Chapter 94 :

On January 16, 2021, Advay and Ananya arrived at the airport, ready for their journey to France, where their wedding was set to take place. The excitement was evident, though Advay, as always, maintained his calm, composed demeanor, while Ananya fidgeted slightly with her boarding pass, her excitement barely contained.

"This is it," she murmured as they settled into their first-class seats, looking out the window.

"Yeah," Advay smirked, stretching his legs. "Last flight as an unmarried man. Better enjoy it."

She rolled her eyes, nudging him. "You talk like you're about to lose your freedom."

He chuckled. "I mean, I did have to miss a Test match for this."

She gasped dramatically. "EXCUSE ME?!"

Advay laughed, dodging the playful smack she aimed at him. "Relax, I'm kidding… mostly."

The flight took off smoothly, and after several hours of sleeping, chatting, and watching movies, they finally landed in France.

As they stepped out of the airport, a sleek, black Lamborghini Aventador was already waiting for them.

Ananya stopped in her tracks, eyes widening. "You rented THIS?"

Advay casually pulled out the key fob, unlocking the car with a click. "What did you expect?"

She groaned, shaking her head. "You're never letting this go, are you?"

He smirked, opening the passenger door for her. "Nope. Now get in, Mrs. Soon-to-be-Rai."

She rolled her eyes but got in, smiling as the doors smoothly closed. Advay settled into the driver's seat, the engine roaring to life as he accelerated onto the streets of France

The Lamborghini Aventador roared through the French countryside, winding past vineyards and rolling green landscapes, before slowing down as it approached the majestic gates of Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte.

The wrought-iron gates, adorned with intricate gold detailing, slowly opened, revealing the stunning 17th-century château standing in all its glory. The estate was vast, its perfectly manicured gardens stretching endlessly, fountains dancing under the golden sunlight. The gravel driveway led to the grand entrance, where the elegant domed roof and symmetrical stone façade of the château stood proudly against the bright blue sky.

As Advay pulled up, Ananya gazed in awe. "This looks like something out of a movie."

The massive wooden doors were flanked by towering columns, leading into an opulent marble-floored entrance hall. Inside, the ceiling frescoes painted by master artists, grand chandeliers shimmering with crystal elegance, and gold-accented archways gave the château an almost dreamlike feel.

To their left, the ballroom glowed under the soft lighting, its tall French windows opening up to sprawling gardens, where a long aisle was being decorated with white flowers for their wedding ceremony. To the right, an elegant dining hall with intricate tapestries and velvet chairs was being prepared for the grand wedding feast.

Advay, ever composed, simply nodded in appreciation, while Ananya twirled around, taking everything in. "This is… perfect," she whispered, still in awe.

Advay glanced at her, smirking slightly. "Of course, it is. Only the best."

She rolled her eyes but smiled, knowing that every moment here was going to be unforgettable.

As Advay and Ananya stepped further into the château, they were greeted by the warm and familiar voices of their family, who were already deep into the wedding preparations.

At the center of it all stood Alina Rai, Advay's mother, elegantly dressed yet clearly in command, her eyes scanning every detail of the decorations. Beside her, Bhavana Panday, Ananya's mother, was just as engaged, discussing the seating arrangements with the planners.

Aditi Rai, Advay's older sister, noticed them first. "Finally! Look who decided to show up," she teased, walking over to hug her brother. "We were beginning to think you were going to ditch your own wedding."

Advay smirked, hugging her back. "Tempting, but no."

Chunky Panday and Arjun Rai walked over next, their expressions a mix of excitement and mischief.

Chunky grinned. "Beta, you know you're signing up for a lifetime of Ananya talking non-stop, right?"

Advay smirked. "I think I'll survive."

Bhavana rolled her eyes. "Ignore him. Now come on, you two, there's so much left to finalize!"

As they walked toward the gardens, the entire venue buzzed with activity—florists arranging white and blush roses along the aisle, planners discussing the menu, the stage setup, and the fireworks display planned for the night.

Ananya turned to Alina. "Aunty, are we on schedule?"

Alina smiled, nodding. "Of course. Everything is coming together beautifully. Just a few more things left to decide."

Aditi nudged Advay. "By the way, we still need to finalize the music for your entrance. Any preferences?"

Advay smirked. "Something dramatic. Gotta make an entrance worthy of the name."

Ananya laughed, shaking her head. "Of course you do."

With the wedding just days away, excitement filled the air, and for the first time, it truly sank in—this was happening.

