Shiddat

Chapter 16

Inside the sleek black car, a palpable sense of nervous anticipation hung in the air. The journey to Rathore Mansion, though short, felt like an eternity. Arjun, Ananya, and the driver were enroute, and the atmosphere inside the car was charged with a subtle, unspoken tension. Ananya sat quietly in the back seat, her fingers nervously twisting the edge of her lehenga. Her gaze flickered occasionally to Arjun, who was absorbed in his phone, his brow furrowed in concentration. The rhythmic hum of the engine seemed to amplify the quiet between them, each sound echoing their collective apprehension.

Arjun's voice, firm yet gentle, broke through the silence. "Is there something you want to say?"

Ananya hesitated, her heart fluttering with a mix of emotions. She looked down at her lap, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her dress, before replying softly, "Ahh... No, nothing." Her voice was barely above a whisper, tinged with nervousness that she couldn't quite conceal.

Arjun glanced up from his phone, his eyes meeting hers briefly. He could sense her discomfort but chose to remain silent, respecting her space. The car continued its smooth glide through the bustling streets of Delhi, the city lights casting fleeting shadows across the interior.

As the car approached the grand entrance of Rathore Mansion, Ananya's heart raced with a blend of excitement and trepidation. The sight of the sprawling estate bathed in the warm glow of ornate lamps only intensified her emotions. The Rathore family, adorned in vibrant traditional attire, was gathered at the entrance, eagerly awaiting her arrival. Their presence was both welcoming and overwhelming-a sea of smiling faces and open arms.

The car came to a gentle stop, and the driver stepped out to open the door. Ananya took a deep breath, her chest rising and falling with the effort to calm her nerves. As she stepped out of the car, the heavy lehenga posed a slight challenge, and she struggled momentarily to maintain her balance. Arjun, noticing her difficulty, extended his hand with a stern yet reassuring gesture.

Ananya looked up, meeting his gaze. His eyes, usually so intense and focused, now held a glimmer of warmth and reassurance. Gratefully, she grasped his hand, feeling a surge of comfort as he guided her through the path strewn with petals. The cheerful shouts and clapping of the gathered family members added to the festive ambiance, making her feel cherished and accepted from the very moment she arrived.

At the entrance of the mansion, Sunita, Arjun's mother, performed the traditional arti for the newlywed couple. The flickering flames of the diya cast a soft, golden light over Ananya's face as Sunita invited her to kick a vessel of rice, a gesture meant to ensure prosperity and happiness in her new home. Ananya followed the ritual, her heart fluttering with a mixture of nerves and anticipation.

Next, Ananya dipped her feet into a traditional red dye, leaving vibrant red footprints on the white marble floor. The red streaks symbolized her auspicious arrival and left an indelible mark of her presence in the home. The act was both symbolic and grounding, making her feel more integrated into her new family.

Later, the family proceeded to the temple, a serene corner of the mansion adorned with flowers and softly flickering diyas. The atmosphere was tranquil, filled with the gentle scent of incense and the quiet hum of prayers. Together, they offered their prayers with folded hands and closed eyes, seeking divine guidance and blessings for their new life. Ananya lit a traditional lamp, her heart filled with hopes and prayers for her new journey and the happiness of her new family.

As the blessings concluded, the quiet serenity of the temple was interrupted by Aksh's excited voice. "Now it's time for my favorite ritual."

Maya, Arjun's younger sister, chimed in with enthusiasm, "Yes, let's see who will win this ring game."