By 9:30 PM, the massive line of corporate executives, business partners, and NEXUS employees finally came to an end.
Siddanth and Krithika had stood in front of the carved wooden throne for over three straight hours. They had shaken hundreds of hands, accepted hundreds of verbal congratulations, and posed for an endless sequence of photographs.
The lead photographer finally lowered his heavy camera rig. He gave Siddanth a thumbs-up, signaling that the formal reception line was officially concluded.
Siddanth let out a long, slow breath. He turned around and sat down heavily on the right side of the wooden throne. Krithika sat down immediately on his left. She reached down under the heavy folds of her royal blue Paithani silk saree and kicked her heels off, resting her bare feet against the floorboards of the stage.
"We are done," Siddanth stated, resting his forearms on his knees.
"I cannot feel my face," Krithika admitted, rubbing her cheeks to relieve the tension from three hours of continuous smiling.
They sat comfortably on the throne, looking out over the Kakatiya courtyard.
The atmosphere had shifted entirely. Most of the guests had moved to the dining pavilions to eat the massive non-vegetarian feast. The central courtyard was now open space, serving as a massive dance floor.
On the secondary stage, S.P. Balasubrahmanyam and his team of singers were performing. They were no longer singing slow, classical melodies. They had transitioned to upbeat, highly energetic, classic Telugu cinematic tracks.
The women of the family had taken full control of the open courtyard.
Anjali was leading the group. She was dancing enthusiastically, her dark green lehenga spinning as she moved. Riya, Priya, Kavya, and Sneha formed a wide circle around her, matching her footwork perfectly.
Swathi and Shruthi, Siddanth's cousins, joined the circle. They did not attempt any complex choreography. They stuck to clapping their hands on the beat, moving side-to-side, and laughing as Anjali tried to teach them a faster sequence.
Dozens of other aunts and younger female relatives joined the open floor. They formed concentric circles, moving fluidly to the live music.
Siddanth sat on the throne, watching his cousins and Krithika's sister dance together.
Ten minutes later, the heavy wooden doors of the VIP lounge on the far side of the courtyard swung open.
Sameer, Virat Kohli, Feroz, Arjun, and other Indian cricketers walked out. They were not alone. Walking directly behind them were David Warner, Kane Williamson, Dale Steyn, and Trent Boult. The international players had finished their scotch and the heavy mutton appetizers. They heard the fast, energetic live music echoing across the stone pillars and decided to investigate.
Sameer saw the massive dance floor in the center of the courtyard. He immediately walked toward it.
"Make room!" Sameer yelled, walking directly into the circle of dancing women.
Anjali stopped clapping. She put her hands on her hips and looked at Sameer. "This is a coordinated routine. You do not know the steps."
"I do not need to know the steps," Sameer countered confidently.
Virat walked into the circle next to Sameer. The others followed them, standing somewhat awkwardly on the edges of the traditional Telugu dance circle.
"Just copy what I do, mate," Warner told Williamson, rolling up the sleeves of his silk kurta.
The Indian cricketers did not try to learn the footwork. They simply raised their hands in the air and launched into a highly aggressive, completely uncoordinated Bhangra routine, bouncing heavily on the stone floor.
Warner did not hesitate. He jumped right in alongside Virat, attempting to mimic the heavy shoulder drops of the Bhangra, throwing his hands in the air. Steyn and Boult joined in, laughing loudly at their own lack of rhythm.
Williamson stood near the edge, clapping on the beat, until Feroz physically grabbed his arm and dragged the quiet New Zealand captain into the center of the jumping circle.
The Telugu beat and the aggressive jumping clashed entirely.
Anjali burst out laughing, stepping back to give them space. Riya and Kavya clapped to the beat, watching the international players jump around the courtyard.
Siddanth watched his teammates completely disrupt the women's dance circle. He shook his head, a small smile on his face.
Sameer stopped jumping. He wiped sweat from his forehead. He looked up at the elevated main stage. He saw Siddanth and Krithika sitting comfortably on the wooden throne, resting.
Sameer pointed directly at them. He tapped Virat on the shoulder and pointed at the stage.
Virat nodded. The two men walked out of the dance circle, marched up the wooden stairs of the main stage, and stood directly in front of the throne.
"Break time is over," Sameer announced, crossing his arms over his chest.
"We finished the photo line," Siddanth replied reasonably, not moving from the cushion. "We are resting."
"You are the hosts," Virat argued, reaching out and grabbing Siddanth's right arm. "You cannot sit on a throne while Kane Williamson is attempting to do a street dance on your floor. Get up."
Anjali ran up the stairs right behind them. She grabbed Krithika's hands. "Come on, Krithi. You cannot hide up here."
