Chapter 19 : Married

The setting sun was somehow a very therapeutic sight. There was a strange sort of calm to it. The deep orange circle in the sky had scattered its golden all around the sky. The sky had so many hues at each level. The golden just above the horizon, a light higher it was pink, a layer above that was almost a pinkish purple and finally it was and infinity of dark blue. The sun was slowly sinking lower trying to disappear behind the green of the coconut trees in the distance. 

Aadarsh picked up the bottle of beer raising it up to his lips. He could here the music and laughter behind him. Abhi and Rohan had been very excited to party in the beach town. However, all Aadarsh wanted was quiet, some time to himself. 

His phone beeped for the third time and he finally picked it up. It was a message from Ashvi. He opened the chat window, surprised to find photographs there. The first was of Ruhaani smiling and posing while at each of her hand was a mehendi artist at work. He swiped to the next which was a photo of his sister, where she was getting mehendi done on her left hand while winking and posing for the picture. He instantly smiled. The third was a group picture. His aunts, siblings, Dai Jaan, Pari, Arti and Ruhaani's aunt were all around her. He zoomed on the picture. Pari who was seated on Ruhaani's lap seemed to be looking elsewhere. 

His gaze drifted to his bride. She looked happy. He sighed. He was yet to work out the dynamics of their relationship. How did people do arranged marriages and be happy? 

He quickly replied—gorgeous pictures and powered off his screen keeping his phone aside. His gaze going back to the setting sun which was more than half gone. The sound of the waves felt so soothing. It had been a while since he had been to the beach. 

He couldn't get himself to be a tad bit of excited for the wedding. The boy who had always dreamed of the most happening wedding was here by the shore, all by himself drinking beer while his wedding functions had started in full swing. What a pity! 

When he was sixteen, his mother used to tease him that she would love his wife a little more than she loved him. Then he would pretend to be annoyed and tell her he'd never marry if that was the case. She would laugh it off saying– we will see when time comes. 

When he was dating Siddhi, almost everyone had been sure they'd end up marrying, his mother included. They used to be so famous as the high-school sweethearts in the friends and family circle. Frankly, even he believed it. He never thought of anyone except her in that light. They used to be crazy about each other. He knew her better than he knew himself. She inspired him, she was absolutely beautiful and smart. They had their fair share of teasing each other about their future. It was as though there was never any doubt about them being together in future.

Yet here he was in the future, alone, ready to marry a woman he barely knew. What a horrible plot twist!

* * *

Red was a very powerful color. It was intense. However, it's meaning changed based on the context. It could mean danger, evil and be the color of devil himself or it could mean love, passion and represent heart in it's entirety. However, today it's meaning was marriage. 

She wore a red bridal skirt and blouse with an intricate golden thread work and embroidery. The dupatta had been draped tightly across the front like a sari's pallu with one end tucked in the front of the skirt. Over it, she wore the deep red chunari with the zari work that she had received as part of the shagun. It was fixed above her hair that had been neatly tucked into a bun. A few strands had been curled with great effort and left to hang close to her ear. It was his mother's bridal dress that she had adorned. A crimson lip color had been very carefully applied on her lips by the make-up artist. The set of bangles on both her hands were red too. And so was the simple, tiny, traditional, circle shaped bindi that was placed exactly between her eyebrows.

There was red everywhere in different shades. The translucent drapes around the mandap were a faint shade of red. The bricks of the holy fire pit were a deep orange red too. The garlands were mostly made of white flowers with red ones in between catching the attention.

As a teenager, it always intrigued her why brides were associated with the color red. Why were their bangles, their attire, the color of vermillion red? One fine day when she was at the local library, she had decided to do some of her own research. Usually no one touched books on religion and culture except people doing a PhD on those topics. Even she didn't, her preference was and would always be fiction, stories. However that day she went to the shelf to look for answers. After spending an hour, she had found some possible answers.

Apparently, according to the astrology, the colour of Mars was red and Mars was considered to be the planet in charge of marriage of women. That quite didn't convince her so she digged a bit more, to find something more digestible. And then she did. 

In Hinduism, red colour was considered a symbol of Goddess Lakshmi. This is because Goddess Lakshmi was always seen wearing the red sindoor, bindi and bangles. And it was fitting for the bride to follow suit as according to the scriptures, when a man and woman were performing the marriage rituals they were supposed to signify Vishnu and Lakshmi. The union that preserved and flourished the human race. 

