Page 51 of Since You Stole My Heart

‘We’re definitely not going to now,’ Abhay said.

Siya huffed out a breath, shaking her head.

‘We want to make sure the groom earns the right to put thevarmalaon our kiddo,’ Raghav said, mockingly taunting Swayam.

‘With pleasure,’ Swayam replied, stepping forward.

Though they pushed her higher into the air, Swayam easily placed the garland over her head. The soft petals brushed her neck, and she inhaled their rich fragrance.

‘He’s too tall. We should’ve blindfolded him to make it a challenge,’ Luv complained as they set Kashvi back on the ground.

The pandit gestured for her to do the same, continuing his steady chant.

Swayam bowed just enough to make it easier for her, and the proximity made her acutely aware of the warmth radiating from him. Her heartbeat echoed in her ears as she lifted her hands and placed the garland over his head.

Cheers and hoots echoed through the vast space. The pandit gestured for them to take their seats, and Dhruv gave her a slight nod before walking across the mandap to sit behind Siya and Abhay.

Swayam held her hand as they took their seats in the mandap, in front of the small fire kund, while the others gathered around them.

The pandit poured ghee into the kund, and a faint crackle rose as the kindling caught. The Sanskrit chants flowed in a smooth rhythm, weaving through the air and settling into the marble beneath them.

After the puja, the pandit turned to Siya and Abhay. ‘Now the bride’s family may come forward to perform thekanyadaan.’

Siya leaned forward, reaching for Kashvi’s hand. ‘She’s my baby, Swayam. Take care of her.’

Kashvi’s throat tightened unexpectedly, her gaze flickering to Siya, who was already looking at her with misty eyes.

Swayam nodded without hesitation. ‘I promise,’ he vowed.

With a small nod, Abhay placed his hand beneath Siya’s, and together they guided her hand into his. Swayam tightened his grip just enough to acknowledge it, brushing his thumb lightly over her knuckles and sealing the moment in silence.

Siya leaned forward and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. ‘He’s lucky that I’m willing to share you with him.’

Her vision blurred, and Kashvi tried to respond, but the words caught in her throat.

Siya pulled back and gave Swayam’s shoulder a light punch. ‘Don’t mess this up,’ she warned.

Swayam let out a soft huff of laughter, nodding once. ‘I wouldn’t dream of it.’

Abhay warned, ‘If you ever make our girl cry, you’ll answer to me. Got it?’

‘You got it, Jiju,’ Swayam said, making him chuckle.

The pandit’s voice rose above the soft crackle of the fire as he instructed them to rise for thepheras. ‘Now the bride and the groom will take seven vows ofSaptapadi.’

They both stood, and Swayam shifted to walk ahead of her. He reached for her hand, his fingers wrapping around hers as they began their firstphera.

‘For this vow, I promise to care for you with patience and devotion, and to build a life where you and our family are always surrounded by warmth and well-being.’

A lump of emotion formed in her throat as she followed him.

They moved into their secondphera, their steps falling into rhythm.

‘For this vow, I promise to be your strength and shield, and to protect you from the troubles of the world.’

Someone sniffled around them as they began their third round.

‘For this vow, I promise to hold your hand through every season, in health and in hardship, in happiness and in sorrow, with honesty, loyalty, and trust.’