Destined (RagSan FF)

Chapter 12

He is everything I need.

The soft glow of dawn spread over Badi as the first rays of sunlight filtered through the trees. The courtyard was already bustling with activity, decorated with marigold garlands and shimmering lights. The sweet scent of flowers mixed with the crisp morning air, creating an aura of celebration and anticipation. Badi was not just a house today-it was a bride's home, where Swara would bid farewell before moving on to her new life.

The Gadodia family had ensured that everything was perfect, as Swara's bidai would happen from here. But as the Maheshwari family was hosting the wedding, they had chosen a grand wedding venue near Kalibadi, befitting their prestigious status. Preparations were happening at a feverish pace, not just at Badi but also at the wedding hall. Every detail was being carefully managed to ensure that both places were equally spectacular for the big day.

In the midst of this whirlwind of preparations, two figures stood out in the courtyard-Dadi and Dida. Their back-and-forth banter, as always, was as much a part of the celebration as the decorations themselves.

Dadi was pacing the courtyard with all the authority of a general overseeing a battlefield. Her voice rang out loud and clear as she directed the decorators. "Arey oye, phool thik se lagao! Mhari Swara ki shaadi hai, koi kasar nahi rehni chahiye. Sab kuch ekdum shaandar hona chahiye, Marwadi rivaaj se!" (Hey! Place the flowers properly! It's our Swara's wedding, there shouldn't be any shortcomings. Everything must be grand, in line with Marwadi traditions!)

Dida, sipping her morning tea, leaned against a pillar with a relaxed air. Amused by the flurry of activity around her, she couldn't resist a dig. "Arre Marwadan, shaadi ka din hai, itna tension mat lo. Tum Marwadi log sab kuch itna bara bara kyun karte ho?" (Oh Marwadan, it's the wedding day, don't stress so much. Why do you Marwadis always make everything so grand?)

Dadi shot her an exasperated look. "Hain! Tum Bengali log bhi kam nahi machate ho, Bangalan. Tumhare shaadi ke tareeke toh samajh mein hi nahi aate." (What! You Bengalis aren't any quieter, Bangalan. I don't understand your wedding customs at all.)

Dida raised an eyebrow, taking a slow sip of her tea. "Marwadan, Swara aadhi Bengali hai. Tumhare yeh Marwadi tareeke uske liye mushkil lagenge, na? Bechari, ek dum struggle karegi tumhare sab traditions ke saath." (Marwadan, Swara is half Bengali. She'll find your Marwadi ways difficult, right? Poor girl, she'll struggle with all your traditions.)

Dadi crossed her arms, letting out a sigh. "Haan, mhari Swara ko thoda samajhne mein mushkil hoga, lekin wo Marwadi ghar ki hone waali hai. Use sab seekhna padega. Marwadi rivaaj mein hi uska bhala hai." (Yes, our Swara might find it a bit difficult to understand, but she's becoming a part of our family. She'll have to learn. The Marwadi ways are for her own good.)

Dida chuckled, shaking her head. "Arre, tum jitna bhi koshish kar lo, usme Bengali khoon hai. Shaadi ke baad wo apne tareeke se hi chalegi. Tumhare Marwadi rivaaj pe thoda Bengali tadka toh lagega!" (Oh, no matter how hard you try, she's got Bengali blood in her. After the wedding, she'll do things her way. There will be a bit of Bengali spice added to your Marwadi traditions!)

Dadi, shaking her head with a smile, couldn't resist. "Mhari Swara toh dono gharon ki hai, par shaadi ke baad wo humare Marwadi tareeke apnaye, bas yeh dekhna hai." (Our Swara belongs to both homes, but after the wedding, she'll have to follow our Marwadi ways, that's what I want to see.)

Dida laughed heartily. "Haan haan, tum yeh dekh lena. Lekin yaad rakh, Swara apne Bengali roots kabhi nahi bhulegi. Tumhare Marwadi traditions mein bhi ek Bengali rang rahega." (Yes, yes, you'll see. But remember, Swara will never forget her Bengali roots. There will be a splash of Bengali color in your Marwadi traditions too.)