As she walked down the aisle to the mandap, her eyes fell on her groom. Dressed in a beige sherwani and churidar with a red stole hanging on his shoulder, he looked particularly pleasingto the eyes. A turban made of cloth that was predominantly beige with red and golden patterns, sat on his head adding to his already magnificent height. She was surprised how much they complimented each other's look. Now she understood why Badi Bua needed her lehenga to select Aadarsh's attire. 

As she reached the mandap, he held his hand out to her. She smiled as she was supposed to and placed her hand in his. Their eyes met as they both felt the stark difference in the temperatures of their skin. While hers were cold his were warm like he had been basking them in the heat of the holy fire. 

She slowly climbed up and stood beside him.  A round of applause went around. They were both asked to sit. She struggled a bit with the bridal skirt but Arti and Badi Bua were there to help her. They had already made her practice it during the dress trial. 

Ruhaani forgot the hunger pangs she had been having as a result of fasting since the morning, she forgot the headache that had been bothering her as a consequence of the former. Her gaze was fixated on the fire.

Fire, it signified purity and death. It signified sacrifice and loss. It signified nurturing  and destruction. It was one of the primary five elements. The scriptures said that all matter is composed of five basic elements, the pancha bhutas. Fire seemed to be most powerful of them. Scientifically, it was a powerful form of energy, both light and heat. 

It was fire that had consumed her parents and Harsh. Some people said that fire was only a channel. A channel to communicate with Gods. That's why after death people were submitted to the fire. So that their souls reached God. She had heard a lot of mystic stories. She had pursued a lot of mystics in search for answers. The only answer she ultimately got was it was all God's plan— birth and death, and everything in between. She had to just trust that he was doing what was best for her.

Her incessant thoughts were interrupted by the Pandit Ji's request to place her hand in her groom's hand. Her uncle and aunt came forward for that ritual. They placed her hand in his. Ruhaani's eyes met his. This time she found it hard to even fake a smile. The gravity of the situation was hitting hard. She was being given in marriage to the man. Henceforth she'd belong with him, be his family.

He gave her a brief nod and then looked ahead. Her palm was cradled in his as the Pandit Ji began placing flowers, rice and other things related to the ritual in both their hands.

Aadarsh smiled as his Badi Bua came forward with the pink scarf and put it around his shoulders. One end of that scarf was tied to the chunri Ruhaani wore, that once belonged to his mother. He eyed the knot. It so aptly described their lives, two different scarfs tied together. Their gaze met once again.

The ceremony had particularly moved very slowly. Any other day, Aadarsh would have been yawning incessantly. However today he was paying attention. Listening to the significance of everything. His mother had once told him that marriage ceremony was like the details of a contract, one had to understand what one was singing up for. Almost everything had a significance.

Finally, they were asked to stand up for the pheras— rounds around the sacred fire that signified the seven vows. A vow to be responsible for the welfare for each other and their family, a vow to protect each and other and family. A promise to be loyal to each other. A vow to complete each other and raise a family together. A vow to cherish each other, be each other's companion through thick and thin. 

She turned at him as they completed their seven vows. They were asked to finish the last part of the ceremony by marking the kumkum in her hair partition and making her wear the nuptial chain around the neck. It signified the solemnizing of the vows. Finally, the garlands were exchanged and the marriage was declared complete. 

By the end of it, Ruhaani was merely functioning like a robot. The moment he bent to touch someone's feet to seek their blessings, she followed the suit. Their scarfs were still tied together. Occasionally his hand reached out to hold hers as he moved ahead. She was grateful he did that, because could barely move on her own. She was hungry and tired, she could barely function on her own.

After an exhausting hour of recieving blessings and well wishes, getting photographs clicked with each other, family and a few close relatives, they were finally ushered to a private room to break their fast. It was already a few minutes past five on the clock. Thankfully, there was just Badi Bua in the room with them. Hot food was brought into the room by the waiter.

"Aadarsh, they didn't have khichdi, so it's curd rice for you. I have ordered dal chaawal too. Ruhaani beta, there's roti and sabzi too, if you need anything specifically let me know. I thought it was best for you both to have something simple since you've been fasting since the morning."

