VANYA'S pov

As we started our journey to Rudransh’s village, I couldn't help but feel nervous yet curious.

The car ride was silent, with Rudransh deep in his own thoughts. I glanced out of the window, watching the city fade into green fields and quiet villages.

It was beautiful and calming in a way I hadn’t expected.

I was staring at him
Please start some conversation..a simple hy will work too please..!!

NOT INTERESTED- Noted

After some time, I feel an urge to use washroom but I don't know to ask him.

More than it was so embarrassing plus unromantic to have a our first convo on restroom.

Oh god Vanya I hate u !!

But I can't wait either so I decided to worked up the courage to speak. I said softly, “Rudransh ji…” but my voice felt small, barely reaching him.

He didn’t respond at first, and I wondered if he’d even heard me.

Please don't make it more hard..

Gathering my courage, I tried again, “Rudransh ji… I need to use the restroom.” This time, he blinked, as though snapping out of his thoughts, and asked the driver to stop at the next dhaba.

He pointed to the restroom, and I quickly went in.

After freshening up and a quick touch-up, I took a steadying breath and stepped out.

Ohh dear lord he is looking irresistible hot while leaning to car door..

I moved to him and he asked hesitantly I wanted something to eat.

Yes , I wanted to eat how I could say no to food.
I thought about it but decided to wait, not knowing what customs I’d have to observe once we reached his family home. “No, I should probably wait,” I replied. “I might have to follow some rituals, but you can eat if you’re hungry.”

He simply nodded, then walked toward the dhaba.

Hey Mr. Tanwar what about meri biwi nhin khayegi to mein bhi nhin kahungi???

I didn't want to see him eating so decided to sat in car until he eats alone.
But no as I opened the door he commanded to be with him.

Okay I have to see how you enjoy
food- Noted

But this silence and aroma of hot ksdhi kachodi was making it impossible to sit silently.

So, I stepped out and wandered a little toward a nearby field. The sunrise was breathtaking—the sky a blend of pink and orange, casting a warm light over the fields.

I lifted my veil slightly, letting the cool morning breeze touch my face, savoring a rare, peaceful moment. The air was filled with the sounds of early morning birds, and for a moment, I forgot all my worries.

A soft cough behind me made me turn quickly, adjusting my veil as Rudransh came back, ready to continue our journey.

He had a calm look in his eyes as he waited, and I followed him back to the car, feeling strangely comforted that he hadn’t left me alone.

After some time, we finally reached the village estate. The welcome waiting for us was more grand than I’d expected. The entrance was decorated with marigold garlands, and colorful rangoli patterns spread across the floor.

Dadi Sa, Maa Sa, and Taiji stood there, beaming with pride and happiness. They were dressed in traditional Rajasthani clothes, each holding a silver thali to bless us as we entered.

There were drums playing, songs filling the air, and villagers smiling, making the whole moment feel magical.

When I stepped onto the red carpet, a feeling of warmth washed over me. I was nervous, but seeing everyone gathered, welcoming me so warmly, I felt a small sense of belonging.

This was all new and overwhelming, yet somehow, I felt like this was exactly where I was meant to be.

I touched the feet of the elders to take their blessings. Then Dadi Sa called over a girl and asked her to guide me to my room.

As I walked through the haveli, I was in awe of its beauty. The interior was a perfect blend of royal and modern touches, with each detail exuding elegance.

The hallway had sparkling chandeliers, rich curtains, and intricate paintings on the walls. In the center, there was a stunning fountain with lotus flowers, which instantly became my favorite spot.

The girl leading me finally stopped and said, "Baisa, this is your room."

The door looked like it belonged in a palace, and as she opened it, I stepped inside, marveling at the luxurious room.

It was beyond what I had imagined. From the grand bed to the ornate almirah, each piece of furniture radiated a royal vibe.

The girl then joined her hands and said, "Khamma Ghani, Baisa! I’m Tara, caretaker and special maid of Hukum—your Dadi Sa. I'm her favorite and know everything about this haveli and the whole village. If you ever need anything, just call me, and I’ll be here."

Her lively and talkative nature surprised me; she managed to share so much in just a few minutes. But I already liked her energy.

"Baisa, are you listening?" she asked, breaking my thoughts. "Do you need anything?"

I chuckled and replied, "You’re adorable, Tara! Just tell me where the bathroom is—I need to freshen up."

She winked and, with her hands on her waist, said, "Baisa, grab your clothes and come with me."

Raising an eyebrow at her confidence, I grabbed my clothes from my suitcase and followed her with a smile.

Tara led me through another beautifully decorated corridor until we reached a grand, traditional door.

She pushed it open to reveal a luxurious snan grih, or bathhouse, that took my breath away.

The room was like something out of an old Rajasthani palace, with intricate carvings on the walls and a large, sunken pool in the center.

The pool was surrounded by delicate stone pillars and filled with clear, warm water, floating with rose petals and fresh lotus flowers.

