Haldi

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Chaitanya's POV

The next day passed in a blur, and the following day was Haldi, a significant pre-wedding ritual. I wore a stunning fuchsia pink poshak, elegantly adorned with intricate aari tari work,and paired it with the same colour bangles and then added some white flower bracelet while others opted for vibrant yellow attire, symbolizing happiness and prosperity.

(She's not wearing the hathphool and rakhdi instead she is wearing a maangtika)

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(She's not wearing the hathphool and rakhdi instead she is wearing a maangtika)

The garden was transformed into a colorful haven, with yellow and pink decorations, accompanied by multicolored umbrellas.

A large, round utensil sat in the center, awaiting my presence. Mummy and Bhuasa had carefully prepared the Haldi paste, infused with turmeric, sandalwood, and other natural ingredients, believed to brighten my complexion and ward off evil spirits.

As guests began arriving - only two days remained until the wedding - my excitement and nervousness intensified. I couldn't wait to start my new life with Hukum, but the thought of leaving my family and adjusting to a new household filled me with apprehension.

"Excitement of being with him, nervousness of meeting my new family," I thought, my mind racing with emotions.

Dev Yuvraj Bhabha entered my room, saying, "Someone wants to meet you."

I followed him to the living room, where Ayush and Shreyas, my close friends, waited. We shared a warm reunion, exchanging laughter and stories.

"Hey, guys!" I exclaimed, side-hugging them. "What took you so long? Itni jldi kaise aagye tum log?" I teased, playfully scolding them for their delayed arrival.

("What's with the delay? How did you arrive so late?")

Ayush chuckled, "Chal na, yrr Chaitu, tujhe ptaa hai na apna manager kaisa hai." ("Come on, Chaitu, you know our manager.")

Shreyas added, "Bhai ab vo khud bhi manager hai." ("Now she's a manager herself.")

Ayush joked, "Haa ab tu hamara dukh kaise smjhegi, Chaitu?" ("Now how will you understand our troubles?")

I laughed, "Chalo yrr, drama band karo. Main sb samjhti hu." ("Enough drama, guys. I understand everything.")

I introduced them to my family, and Dadisa invited them to get ready for the function.

As they prepared, Mummy arrived to perform my daily Nazar ritual, protecting me from evil eyes since Pila Chawal day. She gently waved a candle flame around my face, then touched my forehead with a few grains of rice, ensuring my well-being.

After a brief pause, I was summoned to begin the vibrant Haldi ceremony. Dev, Yuvraj Bhabha, Ayush, and Shreyas held the exquisite flower chunni from four sides, creating a stunning canopy.

"Time for beautiful pictures," the cameraman reminded, "Keep smiling, Chaitu Baisa."

With my loved ones surrounding me, I walked slowly, savoring the moment. The cameraman captured every step, every smile.

As I stepped into the garden, vibrant colors filled the air - a mesmerizing backdrop for the Haldi ceremony. The sky was painted with hues of pink, yellow, and orange.

Moomal Jeeja and Kratu helped me settle into the large, ornate utensil.

The cameraman snapped photos, immortalizing the joy on my face. Ayush and Shreyas adjusted the flower chunni, ensuring every angle was perfect.

"Smile, Chaitu Baisa," the cameraman reminded, "This is your special moment."

With each click, I felt my excitement and happiness grow. The Haldi ceremony was more than just a ritual - it was a celebration of love, family, and new beginnings.

As the Haldi ceremony began, Dadisa and Dadosa initiated the rituals by applying the sacred paste on my feet, hands, and face, using grass. This ancient tradition symbolized purification and protection.

Next, Bhuasa, Phuphosa, Mummy, Papa, and the rest of the family followed suit, each applying a gentle touch of Haldi to my skin.

Just as I thought the ritual was complete, Dev approached me with hands full of Haldi, a mischievous glint in his eye.

"Dev, nahi, yrr!" I warned, anticipating his playful nature.

"Jeeja, haa yrr!" he teased, covering my face with a generous helping of Haldi.

I stood up, laughing, and retaliated by smearing Haldi on Dev's face. Our playful banter sparked a joyful atmosphere.

Viraj and Pihu joined in, applying Haldi on my face and asking me to do the same. Their innocent laughter filled the air.

"Pihu, mere betu, ke haldi lagau?" I asked, seeking her permission.

("Pihu, my child, should I apply Haldi?")

She nodded enthusiastically, and I gently applied the paste on her face.

Looking up, I saw Yuvraj Bhabha applying Haldi on Bhabhisa's face. They exchanged loving glances, their bond radiating warmth.

Moomal Jeeja hid behind Mummy, escaping Jeejosa's playful Haldi attack. Her giggles echoed through the garden.

Surrounded by joyful faces, I felt gratitude overwhelmed me. I prayed to God to keep my family happy always.

At this moment, I realized that marriage wasn't just about uniting two souls but also about bonding two families.

After the Haldi ceremony, the photographer gathered us for a family photo shoot. We posed, laughed, and captured memories for almost an hour.

Next, I retreated to my room to remove the Haldi paste, adhering to the tradition that forbids bathing until the evening Pithi ritual.

I changed into a simple cotton suit, embracing my new role as a bride-to-be.

My daily routine since Baan day had become relaxed, with family insisting I rest.

Kratu entered my room with food, accompanied by Dev, Yuvraj Bhabha, and Moomal Jeeja.

We siblings and cousins shared a joyful meal, filled with laughter.

However, Yuvraj Bhabha's words struck a chord: "Ab pto nhi, iyaa sath baith ke khaano kad khashya thare byav baad."

("We don't know when we'll have food together after your marriage.")

Tears flowed as we hugged each other tightly.

Dev's emotional breakdown surprised me. Though he rarely shows sentiment, his love for his sister runs deep.

"Do Tell me everything," he pleaded, "I'm a big boy now. I'll always be there, just a call away."

His words and tears touched my heart.

I wrapped my arms around Dev, offering comfort.

"Dev, you'll be the first person I call if anything goes wrong," I reassured him.

He nodded, his tears subsiding.

With his worries alleviated, the evening unfolded into lively gossip, laughter, and catching up with relatives who arrived that day.

Badi mummy, kakisa,bhuasa,masisa (Aunts)kakosa,phuphosa, bade papa,masosa (uncles) dada and jeeja (cousins) and family friends swirled around me, sharing stories and well-wishes.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, warmth and love filled my heart.

That's it for today. Do tell your views in the comment section below.

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