"It's perfect, thank you." Ruhaani said, managing a smile despite the headache. The chunri on her head was now getting difficult to handle.

"Bua, can I take this off," she pointed to the chunri on her head.

"Of course, let me help you," The woman said getting to her side. While the older lady helped her until the heavy piece of scarf from her head she noticed Aadarsh pop in a medicine. He glanced at her after gulping the water. He arranged the plates. 

"There you go," Badi Bua said. 

"Thank you," Ruhaani said gratefully as she watched the other woman fold the heirloom.

"You both eat here, just call nine on the landline for the restaurant and hundred for help desk if you need anything. I will be back in fifteen minutes."

Ruhaani nodded, "where's Pari? I didn't see her around." Her daughter had been excitedly watching everything sitting beside Arti when the ceremony started. But Ruhaani had no clue when she had disappeared.

"Oh she's with Sarla. She had dozed off. So Sarla took her along to her room."

"Okay," Ruhaani said, grateful that she could depend on Dai Jaan in such matters.

"Don't worry. Now Pari is officially our family's little one, you should get used to her being with the others. The little girl already rules everyone's hearts."

Ruhaani smiled as the woman disappeared. Badi Bua had been the one handling everything from rituals to what was supposed to be done at what time. She was the one in charge.

"Are you okay, you took the medicine so ..." Ruhaani spoke up, helping herself to a roti and some of the sabzi.

"Yeah, it's just to prevent acidity later." He said pouring some of the dal into a bowl.

"Was it the first time you fasted?"

"As far as I can remember, yes." He answered taking some of the rice in his plate. Their words paused their as they hungrily focused on eating.

At one point, she coughed a bit and he poured some water in a glass for her and then additionally gave her a few tissues. But not a word was spoken.

Ruhaani couldn't help but reflect on everything that had happened since the morning. The haldi ceremony early in the morning to the marriage ceremony in the afternoon. Thankfully, the weather was pleasant and the hotel had also arranged for air coolers near the mandap. 

Once she was done with her lunch, she slowly walked over to the washroom to wash her hands.  She was already counting minutes until she could change into something more comfortable, preferably some sleepwear. She wanted the day to be over soon. She just wanted to sleep. She wasn't able to sleep last night as well.

As she looked up at the mirror, she met a new sight. She looked so different. The curls framing her face had turned into waves. The dark make up highlighted her eyes and lips. However it was the stark red kumkum in her hair and the nuptial chain around her neck that stood out.

She went back to that moment when Aadarsh had leaned closer to tie the chain of black beads with a gold pendant studded with tiny diamonds, around her neck. He had struggled with it's hook for a bit. She was forced to lean closer to make it easy for him while Arti had held back the dupatta to help him. She could hear his breath in that moment. Her own lips were so close to his cheeks. The ceremony somehow made them a bit more intimate. He had even held her hand throughout the vows. 

She took a deep breath, gazing at her reflection. She was a married woman again. She just hoped this chapter of her life was kind to her. Kindness was all she asked for.

* * *

Thankfully, Ruhaani was sent to the room she had occupied before to change into something comfortable. She had the assistance of another makeup artist who helped her get out of the dress and take off her makeup. She had even taken a thirty minute nap after changing into her pajamas and t-shirt. 

It was about seven in the evening when she had changed into a deep read anarkali dress. This time she had left her hair open. Her hair parted in the middle, still displaying the kumkum from the morning. She wore all the jewelry Badi Bua had left behind in her room for her. A gold necklace with studded diamonds that had matching earrings. Along with that neck piece she wore her nuptial chain.

She had popped in a pill for her headache. It was just family time on the schedule for the night. The wedding reception was going to be held on the following evening; Ruhaani couldn't be anymore grateful for that. She was ready before time and decided to head out. As soon as she stepped out into the passageway she was greeted by the kids running around.

"Hello lovely people," she greeted. The three of them immediately turned to her.

"Mumma!" Pari squealed running to her. She appeared well groomed, her hair had been set properly with clips holding back her bangs. She wore a fresh set of clothes.

"DJ helped you get ready?" Ruhaani asked, getting down to her daughter's height to kiss her forehead. 

