Unbinding Tradition

8. Bawri Chori 🤭

Everyone will vote and comment otherwise I won't talk with you all; hmmp!!!.....

The preparations for the double wedding of Tae and Sumi, had begun at the Kim Haveli.

The grand hall of the haveli, draped in saffron and red, bustled with activity as the family gathered to perform the Ganpati Sthapna, the traditional invocation of Lord Ganesha to bless the ceremonies. The sacred idol, carved from smooth clay and adorned with marigold garlands, was placed at the center of the courtyard, and the sound of bells echoed through the walls as the priest chanted holy mantras.

The air was thick with the scent of sandalwood and incense, yet amidst the sacredness of the moment, Tae found herself lost in her thoughts, far away from the rituals unfolding around her. As she sat with folded hands before the idol, her eyes were open but unfocused, her heart heavy with uncertainty.

Tae's pov

Ganeshji; Is Jungkook-sa really different from other men? Or will he be like the rest, keeping me under his feet, silencing my dreams, just as so many other husbands do to their wives? Will my dream of becoming a teacher vanish once I marry him?

She glanced at the statue of Lord Ganesha, hoping for some kind of sign, but the calm face of the deity offered no answers.

The ceremony soon ended, and the next pre-wedding ritual began—Mehendi ki rasam (the application of henna). In the courtyard, both Tae and Sumi sat on intricately carved wooden stools, their hands and feet outstretched as skilled mehendi artists began drawing delicate floral patterns on their skin.

The sounds of women laughing and singing wedding songs filled the air, but Tae's mind remained elsewhere. As the dark green paste stained her hands, she found no joy in the ritual.

Tae's pov.

He doesn't care for me or my family. If he did, why would he have turned his back on me when I asked for his help?

The warmth of the henna on her palms felt like a reminder of the shackles that awaited her, a life tied to a man who might never understand her dreams.

Sumi, her face lit with excitement, noticed her sister's distant look and nudged her gently.

Sumi- Didi, your mehendi is coming out so beautifully! Don't you like it?

Tae forced a smile.

Tae- It is beautiful, Sumi. (she said softly, but the happiness that usually came with such moments escaped her)

Suddenly, the buzz of activity in the haveli was interrupted as a servant from the Park family arrived at the doorstep. His face, usually calm, carried a sense of urgency as he approached Kamlesh.

Bhola- Khamma Ghani, Kamlesh bhai-sa. (the servant greeted, bowing respectfully) I have came with a message from Mr Park.

Kamlesh frowned slightly but returned the greeting.

Kamlesh- Khamma Ghani. What news do you bring from the Park haveli?

The servant hesitated for a moment, then spoke,

Bhola- Mr Park has requested that the wedding be postponed.

The women, who had been engaged in conversation around the mehendi application, suddenly went silent. Kamlesh looked surprised.

Kamlesh- Postponed? Why so suddenly? What has happened?

The servant lowered his voice slightly.

Bhola- Actually Collector Sahab has assigned several important projects to his trusted men, and one of them is Bogum-sa. He's been given a crucial task that requires him to leave town for at least a month, perhaps two. He will be unable to attend the wedding during that time.