Vrishali groaned as her hair kept slipping to the side. She took a moment to calm herself before gathering her hair and starting to braid the strands into a fishtail. Thanks to YouTube, she had finally learned how to drape a saree.

It felt effortless when she began draping the saree during her free time. She chose her mom's Kanchipuram saree and draped it herself. The only remaining task was to do her makeup, and she wanted to keep it simple.

There was a knock on the door before Padmanabh entered the room. She looked at him through his reflection in the mirror, noticing the stain on his shirt and wondering about it. 

He made a beeline towards the closet, not glancing at Vrishali. When he was done staring at the stain— He looked up and found Vrishali watching him. His eyes widened in surprise, but he quickly recovered. 

He paused mid-step, captivated by the sight of Vrishali. She was a vision of grace in her saree, yet her attention was elsewhere—drawn to the unsightly yellow stain marring his shirt. As he felt the lump rise in his throat, he couldn't help but gulp nervously. She had always possessed an enchanting beauty, but witnessing her elegance in that flowing fabric was a revelation, one he hadn't anticipated. 

She stood before him, a vision of beauty that eclipsed all others he had encountered. Among the many stunning women around him, none could compare to Vrishali. Her radiant presence left him utterly mesmerized, but he felt the weight of unspoken admiration pressing on his heart. Dressed in a flowing maroon saree that complemented her graceful figure, she seemed to embody elegance and charm, capturing his attention and igniting a sense of awe within him that he could hardly contain.

The attention was broken when Vrishali spoke. "What happened to your shirt?" Padmanabh glanced at his shirt. "Hmm— I bumped into a boy earlier. I'm not sure if he was holding turmeric in his hands. I believe I got the stain when I bumped into him."

"Oh, that doesn't look that bad, but the stain isn't going to wash away." Padmanabh hummed. He tried hard not to look at her for too long. They stared at each other for a few seconds before he broke the silence. 

"I will take a bath and get ready." Vrishali nodded. "Sure, don't mind. I'm almost done."

Vrishali watched as Padmanabh picked up his bag and went to the restroom, closing the door behind him. She took a deep breath before picking up her makeup and jewellery box. She finished her makeup and waited for Padmanabh in the living area. She clicked a few pictures to share with her parents, cousins and friends. 

Padmanabh deftly pushed the damp strands of his hair back from his forehead, the moisture clinging to his fingers as he fastened the elegant buttons of his luxurious silk jacket. The rich fabric shimmered softly against his crisp white kurta, creating a striking contrast. He glanced at the clock; time was slipping away, and he had no desire to waste it on a hair dryer. 

Preferring a more natural approach, he let his hair air dry in its unruly state, the cool breeze gently tousling it. He fastened his watch with purposeful movements, the metallic sheen catching the light as he prepared to step out into the day.

He glanced at the door when he heard the soft voice of Vrishali coming from the other side of the room. He was about to step out of the bedroom when his phone rang.

"Hello." He listened to the other side.

"We will be starting in twenty minutes. Everyone is ready. . .The vrath will be starting soon. Once the Vrath is done, we will leave for darshan," his mother's PA said.

"We will be there in five minutes."

When he was done, he picked up his wallet and went to the living room. Vrishali was on a video call. He stopped walking and watched her laugh. He couldn't see who she was Facetiming, so he just waited for her to finish her call. She looked simply beautiful.

"Listen, I will call you later in the evening."

"You better, and I love you," Hailey yelled, making Vrishali laugh. 

"Haha, I love you too." Padmanabh frowned but quickly changed his expression when Vrishali turned to face him. She took her time to check him out and let out a hum. 

"Are you ready?" 

"Yes." 

"They are waiting in the lobby." Vrishali looked at Padmanabh's back as he walked before her. She expected a little compliment, but sadly, he didn't quite notice her. 

As Padmanabh and Vrishali entered the elevator, the doors slid shut with a soft whoosh, sealing them inside the small, metallic chamber. They stood side by side, the dim overhead lights casting a warm glow around them as they waited for the elevator to glide down to the lobby. Padmanabh, his brow slightly furrowed in concentration, rhythmically tapped his fingers on his thigh, the soft percussion filling the otherwise silent space. 

Vrishali stole glances at him, her curiosity evident in how her eyes flickered back to his face. Yet, to her disappointment, Padmanabh remained quiet. The usual easy conversation felt distant, leaving an awkward stillness as the elevator steadily descended. 

As the elevator glided to a smooth stop at the lobby, Padmanabh waited anxiously. He stepped aside, allowing Vrishali to exit first. She emerged gracefully, draped in a beautifully patterned saree that accentuated her figure and adorned with delicate, simple jewellery that sparkled subtly in the soft lobby light.

 The sight of her took his breath away, causing his heart to throb with an intensity that caught him off guard. She radiated elegance and beauty, making it nearly impossible for him to concentrate on anything but her.

The whole family was waiting for them in the lobby area. Padmanabh and Vrishali caught everyone off guard as they walked side by side. Falguni Singh and Bhawani Singh shared a look before admiring the couple. Diya Kumari took her time observing Vrishali. She would be lying if she said Vrishali didn't look elegant. 

"Oh my— You look so pretty, dear," Falguni Singh said, patting Vrishali's hand. Vrishali's checks warmed up by the attention. "Thank you, Nani. . ." 

Narendra briefed them on the car scenario. Diya Kumari and Narendra Singh will be leaving in the first car. Padmanabh will drive the second car. Vrishali, Sawai Bhawani Singh and rajmatha Falguni Singh will be in the same car as Padmanabh. 