Her daughter nodded. "She also painted my nails," the girl grinned and displayed her fingers to her mother.

"Bhabhi, you looked so pretty today." Mukti gushed reaching her side.  "Like an Indian queen." Ruhaani beamed, just the sight of the smiling girls had lifted up her sprirts.

"Nirvaan, did you enjoy the function?"She asked noticing him walk up to her but stay quietly aside.

He shrugged, "people were overdressed and it was boring."

"I agree," she said with a grin. "What did you kids eat?" She asked engaging them in a conversation as they walked down the passageway. They told her about all the food in the buffet, about taking photographs. Apparently the twins already knew where they were supposed to go for the evening's family dinner.

"Where is your Bade Bhaiya, Mukti?" She asked as they neared the hall, it didn't look appropriate for her to go by herself. Maybe she should tag along with her just turned husband. 

"He's in his room. He was getting ready." Mukti asked.

"Let's go get him then, shall we?" She suggested.

"Uh, he knows the way to here." Nirvaan spoke up. "Or he's smart enough to find it."

"Yes, definitely," Ruhaani answered. "But maybe he will appreciate our company. How about you go tell Badi Bua I am ready and here?"

"Okay," the boy said marching down the corridor and taking the right. 

"I will go too" Pari said and ran behind him. 

"I can come with you, Bhabhi," Mukti smiled at Ruhaani. Ruhaani blinked at her, beaming and held her hand.

In a minute, they were on the upper floor where Aadarsh's suite was. Ruhaani knocked at the door that was slightly open, it was going to be her room tonight. So far she had successfully tried to not think about it and focus on other stuff. But now, all she could thing of was the impeding night where she had to shared a bed with him and then the  following every night henceforth.

"It's open!" His voice came.

She stepped into his room, greeted by the chilled air of the room. He turned around from the vanity, picking up his phone. A look of surprise came over him and then passed just as quickly upon seeing her.

"Hi," she said awkwardly. Her brain choosing the moment to remind her that the man dressed in the beige kurta pajama was her husband now. He looked a tad bit more handsome in Indian wear.

"Hey," he said and his gaze slowly took her in. Only if he had to be entirely honest,  would he admit that she actually looked gorgeous in her bridal look. Her face was radiant and she somehow looked perfect. However, all the grandeur was gone now. She stood before him in a red anarkali dress with a dupatta hanging on her shoulder. Her hair was left open. She still wore the huge set of bangles in her hand. Red suited her, he thought to himself.

"I thought we could go down together," she said softly, letting her gaze look around the room. She looked up at the air conditioner that displayed the digits eighteen. Seems like he was already missing Delhi winter.

"Sure, I am ready," he said and quickly wore his footwear.

"Bua said you both will always stay together like she and Phupha ji do. So Bhaiya's room will be your room right, Bhabhi?"

"Yes it will," Ruhaani answered with a smile masking her hesitation. Her gaze flitted over to look at her new husband.

"Let's go?" He said, not showing any reaction whatsoever. She nodded, wondering whether it—getting no reaction—was a good thing or bad.

"Where is Pari?" He asked as he shut the door to his suite and walked down the passageway. 

"She's with Nirvaan. They have gone to tell Badi Bua that Bhabhi is ready."

He nodded, his gaze moving to Ruhaani.

"Can we go to the beach tomorrow?" Mukti asked her brother.

"We should ask Badi Bua, she is the one who decideseverythingon this trip." He said.

"Okay, but you will come right?"

"Of course." He answered.

"And Bhabhi you?" Mukti asked.

"Of course " She repeated Aadarsh's answer. They were still walking down the passageway to the lift when Aadarsh got a call and slowed down while the other two continued ahead talking. Soon he caught up with them, finishing his call quickly.

"What's a honeymoon?" Mukti asked Ruhaani looking up at her. 

Ruhaani was momentarily stumped. She glanced at Aadarsh who looked at her curiously. Recovering from her tongue-tied daze she spoke up, "I don't know. Ask your brother."

He stared at her, it was a borderline glare. She shrugged. He looked down at Mukti. "Where did you hear that?"

"Abhi Bhaiya and Ashvi Di were talking about it."

"It's another word for a vacation."

"Oh, then I want to go on a honeymoon too. You are going on a honeymoon, right?"

