Threads of Tradition: Tales Of Indian Arranged Marriages

8.

The night of the Sangeet arrived, and with it came the kind of festivity that blended traditions with modern-day celebrations. The courtyard of Amrita’s home had been transformed into a vibrant venue, adorned with strings of fairy lights and intricate floral arrangements. The air was filled with the hum of excitement as both families and friends gathered for an evening of music, dance, and merriment.

Amrita, sitting in front of her vanity, was almost ready. Dressed in a breathtaking emerald green lehenga embroidered with gold, she felt a wave of anticipation wash over her. The Sangeet was a significant pre-wedding celebration, where both families would come together to perform, sing, and celebrate the union of two hearts.

Her cousin, Aditi, barged into the room, unable to contain her excitement. “You look stunning, Amrita! Tonight is going to be so much fun. Everyone is rehearsing their dance moves downstairs!”

Amrita smiled at Aditi’s energy, though there was a hint of nervousness in her eyes. “I hope I don’t trip in this lehenga during our performance. Are you sure we practiced enough?”

Aditi grinned. “Don’t worry! You’ll be perfect. And besides, it’s your night—no one will even notice if you make a tiny mistake.”

As the clock ticked closer to the start of the event, the sounds of drums and dholki began to echo from the courtyard, signaling the arrival of the groom’s family. Amrita felt a rush of excitement as she realized that Vihaan would soon be arriving with his entourage.

Downstairs, her family and friends were preparing to welcome the groom’s side. Her parents, Suman and Rajesh, stood at the entrance, ready to greet Vihaan and his family with warmth and traditional gestures. Amrita’s friends had already gathered near the stage, getting ready for their much-awaited dance performances.

On the other side, Vihaan was feeling a similar mix of excitement and nerves as he stepped out of the car with his family. He was dressed in an elegant black sherwani with intricate gold detailing, his appearance regal and charismatic. The sound of the dhols grew louder as his family approached the venue, and he could see Amrita’s relatives waiting at the entrance with wide smiles.

As they were welcomed inside, Vihaan caught sight of the stunning décor—the vibrant colors, the lights, and the laughter of the people already inside. It was exactly the kind of celebration he had hoped for, and his eyes searched the crowd for a glimpse of Amrita.

Inside the venue, the energy was electric. The stage was set up in the center of the courtyard, with rows of chairs arranged for guests to watch the performances. Bright colors adorned every corner, and marigold garlands hung from the ceiling, casting a warm, golden glow over the space. The Sangeet was a celebration not just for the couple but for both families, and everyone was eager to join in the fun.

The crowd roared as the first dance performance began. Amrita’s cousins and friends took the stage, performing a vibrant and energetic number that combined both traditional folk dance with modern Bollywood beats. The energy was infectious, and soon the guests were clapping along to the rhythm.

Amrita watched from the side, smiling as she saw the excitement on everyone’s faces. She was next in line for her performance with her cousins, and the thought of dancing in front of everyone, especially Vihaan, made her heart race. Despite her nerves, she was ready. Tonight was a celebration of love, and she wanted to fully embrace it.

Vihaan, seated near the front, couldn’t help but feel a swell of pride as he watched the performances unfold. His family was equally impressed, cheering for each dancer and taking part in the festivities with full enthusiasm. He caught a glimpse of Amrita at the side of the stage, and his heart skipped a beat. She looked radiant in her green lehenga, her face glowing with happiness. The sight of her only reaffirmed what he had been feeling over the past few days—he was ready to begin this new chapter with her by his side.

As the next performance was announced, the lights dimmed slightly, and the music shifted to a romantic melody. Amrita and her cousins stepped onto the stage, and the audience grew quiet in anticipation. She took a deep breath and focused on the rhythm, her movements graceful and in sync with the music. Her friends had planned a surprise, blending together a medley of songs that told the story of love—from the initial sparks of attraction to the union of two hearts.

The crowd cheered as they moved in perfect harmony, and soon, Amrita’s nerves melted away. She lost herself in the music, twirling and swaying with her cousins, enjoying every moment of the performance. It was as though the world around her disappeared, and for those few minutes, it was just her, the music, and the joy of the night.

Vihaan couldn’t take his eyes off her. As she danced, it wasn’t just her beauty that captivated him, but the joy in her expression, the way she moved so effortlessly, and the grace with which she embraced the night. He felt a deep connection to her at that moment, realizing that their journey had only just begun but already felt like destiny.

After the performance ended, the crowd erupted in applause, and Amrita blushed as she stepped off the stage. Her friends teased her, congratulating her on a stellar performance, while Aditi hugged her tightly. “You were amazing! I told you there was nothing to worry about.”

As the night continued, the performances grew livelier, with Vihaan’s cousins and friends taking the stage for their dance numbers. The air was filled with laughter and music, with both families mingling and celebrating together. The Sangeet was living up to its purpose—bringing two families closer through the joy of music and dance.

Midway through the night, Vihaan’s friends pulled him onto the stage for a dance-off, and despite his initial reluctance, he couldn’t resist joining in. The dance was playful and filled with teasing, with his friends doing their best to embarrass him in front of Amrita’s family. But Vihaan, ever the good sport, played along, enjoying the camaraderie and the laughter that followed.

From across the stage, Amrita watched him with a smile. She admired how effortlessly he connected with people and how comfortable he seemed in any setting. There was a warmth in the way he interacted with his family and hers, a kindness that made her feel at ease. At that moment, she realized that her initial hesitations were fading away, replaced by a growing sense of comfort in knowing that she and Vihaan were building something real together.

As the night drew to a close, the final performance—a joint family number—brought everyone together on stage. Amrita and Vihaan, along with their cousins, siblings, and even parents, danced to a joyful song that encapsulated the essence of the celebration. It was a moment of unity, symbolizing not just the coming together of two people, but of two families.

By the end of the night, as the last song played and the crowd began to disperse, Amrita and Vihaan found themselves standing together under the canopy of lights. The noise of the celebration had quieted, leaving them with a rare moment of privacy amidst the chaos.

Vihaan looked at her, a soft smile playing on his lips. “You were amazing tonight, Amrita. I didn’t know you could dance like that.”

Amrita laughed, still flushed from the performance. “I had a lot of help from Aditi and the others. But thank you. You weren’t so bad yourself up there.”

They stood in comfortable silence for a moment, the weight of the evening settling over them. Despite the whirlwind of events, there was a sense of calm between them, as though they had crossed a significant threshold together.

“I’m really glad we’re doing this,” Vihaan said softly, his gaze steady on hers.

Amrita smiled, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. “So am I.”