Unadulterated Love

Part 42

SIDHARTH'S POV

I had just laid my back against the mattress, after the lusciously heavy dinner. The long slender, Basmati rice prepared with desi ghee and mixed with lemon chicken is a heavenly treat for sure. I must have gained 100 pounds today itself!

'Knock-knock'

I opened the door to Shehnaaz, in her comfy shorts, with droopy eyes and messed hairs. "Kya hua baby..?" I pulled her into my arms.

"Teri yaad aayi.." she answers. Aww! Come then! Her body was numb within no time, sticking as close as possible to me. I found my sleep too. Quite a peaceful sleep. We're going to be very busy from now onwards.

"Wake up guys!" I heard somebody calling.

"Inn dono ko shaadi karne ki jaldi bhi hai.. Aur uthna bhi nahi hai.." another voice replied to the first one.

"Sid! Uth yaar! Sasural me naak katwa raha hai!" a man spoke this time.

"Haaye..! Bebuu uth! Dekh kon cheekhe mar raha hai.." Shehnaaz patts my chest. I finally open my eyes, she is next to me, waking up slowly. Stretching out her arms, she yawns and passes me lazy smile. I curled my arm, that was already around her, it brought her closer to me.

"Morning sweetheart!" I said, bending down to take her lips.

"Sid! Uth raha ke nahi?" a lady shouts. Mom? Just then, my face was pushed away and with a jolt Shehnaaz jumps out of the bed.

"Sorry aunty.. Abhi uth gaye hum.." she opens the door. Whoa! Almost everybody was at the door, making face at me.

"Uncle-aunty bula rahe hai.." Ajay told. I nod immediately walking into the bathroom to get ready.

"Sidharth beta.. Humari family me shaadi ki rasme Roke se shuru hoti hai.. Toh mai aur Santokh chahte the Sana aur aapka Roka karvade.." Param aunty suggestively asked as the breakfast was served. She further added that the significance behind this ceremony is to declare that the boy and girl are officially engaged, thus they can openly court. It represents the beginning of a relationship between two families, who will then discuss a wedding date.

"Ha. Bilkul aunty.. Aap ko puchne ki zarurat nahi hai.. Aap bas bataiye.." I nod.

"Toh aap log kuch din aur ruk jaiye yaha.. Kal Roka ho jayega.." she said, to which we agreed.

Immediately after the lunch, the entire family was up for shopping. I had stayed back with uncle, helping him with the arrangements. He called the immediate family and friends while I was incharged to look after the decorations and stocking up the ration.

They bought me a peach coloured set of kurta pajama. That had a small old rose shaded half jacket to carry along. While Shehnaaz had picked up a plane rose suit for herself. Looking absolutely stunning!

The function began with elders doing our Tilak, as we sat together on a couch at the centre of living area,  Santokh uncle gave Shehnaaz a small velvet box, she opens it to reveal a platinum ring, she says it's for me!

Wow! I am totally paused! Because I wasn't expecting this. Oh good God!

"Sidharth.. Hath de!" she says. Gently she slid it into my ring finger, the nxt I hear was claps in the background.

"This is so beautiful!" I chuckle.

"I chose it!" she chips.

"Thank-you baby.." I lean a little to whisper.

'Ahem' we were disturbed by her TauJi, the dangerous guy again.

I bend down to touch his feet, "Yeh lo.." he handed me a gift box, "Sana ko khush rakhna.." he instructed yet again.