Huda and Pooja were engaged in a heated argument about the sangeet. Evidently, they both desired to dance to the same song, but vehemently refused to be partners with each other. In the living room, Alice, Jasper, Emmett, Renesmee, and Jacob sat on the opposite couch from them, utterly fascinated by the spectacle. They couldn't believe that people could argue so passionately over songs. With the sangeet scheduled for the next day, everyone had split into groups to prepare for their performances. The tension in the air was palpable as the two friends continued their spirited debate, completely unaware of the bemused audience observing their disagreement.
Ali and Alekh observed the stubborn argument from the first floor, exchanging incredulous glances. "Why are they so stubborn?" Ali muttered in disbelief.
"You drama-queens! Why don't you just choose a different song instead of wasting time in this pointless argument?" Alekh called out to the arguing duo downstairs, exasperation lacing his voice.
"NO!" "NO!" Huda and Pooja retorted simultaneously, their determination unwavering.
"I give up." Alekh stated, raising his hands in surrender, frustrated by their insistence.
"Only one person can stop them now," Yudi commented, joining them with a bowl full of grapes in hand.
"Who?" Ali inquired, reaching out to take a handful of grapes from Yudi's bowl.
"Rajveer sir, of course," Yudi replied, offering some grapes to Alekh as well.
"Good idea!" Alekh nodded in agreement, realizing that Rajveer might be the only one capable of resolving this deadlock.
... - ...
Rajveer attempted to mediate the situation, his voice calm and persuasive. "Guys, please, try to understand. This isn't that important. Why are you arguing about it?" He was seated in the middle of Huda and Pooja, both of them holding one of his hands, desperately seeking his support.
The rest of the Cullens, Gunny, Shalini, and Naina also joined everyone in the living room, finding the situation oddly amusing. The elder Campbells had taken the Volturi hunting with them, giving the family some space to prepare for the upcoming festivities. The room was now filled with a mix of laughter, bickering, and the rustle of papers as the family members prepared for the sangeet.
"You know, Dr. Shalini, Rajveer and his cadets are the only senior-juniors I've seen that have such a strong bonding. Before this, I couldn't even imagine such a thing was possible in the military," Gunny remarked, his voice filled with admiration and pride.
"I agree. Captain sure has a really special bond with his super six," Shalini responded with a wide grin, appreciating the unique camaraderie among Rajveer and his former cadets.
Finally, Rajveer managed to convince the troublesome duo to perform together in the song they had been fighting over. He sighed with a small smile on his face, thinking, "Will they ever mature?" He couldn't help but feel fondness for their spirited disagreements. However, a realization struck him; these were the last few days he would be able to interact with them. After the wedding, he wouldn't even be able to meet them or spend any time with them. "I have full confidence that even if I'm not there, my cadets would turn out to be the best soldiers of the Indian Army. I may not be able to meet them face to face, but I'll definitely keep an eye on them. I'll make sure that they have very long lives as I protect them from the shadows," he vowed silently to himself, his determination unwavering.
Edward, who was playing the piano with Renesmee on the other side of the living room, turned to give the man an encouraging smile. Rajveer returned his smile, understanding that Edward had heard his silent vow. They shared a moment of understanding.
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Day - 5
Sangeet
The backyard of the Campbell mansion was transformed into a magical setting for the Sangeet ceremony. The focal point was a spacious dance floor situated in the center, adorned with intricate designs and bordered by an array of comfortable seating arrangements for the guests. The entire area was bathed in the soft glow of fairy lights, casting a warm and enchanting ambiance. Delicate strings of flowers hung from various corners, adding a touch of natural elegance to the surroundings. Amidst the lush greenery, tall trees stood sentinel, their branches adorned with cascading fairy lights that created a mesmerizing canopy of twinkling stars overhead. The trees cast gentle shadows, enhancing the romantic atmosphere. The soft illumination from above created a play of light and shadow, giving the entire space a dreamy, ethereal quality.
As evening fell, the subtle illumination from the fairy lights and the natural moonlight intertwined, creating a soft, enchanting glow that seemed to dance with the night. The air was filled with the scent of blooming flowers and the soft rustle of leaves, adding to the magical allure of the setting. It was a scene straight out of a fairytale, where every element came together to create a perfect backdrop for the joyous celebration about to unfold.
