His Grumpy Wife

Ghria Pravesh

The extravagant wedding festivities had finally come to an end. The grand venue, once bustling with life, now wore a peaceful silence. But within the Maheshwari household, a different kind of energy buzzed. Here, the post-wedding rituals were about to begin, steeped in tradition and brimming with blessings for the newlyweds - Alisha and Aniket

The entrance to their new home bloomed with a vibrant rangoli, a colorful welcome mat woven from rice flour and adorned with auspicious symbols. As Alisha arrived, the air thrummed with the vibrant energy of a traditional welcome. Dhol players pounded out a pulsating rhythm, their thunderous beats echoing through the street. Nagadas, chimed in with a deep, resonant boom. In the background, a dazzling display of fireworks crackled and exploded, showering the night sky with a kaleidoscope of light and color. It was a spectacle designed to ward off evil spirits and usher in prosperity for the newlyweds.

Aniket's parents, Nalini and Aviraj, stood flanking the doorway, their eyes glistening with a kaleidoscope of emotions - pride, joy, and a touch of bittersweetness as they sent their son off to build a new life. Darsh and Krithvik, stood beside them with their wives, Khyati and Meera, their faces radiating warmth that rivaled the nearby diyas. Even Kalyani and Abhimanyu, Aniket's more reserved aunt and uncle, couldn't hide the soft smiles that played on their lips. A gaggle of cousins, Shlok, Diya, Aditya, Bhavesh, Devansh, and even the usually composed Ahana, bounced with barely concealed excitement, their youthful energy adding a playful buzz to the atmosphere.

The air crackled with unspoken emotions as Alisha stood at the threshold of her new home, Aniket's hand warm and reassuring in hers. The grand celebrations of the previous days had given way to a quieter, more intimate ceremony. The entrance to their new home was adorned with a vibrant rangoli, welcoming Alisha into her marital life.

Nalini, her face etched with love, ushered Alisha forward. A silver thali, laden with auspicious items like rice, kumkum  and a diya , awaited. A pandit  chanted mantras, their sonorous tones filling the air. Aniket, with a mischievous glint in his eyes, playfully extended his right foot forward, blocking her path. A chorus of giggles erupted from the assembled family

"Ab apko kya chahiye Aniket!" Alisha feigned exasperation, her voice laced with a hint of amusement. "Humein aap par pura bharosa hai yeh koi reeti riwaz toh nahi hai. Paki koi masti hai aapki hai na?"

Aniket chuckled, his gaze lingering on Alisha's face. "Aapne sahi kaha, Ardhangini ji," he cleared his throat, a playful smile tugging at his lips. "Aapko pehle humara aashirwaad lena padega, uske baad hi aapki ghar mein entry hogi."

Alisha, adorned in a magnificent red silk saree that shimmered like molten rubies, gracefully bent down to take Aniket's blessings. A gasp escaped his lips, his body recoiling in surprise. "Hum toh mazaak kar rahe the, Alisha ji," he exclaimed a hint of fluster coloring his cheeks... "Humein aapka aashirwaad lena chahiye na ki aapko humara." Saying this, Aniket bowed down to Alisha, a gesture that spoke volumes of his love and respect for his new wife.

As they were about to step through the doorway, Diya and Ahana, their eyes sparkling with mischief, darted forward and blocked their entrance. "Humein humara neg chahiye!" they declared in unison.

 Aliisha, with a playful smirk, pretended to rummage through her purse. "Hmm, seems I don't carry cash, only love for my beautiful sister-in-laws," she quipped.

The family roared with laughter, the sound warm and genuine. "Very funny, Bhabhi!" Diya exclaimed, her wide grin dissolving into a playful pout.

Seeing their disappointment, Alisha decided to drop the act. Clearing her throat, she said, "Driver ji, humne aapko ek bag diya tha na woh la dijiye na please?"