Today was the mich awaited day for Amernath and Hastinapur. All around the Kingdom the people were celebrating the the wedding of their youngest princess of Amernath. The wedding was going to be a grand one. Both the bride's and groom's sides many contributions were done in a way showing their power and wealth.

Alaknadha was getting all dolled up by Brinda and Aadrika. Despite her protests they made her wear all the heavy ornaments. After getting ready Nandha looked on the mirror and small gasp escping her mouth as she examined herself in the mirror.

"You look beautiful Nandha." Brinda commented looking at her with a smile.

"Ya look just like Niyathi Maa." Aadrika said with teary eyes.

Indeed they both were right. She looked beautiful. She indeed resembled her mother in every way. A small smile appeared on her face as looked at herself in the mirror.

"It's time." Amaredra said stepping inside the bride's chamber.

Alaknandha nodded her head looking at her father with a small smile on her lips.

****

The pandit sat near the burning fire chanting various mantras. Duryodhana sat there doing the rituals the pandit asked him to do. He had a smile on his face as he continued to follow the pandit's instruction. He wanted to tell the pandit to hurry up but decided to keep his mouth shut.

"Call the bride." the pandit said the most awaited words.

Silence fell on the hall as they looked at the bride who was decending down the staires. Alaknandha looked like celestial nymph in the red lehenga. She walked down the stairs accompanied by her father. Her eyes were casted down avoiding the gazes of the people prresent there.

Duryodhana watched as she walked down the stairs. He felt his heart flutter at the mere sight of her. She looked so beautiful in red lehenga. She was creating an havoc in him. He felt unknown desire stirr in his blood as he continued to look at her. He couldn't wait to have her for himself.

She was brought to the mandap and was made to sit beside him. Not once did she gaze at him making his heart feel heavy. It seemed liked she was completely ignoring him.

They started doing the rituals the pandit instructed them to do. Amerandra and Jayandhika did her Kanyadhan and then they were made to exchange garlands. For a fraction of second Nandha's eyes met his but immediately she averted her gaze a small hue forming on her cheeks. A smirk appeared on his face at his effects on her.

Soon it was time for the 7 pehras. Duryodhana felt Nandha stiffen beside him as her held her hand in his. They took the seven rounds exchanging the vows of love, duty, respect, fidelity and a fruitful union. Athulya and Ahaan did the Gathbandhan.

Aadrika brought the chudamani.

Duryodhan took the chudamani and placed it on her head. He filled her partision with sindoor making her his in every sense. A lonely tear left Nandha's eyes as felt him fill her maang with sindoor. Her fate is sealed in his hands now.

The priest decalred them husband and wife. They stepped down from the mandap and started taking the blessings of the elders. All the elders blesssed the bewly wedded couple whole heartedly. While the youngsters of the family came and congratulted and took their blessings.

****

Soon it was time for the vidaai. Nandha stood on the steps of the doorstep. A plate full of rice and coins were brought by Aadrika. She took a handful of it and threw it above head into the house. Tears rolled down her eyes as she repeated the process three time before walking out of the house.

They couple went and took Amerndra's and Jayandhika's blessing. Tears were continuosly rolling down her beautiful face. Amerendhra eyes were glossy as he blessed his daughter. Finally his daughter is married and is now leaving to her sasurals. He had never said it out loud but he loved and cared for Nandha a lttle more than his other children. The reason he avoided her was that she remind him of Niyathi. To avoid the grief he avoided her. He knew he was never a good father but Ahaan filled in the gap and after the death of Mandhita, Aadrika became the mother for her. He had seen how Ahaan and Aadrika took care of her and he couldn't be more proud of his children.

"Take care of my daughter." Amerendra spoke with tears in his eyes.

"She is my wife Maharaj. She is now my responsibility. I promise you that I will protect her from all danger till my last birth." Duryodhana promised.

Alaknandha felt butterflies in her stomack hearing him calling her his wife. Ignoring the feeling she moved towards Ahaan and Brinda. Nandha hugged the couple and cried her heart out. It was heart wrecking scene for eveyone present there. Duryodhana felt bad seeing it.

"Take care of yourself. Never skip food and sleep. If you need me just remember that I am only one call away. I will miss my sweet sister." Ahaan said cupping her face.

"I will miss you too bhrata." Nandha sobbed.

"And you better write letters to me once a while. I and baby will miss you." Brinda said hugging her.

"I will miss you and baby too Bhabhi." Nandha whispered.

"Take care of my sister. Don't ever let a tear fall from her eyes or you won't like the consequences. She had suffered so much from her birth. Promise me that you will keep her happy and safe." Ahaan said keeping his hands on Duryodhana's shoulder.

"She is my life now. I love her too much to ever hurt her. I promise I would never hurt her and will take care of her till my last birth." Duryodhana promised making Ahaan smile.

"I will miss you jiji." Nandha sobbed in Aadrika's arms.

"Hey, hey don't cry. Its not like this is the last time we are seeing eachother. I have a gut feeling that we are going to see sooner." Aadrika said wipping Nandha's tears.

Nandha was made to sit in the palanquin. She looked at her family one last time before turning and looking forward letting the tears fall freely.

*****