18 and 25

chapter - 9

It is a busy and tiring week for both groom and bride with all the rituals and fun
Haldi is completed. Today is mehendhi. Tomorrow is sangeet. Then they get a break. Next day they get ready as bride and groom and aren't allowed to go out of house till next day i.e Deepthi and Siddharth's big day. Today is mehendhi where unmarried mens are not allowed. Then can enjoy their own time but the question is will our Siddharth stay away from his little bride. Let's find out.

Naina : what will you write on your hand today deepu? Full name of jiju or any sweet names already?

Deepu : don't you have any other work than teasing me naina? Won't you get ready?

Naina : isn't teasing you a big, fat job? And Deepthi we couldn't click any pics yesterday as jiju was too busy with you so today it's completely our day. Let's enjoy to the fullest.

Deepu : okay meri maa. Now let's get ready first or amma will get mad.

They started to get ready. Deepthi is all ready with her dark green lehenga and she wore minute makeup and jewellery because it's going to be a long day today. Deepthi was ready and sat on the couch in her room. Her phone started ringing. It displayed MALHOTRA. Deepthi's face lit up seeing the name.

[On the call]

Deepthi : hello

Siddharth : were you busy? Done with getting ready?

Deepthi : yeah all done what about there?

Siddharth : yeah the mehendhi artists just came and they are seeing up everything.

Deepthi : but there won't be much fun in groom's house compared to bride's house.

Siddharth : what are these things? Why aren't men allowed?

Suma : deepu are you ready sona?

Deepthi : yes amma I'm coming. Amma is calling me I'll text you later. Bye

Siddharth : Bye sweetheart.

Deepthi's POV :

The mehendhi artists came 15 minutes back and amma called me downstairs. There was a beautiful swing decorated with flowers. I was asked to sit on it. I sat and two mehendhi artists came. One was applying on my hand and one was in my leg. What I observed is the one who is applying on my leg must be around 15-16 years. But why is she doing this work?

Deepthi : Hi sweetheart. What's your name?

Aashna : hello didi my name is aashna.

Deepthi : Aashna why are you doing this work you are to going na.

Aashna : I'm just helping my ammi didi.

She said looking at the person who was applying mehendhi on my hand.

Deepthi : do you go to school?

Aashna : yes didi. I just help her ammi when she needs me and have more clients.

? : mam if you are not comfortable with her applying henna I will change mam.

Deepthi : no no she is doing amazing. I was just talking to her.

Her mother asked me in a concerned way but I assured her. But aashna is an amazing girl. Her designs are too good.

[After one hour......]

My one hand and leg was done and by this time I felt like my back is breaking for sitting here for this long without moving and I am him hungry too. I asked them to eat and then apply for the remaining led and hand. They sent and I sat alone on the swing resting my head backwards closing my eyes. After some time I felt a hand on my cheek. I opened my eyes and I can easily identify who they are by their eyes. I sat by a jerk recognizing him here. What is he doing here?