Threads of Tradition: Tales Of Indian Arranged Marriages

10.

The sound of the wedding bells and the chants of the priest still echoed in Amrita’s mind as she stood beside Vihaan. The final rituals were done, and they were officially husband and wife. The sun was beginning to set, casting an amber glow over the festivities. The families, friends, and guests moved toward the banquet area for the reception, where the celebration would continue late into the night.

Vihaan gently squeezed Amrita's hand as they walked away from the mandap, now united as one. There was a sense of peace between them—an understanding that, despite the whirlwind of events leading up to the wedding, they were embarking on a life journey together, and nothing felt more natural.

As they reached the reception area, the sounds of music and laughter filled the air. Both families were gathered, and the atmosphere was charged with joy. Amrita smiled as she watched her parents talking animatedly with Vihaan’s family, especially her mother, Suman, who seemed to have struck up a close bond with Vihaan’s mother, Gayatri. Seeing the harmony between their families filled Amrita with a sense of relief.

The wedding reception was a grand affair, as expected, with beautifully decorated tables, an expansive stage, and a huge variety of delicacies spread across the banquet hall. Amrita and Vihaan were ushered to the stage, where they were greeted by friends and relatives who showered them with blessings, gifts, and well wishes.

Amrita, though nervous about being in the spotlight, felt comforted by Vihaan’s presence. His quiet support helped her smile more freely and interact confidently with the guests.

“Feeling okay?” Vihaan asked, leaning close to her as they waited for the next set of relatives to approach.

Amrita nodded. “I think I’m starting to relax now. It’s still a lot to take in, though.”

Vihaan chuckled softly. “You’re doing great. It’s a big day, but after this, we’ll finally get some peace.”

Amrita smiled, feeling reassured by his calm demeanor. The day had been overwhelming, but standing beside Vihaan, she realized how lucky she was to have him. Their journey had begun with uncertainty, but every moment had brought them closer.

As the night went on, the crowd began to thin out. Relatives and friends offered their final congratulations before heading home, leaving behind only close family members. The night air had grown cooler, and the festive chaos was beginning to quiet down. It was nearly time for Amrita to leave her family home and head to Vihaan’s house for the vidaai, the traditional farewell ceremony.

Amrita’s heart grew heavy as she thought about the vidaai. It was a bittersweet moment that all brides experienced—a mix of joy for the future and sorrow for leaving behind the home they had known all their lives.

Her father, Rajesh, approached her just as the final few guests were leaving. He held her hand gently, his face a mixture of pride and sadness.

“It’s time, beta,” he said softly, his voice laced with emotion.

Amrita felt a lump form in her throat as she looked up at her father. Tears welled up in her eyes, but she blinked them back, trying to stay strong. This was the moment she had prepared for, but it was far more emotional than she had imagined.

The vidaai ceremony began with her parents performing the final rituals, blessing their daughter as she prepared to leave with her husband. Amrita held back her tears as she hugged her mother tightly, feeling the warmth and comfort of her embrace one last time. Suman whispered words of love and encouragement, reminding her that this was not a farewell but the beginning of a new chapter.

When she turned to her father, she could see the tears glistening in his eyes, though he was trying his best to keep his composure. Rajesh hugged her tightly, holding her close for a long moment. He had been her rock, her guiding force, and now he was entrusting her to Vihaan, the man she had chosen to spend her life with.

“Take care of her, Vihaan,” Rajesh said, his voice thick with emotion, as he patted Vihaan’s shoulder.

“I will, uncle,” Vihaan responded sincerely. “She means everything to me.”

With a final tearful goodbye, Amrita stepped into the car, her heart full of mixed emotions. She waved at her family as the car pulled away, watching them grow smaller in the rearview mirror. It was a moment of profound realization—she was leaving behind one chapter of her life and stepping into a new one.

Vihaan, sensing her emotional state, reached out and held her hand as they drove in silence for a few minutes. He didn’t need to say anything; his presence was enough to comfort her. Amrita leaned her head against his shoulder, closing her eyes for a moment. The whirlwind of the day had left her physically and emotionally drained, but she knew she wasn’t alone in this.

When they arrived at Vihaan’s house, it was beautifully lit up, welcoming the new bride. Vihaan’s family was waiting eagerly, ready to perform the traditional welcome rituals for Amrita’s arrival. Gayatri performed the aarti and guided Amrita inside, making her feel at home in the new surroundings.

The night passed with more rituals, but there was a sense of calm and familiarity now. As the last of the customs concluded and the family began to retire for the night, Vihaan and Amrita finally found themselves alone in their room.

Their room was adorned with soft lights, and the faint scent of roses filled the air. It was a peaceful contrast to the whirlwind of the wedding. Amrita sat on the edge of the bed, still wearing her bridal lehenga, while Vihaan changed into more comfortable clothes.

He came over and sat beside her, taking her hand in his. “You okay?” he asked gently.

Amrita nodded. “I think I’m still processing everything. Today has been… overwhelming.”

Vihaan smiled softly. “I get it. It’s been a long day for both of us. But now, it’s just us.”

Amrita looked into his eyes, finding comfort in their warmth. “It’s strange, isn’t it? How everything changed in a matter of hours.”

Vihaan chuckled. “Yeah, it is. But it’s a good kind of strange.”

They sat in comfortable silence for a while, letting the events of the day sink in. The journey from the initial awkwardness of their arranged engagement to this moment felt surreal, but they had made it. They had found love and partnership in each other, despite the odds.

Amrita slowly stood up and began to remove the heavy jewelry that had weighed her down all day. Vihaan, seeing her struggle with the clasps of her necklace, gently stepped in to help. His fingers brushed against her skin as he undid the intricate clasps, and Amrita felt a shiver run through her. It was an intimate gesture, one that reminded her of how close they had become.

Once the last piece of jewelry was removed, Amrita let out a relieved sigh, feeling lighter. She changed into a more comfortable outfit and joined Vihaan on the bed, lying side by side.

For the first time in what felt like forever, there was no pressure, no expectations—just the two of them, sharing a quiet moment in their new life.

“I’m glad it’s you,” Amrita whispered, breaking the silence.

Vihaan turned to her, his expression soft. “Me too.”

They smiled at each other, the weight of the day finally giving way to peace. As they lay there, hand in hand, Amrita knew that this was the start of something beautiful. Their journey together had only just begun, and with Vihaan by her side, she felt ready for whatever the future would bring.

Together, they closed their eyes, the echoes of the wedding day fading into the night as they drifted into a peaceful sleep, dreaming of the life they would build together.