While the engagent festivities concluded in Hyderabad, the first Test of the England tour of India was already underway in Rajkot. With Siddanth Deva taking a temporary leave for his wedding preparations, Virat Kohli stepped up to take the captaincy for the Test side. The ga was currently midway. Siddanth watched the highlights briefly in the morning before his own duties took over.
Early that morning, his parents, along with Krithika's parents went to Bhadrachalam. Tradition dictated that the very first wedding invitation card—the Patrika—had to be presented to Lord Sriram and Sita Mata.
They returned by late evening. His mother, Sesikala, walked into the house holding a turric-sared invitation.
"The pooja went well," his father, Vikram Deva, announced. "The priest placed the card at the feet of the deity. Now, we distribute the invitations."
The wedding invitations were massive. For the inner circle of two hundred guests, they were not cards. They were heavy, handcrafted teakwood chests. Inside rested a pure silver plate with the invitation details etched into the tal, accompanied by a custom-woven silk garnt, a jar of organic turric, and kumkum.
Siddanth packed the back of his Range Rover with the heavy chests. His travel schedule was brutal.
His first stop was the Chief Minister's camp office.
Siddanth walked into the office carrying the teakwood box. Security cleared him imdiately. Inside, Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) and IT Minister K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) were waiting.
"Co, Siddu," KCR said, standing up. "Take a seat."
Siddanth handed the heavy chest to KCR. "Sir, I am getting married next month. You and your family must co."
KCR opened the chest. He looked at the silver plate and the handwoven silk. "Bhadrachalam pooja done?"
"Yes, sir. My parents yesterday," Siddanth replied.
"Very good," KCR nodded. "You are the pride of Telangana. You brought the World Cup, you built companies here, and now you settle down. We will co and bless the couple."
KTR shook Siddanth's hand. "Congratulations, Siddanth. Is your wife ready to handle your cricket tours and business etings?"
"She can handle my schedule, Ram anna," Siddanth smiled.
"We will be there," KTR said.
From the CM's office, Siddanth drove to VVS Laxman's house in Jubilee Hills. Laxman opened the door himself and pulled Siddanth into a hug.
"Siddanth! Co inside," Laxman said, leading him to the living room. "I was just watching the Rajkot Test."
"Virat is doing a good job," Siddanth agreed. He placed the heavy teakwood chest on the coffee table. "Laxman bhai, the wedding is next month. This is for you and your entire family. You have to co two days before the wedding don't worry about accomodations. The chest contains custom handloom silks for your family. There is a strict dress code for the main event."
Laxman opened the box. He touched the silver plate and the silk. "Siddanth, this is incredible. The craftsmanship is beautiful."
"My parents are handling the details," Siddanth said. "I am just the delivery boy. Make sure the whole family cos. You have been a ntor to since day one."
"We wouldn't miss it," Laxman promised.
Siddanth then drove to the ITC Kakatiya hotel. Sunrisers Hyderabad head coach Tom Moody and bowling coach Muttiah Muralitharan were in town for an off-season scouting camp.
Siddanth walked into their suite. He handed a teakwood chest to Moody and another to Muralitharan.
"Mate, this weighs a ton," Moody laughed, taking the box. "What is in here?"
"Silver and silk, Tom," Siddanth said. "You and Murali sir guided us to two IPL trophies. You are family. You both need to be there."
Muralitharan opened his box, his eyes widening. "Siddanth, this is too much. A silver plate?"
"It is our tradition, sir," Siddanth nodded. "I expect to see both of you at the venue."
Moody smiled, shaking his hand firmly. "We will be there."
Next, Siddanth visited the Tollywood circle. He arrived at the residence of legendary singer S.P. Balasubrahmanyam.
SPB welcod him with a gentle smile. Siddanth touched the legend's feet for blessings and handed him an invitation only.
"God bless you, Siddanth," SPB said in his deep voice. "Marriage is a beautiful journey. Learn to listen to your wife, and everything will be peaceful. I will attend, and as promised, I will bring my group and sing."
Siddanth then drove to Prabhas's house. As soon as he walked through the door, he heard a loud voice.
"Darling!" Prabhas walked out of the dining room, followed by actor Gopichand.
"Prabhas anna, Gopichand anna," Siddanth greeted them.
"Sit down. Eat," Prabhas commanded, pointing to the dining table loaded with biryani and chicken fry.
"Anna, I just ate lunch," Siddanth protested.
"That was lunch. This is snacks," Prabhas reasoned. "You are getting married. You need energy. Eat."
