During breakfast everyone was eating quietly around the enormous dining table. The atmosphere was unusually calm after everything that had happened over the past several hours.
Aram looked down at his plate.
His portion was surprisingly small.
He ate quietly, behaving almost like a lady as he carefully picked at his food. A woman sitting nearby noticed immediately and gently added more food to his plate.
"It—" Aram began
Then he looked up.
His entire expression changed.
His eyes widened.
The woman standing beside him was the last person he expected to see.
His mother.
Ms Gayathri.
Gayathri smiled at him through tears.
Aram immediately pushed his plate away.
"Am not hungry" he said quietly
"Bro what's wrong?" Owen asked
Sohan had been watching the entire exchange.
The moment he saw Gayathri's face break emotionally, he understood that something deeper was happening.
Aram stood up.
"Sit your ass down Ram and finish that food now" Sohan said firmly
Aram remained standing.
His eyes stayed fixed on Gayathri.
Her eyes were red from crying.
"Sit the fuck down boy" Rafsan said in a strict tone
Aram slowly sat down.
His hands trembled as he picked up his spoon.
"Eat and finish the food" Rafsan ordered
Aram began eating.
Gayathri smiled through her tears as she watched her son eat.
She looked as though she had been waiting years just to see him sitting at a table again.
After breakfast Aram went outside.
He sat alone, staring into the distance while tears slowly gathered in his eyes.
He was lost in his thoughts.
"Baby?" Gayathri called softly
Aram immediately stiffened.
"I'm not your baby anymore I never was" Aram said
Gayathri took a deep breath.
"I am so sorry Aram I searched for you everywhere in NYC and in India you left and it made me go crazy I divorced him immediately after you left your papa is not a dog I am sorry for using such words on you My child you're my only son I love you very much come home baby" she said through tears
Aram turned his face away so she would not see his tears.
"You think fake crying and emotional blackmailing is gonna work Fuck no" he said
Gayathri sadly lowered her head.
Rafsan stood behind her.
"He doesn't want to listen to me" she said through tears
"Don't worry he will I'll talk to him" Rafsan said
Rafsan was twenty-six years old and Gayathri was thirty-one.
She had given birth to Aram at a very young age.
Gayathri sniffed as Sohan Desmond and Riyana watched them from a distance.
"Are you sure they aren't together?" Sohan asked
"Yeah" Desmond said
"Actually Baba they are both dating" Aarav said
"Excuse me!?" Sohan exclaimed
"Yeah ten years now They go on dates Rafsan took care of her when she lost her mind about Ram's disappearance He is deeply in love with her" Aarav explained
"Did you know about this?" Sohan asked Riyana
"I'm as surprised as you are love" she replied
The wedding time was getting close.
It was set for three o'clock.
Aram eventually returned inside and got dressed.
A knock came at his door.
"Come in" Aram said
The door opened.
"Hey" Rafsan said
"Oh hi" Aram replied
"I have something to tell you" Rafsan said
Aram blinked.
"Sure let's sit" he said
They sat down.
Rafsan took a deep breath.
Then he finally blurted it out.
"Your mother and I are dating We are a couple for ten years now" he said
"What?" Aram asked
His face became a mixture of surprise and disgust.
"Yeah Actually the day I came to your house I saw your stepfather killing somebody A girl And he set you up back then I really wanted to marry your mother for a while but she just kept you know back and forth and then you vanished She lost her mind by making half of New York search for you Then I gave her the evidence She divorced him and I killed him" Rafsan said
Aram stared at him.
"But your mother fell into depression If she sees any boy your age she runs to him calls your name then apologizes quickly It affected her mental health so badly that I couldn't bear it anymore I took her to therapy while looking for you across the country and also other countries" he continued
Aram listened silently.
"Then I found you I took a picture while Baba called her She was very very happy It had been a very very long time since I had seen her pretty smile I missed it Then when she saw you again that night you were asleep She was very happy just to touch you again" Rafsan said
He looked directly at Aram.
"Forgive your mother She's gone through a lot She lost your father and struggled with life while protecting you It was hard but she loves you more than anything" he said
Aram lowered his head and rubbed his hands together.
"Fine I will" he finally said
"Thank you Aram" Rafsan replied
"You're welcome I'll be downstairs" Rafsan said
He left the room.
