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And someone don't know about roka ceremony. so, they can read it below i wrote below explaining what roka is.
In Indian tradition, the Roka ceremony is a significant pre-engagement ritual, marking the formal announcement of a couple's intended marriage. It's the moment when both families come together to signify their approval of the relationship and take the first step toward formalizing the union. The ceremony is usually held at the bride's or groom's home, with close family members present to bless the couple.
The Roka typically involves the exchange of gifts, sweets, and often a small puja or prayer for the couple's future together. It is a moment of celebration and joy, where the families express their happiness for the couple's decision to get married. This ceremony comes before the official engagement, and although it is not legally binding, it symbolizes the commitment and intentions of both families to move forward with the wedding plans.
For many, the Roka is a meaningful and emotional event, as it signifies the union of two families and the beginning of a beautiful journey together. After the Roka, the couple may proceed with the engagement ceremony, which formalizes their relationship.
Isha's POV
I sat on the edge of the cushioned stool in the large guest room, the soft rustling of silk filling the silence. Maa and choti maa walked in gracefully, her hands holding an intricately wrapped package. She smiled, a hint of warmth in her usually formal demeanor. "Isha," she said softly, "this is the dress you'll wear for the Roka." Her voice held an air of finality, as though this moment was more than just tradition-it was a silent acknowledgment of the role I was stepping into.
I unfolded the package slowly, revealing the most exquisite lehenga I had ever seen. The fabric shimmered under the dim light, its deep red and gold hues symbolizing the promise of something new. Maa gently took my hand. "Come, let me help you dress."
She worked efficiently, draping the dupatta with precision, smoothing the fabric to perfection. Once the lehenga was secured, she stepped back and examined me critically, her eyes scanning every detail. Then, choti maa opened a small velvet box on the dressing table, revealing a set of jewelry-delicate gold pieces encrusted with rubies and pearls. One by one, she adorned me, fastening the necklace, adjusting the earrings, and clasping the bangles around my wrists.
"There," she said, stepping back with a satisfied nod. Her voice was softer now, almost tender. "You look perfect." She placed her hand on my shoulder, squeezing gently. "Now, sit here and wait with patience. When the time comes, I will call you both. Until then, gather your thoughts."
With that, she left the room with choti maa, leaving me alone with my reflection. My heart raced as I stared at the girl in the mirror who looked nothing like me-a girl who seemed ready to step into a new chapter of her life.
After maa and choti maa left, ishu and prisha came and start did my little makeup.
The guest room provided by Shivansh's family was grand, but at this moment, I barely noticed the intricate carvings on the furniture or the soft golden glow from the chandelier. My heart pounded in my chest as I stood before the mirror, adjusting my Roka dress-a deep red and gold lehenga, embroidered with delicate patterns that shimmered under the light.
I let out a slow breath, trying to calm my nerves. This is really happening.
Prisha and Ishika fussed around me, helping me with the final touches. Prisha adjusted the dupatta over my shoulder while Ishika fixed a stray curl near my ear.
It's good that mummy call prisha here warna she will kill me, when she get to know about the roka ceremony.
"You look breathtaking," prisha said with a wide grin.
I swallowed. "I just... I don't know how to feel. It's all happening so fast."
Ishika smirked. "Well, you better start feeling happy because you're about to get engaged to the king. And not just any king-the cold, arrogant Shivansh."
I rolled my eyes at her teasing. Shivansh. His name sent an unexplainable shiver down my spine.
A knock on the door interrupted my thoughts. I turned to see Juhi standing there, dressed in an elaborate pastel outfit, her makeup flawless, but her eyes held something sinister beneath their artificial warmth.
"Oh, Isha," she cooed, stepping inside without an invitation. "You look... nice."
There was something off about the way she said it, like a hidden insult wrapped in fake politeness.
"Thanks," I said, watching her carefully.
She walked up to me, tilting her head. "Are you nervous? You should be."
I frowned. "Why?"
She smiled sweetly, but her eyes gleamed with something dark. "Oh, nothing. It's just that being part of this family isn't as easy as it seems. You have big shoes to fill. And let's be honest, not everyone is fit for the role."
Ishika stepped forward. "What are you trying to say, Juhi?"
