Like a sweet dream, but real.

Chapter 8. A Declaration of Love

Nastya sat on a bench by the pond, where the water quietly reflected the evening sky. A light breeze rustled the leaves, and everything around seemed to freeze, leaving only the two of them. She held a small book in her hands, but she was not reading — her thoughts circled around him, around the feeling that grew with every day and every meeting.

He approached, holding two cups of hot cocoa. Nastya smiled, and this simple gesture sent a flutter through her chest. They sat down beside each other, and for a moment there was silence — that special silence when words are no longer needed because hearts understand each other without them.

“Nastya,” Riz said softly, not looking away, “I’ve wanted to tell you something for a long time…”

Nastya felt her heart tremble. Her palms grew slightly damp, and her breathing quickened. “What is it?” she asked, trying to stay calm, though inwardly she already knew her answer would be sincere.

He smiled, but his eyes were serious. “I… I think about you every day. I like being with you. You make the world brighter, Nastya… and I want us to be together.”

It felt as if a small light had turned on inside Nastya’s chest. His words sounded like music, every note resonating in her heart. She remembered all their walks, their laughter, the gentle rain, their shared silences, the small joys they had shared. All of it now came together into one word — love.

“Me too,” she whispered with a smile. “I’ve felt this for a long time as well.”

He reached out and gently touched her fingers. Nastya allowed herself to let go of fears and doubts — in that moment, everything around ceased to exist except the two of them. They sat there holding hands, and the world felt soft, safe, and filled with light.

“You know,” he said quietly, “I never thought this was possible… that someone could understand me like this.”

“Me too,” Nastya replied. “And I’m grateful for every moment we’re together.”

The evening slowly descended over the city, painting the pond in golden and pink shades. Nastya realized that this confession was not an ending, but a beginning — the beginning of something important and real, something that would grow stronger with each passing day. Their hearts had opened to each other completely for the first time, without shyness, without fear — only with trust and joy.

They sat there for a long time, watching the sunset reflected in the water, enjoying the silence and the feeling of closeness. Nastya felt that happiness is not a single moment, but a state of the heart that is born when you find someone with whom you can truly be yourself.

And that evening, under the soft light of the setting sun, Nastya realized for the first time: true love is not only about feelings — it is about understanding, attention, care, and the joy of being close, of sharing simple moments and valuing every glance and every gesture. It was the beginning of their shared story — quiet, bright, and wonderfully tender.

Chapter 9. Wedding Preparations

Spring had fully taken hold: the air was filled with the scent of lilac and fresh grass, and the gentle sun looked through the windows, painting everything in golden hues. Nastya woke up early, feeling unusual excitement and trembling — wedding preparations lay ahead, and every moment felt special.

The kettle was already on in the kitchen, and her mother smiled as she served fresh buns with jam.

“Today is a special day,” she said, placing a mug in front of her daughter. “I’m so happy for you.”

Nastya nodded, trying to absorb every detail of the morning. Her heart beat faster, and her thoughts intertwined — dresses, decorations, invited guests, flowers… Everything felt both important and thrilling. She sensed that every little detail mattered, because each one would become part of their shared story.

First, Nastya went to the bridal salon. The bright room, floor-length mirrors, soft lamp light — everything felt magical. She tried on dress after dress: lace ones, those with delicate embroidery, with light, flowing fabric. Each dress told its own small story, and Nastya imagined how she would move, smile, and look at him on their wedding day.

“This dress is perfect,” her mother said, seeing how her daughter’s eyes shone.

“Yes… it feels as if it was made for me,” Nastya whispered, sensing that it was not just fabric, but a symbol of the happiness awaiting her.

Meanwhile, the groom was choosing his suit. He carefully tried on the jacket, smiling at his reflection in the mirror, and Nastya, watching from a distance, caught herself feeling her heart overflow with joy and love. Every smile, every movement felt like part of a single picture coming together — the picture of their wedding day.

Flowers, invitations, music — everything was chosen carefully so that the day would be special not only for them, but also for those who would be there with them. Nastya and Riz chose colors, details, and small elements together, discussing every idea. Each shared decision brought them closer, showing how important it is to see happiness in details and joy in shared care.