Amidst the enchanting ambiance of the backyard, the Campbell family, the Cullen family, and the Volturi assembled, all adorned in a vibrant array of Indo-western outfits, mingling and engaging in lively conversations. The air was filled with a sense of anticipation and excitement, the atmosphere charged with the promise of celebration.
However, Thomas, displaying a mix of impatience and eagerness, kept glancing at his wristwatch repeatedly, his anticipation clearly visible. Sensing his restlessness, Jeremy, his partner, approached him with a calming smile, his eyes reflecting unwavering affection.
"Relax, Tommy," Jeremy said, his voice laced with reassurance. "They'll be here any moment now." His gentle words and loving smile were a soothing balm to Thomas's anticipation, reminding him to cherish the present moment and the joyous occasion that awaited them.
Thomas let out a sigh. "I still can't wrap my head around the fact that my little girl is getting married. It feels like just yesterday she entered our lives, a mere seven years ago," he remarked, his emotion evident even if he couldn't shed tears as a vampire.
Jeremy responded with a sympathetic smile, fully understanding Thomas's perspective. He enveloped his mate in a tight hug, offering solace and reassurance.
Observing the heartfelt moment from a distance of thirty feet, Aro and his brothers exchanged curious glances. Caius turned to his siblings, his voice tinged with confusion. "The Campbell family isn't dispersing, are they? I assumed they'd stick together, much like the Cullens."
Marcus, with a thoughtful expression, began to explain, "No, they aren't separating. The connection between Thomas and Naina is extraordinary, unlike anything I've ever witnessed. They share multiple bonds - the bond of a maker, the bond of siblings, and the bond of a father. Such interconnectedness is rare, especially voluntarily. I suspect even Chelsea wouldn't be able to sever the ties they share." His words conveyed a deep sense of awe for the unique and powerful bonds that bound the Campbell family together.
Aro listened intently to Marcus's analysis, his brow furrowing with intrigue as he observed rest of the Campbell family joining Thomas and Jeremy from a distance. The profound connections between them were indeed remarkable and rare, even within the intricate world of vampire relationships.
Caius, although initially perplexed, began to grasp the complexity of the situation. "So, it's not just their familial bond but a unique blend of several bonds, intertwining them deeply," he mused, his skepticism slowly giving way to curiosity.
"Yes," Marcus affirmed, his gaze fixed on Thomas and Naina. The younger members had arrived in the backyard and began to disperse into their own groups. Naina, however, made a beeline for Thomas and embraced him tightly, expressing her affection and connection to her brother. "It's as if fate itself has woven their destinies together in the most intricate manner. Such unions are exceedingly rare and powerful. It seems the Campbell family possesses a strength that goes beyond the ordinary vampire bonds."
Aro, ever the strategist, contemplated the implications of this extraordinary connection. "Indeed, Marcus. We must observe them closely. Such bonds might hold the key to understanding the complexities of our own kind."
With newfound interest, the Volturi brothers continued to watch the Campbell family, recognizing that they were witnessing something extraordinary, a testament to the depth and intricacy of vampire relationships.
Thomas embraced Naina's warmth and planted a gentle kiss on her head before pulling back slightly, his eyes filled with fatherly pride. "You look absolutely stunning, kiddo. Are you happy?" he inquired, his voice soft yet filled with affection.
Naina beamed up at him, her happiness evident in her eyes. "I'm incredibly happy, Tommy," she replied, her grin infectious.
"That's all that truly matters," he said, his hand tenderly brushing a few strands of hair away from her face, his love for his child shining through.
In a sudden motion, Naina was gently pulled away from Thomas, causing a moment of surprise among everyone present. Rajveer stepped forward and enveloped Thomas in a tight hug, his voice firm with assurance, "Don't consider this as losing a sister or a daughter. Think of it as gaining a son and a brother. I promise to always keep her happy."
Laughing heartily, Thomas reciprocated the hug before pulling back with a teasing smile, "It looks like I have someone new to dote on instead of you now."
