Today was the Mangni and Sagai, a formal engagement ceremony with the exchange of magnificent rings, engagement blessings, and the formal confirmation of the marriage between the two families.
Everywhere was decorated in the most breathtaking shades of Rani pink, champagne gold, and pearl white.
The enormous palace seemed to glow beneath the decorations.
Rani pink drapes flowed from the balconies while champagne gold fabrics covered the grand arches. Pearl white flowers filled enormous crystal vases, and golden lanterns illuminated the marble courtyards. Thousands of flowers decorated the staircases, fountains, corridors, gardens, and ceremonial halls.
The entire estate looked like a dream.
Nikolai and his whole family walked into the palace.
Meanwhile, Lily, whom everyone lovingly called Mihu, was getting dressed by the girls.
Mila was sitting comfortably in Mr Kadeon's arms.
"Hi, baby," Nikolai said as he approached and took her from him.
"Hi, Dada," Mila replied, immediately hugging him.
"Miss me?"
"Biggggggg!"
Nikolai laughed loudly as Mila giggled.
Daya watched the father and daughter together from across the hall.
Riyana wiped her hands as Daya approached her.
"Mrs Riyana, great decorations," Daya said.
"Thank you," Riyana replied politely.
"So, how are preparations for our list? I am sure it must be ready?"
"Yeah," Riyana answered.
"Well, it must be, or else this wedding wouldn't happen," Daya said.
"Nikolai is the one to choose, not you," Sohan said from behind Riyana.
Daya smiled.
"Well, I decide that."
"Nick, come here please," Sohan called.
Nikolai walked toward his father while holding Mila.
"Yes, Father. Do you want to stop this?"
"No," Nikolai replied.
"All right. Have fun with Mil," Sohan said.
Nikolai looked directly at Daya.
His stare was cold enough to make her shake slightly.
"Dada, look! Mama here!"
Mila pointed excitedly.
Everyone turned.
Lilith was walking toward them.
Nikolai's entire face became red.
"Oh my goodness, look at Nick's face!" Alistair said.
"She is gorgeous," Zoe said.
"Boss is so gorgeous!" Amelia exclaimed.
"Yeah, look at Nikolai's face," Genevra added.
"Even the King of Kings is melting because of his own wife," Zorina teased.
Everyone laughed.
Nikolai walked toward Lilith and sat beside her.
"Hey," he whispered.
"Hi," she replied shyly.
The Mangni, Sagai, Kurmai, and Chunni Ceremony began.
The groom's family presented the bride with an ornate chunni, magnificent jewelry, sweets, and beautiful gifts.
The elders gathered around the couple and formally blessed them.
The families exchanged greetings while the engagement was officially confirmed.
Then came the rings.
Nikolai took Lilith's hand gently.
He slipped the magnificent engagement ring onto her finger.
Lilith smiled shyly before placing his ring onto his finger.
The entire room erupted in applause.
"Yayyyyy!"
Mila clapped excitedly.
Witkor was chewing gum nearby.
"Careful, baby," he warned Mila.
Lilith received gifts from all the guests and families.
There were pure gold ornaments, diamonds, precious stones, newlywed clothes, embroidered fabrics, jewelry boxes, traditional Punjabi accessories, luxury gifts, and magnificent ceremonial presents.
Nikolai leaned toward Lilith's ear.
"I can't wait to see you wear them all for me, all dressed up as my new bride."
Lilith's cheeks immediately turned bright red.
She covered part of her face.
Nikolai smiled.
Riyana sat down and wiped her face.
"Are you okay, Ria?" Mrs Francesca asked.
"I feel so tired. I still have to check on the list Ma Daya gave—"
Riyana suddenly stopped.
Mrs Francesca looked at her.
"What list?"
"Oh, it is nothing really. Just bridal things I need to check on in the kitchen."
Riyana quickly stood.
"Please have some sweets."
She hurried away.
"List?"
Mrs Francesca watched her suspiciously.
She walked toward Nikolai and whispered into his ear.
Nikolai's face immediately became cold.
"List?"
She nodded.
"We found out, Nick. Let's pray this wedding goes well. She can't ruin it for all of us."
Nikolai nodded.
"I won't let her."
By evening, everyone gathered in the family chambers.
The gifts were opened one after another.
Jewelry.
Sweets.
Clothes.
Boxes filled with diamonds.
Gold ornaments.
Traditional bridal accessories.
Newlywed outfits.
Everyone giggled and laughed as they admired each present.
The palace was filled with happiness.
Eventually, Riyana became exhausted.
She fell asleep in Sohan's arms.
Sohan gently rocked her.
"Sleep, Ria," he whispered.
She remained peacefully asleep against him.
One by one, everyone else went to bed.
The enormous palace finally became quiet.
In the middle of the night, Aram was asleep.
A lady was being guided by Rafsan.
"There he is," Rafsan whispered.
She slowly approached the bed.
She sat beside Aram.
Her hand moved gently across his face.
"My child," she whispered.
She kissed his cheeks.
