Here After!

4. Sacred Vows: The Wedding Day

Giri

I woke up to the sound of Mom's alarm, but she insisted that I rest a while longer. Yet, sleep eluded me; my mind was consumed with thoughts of the new chapter beginning today, the long-awaited day. Fear crept in as uncertainty clouded my thoughts. Would I measure up to my father's example as a husband? Could I fulfill her expectations? I made a silent vow to myself: never would I allow anyone to doubt the values instilled in me.

After a few more minutes, I rose from the bed, took a refreshing shower, and accompanied my nephew and niece, affectionately known as Appu and Ammu, to the temple. With yesterday's arrival of some relatives and friends, the house was bustling with activity upon our return. Mom suggested I join my brother-in-law Anil for breakfast, who had come for our wedding. Amidst playful teasing from him and my friends, joking about the end of my bachelor days, I smiled and joined them for breakfast. As we enjoyed our meal, photographers arrived, urging us to hasten our preparations.

Then commenced the lengthy photo sessions and receiving blessings from relatives. I felt like a wound-up toy, following the photographers' instructions diligently. Afterward, we embarked on a 30-minute journey to the wedding hall, timing our departure to arrive before the auspicious hour. Upon our arrival, we were greeted in traditional fashion by Anish and other relatives. I observed Anu's father bustling about, overseeing last-minute arrangements and attending to guests. He briefly checked on our well-being before rushing off to attend to other matters. Mom and Gayu went to check on Anu, while I joined my friends' group.

Soon, I was beckoned to the pavilion, and within minutes, Anu was seated beside me. Everything seemed to happen in a blur. I was instructed to tie the knot and apply vermilion to her hair parting. Finally, with tears and prayers, her father entrusted her hand to me. As I held her hand firmly, I reassured both her and Papa of my commitment to care for her and support her for the rest of our lives. I noticed our mothers wiping away tears, and my sister cheering us on, while her siblings and their partners gave us encouraging thumbs-up gestures. I smiled at them before stepping down from the dias as directed by the photographers. Throughout this momentous occasion, her hand remained securely clasped in mine, and a faint smile graced her lips.

Our family departed for the photo session, capturing numerous shots in various poses, with friends and relatives joining in intermittently. Group pictures with cousins, friends, and candid shots were also taken. Anu introduced me to her close friends and their families; it seemed she was the only one remaining single, as every other friend of hers arrived with their spouses. We engaged in a brief chat before being summoned to join lunch. Prior to the meal, Anu was asked to change sarees in accordance with our tradition. The bride traditionally wears three sarees: the first from her family's side, followed by two from the groom's side—one for lunch and another to be changed into before leaving the wedding venue. According to our customs, she must exclusively use items provided by the groom's family, symbolizing that her every need will be catered to by her husband henceforth.

Anu

I can hardly recall when I fell asleep; I stirred when Anitta called out to me. Sitting beside me, she inquired if I was prepared for the journey ahead. Struggling to grasp her question, she noticed my perplexed expression and took my hands in hers, offering an apology. It seemed she was on the brink of tears as she expressed remorse, attributing the hastened marriage to her actions. I contemplated questioning whether she had not realized this sooner or if the realization dawned on her too late, especially on the day of my wedding, but opted to hold my tongue. Despite my attempts to reassure her, she persisted, affirming that Giri was the best choice and would take care of me. I couldn't help but wonder why she sought confirmation if she already had the answer. It was a test of patience so early in the morning.

Anish burst in when he spotted Anitta and me together, and I couldn't help but think, "Not again!" These guys were overly concerned now that I had decided to remain single, but on the topic of marriage, they suddenly became apprehensive, prompting me to reconsider the situation. I tried to assure them that everything was alright and that they weren't to blame for anything. Reassuringly, I expressed my happiness about the marriage, insisting there was no cause for concern. We gathered and reminisced about our childhood days until Mom intervened, reminding us to prepare for our temple visit before the beautician's arrival. Thus, the three of us headed to the temple together to seek blessings. With a firm belief in destiny, I trusted that whatever unfolded was according to a higher plan and that it knew what was best for me.

After returning home, Mom insisted we have breakfast together. Most of our relatives had arrived the day before, so the house was bustling with activity by morning. After breakfast, they ushered me into grooming, where they did an excellent job. Amidst the preparations, we were alerted that time was slipping away, and we needed to proceed with the photo session promptly. We swiftly transitioned to the next phase, where the elders blessed us before our departure from home. As I was guided into the car, reality dawned on me—I was no longer just the daughter of this family. The next time I returned, I would be a guest in my own home. My familiar surroundings would no longer be mine; from today onward, someone else would share ownership. I would now have a new home, but would I be embraced and valued there as I am by my parents? Multiple questions flooded my mind, issues I hadn't even considered until now. These are the reasons why many girls shed tears and feel emotional on their wedding day. It's akin to relocation from the place where one has spent over 20 years with their parents to a completely new environment and setting.