As I held my hand out, she placed hers on mine.
They poured flowers and milk into our palms. And I promised myself to give her the world.
The priest proceeded with the ritual, reciting the mantras, and once the Kanyadaan was completed, he held out a plate.
“It’s time for Sindoordaan64,” the priest said.
I picked the silver coin from the plate, collected some vermilion over it, and turned toward her.
As my bhabhi-sas lifted her veil, I noticed her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
“Maang bhar doon na, Suman? Pareshaan to nahi ho jaaogi humse?”“Shall I fill your partition, Suman? You won’t get tired of me, will you?” I asked gently.
Laughter rippled around us.
“Ho bhi jaayenge to koi baat samasya nahi. Humein pareshaan karne ka to adhikaar hai aapka.”“Even if you do, it’s no problem. After all, you have every right to trouble me.” She replied softly, smiling through tears.
Cheers erupted around us, and flowers were strewn in heavy bunches.
She closed her eyes as I filled the partition of her hair carefully. A little fell on her nose; I redid it twice, smiling at her chuckle.
“You’re mine,” I whispered.
She nodded.
“Vivaah sampann hua. Ab aap badoan ka aashirwaad le lijiye.”“The wedding is complete. You may seek your elders’blessings.” the priest declared.
I held her hand as we moved the priest first, then moved on to everyone for their blessings.
“Kaakkkaa!” Rudraja squealed.
I lifted her in my hands and kissed her cheek, and her doe eyes fell on my turban.
“Now your Maasi-maa is your Kaaki-sa,” I told her.
“Suuuuuuttttttaaaa!” she squealed, reaching for Suman.
Suman took her effortlessly in her arms. She nuzzled her face on Suman’s shoulder, humming in her own language.
“Suman,” a distant voice called, and we turned to see her parents step forward.
?????
41. Suman
My heart felt heavy, swollen with a rush of conflicting emotions. Princess Rudraja smiled in my arms, showing her tiny teeth, and I smiled back at her.
“Suman,” a familiar voice suddenly called out.
I turned, my heartbeat quickening as a few known faces came into view. They approached with hesitant smiles.
“How are you, my child?” they asked, and my jaw clenched tighter.
Before I could respond, Kunwar Agastya stepped forward.
“She didn’t wish to meet you. I had already told you,” he said firmly.
I looked up at him as he wrapped an arm around my shoulder. I smiled faintly.
