“Suman,” suddenly, Nandani’s call caught my attention, and I immediately rose from my seat. She sprang toward me and hugged me tightly.
“We’re here,” she squealed in delight, and I looked up to see Princess Aishwarya walking toward us.
“Oh my God,” I exclaimed nervously and pulled back from Nandani as Princess Aishwarya stepped forward to hug me.
I had been comfortable with Nandani since the beginning, but when I hugged Princess Aishwarya, it felt quite different. My body trembled slightly with nerves.
“Let's go, everyone’s waiting,” Nandani said, holding my hand.
Princess Aishwarya adjusted my dupatta slightly lower on my forehead, muttering,“You’re looking so beautiful, Suman.”
I smiled as they both led me to the hall where the Aanjhala Bharaayi51ceremony was to take place. I was nervous—more than at my previous wedding.
As I climbed the stairs to the hall, the decorations caught my eye. The space was adorned with sunflowers, jasmine, and roses. Plush, velvety carpets stretched across the floor, cushioning my footsteps.
But the moment I stepped inside, the room fell silent. A wave of goosebumps washed over me as I felt every gaze settle upon me.
“Suman, you’ve got to sit there,” Nandani whispered, pointing her finger. I looked in the direction, and my eyes fell on him, looking at me with a smile.
He looked so handsome; his face was glowing. I felt my heart race at just one glance and instantly lowered my lashes. The image of his face, with his hair falling on his forehead, made me smile.
When I reached him, he stood up, towering over my frame. I felt very timid at that moment.
“Kaisi ho?”“How’re you?” he whispered, only for me to hear.
While I was watching Princess Aishwarya and Nandani moving to their respective seats, he touched my hand, making me flinch.
Everyone’s eyes were on us. My voice hung in my throat when he kissed my palm. I felt a rush of heat crawling up my face when he pulled me to make me sit beside him.
I clenched his hand tight, worrying about what if I tripped over his foot, or what if I stumbled down in front of everyone?
“Tumne bataya nahi kaisi ho tum?”“You didn’t say how you are?” he repeated.
I blinked nervously, but before I could respond, my eyes fell on an elderly lady approaching us, followed by an attendant with a plate filled with coconut, holy thread, and a few other auspicious items for the fulfilment of the ritual.
I immediately pulled my hand from his and stood up quickly to touch her feet.
She blessed me, placing her hand on my head.“Suman, hum nahi jaante aap humein pehchaanti hain ya nahi, isiliye hum apna parichay swayam de dete hain. Hum Agastya ki Badi-maa hain,”“I don’t know if you know me, so let me introduce myself. I’m Agastya’s Badi-maa.” she said.
“Pranaam, Badi-maa,” I greeted her.
“God bless you, dear. Come, sit,” she nudged me gently onto the couch.
I looked at him from the corner of my eye and found him looking at me with his mouth agape.
What’s there to be shocked about?
“Dear,” Badi-maa called me, and I looked back at her immediately.“Unfold your dupatta over your lap so we may begin the ritual.”
Inhaling internally to brace myself, I held the ends of my dupatta before her. She began filling the dupatta with all the auspicious items as a gesture of acceptance and welcome. I felt truly overwhelmed by the ritual.
“What’s this about, Badi-maa?” he suddenly asked.“Wouldn’t I get a coconut to eat?”
In an instant, laughter erupted around the room.
“No, this is only for her,” she clarified warmly.
I couldn’t resist smiling.“Koi baat nahi. Aap isme se kha lijiyega,”“It’s okay. You can eat from this.” I mumbled, and everyone’s laughter grew louder.
