At Arthit's home, the sun had barely risen when his mother and Arhan gently knocked on his door. The atmosphere was warm, filled with a sense of reverence as Arthit stepped out into the courtyard. It was time for mangal snanam (purification bath) .
The early morning rays glinted off the soft golden vessels filled with turmeric paste, sandalwood, and fragrant oils. His aunts and cousins bustled around, preparing for the ceremony with a hum of excitement. Arthit stood barefoot, wearing a simple white dhoti. His eyes soft, slightly nervous about all the new responsibilities he will be bearing form this day onward, but a small smile played on his lips.
His mother approached first, holding a silver bowl filled with the 'haldi (turmeric) paste. "Didn't even realise when you stopped being my little Arth" she whispered, her voice thick with emotion as she dipped her fingers into the paste.
"I will always be your little Arth mama" . Arthit hugged her.
"No... you will have to be KOngpob's husband now... promise me you will take care of him like your father did for me"
"I promise mama. I can be both Kongpob's husband and your Arth."
"But when times you will have to choose between them. Choose being Kongpob's husband, I will be having all of you with me. Kongpob will be standing alone.."
Arthit nodded.
"Don't feel wierd . This is just a secret of happy marriage every mother of this family passes to their sons. Your grandmother did that for your papa and I am doing it for you. I know , you will be a good son to this family because we have taught you all the ways since you were little. Its time I teach you how to be a good husband."
"I won't let you down mother.." Arthit promised.
"I know you won't " She smiled,Gently, smearing the yellow paste across his arms and face, the bright yellow paste glowing against his skin.
One by one, the married women of the family joined her, applying the paste to his chest, back, and legs. Each touch was a blessing, each word of encouragement a gentle nudge toward the life awaiting him. Arthit felt the cool paste spread over his skin, the scent of turmeric and sandalwood calming his racing thoughts.
"yellow, yellow, dirty fellow..." Arhan teased, flicking a bit of the paste playfully at Arthit's cheek.
"Don't mock the sacred rituals" their mother twisted Arhan's ear.
"ow...mama, hurts.." Arhan wailed " remember this...no making fun of rituals at Kongpob's today.."
"Fine, lady dragon" Arhan made a face, whispering in Arthit's ears " Now I know where did you inherit the dragon genes."
"You don't have it because papa picked you from a dumpster" Arthit retorted, grinning.
The responsibility of marriage felt monumental, but the thought of Kongpob, waiting at his own home, gave him strength. After the turmeric was applied, Arthit was led to a large brass pot filled with water. His father, standing beside him now, poured the first pot of water over his head, and the cool liquid ran in rivulets down his body, washing away the turmeric and with it, any lingering doubts or fears.
.........................
Meanwhile, at Kongpob's ancestral home, the scene was equally serene but filled with the unmistakable excitement of a family preparing for something momentous. The garden outside the house had been transformed into a sacred space, adorned with flowers and bright fabrics. Maya had woken him early, a teasing smile on her face, reminding him that this was his last day of "freedom."