Gopichand patted Siddanth's shoulder. "Don't argue with him, Siddanth. Just eat."
Siddanth sat down and ate a plate of mutton biryani. After eating, he pushed the chests forward.
Prabhas opened the box ehich contained. "Darling, this is solid. Silver? You are doing this like a real king."
"You are playing Lord Rama in my movie, anna," Siddanth joked. "I have to treat you like royalty."
"We will co and create a ss at the sangeet," Prabhas promised.
Leaving Prabhas's house, he drove to the Daggubati residence to et Victory Venkatesh and Rana Daggubati.
Rana opened the door. "The captain is here!"
Venkatesh ca down the stairs. Siddanth handed the invitation to both of them.
"Congratulations, Siddanth," Venkatesh said. "Very happy for you."
Rana looked at the silver plate and shook his head. "Another good man falls. I thought you would stay in the bachelor club with and Prabhas."
"My parents gave up waiting," Siddanth joked. "You both have to co."
The last stop in Hyderabad was S.S. Rajamouli's house. Siddanth handed the invitation to Rajamouli and his wife, Rama.
Rajamouli examined the silver plate closely. He ran his fingers over the etched Telugu lettering.
"Good etching," Rajamouli noted. "The font choice is simple. Who designed this?"
"My mother selected the template, sir," Siddanth said.
"She has good taste," Rama added. "We will surely co, Siddanth."
Before leaving Hyderabad for the national tour, Siddanth made a conscious decision to make a few personal stops close to his roots.
Late that afternoon, he drove away from the wealthy avenues of Jubilee Hills and navigated the Range Rover through the crowded, dusty streets of his old school area. He pulled up to the chain-link fence of the modest, dirt-packed cricket ground where his entire journey had begun.
He parked the SUV and walked onto the field. The sll of red dust and old leather hit him instantly. His very first cricket coach, Narender sir, was standing near the practice nets, still coaching a group of skinny under-14 boys, shouting instructions about footwork.
Siddanth walked up behind the nets. "Sir."
Narender, now in his late sixties with greying hair and a weathered face, turned around. He froze. He looked at the towering captain of the Indian Test cricket team standing in his dusty nets. Narender dropped the ball he was holding.
Siddanth stepped forward and bent down, touching his coach's feet.
Narender pulled him up quickly, his eyes suddenly thick with tears. He hugged Siddanth tightly.
"Look at you, Siddu," Narender said, his voice cracking with intense emotion. "From that skinny little boy who couldn't bowl a straight ball without tripping over his own feet, to captaining India and building empires. Look at you."
Siddanth smiled, reaching into the bag he carried and pulling out an invitation. He handed it to the old man.
"Sir, this is for you and aunty," Siddanth said softly. "The wedding is next month. You taught my first cover drive. You taught how to hold the seam. You taught how to stay humble when I hit my first century. You have to co and bless us."
Narender unlatched the box. He looked at the pure silver plate. He was stunned. "Siddu... this is too much, beta. I am just a school coach."
"You are my coach," Siddanth corrected him firmly.
"I will co," Narender promised, wiping his eyes. "I am proud of you every single day."
Siddanth spent the next twenty minutes taking pictures with the wide-eyed under-14 kids who were currently training under Narender, signing their bats and offering them quick tips on their grip.
From the ground, Siddanth visited a few of his old school friends who still lived in the area. These were the guys who had stayed in touch through the years, never asking for money or favors. He handed them their invitations. They spent an hour drinking tea, reminiscing about their childhood street cricket matches, the broken windows, and their ridiculous school pranks. They promised to attend with their families, loudly joking about how the "untouchable cricket star" was finally being tied down.
His last local stop was the ho of his first Ranji Trophy captain from the Andhra Pradesh state side. The man was a seasoned dostic grinder who had always been a guiding, protective figure during Siddanth's early days in the dressing room. The captain, now retired and working as a dostic coach, greeted Siddanth at his modest apartnt door.
"Congratulations, Siddanth! I knew this day would co," the forr captain said, pulling Siddanth into a fierce hug. This was a man who unfailingly sent a short text ssage after every big milestone—congratulating Siddanth on international centuries, IPL wins, the World Cup, and even major Nexus business deals, yet never once asking for a favor, a ticket, or a job.
Siddanth handed him the invitation. "Anna, you have to co. You were the one who backed and protected when I was just a sixteen-year-old teenager in a squad full of aggressive seniors."
