Madam Sirr 2

Chapter 48

48. A New Chapter Begins

The living room was stripped bare of its furniture, turning it into a majestically glowing mandap. A screen stood in the middle covered with a white silk cloth adorned with garlands of fresh flowers. The white jasmines and the yellow marigolds peeked in at random intervals, interlocking with the green vines that spread around the frame. The frames blink, the fairy lights twinkling in each corner.

A low wooden stool stood in the middle surrounded by clay pots filled with water and rose petals. On the sides, lamps flicker brightly, the wick glowering in the wind with the clay pots of haldi and trays of betel. Rangoli patterns adorned the hall that led to the ceremonial dais, decorated in vibrant colors of red, pink, orange and yellow.

Haseena stared at her reflection in the mirror, dressed in a lavish yellowed lehenga, her fingers caressing the embroidered sequins. Her plaited hair fell down to her back, a lone lock twirling over the side. She adjusted her pallu, smiling at her own reflection when her phone vibrated. She answered the call immediately smiling as she saw Anubhav dressed immaculately in a sherwani.

"Priye....you look absolutely gorgeous..."

Haseena blushed, her cheeks twinning in a flushed pink. "You too Mr. Handsome..."

They glanced at each other, the yearning evident in their eyes as their gazes locked. Haseena's eyes scanned Anubhav, her instinctive guard rolling up as the past rose to her mind. She saw Anubhav's eyes, feeling a spark she hadn't felt before. He looked vulnerable, his love showing through his eyes. Haseena calmed herself, his eyes echoing of a warm reassurance. She looked back at her reflection as their conversation ended.

Haseena felt herself relax, the knots of tension leaving her shoulders. For far too long she had treaded on her own, hiding herself from the world. As she stood in front of the mirror, Haseena knew that she was ready. To be herself. She breathed deeply, reveling in the love of Anubhav, her constant guide.

"Hasu..." her mother called as the door softly opened.

Haseena stood facing her mother as she leaned forward to embrace her. Ammi's eyes glistened with tears; tears that spoke of pride and happiness. She smiled at Haseena, holding her tightly by her shoulders, her heart warming with admiration. She cast off the evil eye, still smiling at Haseena as KS and SS arrived.

Haseena left to the living room flanked on the sides by KS and SS. She walked slowly, her steps elegant and graceful, her heart thumping in excitement. Her ears filled with the sound of laughter and music filing through the living room. She stepped in slowly, her eyes taking in the sight before her. She stopped, looking around, her heart tingling in happiness. As she walked towards the stool, her nostrils flooded with the smell of jasmine and marigold.

She sat down adjusting the pallu of her lehenga, a bright smile on her face. Elder women approached her, their faces gentle with smiles as they slowly applied the soft yellow paste on her arms. Haseena felt a tingling sensation, the turmeric gently rubbing on to her skin. Puspha Ji and ammi approached together, applying turmeric on either sides of her cheek, their eyes brimming with tears.

Impatient, Roshni jumped ahead, her palms full with a scoop of turmeric as she pasted her hands on Haseena's cheek leaving the bottom half of her cheek entirely yellowed. She smiled, flashing her teeth jumping from foot to foot as Haseena cupped her face and pinched her nose before she ran away.

KS came towards her slowly, her eyes reflecting the warmth and love for Haseena. She stood in front of her, her eyes gazing at her lovingly. She scooped a handful of turmeric, gently applying it on her face, her eyes never leaving Haseena. She leaned forward whispering "Bhabhi" in her ear as she ran away, her heart content and glib.