Aram sighed.
He reached into his pocket and pulled out his pocket watch.
He opened it carefully.
Inside was a picture.
A family picture.
It was him with his mother and his father.
Aram stared at it for a long time.
His family.
The family picture he adored more than anything.
He gently rubbed the photograph with his thumb.
Downstairs Nikolai was finally finished dressing.
He walked down the grand staircase.
"Kaal looks so handsome!" Seerat exclaimed
"Yeah!" everyone said
Surinder stepped forward and began tying his turban.
She wiped her tears.
"Thank you" Nikolai said
Surinder took red chillies and circled them around him, casting away the evil eye before placing them into the fire.
"It is ready brother!" Taran(Massimo) announced
"Let's go!!!!" Surinder said
Nikolai stepped outside.
The Royal Baraat was on its way to the bride's house.
Meanwhile inside the bridal chamber—
"Baba she is ready" Amala said
Sohan took a deep breath.
"Déjà vu?" Riyana asked
"Maybe Just like the time I walked her down in Russia" he replied
She held his arm.
The boys all walked in with him.
Lilith(Mhaira) was standing by the window.
The night light shone softly across her face.
She wore an extraordinarily magnificent Crimson Emerald Sapphire Royal Purple Antique Gold and Ivory Punjabi bridal ensemble designed to look like an imperial royal masterpiece.
Her lehenga was crafted from luxurious Crimson red silk velvet and brocade with rich Royal Purple undertones and an enormous flowing silhouette covered in hand embroidered Antique Gold Zardozi Dabka Nakshi Aari Resham and metallic threadwork featuring elaborate Mughal floral vines royal paisleys lotus motifs architectural patterns and intricate traditional Punjabi embroidery throughout the skirt.
Deep Emerald embellishments were woven between the Crimson motifs while brilliant Sapphire blue gemstones and crystals created dramatic jewel toned accents across the entire lehenga.
The hem featured an exceptionally wide Antique Gold border layered with Crimson Emerald Sapphire Royal Purple and Ivory embroidery creating an opulent palace inspired finish.
Her blouse was a breathtaking Crimson and Royal Purple bridal choli covered in Antique Gold embroidery with Emerald and Sapphire gemstone detailing delicate Ivory pearlwork and a beautifully structured royal neckline.
Her dupatta was an ethereal Ivory silk organza layered with Crimson and Royal Purple accents and framed by an extraordinary Antique Gold embroidered border decorated with Emerald and Sapphire gemstones pearls crystals and delicate golden tassels.
She wore an enormous traditional Punjabi bridal jewelry collection featuring an elaborate Antique Gold Matha Patti Punjabi Tikka oversized Emerald and Sapphire Jhumkas a magnificent Antique Gold Choker several layered Rani Haars Hathphool stacked Crimson Emerald Sapphire and Gold bangles ornate rings a grand Kamarbandh and traditional Punjabi bridal anklets.
Her hair was styled into an elegant long Punjabi bridal braid decorated with Crimson roses Emerald green flowers Royal Purple blooms Ivory flowers pearl strands Antique Gold ornaments and an elaborate golden Paranda.
Her bridal makeup featured deep Crimson and Plum toned eyes shimmering Antique Gold eyelids dramatic eyeliner luminous Ivory toned highlights softly sculpted cheeks and a rich Crimson berry lip creating an intensely regal bridal appearance.
She completed the ensemble with luxurious Crimson Punjabi Juttis covered in Royal Purple velvet Emerald embroidery Sapphire gemstones pearls and Antique Gold threadwork making her appear like an imperial Punjabi queen walking into the grandest wedding celebration.
"Papa?" she whispered
Sohan's tears immediately came down.
He broke down completely.
Riyana hugged him.
Ariz stepped out crying.
They watched her.
"I wanna see!" Nino exclaimed
"Papa?" Lilith(Mhaira) called
Sohan immediately walked toward his daughter.
He hugged her tightly.
Then he pulled back.
"My baby girl" he whispered
He kissed her forehead.
Lilith wiped his tears.
Then the family came.
Everyone saw her in her wedding dress.
They cried.
They giggled.
They teased her.
Then her friends turned around.
They saw her.
"Oh baby look at you!" Gloria exclaimed
They wore Sapphire purple Ghararas with veils covering their hair.