In the evening, returning home, Nastya sat by the window, looking at the garden where the first spring flowers were blooming. She held a small notebook in which she wrote down all the ideas, thoughts, and emotions of the day. Like a quiet prayer to God, she wrote:

“Thank You for this day, for everything that lies ahead, for the love that leads us together.”

Her mother came up and gently placed a hand on her shoulder.

“Are you happy?”

“Very,” Nastya replied. “I feel that everything is exactly as it should be.”

Nastya’s heart was full of gratitude. Every moment of wedding preparation, every little detail, every decision mattered — because they symbolized not just a celebration, but the beginning of a new life: shared, bright, filled with care, love, and faith.

That night, Nastya could not fall asleep for a long time. She lay in bed, listening to the quiet of the house, the rare rustle of the street, and her own heartbeat. Tomorrow would be the day she had dreamed of since childhood, and her soul held both calm and trembling. Tomorrow, their new story would begin — a story of love, trust, and joy that they would create together.

Chapter 10. The Wedding Day — Like a Sunrise

The morning was quiet and fresh, as if the entire world were holding its breath in anticipation of something important. The first rays of sunlight filtered through the curtains, coloring Nastya’s room in soft shades of gold and pink. She sat by the window, holding a cup of warm tea, feeling both excitement and calm in her soul. Today was the day she had dreamed of since childhood — the day when their love would become the symbol of a new beginning.

Her mother entered the room with a smile.

“Nastya, are you ready?”

“Yes… almost,” she replied softly, trying to capture every moment. “Everything feels so magical.”

Once ready, Nastya put on her wedding dress. It gently embraced her figure, the lace sleeves lightly brushing her skin, and the long veil softly falling over her shoulders like a cloud. She looked at herself in the mirror and smiled faintly — this was not just an outfit, but a reflection of her joy, her faith, and her dream of a shared life that she had carried in her heart since childhood.

At the same time, he was getting ready in the neighboring room. The suit fit perfectly, every detail carefully chosen, and his face shone with quiet confidence and joy. He glanced at the mirror several times, then smiled softly, as if whispering to himself, “Soon we will be together.”

The road to the church was filled with the scent of spring. Nastya walked slowly, absorbing every moment: the gentle light of the streets, the smiles of passersby, the light breeze stirring her dress. In her heart sounded a quiet prayer of gratitude — for her parents, for love, for the opportunity to live this day with the man who had become her destiny.

When they met at the altar, the world around them seemed to disappear. The faces of relatives, guests, church candles — everything dissolved into the glow of their eyes, filled with tears of joy and happiness. He reached out his hand, she took it, and Nastya’s heart skipped several beats. Their fingers intertwined, and in that moment they understood: no preparation, no decorations, no words could compare to what they felt for each other.

The vows were spoken quietly, but with confidence. They spoke of love, trust, care, and faith — of supporting one another in everything. Every glance, every breath, every smile became part of the new life they were beginning together.

When the priest declared them husband and wife, Nastya felt her heart fill with light. He gently embraced her, and the world returned — but it was different now: brighter, warmer, filled with meaning and happiness.

After the ceremony came flowers, the laughter of guests, and congratulations. But Nastya remembered not the noise, but the silence within her — the sense of wholeness that comes only when the one beside you makes you complete. Her eyes met Riz’s, and in that look was everything: joy, love, trust, gratitude.

In the evening, returning to their first shared home, they sat side by side, holding hands. Nastya whispered softly,

“It’s like a sunrise… a new day, a new life.”

“Yes,” he smiled, “and we will greet it together.”

The wedding day came to an end, but for them, real life was just beginning — a life filled with light, joy, and faith that love can become the foundation of everything they build together. And for the first time, Nastya felt that her dreams, prayers, and hopes had merged into one great feeling — love, which would now accompany them every day.

Chapter 11. Parents at the Wedding (Healthy, Happy)

The sun was already leaning toward sunset when Nastya’s parents entered the hall. Their eyes were glowing with joy, and their smiles were truly sincere. Her mother, with a slight tremble in her hands, hugged her daughter and quietly whispered:

— My little girl… how beautiful you are today.

Nastya felt warmth spreading through her entire body. She knew that it was her mother and father who had led her to this day, who had taught her to believe, to love, and to rejoice in simple moments. And seeing them happy, healthy, and close on such an important day was both a joy and a source of deep gratitude.

