'Ishan Oberoi' - The name that echoes success, power, and resilience. A rising billionaire who carved his empire with his own hands, refusing to ride on his father's wealth. Yet, he never turned his back on his responsibilities as a son. Balancing h...
Before we dive in today's chapter, I would like each one of you to join your hands and offer a heartfelt prayer to the Almighty-for the unwavering soldiers who stand guard at our borders, ensuring our safety with their courage and sacrifice.
Let us also remember the civilians residing in these vulnerable regions, whose lives are marked by uncertainty, yet whose strength remains unshaken.
May our prayers reach them as a gesture of gratitude and hope.
Jai Hind.
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AADHRITI'S POV :
"Aadhriti beta, kaha ho? Haldi shuru hone hi wali hai," my bua called out, her voice laced with urgency and excitement. She found me lingering near the corridor and grabbed my hand, tugging me gently yet insistently toward the poolside.
(Aadhriti dear, where are you? The haldi ceremony is about to begin.)
The haldi function was set up beside the palace's shimmering pool, and the entire space looked nothing short of a golden dream. Sunlight danced over marigold garlands hanging in cascading strands, and yellow drapes fluttered lightly in the breeze. In the center, two large antique brass vessels were placed-one for the groom and the other for the bride-to-be.
I stood silently at the edge of the pool, taking it all in. My brother and his soon-to-be wife, Tanya, made their entrance, glowing in coordinated white outfits that contrasted beautifully with the sea of yellow worn by the guests. Laughter, camera flashes, and the scent of haldi mixed in the warm afternoon air.
I was dressed in a mustard-yellow shrug set-a designer ensemble that included an intricately embroidered blouse, flowy dhoti pants, and an ankle-length shrug with subtle mirror work catching the light with every movement. My earrings swayed gently as I moved, and I wore a single bangle on each hand. My hair was left open, flowing down my back in soft waves. Two delicate fabric straps from my blouse were tied around my waist, adorned with mirror embellishments, forming a makeshift kamarbandh that added a unique flair to my look.
Bhai and Tanya settled into their respective brass vessels, smiling at each other with the kind of quiet joy that only true love brings. Tanya's mother stepped forward, holding a handful of red chillies, and circled them over the couple's heads, muttering protective blessings under her breath.
She was taking off their buri nazar-warding off the evil eye.
Then came my mother, who gently dipped her fingers into the haldi bowl and applied the turmeric paste to my brother's feet, hands, and face. Her touch lingered for a second longer on his cheek, the way only a mother's would. She then moved to Tanya, using the same haldi to coat her hands and face in golden blessings.
The ritual flowed around me like a song. Laughter echoed, cameras clicked, and haldi kept spreading-smearing faces and hearts with love.
"Aadhriti beta, aao tum bhi lagao haldi," Tanya's mother called out to me with a warm smile, motioning with her hand.
