CROWNED WITH LOVE : A JOURNEY OF TRADITION AND TEMPTATION

CHAPTER 19 : Post Wedding Rituals

HAPPY READING

Vihanna stirred from her slumber, her senses gradually awakening to the sound of her alarm piercing through the room. With a soft groan, she blinked her eyes open, adjusting to the soft light filtering in from the balcony door. As she sat up in bed, her gaze fell upon Aadhyant, still peacefully asleep on the couch. Despite the discomfort evident on his face, he appeared serene, almost childlike in his innocence.

A gentle smile tugged at Vihanna's lips as she watched him, momentarily lost in the tranquility of the scene before her. However, the persistent ringing of her alarm shattered the moment, jolting her back to reality. Hastily, she reached out to silence the alarm, mindful not to disturb Aadhyant from his slumber as he stirred slightly in response to the noise.

She swiftly rose from the bed and made her way to the bathroom. Standing before the mirror, she couldn't help but notice how drastically her appearance had changed. Her hands adorned with intricate henna designs, the jingle of her bangles, the vibrant vermillion on her forehead, and the weight of the nuptial chain around her neck—all of it seemed to proclaim that she now belonged to someone, at least in appearance.

Despite the knowledge that the marriage was a sham, the reality of her transformed appearance felt strangely genuine. In just one week, her entire life had been turned upside down, leaving her grappling with the complexities of her newfound identity.

Vihanna adorned herself in a lavish saree, adorned with intricate jewelry, preparing for the post-wedding rituals scheduled for the day. After meticulously applying her makeup, she busied herself with final touch-ups, ensuring every detail was perfect. Just as she was about to finish, a knock on the door interrupted her, causing Aadhyant to stir from his sleep.

He rose from the couch, shuffling to the door, and swung it open to find the maid standing there. She informed him of his mother's summons, prompting him to reassure her that they would be downstairs shortly. With a nod, he closed the door and turned to find Vihanna, adorned in a stunning saree, her makeup impeccable, and jewelry sparkling under the light.

She stood before the mirror, delicately adjusting her saree, her appearance transformed. In that moment, she looked nothing short of breathtakingly beautiful, and he couldn't help but feel a surge of pride knowing she was his.

He approached her with an affectionate gaze, his eyes full of tenderness as they locked onto hers. Vihanna couldn't comprehend his intentions as he drew nearer, causing her to instinctively step backward until her back met the closet door. The sudden closeness made her breath catch in her throat, uncertainty flooding her mind. Unable to face the intensity of the moment, she squeezed her eyes shut tightly.

Aadhyant, however, wore a mischievous grin, thoroughly enjoying her flustered reaction to his proximity. He found her response utterly endearing. Breaking the tension with a playful tone, he asked, "Do you need something from the closet?" His voice pierced through her thoughts, prompting her to open her eyes once more, only to find him already stepping away.

Blushing furiously, she shook her head in response, barely able to muster a whispered "No," before stepping aside to let him pass. As he disappeared into the closet, she placed a hand over her racing heart, taking deep breaths to steady herself. Unbeknownst to her, Aadhyant stood inside the closet, a silly grin spreading across his face, thoroughly amused by the exchange.

Both of them descended the stairs together, their presence adding to the familial atmosphere as they joined everyone at the breakfast table. Aadhyant's mother, catching Vihanna's attention, informed her, "After breakfast, we will start the rituals."

Once the meal concluded, they all gathered in the hall, ready to partake in the upcoming ritual. Vihanna's mother took the opportunity to explain the tradition to the newlywed couple, saying, "There is a large bowl of milk with rose petals floating in it, and I will place this ring inside. Whoever finds the ring first will be the winner."

Excitement bubbled among their cousins and siblings, who eagerly hooted and chanted their names, as if they were participating in a grand tournament.

The first round commenced, and both Vihanna and Aadhyant eagerly dove into the task of finding the ring. After a tense moment, Vihanna's efforts paid off as she triumphantly located the ring amidst the milk and rose petals. A chorus of congratulations and cheers erupted from the gathered family members, and Aadhyant couldn't help but feel a swell of happiness at her victorious expression.

The second round commenced with renewed enthusiasm, and this time it was Aadhyant who emerged as the winner. Amidst the jubilant cheers, he glanced at Vihanna, only to find her smiling sadly.

The third round commenced, and both of them plunged their hands into the bowl, their fingers brushing against each other. After a brief moment, the ring grazed Aadhyant's finger. Instead of claiming victory, he hesitated, then gently nudged the ring into Vihanna's hand. She withdrew her hand from the bowl, finding the ring nestled within her palm.

Meanwhile, Aadhyant found himself the subject of playful teasing from his siblings and family for "losing" to his wife, though his mind remained fixated on the enigma of Vihanna's reaction.

DO NOT FORGET TO VOTE.