Dusky Moonlight

Chapter- 11

Rathi came out of the bathroom after her morning errands. The weather is too cold today and wrapping her arms with her saree she opened the door to see Mithran. He smiled and Rathi smiled back.

"Shall we go?" he asked as he had towels in his hand.

"Hmm," she nodded and went with him.

It's dark since the time is just 3.30 am in the early morning. Sumaya was waiting outside and told morning greetings when she saw Rathi.

After three straight days, Rathi is coming out of the house and looked around to see the fort was decorated with flower garlands as in the Indian weddings. It's so beautiful and she never thought these people will celebrate the wedding this much or is it just for them?

She walked with Mithran and along with them Iniyan also joined. He's another one cousin to Mithran and he isn't married.

"The skies are dark. I think it's going to rain," Iniyan told to Mithran.

"Yes, it will rain. After all, today is Ayya's wedding," Mithran replied when they were passing Aadhiyan's house. "Ayya must be getting ready?" Mithran said.

"Yes, he has completed the morning sacraments," Iniyan answered.

Rathi hearing their conversation walked having a nervous filled face. Her steps were slow as it is dark, thankfully Sumaya asked her to wear her slippers so she walked without having a fear of stung by the prickles.

The sound of small insects and water were heard in those woods. As they reached near the falls. Iniyan and Mithran asked her to bathe in the pond but not too long and handed her the towel. They both waited a few meters away and Rathi walked to the running cascade. Like how Aadhiyan has instructed, Rathi removed her saree and dipped herself in the cold water. She felt like freezing and gasped when she came out after the first dip.

She again went under the water and the coolness became easy on her skin. After properly washing her hair, she came out of the pond. Shivering in the icy air, Rathi immediately covered herself in the saree and above that the thick towel protected from the cold.

She walked to them but they not even glimpse at her and strode before her. Rathi felt protective and followed them to the fort. Her feet become froze and she rubbed both of her hands to make herself hot. When she was walking solemnly the rain started in a slow drizzle.

"As expected, the rain is here to bless you," Mithran commented and she smiled looking at his back. They guided her to the room near Aadhiyan's house where Sumaya and Masumi were waiting for her. The room is hot for Rathi after coming from the rain. She removed her wet clothes in hesitation when Sumaya asked her to undress.

Masumi went close to Rathi and examined the birthmark. That old lady's eyes grew wider to see that. She looked up at Rathi who's watching Masumi like what she's looking at.

"Here put your blouse Rathi, and this is your wedding saree," she showed a red old Pattu saree but looked beautiful. The texture is smooth but it's heavy as there's beautiful Zarigai weaved on the entire saree.

"This Zarigai is made of pure gold and this saree is traditionally worn by the brides of your family," Sumaya told.

"Even Masumi wore this, am I right grandma?" she asked and Masumi nodded her head. But she's terrified after seeing her scar. She didn't show it and went outside of the room.

Sumaya helped Rathi to drape the saree perfectly on her figure. Once they are done they both looked at the mirror. Sumaya couldn't take her eyes off Rathi. She's pleased to stand beside the marvel. Yes, for her eyes Rathi looked like a beautiful Magic. She's too bright and shining like a diamond.