“And don’t worry,” he added with a grin,“I won’t look at any of you beautiful ladies, so you all may have a peaceful dinner.”
Everyone laughed at that.
“Are you okay?” he whispered.
I nodded softly.“Yes. More than okay.”
Dinner passed with laughter and conversation. I stayed mostly silent while Kunwar-sa fed me from his plate.
“You must try this too,” he insisted.
“I’m full,” I protested, clutching my stomach.“I can’t eat anymore.”
“No excuses.”
Annoyed, I heaved out and obeyed, making everyone laugh.
The sweet melted in my mouth, and I couldn’t understand why I felt as though I had gained a ton of weight in just a few days.
“I’m done,” said Ranaji.“I should go see the departure preparations,”
Kunwar-sa smiled as he looked at me.
“Finally, I will take my bride home,” he said softly, and I knitted my brows.
“Your bride used to live in that home,” I said. He clicked his tongue.
“You don’t want me to feel special, do you?” he said, and I chuckled.
“I’m just giving you a reality check,” I shrugged, and he nodded, savouring the jaggery.
“Alright, alright,” he replied, and I didn’t know why his‘alright’felt slightly like a challenge. I could sense it.
“Suman, are you done?” Rani-maa asked. I looked at her immediately and nodded.
She smiled.“Come with us,” she said. I noticed Nandani and Princess Aishwarya stepping forward as well. Kunwar-sa helped me stand, and I followed them.
They led me to a place where all the ladies were seated together. Nandani stepped forward with a small, decorated case, and I was asked to sit on the couch.
The women began singing traditional songs, teasingly alluding to the wedding night of the newlyweds. Their words made me blush, and I glanced at the older women dancing along in good humour.
“Put your feet forward,” Nandani said, and I did. Princess Aishwarya knelt beside her, and I watched as they slid the toe rings onto my toes.
“Welcome to the family, Suman,” Princess Aishwarya said. I smiled and thanked her.
After the ritual was complete, I was asked to rest. The palanquin was to be lifted early the next morning, but sleep refused to come. I spoke with Daadi-sa, thanking her sincerely for all the effort she had put into my wedding. I gave her an outfit she liked.
I greeted Rani-maa as well. She hugged me and kissed my forehead.
“God bless you, Suman. Never doubt yourself. You deserve even more,” she said, and I smiled.
King Abhinandan and Queen Trisha also offered me their blessings and gifts.
As a brother, King Abhinandan promised to protect me.
The night passed quickly, and as the gentle light of dawn appeared, my emotions stirred. Never had I imagined I would be blessed with so much love. It was the magic of Kunwar-sa.
He was my fortune.