"You look gorgeous Mhaira" Aram said
"Thank you" she replied
"Boss is a damn ass lucky nigga" Owen said
"No kidding" Kazim added
"The groom Baraat is here!" Sarah announced
Lilith(Mhaira) held her skirt and peeked out the window.
She saw him.
Her husband was coming for her.
Nikolai looked up from his phone.
Their eyes met.
Lilith immediately looked away, blushing.
"This is the most amazing and awesome wedding ever!" Nino exclaimed while taking pictures
Mila waddled into the room.
"Mama?" she called
Everyone turned.
"Hi my baby" Lily(Mihu) said while holding her hands
"Dada here we go?" Mila asked
"Yes my love He kept his promise We're going home to Dada" Lily(Mihu) said
Mila hugged her.
The Groom Baraat Welcome ceremony began.
The groom was welcomed by the bride's family.
The Baraat arrived.
Riyana held a tray and performed the welcoming ritual for Nikolai.
He respectfully took her blessings.
"Bless you" she said
They entered and went toward the hall.
Nikolai wore an extraordinarily luxurious Crimson velvet Punjabi Sherwani with deep Royal Purple accents and magnificent Antique Gold embroidery creating a powerful royal appearance.
The Sherwani was tailored with a majestic structured silhouette and covered in intricate Antique Gold Zardozi Dabka Nakshi Resham paisley motifs floral vines Mughal inspired patterns and traditional Punjabi embroidery.
Rich Emerald and Sapphire gemstones were incorporated throughout the embroidery creating a spectacular jewel toned effect while delicate Ivory threadwork added contrast to the deep Crimson velvet.
His collar cuffs shoulders and front placket received especially elaborate Antique Gold detailing with tiny Emerald and Sapphire stones set into the embroidery.
Underneath he wore a luxurious Ivory silk kurta with subtle Antique Gold woven detailing paired with rich Royal Purple churidar trousers and an Antique Gold embroidered waistcoat.
His Punjabi Safa was a magnificent combination of Crimson Royal Purple and Ivory silk decorated with Antique Gold embroidery Emerald and Sapphire gemstone accents and an elaborate Antique Gold Kalgi featuring pearls and a central jewel.
He completed the look with an ornate Antique Gold brooch layered Pearl Mala luxurious cufflinks statement ring elegant watch and magnificent Crimson velvet Punjabi Juttis featuring Royal Purple panels Emerald embroidery Sapphire gemstones Ivory detailing and Antique Gold threadwork.
He folded his hands toward Mr Kaedon and Mrs Raiza.
He took their blessings.
He then took Mr Noman Mrs Aamas and Zahuril Aklima's blessings.
Sohan and Riyana blessed him too.
Nikolai sat at the altar and prayed as the priest chanted.
The smoke moved around them.
Mila waddled in.
She folded her hands and bowed her head on the floor just as they had taught her.
"Pinky promise Mama and Dada stay forever?" she asked
The bells rang.
Flowers wrapped around her little pinky.
She giggled.
Then she crawled toward her papa.
"Hi baby" Nikolai said
"Hi Dada" Mila replied while hugging him
"Dada so pwetty" Mila said
"And my baby is very beautiful" Nikolai replied
He bumped his nose gently against hers.
"Look Auntie lma here" he said
Mila waddled toward Kalma.
Kalma hugged her tightly.
"Hi sweetheart!" Hana said
The Red Order held her.
Daya stared toward Riyana.
"She's going to give us everything today I can't wait!" Sanjot said
They all sat.
Outside, people whispered among themselves.
More than forty billion people had gathered for the Royal Wedding of Nikolai and Lilith.
The wedding began.
Everyone was outside in the hugest garden imaginable, seated like a royal rally.
Mila sat in Kalma's lap.
The doors opened.
The girls held burning coal pots filled with fragrant smoke.
One by one they moved into lines on the left and right.
Nikolai did not look back.
Then he heard her song.
The song she had promised to sing for him.
Everyone heard her melodious voice.