On February 14, 2021, the guests began arriving at Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, the grandeur of the venue only adding to the excitement in the air. The Indian cricket team was among the first to arrive, with Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and the rest of the squad stepping out, their faces bright with smiles and excitement for the celebrations. "Welcome, everyone!" Advay greeted, his smile widening as he shook hands with each of his teammates.

Not far behind, the Liverpool FC squad made their entrance, with Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, and Sadio Mané leading the pack, all decked out in their finest for the occasion. "Good to see you all," Advay said with a grin, clapping them on the shoulder as they walked inside.

Soon after, the CEOs of some of the biggest tech companies made their way to the château's entrance. Susan Wojcicki, CEO of YouTube, walked in with an infectious smile, followed closely by Sundar Pichai, the CEO of Google, and Andy Jassy, the CEO of Amazon, all dressed sharply for the event. Their presence added an extra layer of glamour to the already star-studded gathering. Advay and Ananya made sure to personally greet each of them, welcoming them with the utmost warmth and excitement.

"It's an honor to have you here," Advay said to each of the CEOs, "I'm grateful that you could join us for this special day."

Ananya, her face glowing with happiness, hugged Susan Wojcicki, exchanging a few words with her before turning her attention to the movie stars and actors who had also arrived, including Deepika Padukone, Ranbir Kapoor, and other renowned names from Bollywood. "It's so good to see you!" Ananya beamed, catching up with her friends amidst the chaos of the preparations.

The Indian team and Liverpool squad quickly got settled in, while family members escorted guests to their luxury suites. Each room was nothing short of a palatial retreat, offering stunning views of the sprawling gardens, and opulent décor that echoed the charm of the château. "Everything looks perfect," Ananya whispered, admiring the setup, her excitement building up for the next day.

As the final guests trickled in, there was a palpable buzz of anticipation for the Mehendi ceremony the following day, and the energy was electric as they all prepared for the next few days of celebrations.

On February 15, 2021, the Mehendi ceremony for Advay and Ananya's wedding was a celebration of color, joy, and music. Held in the grand garden of Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, the venue was transformed into a stunning space filled with bright floral decorations—a combination of yellow marigolds, roses, and jasmine, all adding to the festive atmosphere.

The sun was shining brightly, casting a warm glow over the guests, many of whom were gathered under tented marquees, the air filled with the sounds of lively traditional music and Bollywood tunes. The Indian cricket team, Liverpool FC players, Bollywood stars, and tech moguls had arrived early, ready to be part of the pre-wedding celebrations.

Advay and Ananya sat on a beautiful floral-decked stage, surrounded by family and close friends, while professional henna artists worked on their hands, creating intricate, mesmerizing patterns. Ananya, wearing a light yellow lehenga with gold detailing, her hair adorned with flowers, looked radiant as her maids of honor and friends gathered around her, each one getting their own henna designs.

"This is so exciting!" Ananya exclaimed, laughing as she watched her friends teasing each other over their designs.

Advay, sitting next to her, looked equally at ease, his custom-made kurta in soft pastels blending with the colorful surroundings. He playfully waved at Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who were sitting nearby, getting their own mehendi done.

Virat grinned. "I never thought I'd get henna at a wedding, but here we are."

The cricketers, Liverpool FC squad, and other guests were enjoying the event, with Deepika Padukone, Ranbir Kapoor, and other Bollywood stars joining in on the fun. The music and energy were infectious as people danced around the bride and groom, some joining the traditional Garba while others enjoyed the beats of DJ mixes.

Ananya's friends from the industry, including actresses like Alia Bhatt and Priyanka Chopra, came to her side to give her a hug and some wedding advice, as the celebrations continued in full swing. Meanwhile, the guests kept arriving, entering in their own vibrant attires, getting comfortable with drinks in hand, and dancing to the tunes of the night.

At one point, Advay, who had been sitting for a while, stood up and danced with Ananya, his hands held out, twirling her as she laughed, enjoying the atmosphere and her fiancé's playful energy.

The energy was electric, the smiles endless, and everyone knew that this was just the start of a truly unforgettable celebration leading up to the big day.

As the Sangeet ceremony at Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte continued, the excitement in the air was palpable. The music played in the background, and the energy of the evening was building up, as the Indian cricket team, Bollywood stars, and international guests were all settling in for the night of fun.

The grand ballroom was decorated in warm golds and silvers, with twinkling fairy lights and floral arrangements that added an extra layer of luxury to the celebration. The chandeliers shimmered overhead, and the space was filled with laughter and chatter as everyone looked forward to what was next.