Her father, tall and a little strict on the outside but with kind eyes, put his arm around Nastya’s shoulders and said softly:

— We are proud of you, dear daughter. And I am happy that next to you is someone who will protect and cherish you.

Every word they spoke, every touch, was a confirmation of all the love, care, and strength of their family. Nastya’s parents were not just present at the wedding; they were the heart of the celebration, its support and its meaning. Their joy was passed on to all the guests, creating an atmosphere of warmth and trust.

Her mother held a bouquet of flowers given to Nastya and, smiling, helped her straighten her dress. Every movement was filled with tenderness and attention. Her father stood next to the groom, quietly supporting him, saying a few words full of pride and kindness. Nastya saw their interaction and understood: these moments were not mere formality, but a manifestation of genuine love and care that had formed the foundation of her life.

During the ceremony, Nastya’s parents held hands, their gazes full of emotion — joy, excitement, and gratitude. They followed every moment, every smile of their daughter, every sparkle in her eyes filled with happiness. And every guest who witnessed this felt how the strength of family filled the hall, making the event even more solemn and touching.

After the official part, Nastya’s parents approached the newlyweds, and at that moment it seemed as though the entire world stood still. Her mother quietly said:

— We will always be near, to support you, to love you, and to rejoice with you.

Her father added:

— This is the beginning of your story. Make it bright, full of love and faith.

Nastya looked at her parents and felt that every lesson, every prayer, every day spent together had led her to this moment. And seeing them healthy, happy, and close was one of the greatest miracles of her life.

In the evening, when the celebration was coming to an end, Nastya’s parents once again embraced her and the groom. Nastya realized that their presence was not just a formality, but a source of strength, confidence, and inner peace. Thanks to her parents, thanks to their love and support, Nastya and Riz felt that a life full of joy, trust, and harmony lay ahead.

And in this happy atmosphere, among laughter, candlelight, and sincere smiles, Nastya once again whispered a quiet gratitude to God: for her parents, for love, for the opportunity to live this day surrounded by those who were closest and dearest.

Chapter 12. The Blessing of the Elders

After the official part of the wedding, when the guests had taken their seats at the tables, a special moment arrived — the blessing of the elders. Nastya and Riz stood before their parents, grandparents, while the soft light of candles gently reflected in the eyes of everyone present, giving what was happening an extraordinary sense of solemnity and warmth.

Nastya’s mother took her hands in hers and said quietly, but in such a way that the words were felt with the whole heart:

— My daughter, may your life be filled with love, understanding, and mutual respect. May you find joy in simple things every day and strength in faith in one another.

Her father added, leaning slightly toward the young couple:

— We bless you for happiness, for patience, for care and fidelity. May your family be strong, like this home that always keeps warmth and safety.

Grandmothers and grandfathers approached one by one, each speaking their own words, filled with the wisdom of lived years, with experience they wished to pass on. Some spoke of how important it is to listen to each other; others spoke of how love reveals itself in small things, in daily actions and care. These words were not just formal wishes — they were genuine warmth passed through generations.

Nastya stood holding Riz’s hands and felt tears of joy slowly running down her cheeks. Every word, every look from the elders filled her soul with confidence: they know how to build a life together, how to overcome difficulties, how to rejoice in each day. And now this knowledge, this grace, was being passed on to her and her husband.

— May every step be light, and may your heart always remain open, — her grandfather said, placing his hand on the young man’s shoulder. — Love and respect one another. And may God protect you.

Nastya quietly bowed her head and whispered in her soul: “Thank You, Lord, for my family, for their love and wisdom. May everything they bless come true.”

This moment was filled with quiet joy, genuine love, and a deep sense of belonging to something greater — to tradition, to family, to a life built on trust and faith. Nastya understood that the blessing of the elders was not just words, but a force that would accompany them every day, helping them preserve light and warmth in their hearts.

After the blessing, all the guests applauded, but Nastya and Riz continued to stand embracing, feeling this invisible support, this flow of warmth filling the room and their hearts. It was a moment of silence and greatness, when past, present, and future intertwined in a single feeling — love and gratitude.

And that evening, Nastya realized for the first time that the true strength of family lies not only in care, but also in wisdom passed down through generations, in a blessing that helps one walk through life together, supporting each other at every step.

Chapter 13. The First Home Together

When they first crossed the threshold of their new home, Nastya felt a strange yet wonderfully pleasant sensation: the place was still empty, but already filled with future life. Her heart trembled with anticipation: here would be their shared evenings, first breakfasts, first steps of their children, first joys and difficulties they would go through together.