Naina stared at them in mock disbelief before joining the hug herself. "That won't work. I'll make both of you dote on me," she declared, her tone determined. With a mischievous grin, she placed a gentle kiss on Rajveer's cheek, eliciting a charming blush from him, and added, "I'll ensure that both of you shower me with your love for the rest of our lives."
The Campbell family shared a hearty laugh at the playful banter before William gently reminded them that it was time to commence the ceremony.
Soon the function started. Musicians tuned their instruments in one corner, ready to serenade the gathering with melodies of joy and love. Huda and Pooja, the argumentative duo, glided across the dance floor in perfect harmony, surprising everyone with their synchronized dance routine. Their graceful moves and newfound unity earned them thunderous applause and cheers from the audience.
Ali, Yudi, and Alekh took the stage next, performing back-to-back on popular item songs, their energetic dance moves captivating the crowd. The audience couldn't help but cheer loudly for their spirited performance, adding to the infectious energy of the evening.
The Cullen family, despite their unfamiliarity with traditional Indian dances, embraced the spirit of the occasion wholeheartedly. Alice, Jasper, Rosalie, and Emmett performed soulful duets, their graceful movements and genuine emotions spreading love and warmth throughout the environment.
Tom and Jerry, the inseparable pair, showcased their deep love for each other in a heartfelt duet, their chemistry evident in every step they took. Their performance melted the hearts of everyone present, leaving a lingering sense of romance in the air.
Ali and Pooja, on the other hand, brought a playful romantic vibe to the stage, their dance exuding joy and affection. Naina and Rajveer couldn't help but grin widely, witnessing the playful chemistry between their friends.
In a surprising turn of events, Tom, Jerry, Will, Natasha, and Alekh joined forces for a playful performance on the song "Humne Suna Hai," infused with teasing elements that had the audience in stitches. Naina, catching onto the playful atmosphere, joined in at the end, adding her own playful touch to the performance.
As the spotlight fell on the bride and groom, Naina stepped onto the dance floor, looking resplendent in her red floral lehenga adorned with intricate golden lace designs. The fabric flowed gracefully around her as she moved, and her smile illuminated the entire venue. Her eyes sparkled with happiness, and she looked every bit the radiant bride.
Rajveer, dressed in a matching reddish-maroon designer kurta set, stood tall and confident beside her. His attire complemented Naina's outfit perfectly, and together, they made a striking pair. His eyes never left Naina, filled with love and admiration for his soon-to-be wife.
The song "Tere Vaaste" started, and Naina and Rajveer began their dance, their movements synchronized and filled with emotion. Their chemistry was undeniable as they swirled and twirled, their steps perfectly in tune with the rhythm. The guests watched in awe as the couple expressed their love through every graceful movement, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. Their dance and the happiness on their faces spoke volumes, capturing the essence of their relationship – love, trust, and unwavering commitment. As the music reached its crescendo, Naina and Rajveer shared a tender moment, their eyes locked, promising a lifetime of happiness together.
The applause that followed was thunderous, echoing the admiration and love everyone felt for the couple. Naina and Rajveer basked in the applause, their hearts filled with gratitude and love for each other and everyone present on this joyous occasion.
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Day 7
Haldi + Mehendi
MORNING:::
The sun shone brightly over the Campbell mansion, where an air of excitement and anticipation hung heavy. The day had finally arrived for Rajveer and Naina's Haldi ceremony. The backyard was adorned with marigold flowers and colorful fabrics, and the air was filled with laughter and the sound of teasing banter.
The main stage, a focal point of the vibrant celebration, stood adorned with an array of bright yellow marigold flowers, creating a striking contrast against the clear blue sky. Two large containers, one for the bride and one for the groom, were placed elegantly on the stage, filled with fragrant turmeric paste mixed with sandalwood and rosewater. The containers were beautifully decorated, reflecting the joyful spirit of the occasion.
