Just as she turned around to look back at him, there was a sudden knock on the door.
It was Komal ji, holding a silver bowl filled with milk, rose petals, and turmeric. A tiny velvet ring sat floating inside it. Her smile was mischievous, warm. “Bas, ab ek rasam baaki hai,” she said with a twinkle in her eyes.
Diya looked puzzled, but Agni chuckled softly under his breath. “Aapko game khelna hai.”
They were called into the living room, where a small gathering of close relatives waited, all excited. Diya sat on one side of the low stool, Agni opposite her. The silver bowl was placed between them.
“The ring game,” Komal ji announced, proudly. “Isme dekhte hain kaun kis pe bhari padta hai. Pehli baar mein hi mil gayi toh pati-patni dono ke liye shubh shagun hoga.”
Diya dipped her fingers in, feeling the chill of the milk, the softness of rose petals. Her bangles clinked lightly as her hands searched. Agni did the same — his eyes glancing at her every now and then, a half-smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
Their fingers brushed once — she looked up.
He raised an eyebrow playfully. “Competition mat samajhna, mujhe jeetne ka shauk nahi… bas aap haarein bhi toh chalega.”
She narrowed her eyes with a mock warning. “Woh toh main hone nahi dungi.”
Laughter filled the room.
On the third attempt, Diya’s fingers grasped something. Her brows shot up — she'd found it! But before she could pull it out, Agni’s hand gently touched hers under the water — not to stop, but to feel it with her.
And just like that, they both brought the ring out — together.
Everyone clapped. Komal ji smiled fondly. “Dekha? Dono ne saath mein nikala. Isse kehte hain ekta. Jitne ke liye nahi… ek doosre ke liye.”
Diya looked down, her cheeks pink. Agni smiled at her — proud, soft, and so full of quiet affection.
He leaned a little closer and whispered, “Aapne toh jeet liya... sab kuch.”
As the rituals were completed, Komal ji told them to go back to their room and take rest.
___________________________________________
Diya entered the room and went towards the wall where she put her hand prints just half an hour ago. She turned away from the wall slowly, her palms still stained red, the color of beginnings, of promises. Agni quietly handed her a soft white towel. Their fingers brushed.
For a moment, they both stood still — surrounded by the quiet pulse of the newness between them.
She wiped her hands gently and sat down on the edge of the bed, carefully adjusting the heavy bridal dupatta on her head. Agni sat beside her, not too close — but close enough to feel her presence like warmth in winter.
“Thak gayi?” he asked softly.
She looked at him and smiled, just a little. “Nahi. Bas… sab kuch itna jaldi hua, samajhne ka waqt hi nahi mila.”
He nodded, eyes on the carpet. “Mujhe pata hai… arranged marriage hai, aur shaadi ek naya phase hota hai… sab kuch unfamiliar lagta hai. But…”
Diya turned to him gently. “But?”
He looked up, eyes meeting hers. “Main chahta hoon ke har unfamiliar cheez… hum dono milkar apni banayein. Agar kabhi kuch ajeeb lage, ya uncomfortable… toh please bataiyega . Main chahta hoon ke aap khul kar haso, bolo, jiyo… is ghar mein, mere saath.”
YOU ARE READING
"Ehsaas"~ A Story Of Falling In Love
Romance"For all the girls who crave a love that's gentle in the daylight yet consuming in the dark. The kind of man who holds your hand with warmth, speaks with quiet devotion, and protects you like his own heart-until the door closes. Then, he's all fire...
