The wedding day dawned bright and clear, with a festive energy crackling in the air. Gahna awoke early, her heart a mix of excitement and dread. She had spent the night sleeplessly, tossing and turning, her mind racing with thoughts of what lay ahead.
The morning sun cast a golden hue on everything, making it seem like the world was bathed in a magical glow.
Gahna’s mother, Leela, was already bustling around the house, ensuring everything was perfect. "Gahna, get up, dear. We have so much to do," she called, her voice brimming with a mix of excitement and worry.
Gahna nodded and got out of bed, feeling the weight of the day settle on her shoulders. She knew this was a pivotal moment in her life, one that would change everything.
As the preparations began, the house filled with relatives and friends, all eager to lend a hand.
The sound of laughter and chatter echoed through the rooms, mingling with the scent of marigold and rose petals that adorned every surface.Gahna sat down to be adorned in her bridal attire.
Her aunt, Suman, a skilled beautician, began the intricate process of applying makeup and arranging her hair. "You look beautiful, Gahna. Like a princess," Suman said, smiling warmly.
Gahna managed a small smile in return. "Thank you, aunty. I just hope everything goes well.""It will, my dear. It will," Suman reassured her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder.
The intricate henna designs on Gahna’s hands and feet were a testament to the hours of painstaking work that had gone into preparing for this day.
As the bridal sari was draped around her, the rich red fabric shimmered in the light, symbolizing love and prosperity.
The heavy gold jewelry added to the overall effect, making her look every bit the traditional bride.As Gahna looked at herself in the mirror, a sense of unease gnawed at her.
She barely recognized the person staring back at her. The girl with dreams of becoming a teacher, of making a difference in the world, seemed to have vanished beneath the layers of tradition and expectation.
Her father, Ramesh, entered the room, his face stern but his eyes betraying a flicker of emotion. "Gahna, it’s time," he said, his voice gruff.
Gahna nodded, standing up with the help of her mother. "I’m ready, Papa." Ramesh gave her a curt nod. "Good. Remember, today you become part of another family. Make us proud." As Gahna made her way to the wedding venue, she was enveloped by the sounds of traditional music and the cheers of family and friends.
The mandap, beautifully decorated with flowers and lights, stood at the center of the courtyard, radiating an air of sacredness.
Vikram stood by the mandap, dressed in a resplendent sherwani, his face a mask of seriousness. As Gahna approached, their eyes met briefly.
She tried to search for some warmth, some sign of understanding, but found none. His eyes were cold, distant.
The wedding ceremony began, with the priest chanting ancient hymns and the couple performing the sacred rituals.
Gahna’s heart pounded as she took her place beside Vikram, the gravity of the moment pressing down on her.
As the priest recited the vows, Gahna felt a lump form in her throat. She repeated the words mechanically, her mind wandering to the dreams she had cherished.
With each promise she made, she felt a part of her slipping away.The saat phere, the seven sacred rounds around the holy fire, felt like a blur. Each step was accompanied by a vow, binding her to Vikram and to the responsibilities that lay ahead.
As they completed the final round, Gahna couldn’t help but feel the weight of tradition bearing down on her, smothering her dreams.
After the ceremony, the newlyweds were showered with blessings and congratulations. Gahna’s friends and family gathered around her, offering words of encouragement and love. "You’ll be happy, Gahna. Trust me, everything will work out," her best friend, Meera, said, giving her a tight hug."I hope so, Meera. I really do," Gahna replied, her voice tinged with uncertainty.
As the day turned to evening, the reception began. The courtyard was transformed into a vibrant celebration, with twinkling lights and colorful decorations.
The sound of music and laughter filled the air, creating an atmosphere of joy and festivity.Gahna and Vikram greeted guests, accepting their blessings and well-wishes. As she stood beside Vikram, Gahna tried to find some connection, some common ground.
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GAHNA: A Fire
Non-Fiction"Dreams don't die easily, but sometimes, the people around us bury them alive." She shared the secrets of her heart, the ones she could never speak to anyone else. Her voice trembled as she revealed the emotions she had kept locked away, each word...