Surrounding the stage, multiple photo booths were set up, each designed with intricate patterns and adorned with colorful drapes and fairy lights. These booths were a testament to the modern touch added to the traditional celebration, allowing guests to capture their joy and laughter in countless memorable photographs. Guests gathered around the stage, eagerly waiting for the Haldi ceremony to begin. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and anticipation, with everyone eager to participate in the playful rituals and create unforgettable memories. The Haldi ceremony was not just a tradition; it was a colorful extravaganza, a celebration of love, friendship, and the beautiful union of Rajveer and Naina.
As the ceremony commenced, the Campbell family, Naina's friends, the Cullen family, and even the Volturi were present, dressed in vibrant shades of yellow and orange traditional attire. Buckets of fragrant turmeric paste mixed with sandalwood and rosewater were ready for the rituals.
Naina and Rajveer entered the backyard, radiant in their matching yellow designer outfits. Naina's vibrant lehenga shimmered with intricate embroidery, showcasing her grace and elegance. With a smile that lit up the surroundings, she settled into her seat on the large container, ready for the haldi ceremony.
Rajveer, dressed in a kurta and matching traditional jacket that complemented Naina's attire, exuded confidence and happiness. He removed the upper layer of his outfit, revealing a comfortable yet stylish yellow kurta. With a grin, he joined Naina, taking his seat on the adjacent container, prepared for the joyful chaos about to unfold.
Natasha began the sacred ritual, she applied the first strokes of vibrant haldi paste onto both Naina and Rajveer's faces, setting the tone for the colorful ceremony. William, with a proud smile, followed his beloved wife, tenderly applying the auspicious paste to his daughter and future son-in-law. Thomas, filled with a mixture of nostalgia and joy, followed suit, his heart brimming with love and blessings. Jeremy shared in their happiness, applying the haldi with a bright smile. Each touch was a blessing, a silent prayer for their happiness and prosperity in the years to come.
The Volturi leaders- Aro, Caius, and Marcus, observed this cultural ceremony with curiosity, participating one after the other at Thomas's request, tried to understand the significance of this moment. The Cullen family, led by Carlisle and Esme, also joined in, bridging the gap between their vampire world and the rich Indian traditions.
With each family member's blessing, Naina and Rajveer's faces became a canvas of bright yellow haldi paste, symbolizing not only the sanctity of the ceremony but the love and good wishes from each individual. Soon, the youngsters, Gunny, Dr. Shalini, and Volturi guards joined the procession, joyfully applying the haldi paste on Rajveer and Naina, turning them into yellow ghosts.
Suddenly Huda, the mischief-maker of Super six, sneaked up behind Alekh and smeared a generous amount of Haldi on his face, causing everyone to burst into laughter. Alekh retaliated by grabbing a handful of Haldi and chasing Huda around the garden, both of them laughing uproariously.
Pooja and Yudi, a mischievous duo, took it upon themselves to turn Jerry's face into a canvas of vibrant yellow, their giggles echoing their playful triumph. Tom, not one to be outdone, launched his own attack, surprising Pooja and Yudi from behind with handfuls of haldi paste, leaving them laughing and coated in yellow. Pouting, Pooja, now a part of the colorful spectacle, decided to air her grievances to Rajveer, her trusted teacher. With a smile that reflected both affection and amusement, Rajveer playfully pinched her nose, eliciting more laughter from the mischievous trio.
Seeking revenge for her friends, Naina called Tom towards her, a glint of mischief in her eyes. In one swift motion, she smeared a generous amount of haldi paste on his face, causing him to squeal in mock distress. The unexpected turn of events sent ripples of laughter through the gathered crowd, a symphony of joy and camaraderie filling the air.
William, unable to resist the temptation of the playful atmosphere, seized a handful of haldi paste, mischief dancing in his eyes. With a swift motion, he pounced on his unsuspecting wife, Natasha, expertly adorning her cheeks with the vibrant paste. The result was a colorful masterpiece, a pattern of love and laughter that only deepened the joyous ambiance of the Haldi ceremony. Natasha, while initially surprised, couldn't help but burst into laughter, accepting the playful attack with grace and mirth.
