Namesake

The wedding hall was busy chattering. P.K. Mittal, the famous politician, would be getting his eldest daughter-in-law. Reporters were hovering around the hall & the wedding was making big headlines across all the news channels.

P.K. Mittal was a famous politician who easily climbed the ranks with his underhanded schemes. He was a man capable of hiding his old age with the charm of his good looks. Right now, he was wearing his usual suit was given a traditional look. Dhruv had inherited his perfect genes, which explained his good looks.

Dhruv, the groom, was now sitting under the mandap (1), where he was cooperating with the Panditji, in the pre-wedding rituals. He was clad in a cream white kurta paired with a white pajama. His head was decorated with a light pink turban. Just then, the guests started whispering eagerly.

"There comes the bride!"

"Wow! She is so eye-catching."

"She is breath-taking."

Someone approached P.K. & said, "You're lucky to have such a beautiful daughter-in-law."

"Of course", P.K. nodded with pride, "My son has a good taste."

Amidst the chattering & giggling, Dhruv's eyes were glued to Janhvi. She met his eyes once before hiding them under her long lashes. She was accompanied by Amma, Manvi & the group of eunuchs. Her face was hidden under the veil, & under the veil, were hidden her evil intentions.

As soon as she descended the steps, the cameras snapped furiously. After making her sit beside Dhruv, they stepped back while Manvi stood beside a handsome guy with flushed cheeks. The guy smiled at her whispered in her ears, "You look beautiful."

Manvi smirked & replied, "You too, Mr. Handsome."

And this Mr. Handsome was none other than Kabir, Dhruv's younger brother. He was a stunner & Manvi would have really fallen for him if he wasn't the enemy's son. As the saying goes, Neither do have mercy on your enemies nor fall for them. He was wearing a black kurta & a pair of black Patiala pants.

The wedding rituals passed by in a flurry & in no time, Janhvi found herself by the doorsteps. Her eyes were misty with her fake tears of separation. She hugged Amma, Manvi & Neil one by one before Dhruv led her into the decorated floral car.

...

Inside the car, on the way

Janhvi was still shedding her crocodile tears while Dhruv sat beside, comforting her in his embrace. Kabir sighed watching their lovey-dovey moments from the front seat. How he wished it was Manvi with him...

"Bro, stop your public display of affection unless you don't want us dead."

The driver coughed in an attempt to stop his laughter.

Dhruv rolled his eyes while Janhvi slipped away in embarrassment.

---

Mittal Palace

Dhruv & Kabir got down from the car first. Then, Dhruv helped Janhvi out of the car. She slowly walked up to the entrance & completed the homecoming rituals with the help of her namesake aunt-in-law. She smiled apologetically before saying, "My dear, you know, Dhruv's mom, she is mentally not stable, so..."

"I know", Janhvi patted her hand, "I understand."

The whole Mittal family was an eyesore for Janhvi, expect Mrs. Suman Mittal. She knew for a cause that her mental disability was because of a very degrading past. The degrading past was a result of P.K. Mittal's misdeed. As a result, she felt a deep connection & responsibility towards her.

Never mind, this was her namesake family, after all.