabir quietly guided her as they left.

At her maternal home, Kashish was enveloped in the familiar fragrance of sandalwood and jasmine. Her mother's arms wrapped around her instantly, and her father's eyes shone with pride. There was laughter, playful tears, and endless talk. Her brothers teased her about being "Singhania madam now," while her mother couldn't stop fussing over her favorite dishes laid out in Kashish's honor.

But as night descended, the time came to return. Though her heart felt heavy leaving her parents again, Kashish found comfort in the way Kabir held the car door open for her, steady and protective.

The car ride back was wrapped in a soft silence. The world outside blurred into streaks of gold streetlights against the night sky. Inside, it was just the two of them.

Kashish leaned against the seat, her bangles faintly tinkling, the veil of her dupatta catching the moonlight. Kabir, one hand on the wheel, glanced at her briefly before speaking, his voice low and steady.

"Tired?" he asked.

She gave a small smile, shaking her head. "Not tired. Just... it feels strange. In the morning I was at singhania mansion, in evening at Diwan mansion, and now going back to my other home. It's like I belong to two worlds now."

Kabir's lips curved into a faint smile. "And both worlds are lucky to have you."

She looked at him, eyes softening. "You always know how to say the right thing, don't you?"

"Not always," he admitted, glancing at her with a playful spark in his otherwise serious eyes. "But when it comes to you, I try harder."

Her cheeks warmed, and she turned her face towards the window, hiding a smile. The car moved smoothly through the quiet night, carrying them back to where their life together truly awaited.

*************************************************************************

That's All for today. 

Hello Pristians. 

I know many of you were excited for the lunch party and pag-phere, but since Kabir & Kashish are already married, I didn't want to drag these rituals too long. From here, their journey together, their love, conflicts, and growth will take center stage. The family will still be there, but the spotlight will stay on them. 💕

But if you'd like me to include more of the joint family moments as well, let me know in the comments, I'd love to hear your thoughts. 

Lots of love, and thank you for staying with me on this journey.💛

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- [Pristi Scrolls]