𝑰𝑺𝑯𝑸 𝑺𝑯𝑼𝑭𝑰𝒀𝑨𝑵𝑨

𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝐸𝑛𝑔𝑎𝑔𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝐷𝑎𝑦

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 40

Ｔhe lights are brightly turned on at the Joshi Nivash even before the birds sings Thier melody. Engagement, an event following Roka, is a significant ritual where the bride and groom symbolically carry each other's names through life. The ring finger, not just for those diamond rings you wear, holds deeper meaning, as it is believed to be directly connected to the heart. These rituals connect not only the hearts of two individuals but also intertwine two families, transforming strangers into a united entity amidst laughter and respect.

The first sight is the early morning food preparations. Ah, the aroma of food—from delicious sweets, samosas, jalebis, and the much-needed chai. The sound of crisp cooking and delicious Indian cuisine fills the air. The busy and bustling atmosphere has everyone in their own world.

The girls gather in one room to get ready. Despite the availability of other rooms, they find joy in squeezing into one space and keeping each other company, relishing these moments more than the events themselves.

The nervous bride is asked to greet the relatives who arrive early. She's surrounded by makeup artists, enduring the interruptions of an aunty who constantly demands the artist's attention for herself.

The bride's brothers are key players in the preparations. "Beta, yeh kardo," "Woh kardo," "Usse leke aao." Poor guys, working tirelessly at their sister's wedding.

And the most iconic, the saalis. Can a wedding be complete without them? Definitely not. Their tantrums, nakhre, and swag are on another level, rivaling Miss Universe's. After all, they're the bride's sisters, the most important and favored by jiju and his family.

Then come the aunties. What can we say about them? Even before dawn, their gossip network is in full swing. "Padosan ki saas ne kya kiya seh, bahu ke chacha ke beti ki sautan tak sab news pata hota hai inhe." Whether peeling potatoes or wearing sarees, their conversations never cease.

"Nahi Nahi! Yeh log Bol rahe the Uski beti Toh Apne Padosi Ke Sale ki Saath Gayi Hai, App ne yeh Kaha seh Suna?" On another corner.

"Meine Toh Suna Hai Yeh Roy log Bharat Ke Sabse amir log Hai" One of them asked Parama "Hann Hai! Matlab Ki Hamare Dada ji Ke Purana boss Ke pota Hai Armaan! Bahut Acha ladka Hai" The lady Curves her lips down, a pure envy in her eyes.

"Chalo Acha hai, Apki Pooja ko Ek mil hi Gaya Akhir" She said it as if taunt, Parama passed a Forced smile and Got herself into Work.

...

These things are evergreen in Indian weddings. From the '90s to now, nothing has changed, nor should it. Aare inn Sab mein hi Toh maje Hai...

"Chalo Chalo Ladke wale Aane wale hai!" The announcement from Raj and Aman freaks everyone out. Those who were relaxed begin to complete their tasks faster, cursing under their breath. Pooja's breath catches in her throat as Nisha approaches her, holding her heavy lehenga.

"Pooja di," she slides next to her and whispers into her ear, instantly making Pooja blush.

"Aare aare abhi se sharma gayi? Abhi toh bahut rasam baki hai," Payal teases, Nisha smiles and slide besides.

"Aaj toh tum chand se bhi jyada sundar lag rahi ho!" Nisha caresses her chin, wandering away any evil eyes towards her.

"Tch! Pooja di ko chand se compare mat kar, chand Mein dhag Hai Inme nahi..." The level of flirtation from these girls makes Pooja blush deeper than her makeup. "Aare inko Itna blush mat karwao, Fhir niche Jake Jiju ko dekhke Kahi Laal Tamatar nah bann Jaye!"  they laughed mischievous.

"Aare bachi log chalo, saman leke aana hai," Bua Dadi calls out, catching everyone's attention.

"Kamin– I mean Kamala Bua...dadi, hum yeh sab nahi karte, caretakers hai, unse bol do," Nisha says, giggling with her cousins.