PART 14

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{After the vibrant and lively sangeet, the mood shifts slightly for the next important pre-wedding ritual—the Haldi Ceremony. This ceremony, traditionally held the day before the wedding, is both joyous and emotional. It symbolizes cleansing, blessings, and preparing the couple for their new journey.}

{The day of the Haldi begins early, with the warm morning sunlight filtering through the courtyard, which is beautifully decorated with marigolds and colorful cushions. The atmosphere is intimate, as only close family members and friends are invited to the Haldi ritual. The guests gather around two low wooden stools covered in yellow cloth, where Kavya and Abhay will soon sit to receive blessings.}

{Large bowls filled with turmeric paste, sandalwood, and rose water sit in the center, ready for the application. The entire area is adorned with yellow and orange hues, from the flowers to the guests' attire, reflecting the brightness and positivity of the ritual.}

{The Haldi ceremony begins at Abhay's side, where his family and the team gather around him. Abhay, dressed in a simple white kurta, sits cross-legged on the stool, looking slightly nervous but ready. The team stands nearby, grinning, clearly planning to have some fun.}

Ritika (clapping her hands):"Alright, let's start! No holding back, people!"

Yuzi (mischievously):
"Don't worry, Abhay. We'll just lightly apply the Haldi..."

{Abhay's family begins applying the turmeric paste to his face, arms, and feet, gently smearing it on his cheeks while offering prayers for his happiness and well-being. Then, of course, the team steps in.}

Virat (laughing as he dips his hands in the Haldi):"Sorry, Abhay, this is going to get messy!"

{Virat, Hardik, and Rohit smear the turmeric all over Abhay's face and arms, laughing as they do. What starts as a symbolic gesture quickly turns into playful chaos. They grab handfuls of Haldi and smear it on Abhay's head, much to his horror.}

Abhay (grinning but trying to fend them off):"Guys, come on! I have to look decent tomorrow!"

Hardik (grinning, patting Abhay on the shoulder):"Don't worry, you're glowing already!

{Meanwhile, on Kavya's side, the scene is equally lively but with more grace and elegance. Kavya sits on her own decorated stool, her white and yellow outfit a perfect reflection of the day's theme. Her family, along with some of the team's wives, gather around, ready to apply the turmeric.}

Anita (smiling gently as she applies the Haldi):"This turmeric will make you glow even more, my dear. You'll be the most beautiful bride."

{Kavya smiles softly, feeling the warmth and love from her family. The turmeric is applied delicately on her face, arms, and legs. The atmosphere is full of laughter, but there's also an underlying sense of emotion as the family realizes this is one of the final rituals before the wedding.}

Anushka (smiling as she applies some Haldi to Kavya's cheek):"You're going to look stunning tomorrow, Kavya."

Kavya (laughing nervously):"I hope so! This is starting to feel very real."

{The moment stays light and fun as the kids join in, running around Kavya and applying Haldi to her hands and feet, while the women sing traditional songs in the background. Ritika and Athiya can't resist joining in the fun either, dabbing more turmeric than necessary on Kavya's face.}

Athiya (giggling):"Sorry, but you can't leave without a proper Haldi glow!"

{As the Haldi progresses, a bit of playful rivalry develops between the two families. Word spreads that Abhay's Haldi has turned into a mini turmeric war, and the women from Kavya's side plan their own revenge.}

Komal (grinning, planning with Ritika):"Let's get them back! Kavya's Haldi has been too calm compared to Abhay's."

{Ritika and Komal grab a handful of turmeric and sneakily head towards Abhay's side. In the middle of Abhay's turmeric chaos, they smear Haldi all over Virat and Hardik, who try to dodge but fail miserably.}

Hardik (laughing, trying to wipe his face):"Alright, alright! We surrender!"

{Everyone bursts out laughing, and soon enough, there's no one left without some turmeric smeared on them—guests, kids, and the team included. The entire courtyard is filled with laughter and good-natured banter as everyone gets involved.}

{However, amidst the fun, distant relatives from both sides gather in small groups, quietly gossiping about the wedding arrangements, the couple, and even the cricket team's presence. An older aunt from Kavya's side, dressed in a bright yellow saree, whispers to her friend.}

Relative 1 (whispering):"Did you hear? I heard this marriage is so rushed. Do you think they even know each other well?"

Relative 2 (shaking her head):"I was thinking the same. And look at all these cricketers... it's all too glamorous."

{The team overhears some of the whispers, and soon, the lighthearted mood is momentarily interrupted.}

Rohit (stepping in casually but firmly):"Excuse me, Aunties, but Abhay and Kavya are doing just fine. We've all known them long enough to say they're perfect for each other."

Virat (joining in, smiling but with a serious tone):"And as for the cricketers, we're not here for the glam. We're here as family. So let's keep the gossip down and the fun up, shall we?"

{The relatives, slightly embarrassed, nod and quiet down as the team walks away, with a shared glance of satisfaction. The mood quickly returns to its joyful, lighthearted vibe.}

{As the Haldi ceremony comes to an end, Kavya and Abhay are gently washed with rose water by their families, symbolically cleansing them before the wedding. The turmeric still stains their cheeks and clothes, but their smiles are brighter than ever.}

Abhay (playfully to Kavya across the courtyard):
"I think I'm still covered in turmeric... You?"

Kavya (laughing softly):
"Same here. We'll both be glowing tomorrow!"

{The day wraps up with traditional songs and laughter, leaving behind a sense of closeness and joy as everyone looks forward to the wedding day. Despite the playful chaos and minor gossip, the love and support from both families make the ritual unforgettable for Kavya and Abhay.}

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