At the center of the attention was Karan Johar, the famous Bollywood host, who had taken the stage, bringing his trademark charm and wit. He was dressed in a sharp, glittering outfit, his infectious energy lighting up the room as he raised the mic to announce the next part of the night.

"Alright, everyone!" Karan's voice rang out, capturing everyone's attention. "We've had some beautiful performances tonight, but now it's time for something a little different! A game to find out who knows the other better!"

The guests cheered in excitement, and the music faded into the background as Advay and Ananya walked up to the stage, holding hands. They were dressed in elegant outfits—Advay in a well-tailored black suit, Ananya in a gorgeous red lehenga, looking stunning as always.

Karan Johar grinned at the couple, his eyes glinting with mischief. "Alright, Advay, Ananya... The moment we've all been waiting for! The question is, who knows the other better? You've been together for a while, but now we'll find out the truth!"

Ananya smiled, her eyes twinkling with excitement, while Advay smirked confidently, not backing down from the challenge.

"I think I've got this in the bag," Advay said with a playful wink at Ananya.

"We'll see about that," Ananya replied with a laugh, her competitive side coming out.

Karan handed them two boards and markers. "I'll ask a question, and you both will write your answers on the board. No peeking! Let's start with something simple—what is Advay's favorite food?"

The couple looked at each other for a moment, then both quickly wrote their answers.

"Alright, reveal your answers!" Karan said, and the crowd leaned in.

Advay's board read: "Pizza."

Ananya's board read: "Anything with cheese."

Karan laughed. "Well, I think we can all agree that Advay would survive on pizza and cheese if given the choice." The audience erupted in laughter, and even Advay chuckled, clearly enjoying the playful nature of the game.

"That's one point for Ananya!" Karan announced, and the crowd cheered.

Next up, Karan asked, "Who said 'I love you' first?"

Both Advay and Ananya quickly scribbled their answers.

Karan paused for a moment, raising an eyebrow. "Alright, let's see what you both have."

Advay's board read: "Me."

Ananya's board read: "Advay."

The audience burst into applause and laughter, and Karan smiled knowingly. "Looks like Advay wins this round, huh? Always the charmer!"

"You knew I was going to win," Advay grinned, nudging Ananya playfully.

They continued with a series of fun and quirky questions, each one getting more playful and intimate. "What's Ananya's guilty pleasure?" "Where did Advay go for his first solo trip?"

With each question, the answers were revealed, and the couple's closeness and understanding of each other were more evident. The crowd enjoyed hearing about the little details of their relationship—what they liked, what annoyed them, and their little quirks—all shared in good fun.

At one point, Karan asked, "What was the first movie the two of you watched together?"

Advay immediately wrote "Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge", while Ananya wrote "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham."

Karan looked at both answers and laughed. "A classic Bollywood standoff right there!" The crowd roared with approval, and the couple exchanged amused glances.

As the game went on, the energy in the room grew more lively, with each round sparking laughter and cheers from the audience. The Indian team and Liverpool FC players were the most vocal, cheering and teasing Advay and Ananya with each new revelation.

Eventually, Karan wrapped up the game, announcing that it was a tie—both knew each other incredibly well, but they were equally matched in their answers. "It's a draw, ladies and gentlemen! But I think we can all agree that these two are truly meant for each other!"

The crowd applauded loudly, and Advay and Ananya, laughing and grinning, took a moment to share a sweet, loving look before waving at the audience.

"Let's have a round of applause for Advay and Ananya!" Karan cheered, and the applause was deafening.

As the Sangeet ceremony continued, the next segment was about to begin. The guests, still buzzing with excitement from the "Who Knows the Other Better?" game, settled in as the stage lights dimmed slightly, and the attention shifted to the siblings of the bride and groom.

The Indian cricket team and Bollywood stars were all seated at their tables, waiting for the next performance. A few moments passed, and then, the unmistakable beat of a Bollywood classic began to echo through the room.

Aditi Rai, Advay's older sister, strutted onto the stage with a confident smile. Her elegant sari shimmered under the lights, but it was her energy and infectious personality that immediately commanded the room's attention. She was followed by Ananya's closest friends and the bridesmaids—all ready to put on a performance that was bound to be full of fun and surprises.

Karan Johar, still the host of the evening, announced with a mischievous grin: "Get ready for the sibling showdown! Advay and Ananya, you better brace yourselves!"