"Aaj phir se saj gayi meri palkon ki dua"
(Today the prayer in my eyes has blossomed again)
"Aaj phir se mil gaya mera bichhda hua jahaan"
(Today I have found again the world that I once lost)
"Mehndi ki khushboo mein tera naam hai basa"
(In the fragrance of my henna your name lives)
"Meri har ek dhadkan ne tujhe hi hai chuna"
(Every heartbeat of mine has chosen only you)
"Phir mil gayi meri rooh meri rooh se"
(My soul has found its way back to my soul)
"Phir jud gaya mera dil tere dil se"
(My heart has joined with your heart again)
"Jo raaste kabhi humse bichhad gaye the"
(The paths that once separated us)
"Aaj woh phir tere mere ghar aa gaye"
(Today those paths have brought us home to each other again)
"Aankhon mein aansu hain khushi ke aaj"
(Today my eyes are filled with tears of happiness)
"Dil mein sajaye hain tere saath ke khwaab"
(My heart has adorned dreams of a life with you)
"Maa ki duaon ka aanchal hai mere sar"
(My mother's blessings are like a protective veil over me)
"Aur tere naam se roshan hai mera har safar"
(And every journey of mine is illuminated by your name)
"Sajna main chal padi tere angna"
(My beloved I am walking toward your home)
"Dil leke aayi hoon tera ban ke"
(I have brought my heart becoming yours)
"Janmon ke waade phir se yaad aaye"
(The promises of lifetimes have come back to my heart)
"Toote hue pal phir se muskuraaye"
(The broken moments have learned to smile again)
"Tu mila toh laga sab mil gaya"
(When I found you it felt like I had found everything)
"Tera haath mila toh jahaan mil gaya"
(When I found your hand I found my whole world)
"Aaj na koi doori hai na koi gham"
(Today there is neither distance nor sorrow)
"Bas tu hai aur main hoon aur hum"
(There is only you and me and us)
"Phir mil gayi meri rooh meri rooh se"
(My soul has found its way back to my soul)
"Phir jud gaya mera dil tere dil se"
(My heart has joined with your heart again)
"Teri baahon mein ghar sa lagta hai"
(In your arms it feels like home)
"Tera naam hi dil ko sukoon deta hai"
(Your name alone gives peace to my heart)
"Jo kahani adhoori reh gayi thi kabhi"
(The story that was once left unfinished)
"Aaj uski har dua poori ho gayi"
(Today every prayer within it has come true)
"Main phir se tere saamne khadi hoon"
(I am standing before you once again)
"Apni saari mohabbat liye khadi hoon"
(I am standing here carrying all my love)
"Na koi shikwa na koi sawaal"
(No complaints and no questions)
"Bas tere saath chahiye har haal"
(I only want to be with you through everything)
"Aaj meri doli tere naam chali"
(Today my bridal procession moves in your name)
"Aaj meri duniya tere naam hui"
(Today my world has become yours)
"Phir mil gaye hum bichhad kar bhi"
(We found each other again even after being separated)
"Jaise do duaayein milti hain aasman mein kahin"
(Like two prayers meeting somewhere in the heavens)
"Tu mera kal tu mera aaj"
(You are my tomorrow and you are my today)
"Tu hi meri har khushi ka raaz"
(You are the secret behind all my happiness)
"Aaj se tera mera ek jahaan"
(From today we share one world)
"Ek dil ek jaan ek armaan"
(One heart one soul one dream)
"Phir mil gayi meri rooh meri rooh se"
(My soul has found its way back to my soul)
"Phir jud gaya mera dil tere dil se"
(My heart has joined with your heart again)
"Aaj main dulhan banke tere paas aayi"
(Today I have come to you as your bride)
"Apni mohabbat ki saari duniya sajaayi"
(I have brought an entire world of love with me)
"Rab se bas itni si dua hai meri"
(I have only one prayer to God)
"Tere saath guzre zindagi meri"
(May my life be spent with you)
"Phir mil gayi meri rooh meri rooh se"
(My soul has found its way back to my soul)
"Ab na bichhde kabhi meri rooh meri rooh se"
(May my soul never be separated from my soul again)
"Aaj se main teri aur tu mera"
(From today I am yours and you are mine)
"Janmon janam tak rahe yeh rishta mera"
(May this bond remain for lifetimes to come)
"Aaj phir se poora hua mera jahaan"
(Today my world has become whole again)
"Tere saath mil gaya mujhe mera aasman"
(With you I have found my sky again)
Lilith(Mhaira) sang.
Nikolai understood every single word she sang.
