ACCEPTING 'US'

7.

Shyam's POV:

I sat in front of the wedding fire where Panditji was chanting mantras. I was too nervous to concentrate on my surroundings. I can see the whole place was filled with relatives. After a few minutes the bride was summoned and I was anxiously waiting to get a glimpse of her in wedding attire. She was made to sit beside me and my heart beat increased. I was asked to hold her hand and her hand was too small and soft compared to mine. I held her hand firmly which was slightly sweaty . When I tied the nuptial chain around her neck my hands shivered. I looked into her eyes while tying the chain and to my surprise she was looking at me. My breath hitched when I looked at her eyes and her staring at me directly gave me goosebumps. I was hypnotised by her eyes for a few moments before I was asked to apply sindoor in her hair partition. She looked even more beautiful with sindoor in her hair partition. I felt pride oozing out of me knowing it's in my name and she is mine.  Even during pheras I held her hand firmly not really wanting to let go.
When the rituals were completed we sat to witness the wedding of another couple. Technically she was watching while I was staring at her. Her cheeks blushed and she lowered her eyes. The same thing continued during lunch. Her shying away made me feel excited and I chuckled inwardly. During bidaai she cried a lot while I stood allowing her to weep to her satisfaction. On the bus she kept crying and I handed her my handkerchief. I kept my hand on her shoulder when everyone was busy. I couldn't control myself when she was this close to me. I wish I could do something more than that but I sat calming down. We reached home and she was let inside after a few rituals. I held her hand tightly not wanting to let her go. She tried to take her hand away but I kept my grip tight.
It was night and I went to my room to change into comfortable clothes and she was surrounded by my relatives. I went to the backyard and started talking to my friends who were waiting for me.
" All the best buddy. I heard it's your wedding night today " Mani whispered in my ear and my body heated instantly.
" Shyam today is your wedding night. I hope you come out victorious tomorrow morning " Vikas said and everyone burst into laughter. I tried to stop them from laughing but they kept making fun of me.
" But you should be careful as you know she. .she is not normal " Kalyan said making me insecure. Everyone became silent for a moment and I didn't know how to stop the insecurities building inside me. I bit my lower lip not to show my anxiety but I didn't utter a word.
" Everyone come and have dinner " kusuma shouted and we went inside.
" Look shyam I know what is going on in your mind. But intimacy is something personal. You do not have to share everything with everyone. But remember you do have me if you need any help considering your situation " Vikas said when all others went ahead and I nodded my head. I know it's going to be difficult to handle the things around her considering how attractive I am towards her but I will try to be in control. I don't want to hurt either of us in the beginning itself.
Dinner was done in presence of everyone and talks from the wedding. I didn't find her. She might be in another room I thought and finished eating.
.......

Sudha was eating accompanied by Kusuma and few other ladies. She was slightly shivering surrounded by new people and surroundings. Although she felt out of place kusuma was very kind and warm with her. After sometime she excused herself along with the other girls and sudha was left with other ladies who were busy talking among themselves. Sudha occassionally smiled at them not knowing what to do. She was feeling sleepy with the whole day's events and journey but she could not do that as it is her in laws home and she is new here. She kept yawning in her veil trying to shoo away her sleep. It was getting late and the clock ticked 10:30 pm and her body felt heavy. She thought of dozing off but again kusuma appeared and sent away all the ladies.
" Come on wear these clothes now " she said and started removing her jewellery. Sudha was thankful for her help as she was indeed in need of changing into comfortable clothes. That saree belonged to sudha which she packed in her clothes. She thought kusuma might have removed them and started removing the wedding saree.
" Wash your face too bhabhi " kusuma said and sudha did immediately. After that kusuma did her hair and did light makeup. She kept all her jewellery in a box and kept in the almirah available in that room.
" Now your jewellery is safe bhabhi do not worry. And now it's time to move on " kusuma said.
" To where? " sudha asked confused.
" You will know that but before that you should promise me that if my Bhai does anything naughty and worries you then complain me I will do what I should " she winked at her making her flustered. Sudha nodded even though she didn't understand the meaning behind her words. She put her veil on her head and stood worried.
" Come on with me. He must be waiting " kusuma said and took her outside the room. Till then all the house was almost empty with only few people in the backyard sleeping on the cots and few in the front yard.