Mismatched Magic

The big day

As soon as the girls reached their room and settled down in their pajamas, they were instructed to go to bed on time and not be giggling all night. The following day was going to be a big day and  Ananya's mom wanted her to be well rested. The girls nodded their heads obediently and shut the door. Shivani immediately rushed to open her bag and pulled out a plastic bag. Ananya frowned saying, "Enna di pannarey?" Shivani turned around smiling, "Cone. Unakku mehandi poda poren." Ananya's eyes widened, "Ei unakku oru line kooda ozhunga poda varadhu. Veladariya? Onnum vendaam. Plus this is just an engagement. Mehandi ellam onnum vendaam." Shivani glared and rolled her eyes saying, "Adhellam mudiyadhu. Naan practice paneendu vandirukken. Oru kutty design thaan. Nee paduthukko naan pottu vidaren" she insisted. Ananya sighed but reluctantly agreed, "Seri but kevalama irundhudhu naa un moonjiliye eeshi vittuduven." Shivani beamed and nodded in glee. She had indeed practiced because it was a simple yet cute design and Ananya ended up keeping it. The girls chatted till midnight and finally, amidst all this, the girls fell asleep.

The next morning Ananya woke up to the hustle bustle. Shivani was already up and Ananya's mom stood there staring at her, "Naaliki kalyanam aagi poga pora ponnu. Inniki engagement vachukittu eppidi di 9 varaikkum thoongarey? Idhukku thaan nethakki night e sonnen seekirama thoongu nu. Oru nalla vishayam enna na Shivu unakku azhaga marudhani potu vitirukka. Seri Seri ezhundhukko. Breakfast saapdu. Namma 3 manikku hall la irukkanum. 4 manikku nalla neram. 1 ku ellam make up ponnu varennu soleerkalaam. Unga maamiyar oda arrangement." Ananya woke up confused. This was too much information too early in the morning. She quickly glanced at her mehandi. It had dried beautifully and most of it had fallen off on her bed. She rubbed both hands to take off the remaining dried part and got up to freshen up. After washing her hands nicely, she took it close to her face to sniff. She loved the smell of it. Then she looked at it. It had turned a beautiful dark orange. Although she would never say this to Shivani, she now felt this was a great idea. It actually felt like a special day.

She had not heard from Sanjay since morning but she did not think too much about it. She knew that he must be busy as well. Breakfast was sent over and they all sat together and enjoyed the idli, vadai, pongal, chutney, sambar etc. After clearing it all up, time seemed to be flying. Soon it was lunch time and the make up girl arrived. She did a fabulous job tying up Ananya's hair in a curly bun. She let loose a string of curls in the front. The make up was just perfect and finally the beautiful lehanga which fit perfectly. Ananya looked like a gorgeous doll.

Finally it was time to leave. The hall was just next door so the could just walk from within the hotel's compound. The groom's family was already out waiting for them. Ananya was starting to have jitters, all of a sudden but Sanjay's charming smile calmed her down. He looked dashing. His hair and beard were trimmed and well groomed and his vest over his kurta matched her lehanga perfectly. Yes, he wore pink and Ananya loved it on him! He winked at her indicating she looked gorgeous. Ananya blushed profusely. Sanjay's mom did the aarthi along with another elderly family member and welcomed them. A little girl in pavadai came excitedly to sprinkle rose water on them and another girl, who was slightly older, offered them kumkum chandanam. There were a few teenage girls who went on to throw rose petals inviting them. Finally, Sanjay extended his hand towards Ananya and she took it with a smile. He walked her up to the stage. Ananya noticed a couple of unwelcoming glances at her and raised her eyebrows to Sanjay, for which, he said, "Kandkaadha. Andha kadhai ellam apparama sollaren. Ellam waste bodies. Just jealous people." Ananya nodded.

The stage was decorated beautifully and Ananya loved the style. It was aesthetically done. Both the families had all the thambulam items with fruits, flowers, sweets etc. Ananya's family had brought it all from home. The priest was already there, who read out the information which confirmed that Sanjay and Ananya were officially engaged and a wedding date was set in 3 months. Sanjay went down on his knee yet again saying, "Ananya, the last time I proposed to you, the five elements were our witness. Now in front of our close and extended families, I want to tell you that I am honestly the luckiest man on earth to have you in my life. I want to love you and cherish you forever. You are so precious and I love you more than anything. Will you please accept my love and become mine forever?" Ananya was overwhelmed by his words. She could barely manage to say yes and she nodded in affirmation. He immediately inserted a gold ring in her finger. She grabbed the other ring from the tray and she now went down on her knee, which shocked everyone. She looked at Sanjay and with trembling voice and glistening eyes said, "who said only a man should go down on his knee and propose? Sanjay I have known you for three month and it feels like a life time. I love you so so much and can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you. Every moment with you makes me feel at home. Will you let me love you for eternity?" Sanjay quickly pulled her up and hugged her while she slid a ring in his finger. He cupped her cheek and did not care that the entire hall was watching them. He pulled her close to him and kissed her forehead. Both of them closed their eyes relishing the moment making their loved ones emotional.

It was a beautiful moment that even the angels from above blessed them with rain outside.

Brinda Subramanian