Albelo Raj (Rajasthani story)

Chapter-2

After Rajveer sent invitations to Rathore's both the families were in preparation of the gathering. Sheetal was very concerned about everything and on the other side Deviyani was taking care of everything. Rudra and Shri were having different feelings. Garima chose a dress for Shri which was light blue in colour simple yet elegant. Piya was very excited for her sister's to be in-law's visit. She was going again and again near the door to check whether guests have arrived or not. Sheetal at that time call Piya and ask her to check whether Shri is ready or not.

In the room Shri was sitting before dressing table wearing her jhumka (jewellery used to wear in ear). She was hell nervous thinking about the the guests and what are they going to ask her. She was at the same time confused that is she ready for the marriage. Yes she always had have a dream of getting married with her Prince Charming, who would come on white horse and would take her to his dreamland. She smiled thinking about her childish thoughts. But still she thought about her to be husband and thought whether he would accept her and love her the way she read in all those romantic novels, would he caress and love her and even support her, will he..  and just than the door opens of her room and Piya enters 'wow! Jiji(sister) u look so beautiful. I'm sure if Jija Ji(brother-in-law) will see u like this than he will become crazy for u, trust me' and laughs 'Shut up Piya. Stop talking nonsense, and by the way u know he is not coming as no men are coming' said Shri taking her duppata on her shoulder. 'Oh! Poor Jija Ji' said Piya and laughed 'ok, dadi Ji is calling u down come' with that both goes down near their grandmother Sheetal 'oh! Look at my daughter she is looking so beautiful' says Sheetal and put a kaala tika (black dot of kohl to prevent from any harm) behind her ear and kisses her forehead. 'Beta, behave properly and don't say anything unless you are not asked to say anything' she adds and Shri just nods and looks towards Garima who gives her a reassuring smile.

The doorbell rings and the maid opens the door, and there enters Deviyani, Vidhya, Payal, Aradhna and Shruti with thali's( big plates) in their hands having jewellery, dry fruits, fruits, clothes etc. Sheetal goes near door and says 'Khamma Ghani Sa, Padharo-padharo (welcome-welcome)' 'Ghani Khamma Maa Sa' says Deviyani coming in the hall and other following her. 'Khamma Ghani sa, please sit' says Garima and everyone settles down on the sofa. 'How are you Garima Ji, seeing you after so long' says Deviyani ' I'm all good, see how Destiny made us meet like this' replied Garima 'Ji you are absolutely right, I'm so glad that you are going to be my samdhan' and with this both share a small laugh. 'And yes, Maa sa, she is Vidhya my daughter in law, she is Payal my Nanand Baisa( sister in law) and she is Shruti Baisa.. Payal Baisa's daughter and she is Aradhna, my daughter ' Deviyani introduces rest all people. 'Khamma ghani Sa' they all say in unison. Piya come and greets them all while Sheetal aks her to go and call Shri.

Shri was standing in kitchen, when Piya come and ask her to come in hall.

Shri's POV
Piya came and asked me to come out. I was very nervous and looked at Piya and she squeezed my hand saying that 'everything is going to be fine jiji' to give me confidence. I slowly stepped out of kitchen with tray in my hand and enters hall. My heart was beating so fast due to nervousness and my hands were shaking due to it. I took deep breath and went near and elderly lady, I think she is the one who is my mother in law I guess, and speaks slowly 'Khamma Ghani' offering her tea. 'Ghani Khamma beta' she replied and gave me a bright smile which built a small confidence in me. Next I went near another lady and greeted her also but she didn't said anything, next was a young beautiful lady and gave her tea when she said 'my devrani ( wife of brother in law) is so beautiful' I blushed on the word Devrani and last was two young girl aged around Piya, they were so nice and wished me so lovingly. I then go near dadi Ji and sit near her on the sofa with my eyes down looking at my hands and when I listen that elderly lady asking me 'so what do you study beta?' 'Ji, I just completed my graduation with BA honours in political science' I replied 'so, any plan for future studies?' She asked and I said 'Ji I wanted to do  MA' 'that's nice' she said and at that time the other lady says that 'but Rathore Bahu's can't go out and study' and I just looked down, it was like my all dreams shattered all in one go. 'No Baisa, it's not like that, Babosa has allowed to let bahus' study, even he asked Vidhya to study further' said Deviyani aunty and I was so happy listening it. When I looked at that other women , she had frowned expression on her face.
Then the ladies chit-chat started, Maa and dadisa was talking to Deviyani aunty and that other rude lady was just staring at them and replied in just one words, I don't know why but I was getting all negative vibes from her. Piya was busy talking to Shruti baisa and Aradhna baisa. Vidhya Ji came near me when I was busy staring at my palms she said 'so, what my devrani is thinking? Is it about devarji?' And laughed a little laugh. It was so awkward as my cheeks were going pink listening to it. 'Oho, started blushing already' she teased more. 'Ji, nothing like that' I said, she smiled and then we talked about here and there, talking to her I came to know that she was a very nice lady and we became good friends soon. Deviyani aunty then came near me and took my hand into her and the put a ring in my ring finger ( there is no engagement like those in which girl and boy exchange ring rather it is girl and boy's parents who make them wear rings) and kangan(bangles) in my hand. She smiled and said that you are going to be my younger bahu soon. All the while I was having a mixed feeling, or I don't know what feeling, am I happy or am I sad, will he accept me, hell I don't even know him. God.. I don't know what is happening, know it's all up to you, please be with me and bless me with your blessings. Deviyani aunty then went near Maa and dadisa and said 'now we should leave, we will meet soon' ' Ji, we will meet soon' replied dadisa. She then greeted everyone and everyone bid goodbye to each other while Aradhna baisa came near me and asked 'Bhabhisa, can I get your number?' It was so good to listen Bhabhisa, I smiled and said ' of course baisa' and gave her my cell number, she said ' you know what Bhabhisa, Bhai is so lucky to have such a pretty girl like you, Bye' and she move towards elders and I was crimson red hearing it. So the gathering finally got over and I went to my room tired and changed my clothes and as soon as my back hit the bed, I slept'.