𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐎𝐕𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐎 : 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐎𝐧 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐬

..𝐈𝐒𝐇𝐐..

unwind with - Laal Ishq by Arijit Singh

The courtyard glowed in hues of gold and crimson as twilight gently slipped into night.
Rows of fairy lights blinked like little stars, strung across the jasmine-laden arches.
A soft melody from the radio floated in the background, weaving through laughter and conversation.
The scent of incense, sandalwood and fresh rose petals lingered in the air like an old memory wrapped in love.

I stood at the edge of the courtyard, silently taking it all in.
The naming ceremony had just concluded of my Ashi di’s baby girl Harinee, had been cradled in the arms of love and welcomed into the world with blessings, traditions and tears that spoke louder than words.

Little Harinee.
Wrapped in pale pink silk adorned with a tiny gold chain on her delicate ankle and a black dot on her forehead to protect her from evil.
She yawned as she was passed gently from one doting relative to another, eyes blinking open occasionally to glance curiously at the sea of faces cooing around her.

I could not take my eyes off her or them.
Ashi di sat like a goddess, glowing with pride and maternal grace while jiju stood behind her, his hands lightly resting on her shoulders.
Maa was fussing with Harinee’s shawl, making sure the baby’s head was perfectly covered.
Baba was standing with Chhote papa and recounting childhood stories, much to everyone’s amusement.
Bade papa and Badi maa had tears in their eyes.
They had helped raise to Ashi di and now they were watching her become a mother.

And then, there were the additions.
His family.
They were foreigners and yet they blended into the celebration with such warmth that it felt like the universe had always meant for them to be here. His mother held Harinee as if she were made of feathers.
She spoke in a soft, lilting English, telling Harinee how beautiful she was and how loved.
Aryan Papa was more reserved, yet there was a reverence in his eyes as he observed our rituals.
Siya was everywhere.
Clicking pictures, asking questions, lighting diyas.
Her eyes sparkling like a child discovering magic.