Desert Rose

Chapter 16

THE knock on the door, startled Khushi out of her reverie, and she lifted her head to see Arnav standing at the door.

'Here is a saree and jewellery nani would like you to wear for the Grihapravesh,' he said gruffly, 'I tried to deter them but they wouldn't budge. So let's get it over with. I will wait downstairs while you change and pack your suitcase.'

'Has mamiji agreed?' Khushi asked softly.

'Of course!' he said arrogantly, 'she will be working on getting the dates for the wedding.'

A little later, Khushi came down the stairs, to see Arnav staring up her. She began to feel very conscious. 'I .....I think this saree is too grand,' she said, trying to smooth the invisible creases.

The saree was buttery cream georgette completely embroidered with gold work in a light floral-creeper design. The rich gold border was embellished with a combination of sequins, beads and kundan work. A wave of blue above the border and pallu added a dash of colour, complemented to perfection by the sapphire and gold jewellery.

'Beautiful....' he said in a whisper, slurring on the 'u', as he stared at her in open admiration.

'She always looks beautiful in a saree.' Payal said, bringing him out of his trance.

'Arnavji has asked me come and stay in the Haveli Khushi,' Payal said shyly as Khushi came down.

'Well, she can hardly stay here all alone.' He said when Khushi looked at him in surprise.

The Grihapravesh ritual took place without too much fanfare, with Anjali applying tilak on their forehead before doing the aarti. Naniji asked Khushi to kick the pot or rice with her right foot before entering the house. After Arnav and Khushi entered the house, they took naniji's blessings. Anjali took Khushi in her arms and welcomed her warmly. Next, Anjali hugged Payal, exuberantly expressing her happiness about having her stay with them.

The dinner was a grand affair with the entire family present except mamiji who had was still "recovering" from the unfortunate incident no one wanted to talk about. Khushi ate little as she practically had no appetite and was just craving for some sleep.

'Khushiji, you will have to wait for some more time before you can sleep tonight,' Anjali teased.

Khushi looked first with confusion and then her face went a deep red as comprehension dawned. She looked at Arnav whose face looked like it was etched in stone.

'Di, can I talk to you alone for a minute?' Arnav said standing up.

'What happened, Chotte?' asked Anjali alarmed at Arnav's tone.

'Now, Di.' He rasped as he walked away toward naniji's bedroom.

'Di, I think you have enjoyed this Grihapravesh or whatever it was, but that's enough, alright?' said Arnav rudely. 'I know what you were trying to say there at dinner. I don't want you to go ahead and arrange for a frigging Suhaag Raat or anything like that.'

'Chotte! Don't take that tone with your sister,' said nanjii as she joined them, 'those rituals are a part of tradition.'

'I don't care!'

'Of course you don't. You never cared four years ago, when you suddenly decided to get engaged. And you didn't care now when you came home after you were married.'

'Nani, please,' begged Anjali her eyes filled with tears.

Naniji continued, 'The reason why I didn't say anything about this marriage was because it is the right thing to do --- under the circumstances. Moreover, Anjali bitiya and I are just relieved that you even married!'