Dressed in a simple yellow cloth, I sat in the centre of the hall, surrounded by women. Nandani stepped forward to begin the ritual. She took two leaves, dipped them into turmeric and sandalwood paste, and started with my feet, then my knees, shoulders, and finally my cheeks.
“Welcome to the family, Suman,” she said softly.“You’ve always been my best friend, but now our relationship will change. I promise to care for you as my youngest sister-in-law and keep you happy.”
I smiled and leaned forward to touch her feet.
“And since you’re my elder sister-in-law now,” I said quietly,“I must follow the rules.”
She pulled me into a tight hug.
After her, Princess Aishwarya stepped forward and followed the same ritual. She applied the paste to my feet first, then my knees, shoulders, and finally my cheeks.
“Hm…” she said thoughtfully, smiling.“Now I have a younger sister-in-law too. Perhaps I’ll order you around sometimes.”
I laughed and nodded.“Of course.” Then touched her feet.
She blessed me by touching my head and chuckled softly.“I suddenly feel old.”
After her came Queen Trisha, then Daadi-sa, then Rani-maa, followed by Badi-maa and her daughters-in-law.
My gaze drifted toward Princess Rudraja, who was crying again, looking at a small curly-haired boy. There was something about her even at such a young age. I felt instinctively that she would grow into someone strict, someone who would never forgive easily if crossed.
She noticed me watching her and suddenly chortled.
“Come here,” I said softly.
She immediately crawled toward me. I pulled her into my arms, and she stared at me with wide, curious eyes. Her tiny hands reached up and touched my cheeks.
“Taattaaaaa?” she asked.
I nodded gently.“Yes… taattaaaa.”
She nodded and then looked away.
“Agaaattthhhhaaaa,” she cried, pointing toward Nandani.
I turned her face back toward me.“Not Agaattha, Agastya.”
She frowned.“Agaaattthhhhaaaa.”
“Kako-sa,” I corrected playfully.
She rolled her eyes dramatically.
“Taaa,” she said stubbornly.
“Kaako-sa,” I repeated.
She shook her head again.“Agaaattthhhhaaaa.”
I chuckled, and suddenly she looked straight at me.“Kaaakkkaa.”
My eyes widened in delight, and I nodded quickly.“Yes.”
As she smiled brightly, I kissed her cheek, and she squealed in protest, making everyone laugh. I lifted her gently into my arms.
After some time, Nandani and Princess Aishwarya left to apply haldi to Kunwar-sa in another hall. Once my ritual was complete, they returned and asked me to prepare for my bath.
As we walked through the corridor, Nandani and Princess Aishwarya were talking with Queen Trisha. Daadi-sa and Rani-maa had gone ahead.
