Vani had spent years away from her hometown, immersed in the bustling city life of Mumbai.
But today, as she drove down the winding roads that led to her childhood home, a wave of nostalgia washed over her. She couldn't help but smile as she passed familiar landmarks and heard the distant chirping of crickets in the warm evening air.
The occasion for her return was none other than her cousin Riti's wedding, a momentous event that had been eagerly anticipated by the entire family. Riti, the eldest of the cousins, was like a closest to Vani, and the bond between them was unbreakable.
As Vani pulled into the driveway of her family's sprawling bungalow, memories of carefree childhood days came flooding back. She could almost hear the echoes of her laughter as she and Riti had played in the garden, their voices filled with innocence and joy.
The house was adorned with twinkling fairy lights, a magical sight that illuminated the night sky. Vani's heart swelled with pride for her family, who had worked tirelessly to make Riti's wedding a truly grand affair. It was clear that this was more than just a wedding; it was a celebration of love, tradition, and family.
The moment Vani stepped inside, she was engulfed in the loving embrace of her relatives. Aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents all showered her with warm greetings and affectionate hugs. It was as if time had stood still, and she was transported back to her childhood.
"Vani, you're finally here!" exclaimed Riti, rushing to embrace her cousin. "I've missed you so much!"
"I've missed you too, dii," Vani replied, her eyes brimming with affection. "You look absolutely stunning."
Vani's aunt chimed in, "Welcome back, Vani! It's been too long since we had you home."
"It's good to be back," Vani replied, feeling a sense of belonging wash over her.
"Vani, remember the time we used to play hide and seek in the garden?" Riti reminisced, her eyes twinkling with nostalgia.
Vani laughed, "Of course, I remember. Those were some of the best times of our childhood."
"Welcome home, dear," Vani's grandmother said, embracing her tightly. "You're a sight for sore eyes."
Vani smiled, touched by her grandmother's warmth. "Thank you, Dadi. It's wonderful to be here."
The evening's festivities began with a traditional haldi ceremony, where turmeric paste was applied to the bride's skin to enhance her beauty. Vani watched as Riti's friends and family playfully smeared the golden paste on her face, their laughter ringing in the air.
She looked at them, but a void filled his heart, as her eyes went over two photos with garlands on them, they were her parents, who passed away in an accident four years ago. It's been four years later now that she finally came back home.
"Vani" Vani snapped back to reality hearing a familiar soft voice.
"Come beta, why are you sitting here all alone" Her aunt caressed her head and took her to wear Riti was seated.
"You should also apply haldi to her" Her aunt said.
"Yes, yes, Vani, make sure you paint her all yellow yellow" one of her cousin joked making everyone laugh along with Vani.
"Yes, yes do that. Then I will apply haldi on you, and then you will get married just after me" Niti threatened making Vani laugh louder than ever.
"Dii, look at these oldies first" She pointed towards her other cousins who were elder than her and yet to be married. The cousins glared at Vani.
"I just turned 20, there are still 8 years left for me to get married. You should bless with such nightmare to these old people first, these poor oldies" Vani joked, the cousins all ganged up to teach her a lesson.
Vani was the youngest of the kids, everyone in her family loved her.
"oh my god, save me from these monsters dii" Vani hid behind Riti, riti glared at her younger cousins who just backed off getting that one glare from her.
"Nobody touches my little one here" Niti said, keeping a hand on Vani's cheek, unintentionally applying haldi on her face.
"ohhh, dii, look look, you applied haldi on her face" Vani scrunches her nose and touches her face, she sighed at the stupidity of everyone, her fingers were indeed yellow now but it's just a myth, nothing happens like that. Only if she knew, it was hint of her future.
"God you guyz, sometimes I wonder if you are really in your late 20s or not, you are all so childish" Vani smirked and this time her cousins literally ran to her to teach her a lesson, everyone laughed looking at their banter.
As the night progressed, Vani found herself engaged in heartfelt conversations with her relatives. They shared stories of the past, reminisced about old family vacations, and marveled at how much had changed since those simpler times.
"Vani, can you believe our Riti is getting married?" Vani's grandmother said with a wistful smile.
"I know, it's incredible," Vani replied, her heart swelling with happiness and joy for her cousin.
The joy in the room was infectious, and Vani felt a sense of belonging that she had missed during her years away. It was as if the bonds of love and tradition had the power to transcend time and distance.
The highlight of the evening was the sangeet ceremony, a lively celebration filled with music and dance. Relatives of all ages joined in the revelry, showcasing their best dance moves and singing along to popular Bollywood tunes. Vani herself couldn't resist the infectious energy of the dance floor, and she twirled and swayed with her cousins, laughter bubbling from her lips.
As the night wore on, Vani stole a moment of solitude on the veranda. The cool breeze ruffled her hair, and the gentle rustling of leaves in the garden provided a soothing backdrop to the festivities. She gazed up at the star-studded sky, her heart filled with a profound sense of gratitude.
This homecoming had brought with it a sense of reconnection—with her family, her roots, and the cherished memories of her childhood. It was a reminder that no matter where life took her, the bonds of family and tradition would always be a source of strength and joy.
"I miss you mumma, I miss you papa" She said, smiling sadly, looking at the night sky filled with stars.
"I have booked a make-up artist all for myself mom, I am sure he is going to melt looking at my beauty" Vani turned towards the voice, it was Nidhi, she was a close relative from Riti's mom side of family.
"Of course, sweetheart, you are the most beautiful girl here, once you get married to him, you will live like a queen. I will ask your Shikha (Niti's mother) bua to talk to Riti's in laws about your hand in marriage with Rudra." Vani looked at their excitement with sheer confusion.
Wasn't she of the same age as hers, she wondered why would she want to get married so soon.
"Everyone has their own priorities vani" She told herself and walked downstairs, leaving the mom and daughter with their excitement, they literally looked like they had hit a jackpot
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VANI
General FictionWhat is the meaning of this, Vani?" he seethed, his eyes locked onto hers. "Are you so starved for attention that you seek it from other men?" Vani's heart sank as she realized the storm that was brewing in Rudra's eyes. She tried to speak, to expla...
