The Arranged Marriage

The Haldi

Anaya was getting ready for her big day in her room. She applied the final touch of lipstick on her lips and looked at herself in the mirror. She felt a surge of happiness and excitement as she realized she was going to marry the love of her life.

She turned around and saw her mother, Bindu, standing at the door with a proud and emotional expression on her face. Anaya smiled and asked, "Ma, what happened? Why are you looking at me like that?"

Bindu walked towards her and hugged her gently. She said, "Anaya, you don't know how much this means to me. I always dreamed of seeing you as a bride, wearing this beautiful lehenga and jewelry, and having a grand wedding. And today, it's happening. I'm so happy for you, my daughter."

Anaya hugged her back and said, "Ma, I'm so grateful to you for everything. You have been my pillar of strength and support. And this wedding wouldn't have been possible without our Riya. She is the one who brought Arjun and me together. She is the best thing that ever happened to us."

As they were talking, they heard a loud voice saying, "Mumma, papa is looking so handsome." They turned and saw Riya, their daughter, running towards them. She was wearing a matching lehenga and jewelry, and her hair was also in a mermaid braid. She looked like a mini version of Anaya.

Anaya smiled and said, "Riya, you are looking so pretty. Come here, let me see you." She lifted her up and kissed her cheek. She said, "Your eyes are always on papa, right? You love him more than me, don't you?"

Riya giggled and said, "Mumma, I love you both equally. But my eyes were always on you for six years, since the day I was born. Now, it's time to share them with papa. He is so nice and funny. He makes me laugh a lot. He is the best papa in the world."

She wriggled out of Anaya's arms and ran away, saying, "I'm going to see him again. Bye, mumma. Bye, nani." Anaya and Bindu laughed and said, "You!"

Bindu looked at Anaya and said, "She is just like you, beta. So lively and cheerful. She has your eyes and your smile. She is a blessing for us." Anaya nodded and said, "She is, ma. She is a mixture of me and Arjun. She is our angel."

Just then, they heard another voice saying, "Behen, come on. Your Arjun is getting restless by sitting alone. He can't wait to see you." They saw Raghav, Anaya's brother, standing at the door. He was wearing a yellow kurta, and he looked handsome and happy.

Anaya smiled and said, "Bhai, you are here. You are looking great. How is Arjun? Is he nervous?" Raghav grinned and said, "He is fine. He is just eager to see his bride. He is madly in love with you, behen. You are lucky to have him. And he is lucky to have you."

He came closer and hugged Anaya and Bindu. He said, "Ma, you go ahead. I'll bring Anaya with me. We have to go to the Haldi ceremony. It's time to apply some turmeric on her and make her glow more."

Bindu nodded and said, "Okay, beta. I'll go and join the others. Anaya, you come soon. Arjun is waiting for you." She kissed Anaya's forehead and left.

Anaya took one last look at herself in the mirror. She admired her hair, which was styled in a mermaid braid with pink flowers. She loved her lehenga, which had intricate designs with blue and pink. She felt her pink jewelry, which complemented her skin tone and her outfit. She held her dupatta in her hands, which had a delicate border and a light fabric. She felt beautiful and confident.

She followed Raghav to the Haldi ceremony, where Arjun was sitting on a decorated chair, surrounded by his family and friends. He looked handsome and charming in his white kurta and pink turban. He smiled when he saw Anaya and said, "You are looking gorgeous, baby. I can't take my eyes off you."

Anaya blushed and said, "Thank you, Arjun. You are looking handsome too. I can't wait to marry you." They exchanged a loving glance and smiled.

Anaya took out her phone and opened her Instagram app. She posted a photo of her on her story.