The Arranged Marriage

Marriage

Anaya was dressed as a bride, wearing a red saree with golden embroidery, adorned with many gold jewels on her neck, ears, wrists and ankles. Her hair was tied into a neat bun, decorated with flowers. Her mother, Bindu, had given her own mangalsutra (nuptial chain) to her daughter, as a symbol of her blessing and love. Then Anaya was escorted outside by her brother, Raghav, where Arjun was already waiting for her, wearing an off white sherwani and a golden shawl. He looked handsome, but Anaya felt no attraction towards him. She only felt resentment and sorrow.

Anaya stood next to Arjun, as the priest started the wedding rituals. He chanted some mantras and asked the couple to exchange garlands. Anaya and Arjun did as they were told, without any enthusiasm. Then the priest said, "Now, the bride's brother has to come forward."

Raghav came forward and stood next to Anaya. He looked at her with sympathy and affection. He knew how much she loved Armaan, her fiancé, who was unaware of this forced marriage. He wished he could do something to stop it, but he was helpless. He had to obey his father's will, which was read after his death. 

The priest gave the mangalsutra to Arjun and said, "ab is mangalasootr ko dulhan ke gale mein baandh den. yah aapake bandhan aur pratibaddhata ka prateek hai."
(Translation: "Now, tie this mangalsutra around the bride's neck. This is a sign of your bond and commitment.") 

Arjun took the mangalsutra and tied it around Anaya's neck. Anaya felt a pang of pain in her heart. She felt like she was betraying Armaan. Her eyes were full of tears. She tried to hold them back, but they rolled down her cheeks. Then Raghav handed a box of sindhoor (vermilion) to Arjun and the priest said, "ab is sindoor ko apanee patnee kee maang par lagaen. yah aapake pyaar aur suraksha ka prateek hai"
(Translation: "Now, apply this sindhoor on your wife's hair parting. This is a mark of your love and protection.") 

Arjun opened the box and applied a pinch of sindhoor on Anaya's hair. Anaya felt a shiver down her spine. She felt like she was losing her identity and freedom. She felt like she was becoming someone else's property. She sobbed quietly. Finally, the priest said, "ab, shaadee pooree ho gaee hai. aap pati-patnee hain."
(Translation: "Now, the wedding is complete. You are husband and wife.")

Anaya and Arjun got up from their seats and took the blessings of their elders. They touched the feet of Anaya's mother and brother, who hugged them and wished them happiness. They also touched the feet of Lavanya and Rakesh, Arjun's parents, who smiled and congratulated them. Bindu said, "Thank you so much, Anu. You fulfilled your father's last wishes. You made him proud. I will send your clothes and belongings to you in an hour. Stay happy and stay safe, my child."

Anaya smiled faintly and nodded. She did not feel happy or safe. She felt trapped and miserable. Rakesh said, "Anaya, dear, come. Arjun has brought his car. You both can go in that car to our house."

Arjun said, "Papa, I need to go back to office. I have some urgent work to do. You take her with you. I will join you later." Anaya said, "I can come with my own car. It's not necessary for me to go with him."

Rakesh shook his head and said, "No, you both are coming in Arjun's car together and that too to our home, understand Arjun? By the time you reach, we will arrange your room for you."

Arjun sighed in frustration and said, "Fine." He did not want to go with Anaya. He did not want to marry her. He hated her and her company, AAS, which was his company's rival. He thought she was his enemy. He had no feelings for her, except contempt and disgust. Anaya followed Arjun to his car and sat next to him. She saw a message from Armaan on her phone and the message filled her eyes with tears.

Hi Anu, first day of album recording is done. That means 59 more days to see you. I can't wait to see you. Love you and miss you ❤️❤️❤️