Shiddat

Chapter 17

Sunrays filtered softly through the curtains, their gentle warmth seeping into the room and gradually rousing Ananya Sharma from her slumber. As her eyes fluttered open, the unfamiliar surroundings brought a sudden, jarring realization: she had been married just the day before. Her heart raced as she took in the room's opulence and the unfamiliar personal touches that signaled this was now her home.

The realization of her new reality hit her like a wave. The room was lavishly decorated with rich colors and intricate designs, a stark contrast to her own simple, modest bedroom from the past. The bed, adorned with luxurious linens and silk pillows, seemed to encase her in a cocoon of comfort. Her new life as Mrs. Arjun Rathore had begun, and she was alone in this vast mansion, having been left behind while her husband had departed for an urgent business trip.

Ananya's gaze fell on the clock on the bedside table. It was early, and the house was still draped in the serene quiet of dawn. Carefully, she untangled herself from the sheets, each movement filled with a mixture of nervousness and excitement. The cool marble floor beneath her feet was a stark contrast to the warmth of the morning sun streaming through the windows, sending a shiver up her spine.

After a refreshing bath, she selected a stunning red saree from the closet-a vibrant shade of red with intricate gold embroidery that spoke of tradition and festivity. The saree, along with the matching jewelry, was a thoughtful preparation by her mother-in-law, Sunita, and it made her feel both beautiful and nervous.

Standing before the mirror, Ananya admired her reflection. The elegant nuptial chain around her neck, a symbol of her new status, glinted softly in the morning light. It was a symbol of her transition into this new chapter of her life. As she took a deep breath, she summoned her inner strength, preparing herself to face the day with grace and composure.

Leaving the room, she descended the grand staircase that led to the heart of the mansion. The expansive layout of the house, with its high ceilings and marble floors, was both majestic and daunting. Every step she took echoed softly, amplifying the stillness of the early morning. As she approached the home temple, the faint murmurs of prayer filled the air, mingling with the faint scent of incense that wafted through the mansion.

The temple room was a serene space, bathed in soft, golden light. Her in-laws were gathered in a semicircle around the altar, deeply immersed in their devotions. Ananya approached them with a warm, respectful smile, her heart racing with a mix of excitement and apprehension. She touched the feet of each elder in a gesture of reverence, and their approving nods and welcoming smiles filled her with a sense of acceptance.

Sunita, her mother-in-law, beckoned her closer. "Come, beta," she said gently. "It's time for the arti."

Ananya's heart swelled with a mixture of eagerness and nervousness as she picked up the small plate adorned with vibrant flowers and a flickering lamp. The lamp's soft glow cast a warm, golden hue over the room, enhancing the sacred atmosphere. As she circled the lamp in a clockwise motion, offering the sacred light to each family member present, she felt a profound connection to the traditions and rituals that bound her to her new family.

Her movements were graceful and deliberate, guided by a deep sense of devotion and respect for tradition. As she began to sing the traditional arti hymn, her voice resonated with harmony and reverence. Each verse carried the weight of generations of tradition, infusing the room with a spiritual aura that was palpable. Her family members, seated around her, listened with respect, their faces reflecting gratitude for this sacred moment.

After completing the arti ceremony, Ananya moved to offer the sacred light to each family member, symbolizing blessings and protection. Each person received the arti with reverence, acknowledging the ritual's significance. The ceremony, while steeped in tradition, was also a testament to Ananya's commitment to embracing her new role within the family.