Mahabharata Katha

2. The Precious Gift

"Maa!" Two golden-hued delicate arms enveloped Devika's neck.

"Thanu!" Devika placed her palm tenderly on the young girl's arm and caressed her cheek with the other hand. "You want something, dear?"

"I want to talk to you for a while, Maa!" The princess of Indraprastha pleaded, "May I?"

"I'm busy with the wedding preparations, Putri!" Devika said, "you better do another thing. Go check once whether your Bhrata's outfit selection is complete or not."

"Bhrata Abhi is still confused." Suthanu giggled, "he seems to need some more time for selecting his wedding outfits."

"Then go help him in the same, Putri." Devika smiled, "I'm sure your choices will suit him the best."

"But it's not a matter of my choice, Maa. What if Bhabhi's choice is different and she does not like it?" Suthanu playfully said, "Then Bhrata will pull my ears only. I can't take this risk!"

Devika shook her head fondly.

"What are you doing, Maa?" Suthanu looked at the materials with sheer curiosity, not recognizing any of them.

"These are the collection of auspicious gifts that are to be given to the bride as a ritual of acceptance," Devika explained briefly, amused at Suthanu's curious stare at them.

"May I help in arranging them?" She was excited.

"No dear!" Devika shook her head affectionately, "only a married girl is allowed to touch this."

Embarrassed, Suthanu bit her tongue. Her golden-hued cheek assumed a reddish hue which did not escape Devika's mother's eyes. She smiled, remembering herself in a similar situation when she first met her love.

The intelligent daughter noticed Devika's reaction and immediately controlled herself.

"Do it later, Maa, I have some important work with you!" She eagerly said.

"And what is that?" Devika raised an eyebrow, "want any of my clothes or jewellery for wearing in the ceremony? Or any of the songs from my collection that you want to sing?"

"Maa!" Suthanu pouted, "do I always keep bothering you with these things only?"

"Not always, but most of the times!" Devika smiled at her pouting daughter. Caressing her cheek, she softly said, "and you know how much I love to get bothered by you, again and again!"

Suthanu smiled as she placed her head on Devika's bosom, hugging her tightly. Devika tenderly ran her fingers within Suthanu's long curly tresses. Few moments passed in feeling the love from both sides.

"Now tell me, what important work you have with me?" Devika said with a smile.

Suthanu raised her head, grinning.

"Come!" She pulled Devika's arm gently as she rose to her feet.

"Where?" Devika could not get her child.

"First you come then I'm telling!" Suthanu was joyfully excited, "please Maa!"

Devika nodded and rose. Suthanu took her to the front of a large mirror and began to comb her hair.

"Thanu..." Devika was not prepared for this.

"I won't listen to anything today! Let me dress you up to my heart's content!" Suthanu braided Devika's hair, put it into a bun and decked it with strings of Jasmine and gem-studded hairpins. Staring at the new look, the daughter smiled in satisfaction. Devika had not worn any ornaments on her hair except the chudamani, since thirteen years! She did not even use to tie her beautiful tresses with enough care.