Bella, Alice, and Rosalie from the Cullen family decided to join the playful chaos. They sneaked up behind Edward and covered his face with Haldi, making him look more like a golden statue than a vampire. Nearby, Emmett, his eyes alight with mischief, playfully pounced on Carlisle. Despite Carlisle's attempts to evade the playful onslaught, he ultimately succumbed, ending up with a vibrant yellow visage. Jasper, ever the observer, found himself entranced by the joyous atmosphere and the positive emotions that enveloped everyone. Lost in the moment, he was taken by surprise when he felt a soft touch on his face. Turning around, he discovered Esme and Renesmee, their smiles mischievous yet filled with love, as they playfully smeared haldi paste on his face.
Aro, always composed, found himself at the receiving end of a mischievous attack by Jane, who smudged a streak of Haldi across his cheek, causing the entire assembly to gasp. Even Caius and Marcus were staring at him in dread. However, to everyone's surprise, Aro's initial shock transformed into hearty laughter. His laughter resonated across the backyard, breaking the tension and replacing it with an atmosphere of amusement. The vampires present exchanged relieved glances before joining in with smiles, reassured by their leader's unexpected display of humor. The playful chaos continued, and Volturi brothers, also became a part of the joyful Haldi ceremony, embracing the spirit of the celebration.
Rajveer and Naina, in the midst of the cheerful chaos, embraced the playful atmosphere. They applied Haldi on each other with playful tenderness, their eyes reflecting the deep love and affection they shared. The couples' friends and family members teased them, singing playful songs and showering them with good-natured advice about married life.
Amidst the laughter, teasing, and the vibrant colors of the Haldi, the bonds of friendship and love among the families and friends grew stronger. The Haldi ceremony had transformed into a playful battlefield, where love and friendship triumphed over all, leaving memories that would be cherished for a lifetime.
~~
AFTERNOON:::
The Mehendi ceremony for Rajveer and Naina unfolded in the backyard of the Campbell mansion, transforming the space into a vibrant and lively haven that sunny afternoon. The entire area was bedecked with an array of blooming flowers and colorful drapes, infusing the surroundings with a festive spirit. In one corner, a dedicated space was meticulously arranged for the Mehendi application, offering cozy seating options for the guests to relax and enjoy the festivities.
The organizers had gone the extra mile to add a touch of creativity and fun to the event. Multiple photo booths were strategically placed around the area, each one intricately decorated to create a mesmerizing backdrop for memorable pictures. These booths were adorned with vibrant flowers, twinkling fairy lights, and exotic fabrics, inviting the guests to capture their joy in beautifully themed photographs.
Naina, dressed in a stunning mint green lehenga crafted by a renowned designer, assumed a graceful posture on a beautifully adorned chair. She was encircled by her close friends and female relatives, creating an atmosphere of joyous anticipation. The primary Mehendi artist delicately began crafting intricate henna designs on Naina's palms, symbolizing enduring love, boundless joy, and abundant prosperity. Simultaneously, a junior artist focused on adorning Naina's feet with the same intricate patterns. In the vicinity, other junior henna artists were skillfully applying Mehendi on the hands of various ladies, each stroke representing cultural symbolism and celebration.
Several feet away, a group of musicians filled the air with melodious tunes, adding a musical backdrop to the festive ambiance. Accompanying the music, a troupe of dancers swirled gracefully, entertaining the attendees with their captivating performances.
Rajveer, dressed in a mint green kurta that complemented Naina's attire, made a grand entrance, accompanied by his male cadets and Gunny. He was welcomed with cheerful greetings and playful teasing from Naina's friends.
Huda, Pooja, Ali, Yudi, and Alekh, had planned a surprise performance. They had rehearsed a choreographed dance routine secretly for weeks, and their excitement was palpable. As the Mehendi artist worked on Naina's intricate Mehendi design, her friends gathered on the stage and started performing a lively dance on the song "Shadi hone wali hai". Their colorful outfits and coordinated moves added to the festive atmosphere, capturing the attention of everyone present. The playful lyrics of the song anf the expressions of Naina's friends faces made everyone laugh in amusement.
At a particular moment, Alekh approached Naina, carrying a steel container that held a precious gift for his sister. A deep sense of gratitude lit up Naina's eyes as she acknowledged the thoughtful gesture. Being surrounded by humans and lacking the opportunity for fresh blood had taken a toll on her. Despite her efforts to conceal her struggle, it was evident to her perceptive brother.