Juhi shrugged. "Oh, don't get me wrong. I'm just looking out for Isha. After all, it's not easy to handle a husband like Shivansh." Her lips curved as she leaned closer to whisper, "He deserves someone who truly understands him."
My grip tightened on my lehenga. I knew what she was implying.
But before I could reply, Ishika crossed her arms. "Juhi, if you're done being creepy, we need to finish getting Isha ready."
Juhi smiled that sickly-sweet smile of hers. "Of course. I'll see you downstairs." With that, she walked away, leaving behind an air of hostility.
I inhaled deeply, shaking off the unease. Not today, Juhi. You won't ruin this for me.
The soft jingle of my bangles echoed in the silent guest room as I sat there, waiting. Ishu and prisha went downstairs to see the everything. My heart was racing-not out of fear, but from the weight of the moment that was about to unfold. The grandeur of this day, the whispers of tradition, and the undeniable presence of fate all pressed down on me.
Just then, the door opened, and Maa stepped in. Her eyes softened the moment they met mine, filled with a warmth that made me feel both secure and overwhelmed. She walked closer, her hands gently adjusting my dupatta, tucking in a stray strand of hair.
"It's time," she whispered, her voice laced with emotion.
I nodded, inhaling deeply, as if trying to steady myself. She took my hand and guided me out of the room, each step toward the hall feeling heavier than the last.
The moment I entered, my breath hitched. The hall was breathtakingly decorated-warm golden lights bathed the entire space, soft floral arrangements filled the air with their delicate fragrance, and the intricate drapes added a touch of royalty. It felt unreal, like a scene straight out of a dream. My dream? I wasn't sure.
The hall was beautifully decorated with cascading fairy lights, fresh flowers, and a grand seating arrangement. A warm golden glow bathed the entire space, making everything feel almost dreamlike.
As I stepped inside, all eyes turned toward me. I could feel the weight of their gazes-some admiring, some scrutinizing. But there was only one gaze that mattered.
Shivansh.
He stood at the other end of the hall, dressed in a regal sherwani of deep blue and gold. He looked... majestic. His sharp eyes met mine, and for a fleeting moment, his expression softened before his usual cold mask returned.
I walked towards him, my heartbeat deafening in my ears. My parents and his stood close, the dada sa and dadi sa seated with proud smiles.
My gaze traveled across the room, past the familiar faces of family members and friend, and landed on the one person who made my pulse quicken-Shivansh.
Maa led me to the beautifully adorned couch where he was seated. With a slight hesitation, I settled beside him, our hands resting just inches apart. The air between us felt charged, thick with emotions neither of us were ready to name.
Just as I started to relax, a voice cut through the air.
"You took your time, Isha," Juhi said, her saccharine smile barely masking the sharpness in her tone.
I glanced at her, trying not to let her words get to me. "Perfection takes time, Juhi," Ishu replied, offering a polite smile.
Her eyes darkened for a fraction of a second before she composed herself, turning to the guests as if she hadn't just tried to rattle me.
Dressed in an elegant sherwani, he looked every bit the regal king he was. Composed, distant, yet strikingly powerful. His dark eyes flickered toward me as I glanced at him, he seems closer, unreadable as ever.
"Nervous?" he murmured just low enough for me to hear.
I met his gaze, determined. "No."
His lips twitched as if he was about to smirk, but he held it back.
The elders blessed us, and soon, it was time for the exchange of gifts.
Shivansh, all this while, finally spoke, his voice low but firm. "Can we begin?"
And just like that, the ceremony started-the exchange of gifts, the blessings, the quiet whispers of excitement from the guests.
Maa place a sacred red cloth( red chuni ) was placed over my head, its weight symbolic of the significance of this moment.
Maa and papa presented me with an array of gifts-an heirloom necklace passed down for generations, intricately designed bangles, and a silk saree embroidered with golden threads. It was their way of welcoming me into their world, a silent yet profound acceptance.
Chote maa and papa presented me with an array of extravagant gifts, each one more breathtaking than the last. The first was a stunning collection of gold and diamond necklace sets, their intricate craftsmanship reflecting centuries of royal heritage. Alongside them lay exquisite designer sarees, their fabrics rich with embroidery, shimmering under the soft glow of the chandeliers.
