Just then, Chahat's mother-in-law entered the room. The moment she saw Aarav and Chahat standing together, a soft smile spread across her face. There was a sense of deep satisfaction in her eyes. To her, they didn't look like a forced couple anymore… they looked perfect, as if they truly belonged together.
With love in her eyes, she walked closer. She took a small amount of kajal and gently applied a tiny dot behind Chahat's ear to protect her from the evil eye. Then she lovingly performed a nazar ritual for both of them, silently praying for their happiness.
Downstairs, the guests had already gathered and were eagerly waiting to see the new bride. Suddenly, a cheerful voice called out,
"Oh Aarav's mother! How long will you make us wait? At least let us see your moon-like daughter-in-law!"
Aarav's mother smiled and replied,
"Just a little more patience… she's coming."
She then gently pulled Chahat's veil (ghoonghat) over her face and held her hand, guiding her downstairs. Carefully, she made her sit among the guests.
Since it was a ladies-only function, Aarav couldn't be present there directly. So, he stood in the balcony above, quietly watching everything from a distance.
One by one, the women came forward. Each of them lifted Chahat's veil slightly, admired her beauty, praised her grace, and gifted her small presents as part of the ceremony. The atmosphere was filled with laughter, admiration, and warmth.
Among them was an elderly grandmother. Unlike the others, she had nothing to give. This made her feel extremely uncomfortable and embarrassed. She hesitated to even come forward, as she noticed everyone else offering gifts.
After gathering some courage, she slowly stepped toward Chahat. Her eyes were lowered, her hands slightly folded, and her body language reflected hesitation and shame.
With trembling hands, she gently lifted Chahat's veil and said in a soft, apologetic voice,
"Dear… please forgive me. I have nothing to give you. My situation is such that even if I wanted to, I couldn't bring anything for you."
There was a clear uneasiness in her eyes.
Chahat looked at her with warmth and immediately shook her head gently.
"Dadi, please don't make me feel embarrassed like this," she said softly.
"Who said that relationships become strong only through gifts?"
She continued, her voice filled with sincerity,
"I am truly happy that you came here today and became a part of my happiness. That is more than enough for me."
Then she added gently,
"And please don't fold your hands in front of me. Elders look beautiful when they give blessings… not when they apologize."
The old woman's lips curved into an emotional smile, and tears filled her eyes. She lovingly placed her hand on Chahat's face and said,
"Dear, you are very sweet… and very understanding."
Then she turned toward Chahat's mother-in-law and said with admiration,
"You are very lucky to have such a loving and संस्कारी daughter-in-law. Girls like her are rare these days."
Chahat's mother-in-law smiled proudly and nodded.
"Yes… you are absolutely right."
The elderly woman then placed her hand on Chahat's head and blessed her,
"May you always remain happily married… may you always stay blessed."
With that, she slowly walked away.
And with this heartfelt moment, Chahat's Muh Dikhai ceremony came to an end.
From the balcony, Aarav had witnessed everything.
Every word… every expression… every emotion.
And something inside him shifted.
Chahat's behavior… her kindness… her respect for elders… it all touched his heart deeply. A soft smile appeared on his face without him even realizing it.
For the first time, he wasn't just seeing Chahat as someone who had entered his life because of circumstances… he was seeing her as someone truly special.
Her actions had quietly increased her respect in his eyes.
And somewhere, deep inside…
A question began to rise—
Was Chahat slowly finding a place in Aarav's heart?
Was her presence… her warmth… quietly healing something within him?
And was Aarav finally starting to move on from Myra?
To find out… stay connected with the story.