𝐑𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 | 18+

Chapter-13: Holy Matrimony

Yashraj

Anticipation, Excitement, Nervousness and Satisfaction, innumerable emotions are at quarrel in my heart. As I sit here in front of the vanity mirror getting ready to tie the knot, my heart thuds uncontrollably in my chest.

As I make peace with the fact that now there's going to be a companion in my life who's going to be my equivalent whether in position or possession. I am well aware that we don't know much about each other but I want to give her a chance and take one myself. I want to give this relationship my hundred per cent and I expect the same.

Maa Sa draped the turban around my head and accessorised it with a pearl broach. She tightened the emerald necklace around my neck and pinned the shawl over my right shoulder letting it hang freely from there.

Baba Sa handed me the dagger and both of them blessed me. Dadu Sa and Dadi Sa too blessed me and my brothers wished me luck as well and warned me to take care of their sister.

Vineeta Maa welcomed me and my family into the pavilion with an aarti. She pinched my nose which I gladly let her do while my brothers glared at me for that. Taking my shoes off I stepped into the pavilion and sat in front of the holy fire.

The priest chanted a prayer for harmony and a blissful marital life and called for the bride. Avinash along with my brothers went to fetch her while my family and the limited guests present awaited her arrival.

Our eyes snapped towards the entrance as the commotion came into the venue. Advika, Sreesha and Emma covered the front making it difficult for all of us to have a look at the bride, my bride.

Avi, Abhi, Jai and Shaurya carried the sheet of flowers over her head and walked towards the pavilion. The ladies moved to the side and the bride came into the picture.

My breath and time both seemed to have stopped as she walked towards me looking like an absolute goddess, my goddess.

The crimson lehenga and the matching veil along with rustic gold jewellery scream elegance and royalty, everything that she is. Our eyes met creating a symphony of unsaid words and unexpressed emotions between two hearts.

I forwarded my hand out for her which she accepted setting my skin ablaze with her touch. Flashing a warm and ever-beaming smile she sat next to me as the priest began chanting the hymns of the sacred union.

We forwarded our hands holding them securely over the holy flame along with a betel leaf, betel nut and a marigold flower. Extending our prayers to the almighty both of us looked at each other. The moment our eyes locked serenity washed over my chaos.

My breaths calmed and my heartbeats normalised into rhythmic beats. The priest called her father for the 'Kanyadaan' and he stepped into the mandap.

Putting her hand in mine a tear slipped from his eyes as he spoke in a raspy voice. Aaj hum apne saaton janmon ka punya, hamari jaan saunpte hain, khyaal rakhiyega hamari beti ka.

I nodded in approval and assured him saying, aapki jaan ab hamari jaan se bhi zyada keemti hain hamein, vada karte hain aapse apni jaan par bankar inki hifaazat karenge. He stepped down and the priest asked me to put the nuptial chain around her neck.

I lifted my gaze to find her staring at me with glassy eyes as I hooked the chain at her nape. As directed forward I took the vermillion in a silver coin and filled her hairline with it. A small amount fell on her nose bridge and everyone beamed looking at the scene.

Her sister stepped into the pavilion and tied her veil and my shawl into a knot as we stood up for the seven vows.

Taking the first rotation around the holy fire we repeated the first vow. I, the groom allude to the nourishment and basic needs and promise to take lifelong care of my wife and family.