KHWAB : A Distant Dream

Chapter 24

Really not sure how this chapter has come out.
____________________________________________________________

It was the last day of the four-day long wedding and there was a joyous atmosphere in the whole mansion. Rudra was dressed in a plain navy blue kurta and was waiting for Anvi, who was adjusting the pleats of her light purple net saree. She was struggling to get them set, when Rudra walked over and got down on his right knee, taking the pleats in his hands. He carefully pressed and arranged them and Anvi quickly tucked them in, blushing with a small smile. Once she was done, Rudra got up and pulled her closer by her waist, snaking his arms around her.

“Stop it Rudra. We are getting late.” Anvi chided her husband while her blush deepened, remembering their night's deed. Rudra looked at his wife in amusement and left her after gently pecking her on the lips. He walked out of the room normally, while Anvi followed him composing herself. Everyone was waiting downstairs for the couple and surrounded them as soon as they came down. Rudra and Anvi were made to sit down opposite to each other and a vessel filled with water and milk was kept between them. Meera came forward and dropped the ring in it. “Find the ring three times. Whoever wins will be taking the lead in your married life.” Tanya said excitedly and they both put their hand in the vessel. 

Rudra found the ring and handed it to Anvi, who took it out, earning cheers from everyone. Same happened the other two times as well and the family teased Rudra, who was looking unaffected. Soon it was time for the muh dikhai and Anvi and Rudra were made to sit beside each other on the sofa. One- by one the elders came and blessed the couple and put their gifts in Anvi’s lap. Rudra would later take them and pass them off to Maan who was standing behind them. Even the youngsters gave the couple some gifts and only Anika was left. 

“Ruhanika, where is your shagun?” Tanya asked with a fake smile. She had not seen anything in her hands and grabbed the opportunity to put her down in front of everyone. Her words drew everyone’s attention towards Anika who was standing quietly at the back. Anika was lost in her own thoughts and snapped back hearing Tanya’s voice. “Hmm? Sorry! You were saying something?” She asked a little lost. Rudra carefully looked at her and frowned. Although she had a smile on her face he could tell that she was looking tired and somewhat sad. He realised that he was seeing her for the first time since morning. “The shagun Ruhanika. Did you by chance forget it?” Tanya asked with fake concern, thoroughly enjoying herself.

Anika was getting a bit nervous with all the attention pinned on her but kept calm. “Ooh the shagun. I have it.” She replied while bringing her side purse forward. She took out a small hand embroidered round pouch from it and moved towards the couple. She forwarded the pouch towards Anvi who gently took it with a small smile. “Tu thik hai Anika? You look tired.” Anvi asked her softly to which Anika nodded with a smile. “Waise what have you brought in that small pouch?” Tanya asked further. “My faith.” Anika simply replied. “Hun?” Tanya asked, confused. “Nothing Tanya. Don't worry your little head about it.” Anika replied exasperated. She was done with this mother-daughter duo.

“It's fine if you didn't get anything for the shagun Ruhanika. No need to bluff around.” Niharika spoke in a condescending tone. “Anika, this pouch…yeh to.. “ Anvi trailed off looking at Anika for confirmation and in disbelief. She had been examining the pouch carefully, especially the embroidery. “I did not expect you to recognise it, Bhabhi.” Anika said with a small smile. Anvi gasped at her words and then carefully held the pouch with a blooming smile. “What’s so special about the pouch Avni beta?” Niharika asked, confused.