Siddanth knew resistance was completely futile. He stood up. Krithika slipped her heels back on and stood up beside him.
Sameer and Virat pulled Siddanth down the stairs. Anjali pulled Krithika down. They led the couple into the center of the massive dance circle on the stone floor.
The crowd of relatives and friends immediately parted, forming a wide ring around them, clapping their hands and cheering.
On the side stage, S.P. Balasubrahmanyam saw the groom and the bride being pulled into the center of the courtyard. He smiled warmly. He raised his hand, signaling the drummer and the keyboard player.
The fast, energetic beat immediately stopped.
SPB pulled the microphone slightly closer to him.
"The fast beats are for the friends," SPB spoke into the microphone, his speaking voice carrying a rich, magnetic quality. "But this next song... this is exclusively for Siddanth and Krithika."
The crowd cheered loudly. Sameer, Virat, and Warner immediately stepped backward, expanding the circle, leaving Siddanth and Krithika standing completely alone in the center of the Kakatiya courtyard.
SPB nodded to his band.
A gentle acoustic guitar and a soft, folk-inspired rhythm filled the air. The melody was relaxed, swaying, and distinctly romantic.
Siddanth looked at Krithika. The amber floodlights illuminated the heavy gold border of her royal blue saree.
He stepped forward and offered his right hand. Krithika smiled, placing her hand in his, while resting her left hand lightly on his forearm.
SPB closed his eyes and began to sing the popular Hindi track perfectly.
"Ooo..."
"Na wo akhiyan roohani kahi"
"Na wo chehra noorani kahi,"
"Kahi dil wali baatein bhi na,"
"Na woh sajri jawani kahi,"
Siddanth pulled her gently, stepping smoothly into the acoustic rhythm. Krithika followed his lead, moving in a synchronized side-step that matched the song's relaxed pace.
"Jag ghumeya thare jaisa na koi,"
"Jag ghoomeya thaare jaisa na koi,"
At the chorus, Siddanth raised his arm. Krithika executed a clean, graceful twirl under it, the heavy silk of her Paithani saree flaring out slightly before she stepped back into his hold.
"Na to hasna rumani kahi,"
"Na to kushboo suhani kahi,"
"Na wo rangili aadayein dekhi,"
"Na wo pyaari si naadani kahi,"
He tapped his foot on the beat, leading Krithika into a synchronized, slow walk forward. They swayed gently side-to-side, letting the folk rhythm guide their pacing.
"Everyone is staring at us," Krithika pointed out, glancing over his shoulder. Warner and Steyn were standing at the edge of the circle, watching them execute a smooth routine.
"Let them stare," Siddanth said, his focus entirely on her.
"Jaisi tu hai waisi rehna,"
Siddanth placed his right hand securely on her waist, turning her smoothly in a wide, slow circle on the floorboards to match the lyrics.
"Jag ghumeya thare jaisa na koi,"
"Jag ghoomeya thaare jaisa na koi,"
"Jag ghumeya thare jaisa na koi,"
"Jag ghoomeya thaare jaisa na koi,"
The music transitioned into the first verse.
"Baarishon ke mausmon ki,"
"Bheegi haryali tu,"
"Sardiyon mein gaalon pe jo,"
"Jo aati hai woh laali tu,"
Siddanth and Krithika stepped apart slightly. Still holding hands, they moved rhythmically away from each other and then back together. Krithika dropped her gaze playfully to the side, executing a quick foot tap before looking back up at him.
"Raaton ka sukoon.."
"Raaton ka sukoon bhi hai,"
"Subah ki azaan hai,"
"Chaahton ki chaadron mein,"
"Maine hai sambhali tu,"
He pulled her back in. Krithika rested her free hand on his shoulder as they swayed together on the spot. The exhaustion from the three-hour reception line completely vanished.
"We survived the entire week," Krithika said softly.
"We did," Siddanth agreed.
"Kahi agg jaisi jalti hai,"
"Bane barkha ka paani kahi,"
"Kabhi mann jaana chupke se,"
"Yun hi apni chalani kahi,"
Siddanth stepped to the side and spun her gently once more. Their movements were clean and coordinated, maintaining the gentle, unhurried vibe of the song.
"Jaisi tu hai waisi rehna,"
He caught her waist, turning her so they were standing side-by-side, stepping forward in perfect unison for the pre-chorus.
"Jag ghumeya thare jaisa na koi,"
"Jag ghoomeya thaare jaisa na koi,"
The second verse began, and Siddanth turned to face her again, taking both her hands in his.
