Love Again!

Becoming The Bride

The Haldi ceremony was a beautiful whirlwind of emotions, colors, and traditions. The early morning sun cast a golden glow over our courtyard, perfectly complementing the vibrant hues of the turmeric paste that awaited its turn to be applied to my skin.

Mom and Dad were the first to approach me. Mom's eyes shimmered with tears of joy as she carefully held the bowl of haldi. "You look beautiful, beta," she said softly, her voice thick with emotion. She gently smeared the turmeric on my cheeks, her touch tender and filled with love. Dad stood beside her, his usually stoic face softened with a proud smile. He took a small amount of the paste and applied it to my forehead, his blessing silent but profound.

Next came Sahir Bhai, my older brother, always the playful one. "Ready to be covered in yellow?" he teased, his hands full of turmeric. Before I could protest, he playfully dabbed it on my forehead, cheeks, and arms, his laughter infectious. I laughed too, trying to dodge his enthusiastic application, but it was a futile effort.

Sheetal, my best friend since childhood, approached me with a mischievous grin. "Don’t worry, I’ll go easy on you," she said, though her actions suggested otherwise. She applied the haldi with exaggerated care, making sure it was spread generously over my face and arms. "You’re going to look like a golden goddess," she declared, stepping back to admire her work.

As the ceremony continued, the air was filled with the scent of marigold flowers and incense, mingling with the sounds of traditional songs and the rhythmic beat of the dholak. Women in colorful saris danced around, their bangles clinking melodiously.

Then, Manohar Pa and Priya Ma approached me with warm smiles. They moved with the grace of years spent together, their bond evident in their synchronized steps. . She applied the haldi with gentle, loving strokes, her touch comforting and kind. Manohar Pa nodded in agreement, his smile mirroring hers. "We're so happy to have you with us," he said softly, his eyes twinkling with warmth.

Just as I thought the ceremony couldn't get any more meaningful, Ashok Uncle and Manasi Aunty, Rohit’s parents, arrived with the shagun haldi. This turmeric paste had been applied to Rohit earlier in the day and was now being brought to me as a symbol of unity and shared blessings.

Ashok Uncle, with his dignified presence, approached me first. "This haldi has been blessed with Rohit's love and our best wishes," he said, his voice filled with paternal warmth. He gently applied the turmeric to my cheeks, his hands steady and reassuring. "May your life together be filled with happiness and prosperity," he blessed me.

Manasi Aunty followed, her eyes brimming with tears of joy. "You are our daughter now, Inara," she said, her voice trembling with emotion. She applied the haldi with delicate care, her touch filled with love and acceptance. "We are blessed to have you in our family," she added, placing a gentle kiss on my forehead.

By the end of the ceremony, I was covered in a thick layer of yellow turmeric paste, feeling both amused and deeply touched by the outpouring of love and blessings from everyone around me. The courtyard was filled with laughter, music, and the clinking of bangles, creating an atmosphere of joy and celebration.

As I looked around at the smiling faces of my family and friends, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude and happiness. This Haldi ceremony, with its blend of traditions, laughter, and love, would be a memory I cherished forever. It was more than just a pre-wedding ritual; it was a celebration of life, love, and the beautiful journey that lay ahead.

The Sangeet ceremony was an explosion of colors, music, and laughter. The night was alive with energy as family and friends gathered under the twinkling lights of the courtyard. I had just finished a spirited dance, the applause ringing in my ears, when Sheetal took the stage for her solo. She danced beautifully, her movements graceful and expressive, captivating everyone with her talent.

Next came Sahir Bhai and Arya, performing a lively duo. Their coordinated steps and playful banter had everyone cheering and clapping along. The energy was infectious, and the joy on their faces was contagious.

Just when I thought the evening couldn't get any better, my mom and dad surprised me with a dance of their own. Seeing them so happy and carefree, moving to the music, brought tears to my eyes. They were followed by Manohar Pa and Priya Ma, who also took the stage with a graceful performance, their love and harmony evident in every step.

Suddenly, the lights went out. A hush fell over the crowd, and for a moment, everything was still. In the darkness, I felt a hand gently take mine. I knew it was Rohit.

"Inara," he whispered, his voice low and intimate. "I've been waiting for a moment alone with you all evening."

I could feel his breath on my skin, sending shivers down my spine. "Rohit, what are you doing?" I whispered back, my heart racing.

"Just this," he said softly, and I felt his lips brush against mine in the dark. The world seemed to stand still as we shared that stolen moment, surrounded by the night and the quiet murmur of the crowd.

But then, as quickly as he had appeared, Rohit disappeared into the darkness. The lights flickered back on, and there he was, standing in the center of the courtyard. Music started playing, and he began to dance. It was a beautiful, romantic performance, and I watched, mesmerized, as he moved with such grace and passion.

At the end of his performance, Rohit walked over to me and, to my surprise, went down on one knee. He held up a ring, his eyes locked onto mine. "Inara, will you make me the happiest man alive and marry me?"

Tears welled up in my eyes as I nodded, unable to speak. He slipped the ring onto my finger, and the crowd erupted in cheers. My mom was crying with happiness, and the camera flashes captured every moment.

We were surrounded by family and friends, all congratulating us and clicking countless pictures. Amidst the celebration, Sheetal, always the playful one, started teasing Rohit and me. "You two are such drama kings and queens! But seriously, I'm so happy for you both."

Ashok Uncle and Mansi Aunty approached us next, their faces glowing with pride. "You are our daughter now, Inara," Ashok Uncle said warmly. "From now on, call us Mama and Baba, just like Rohit does."

Mansi Aunty nodded, her eyes glistening with tears. "We are so blessed to have you in our family, beta."

They hugged me tightly before moving on to greet other guests. Rohit and I barely had a moment alone as the evening continued with more dances and celebrations.

Eventually, Sheetal dragged me away to my room. "Come on, bride-to-be, you need to freshen up and get out of that heavy dress," she said, pulling me along.

Once in my room, I let out a sigh of relief. "Thank you, Sheetal. I don't know what I would do without you."

She smiled and handed me some comfortable clothes. "You'd be just fine, but I'm glad to be here anyway. Now, let's get you out of that dress."

I changed into something more comfortable, washing away the makeup and the exhaustion of the day. As I was getting ready for bed, I noticed Sheetal packing some lingerie into a small bag. "What are you doing?" I asked, a bit alarmed.

She grinned mischievously. "Just making sure you're prepared for your wedding night. Don't be scared. Everything will be fine."

I blushed, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. "I just don't know what to expect."

"That's okay," she said, her tone soothing. "Just remember, it's all about love and trust. You'll be fine. And I'll be right here if you need anything."

She teased me a bit more, lightening the mood, and soon I found myself drifting towards sleep. The day's events played through my mind like a beautiful, chaotic dream, and as I closed my eyes, I felt a deep sense of peace and happiness. Tomorrow was a new day, and I was ready for whatever it would bring.

_______
Tomorrow is the wedding

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