Threads of Tradition: Tales Of Indian Arranged Marriages

1.

The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm golden glow over the sprawling gardens of the Khanna estate. White roses adorned the aisle, creating a path that led to a beautifully decorated mandap draped in rich crimson and gold fabric. The air was filled with laughter and the sweet scent of jasmine, mingling with the distant sound of traditional Indian music that flowed from a live band nestled beneath a magnificent banyan tree. Guests, clad in vibrant silks and exquisite jewellery, bustled about, capturing the essence of joy and celebration. Yet amidst this jubilant atmosphere, Kavya Awasthi stood still, her heart racing in a whirlwind of emotions.

Draped in a delicate red lehenga that shimmered with intricate embroidery, Kavya looked every bit the radiant bride. Her mother had carefully arranged her hair into an elegant bun, adorned with fresh flowers, and her eyes sparkled with kohl, enhancing their almond shape. But beneath the veil of excitement, a veil of apprehension loomed. She couldn’t shake the nagging feeling that something wasn’t quite right.

As she glanced around, her gaze landed on Arjun Khanna, her soon-to-be husband. He stood with an effortless charm, surrounded by friends and family, his charismatic smile lighting up the space like the sun. Arjun was everything her parents had promised—a successful businessman, handsome and accomplished, with an aura of confidence that drew people to him. But as she watched him laugh and engage with their guests, Kavya felt a disquieting disconnect.

“Are you ready?” her best friend, Meera, asked, nudging her gently. “You’re about to walk down the aisle!”

Kavya forced a smile, though her heart was heavy. “I think so,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. The words felt foreign, untrue. What was she ready for? This fairytale wedding? Or the reality that lay beneath the glittering surface?

The wedding planner’s voice pierced through her thoughts. “Kavya, it’s time!”

As she stepped forward, each footfall felt like a march toward the unknown. The music shifted, signalling the beginning of the ceremony. Kavya took a deep breath, reminding herself of the promises made by her family—how Arjun was the ideal match, how this union would elevate their status, and how it would fulfil her parents’ dreams.

But what about her dreams?

The moment she stepped into the sunlight, the world around her blurred. The guests stood, their eyes glistening with anticipation, and the air buzzed with the sounds of appreciation. Kavya’s heart raced as she met Arjun’s gaze. For a moment, time seemed to stand still. His smile was warm and inviting, yet in his eyes, she noticed a flicker of something unsettling—a hint of impatience perhaps or a flash of insecurity masked by bravado.

As she approached, she forced herself to focus on the beauty of the ceremony, the colours that danced before her eyes, and the overwhelming love that filled the space. She reached the mandap, where Arjun awaited her, looking like a prince. But as they exchanged garlands, a chill crept over her heart.

“Are you okay?” he whispered, his voice low and smooth, yet there was an edge to it that made her swallow hard.

“Just a little nervous,” she admitted, her heart pounding.

“Don’t be. This is our moment,” he replied, but his tone felt dismissive as if her feelings were merely an inconvenience.

Kavya's stomach twisted. She wanted to believe in the fairy tale, but as she stood there, a gnawing doubt crept in. Did Arjun truly care for her, or was she just a trophy, another success in his already impressive portfolio?

The priest began the chants, his voice steady and rhythmic, weaving a spell that momentarily distracted her from her turmoil. Yet, each sacred vow felt like a binding contract rather than a heartfelt promise. As they performed the rituals, she felt the weight of her family’s expectations pressing down on her like a heavy shroud.

With every fire they circled, the hope of a bright future intertwined with an undercurrent of fear. She could see Arjun’s ambition in the way he held himself—confident, assertive—but she wondered if that same ambition would someday overshadow her existence.

“From this day forward, you shall not walk alone,” the priest declared, his voice resonating in the stillness. “May your hearts be united as one.”

Kavya’s heart fluttered with hope, but doubt loomed in the shadows. She caught Arjun’s gaze, and for a brief moment, it felt like a promise—a promise of love and respect. But deep down, a nagging voice whispered, warning her of the veils that often hid the truth. Would they truly find happiness together, or was this merely the beginning of a path lined with regret?

As they exchanged rings and smiles, the world around her erupted in applause and cheers. Kavya smiled, her lips curving, but in her heart, uncertainty lingered. Today marked the beginning of a new chapter, yet she couldn't shake the feeling that this was just the beginning of a much more complicated story.