The Enchantress

Chapter forty two

"How dare you try to step inside?" Vivek's voice fell on Viraj's ears. He turned to see who Vivek was talking to and was surprised to find that Vivek was talking to him. Viraj's eyes widened. Did he find out about their real identity? Her parents allowed her to marry him somehow but how could he manage her cousin and that too at this last minute? He and his friend had stood there, stiffened and stressed as everybody from Viraj's side was thinking the same thing.

"He is right, how dare you try to step inside without getting your nose pinched by my son, Sir groom," Vivek's mother Savita said in a playful voice, making Viraj relax suddenly. He remembered it was a ritual, that the groom couldn't enter the marriage area till the brother of the bride pinched the groom's nose. 

"Alright then, go ahead and pull my nose," Viraj said, eager to get married to his lady love. 

"No no, not like this, you will have to pay the price first," Vivek said in a playful mood as everyone giggled. Viraj realized that he didn't have his wallet on him as he said, "I will pay you later. You can go ahead and pinch my nose for now."

Vivek shook his head no playfully and said, "No money, no wife. How will we know you will keep her happy?" Everyone around them burst out laughing at that. 

Viraj huffed and told Vijay, "My wallet is in the room I got ready. Could you please get it for me?" Vijay immediately nodded and took off to get the wallet as Ayush was looking at everything with amusement sparkling in his eyes. He could give the money but why should he when he could see Viraj sweat out in tons because he didn't want to delay it by even a minute more than needed. Seeing all this, everyone was amused and his friends started teasing him more. Ayush wished they could have this kind of fun during his own wedding.

"How much?" Viraj asked Vivek, opening his wallet, to which Vivek gave him a cheeky smile and said, "Only 10k bucks."

Everyone was surprised at the price but Vivek had decided that price upon considering Viraj's status and Viraj didn't want to delay himself anymore. So, he quickly counted the notes and placed five notes of 2k bucks in his hands as Vivek bent forward to pinch Vivek's nose.

"Viraj, don't let him pinch your nose. If he does, hamari naak kat jayegi (we will lose our respect)," Ayush said, stepping in to have more fun. 

Viraj groaned and tried to avoid Vivek but Vivek had already pinched Viraj's nose. Everyone clapped at that as Viraj was finally allowed to enter. His friends settled himself near the small dais while Viraj took off his shoes to step it. It had to be taken off because it was a holy place. He had sat on his place on the low stool near the sacrificial fire. Unknown to him, Mahamaya's another cousin, Kalyani had already taken his shoes and worn them for herself, biting her lips to not laugh and tell everyone that she had succeeded already.

Mahamaya was brought in. Ayush was going to act as Viraj's father. Aabha, Ayush, Mahesh and Indrayani were called on the dais and most of the rituals were carried out there and the rest were kept for later. Only close family and friends were there. Some had gone to have breakfast because photos were not clicked on this event while the others had gone to get ready for the next part which was another wedding. That would the time when most photos were taken and that's why it was important to look good during this time.

Viraj was about to get off the stage when he called out, "Where are my shoes?"

Everyone from the groom's side became surprised and started searching for the shoes while Mahamaya was struggling not to laugh. It looked like her sisters were successful in stealing his shoes. 

"What is your use? Just to make big-big statements? You all had one job, Vijay and you couldn't even keep an eye on my shoes," Viraj said to Vijay, shaking his head, disappointed as the others laughed at their predicament.

"Who has the shoes then?" Viraj asked, looking at everybody and Kalyani and her gang of sisters came forward. 

"How do we know you have the shoes?" Vijay cross questioned as Viraj glared at Vijay because he was just trying to act smart now but where was he when his smartness was actually needed?

"How much do you want for the shoes? I have to go to get on the mare (female horse) too. My baarat (Marriage procession) should come for your sister, shouldn't it? The sooner we get this over with, the sooner the marriage will be completed. Tell me, dear, how much do you want?"

Kalyani smiled. He was the sweetest brother-in-law till date because the others used to bargain with her. So, she increased the price. They were ten cousins and the money had to be split evenly so she said, "10k bucks."

Vijay exclaimed, "I will get hundred new shoes in that!"

Mahamaya couldn't control herself and asked, "What low quality shoes have you been wearing all your life, Vijay Ji?"

Everyone had a good laugh at that as Viraj gave the money to Kalyani, saddened that he had to give 20k bucks in a single day as Ayush shook his head in disappointment at the fact that his nephew didn't even try to bargain for a better price.

Kalyani took the money and moved away happily and when she moved away, the shoes were left where she was standing. Everyone laughed as Viraj wore the shoes. Mahamaya went upstairs to get ready for the second event again while Viraj and his relatives sat in some cars and drove to the nearby temple. 

Viraj was getting ready wearing another dress there while Mahamaya and her relatives were getting ready in the rooms upstairs. They had to look their best now because the guests would appear now and this event will have the most photos in the photo album and marriage videos too...