THE BLOOMING OF LOVE BETWEEN FORCED MARRIAGE

5. Pre-marriage Ceremonies

 Time passed quickly as they were talking with each other. It was almost evening and mother came and knocked on the door calling Aditya and Rutuja. They both said yes mother and opened the door. Mother asked them both to get ready for the ceremonies. Rutuja said ok mother and her mother left. Aditya said, "I better get going and give you time to get ready." Rutuja said yes, go and get ready before mother shouts at you.

Rutuja closed the door and started getting ready. Once she was done she went to the living room and saw everyone in a really good mood talking and laughing in unison. There was light music in the background and everyone was humming the songs while doing their respective works. When Aditya and her mother saw her standing near the stairs they took her away from there and made her sit between the girls who would draw designs on her hands and legs with henna.

Dinner preparations were done beforehand and the men of the family had already started dinner. All the women in the house were going to dine after them and sit to draw mehndi on their hands. Her brother finished his meal faster than others so he could go and feed his sister as she would not be able to eat by herself. As her hands and legs were being intricately designed by henna.

He filled the plate with food that Rutuja liked the most and started feeding her meal. Mother thinks "What a good brother and sister they are?" "How nice of him to feed his sister." The scene of a brother feeding his sister warmed everyone's hearts. It was a pleasant experience for Rutuja herself as her brother had never fed her a meal before this.

The kids in the family were dancing to the songs to entertain everyone. Rutuja was enjoying the festivities at home. As everyone sang and danced to the rhythm of songs in their special ways. Rutuja was soon to be a "Bride" and she was trying to enjoy her first and last experience of every girl's life and it was too important not to let go of such moments as they were precious.

Everything around her was good but the thought of her fiance being in danger haunted her. His being hurt because of her was not what she wanted, it was not in her hands. The only thing she could do was try and keep him safe in any situation. She was worried about the news of her marriage spreading to them. Her face was on the verge of sadness when her brother nudged her shoulder slightly so she could come out of her thought cycle and act normally. She quickly understood what her brother was trying to say concealed her thoughts with the practiced expressions and pretended to enjoy the rest of the ceremony.

Later, she went to her room and got changed into comfortable clothes. The mehndi on her hands and feet had dried up completely letting her do things with ease. While everyone in the house fell asleep because of exhaustion, Rutuja was still awake and pacing the room. Aditya knew she would be still awake. He went near her room and tapped lightly on her door saying "Rutuja, are you awake?" It's me Aditya please let me in. Knowing it was her brother she opened the door so he could come in.

Aditya closed the door silently behind him and asked her "Are you alright?" She said, "I am fine" don't worry about me. He said if you said don't worry then that is more than a reason to worry about you. You can hide your pain from others but you can't hide it from me nor Harshada. We can see it in your eyes. Tell me, "Are you worried about your fiance?" She said yes, "I am worried about him." He said, at least stop worrying when you are in front of the family, or they would be doubtful. She said, "Thanks brother" I will be careful around others.

He said one more thing talk to Harshada or she would be angry at you for not calling her today. Goodnight sister he said, closing the door and leaving her room. She called Harshada and told her all the things that happened that day. Harshada gave her a surprise by saying, "I got a few days off to attend your marriage" and I will be at your house by tomorrow night. At which Rutuja got genuinely happy as well as excited to see her friend almost after four days which felt like months to her.

It was Friday the day before she would be married. It was her last day at her house. While she was in thought her mother came to her room and asked her to get downstairs for the program "Haldi." When she went into the living room she was asked to sit and all the members of the family took turns applying haldi to her face, hands, and legs. When everyone was done applying the "Haldi", she went and took a shower to wash it off her body.

That day was passing more quickly than ever as everyone was busy doing the preparations for the "Marriage." Now it was almost evening and Rutuja was waiting for Harshada's arrival. A little later Harshada came there, she greeted everyone in the family before finally approaching Rutuja. She embraced her friend as she missed her dearly. Mother asked Harshada to get fresh in Rutuja's room and come for dinner. She said ok aunty I will be right back.

That day whole family sat together for dinner. Rutuja's parents feed her the last meal in their house as she would have a different identity tomorrow. She thought she would be remembering all these memories forever as they were very special for her. It would be special for any daughter as they are the best moments of their lives.

After dinner Rutuja, Aditya and Harshada went to her room. So, they could think something about the danger that would follow her. Leaving her job as a Scientist was not an option for her because she loved her work and she was head of their research team. The only option was to face the consequences of her decision. But, she regrets Rishikesh being involved in it. Aditya went to sleep saying take care sister.

Harshada knew her friend was too distracted to sleep so she didn't force her to sleep. She knew that her friend needed some time to think this through. She kept thinking about it until 1am. But, found only one way and it was to protect him herself. She had vowed to protect her husband. She was emotional as she was going to miss her family, her brother the most. She was also determined to make Rishikesh's family happy as she was going to be his wife. With this emotion overflowing her heart she fell asleep.