City Lights, Love Nights

Chapter 6: rokafied

Approaching the gate of the lawn, they saw both families standing on either side of the carpet, with dholwalas poised to play the instruments to welcome the couple. Locking eyes, Varsha and Anant began walking inside, their hands intertwined. Arjun cheered loudly for his brother and sister-in-law, accompanied by Varsha's friends, Nandini & Ritika, who had also joined in the festivities. Smiling at everyone, Varsha and Anant made their way to the couch arranged for them on the stage.

To commence the roka ceremony, Varsha's parents, along with other family members, joined Varsha and Anant on the stage where they were seated on the couch. Anjali, with gentle grace, asked Vandana, "Rasam shuru karein, Vandana Ji?"
(: Shall we begin the ritual, Vandana Ji)

Vandana, brimming with joy for her daughter's new chapter, eagerly nodded in agreement. Anjali stepped forward, presenting a red chunni for shagun, draping it over Varsha's head. Varsha smiled warmly as Arjun, briefed on the ceremony's sequence, passed Anjali a silver thaali to apply tika on Varsha's forehead. Anjali affectionately placed a small bindi of roli on Varsha's forehead, prompting Varsha to bend down to touch her feet.

However, Anjali stopped her, expressing, "Aaj hi Vandana ji se pata chala ki kisi ne bhi yahan par tumhe paer nahi chhune diye kyuki they believe daughters hamesha dil ne rehti hai. Aur ab tum meri aur Arun ki bhi beti ho, isliye you will never touch her feet bas always remain in her hearts," and she kissed Varsha's forehead. Following this, Anjali adorned Varsha with the diamond necklace they had shopped for together a few days ago, tenderly caressing her cheek.

Anant, witnessing the growing bond between his mother and his to-be wife, couldn't contain his happiness. Vandana, too, was overjoyed for her daughter's happiness. Anjali then applied tika on Anant's forehead, and he respectfully touched her feet, seeking her blessings. Anjali in return instructed him, "Meri Varsha ko Hamesha khush rakhna". Anant agreed to his mother by doing a lil salute.

(:Always keep my Varsha happy.)

Gupta family followed the suit, first doing the tika for Anant and presenting him with a ginni as Shagun.  Anant, always respectful, touched the feet of all the elders in the Gupta family. Archana insisted he not touch their feet, saying, "Beta, ab aap hamare damaad hai, hamare paer mat chhuiye "
(:Son, you are our son-in-law now, don't touch our feet.)

But Anjali intervened, "Nahi Bhabhiji, ab Anant bhi aapka beta hai, jaise humare paer chhuta hai, aapke bhi chhuega."
(:No, Sister-in-law, Anant is your son now, so just as he touched our feet, he will touch yours too. )

The Guptas couldn't help but feel touched by Anjali and Arun's approach in raising their sons. Vandana, too, applied a bindi on Varsha's forehead and blessed her, completing the heartwarming ritual.

To start the celebration of his Bhaiya-Bhabhi's roka , Arjun took to the stage, igniting the atmosphere with his energetic moves to the popular song "Mere Brother Ki Dulhan," dedicated to Varsha. Varsha's face lit up with sheer joy as she watched the lively performance, feeling overwhelmed by the love and acceptance she was already receiving from Anant's family.She couldn't help but feel grateful for the warmth and affection she was experiencing from her new family, making her feel even more eager and excited about the journey ahead with Anant.

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As the evening wore on, the guests began to take their seats for the traditional Gujarati dinner. The tables were laden with a variety of dishes, each one more delicious than the last. Varsha and Anant sat at the head table, surrounded by their families, and the atmosphere was filled with laughter and conversation. Varsha couldn't help but feel grateful for the love and acceptance she was receiving from Anant's family. She had always known that they were a close-knit family, but she had never imagined that they would welcome her with such warmth and affection. Anant, too, was feeling grateful, knowing that his family was giving their blessing for their union. As they sat down to eat, Varsha turned to Anant and whispered, "I'm so grateful for your family. They're so warm and welcoming." Anant smiled, his eyes shining with happiness. "I know, right? They're the best. And I'm so grateful for you, Varsha. You're going to fit in perfectly with my family." Varsha smiled, feeling a sense of belonging wash over her. She knew that she still had a lot to learn about Anant's family and their traditions, but she was excited for the journey ahead. She knew that with Anant by her side, she could face anything that came their way. As they finished their meal, the guests began to take their leave, congratulating the newly engaged couple once again. Varsha and Anant sat back down, surrounded by their families, and the atmosphere was filled with laughter and conversation once more. Varsha turned to Anant and asked, "So, what's the plan for the rest of the evening?" Anant grinned mischievously. "Well, I was thinking we could have a little dance party. The dholwalas are still here, and I know how much you love to dance." Varsha's eyes lit up. "That sounds like so much fun!" And with that, the music began, and the party continued late into the night. Varsha and Anant danced together, surrounded by their families and friends, feeling grateful for the love and acceptance they were receiving. It was a night that neither of them would ever forget, a night that marked the beginning of their new life together. As the night wore on, Varsha and Anant took a break from the dancing to sit down and talk. They sat on the couch, surrounded by their families, and the atmosphere was filled with laughter and conversation. Varsha turned to Anant and asked, "So, what do you think is the most important thing in a relationship?" Anant thought for a moment before responding. "I think it's communication. You have to be able to talk to each other and work through your problems together." Varsha nodded in agreement. "I completely agree. Communication is key. But I also think that trust is important. You have to be able to trust each other and know that you're there for each other no matter what." Anant nodded, his eyes shining with agreement. "Absolutely. Trust is everything. And I know that we have that with each other, Varsha. We've been through so much already, and we've come out stronger on the other side." Varsha smiled, feeling a sense of peace wash over her. She knew that she and Anant had a strong foundation to build their relationship on, and she was excited for the journey ahead. As the night drew to a close, Varsha and Anant stood up, surrounded by their families and friends. They hugged each other tightly, feeling grateful for the love and acceptance they were receiving. It was a night that neither of them would ever forget, a night that marked the beginning of their new life together. And as they walked off into the night, hand in hand, Varsha knew that she had found her perfect match in Anant. She knew that they would face challenges along the way, but she was excited for the journey ahead, knowing that they would face them together, as a team.

This is just 20% of the chapter, rest will be put up when the book completes

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