They got up to take the blessings from elders which was followed by a ritual called Chhand Sunai. It was a short and fun ritual. Then was the Juta Chhupai ritual. Sakshi and Rashi came with Sahil's shoes and demanded the Nek.
"Bhabhi aapne toh party badal li."
(Bhabhi you changed sides.)
Sahil said. Rashi laughed and said.
"Wo meri behen hai pehle."
(She is my sister first.)
He gave them their Nek and then came the part Pranati was dreading. Bidaai. She was already getting teary. Sakshi came with a plate full of raw rice in front of her. Pranati was supposed to throw the rice backwards seven times which her mother would catch in her pallu.
As soon as she threw the seventh time she turned around and cried in her mother's arms. She then hugged her brothers. Yug was crying continuously and asking her not to leave. Utkarsh was trying hard not to cry but was clearly failing.
She went to her father who held her close to his heart with his own tears flowing down his cheeks. He started moving her towards the car and gave her hand in Sahil's asking him to take care of her. Sahil reassured him.
They sat in the car with her still crying and started off to his home. He pulled her into his arms and she cried in his chest. Soon her cried slowed down and her breathing evened. Sahil looked down to see her sleeping. He kissed her head and kept his head over hers.
They reached his home in two hours and he woke her up gently. They got out of the car and were stopped at the entry gate by his sisters for the Bar Rukai ritual. A few things were done and the ritual was completed. They entered inside.
Some small rituals were to be done. In the first one seven plates of different sizes were kept on the floor in a line. Sahil had to slide them aside with a neem stick and Pranati was supposed to pick them up without making much noise.
Then was a small puja after which she was supposed to open her fast with Moong Rice. Sahil also had his dinner. Everyone was very tired so they went to sleep after the completion of rituals. Pranati was made to sleep in Dhriti's room because their wedding night would be day after tomorrow after some more rituals.
She changed her clothes and slept as soon as the head hit her pillow.
The next morning everyone woke up late. It was lunch time by the time they got ready.
Pranati got ready and went to the kitchen. All the four ladies were there helping in preparing lunch.
"Mujhe kya karna hai?"
(What do i have to do?)
She asked. Saroj smiled at her and she took her and Damini's blessings.
"Tujhe bas meetha banana hai beta. Badam ka halwa bna le. Sahil ko bhut pasand hai. Maine badam bhigo diye the."
(You only have to make something sweet. Make Badam pudding. Sahil loves it. I had already soaked the badam.)
"Jee."
(Ok.)
She said and started preparing the halwa. Everyone gathered at the dinner table. She greeted everyone and took Arjun and Karan's blessings.
She looked at Sahil who was raking his eyes up and down her openly checking her out. She lowered her lashes and sat beside him still not looking at him. She was suddenly realising their relationship. He was her husband now. Nothing much had changed between them. He was still the same Sahil she loves. The same Sahil who loves her. But still so much had changed.
He leaned to her side and whispered huskily.
"You look beautiful."
Shw felt her breath hitch and her cheeks gain color at his voice. She couldn't even reply to him. He smirked at the effect he has on her. He gave her upper thigh a gentle squeeze. She choked on her food and he smirked while patting her back.
"Kya hua beta?"
(What happened?)
Saroj asked worriedly. Sahil put his hand in front of his mouth to hide his smirk.
"Kuch nhi maa. Gale mai atak gya tha."
(Nothing maa. I choked on food.)
"Dhyan se beta."
(Br careful.)
Pranati pinched his hand which was still on her thigh. He hissed and took his hand back.
The day was spent playing games and dancing. Pranati slept in Dhriti's room. Tomorrow is her wedding night. Sahil was very excited because tomorrow finally she would be with him. In their room. Their bed. In his arms.
The next morning Sahil and Pranati were ready in their wedding attires for the rituals. They went to a temple. The first ritual was Seth Bhaiya. Everyone plays with neem sticks. Then they came back and the next ritual was Majgad. The younger brother of the groom runs around the family which is seated in a line. Adarsh did the ritual.
Then were the small rituals like Mutthi Khulai, Kangana Khulai, Jua Khelna. The rituals were really fun. Pranati changed into a simple saree for her Sir Guthi ritual.
The rituals were done and her brothers were there to take her home for the last Pag Phera ritual. They had their lunch and left. Pranati was engulfed in a hug by her mother. She went to her father and hugged him. After the ritual they chitchatted for some time.
In the evening she was getting ready when she heard noises outside. She got ready and went outside.
Sahil was sitting there with Adarsh, Dhriti, Adi and Reyansh. They had their dinner and started off to their home. Pranati was nervous the whole way. They reached the home. Pranati and Sahil were again welcomed with the aarti.
Pranati was taken to his room which was decorated with flowers and candles. She was made to sit on the middle of the bed. Her palms were sweating due to nervousness.
"Awwazo ki tension mat lena. Room soundproof hai. Just enjoy your night. All the best."
(Don't worry about the noises. Room is soundproof.)
Aanchal said teasingly. And that didn't help her nervousness at all.
"Di kyu nervous kr rhe ho usse. Chalo yaha se."
(Di why are you making her nervous. Come let's go.)
Bhavna said and dragged her out. After some time the door opened again and her heartbeat escalated. The door closed and the bed near her dipped. ************************************** Please do leave your comments.
Write a comment ...