Soft sunlight filtered in through a high, latticed window, casting gentle patterns over the water.

"This is your hamam, Baisa," Tara said proudly, her voice echoing slightly in the spacious room.

"The water is already warmed, and the flowers are fresh from the garden. Wait here for some sec .”

As I stood there, still mesmerized by the beauty of the snan grih, Tara re-entered with a soft, white cotton cloth in her hands. She smiled gently and said, “Baisa, let me help you.”

With graceful movements, Tara wrapped the cloth around me, securing it comfortably around my body.

"Now you’re ready, Baisa," Tara said with a smile, stepping back.

As I stepped closer to the pool, the light fragrance of jasmine and rose scented oil filled the air, blending with the earthy smell of sandalwood and turmeric.

Tara carefully poured a few drops of the scented oil into the water, creating a soft, inviting aroma that drifted around the room, instantly relaxing me.

She placed a bowl of sandalwood and turmeric paste near the edge of the pool, explaining, “This is what we use instead of soap, Baisa. It will soften and brighten your skin.”

Next to it, she set a small jar of soapnut paste, showing me how to use it as a gentle shampoo.

The simplicity and natural richness of each ingredient felt timeless, as if I’d stepped into a ritual preserved for generations.

Gently, I sank into the cool water, feeling it embrace me as the fragrance settled around me like a calming blanket.

Tara left me to enjoy this moment in privacy, and as I applied the sandalwood and turmeric paste, I felt deeply connected to this new place, the traditions, and the history surrounding me.

After my relaxing bath, I returned to my room and stood by the window, enjoying the peaceful view of the garden as I dried my hair.

The morning sun lit up the flowers, and a gentle breeze made the leaves sway softly.

Just then, a knock on the door pulled me from my thoughts. Tara entered, carrying a small pot from which delicate, fragrant smoke was rising.

I had seen something like this in movies, but it was my first time seeing it up close.

Before I could ask, Tara set the pot down and guided me to a chair. "Baisa, this is sambrani," she said, already answering every question I had in mind.

"It has neem leaves powder, coconut oil, mahua oil, rose powder, sandalwood powder, honey, cow ghee, all burned together. It will calm you and make your hair smell heavenly."

I couldn’t help but smile, both at her thorough explanation and her cheerful energy.

As she finished, Tara smiled proudly. “You’re all set, baisa. Everyone’s eagerly waiting to see you,” she said, her eyes sparkling.

I glanced in the mirror, noticing a soft glow on my face and the light, natural fragrance in my hair.

I asked Tara, "What rituals and things do I have to do today?"

She was about to answer when Maa Sa entered with a warm smile. "Vanya beta, you're glowing!" she exclaimed, holding a beautiful lehenga choli and matching jewelry.

"Here, I brought this for you."

Handing the outfit to me, she added, "Today, we have a special puja arranged by Maa Sa to welcome you.
And it’s also time for your pehli rasoi—your first meal prepared in the kitchen here."

Turning to Tara, Maa Sa instructed, "Tara, help Vanya get ready and then take her to the kitchen, okay? Be sure to assist her with anything she needs."

She gently caressed my head, her warmth comforting. "I’m here, beta. Call me if you need anything."

I smiled, grateful for her kindness, and she left. Tara then began helping me dress, preparing me for the important day ahead.

We entered the kitchen, and my jaw dropped—this was the largest kitchen I’d ever seen! Huge pots, enormous ladles, and every utensil seemed to be super-sized.

Curious, I asked Tara, "Why is everything so big? There are only a few of us to feed."

She smiled. "Baisa, these aren’t just for us. Every day, food is prepared in large quantities so people in need can come and eat here."

A warm pride filled me, knowing my new family was doing something so generous.

I decided to make suji ka halwa for my pehli rasoi, so I asked Tara for the ingredients. But she stopped me with a grin. "No, Baisa, today you need to cook in one of the big vessels. The whole village is here to welcome you and taste the food you prepare."

A wave of nervousness hit me. I was a good cook, but I’d never cooked for so many people, especially in such large pots. But I pushed away my nerves, determined. I asked the kitchen staff to bring everything I needed.

They set up the fire, and I began by pouring liters of ghee into the huge pot. Even the ladle felt heavy, much like my lehenga, but with Tara’s help, I managed.

Finally, I finished the halwa, garnishing it with pistachios and other dry fruits. It looked perfect, and I hoped it tasted just as good.

Then Maa Sa called us for the puja. Tara and I made our way to the large courtyard, beautifully decorated with fresh flowers, their fragrance filling the air.

Every family member had gathered, their faces glowing with joy.

I took my place beside my husband, who looked striking in his maroon kurta, his expression calm and serious.

Together, we performed the puja, offering prayers and blessings for our new beginning.

As the rituals concluded, I felt a mix of excitement and hope, wishing that everything would continue as smoothly as this moment.

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