Page 177 of One Hellish Passion

“Who told her?”

“Kunal. Now stop thinking about him and get out. I will try to hold her up at the lobby and buy you some time.”

“Buy me ten minutes,” he grumbled and disconnected the call.

Maya was highly disappointed with Kunal’s behavior.

“That’s why I didn’t want the Maliks to be here,” he groaned.

“Keep friends close and enemies closer.” She handed him the shirt again. “That’s your rule.” She reminded.

Ranveer rolled his eyes and snatched the shirt from her.

“We aren’t doing anything that can be termed as wrong in other’s eyes. I don’t understand why they are making an issue with it? We are legally married.”

“Ssh,” she cupped his cheeks. “Don’t spoil your mood.”

He plastered a smile on his face.

“Your ten minutes are up,” she reminded when he tried to cuddle her.

“F*ck!” he groaned and left the room.

Slowly the barriers between them had started to fade, and they were coming closer. Maya thought she wasn’t prepared, but that’s the fun of a relationship; you grow as it grows. Gradually.

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

Few Hours Later

“Where were you last night?” Daadi asked Ranveer while helping him dress up for the wedding. The designer bright maroon sherwani fit him well, and this was the first time he hadn’t denied wearing traditional outfits.

Ranveer, who was buttoning up, paused.

“Maya’s room,” he admitted.

Daadi was shocked and displeased.

“Daadi,” Ranveer clutched her forearms and made her sit on the bed. “I don’t want to lie to you.”

“But you can disrespect my beliefs on rituals?” she asked.

“We never showed any disrespect, even though I may not believe in them myself. Maya and I have always stayed within the boundaries, Daadi, out of respect for you and your beliefs. We just talked and slept together. There's nothing inherently wrong with it. Whether by tradition or not, we're still married. Please don’t drag this now.”

Daadi’s anger slowly mellowed down.

“You are my world, Ranveer. And your happiness always will be my priority. I am glad that you didn’t lie to me. I appreciate that.”

She smiled and then stood up on her feet. “Let me go and see if the bride is ready. I cannot wait for this marriage to happen.”

“Neither can I,” he admitted.

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

Maya looked absolutely stunning in the heavy bridal lehnga designed by Roshni Kundra. Garima got her down to the canopy where Ranveer was already waiting for the rituals to begin. Their eyes locked with each other’s for a few seconds. His powerful gaze never failed to bring a shiver to her body. Any woman would want a man to look at her the way Ranveer was admiring her right then. It revealed his desire for her. Flashes of their past fights, arguments, and enmity slowly turning into care, love, and respect for each other crossed their minds. They had come a long way, and there was yet a long way they had to go, but together.

Maya took a seat beside Ranveer, who remained entranced by her presence. It took a gentle shake from Daadi to snap him out of his reverie and focus on the priest's instructions. The onlookers chuckled at his distraction. A man of short temper like him had fallen deeply in love with his wife, and everyone could notice his undying affection for her. As the rituals commenced, they followed the priest's guidance, exchanging tender touches. Maya bowed her head as Ranveer adorned her with the Mangalsutra and applied Sindoor to her forehead. It was a moment of sanctity for them both. Daadi's wisdom rang true; these rituals drew them closer spiritually, not just physically.

Dev and Kunal Malik stood aloof, witnessing the event with not-so-good expressions. As the couple took the seven pheras, everyone showered rose petals on them. Garima’s eyes were moist with tears. This was one moment she was desperately waiting for. And here it was. Her daughter was married to the man who would love her for eternity.

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