The walls of the house were light, and the floor was warm, as if the house itself welcomed them and promised care. Nastya immediately noticed small details: sunbeams on the floor, the light scent of fresh paint, the quiet creak of the stairs. She smiled, imagining how over the years these little things would become part of their shared story.

— Everything here will truly be ours, — she said softly, looking around the empty rooms.

— Yes… and we will make sure every corner is filled with happiness, — Riz replied, taking her hand.

They began furnishing the house. First came the furniture: a sofa by the window, where Nastya dreamed of spending evenings with a book and a cup of tea; a table in the kitchen where they would have breakfast together; a small cabinet for their first shared memories and photographs. Every item was chosen with love, every corner found its place.

Nastya especially loved the kitchen. She imagined cooking dinner there, trying new recipes, laughing together as they helped each other. Even washing dishes seemed joyful: she did it with a smile, because he was nearby — Riz, her companion, her love.

In the evening they sat on the sofa, tired but happy. Her husband brought two cups of hot tea, and they sat in silence, enjoying the coziness of their new home. Nastya looked around at the rooms, the soft light of the lamps, and the quiet silence that marked their new stage.

— You know, — he said softly, — this place will become a home because we will fill it with ourselves.

— Yes… together, — Nastya replied, feeling that these words reflected everything she had dreamed of.

That evening, Nastya realized for the first time that a home is not just walls and a roof. It is a place where love becomes part of everyday life, where joy reveals itself in small things: shared tea, quiet conversations, laughter, and glances. And she knew: now they had their own place where they could build a life together, support one another, and rejoice in every day.

Their first home became a symbol of their new beginning — warm, bright, filled with attention and care. And when Nastya closed her eyes that night, she whispered: “Thank You, Lord, for this home, for this day, for us.” And the house seemed to respond with a quiet, calm presence, promising to be a witness to their happiness for many years.

Chapter 14. Prayers for the Future

Evening descended upon their first shared home, filling the rooms with the soft light of lamps and the warm aroma of fresh tea. Nastya sat at the table with her hands folded, and beside her sat Riz. They both felt that they had begun a new stage of life together, and now it was important to turn to the One who is always near, even when He cannot be seen — to God.

— Let’s pray, — Nastya suggested softly.

He nodded, and they both closed their eyes. Nastya began to speak her thoughts quietly, almost in a whisper, but every word was filled with sincerity:

— Lord, thank You for this day, for our home, for our love. Help us walk through life together, be kind and caring, learn to understand one another. May our actions be bright and our hearts open.

Riz added his own words:

— Lord, we want to build our life so that there is room in it for joy, patience, care, and faith. Bless us in all the difficulties and joys that lie ahead. Help us raise children in love and faith, and be there for one another in every situation.

Nastya felt a special warmth appear inside — something that could not be described in words. The prayer was not only a request, but also a promise to themselves: to love, to care, to support, to walk together. Every word strengthened the confidence that their shared life would be filled with meaning, joy, and harmony.

— Sometimes I think this feeling is like a small light in the soul, — Nastya said quietly when they opened their eyes. — It reminds us that we are not alone, that there is a force guiding us.

— Yes, — her husband replied. — And that force helps us see the right path even when we doubt.

The evening continued quietly, but their hearts were full of gratitude and hope. They discussed plans: travel, studies, work, future children — and every word was imbued with faith that everything is possible if one walks together, with love and trust.

Nastya understood that prayer is not only a request for help. It is a way to open oneself, to share joys and fears, to strengthen trust in each other, and to prepare the heart for the future. And in that quiet room, in the soft light of a lamp, they felt for the first time that their life had become not only shared, but deeply spiritual, filled with meaning, care, and love.

From that evening on, prayer became a habit for them. In the morning and in the evening, before sleep and after major events — there was always time to turn to each other and to God. And Nastya knew: these moments would become the foundation of their happiness, the strength that would support their family through all joys and trials.

Chapter 15. The First Journey Together

Nastya sat on the train, watching spring fields and trees covered with fresh leaves flash past the window. Each new landscape seemed like a small miracle to her: sunlight played on river waters, a light breeze stirred the grass, and birds chirped joyfully, as if greeting them.