Aram remained deeply asleep.
The woman admired him quietly.
Tears rolled down her cheeks.
Morning arrived.
Everyone gathered for breakfast.
Riyana sat at the table.
"Come on. Let me serve the family."
Sohan held both of her hands.
Instead, he fed her himself.
"Eat," he said firmly.
Riyana smiled.
Mila was sitting nearby while Bhairavi fed her.
Today was the Haldi and Vatna Ceremony.
The traditional ceremony involved turmeric and fragrant ceremonial pastes being lovingly applied to the bride and groom.
"Mil, you go give Papa turmeric?" Ariz asked.
"Yep!"
Mila clapped.
Everywhere was decorated in yellow.
Yellow flowers covered the halls.
Yellow fabrics hung from the balconies.
Golden lanterns illuminated the courtyards.
The palace looked radiant.
Meanwhile, at Nikolai's mansion, the family was gathering.
"Welcome, Abuelo!"
Nikolai hugged Don Álvaro.
"Where are my little tigers and tigress?" Álvaro asked.
"GRANNYYY!!!!!"
Mattie, Anna, Olga, Yelane, and Roshini came running toward him.
He opened his arms and hugged them.
"Where is she?" he asked.
"With her mama," Nikolai answered.
"Aww," Álvaro said sadly.
"Where is Juan?"
"Hi, Dad."
Juan walked in and hugged him.
Then he noticed the woman standing behind his father.
His smile immediately disappeared.
Juan pulled away.
"What is this bitch doing here?!"
The woman stood silently.
Roshini waddled toward Austin.
"Up, pweas?"
Austin immediately picked her up and patted her back.
"Juan."
The lady called his name.
Juan stared at her.
She was his ex-girlfriend, Klara Ortega.
Klara was twenty-four years old and was half Polish and half Mexican.
Juan's hand tightened into a fist.
The ceremony began at the royal estate.
Women gathered around Lily and gently applied turmeric to her face.
Everyone sang traditional songs while taking photographs.
Mila stared at her mother.
"So pwetty!"
She reached toward the turmeric.
Lilith laughed.
"Now your turn, baby!"
She gently grabbed Mila.
Mila squeaked with a loud giggle.
Lilith rubbed the turmeric onto her cheeks.
Everyone's hearts softened.
More photographs were taken.
Meanwhile, Juan sat down.
His father sat beside him.
"She wants to see her just once," Klara said.
"Why did she look back to see her when she left us? Now she wants to see her?"
Juan's voice was angry.
"Please. I know I made a mistake, but please let me see her just once," Klara pleaded.
"No. Fuck no."
Juan stood.
"Baby, have you seen Roshini? It is her bottle time. I need to put her to sleep. And did you read the story for her that she keeps blabbering about?"
Urlima walked into the room holding a large bottle.
"No, darling. I think she is with Ozzy."
Urlima took Álvaro's blessings.
"Bless you, dear."
Klara stared at her.
"Look at them both."
Her voice trembled.
"Y…you're married?"
"Yes," Urlima replied calmly. "Happily married for three years now."
"Dada!"
Roshini waddled into the room.
"Hi, Umma!"
She hugged Urlima's leg.
Urlima immediately carried her.
"I was just looking for you, my sweet princess. I got your bottle warm for you."
"Milky milky!"
Roshini smiled.
Urlima sat down and began feeding her.
Klara stared at the little girl.
"Is… she… my—"
"She is mine," Juan interrupted.
"Mine only."
He looked directly at Klara.
"Now listen carefully."
Klara remained silent.
"I have the restraining orders I sent to you and your boyfriend. They were signed."
Juan's voice became firm.
"I don't want you near my child."
He pointed toward Roshini.
"Those nights when she was crying for her mother, crying for milk, Umma gave her milk even though she wasn't her mother."
Urlima continued gently feeding Roshini.
"She named her."
"She took care of her for three years."
"And you were living your life with your man."
Juan shook his head.
"How dare you come back?"
"Shhhhh," Urlima whispered.
"Baby, calm down."
She looked down.
"Roshini has fallen asleep."
The little girl had fallen asleep in her arms.
Klara stared at her.
"Now listen carefully."
Juan's voice was cold.
"Don't you ever come back."
"Go away just like you left us."
Juan turned and walked away.
Klara's eyes remained fixed on Roshini.
The little girl was still asleep.
"Want to hold her?" Urlima asked.
Klara nodded quickly.
She stood.
Urlima gently placed Roshini into her arms.
Klara's tears immediately came down.
She gently rubbed Roshini's face.
For the first time in years, she held her daughter.
Meanwhile, Nikolai's turmeric ceremony was being held outside.
"Boss is glowing!" Darya said with a huge grin.
Nikolai was covered with turmeric.
"I hear!"
Mila waddled into the garden.
She gasped.
Then she giggled when she saw her yellow covered father.
"Yellow Papa!"
She laughed loudly.
"I photo and I go show Mama!"
Mila began taking pictures of him.
Nikolai chuckled.
