Chapter 95 :

As the Sangeet ceremony moved into its next phase, Karan Johar had another hilarious game in store for the couple. "Alright, folks! Now we've got something special," he announced, his voice full of energy. "Advay and Ananya, it's time for you to test how well your friends know you!"

The crowd cheered, intrigued by the next challenge, as Karan explained the rules. "You both have to pick one friend from the crowd, and I will ask them questions about you. Advay, you'll pick someone to answer questions about you, and Ananya, you'll do the same for your friend."

Advay, with a grin, stood up confidently and called out, "Virat!"

The crowd erupted into cheers as Virat Kohli, a close friend of Advay's and an important part of the Indian team, made his way up to the stage. "I knew this was coming," Virat said with a smirk, his playful nature shining through. "Let's see how much I really know!"

Next, Ananya turned toward her side of the crowd and called out her friend. "Rysa!"

The audience erupted in cheers, as Rysa Panday, Ananya's younger sister, walked up to the stage with her signature energy. "Let's do this!" she said, ready for her turn.

Karan, now with his mischievous grin, took his place in front of both guests. "Alright, Advay, let's start with Virat. First question! What is Advay's most irritating habit?"

Virat smirked, clearly having been asked this before, and without hesitation, said, "He's always checking his phone, even when we're in the middle of a conversation. It's like he's obsessed!"

The audience laughed as Advay, shaking his head, pretended to be offended. "I'm just staying updated with the latest cricket stats!"

Karan turned to Rysa, eager to ask the next question. "Alright, Rysa, here's one for you. What's Ananya's most embarrassing moment?"

Rysa thought for a moment, then grinned. "Oh, it's when she tripped over a table at the last party and tried to act like nothing happened. She's the most graceful person, but that moment was something else!"

Ananya burst out laughing, "I can't believe you're bringing that up!"

Karan nodded, "Okay, okay! Moving on—Virat, if Advay had to choose between cricket and Ananya, what would he choose?"

Virat gave a mock serious look and said, "Ananya, no doubt. He's already said that cricket is his first love, but Ananya is definitely in second place!"

Advay groaned dramatically, saying, "That's not fair! You're supposed to be on my side!"

The crowd roared with laughter, and Ananya gave him a playful look, teasing him for the comment.

Karan then turned to Rysa for the final question. "Alright, Rysa, last one for you—what's one thing Ananya cannot live without?"

Rysa smiled knowingly, answering, "Her phone. She's constantly checking it for messages, photos, or something. I swear, her phone is practically glued to her hand."

Ananya laughed, admitting it freely. "Guilty! I can't help it!"

With that, the game ended, and the audience erupted in cheers, applauding both Advay and Ananya for their fun-loving, light-hearted approach to the evening.

Karan Johar, grinning ear to ear, turned to the couple. "Well, I think it's safe to say that you two have some incredible friends who know you well!"

"Too well!" Advay laughed, as he pulled Ananya closer, both of them taking a moment to appreciate the joyous celebration.

Got it! Here's the updated segment:

As the Sangeet ceremony continued, Karan Johar wasn't done with the playful games just yet. With a mischievous grin, he turned toward Ananya and said, "Alright, now it's time for Ananya to be tested on something important—how well she knows Advay's cricketing career!"

The crowd cheered at the announcement, eager to see if Ananya could keep up with all of Advay's cricketing milestones.

"Advay's done so much in cricket, let's see if Ananya's been paying attention!" Karan continued. He turned to Ananya, holding up a set of cards. "Are you ready?"

"I think so," Ananya said, raising an eyebrow with a playful smile, but she was clearly up for the challenge.

"Alright, first question!" Karan announced. "What was Advay's highest score in a single match in the 2019 IPL?"

Ananya looked thoughtful for a second, then confidently answered, "213 runs!"

The audience went wild, as Karan nodded. "Correct! Advay broke records in the 2019 IPL. 213 runs, a game-changing knock!"

Ananya, feeling more confident, laughed. "I've been listening to his stats non-stop."

Karan smiled. "Looks like you're ready for the next one. Here's a tougher one: When did Advay make his international Test debut?"

Ananya's eyes twinkled with a challenge, and after a quick pause, she answered, "The 2019 West indies tour!"

The crowd cheered again, and Karan raised an eyebrow, impressed. "Ananya, you're on fire!"

"I have a good teacher," she winked at Advay, who grinned back.

Karan then asked, "What is Advay's best bowling figure in ODIs?"

Ananya hesitated for a moment, but then, without missing a beat, she said, "6 wickets against Australia recently."

"Impressive!" Karan exclaimed, his eyes wide. "You really do know his career. And what a bowler he is!"

Advay laughed. "She's actually been paying attention, I'm impressed."

Ananya grinned back at him, clearly enjoying the moment.

Karan's final question was a bit more personal. "And tell me this, Ananya—what does Advay always say after winning a match?"

Ananya's eyes sparkled as she replied, "He always says, 'What did they expect?'"

The crowd erupted with laughter, and Advay groaned dramatically, throwing his hands up. "I can't believe she knows that!"