Bua sa and fufa sa also presented me with diamond necklace set and a beautiful watch and some set of lehanges which design was beautiful and unique.
But the gift that truly left me speechless was an ancestral bracelet-one that had once belonged to dadi sa.
Dadi sa stepped forward, with dada sa her wise, kind eyes holding mine as she gently picked up my wrist. The moment her fingers brushed against my skin, I felt a strange sense of comfort, as if she were silently accepting me into their lineage. With the utmost care, she clasped the bracelet around my wrist, her touch lingering for a moment longer.
"This is for you, beta," she said, her voice holding a softness that contrasted the grandeur around us. "This bracelet has been in our family for generations. It is a symbol of strength, resilience, and the grace with which a woman carries herself. I believe you will wear it beautifully."
A lump formed in my throat as I looked down at the delicate piece of jewelry, its history pressing onto my skin like an unspoken promise. I traced my fingers over the intricate carvings, the weight of its meaning settling deep within me.
I swallowed, my voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you... I will treasure it."
Her smile deepened, warm and reassuring, before she stepped back, allowing me a moment to compose myself.
Even avi bhaiya and dhruv bhaiya presented me with the gifts.
Dhruv bhaiya give me tiara and earrings. And avi bhaiya give me diamond necklace. And when I try to deny those gift with politeness they said that they are giving those gift me as their sister. So, I kept it.
Then came the gifts from my family to Shivansh. Though we could never match the grandeur of what I had received, my parents had chosen each gift with thoughtfulness and sincerity.
First, my father handed over an elegant wristwatch-sleek, timeless, and sophisticated, perfectly suited for someone like Shivansh. Next was a handcrafted suit, tailored with precision, woven with the finest fabric. And lastly, a rare book on royal history, something we knew would hold true value to him.
My family, in return, gifted Shivansh a classic wristwatch, a token of time, symbolizing the beginning of a new journey together.
My father, ever the humble man, hesitated before speaking. "It's not as lavish as the gifts you have given Isha, but we wanted to give something deeply personal. Something that would hold meaning beyond its material worth."
Shivansh took the watch first, running his fingers over the polished surface, his expression unreadable. A moment passed in silence, and then, to my surprise, he nodded in quiet approval.
"It's perfect," he said simply, his deep voice steady yet carrying an undeniable weight.
It wasn't just a compliment-it was an acknowledgment, a silent understanding between two families now intertwined.
As I watched him examine each gift, something within me stirred. This wasn't just a ceremony. It wasn't just an exchange of material possessions. It was a silent declaration, a binding thread weaving our lives together, whether we were ready for it or not.
I stole a glance at him as the rituals unfolded. He seemed calm, detached, yet undeniably present. Our eyes met briefly, and for a split second, something flickered in his gaze-something unreadable, something I wasn't ready to decipher.
As the final blessings were given, the realization hit me.
This wasn't just a ceremony. It was a promise.
One that tied me to Shivansh in ways I was only beginning to understand.
The hall shimmered under the golden glow of the chandeliers, the soft hum of conversations and laughter filling the air. The Roka ceremony had ended, but the evening was far from over.
As the evening continued, everyone mingled, laughter echoed, and blessings poured in. But Juhi was never far.
At one point, as Shivansh and I stood together, she approached with her fake smile. "Congratulations," she said, then looked at me. "You must be so overwhelmed."
"I'm doing just fine," I said smoothly.
She glanced at Shivansh, her expression turning almost pleading. "Shivansh, remember how we used to plan our futures as kids? I always thought you'd-"
" it was you and I tell you everytime to doesn't add me in your fantasy." Shivansh cut her off, his tone firm.
Juhi's face darkened for a split second before she quickly masked it. "Of course. Times change." She turned to me. "Isha, I do hope you can handle him."
I tilted my head, meeting her gaze head-on. "Oh, don't worry. I can handle much more than you think."
Her smile faltered.
Shivansh glanced at me, a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes-maybe amusement, maybe something else.
The evening went on, and despite Juhi's best efforts, she couldn't shake me. This was my moment, my Roka, and no amount of bitterness from her could ruin it.
