Dheere Se Kho Gaye!

[30]

The wedding rituals had begun, and in all the chaos, Ishi and Shrinkhal barely got any time for themselves. Due to certain Hindu traditions, the bride and groom were supposed to live separately and not see each other before the wedding. So, Ishi returned home, while Shrinkhal stayed at his parents' place.

However, Guru and Alia convinced both families to perform some of the rituals together—mostly because Ishi had threatened to throw them into the river behind the house if they didn't. Somehow, they managed to pull it off.

Meanwhile, Shrinkhal stood near the door, listening to his brother plead with Ishi. He chuckled at how Guru was both respectful and slightly intimidated by her.

Dadi noticed Shrinkhal standing there and playfully smacked his arm. "Go get ready! It's your haldi ceremony. Why are you standing here laughing?"

Mama and Papa agreed, and soon, Ishi was all set to return to Uttarakhand. Shrinkhal, on the other hand, had no choice but to follow whatever the elders instructed him to do. He sat on the couch silently, unsure of what to do next.

That's when Guru and Alia started teasing him.

"Sinky? How do you feel? Today's your haldi!" Guru nudged Shrinkhal with his elbow before scooting over to let Alia sit next to him.

"Arrey batao batao jiju sharmao nahi," Alia pulled Shrinkhal's cheek which made him blush a lit but he hid it by saying, "Jao dono Jake Ghar ka kaam karo. Don't you guys know you both are suppose to give me the best treatment for the next whole week."

Mama came and started putting the marigold flowers infront of Shrinkhal in a big size bowl, "Acha Guru, apni bhabhi ko phone karke puch Kahan reh gayi hai. The mahurat is in just an hour."

"Kaunsi bhabhi?"

"Dummy, she's talking about Ishi!" Alia smacked sweetly on his head.

"Ishi...," he took a big inhale, "woh kabse bhabhi Hui meri woh toh dost hai meri."

"Be quiet! Don't call her by such names. From now on, you must address her as 'Bhabhi' (sister-in-law). Now, get up, take this plate of worship items to Dadi (grandmother), and call Ishi."

Shrinkhal was eager to meet the love of his life but had to wait a little longer. Reflecting on how things had changed over the past few months, he felt overwhelmed. All he wanted now was to marry Ishi happily and spend his life with her.

"Don't worry, aunty. Ishi aa chuki hai woh bas tyaar hi ho rahi hai," Alia said while getting up to check on her.

"Usse kehna mujhe mil-"

"Yes, yes, Jiju, she'll come to you; she's yours. Don't worry."

Alia teased him while helping Mama with the small chores. Meanwhile, Ishi came out with her Nani beside holding her hand. The view was magical infront of Shrinkhal and all he wanted to do was run to Ishi and take her in his arms.

Soon, the rituals began and both of them were pretty anxious and had the biggest smile on their face. They could not get enough time to even talk with each other. Guru and Alia took the advantage and applied the whole bowl on both of them.

The giggles and laughters filled the room as later Ishi sat to get her mehendi rituals done. This feeling was new to her, but realised that in that moment she was missing her father. All she wished was him to be here to see his little girl growing into a woman and now tying knots with the guy who loves her the most.

~~~

Today was the wedding day, everyone were in a rush and wanted things to be perfect.
On the wedding day, Shrinkhal arrived with a grand Baraat, and Ishi's Nani warmly welcomed him, saying, "Shrinkhal beta, we are blessed to have you as our son-in-law." Shrinkhal respectfully replied, "Nani maa, I promise to always keep Ishi happy and safe."