PUNARVIVAAH - ARRANGED TO LOVE (L&M #3) [COMPLETED]

SHOT 65

Third person's pov!

The Agnihotri family's ancestral Naag Mandir held a sacred place in their traditions, rooted in an ancient legend. It was believed that decades ago, a great serpent king, Naag Raja, and his queen, Naag Rani, had appeared in the dreams of the Agnihotri family's forefather. They had blessed him with prosperity and protection in return for his devotion and the promise to uphold an annual prayer ritual. This ritual required the elder daughter-in-law of the family to light a Diya in front of their idols, signifying the family's reverence and seeking the serpentine deities' continued blessings. The temple was said to possess immense power, with its blessings ensuring the family's well-being and fortune.

Vaiga was in her room, preparing for the significant event. The room was filled with the soft fragrance of jasmine and the delicate rustle of silk. Anjana Maa entered, her eyes sparkling with warmth and pride.

"Vaiga, are you ready?" Anjana asked, holding up the vibrant chili-red Kancheepuram saree Vaiga had word for her wedding. The Agnihotri bahu is supposed to wear her wedding saree for this pooja.

"Yes, Maa," Vaiga replied, her voice soft but steady.

Anjana carefully draped the saree around Vaiga, the rich fabric accentuating her fair complexion and making her glow. She then braided Vaiga's long hair, securing it with a bunch of jasmine flowers. The room was filled with the mingling scents of the jasmine and the fresh silk, creating an atmosphere of calm anticipation.

"You look beautiful, Vaiga," Anjana said, smiling as she fastened a heavy choker set around Vaiga's neck. "This was my gift to you at your wedding, remember?"

Vaiga nodded, her fingers brushing against the cool metal and intricate designs of the choker. She then took out the jewels that Dadi Bua had gifted her — the Palakka necklace and two Lakshmi bangles. Anjana helped her wear them, each piece adding to her resplendent appearance.

Adarshini Bua entered, holding an antique jewel box. She opened it with care, revealing a broad kamarband set.

"This is for you, Vaiga," she said, handing it to Anjana.

Anjana looped the kamarband around Vaiga's waist over the saree, the intricate gold designs gleaming against the rich red of her saree. She then added a Maang Tikka, completing the traditional look. Vaiga looked into the mirror, her reflection showing a bride once more.

"I look like a bride," Vaiga said, a hint of worry in her tone.

"That's how the Agnihotri bahu should look while lighting the Diya in the Naag Mandir," Adarshini Bua reassured her.

Laya entered, her eyes wide with admiration.

"Oh, bhabhi! You are so beautiful. I am feeling so darn jealous now," she said, playfully pulling Vaiga's cheek.

"Nonsense," Vaiga mumbled shyly, her cheeks turning a delicate shade of pink.

Vaiga's eyes caught her reflection in the mirror once again. Her gaze fixed on the long mangalsutra chain. Her fingers instinctively went to it, clutching it tightly. The significance of the ritual she was about to perform weighed heavily on her mind, but it also filled her with a sense of purpose and duty.

Meanwhile, outside in the courtyard, Abhay was overseeing the preparations for the Pooja. The atmosphere was charged with the smell of incense and the soft chanting of mantras by the pandits.

When Abhay saw Vaiga stepping out, he stopped breathing for a moment. She looked stunningly gorgeous, the rich colour of her attire glowing in the light of the diyas that adorned the house. Her beauty was almost ethereal, and for a moment, Abhay felt a profound sense of awe and admiration. It felt as if the two endless nights of frustration was all worth it.

The rhythmic chanting of mantras by the pandits filled the air as the pooja commenced. Abhay joined his family, his eyes occasionally darting towards Vaiga, who stood with an air of quiet reverence.

The pandits, adorned in saffron robes, meticulously performed the rituals, offering prayers, incense, and sacred offerings to the serpent deities. The rhythmic chanting of mantras resonated through the courtyard, creating an atmosphere of serenity and devotion.

After a series of complex rituals involving offerings of coconut, milk, and flowers, the lead Pandit approached Vaiga, carefully handing her a decorated brass diya. Its surface gleamed with a golden hue, and a flickering flame danced within.

"Walk into the Naag Mandir, Vaiga Bahu," the Pandit instructed, his voice deep and solemn. "Light the diya before the idols of Naag Raja and Naag Rani. Ensure the flame doesn't extinguish on your way."

Vaiga took a deep breath, her heart pounding in her chest. The weight of tradition and the responsibility it bestowed settled upon her shoulders. As she stepped into the cool darkness of the Naag Mandir, an eerie silence enveloped her. The flickering diya in her hand cast dancing shadows on the ancient walls, adorned with intricate carvings depicting serpent deities.

Reaching the inner sanctum, Vaiga found two intricately carved idols – one depicting a majestic cobra with a regal crown,and the other, a graceful serpent with a benevolent smile.

With a reverence born of tradition and a newfound respect for the legends surrounding the Naag Mandir, Vaiga bowed her head and lit the diya before them. The flame, defying a slight tremor in her hand, burned bright and steady. A sense of accomplishment washed over her, a feeling that she had fulfilled her duty as the elder daughter-in-law of the Agnihotri family.

As she emerged from the Naag Mandir, Abhay, who had been observing her with a mixture of admiration and concern, stepped forward, his voice barely a whisper.

"You looked... incredible."

"D- Dev ji? I didn't see you there."Vaiga, startled by his unexpected presence, stammered. Her cheeks flushed, becoming crimson, mirroring the colour of her saree.

Abhay chuckled softly, the sound warm and inviting.

"I was... drawn here. You looked like a... a dream, bathed in the light of the diyas." He paused, his gaze lingering on her face, searching for a reaction.

Vaiga's heart hammered against her ribs. His words sent a delicious flutter through her stomach, a sensation both exhilarating and forbidden.

"Thank you," she managed, her voice barely above a whisper. The air crackled with unspoken emotions, a silent conversation carried out through stolen glances and nervous smiles.

Suddenly, Anjana's voice broke the spell.

"There you two are! Abhay, come help distribute the Prasad. Vaiga, dear, have you eaten anything? You must be exhausted after the pooja."

Anjana's well-meaning intervention shattered the fragile bubble of intimacy that had formed around them. Abhay offered a polite nod and followed Anjana towards the other family members, a hint of disappointment clouding his eyes. Vaiga watched him go, a pang of longing tugging at her heart.

The night continued with a festive air. Family members and villagers gathered, sharing stories and laughter as they partook in the Prasad – a sweet concoction of milk, rice, and nuts, offered after the pooja.

Even though Vaiga participated in the festivities, a part of her remained lost in the stolen moment with Abhay. The memory of his words and the warmth in his eyes lingered, a secret shared only between them.

A/N

Here goes the next shot..

Was it interesting guys? I don't have much knowledge about the poojas and rituals. All these are google knowledge.

And please do vote and comment guys! More than 1k people read the chapter each day, but hardly 350 people vote. How much time does it take to vote? Less than a second? Why can't you guys at least do that? It is so disheartening peeps. Please vote for every chapters. I am a doctor. I write finding time in between my patients. And I give regular updates. All I am asking in return are votes and a few words on the chapter. Please do that at least for your writers..

Love,

SF❤️