A little while later, everyone headed towards the Trivedi Mansion. After a while, Advik's car stopped in front of a massive gate.
Beyond the gate lay a vast grassy field with a large circular fountain in the center. As the fountain sprayed water, it formed the shape of a rainbow, enhanced by seven-colored lights that illuminated the mist, creating a mesmerizing effect.
The fountain's glow extended across the entire garden, casting a magical aura. Beyond it stood a grand mansion, almost resembling a castle. The mansion was breathtaking—pure white with a blue rooftop, surrounded by a stunning garden filled with white roses. It was a sight too beautiful to put into words.
The path leading to the villa was long, lined with picturesque spots. Security was exceptionally tight, ensuring that no one entered without permission. As the car stopped in front of the entrance, Usha Ji stepped out first, followed by Anya.
Just then, two girls emerged from the house—Advik's sisters. One was his real sister, Trisha, while the other was his cousin, Lavanya. Both of them immediately ran to Anya, embracing her warmly before guiding her to the entrance.
Meanwhile, Usha Ji went inside to oversee the preparations for the Griha Pravesh ritual. Soon, a group of women emerged, one of them carrying a ceremonial aarti plate. This woman was Pallavi Ji, Advik's aunt. The others included his aunts and other family members who had attended the wedding.
Pallavi Ji stepped forward and performed aarti for both Advik and Anya, applying a tilak on their foreheads. A maid, Sheetal, following Usha Ji's instructions, placed a pot filled with rice in front of Anya and positioned a plate filled with red-colored alta nearby.
Pallavi Ji then smiled and instructed,
"Dear, now gently push this pot with your right foot and step into the plate of alta, leaving your footprints as you enter the house."
Despite hearing Pallavi Ji's words, Anya remained unresponsive. Everyone present could sense her emotional turmoil. Noticing this, Pallavi Ji subtly signaled Trisha, who immediately held Anya's hand, guiding her to tip the rice pot lightly with her foot.
Trisha, concerned about Advik's reaction, softly pleaded, "Please, Bhabi, at least complete the rituals."
Finally, Anya reacted and hesitantly placed her foot in the alta-filled plate. However, she lost her balance slightly, but Lavanya quickly caught her, supporting her forward.
Pallavi Ji then led them to the temple inside the mansion and instructed them to seek blessings. Without a word, Anya followed the instructions, bowing before the deity alongside Advik.
Soon, Usha Ji arrived with another plate filled with turmeric-colored alta, holding it before Anya.
"Now, dear, place both your hands in this plate and imprint them on this wall," she instructed.
Obediently, Anya pressed her hands into the yellow alta and left her handprints on the temple wall.
At that moment, a sharp voice interrupted the ceremony.
"So, you finally brought this beggar into our house!"
Everyone turned to see Poonam Ji, fuming with anger. She continued,
"Listen carefully! I do not and will never accept this girl as my daughter-in-law! The only rightful daughter-in-law of this house is Vedika Arnav Trivedi! This girl has no place here!"
Before anyone could react, Grandfather raised his hand, his voice firm.
"Enough, Poonam! I have not given you control over this house yet. You do not have the right to decide who stays and who doesn't!"
Hearing his authoritative tone, Poonam fell silent, fuming with rage. Frustrated, she stormed away, her heels clicking sharply against the floor.
As soon as she left, Trisha let out a relieved sigh.
"Thank God she's gone! Otherwise, we would've had to endure another long lecture!"
Her remark made everyone laugh. But Lavanya suddenly remembered something.
"Oh no! Grandma, one ritual is still left!"
She led everyone to the grand hall, where a large bowl filled with milk was placed in the center. Just by looking at it, it was evident that this ritual had already been performed earlier.
In excitement, Lavanya and Trisha blurted out,
"Grandma, you know what? Arnav Bhai lost to Vedika Bhabi! That means he'll have to obey her forever!"
The moment these words left their lips, Pallavi Ji shot them a sharp glare, making them realize their mistake. Embarrassed, they quickly tried to change the subject.
Just then, Advik stepped away from Anya and walked up to his grandfather.
"Grandpa, I fulfilled my promise and got married. Now, please fulfill mine. Let me leave. I have a flight to London in 15 minutes."
His words shocked everyone, especially Pallavi Ji and Grandma, who immediately protested.
"Son, how can you leave like this? Today is your wedding day!"
But Advik's face remained emotionless.
"I married her. That itself is a big deal. But I will not ruin my business because of this wedding. You all know how important my work is to me. I have a crucial meeting in London, and I must go now."
Without waiting for another word, he pulled off the ceremonial knot binding him to Anya and walked away…
Is this what love does to a person?
What do you all think?
Will Anya ever believe in love again?
Will Advik ever acknowledge this marriage?
To find out, keep reading The Incomplete Bride.