Chapter 76
July 15 – The Wedding of Lex and Rhea
The sun rose gently over the horizon, casting a golden warmth across the lush garden estate tucked away just outside of London. The air was soft with the scent of jasmine and fresh roses, and a delicate breeze carried whispers of excitement as guests began to arrive. This wasn't just a wedding—it was the celebration of a journey marked by second chances, secrets unraveled, and a love that endured everything.
The garden was transformed into a dreamscape. Ivory silk drapes fluttered between archways wrapped in wisteria. Rows of white and blush peonies lined the aisle, and fairy lights hung like stardust in the trees above. At the center stood a grand floral mandap—an elegant fusion of tradition and modernity, a nod to Rhea's heritage and Lex's promise to embrace every part of her.
Guests, dressed in pastel and summer elegance, gathered with glowing faces and teary smiles. Laughter mingled with the gentle string quartet playing near the fountain, where petals floated lazily on the water's surface.
Near the altar, a small crib—adorned with white lace and pink orchids—held the couple's greatest miracle. Their one-month-old daughter, sleeping peacefully, wrapped in a soft lavender swaddle. Her tiny fingers curled as if already dreaming of her parents' vows. Every now and then, a guest would pause to gaze at her, whispering blessings under their breath.
Lex stood waiting, in a tailored ivory sherwani with silver embroidery, a quiet strength in his posture, but a flicker of nervous joy in his eyes. When Rhea appeared, escorted by Siddharth and Shivin, silence fell.
She wore a lehenga in soft rose gold that shimmered with every step. A veil of sheer tulle covered her face, but nothing could hide her smile—the kind only found after enduring storms and finding safe harbor. In her hands, she carried a bouquet of wildflowers, tied with a piece of Lex's old shirt, a quiet nod to the man who once found her in the shadows and stayed.
When their eyes met, the world stilled. It didn't matter how many lives they'd lived or names they'd worn—today, they were simply Lex and Rhea.
Vows were exchanged beneath a shower of rose petals. Lex promised not just love, but truth. Rhea vowed not just loyalty, but light. And as they sealed their promises with a kiss, the wind swept through the trees as if nature itself was celebrating.
Later, during the reception, Rhea cradled their daughter in one arm while dancing barefoot on the grass with Lex, both laughing, surrounded by glowing lanterns and soft music.
And somewhere in the crowd, someone whispered,
> "She used to be called Muri. But today, she became everything—Rhea, a wife, a mother, and finally... home."