Mila held a small bowl of turmeric.
She carefully applied some to his face.
"There!"
She smiled.
Then she yawned.
"Sleepy?"
Nikolai asked.
Mila shook her head.
Nikolai stood.
He went inside to take a bath.
Twelve minutes later, Mila was hugging Álvaro.
"She is just like Nick," he said.
"I Mil," Mila replied proudly.
"Hello, Mila," Álvaro said.
"Mimi bottle time."
Nikolai walked toward her.
Mila zipped her jumper.
Nikolai picked her up.
Daria handed him a warm bottle of milk.
He sat in the rocking chair.
Mila rested comfortably in his arms.
Nikolai began feeding her.
He kissed her forehead.
"There we go, sweetie," he whispered lovingly.
He stroked her cheeks gently with his large fingers.
The family watched.
Their hearts softened.
After four bottles, Mila finally fell asleep.
Ariz carefully took her back home.
That evening, Nikolai sat alone searching for newlywed Punjabi traditional ornaments.
A small smile appeared on his face as he searched through different designs.
He selected several beautiful pieces.
He sent them to Surinder.
Then he continued learning a language.
The following morning, Nikolai and his family walked into their grandfather's mansion for breakfast.
Surinder leaned toward Nikolai and spoke quietly.
Nikolai nodded.
Daya watched them.
"Oi, Surinder! Why are you whispering, huh? Speak up!"
"Because it is none of your business, old woman," Meghan replied.
Nikolai continued eating.
Sanjot and Falak sat nearby.
Then a lady walked into the room.
"Ah, my dear. Welcome," Daya said.
The lady approached and took Daya's blessings.
Her name was Kirat.
She was light skinned and wore a light blue outfit.
Her hair was covered with a veil.
She smiled.
Then she saw Nikolai.
Her eyes widened.
"That is our Kaal," Sanjot said.
"He is very handsome," Kirat whispered.
"Kaal, this is Kirat."
Daya smiled.
"You know, I wanted you both to get married."
"But we are right?" Kirat asked.
"No."
Nikolai looked at her.
"I am getting married."
Kirat's face fell.
"Did she not tell you?"
She stared at Daya.
"What?"
"But your wife left you."
"She gave birth to a girl."
Kirat looked confused.
"But Aunt, you said that he is mine now."
She smiled.
"Now I can give birth to a son for him."
The room became silent.
Then everyone burst into laughter.
Kirat's face turned red.
Nikolai shook his head.
"I warned you, didn't I?"
Daya stared at him.
"You are trying to interfere in my Royal Wedding."
His voice became dangerously calm.
"And that I will not tolerate."
Kirat swallowed.
"If you don't want to die before your time, then just stay away from it."
Nikolai's eyes hardened.
"I work hard on this wedding."
"I worked hard on getting both my girls back."
"I love my girls."
"So please—"
He pointed toward them.
"Don't you DARE!"
Everyone flinched at the power in his voice.
"Disturb my wedding."
Nikolai sat down.
The family immediately served him breakfast.
He began eating.
Kirat remained seated.
She gave a small smirk.
"Let's see about that."
The day continued.
Today was also the Kalire and Chooda Ceremony.
Lilith sat peacefully while the women prepared her.
Her hair was covered with a beautiful red veil.
"So beautiful," Kesian said.
Sadia and Habib approached carrying an ornate box.
"What is this?" Lily asked.
"This is traditional bridal bangles from us, the maternal family, to you," Ojevis explained.
Lilith opened the box.
Inside were twenty one red and ivory bangles.
They were designed beautifully.
Lilith's eyes widened.
"Thank you so very much."
She smiled.
"I love this."
"I will wear it every time."
Sakshi laughed.
"And if that Russian asshole breaks it, here is another set!"
Lilith's face immediately turned bright red.
"Here too!" Meher exclaimed.
"Us too!"
The girls laughed as they handed her more boxes.
Lilith covered her face.
Everyone laughed.
The bangles were carefully dipped into milk and rose water according to tradition.
The women continued preparing the bride.
The red veil framed Lilith's face.
The chooda shimmered beneath the lights.
The kalire waited nearby, ready to be attached.
The palace was filled with laughter, music, flowers, family blessings, and excitement.
Nikolai's wedding preparations were becoming more elaborate with every passing hour.
Lilith looked down at her hands.
The beautiful red and ivory bangles rested around her wrists.
She smiled softly.
She was becoming a bride.
Not simply a bride.
A royal bride.
And somewhere across the palace, Nikolai was preparing to marry the woman he had never stopped loving.
The wedding celebrations had only just begun.
The next ceremonies would bring even more family traditions, more blessings, more laughter, more emotions, and more magnificent royal celebrations.
But beneath all the flowers, gold, music, jewelry, and happiness, one thing remained certain.
There were people who wanted to interfere.
There were secrets that had not yet been revealed.
There were old relationships returning.
And there were people who underestimated exactly how far Nikolai would go to protect his wife and his daughters.
The royal wedding was approaching.
And nothing was going to stop it.