Ruhaani pressed her lips together, turning to the metal wall of the lift to hide her amusement that she was sure was all over her face.

"So, honeymoon is a special kind of vacation that people who get newly married go on. Let's use the word vacation. It sounds better that way."

"Okay, but where are you going on vacation?" His sister asked.

"No where," thankfully the lift doors opened and they were greeted by the Desais.

"Oh, here they are." Badi Bua said with a smile.

"Hum tum kamre bando ho," Phupha Ji hummed only to get chuckles from everyone. 

"Offo, Let's get going then," Badi Bua said walking ahead towards the hall that they had booked for the evening, pulling along her husband. Ruhaani followed them holding Mukti's hand.

Pari quietly held Aadarsh's hand while Nirvaan walked ahead with Dai Jaan.

Aadarsh looked down at her and smiled. In one swift move, he picked her up in his arms. "And where have you been?"

"Everywhere!" She answered with a giggle.

He smiled, gently pulling her cheeks.

"So now, you're my Papa, pakka pakka?"

"Yes," he answered wearing a smile. 

"Will you tell me bed time story today then?"

"Hmm, will you give me a kiss on my cheek today?" He asked thoughtfully.

"Mumma and teacher say, we must not." She argued.

"Yes, but now I am your Papa right? Ask mumma about it okay?"

"Okay." She said and in the next few seconds, "Mumma!" She shouted loudly. Aadarsh's eyes went wide in surprise. 

"Not now, Pari," he said and then looked at everyone turning to look behind at them. 

"Why are you screaming?" Ruhaani asked walking back to them while others moved ahead.

"Can I kiss Papa?"

Ruhaani blinked surprised at her question. She looked at her daughter and then at her husband. She was a bit hesitant. It wasn't like she didn't trust Aadarsh. She did. However, their fast forming bond was a bit hard to digest.

"Can she?" He asked.

"Of course," she said and then turned to her daughter, "you can, he's your Papa, he is a safe person."

Happy at hearing that, Pari quickly pressed her lips on his cheek. He immediately beamed turning to her.  Ruhaani looked on, her lips curving up. Pari looked so happy. It was heartwarming to see that Aadarsh reflected the little girl's affection. 

"Done, now you'll tell me a story?" Pari asked.

"Yes!" He said and Ruhaani turned walking ahead, giving them their moment. Why was Aadarsh impolite and hostile and non-soft with her? With all the ladies around he was such a perfect warm gentleman.

* * * 

The dinner had been anything but a quiet affair. While Ruhaani chose eating a little from the sane plate she fed Pari from, Aadarsh just ate some papaya and apple. They both were still full from their very late lunch. Everyone had so much to talk about— the decor, the arrangements, the service, the food and the guests. Ruhaani and Aadarsh had both been quiet listeners throughout.

As a new family member, she received gifts from everyone in the family. Abhimanyu gifted her a watch, Ashvi presented her with a customized make-up kit. The Desais had gifted her a pair of gold earrings. Shelly Bua bought her a summer dress. Mukti had bought her a bracelet while Nirvaan gave her a set of books. 

Ruhaani was surprised when she saw that it was a Jane Austen collection. She remembered fleetingly mentioning her favorite  author to him once when they were having a conversation about reading but didn't expect him to remember and think as far as giving her that as a gift. She was curious to know who helped the lids buy their gift. Her best bet was Dai Jaan. Dai Jaan had gifted her a saree. 

Finally, everyone had turned to Aadarsh and the room had gone quiet. His Badi Bua had then handed him a velvet box. He had opened it before her to reveal a pair of gold bangles.  "These belonged to my mom and before that my grandmother, now it's yours." he said softly.

She smiled, accepting the box, when Phupha Ji asked him to make her wear them.

Aadarsh didn't have any reason to argue, so he picked up one bangle in his right hand and held out his left hand for her. She placed his hand in hers, aware of all the eyes that were looking at them. She managed to smile, as he held her hand slowly holding her fingers together in a firm grip and using the other hand to push the bangle down her knuckles. She gasped, moving forward a bit as the edge of the bangle lightly bruised the side of her palm. His eyes flew up to hers, he looked apologetically at her. She forced a smile. As the bangle was now around her wrist. He took the other one and slipped it onto her left hand as well. This time making sure he was more careful even if it that meant he had to hold her hand longer.