"Apne naseebon mein ya,"
"honsle ki baaton mein,"
"Sukhon aur dukhon wali,"
"Saari saugaton mein,"
"Sang tujhe rakhna hai.."
"Sang tujhe rakhna hai tune sang rehna,"
"Meri duniyan mein bhi"
"mere jazbaaton mein,"
He brought them slightly closer as the tempo remained steady. Krithika matched his pacing, her steps light and perfectly on beat.
"Teri milti nishani kahi,"
"Jo hai sab ko dikhani kahi,"
"Tu toh jaani hai marke bhi,"
"Mujhe aati hai nibhani kahi,"
"Wohi karna jo hai kehna,"
As SPB hit the final, sweeping chorus, Siddanth pulled Krithika close and spun her one final time in the center of the floor.
"Jag ghoomeya thare jaisa na koi,"
"Jag ghoomeya thaare jaisa na koi,"
"Jag ghoomeya thare jaisa na koi,"
"Jag ghoomeya thaare jaisa na koi."
The entire Kakatiya courtyard erupted into massive, thunderous applause. Virat Kohli whistled loudly. Warner clapped his hands above his head.
Siddanth and Krithika stepped back, dropping their hands, and turned to face the secondary stage. They folded their hands thanking SPB directly for the performance.
SPB smiled, returning the Namaste from the stage.
He did not let the slow, romantic atmosphere linger. SPB immediately signaled the heavy drums and the brass section of his orchestra.
The band launched into a massive, high-speed, high-energy cinematic mass song. The heavy bass vibrated through the stone floorboards.
Sameer and Virat instantly ran back into the center of the circle, resuming their chaotic jumping.
Siddanth did not leave the floor. He decided to take complete control of the situation.
He reached out and grabbed Virat's arm, pulling him into a coordinated side-step. He looked at the crowd standing on the edges.
"Everyone!" Siddanth yelled over the loud music, gesturing with his hand. "Get in!"
He walked over to the VIP section. He grabbed his father by the shoulder and pulled him onto the dance floor. He grabbed Krithika's father, Subba Rao, and pulled him in as well.
Krithika understood his strategy immediately. She ran over to her mother, Suma, and Siddanth's mother, Sesikala. She dragged both the older women onto the stone floor.
Siddanth walked over to the international cricketers. He grabbed David Warner by the arm and pulled him directly into the center. He pulled Trent Boult and Dale Steyn.
Within five minutes, Siddanth had successfully dragged almost every single immediate family member, close friend into one massive, chaotic crowd in the center of the Kakatiya courtyard.
There was no choreography. There were no designated circles. The fathers danced with the cricketers. The aunts danced with the bridesmaids. Warner was actively trying to learn a mass step from Arjun. Siddanth danced in the center of it all, matching Virat's high-energy jumps step-for-step.
They danced for two solid hours.
SPB and his team of singers matched their energy, cycling through a relentless playlist of fast-paced, heavy-beat classic songs without taking a single break.
By midnight, the physical toll finally broke them.
Virat stopped jumping. He bent over, resting his hands on his knees, completely out of breath. Subba Rao and Vikram Deva walked off the floor, their kurtas soaked in sweat, heading straight for the water stations. Anjali and Riya sat down heavily on the stone steps leading to the main stage, taking off their heels.
Seeing the entire crowd physically surrender, SPB signaled his orchestra to a close. The final drum hit echoed through the courtyard.
The music stopped.
The guests clapped, panting heavily.
Siddanth walked out of the center of the crowd. He was breathing hard, a thin layer of sweat shining on his forehead. He walked directly toward the secondary stage.
He walked up the small wooden stairs and approached S.P. Balasubrahmanyam.
SPB was sitting on a stool, wiping his face with a white towel.
Siddanth bent down and touched the legend's feet one final time.
"Sir," Siddanth said, standing up. "Thank you. You made the entire night unforgettable. The energy was incredible."
"You have a very good family, Siddanth," SPB smiled warmly, patting Siddanth's arm. "It was a joy to sing for them. I wish you both a very long, very happy married life."
Siddanth thanked the other singers and the orchestra members individually before walking down from the stage.
The majority of the guests began migrating toward the massive dining pavilions for the late-night feast, or heading straight to the residential manors to sleep.
Siddanth walked back to Krithika, who was sitting on the steps with Anjali.
"Food," Siddanth stated simply.
"I am starving," Krithika agreed, standing up.
They walked toward the main dining pavilion. Rahul had set up a large, private dining table specifically for the core group near the back of the hall.
Siddanth, Krithika, Sameer, Arjun, Feroz, Virat, Warner, Williamson, Boult, and all others sat down at the heavy wooden table.
The catering staff immediately brought out large, heavy copper bowls.
