FATEFUL: TANGLED VOWS

kaleera Rasam

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow over the grandiose estate where the festivities for Aayan and Tashvi's wedding were in full swing. The air buzzed with excitement and joy as family and friends gathered for the kaleera rasam, a beautiful and significant pre-wedding ceremony steeped in tradition and hope.

The vast garden of the estate was adorned with strings of marigold flowers and fairy lights, creating an enchanting atmosphere. At the center of the garden stood a beautifully decorated canopy with a swing draped in red and gold, symbolizing prosperity and joy. The scent of jasmine and sandalwood wafted through the air, mingling with the laughter and chatter of the guests.

Tashvi, the bride-to-be, was the epitome of grace and beauty. She wore a stunning lehenga in shades of crimson and gold, intricately embroidered with delicate patterns. Her long, dark hair was adorned with fresh flowers, and her hands and feet were beautifully decorated with henna. She sat on the swing, her eyes sparkling with anticipation and happiness, surrounded by her close friends and female relatives.

Aayan, the groom, stood nearby, his eyes fixed on Tashvi with a look of pure adoration. He was dressed in a traditional sherwani, the deep blue fabric complementing Tashvi's vibrant attire. Despite his cold and aloof demeanor, there was a softness in his gaze whenever he looked at her. His best friend Vedant stood beside him, teasing him mercilessly, but Aayan took it all in stride, his mind focused solely on the woman he would soon call his wife.

As the kaleera rasam began, the women of the family performed traditional dances, their faces glowing with pride and joy. They moved gracefully to the rhythmic beats of the dhol, adding a magical touch to the evening.

One by one, Tashvi's friends and family members took turns tying the kaleeras-ornate gold and silver ornaments adorned with tiny bells and tassels-to her bangles. Each kaleera was a work of art, crafted with care and love. The kaleeras symbolized the blessings and good wishes of her family and friends for a happy and prosperous married life.

As the excitement reached its peak, Tashvi noticed something odd. Her best friend, Kiara, and her brother-in-law, Yuvaan, seemed unusually attentive to each other. Their stolen glances and subtle smiles didn't escape Tashvi's keen eyes. She couldn't help but wonder if there was more to their interactions than met the eye. A mischievous idea sparked in her mind-she decided to test her suspicion during the kaleera ritual.

The most awaited part of the rasam-the tradition where Tashvi would shake her kaleera-clad wrists over the heads of her unmarried friends and cousins-was about to begin. It was believed that if a piece of the kaleera fell on someone, they would be the next to get married. The girls gathered around Tashvi, giggling and playfully nudging each other, hoping for a piece of kaleera to fall on them.

Tashvi stood up, her bangles jingling softly, and moved towards her group of friends. She extended her wrists over their heads and shook them gently, her laughter mingling with theirs. The girls squealed with excitement as pieces of kaleera fell on a few of them, sparking a new round of playful teasing and hopeful smiles.

When Tashvi reached Kiara and Yuvaan, she purposefully shook her wrists a bit harder, but nothing happend she tuged a peice of kleera ensuring that a piece of kaleera fell on them. The tiny ornament landed on Kiara's head, drawing gasps and knowing looks from those around them. She tried to make it look natural, but Vedant, ever observant, noticed the calculated way she maneuvered her hands.

Vedant, watching the scene unfold, couldn't help but smile. He nudged Aayan, who seemed oblivious to the subtle drama, too engrossed in the festivities to notice the undercurrents of tension and attraction. He decided not to mention anything to Aayan, letting the moment pass without comment.