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“What about the Mangalsutra and Sindoor?” Daadi asked expectantly.
Dhruv sighed, knowing this would displease her.
“Daadi, I thought we'd do traditional rituals this weekend,” Ranveer explained gently.
She sighed in disappointment but said nothing more.
Together, Ranveer and Maya bent to receive Daadi's blessing, then Garima and Pammi's. Dhruv snapped selfies and a group photo.
“The family is now complete,” he proclaimed happily, hugging the newlyweds. His own eyes misted with joyful tears.
Chapter 47
Paradise
The grihapravesh rituals were kept simple. Aisha and Laura congratulated the newlyweds before taking their leave. After dinner, Garima and Pammi planned something with Subhadra but she didn't fully agree with. Oblivious, Maya scanned the house once again where she had been living from quite some time now with her mother. It was different before. Now she was officially part of not just this house, but this family too – and it was still hard to digest.
A phone call broke her reverie - it was from the man Ranveer despised, Kunal Malik. Neither he nor his father Dev had attended the courthouse wedding, nor had they been invited. Despite knowing of Ranveer's immense dislike for the father-son duo, Maya decided not to ignore Kunal's call.
“Hello, Mrs. Ranveer,” Kunal greeted her smugly.
Maya blinked in Ranveer's direction but gave no indication it was his stepbrother on the line.
“Hi Kunal. No need for 'Mrs. Ranveer' - Maya is fine,” she replied evenly.
“Will keep that in mind. But tell me, how does it feel to suddenly become rich?” he probed snidely.
His implication stabbed at her, though she knew people like the Maliks would always see her as a gold-digger no matter what. As much as she wanted to lash out, she couldn't. Playing nice was the only way to uncover their plans against Ranveer. She couldn't risk that, not now.
“I hope you're not actually falling for the man,” Kunal continued. “This marriage is just for money and status, right? Or is your heart melting? I hope not.”
Maya controlled her rising anger. “Why did you call?”
“Looks like I upset the blushing bride,” he taunted. “I just called you to remind you not to forget our deal. I hope you are still with us.”
“I am,” she stated evenly, “And don't forget it was your idea that I accepted Ranveer's proposal. So, tell me what's your next move, Kunal?” Maya pressed. “What schemes lurk in that twisted mind of yours?”
He chuckled. “Easy, Maya. You just got married, don't be so eager to ruin your husband's peace already. I'll share plans tomorrow. For now, enjoy your first married day. I mean your first night.”
Maya rolled her eyes at the insinuation. His evasiveness confirmed she'd have to keep waiting to uncover his intentions. After ending the useless call, she smiled at approaching Daadi.
“Maya, we need to discuss the wedding plans at Jaipur.”
“Now?” Ranveer asked impatiently reaching the two.
“It's only three days away, Ranveer. This can't be delayed. Come along,” she said, taking Maya's hand.
“And you,” she turned to Dhruv, “Keep an eye on Ranveer. I don't want him disturbing us until we finish.”
Dhruv nodded eagerly as Ranveer shot his retreating wife an exasperated look, making her stifle a laugh. The playful glint in her eyes told him she was enjoying this, and that was enough - she was happy with their marriage. For now, that was all that mattered.
******************
Few hours later
Daadi had grand plans for an extravagant wedding with over 2000 guests. As she enthusiastically outlined her vision, Maya tried not to show her disappointment. Denying Daadi's wishes was the last thing she wanted, but this wasn't the intimate event she had imagined. Still, it was Daadi's right to have a say in her grandson's wedding.
“Those are my ideas,” Daadi concluded. “What do you think?”
