The air was fragrant with blooming honeysuckle, and the soft rustle of leaves created a calming atmosphere. Yet, amidst this serenity, Medhasvini sat in a daze, her mind wandering far from the vibrant silks and sparkling jewels being held up for her inspection by her Mata Devaki and Mata Rohini.
"Isha, look at this! It's perfect for your swayamvar," Mata Devaki exclaimed, her voice bubbling with excitement as she unfolded a richly embroidered garment that shimmered in the afternoon light. The intricate patterns reflected light that danced like the gentle waves of a river, reflecting the love and care put into its creation.
Mata Rohini nodded enthusiastically, her eyes sparkling with anticipation,
"Yes! This color will really make your eyes shine! All the princes will be mesmerized!"
Kridha offered a distracted smile, her thoughts trailing off like the petals of the jasmine that blooms in the wind. It had been a month since she last heard from Avyukt, and the uncertainty gnawed at her spirit. What could possibly be happening in his kingdom? Was he safe? Did he think of her?
"Medhasvini!", her mothers called out, their voices pulling her from her reverie, "Focus, dear! You need to choose your attire."
With a soft sigh, she forced herself to look at the fabric, feeling the weight of the commitment pressing down on her more than ever before.
"Yes, Mata. I'm sorry," she replied, her voice lacking its usual luster.
Just then, her sisters-in-laws, Rukmini and Revati, strolled into the room, their laughter filling the air like a melodious song.
"What's this? Lost in the thought of your future husband, are we?" Rukmini teased, a playful glint in her eye
Revati chimed in, a playful smirk on her face, "Or perhaps daydreaming about all the ways she will get to dress up! What do you think, jiji? Gold or silver?"
Medha felt her cheeks heat up, a smile tugging at her lips, "Oh, stop it! I'm just—"
"Just what?", Revati pressed, her tone teasing. "You didn't think I won't tease you, did you?"
The room erupted with laughter, and Medha couldn't help but join in, the warmth of their sisterhood momentarily pushing aside her worries. But as the jest continued, her thoughts drifted back to Avyukt, the smile fading from her face.
"Come on, jiji! Help us choose something for you," Rukmini noticed Medha's eyes lose its shine, but her enthusiasm remained undeterred, hoping it would make her feel better.
"This is your day, after all!"
The atmosphere shifted as they began to sift through the fabrics, each more dazzling than the last. Medha felt a flutter in her heart as she gazed at a vibrant red lehenga adorned with intricate gold embroidery,
"What about this one?" she suggested, holding it up for inspection.
Devaki beamed, "Oh, that's stunning!"
"But is it the one you truly want?", Rohini completed the statement, her eyebrows slightly raised.
Red, while a bold colour, was something Medhasvini avoided. The colour represented pain as much as it represented love, it is the colour of roses but the colour of blood too. It is an emotionally intense colour, one that dangerously demands attention and warns one of the sacrifices hidden beneath its hues. It is a colour that one can rarely miss, but she believed that true strength lied in understated confidence, wanting to stand out for her actions rather than her appearance.
She hesitated, the flutter in her heart replaced by a heaviness, "It's beautiful, but... I don't know if it feels like me."
Rukmini caught her uncertainty, "Jiji, it's normal to feel overwhelmed. This is a big step after all, in all senses, there is always time for you to look through a few more options.
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Wisdom of the Wounds
أدب تاريخيShe is strength She is gentleness She is truth She is justice She is a mother She is a child She is the epitome of beauty with brains, she is calm as the sea but fierce like the waves. Love her, she will not let you go. Disrespect her, you will not...