Karan turned to the audience. "Well, folks, it's clear that Ananya knows Advay's career like the back of her hand. You've passed with flying colors, Ananya!"

The crowd cheered, and Advay walked over to Ananya, taking her hand. "Well done, Mrs. Rai-to-be."

Ananya playfully rolled her eyes. "I'm just glad I got it all right!"

The Sangeet ceremony continued, with laughter and dancing filling the air, as the couple and their guests celebrated the upcoming wedding in full swing.

As the Sangeet ceremony came to an end, the ballroom was alive with music, laughter, and dancing. Guests from all walks of life—from the Indian cricket team to the Liverpool squad to Bollywood stars—had been swept up in the festivities, enjoying the lively atmosphere of one of the most important nights of the wedding celebrations. The energy in the room was infectious as everyone danced, sang, and laughed the night away.

In the midst of it all, Advay and Ananya had shared a few dances with family and friends, and then, as the evening began to wind down, Advay found himself talking with Virgil van Dijk—Liverpool's star defender and one of his closest friends from the football squad.

The two were standing near the buffet, plates of food in hand, as the smells of various Indian delicacies—samosas, kebabs, biryanis, and more—filled the air. Van Dijk, still in awe of the celebration, shook his head, clearly impressed.

"I gotta say, Advay," Van Dijk started, "this is one of the most fun weddings I've ever been to. It's not like anything I've ever experienced. The energy is just insane!"

Advay, who was finishing up a bite of food, grinned. **"Yeah, Indian weddings are like that—always bigger, louder, and a lot more colorful than people expect."

Van Dijk laughed, clearly enjoying himself. "The music, the dancing, the way everyone's just... so into it. Back home, we don't have this kind of thing."

"You guys have football, that's your celebration," Advay replied with a chuckle. "But I get what you mean. It's a lot more than just a wedding here—it's a huge party, a festival!"

Van Dijk nodded, taking another bite of his food. "Definitely! It's so different from what we're used to, but in the best way. Everyone's so welcoming, and the dancing... man, I didn't know I had it in me, but I'm starting to think I might join in on some more of these moves before I leave!"

Advay laughed heartily, raising his glass. "I can totally see that happening. Liverpool might have to start recruiting you for their next Bollywood-themed party."

The two of them shared a laugh, and for a moment, the contrast between the world of football and the world of cricket faded, both realizing that, no matter the sport or the background, weddings like these have the power to unite everyone in a celebration of love, joy, and culture.

Van Dijk looked around, his eyes scanning the room filled with people he had only just met but now felt oddly connected to. "Seriously though, Advay," he said, a bit more seriously, "this is something I'll remember for a long time. It's like a family celebration with a bigger crowd."

Advay nodded, his smile growing. "That's exactly what it is. It's all about family and celebrating love. And it's an honor to have you here, Virgil. Glad you could make it."

Van Dijk clinked his glass with Advay's. "It's been an unforgettable experience, my friend. But now, let's just hope you don't outdo us with your wedding moves tomorrow."

Advay laughed again. "Oh, trust me, I'm just here for the food and the fun. The wedding's all about Ananya anyway."

As the two continued chatting, the Sangeet ceremony came to a close, but the night was still full of laughter, with guests still chatting and dancing into the early hours of the morning. Advay, always a gracious host, took a moment to appreciate how the night had come together—a celebration of love, culture, and friendships old and new.

On February 17, 2021, the air was filled with excitement, not just because it was Advay and Ananya's wedding day, but also because it was Advay's birthday. The grand festivities were all set to unfold, with every detail meticulously planned for both occasions. The sun had just started rising, and the sky was painted with soft hues of orange and pink, setting the stage for a magical wedding ceremony at the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte.

Advay, standing at the entrance of the château, felt the weight of the moment. The morning air was crisp, and he was surrounded by his closest family and friends, but his thoughts were momentarily swept away by the significance of the day. Not only was he about to marry the love of his life, Ananya, but the timing made it all the more special—it was his birthday too. His mind raced with thoughts of how life had changed in the past year, from his cricketing achievements to the blossoming love between him and Ananya.

He smiled to himself as he adjusted his cream-colored sherwani, the intricate gold embroidery catching the morning light. He could feel the excitement building, but there was a calm confidence about him as he looked out at the château grounds, which had been beautifully transformed for the day.

"Today's going to be perfect," Advay thought as he took a deep breath.

Meanwhile, Ananya was getting ready in her suite. The excitement was palpable—this was the most important day of her life. As she slipped into her stunning red lehenga and sat for her final touches of makeup, she couldn't help but feel a sense of peace, knowing that she was about to marry the man who had become her world. She glanced at the clock—the wedding was just hours away.

Her family was in full swing, making sure everything was set. Bhavana Panday, Ananya's mother, stood by her side, making sure her daughter looked perfect. As they shared a quiet moment, Ananya smiled and said, "It feels surreal, Mom. I'm about to marry Advay, and it's also his birthday today."

"I know, sweetheart," Bhavana replied, "It's a beautiful way to start your life together."

Ananya felt a rush of love and gratitude for her family, Advay, and everything that had led to this moment. "He's going to be so happy. It's his day too."