As the ceremony came to a close, I stole one last glance at Shivansh. This is just the beginning.
The evening had settled into a soft glow, the fairy lights twinkling above us like a canopy of fallen stars. Laughter and conversation filled the grand hall, but my heart hammered against my ribs the moment someone called out,
"Now, it's time for a couple's dance!" Dhruv bhai announced, and suddenly, all eyes turned toward me and Shivansh.
I stiffened. No, no, no. This couldn't be happening.
Before I could protest, Maa commend, Prisha clapped her hands in delight. "Isha and Shivansh, you both have to dance! Isha you have to! It's tradition!"
My stomach twisted. I turned to protest, but before I could escape, Prisha and Ishika nudged me forward. Across the room, Shivansh-his ever-composed, unreadable self-was already being pushed onto the dance floor by his best friend.
Our eyes met. A silent challenge. A reluctant truce.
My gaze darted toward Shivansh, who stood across the room, his expression as unreadable as ever. Unlike me, he didn't protest. Instead, he walked toward me with his usual composed demeanor, stopping just inches away.
For a second, I thought he was going to just take my hand and pull me onto the dance floor. But instead, he leaned in slightly, his voice low yet clear.
"May I?"
I blinked, taken aback by his sudden politeness. My heart pounded.
He was asking for permission?
Everyone was watching. I couldn't say no. Taking a shaky breath, I nodded. "Fine."
A faint smirk ghosted over his lips as he extended his hand. I placed mine in his hesitantly, and just like that, we were being led to the center of the room.
The music began-soft, elegant, a melody that belonged to another era.
Shivansh placed his right hand on my waist, his fingers barely brushing my back, as if careful not to overstep. His left hand held mine, our palms pressed together. The warmth of his touch sent a strange sensation coursing through me.
He guided me forward, leading with effortless grace.
I had danced before, but never like this—never with someone whose presence made my skin burn with awareness.
We swayed, our movements tentative at first. His hold was effortless, his steps practiced, while I struggled to keep my breathing steady. His scent—a mix of sandalwood and something uniquely his—wrapped around me, intoxicating yet unsettling.
"Follow my lead," he murmured, his breath warm against my temple.
I tried. I really did. But I was painfully aware of how close we were, the way our movements had to sync perfectly. When I hesitated, he tightened his hold just slightly, keeping me steady.
We moved in slow, gliding steps, the fabric of my lehenga swaying around me. The world blurred. It was just me and him, lost in a dance neither of us had planned for.
And then-a sudden shift in the air.
I didn't even have to turn my head to know Juhi was watching. I could feel her stare, burning into me like a flame ready to devour.
Standing at the edge of the crowd, Juhi's smile was still in place, but her eyes-they told a different story. Her fingers clutched the folds of her dress, her nails digging into the fabric.
She wanted to be here. In my place.
Her jealousy was almost tangible. But what truly set her off was when Shivansh, in a completely natural motion, twirled me under his arm before catching me again with ease.
I could see it in the way her expression faltered, the way her fake smile stiffened.
For the first time that evening, I didn't mind.
"Relax," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.
Relax? How could I? With so many eyes on us, with the weight of expectations, with the confusing emotions swirling inside me?
But as the music carried on, something shifted. My body followed his lead, the world outside our little dance fading. His hand tightened slightly on my waist when I stumbled, steadying me. I looked up at him, surprised to see the ghost of a smirk tugging at his lips.
"Not bad," he murmured.
The dance ended with a soft spin, my hands still resting lightly in his before we broke apart. The applause that followed brought me back to reality.
Before I could say anything, the music changed-livelier, energetic. Everyone rushed onto the dance floor, breaking the intimate moment between us.
Juhi, however, remained where she was, her sharp gaze still on me.
Before I could retaliate, the song transitioned into a more upbeat rhythm, and suddenly, everyone flooded the dance floor. Laughter, cheers, and claps surrounded us as we broke apart, slipping into the joyous chaos.
Prisha dragged me away, spinning me wildly, while Ishika joined, her laughter contagious. Even Shivansh, usually so composed, was pulled into the group by his brothers, their movements less graceful but filled with mirth.
For the first time in the evening, I let go. I laughed. I danced. I enjoyed.
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