Shadowed Desires

Chapter 43

Next morning…
6:00 am.

Atharv and Kritika had just stepped out of the car. The moment they did, rose petals were showered over them and firecrackers burst into the air to welcome her.

The entire Shekhawat residence was decorated with colorful lights for the grand welcome of the newlyweds. Kritika’s eyes sparkled, reflecting the vibrant lights all around her.

They were still tied together in their wedding knot as they headed towards the entrance. Riddhima stood there, holding a veneration plate.

First, Aarushi picked up some red chillies and rotated them in a circular motion over the couple to ward off the evil eye.

Riddhima applied a teeka on their foreheads and continued with the other rituals, feeding them a piece of sweet for new beginnings.

Palak placed a vessel filled with rice grains at the entrance, while Aarushi gestured for Kritika to gently kick the vessel with her right foot, spilling the rice grains as she entered.

The new bride is considered as Goddess Lakshmi, and by spilling rice grains in the home, she brings wealth and prosperity into her new family.

Next, Kritika dipped her feet in a vessel filled with aalta (red dye). As she stepped out, each step left a red imprint on the white marble floor.

All the family members and some close relatives gathered in the hall with them. Atharv and Kritika sat facing each other for the next rituals.

A large vessel was filled with milky water and rose petals. Riddhima took a ring and dropped it in the vessel.
She announced, “The one who finds it will have the upper hand in the marriage.”

Play “Sajan Tumse Pyar” song.
(Anyone wondering, I wrote this scene while listening to this song on repeat! 🤭😂)

She gestured for Atharv and Kritika to start searching for the ring. Both dipped their hands into the vessel, their palms disappearing in the solution.

Their hands brushed against each other. Atharv held her palm, but Kritika silently gestured for him to let go. He was stubborn, but eventually, he released her hand and quickly found the ring, showing it to everyone. Kritika shot him an annoyed look.

Everyone started clapping for him.
Aditya said, “Chalo, kahi to jeete bhaiya humare.”
(Well, at least our brother won somewhere!)
Atharv smirked in victory.
Aarushi added, “One time game nahi hai ye, abhi aur bhi rounds hone hai. All the best, guys.”
(This isn’t a one-time game, there are more rounds to go. All the best!)

This time, Kritika gently caressed his palm under the water. Her touch was so soothing that for a moment, he forgot everything. She kept caressing her hand under the water, while everyone else thought they were searching for the ring.

But only they knew what she was up to. As Atharv tried to maintain his composure, a mischievous smile appeared on Kritika’s lips.

The tingling sensation was too much for him to bear. The next moment, she pulled out the ring. Everyone clapped for her.
Atharv, whining like a child, said, “Isne cheating ki hai?”
(She cheated!)

With an innocent look, Kritika replied, “Maine konsi cheating ki?”
(What cheating did I do?)
She turned to the others, “Maasi, Palak, Aditya, tumne dekha mujhe cheating karte huye?”
(Did any of you see me cheating?)
All of them shook their heads and said no.

Riddhima said, “Atharv, kya bachho ki tarah zidd kar rahe ho.”
(Atharv, why are you acting like a child?)
Aditya replied, “Kya mumma, aap bhi, ab to bhaiya apne bachho ki planning karenge na?”
(Come on Mom, now brother will be planning for his own kids!)
Kritika blushed, her cheeks turning red. Atharv looked away, ignoring the conversation.