They served the Royal Hyderabadi Haleem first. It had been slow-cooked over a tamarind wood fire for exactly twenty-four hours. It was thick, rich, and heavily spiced, garnished with fried onions, cashews, and fresh lemon juice.
"Mate, what is this?" Warner asked, looking at the thick consistency of the Haleem.
"Just eat it, David," Virat instructed, taking a massive spoonful. "It will change your life."
Warner took a bite. His eyes widened. He immediately went in for a second spoonful.
The servers brought the Zaffrani Dum Biryani next, placing large mounds of the saffron-infused rice and tender mutton onto their plates.
They ate in complete silence for ten minutes. The sheer quality of the authentic, wood-fired food commanded absolute focus from the exhausted athletes.
They finished their meal by 1:30 AM. They drank hot cups of Kumbakonam filter coffee to settle their stomachs.
"I am going to sleep," Virat declared, standing up from the table. "I am not waking up until tomorrow afternoon. Do not call me."
"Goodnight, Virat," Siddanth said.
Warner, Williamson, and the rest of the players stood up as well. They offered tired congratulations, thanking Siddanth for the incredible food, and headed toward their respective guest manors.
Siddanth and Krithika were left at the table. Vikram Deva, Sesikala, Subba Rao, and Suma walked over to them.
The reception was over, but the final traditional logistics of the night had to be executed properly.
"It is time," Vikram Deva said quietly.
Siddanth stood up and offered his hand. Krithika took it.
They walked out of the dining pavilion together.
The protocol for the first night was highly specific. First, both sets of parents had to formally escort the newly married couple to the Groom's house.
Vikram Deva and Sesikala walked on Siddanth's right side. Subba Rao and Suma walked on Krithika's left side. They walked in a quiet, unified line down the dark gravel pathway of the Kakatiya set.
They reached the heavy teakwood doors of the Groom's manor. Siddanth pushed the doors open.
The six of them walked inside. They walked directly past the living room and approached the dedicated pooja space built into the far wall. The oil lamps were still burning steadily.
Siddanth and Krithika stood in front of the altar. Vikram, Sesikala, Subba Rao, and Suma stood directly behind them. They all folded their hands, bowed their heads, and offered a silent prayer, formally acknowledging Krithika's entry into the Deva household.
They turned around and walked back out of the Groom's manor.
"We will stay here," Vikram Deva announced softly, stopping on the gravel pathway. He placed a hand on Siddanth's shoulder, then placed a hand on Krithika's head. "Goodnight. Get some rest."
"Goodnight, Amma," Siddanth said, touching Sesikala's feet.
The Deva parents retreated into their manor, closing the heavy wooden doors behind them.
The second half of the protocol began. In traditional Telugu culture, the couple returns to the bride's house to sleep for the very first night.
Subba Rao, Suma, and Anjali, who had been waiting outside, now formed the escort.
Subba Rao walked slightly ahead. Suma and Anjali walked beside Krithika. Siddanth walked on the outside. They crossed the central pathway and approached the Bride's manor.
They opened the doors. The house was completely quiet.
Siddanth and Krithika walked to the pooja room inside the Bride's manor. Subba Rao, Suma, and Anjali stood behind them. They folded their hands and bowed their heads, offering a second, final prayer to the turmeric Gauri idol Krithika had prayed to on the morning of her wedding.
The religious obligations were officially, finally concluded.
Suma hugged Krithika tightly. Subba Rao patted Siddanth's arm.
"Goodnight," Subba Rao said quietly. "Your room is ready down the hall."
The parents and Anjali walked away to their respective bedrooms.
Siddanth and Krithika walked down the hallway to the guest suite that had been prepared for them inside the Bride's manor.
They entered the room and closed the heavy wooden door.
Krithika immediately reached back and began unpinning the heavy folds of her royal blue Paithani saree. Siddanth unbuttoned the high collar of his cream sherwani, shrugging off the heavy, structured jacket.
They changed into simple, comfortable cotton sleepwear.
Krithika sat on the edge of the large bed. She looked at Siddanth as he turned the main lights off, leaving only a small, dim bedside lamp glowing.
He walked over and sat down next to her on the mattress.
They did not speak. They were completely exhausted. The five days of rituals, the turmeric fights, the volleyball matches, the shoe extortion, the five-hour Baraat, the reception, and the endless dancing had finally ended.
Siddanth lay back against the pillows. Krithika lay down beside him. She rested her head against his broad chest. He wrapped his arm around her securely.
The Kakatiya village was completely silent. The floodlights outside had been turned off.
Siddanth Deva closed his eyes, holding his wife in the quiet darkness of her family's manor, and finally went to sleep.