Ethereal: Eternal Echoes

15

Smriti

The air was alive with a vibrant energy as I walked up the stairs to Ishan's house, a feeling of trepidation mingling with the anticipation of Ganesh Chaturthi. The smell of incense and fresh flowers filled my senses, pulling me into the festive spirit. Ishan's home stood tall and grand, its traditional yet modern architecture reflecting a blend of timeless elegance and contemporary style. The intricate designs of the façade spoke of a family with deep-rooted values, while the large glass windows hinted at a life of luxury and openness.

As I entered, I was greeted by a flurry of activity. The house was adorned with vibrant garlands of marigold and intricate rangoli patterns that greeted us at the entrance. The warm, inviting light from the lamps cast a golden hue over the guests, creating a beautiful contrast with the deep red and gold decorations.

Ishan was already there, dressed impeccably in a traditional dark green kurta with gold embroidery, paired with beige churidar. His attire was understated yet undeniably regal. I, on the other hand, wore a deep red saree with delicate gold embellishments that shimmered with every movement. The saree, a gift from my mother, made me feel so good even though my heart was a chaotic storm of emotions.

We gathered in the grand living room where the murthi (idol) of Ganesh stood resplendent in its festive glory. The large idol was decorated with a myriad of flowers and vibrant fabric, the air around it filled with the sweet fragrance of offerings. As the aarti began, I watched as Ishan, with his family, performed the rituals with a sense of reverence and grace. The rhythmic beats of the dhol and the melodious chants of the priest created an atmosphere of devotion and celebration.

Standing beside Ishan, I could feel his presence more acutely than ever. There was a strange comfort in his proximity, yet the weight of our shared past lingered like an unspoken burden between us. Despite the festive mood, the reality of our arranged marriage loomed over me like a shadow.

As the aarti concluded, we moved to the dining area where the feast awaited. The food was a lavish spread of traditional dishes-samosas, jalebis, puris, and an array of sweets that were as delightful to the eyes as they were to the taste buds. Ishan's family welcomed me warmly, their hospitality a testament to their graciousness.

After dinner, as the guests dispersed, we gathered in a more intimate setting for the family conversation. The pandit was seated at the head of the room, surrounded by the elders of both families. The air was filled with the scent of incense and the soft murmur of excited chatter.

The conversation began with the exchange of pleasantries and discussions about the upcoming engagement. The priest, with a calm demeanor, began to outline the auspicious date for the engagement. His voice was soothing, yet the words held a weight that made my heart race.

"Smriti, beta, and Ishan, we have chosen the date for your engagement," the pandit announced.

"The stars are aligned for next Monday. It is considered highly auspicious."

Ishan's parents looked at us with hopeful eyes, and I saw a hint of uncertainty in Ishan's expression. He caught my gaze and gave a slight nod, an attempt at reassurance or perhaps a silent apology.

Pandit ji said, "Tum dono ki jodi toh sakshat Lakshmi-Narayan ne banayi hai. Iss muhurat pe jiska rishta judta hai, vah rishta atoot hota hai aur Narayan tatha Narayani ka ashirwad humesha sath rahega."
(The pair of you two has been created by Lakshmi-Narayan. The relationship established at this day can never be broken and the blessings of Narayan and Narayani will always be with you.)

Both of us felt an awkwardness. We had an eye contact after this. I signaled him to touch Panditji's feet. We stood up together and took the blessing of the brahmin. And the wise man spoke, "Tathastu. Narayan ki krupa humesha tum pe bani rahe aur aage ka jeevan tum khushi aur sukh se bitaao. Radhe Radhe". We smiled and then took blessings of our parents.
(May Narayan's blessings always be upon you and may you spend your life ahead happily and peacefully.)