Infinite Times

24.

SHRUTI POV.

I felt a gentle tap on my cheeks, interrupting my peaceful sleep. It was annoying at first, but then I heard a voice that I recognized immediately.

"Uth jao, Shruti"

I opened my eyes to see him standing just outside the jeep, his face softened by a small, familiar smile.

His hand was extended toward me, waiting patiently. I slipped my hand into his, feeling the warmth of his touch as he guided me. He placed his other hand on my waist, helping me down from the jeep with care.

Grateful, I murmured a quiet "thank you," still feeling sleepy but comforted by his presence.

As I stepped into the grand entrance of the ancestral home, my heart was a mix of excitement and nerves.

The towering palace, with its ornate carvings and centuries-old traditions, now stood as my new home. The moment was both daunting and exhilarating. I could feel the weight of history in every stone, yet the warmth of the people around me made it all seem a little less overwhelming.

There i saw Maa, papa, veer , vivaan, dadaji and chacha chachi and some relatives standing at the entrance.

Maa stood at the forefront, holding a silver tray with a diya for the traditional aarti. As I approached, maa saw me and smiled softly, her smile filled with a gentle warmth that eased some of my anxiety.

"Welcome home, Shruti,"

She softly, her voice full of affection as she circled the diya around our face, the flames casting a warm glow. The other women joined in, their smiles welcoming, making me feel like I was already part of the family.

After the aarti, the next ritual awaited. At the threshold of the house, a silver pot brimming with rice was placed on the floor. This pot, known as kalash, was a symbol of prosperity and abundance.

Maa gently guided me to it."Shruti, with this, you bring prosperity into our home," She explained, her voice filled with tradition and expectation.

"Just a gentle push with your right foot."

I nodded, my heart fluttering as I followed the instructions. With a soft nudge, i kicked the pot forward, spilling the rice into the house. The action was simple, but its significance was profound-it marked my first step into my new life.

As everyone clapped and cheered , vivaan stepped forward with a mischievous grin.

"Bhabhi, abb to Ghar aa gayi ho, abb nhi Jane denge apko"

He teased, his eyes sparkling with playful affection. I smiled at him, appreciating the light-hearted moment.

Maa led me to the next ritual, where a wide gold tray filled alta-a deep red dye-was laid out on the floor. And a long white cloth was placed, where I would leave my first footprints as a new bride.

Maa told me that this symbolises the arrival of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, into the home.Taking a deep breath, I stepped onto the tray, my feet absorbing the vibrant red dye. With each step forward, i left behind delicate crimson footprints, a beautiful trail that would forever be part of the palace's history.

As i walked, i could feel his gaze on me, his silent support giving me strength.After the alta footprints, the family gathered around the temple inside the palace, where the final ritual awaited. A mixture of haldi (turmeric) was prepared, a tradition meant to leave a lasting mark of the bride's presence in the house.