Gloria sniffed as Valen handed her a handkerchief.
She blew her nose.
Nino wiped her tears.
Brandon gave her his handkerchief.
She took it.
Nikolai held back his tears.
Lilith dropped the little pillow at the altar.
She folded her hands.
She bowed her head down to the floor.
The girls held her dress.
Wiktoria wiped her forehead.
Kesian carefully arranged her nose ring.
Then they sat back down.
Nikolai and Lilith took their first proper look at each other.
They folded their hands and nodded as a greeting.
Lilith smiled at him.
The wedding began.
The first ceremony was the Ganesh Puja.
Prayers were offered seeking auspicious beginnings.
Nikolai was extremely happy.
He stole a look at her while she prayed.
"Thank you God" he whispered
Lilith opened her eyes.
She looked at him.
He blushed.
She smiled.
Sohan held Riyana's hand.
Mr William and Mrs Francesca wiped their tears.
Then came the Kalash Sthapana.
A ceremonial sacred vessel was established.
The Jaimala followed.
The couple stood.
Nikolai held his garland.
He was about to place it around Lilith's neck.
"Ah nah!" Ariz shouted
He and Reyan lifted Lilith up and moved backward.
Everyone laughed.
"You're gonna get her first" Karim said
Nikolai smirked.
"The taller the better Besides I'm nine feet one inch tall" he said
"The fuck!?" the girls exclaimed
Nikolai balanced himself.
Mila sucked on her bink.
Nikolai grinned.
His size made him tower over everyone.
He threw the garland over Lilith.
The groom's family cheered.
Nikolai smiled at her as they brought her down.
Lilith giggled sweetly.
"Boss is so gorgeous" Natalia said
"Yeah she is And also we got lucky she didn't kill us and we got four trillion because of her" Catalina said
Lilith held her garland.
Yulian and Meghan pulled Nikolai backward.
"Woahhhhh!" Nikolai exclaimed
Mila frowned.
She took off her pacifier.
"No fair!" Mila said while pouting
She and her mama pouted together.
Lily(Mihu) moved forward as they teased her.
"Baby" Sohan called
Lilith looked at her father.
He gave her a sign like a ball.
She nodded.
Then she looked at Mila and gave her a wink.
Mila crawled toward her papa's leg.
She pinched him.
"Ouch!" Nikolai said, looking down
Lilith threw the garland at him.
It fell perfectly around his neck.
Everyone cheered.
Nikolai chuckled at the mother and daughter duo.
They sat back down.
Then Riyana heard whispering.
Some women were pointing at her.
"Look at her"
"Yeah I heard her daughter stole him"
"No I heard she slept with him for money"
"It's unfortunate she birthed a daughter for him"
"She trapped him in this marriage"
"Such a bad mother"
"She's a shame"
"A big shame"
Riyana's eyes became very watery.
Tears came down her cheeks.
Sohan heard everything.
His expression hardened.
He snapped his fingers.
His men immediately stood behind them.
The Anand Karaj and Four Laavan began.
For the Sikh royal wedding, the couple participated in the sacred Anand Karaj before the Guru Granth Sahib.
The bride and groom walked around the Guru Granth Sahib four times as the four Laavan were sung.
They completed the four rounds while the priest chanted.
Riyana held the list.
Aarav placed the items down and handed her the keys and documents too.
She smiled at him.
They bowed their heads and continued the prayer.
Soon after came the Sindoor Daan and Mangalsutra Ceremony.
The groom placed sindoor in the bride's hair parting and, where practiced, placed the mangalsutra around her neck.
Nikolai took the vermilion.
Sarah carefully moved Lilith's jewelry aside.
Nikolai filled her hairline with sindoor.
Lilith's eyes closed.
Tears rolled down her cheeks.
Nikolai gently wiped them away.
They took seven rounds together.
"You both are now husband and wife" the priest announced
The crowd exploded with cheers.
Then the priest smiled.
"Now for the Groom Daaj" he announced
"The what?" Nikolai asked
"Boss Dowry" Damian explained
"Oh no—" Nikolai said
"It's ready" Riyana said
"What!?" both Lilith and Nikolai exclaimed
Riyana held something in her hands.
She stood up.
Her eyes were red.
Everyone stared at her.
And in that moment—
The real trouble began.