I greeted everyone at the doorway. Even Nandani grew emotional; she cried as she hugged Rani-maa and Daadi-sa. She deserved a better wedding.
The women settled into the palanquins, and the men mounted their horses. After taking everyone’s blessings and offering my thanks, our convoy began its journey back home.
Kunwar-sa did not meet me then. The last time I saw him, he was speaking with Guruji.
I didn’t need to worry anymore. I knew we were one now. At the end of the day, he would come only to me, his wife, his Suman… and yes, dinner too.
I chuckled, and somewhere along the way, I fell asleep in the palanquin. An attendant woke me when we were close. It was early evening when we reached Suryagarh.
As I stepped out of the palanquin, I saw Badi-maa, Nandani, and Princess Aishwarya standing at the doorstep, holding a plate of kumkum67and a kalash68filled with rice. Kunwar-sa stepped forward to stand beside me, and I knitted my brows.
“Where were you?” I asked. He shook his head.
“Nowhere, just talking to Ranvijay Bhai-sa,” he said, and I couldn’t understand why everyone laughed.
I instantly lowered my gaze shyly.
After performing our aarti69, Badi-maa spoke,“You have to push the kalash with your right foot gently.” I nodded.
Lifting my skirt slightly, I nudged the kalash forward, and they let us enter.
Then, I placed my feet into the plate of kumkum, and Nandani said,“Grace this kingdom with your luck and love, Suman.”
I smiled and stepped ahead.
The floor felt cold beneath my feet, and just as the crimson imprints faded, Kunwar-sa lifted me into his arms.
My eyes widened in shock, along with everyone else’s.
“What’re you doing?” I asked.
“You look tired. I don’t think you can walk to the chamber carrying all this weight,” he replied. I glanced around to see people laughing and whispering about us.
“Hmm, Agastya,” Prince Ranvijay said, turning toward him.
“What? She looks exhausted. I’m just helping her,” Kunwar-sa said, and Ranaji laughed.
“Alright, take her to the chamber. Both of you should freshen up for the meal and the remaining rituals,” Ranaji instructed.
Kunwar-sa nodded and turned around.
I hid my face against his chest, aware of the whispers behind our backs and the curious glances cast our way.
“You never miss a chance to embarrass me, do you?” I said as we entered his chamber.
He answered by nuzzling his nose lightly against my neck.“My wife, my embarrassment, and I have no problem with either. Why do you?” he said.
I sighed softly as he set me down on the bed.
He drew a deep breath and knelt before me. I immediately held his shoulder.
“Why are you kneeling?” I asked.
He swallowed and rested his hands in my lap. His gaze softened, and his lips curved into a faint smile.
“My wife… finally, you are my wife,” he said gently.“Not half anymore, my full-fledged wife.” He chuckled at the end.
Happiness tugged at my cheeks, making them ache. A crimson heat spread across my face. He lowered his gaze for a moment, then looked back at me.