"I wouldn't miss it for anything, Siddu," the captain replied, touched by the silver and silk. "Keep making us proud on the big stage."
The next morning, Siddanth boarded his Nexus private jet. He flew directly to New Delhi. The capital required a different level of protocol.
He drove to South Block. Security cleared him through the VIP gates. He was escorted to the Pri Minister's Office.
Siddanth walked into the office. Pri Minister Narendra Modi sat behind his desk. Siddanth offered a respectful Namaste.
"Siddanth," Modi smiled, gesturing to a chair. "Take a seat."
"Thank you, sir," Siddanth said. He handed the invitation. "Pri Minister, I am getting married next month. It would be an honor if you could attend."
Modi opened the invitation. He looked at the silver plate. "You protect the borders with technology, Siddanth. Marriage is a different kind of duty. It requires patience. I have a very tight schedule, but I appreciate the gesture. You have my blessings."
"Thank you, sir," Siddanth said.
Siddanth left the PMO and walked down the corridor to a highly secure, windowless office. He swiped his clearance card.
Ajit Doval, the National Security Advisor, looked up from a stack of classified files.
"Mr. Deva," Doval said flatly.
"Ajit sir," Siddanth said, handing the invitation. "My wedding invitation."
Doval looked at the invitation. He did not open it imdiately.
"I cannot attend, Siddanth," Doval stated simply. "My presence requires a security sweep that will ruin your traditional aesthetic. Snipers on the roof, tal detectors at the mandapam. It brings unnecessary attention."
"I understand, sir," Siddanth replied.
"But the machine works," Doval added, his tone softening a fraction of an inch. "The thermal patch guided the commandos perfectly. You delivered. Congratulations on your marriage. Ensure your corporate infrastructure remains secure while you are on leave."
"It will, sir," Siddanth nodded.
Siddanth left South Block and drove to the BCCI headquarters in Delhi. He walked into the office of BCCI President Anurag Thakur.
"Siddanth! Co in," Thakur welcod him.
Siddanth handed him the invitation on the desk. "Sir, the wedding dates are finalized. It falls in the ten-day gap between the third Test in Mohali and the fourth Test in Mumbai."
Thakur opened the box. "A silver plate? You are doing this in style. The Board gives you full clearance for your leave of absence. Virat will handle the Test matches. Just make sure you are back in January."
"I will be ready, sir," Siddanth confird.
Before leaving Delhi, Siddanth made two more stops. He drove to Suresh Raina's house.
Raina hugged him tightly. "Brother! Finally!"
Siddanth handed him the heavy chest. "You will be coming two days before the marriage, Suresh. Handwoven silk inside. You have to wear it for the main ceremony."
"I will be there, Sid," Raina promised. "We won a World Cup together. I won't miss your wedding."
Siddanth then drove to Shikhar Dhawan's residence. Dhawan opened the door wearing a bright t-shirt.
"Gabbar," Siddanth smiled, handing over the chest.
Dhawan took the box. "Siddu, this is heavy! What did you put in here?" He opened the latch. He stared at the silver plate and the silk fabric.
Dhawan burst into a loud, booming laugh. "A silver plate? Gabbar is getting a silk kurta? I will wear it with a turban, Siddu! I will do a Bhangra dance at your wedding!"
"I expect nothing less," Siddanth laughed.
The next morning, Siddanth flew the Nexus jet to Visakhapatnam. The Indian cricket team was staying at the Novotel hotel, preparing for the second Test against England.
Siddanth walked into the team eting room. The entire squad looked up. Virat Kohli, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Rohit Sharma grinned.
"Look who decided to show up," Virat said.
Siddanth placed a stack of smaller, velvet-lined boxes on the center table.
"Listen up, everyone," Siddanth announced. "The wedding falls between the third and fourth Test. I need all of you there."
The room erupted into cheers.
"I brought the silver plates for you all," Siddanth continued. "The actual teakwood chests containing your handwoven silks weigh too much. You are traveling out of suitcases. The clothes will be waiting for you in your guest houses at the wedding venue."
Virat walked up and hugged him. "Congratulations. We will wrap up the series so we can party properly."
Siddanth walked over to the corner of the room. Anil Kumble stood there, his arms crossed. Siddanth handed him an invitation.
"Anil bhai," Siddanth said respectfully.
Kumble took the box. He opened it, looked at the contents, and gave a firm nod. "Congratulations, Siddanth. It is a big step. Enjoy the ti. But do not eat too much sweet. We have a grueling England series right after, and I expect you to pass the fitness test when you return."