The music picked up, and suddenly, the stage came alive as Aditi and Ananya's friends launched into a lively dance to the beats of "London Thumakda" from Queen, an upbeat song full of energy and celebration. The choreography was flawless, each movement synchronized and fun, as the bridesmaids and groomsmen danced in perfect harmony.

Ananya, still sitting at her seat with Advay, was laughing uncontrollably, watching her best friends and her sister putting on a show. But she knew what was coming next—their performance wasn't done yet.

Aditi, looking over her shoulder, grinned at Advay, who was watching eagerly. "Hope you're ready for this, little brother!" she yelled, winking as she got into position.

With the music building up, Aditi's friends began to dance in a circle around her, and then suddenly, the performance took a sharp turn. The bride's family had pulled out all the stops, and the moves quickly transformed into a bollywood-style face-off, with playful jabs, exaggerated dance steps, and lots of laughter.

Aditi, being the older sibling, couldn't resist teasing Advay, throwing in some playful "reprimanding" gestures, as she mimicked his usual overconfident, swagger-filled walk. The crowd was in fits of laughter, especially when Aditi performed a move designed to mock Advay's signature shrug, much to his amusement.

Ananya raised an eyebrow and nudged Advay. "This is your sister's revenge for all those times you bossed her around growing up."

Advay grinned, shaking his head. "She's not going to win this one. Wait for my performance."

The music shifted to another high-energy song, "Gallan Goodiyan" from Dil Dhadakne Do. Now, it was Advay's turn to hit the stage.

With a smirk, Advay stood up, holding out his hand to Ananya. The audience roared in excitement, sensing the inevitable turn in the performance. Advay and Ananya, both still smiling, took center stage.

"Are you ready to show them how it's done?" Advay asked, his voice full of mischief as he winked at Ananya.

"I was born ready."

The couple launched into an incredible dance routine—smooth, slick, and in perfect sync. The audience was in awe of their chemistry as they effortlessly matched each other's moves.

Ananya, wearing a gorgeous lehenga, and Advay, dressed in a modern yet elegant kurta, displayed their impeccable timing, adding some signature Bollywood romance moves, and a few playful twirls. The crowd couldn't get enough of the performance, and the Indian team cheered loudly while the Bollywood stars clapped along.

When the music came to a triumphant end, Advay and Ananya took a final bow, the entire room giving them a standing ovation.

Karan Johar, wiping a tear from his eye (half in jest), said, "You two have set the bar high! Who knew the future Mr. and Mrs. Rai had these moves?"

Ananya giggled, looking at Advay. "Now who's the boss, huh?"

The crowd was still cheering as Advay pulled Ananya close, planting a quick kiss on her forehead in an impromptu moment of love and celebration.

The Sangeet ceremony continued with Rysa Panday, Ananya's younger sister, taking the stage with a mix of confidence and charm. Rysa, dressed in a vibrant lehenga, was ready to perform alongside her friends, marking an unforgettable moment for the bride-to-be.

The crowd, having already been swept away by the energetic performance of Aditi Rai, was in for another treat as Rysa and Ananya's friends began their dance to the upbeat track "London Thumakda" from Queen. The moves were infectious, and the entire room was clapping along, the energy escalating as the dancers performed flawlessly, their steps synchronized to perfection.

Rysa, with her playful spirit, was quick to tease Ananya by mimicking some of her iconic expressions, much to the crowd's amusement. Ananya, still sitting at her seat, laughed uncontrollably, watching her younger sister in action.

Rysa, feeling the moment, suddenly turned to Advay, and with a cheeky grin, shouted, "Hope you're ready for this, brother-in-law!"

The audience erupted in laughter, anticipating what was coming next, as Rysa continued to dance with vigor, showing off some intricate moves. Ananya turned to Advay with a smirk. "She's definitely trying to steal the spotlight," she teased, her eyes twinkling.

As the music shifted to "Gallan Goodiyan", the energy ramped up even more. Rysa's performance was now matched by the entrance of Advay and Ananya, both getting up for their turn to take the stage.

Advay, always confident, extended his hand to Ananya, and they launched into their seamless, synchronized dance routine, with Ananya in her stunning lehenga and Advay in his tailored kurta. Their chemistry was undeniable, and they moved together with such fluidity, the entire audience watching in awe.

The performance was filled with grace, romance, and laughter, and when it ended, the crowd went wild, giving them a standing ovation. Karan Johar, who had been enjoying the entire performance from the side, grinned and said, "Well, this couple is certainly setting the stage on fire!"