With an affectionate smile, Alekh offered her the container, gently placing the straw at her lips. Naina responded with a sigh of relief, her eyes closing instinctively as she started sipping the blood. Through sheer willpower and accustomed practice, she managed to maintain control, preventing her natural vampire instincts from surfacing aggressively during her feeding time. The familiar ritual allowed her to nourish herself without succumbing to her primal urges, a testament to her restraint and discipline.
Caius observed the heartwarming scene involving Naina and Alekh from a distance. He turned to William, who was engrossed in conversation with Aro, Marcus, and Carlisle. Curious about the situation, he gestured towards Naina and Alekh and inquired, "What are they doing?"
Upon Caius's question, Aro and Marcus also directed their attention toward the scene. William took a brief look at the unfolding interaction and responded with a smile, "Alekh is ensuring that Naina gets the nourishment she needs. He noticed that she hasn't had the opportunity to hunt or have blood since returning from the academy, so he's making certain she's well-fed."
Aro, with an enthusiastic and intrigued tone, chimed in, "Marvelous! A human is assisting a vampire in drinking blood without any harm to himself. Remarkable!"
With a sense of pride, William emphasized the profound bond between Alekh and Naina, stating, "They are siblings, Aro, and their connection transcends blood, nature, or societal boundaries. Naina would fight just as fiercely for Alekh as she did for her biological brother, Naveen."
Rajveer joined Naina and Alekh, taking a seat beside Naina and gently encouraging her to lean into him, although she didn't really need the support. Naina smiled at him warmly after finishing her blood.
"Sir, you know you have to get your henna done too, right?" Alekh teased, a playful smile on his face.
"First of all, stop calling me 'sir.' Just call me 'Bhai' or 'Jiju,' whichever you prefer. And secondly, yes, mom informed me about the henna," Rajveer replied with a grin.
"'Bhai' it is then. And I'll throw in a 'Jiju' when I feel like it," Alekh said, winking mischievously before leaving them alone.
"Are you enjoying the ceremonies?" Naina asked, her eyes filled with curiosity.
"Absolutely. Show me your henna," Rajveer requested, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "Did you really have them hide my name in your henna design?" he inquired playfully.
Naina chuckled, finding his curiosity endearing. "Maybe... You'll have to find out," she teased before proudly displaying her henna design for him to see.
"Naina, jaan, it would take me a century to find my name in this maze of designs," Rajveer commented playfully, his eyes twinkling with humor. "Thank God, I didn't wait until our wedding night to look for it," he added, throwing a mischievous wink at his to-be wife.
Naina couldn't help but giggle at his playful remark. "Naughty! My henna is done. What about yours?" she inquired, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
Rajveer proudly showed his palm to her, a grin on his face. The henna artist had skillfully written "Proud groom of Naina" on the palm of both of his hands, displaying his affection for her for everyone to see.
Naina's eyes shimmered with emotion. "This is lovely, Rajveer. I love you," she said, her voice filled with tenderness.
Rajveer smiled, his eyes reflecting the depth of his feelings. "And I love you," he replied, leaning in to place a gentle kiss on the tip of her nose.
Naina giggled at his affectionate gesture, feeling a warm glow in her heart. She rested her head on his chest, and Rajveer, careful not to disturb their henna, wrapped his arm around her.
"Guys, stop cuddling! Let's get tons of photos. Come on!" Pooja and Alice chimed in, coming over and dragging Rajveer and Naina towards the photo booths for a fun-filled photoshoot with everyone.
Meanwhile, Thomas and Jeremy stood together, watching the scene from afar as they chatted with the rest of the Cullens. Witnessing the happiness radiating from Naina and Rajveer, their hearts swelled with joy, knowing that their beloved sister was truly happy.
The ceremony continued with everyone taking turns to get Mehendi designs on their palms. Laughter, music, and the sweet scent of Mehendi filled the air, creating cherished memories for everyone present. As the night progressed, the Mehendi ceremony transformed into a night of celebration, strengthening the bond between the families and marking the beginning of a new chapter in Rajveer and Naina's lives.
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A/N:::