As the time approached, Ananya made her way to the venue. Advay, waiting at the entrance, was eager to see her. His heart raced, but there was also a sense of calm as he knew that today would mark the beginning of the rest of their lives together.

When Ananya entered, her radiant smile and the elegant flow of her lehenga had everyone in awe. Advay's eyes locked with hers, and in that moment, everything felt right. The entire château was alive with emotion, the guests cheering and clapping as Ananya walked toward him.

It was a moment that felt timeless.

As Advay and Ananya stood before the altar, exchanging their vows, it wasn't just the wedding that marked the moment, but also the deep bond of love and commitment they shared. And as they held hands, Advay couldn't help but think to himself: "What better way to spend my birthday than this?"

The wedding rituals began under the grand floral mandap, set against the backdrop of Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, bathed in the soft golden light of the early morning sun. The air was thick with the fragrance of fresh flowers, and the soft chanting of mantras echoed through the venue, adding to the sacred ambiance.

Advay and Ananya stood side by side, surrounded by family, friends, and some of the biggest names in sports, entertainment, and business, all gathered to witness this once-in-a-lifetime union.

The priest began the ceremony, reciting traditional Sanskrit shlokas, explaining the significance of each ritual.

As per tradition, the Jaimala ceremony was the first step. Advay and Ananya exchanged floral garlands, a playful moment as Advay bent slightly forward, smirking as Ananya tried to place the garland around his neck. The crowd erupted into laughter and cheers, as Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and the rest of the Indian team playfully teased Advay, lifting him slightly to make it harder for Ananya.

Finally, she managed to slip the garland over him, and he did the same for her, sealing the moment with wide smiles and eye contact that spoke volumes.

The sacred fire burned brightly in the center, symbolizing purity and divine blessings. Advay and Ananya stood up, their hands joined, as they began the Saat Pheras (Seven Vows)—each round around the fire representing a promise to each other:

To remain lifelong partners, supporting one another through every challenge.To share joys and sorrows equally.To trust and respect each other always.To love and cherish one another.To care for and protect their family.To support each other's dreams and ambitions.To remain true and devoted for eternity.

As they completed the final phera, Ananya stole a glance at Advay, who gently squeezed her hand, silently assuring her that they were in this together—forever.

The most sacred moment of the wedding arrived. The priest handed Advay a small container of sindoor (vermilion), and as Ananya lowered her gaze slightly, he carefully applied it to the parting of her hair, marking her as his wife.

The crowd cheered, and Ananya's eyes glistened with emotion, as the gravity of the moment settled in.

Then, Advay took the Mangalsutra, a beautiful gold and black-beaded necklace, and gently placed it around Ananya's neck. This final act sealed their bond, officially making her Mrs. Ananya Rai.

The priest blessed them, announcing that they were now husband and wife.

As the guests erupted into cheers and applause, Ananya looked up at Advay, her emerald-green-eyed husband, and smiled. He returned the smile, filled with warmth and love, knowing that this was the best birthday gift he could have ever received.

The wedding was complete. They were now officially married.

As the evening settled in, the air at Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte was filled with a sense of warmth and gratitude. The wedding celebrations had come to a close, but the joy and laughter still echoed through the grand halls. Advay and Ananya stood at the entrance, their hearts full of happiness as they bid farewell to their guests.

With the Indian cricket team, Liverpool FC squad, Bollywood stars, and the tech moguls now all gathered around, it was clear that this was a moment they had all cherished deeply. Advay, still in his wedding attire, looked at Ananya, who was beside him, glowing from the day's festivities.

One by one, the guests approached to offer their final congratulations. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were among the first, their faces lighting up as they hugged Advay, exchanging warm words. "You did it, man," Virat said with a broad grin. "It's been a pleasure to witness the two of you today. All the best for the future!"

Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk from the Liverpool squad approached, their smiles wide. "Advay, Ananya, it was an honor to be part of this celebration," Virgil said, "We're lucky to have you both as friends."

Ananya's friends from the film industry—Deepika Padukone and Ranbir Kapoor—came up to offer their blessings, "You two are a match made in heaven. Here's to a lifetime of happiness!"

As Bhavana Panday, Ananya's mother, and Alina Rai, Advay's mother, stood by, they shared their own heartfelt moments with the guests, thanking them for being part of the celebration.

The couple thanked everyone for their presence, as the night wore on. There were hugs, well-wishes, and promises to stay in touch as the night winded down. The energy was still high, even though the celebrations were coming to an end.

"It feels like a dream," Ananya whispered to Advay as they stood together, watching their loved ones depart. "I never imagined it could be this beautiful."

Advay smiled, his eyes filled with love. "It's only the beginning," he replied softly. "We've got so much more ahead of us."

As the last of the guests left, Advay and Ananya stood side by side, their families behind them, feeling the weight of the day's joy, knowing that their journey as a married couple had just begun. Together, they waved goodbye to their friends, grateful for the love and support that surrounded them. The château gates slowly closed, marking the end of a perfect day, and the start of a new chapter for Advay and Ananya.