Anupama stood at the gates of the Lakshmi Vilas Palace as Anuj's maternal aunt performed the rituals before the bride officially entered her husband's house. GK had wanted to complete these rituals in Ahmedabad, back in their home. But Samarjitsingh had reasoned. Anuj was going to be crowned prince. The palace was going to be Anupama's rightful house. GK had relented, happy with the way things had turned out.

Anuj's Mami, the current queen of Baroda, Radhika Raje twirled the prayer plate in front of the new couple and anointed their foreheads with vermillion. She then gestured for one of the palace helpers, who brought a large pot with rice and placed it near the door.

"Kick the pot and place your right foot inside, dear," she told Anupama. "Welcome to your new home." She then placed a plate filled with a new dress, new jewelry, and shagun cash in Anupama's hands.

"Tomorrow is a big day. Wear this." Anu nodded, kicking the rice pot and entering the palace along with Anuj by placing her right foot inside.

As she continued to walk through the majestic hallway, to the room that had been allocated to Anupama and Anuj, the palace help began throwing rose petals in her path to receive the new bride and soon-to-be princess of Baroda.

She remembered her last welcome ceremony when Leela had barely managed to complete the rituals before turning around and retiring to her room feigning a headache. What a contrast. Tears of joy spilled forth. Anuj, who'd noticed the stray drop near her eye, raised his eyebrow in question.

She shook her head and smiled. Moving closer to Anuj, she told him, "I love you." He smiled at that and replied: "I know." Amidst one of the most poignant moments of her life, Anupama burst out laughing.

*****

Anuj and Anupama's reception was to be held at the Darbar Hall Lawns of the palace, the place where the erstwhile Maharaja had held court with the public. The outdoor venue was beautifully decorated with streaming lights and canopies, exotic flowers imported from all over the world, the royal crest hanging at regular intervals proudly showcasing to the world that Anuj and Anupama Kapadia were one of them.

Dressed in a golden lehenga with a zardosi blouse, the stole draped across her back and tucked at her waist, diamond jewelry shimmering from head to toe, her eyes darkened with kohl, lips painted plum pink, hair let down with flowers woven throughout creating an intricate pattern, Anupama looked ethereal. Anuj contrasted in a black kurta pajama topped with a black Nehru jacket encrusted with golden motifs. Both Anuj and Anupama wore heavily embroidered golden jutti footwear to complete their ensemble.

As Anuj came to collect his bride, he looked at her and smiled. But the golden flecks in his eyes had begun to disappear. Anu walked up to him and tiptoed and gently pressed a kiss on his cheek.

"Shall we, husband?"

His eyes turned a stormy grey. She laughed and looped her arms through his. Together they walked out to the thundering cheer from the global diaspora. As the two mingled with their guests, all prominent personalities from their fields, Anu had a surreal feeling that all of this was a dream, that she would wake up in her one-bedroom apartment in Ghatlodiya, only to have this very beautiful dream of hers end.

"Pinch me," she told Anuj. He looked at her quizzically.

"Pinch me," she urged. He brought his fingers close to her hand and pinched her upper arm.

"Ouch," she squealed. And then smiled. It wasn't a dream. She looked up at the sky and thanked her Kanhaji. "Thank you," she told the universe, "for taking care of everyone. But more than that, thank you for taking care of me."

*****

It was past 1 am by the time Anuj and Anupama had retired for the night. They had an early morning the next day. The Panditji had announced the Muhurat for the crowning ceremony to be at 7 am. The couple was expected to get up at 4 am to offer prayers to the family's deity before the ceremony would begin.

As the two changed out of their reception clothes and made their way to lie down to rest, they both had a smile on their face.

"Finally," Anuj said.

"Finally," Anu replied.

Anuj spread his arm out and Anu willingly moved closer and placed her head on his arm. Anuj wrapped his arm around her form, picking on her mangal sutra. Both didn't know when exhaustion took over and the two drifted asleep only to be woken up by the shrill sound of Anupama's phone alarm three hours later.