"Thank you," she whispered. He nodded as everyone clapped. 

About more than three hours later, when it was time to retire to respective rooms the whole debate about where Pari would sleep started. Ruhaani had thought she could quietly take Pari along. It would diffuse the tension in air that was bound to be present with Aadarsh and her in a single room. However, the others already had other plans. Arti, Bali Bua, her own Chaachi, and DJ all were up for taking Pari along to their room for the night.

"We can all sleep together," Mukti had suggested. Dai Jaan was in a room with the twins.  And that was all Pari needed to forget about listening to a bedtime story from her new father. "You can tell me a story tomorrow!" Pari had said to convince him.

"Absolutely!" Abhi had remarked. "Today you can just tell your wife a nice bedtime story." The adults had all chuckled while Ruhaani had looked away embarrassed and Aadarsh had glared at his brother. 

Ruhaaani had entered the suite with a bag that had her clothes. Aadarsh had closed the door behind her causing her to momentarily close her eyes. As she opened her eyes, she saw the bed that had been decorated with a few petals. Two swans made of towels were placed on the bed such that they together made a heart shape. The top of the backrest of the bed had also been decorated with roses. 

Aadarsh stood beside her looking at the bed. The room had been transformed in his absence. The luggage had been neatly arranged, the wet towels had been removed,  the bedsheets were changed and the room had been decorated. There was also champagne and two flutes on the table by the single sofas. His eyes finally rested on the ottoman by the bed where a big box wrapped in gift paper was placed.

"The gift?" She asked turning to him.

"I don't know where it came from," he answered walking up to ottoman. He picked up  the card placed above the gift box, that read in a fancy handwriting— Wishing you a lifetime of love and happiness. He opened the card to find another piece of text written which read—

Dear Mr & Mrs Sehgals,

A little gift from all of us to make your day special. 

–Your Well-wishers

He turned to look at her as she stepped beside him peeping at the card. He handed it over to her eyeing the gift box. This looked like an elaborate prank plan.

"Who do you think left this?" She asked.

He sighed. "I see as much as you. I don't know." 

Ruhaani took a deep breath and let his annoyance pass by. She'd need more patience than she thought with him. She settled on the ottoman and quietly began unwrapping the gift.

Aadarsh was curious to know what was inside the box but he had a hunch it was something far from decent. However, he quietly watched her open the box. It was finally when she was about to open the cardboard box that he spoke up, "it might be something, inappropriate."

She looked up at him. "Gee, thanks for telling. I didn't think about that." Stating that she went ahead and used her nail extensions to tear through the tape. Finally, some use of the otherwise inconvenient accessory. 

Curious Aadarsh stepped forward and looked down at the box that seemed to be filled with various things. He first spotted a pair of fancy handcuffs. Then the boxes of flavored condoms of a popular premium brand. There were also some assorted chocolates. And finally a packet that seemed to have some lace sort of black thing. He wasn't surprised at all.

She looked up at him, her cheeks reflecting the color of her dress very evidently.

"Told you," he muttered picking up one chocolate from the box. She watched him open the wrapper. She gazed at everything inside the box with her cheeks flushed. This was way more than she expected. Wondering who could be behind the elaborate gift idea, she picked the chivolate wrapped in dark brown wrapper and then shut the box. He had walked over to sit on the sofa as he ate his chocolate.

She sat quietly eating her own, looking around the room. Her eyes settled on the big bed. She needed a good sleep tonight. Her gaze then moved back to Aadarsh who was busy unwrapping the wrapper the chocolate bar completely. There was pin drop silence in the room, so intense that it was almost deafening after all the noise. 

"Pick your side," he said finally looking at her.

About twenty minutes later, Ruhaani had changed into a comfortable pair of pajamas and full sleeve t-shirt. She had picked the warmest night suit she had when she had gone to fetch her clothes for the night. The room was freezing cold just like her husband's personality. She climbed onto the left side of the bed and slipped inside the covers after dusting off the petals.  "Good night!" She said aloud, as he still sat on the sofa scrolling through his phone. 

He looked up at her. "Good night!" He repeated. 

• — • — •

Looking forward to your comments and thoughts.

Next : Tuesday

—Anami!♡