The Billionaire's Bought Bride

Chapter 23: The Big Day (and the Night After) - 18+

The air crackled with nervous excitement. The months of planning had culminated in this very moment – Aditi's wedding day. Sunlight streamed through the intricately embroidered veil, casting a soft glow on her face. Butterflies fluttered in her stomach, a mix of nerves and sheer joy.

Her bridesmaids, a flurry of activity in colorful lehengas, surrounded her, their chatter a comforting buzz. "You look stunning, Aditi!" gushed Riya, her former frenemy turned genuine friend. "Seriously, Arjun is a lucky guy."

Aditi smiled, a secret warmth blooming in her chest. Once a source of doubt and manipulation, Riya's apology and genuine turnaround had been a welcome surprise. "Thanks, Riya. You don't look too bad yourself!"

Laughter filled the room, a testament to the unexpected friendships that had blossomed during the wedding planning process. Through late-night brainstorming sessions and shared anxieties, the bridesmaids had formed a bond that went beyond the occasion.

As the ceremony progressed, a hush fell over the gathered guests. Arjun, looking dapper in his sherwani, stood beneath the mandap (wedding canopy), his eyes searching for her. When their gazes met, a silent conversation passed between them – a reassurance of their love, a promise of forever.

The traditional rituals unfolded in a beautiful blur. The exchange of garlands, the vows whispered in Sanskrit, the tying of the mangalsutra (sacred thread) – each moment etched itself into Aditi's memory. When it came time for the pheras (circling the sacred fire), her heart overflowed with a love so profound it felt like it might burst.

As husband and wife, they walked hand-in-hand around the fire, their steps in sync, their future a shared journey. A collective sigh of relief and joy rippled through the crowd. Finally, after all the hurdles, their love story had culminated in this beautiful union.

The reception was a vibrant affair. The dance floor was packed with guests of all ages, grooving to a mix of traditional Bollywood hits and trendy pop music. Aditi and Arjun danced the night away, their laughter echoing amidst the jubilant crowd.

Later, as the last guests left and the party settled down, they found themselves alone in their beautifully decorated suite. Exhaustion mingled with exhilaration in the air.

"That was..." Aditi began, searching for the right words.

"Amazing?" Arjun finished, a tired but happy smile gracing his lips.

"Amazing doesn't even begin to describe it," she replied, walking towards him and collapsing onto the plush couch beside him. "Everything was perfect, Arjun. Thank you."

He cupped her face in his hands, his eyes filled with tenderness. "It wouldn't have been perfect without you, Aditi. You were radiant today. And brave."

She chuckled, a blush creeping up her cheeks. "Brave? For what?"

"For trusting me again," he murmured, his voice husky with emotion. "For showing me that our love can weather any storm."

They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, simply basking in the afterglow of their wedding day. Aditi leaned her head against his shoulder, contentment washing over her.

"So," Arjun finally spoke, a playful glint in his eyes, "Mrs. Rathore, any ideas on how we celebrate... our first night as a married couple?"

Aditi smirked. "Well, Mr. Rathore," she teased, mirroring his playful tone, "I was thinking we could recreate a little bit of that wedding night magic... but without the 500-guest audience this time."

He chuckled, a low rumble vibrating against her chest. "Sounds like a plan. But first," he leaned in and whispered in her ear, "how about we ditch these uncomfortable wedding clothes and get a little... more comfortable?"