Siddanth smiled. The taskmaster never rested. "I will be fit, Anil bhai."
After spending an hour with the team, Siddanth caught a flight to Ranchi.
He drove from the airport directly to MS Dhoni's farmhouse. Dhoni opened the gate himself.
"Mahi bhai," Siddanth said, handing him the heavy box.
Dhoni took the box. Sakshi walked out with young Ziva in her arms.
"Congratulations, Siddanth," Sakshi said. Ziva waved.
"So, you are finally taking the plunge," Dhoni said as they walked to the lawn. "Welco to the real test match."
"Any advice, Mahi bhai?" Siddanth asked.
Dhoni looked at him calmly. "On the field, you are the captain. You set the field, you decide the bowling changes. Inside the house, you are not the captain. Do not try to set the field. Just field wherever she tells you to. You will be very happy."
Siddanth laughed loudly. "Noted, bhai."
"We will co to Hyderabad a day early," Dhoni assured him.
The next day, Siddanth flew to Chennai. He visited the residence of Kalanithi Maran, the owner of the Sunrisers Hyderabad franchise.
Maran received him formally in his expansive office.
"Siddanth, this is a great occasion," Maran said, accepting the heavy chest. "You brought us the IPL trophy. The entire managent team will be there."
While in Chennai, he also visited Anirudh Ravichander's studio. The music director stopped his recording session when Siddanth walked in.
"Captain!" Anirudh cheered.
"Anirudh, you have to co to the wedding," Siddanth said, handing over the chest.
"I wouldn't miss it," Anirudh said, looking at the silver plate. "In fact, tell your event manager to keep the DJ console ready for the Sangeet. I will play a small set for you."
"Done," Siddanth smiled. "The stage is yours."
From Chennai, Siddanth took an evening flight to Mumbai. The list of VIPs here was extensive.
His first eting the next morning was with Ratan Tata at Bombay House. Siddanth was escorted to the top floor.
"Mr. Tata, My wedding on December 3rd you have to co." Siddanth said, presenting the invitation.
Ratan Tata smiled warmly, opening the invitation box. "Thank you, Siddanth. The semiconductor fab paperwork is moving swiftly. You are doing remarkable work. I will check my schedule, but I will make every effort to send my blessings."
Next, Siddanth drove to Bandra to et Sachin Tendulkar.
Sachin welcod him. Anjali Tendulkar brought out snacks.
"Siddanth, this is wonderful news," Sachin said, lifting the silver plate from the invitation box. "You are managing your cricket and your business perfectly. Now, family life begins."
"You have to co with the whole family, Sachin paji," Siddanth said.
"Absolutely," Sachin confird.
From Bandra, he went to Juhu to the Bachchan residence, Jalsa. Amitabh Bachchan walked into the living room, exuding his usual commanding presence.
Siddanth stood up and handed him the invitation.
"Siddanth, many congratulations," Amitabh Bachchan said in his deep baritone. "May you and your future wife have a blessed life together. our whole family will try our best to attend."
Over the next two days in Mumbai, Siddanth visited the rest of the cricketing legends.
He t Rahul Dravid at a hotel where Dravid was conducting an under-19 camp.
"Congratulations, Siddanth," Dravid said, taking the invitation. "Marriage brings stability. It will help you focus even more on your ga. I will see you in Hyderabad."
He t Virender Sehwag at a broadcasting studio.
Sehwag took the box, opened it, and laughed his booming laugh. "Arre Siddu! Silver plate! Listen to carefully. Facing Shoaib Akhtar is easy. Arguing with your wife? That is a turning track on day five. You cannot win. Just defend and survive."
Siddanth chuckled. "I will keep that in mind, Viru paji."
He t Yuvraj Singh at a local gym.
Yuvraj hugged him tightly. "My brother is getting married! The Sangeet better have a good dance floor. I am going to prepare a performance. Tell Krithika she is very brave for handling a guy who only thinks about cricket and circuit boards."
He delivered a box to Gautam Gambhir. Gambhir offered a serious, heartfelt congratulation. He then t Harbhajan Singh. Harbhajan opened the chest, looked at the silk clothes, and imdiately started demanding details about the food nu at the wedding. Then he gave to all the people who used to play with him over the years.
After five days of continuous traveling, distributing invitations, and navigating the highest echelons of politics, cinema, and sports, Siddanth finally boarded his jet back to Hyderabad. The invitations were out. The entire country knew about the dates. The final countdown to the wedding began.
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