𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞'𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐞

Chapter 36

Author's POV:

In a magical setting of mandap, the wedding unfolded like a fairytale. The air was filled with the joyful beats of drums, creating a simple yet enchanting melody.

The bride, dressed in vibrant turmeric hues, and the groom, marked with sacred ash, stood together as the embodiment of pure love. Vedic chants added a touch of divinity to the atmosphere, blending seamlessly with the sacred offerings.

As conch shells resonated and drums echoed, the couple exchanged vows, their destinies intertwining. With a radiant tilak on his forehead, the groom exchanged glances with the bride, signifying the beginning of their forever.

Amidst fragrant blossoms and sacred ash, the couple's promises became a beautiful tapestry. The vermilion mark on the groom's forehead symbolized the everlasting connection in the circle of life.

The celebration was a burst of colors and joy, creating a masterpiece painted by the brushstrokes of tradition and love. In the company of the ever-watchful Nadam, the couple exchanged vows amidst glowing sesame seeds and sacred rites, weaving their lives together.

A century of existence, a hundred years of life, converged in this magical union, echoing the timeless love story of Ram and Sita. The celebration reached its peak as the couple, now united, danced in joy, symbolizing their eternal union.

Adhya POV:

My brothers carried the palanquin I sat in. As we reached, I carried a coconut in my hand, as my mom said it's a tradition to follow. As I got down from the palanquin, all my brothers held me. They walked beside me, and I felt more than happy—I felt like I was in some magic. As I sat down in the mandap, there was a cloth placed between me and Abhi. I heard Papa scolding Abhi for trying to pull the cloth, and I chuckled.

The priest gave us two betel leaves with cumin and jaggery paste, indicating me to put my hand on Abhi's head. Abhi did the same. The priest chanted some mantras, and after that, the cloth was removed.

**In a Telugu wedding, Jeelakarra Bellam signifies the union/marriage of the bride and the groom. Jeelakarra (cumin) and bellam (jaggery) are made into a thick paste and put on a tamalapaku (betel leaf). The bride and the groom put it on each other's head while the purohit chants mantras from the Vedas.**

I saw him sitting there, and nothing else mattered. It felt like we both were becoming one. I had this warm feeling inside me that I couldn't explain in words. Mom made me sit beside him, and we both joined our hands together, facing the fire as the priest chanted mantras.

After some mantras, the pandit made us stand as Priya Maa tied the knot of Abhi's kanduva and my saree pallu. Abhi extended his little finger smiling at me, which I interlinked with my little finger as I looked at him with all the love I have for him. We walked around the fire, taking seven steps. This is a traditional Indian ritual, and each step holds significant meaning.

The first step is about the couple wishing to provide for their household, carry out their responsibilities and duties to one another, their tradition, and their families, and stay in good shape.
The second step is about developing their spiritual and mental powers.
The third step revolves around wishing to increase their comfort and wealth by proper means and righteousness.
The fourth step is acquiring knowledge, harmony, and happiness through respect, mutual love, and trust.
The fifth step is about being blessed with a contented family of heroic, virtuous, and strong children.
The sixth step is to bless them with long lives.
The seventh step is to remain true companions and committed only to one another.

As we completed the seven steps, the priest handed Abhi the thalli (mangalsutra, which is made of yellow thread) to tie three knots around my neck. My mom held my braided hair up, and as Abhi tied the three knots, a tear escaped my eye.