# **Chapter 20: Engagement, Preparations, and Wedding – A Destiny Rewritten**
The pre-wedding phase began like a dream—filled with movement, color, emotion, and an undercurrent of something deeply personal.
Shopping days stretched long, yet never felt tiring.
Nisha stood in front of mirrors, trying on sarees, lehengas, jewelry—her reflection evolving into that of a bride.
“Maa… how is this one?” she asked, holding a deep red lehenga against herself.
Her mother didn’t respond immediately.
She simply looked.
For a few seconds too long.
Then softly:
“I had imagined choosing sherwanis for you once… preparing my son for his wedding…”
Her voice trembled slightly.
“But today… seeing you like this… I feel something else.”
She stepped closer.
“Peace.”
Nisha held her hand tightly.
“Maa… this is who I always was… maybe we just didn’t know how to see it then.”
Her mother nodded, wiping her tears quietly.
---
#### **Engagement Ceremony**
The engagement day arrived with warmth and anticipation.
Nisha wore a richly embroidered red lehenga, gold jewelry adorning her neck and wrists, jasmine flowers resting gently in her hair.
As she entered, Brijesh looked at her—and for a moment, everything else faded.
“You’re… unreal,” he whispered when she sat beside him.
She smiled softly.
“And I’m yours.”
During the ring exchange, her mother placed Nisha’s hand into Brijesh’s.
“I once thought I would give away my son’s bride… but today… I give my daughter… and I do it with pride.”
Nisha’s eyes filled.
“Maa…”
The rings were exchanged.
Applause followed.
But for Nisha, everything felt quiet—centered—right.
---
#### **Mehendi**
The Mehendi ceremony was filled with color, laughter, and teasing.
Intricate designs covered Nisha’s hands and feet, weaving stories of love and new beginnings.
Naina laughed:
“Hide his name well—let him struggle!”
Nisha giggled, her eyes glowing.
Music played, relatives danced, conversations flowed endlessly.
---
#### **Sangeet**
The Sangeet night was vibrant.
Lights, music, performances.
But the most special moment came when Nisha and Brijesh danced together.
There was no performance in it.
Just connection.
At one point, he leaned closer and said:
“Next time we dance… it will be as husband and wife.”
She looked at him, smiling softly.
“I’ve already accepted that.”
---
#### **Wedding Day**
The wedding morning arrived with stillness beneath the celebration.
Nisha sat quietly as she was dressed in a red Gujarati saree, gold jewelry placed carefully, jasmine woven into her hair.
She looked at herself in the mirror.
Not with surprise.
But with completion.
*"From Sushant… to this… this is my truth."*
---
Her mother entered.
She tried to stay composed—but couldn’t.
“You look… exactly how you were meant to.”
Nisha stood up and hugged her tightly.
“I was always yours, Maa… just like this.”
Her mother whispered:
“I know… now I know.”
---
At the mandap, Brijesh stood waiting.
The moment their eyes met, everything settled.
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#### **Kanyadaan**
Her mother held her hand, placing it into Brijesh’s.
“This child… has lived many lives to reach here. Take care of her.”
Brijesh nodded firmly.
“I will. Always.”
---
#### **Pheras**
As they walked around the sacred fire, each step felt meaningful.
Brijesh whispered:
“Every step… together.”
Nisha replied:
“Always.”
---
#### **Sindoor & Mangalsutra**
When he applied sindoor and tied the mangalsutra, Nisha felt a deep emotional shift.
Not just marriage.
Belonging.
Completion.
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