Padmanabh opened the car door for his grandparents before opening the passenger door for Vrishali. She was taken when he helped her get in and tucked in her saree as it fell outside. "Good?" 

"Yeah, thank you." They locked eyes for a moment. Padmanabh was just about to tell her she looked beautiful when a horn blared, interrupting their connection. He nodded at her before making his way to the driver's side. It took them about an hour and a half to reach the Vrath location.

The ghat road to the top of the seven hills was mesmerizing. Vrishali couldn't help herself as she captured dozens of videos on her phone. She indulged herself in the conversation with Falguni Singh and Bhawani Singh. 

Padmanabh helped Falguni Singh before helping Vrishali. Vrishali gently grasped Padmanabh's hand as she stepped out of the sleek SUV, feeling the warmth of his touch envelop her fingers. It was a subtle connection, but significant, marking the second time their hands had met. A delicate blush crept across her cheeks as Padmanabh leaned closer, carefully assisting her with the end of her saree that had become tangled between the cushioned seats. The soft fabric slipped through his fingers, and for a moment, their shared attention lingered on the small, intimate gesture.

"All good," he whispered and Vrishali made the mistake of looking up. They were close— Damn close as she could feel his breath fanning her face. Padmanabh's eyes widened for a second before he took a step back.

"Are you two good?" Falguni Singh asked. 

"Yes."

"Yeah." Falguni Singh smiled, pulling her phone out of the bag. "You two look wonderful together. Let me capture you two in a photo. Stand together." She didn't give them an option of saying anything as she already started clicking their pictures. 

Padmanabh stood tall beside Vrishali, his hands clasped neatly behind his back, and his shoulders squared with confidence. Vrishali positioned herself slightly in front of him, her bright smile radiating warmth as she posed for the camera. Padmanabh's expression remained composed and steady, embodying a calm and serene demeanour that complemented Vrishali's cheerful presence.

"Thank you, naniji," Vrishali replied, taking the phone from Falguni Singh. She looked through the pictures and couldn't help but admire how beautiful they appeared together. They would have been the 'hit couple' if they attended the university. They seemed calm and powerful as a pair.

"Are we going to stand here all day? The pandit is waiting," Diya Kumari said before walking. Vrishali passed the phone back to Falguni Singh. Everyone started walking. 

'At least his friends aren't here. . .' Vrishali thought. 

"Harika and Vijay are here," Padmanabh announced. "You invited them?" Bhawani Singh asked, looking at Padmanabh and Vrishali. 

"Yes."

"Good." Vrishali looked for Harika and Vijay. They were already at the Vrath alter waiting for everyone. Vrishali quickly scanned Harika from head to toe. She was wearing a saree, and her eyes were on Padmanabh. Vrishali looked away as anxiousness took over her mind. 

"Is she the one?" Vijay asked, and Harika hummed in response. "Wow, Padmanabh hit the jackpot. She's a goddess. No wonder why he was smitten with her." 

"Shut up."

"Okay?" Vijay said with frowned eyebrows as he observed Harika. 

The greetings were exchanged before Padmanabh and Vrishali sat on the wooden seats side by side. They are going to perform their first-ever Satyanarayana vrath. The vrath started with Ganesh puja. Diya Kumari sat in between her husband and Harika.

Once they were done with Vrath. Diya Kumari glanced at Harika. "Are you joining us for Darshan?"

"Yes, Aunty. Vijay and and I are joining." Diya Kumari nodded. "I would like to meet you in Jaipur."

"Okay, Aunty." 

*

Vrishali smiled and took the priest's blessings. While standing up, she bumped into Padmanabh. Padmanabh held on to Vrishali's arm, supporting her. "Careful." Vrishali held on to Padmanbh's arm and stood up straight. 

"Thank you," Vrishali replied, holding her saree. Vrishali smiled up at him as Falguni Singh called her. She walked up to where Falguni Singh was standing while Padmanabh went over to Vijay. 

"Why aren't you wearing sindoor?" Falguni Singh asked, gently holding Vrishali's chin. Vrishali gave an awkward look.  "I didn't bring my sindoor box," Vrishali replied. Falguni Singh shook her head and picked up the red sindoor plate.

"Pacho. . ." Rajmatha Falguni Singh called out. "Yes?" He walked over.

"Here, Vrishali forgot to apply the sindoor. Apply it on her forehead."

"Me?" 

"It's fine, I will apply it," Vrishali and Padmanabh spoke simultaneously. Rajmatha Falguni Singh laughed.

"Pacho, you are her husband. Apply it. . ."

Padmanabh reluctantly agreed and picked up the sindoor from the plate. As he attempted to apply it to Vrishali's forehead, just like at their wedding, some of the sindoor fell onto her nose. Vrishali made a funny face, reacting to the powder that landed on her. Falguni Singh laughed and patted Padmanabh's arm affectionately.

"Don't worry, Vrishali; it is said that if the sindoor falls on your nose, it means your husband will love you so much and protect you from evil."

"Love?" Vrishali muttered under her breath. 

"Did you say something?" Padmanabh asked Vrishali, handing her the hankie.

"No."

"Padmanabh, it's time for darshan," Harika said, walking up to where they were standing. Harika twisted her ankle and held on to Padmanabh, who was standing. Vrishali frowned her brows, getting an idea of what Harika was up to. 

"Thank you, Pacho." VVijay looked confused by Harika's behavior. They had never called Padmanabh by his nickname, and it was odd to see Harika using it so often. Vijay glanced between Harika and Vrishali, hoping that no drama would unfold.

*

Satyanarayanã means "The highest being who is an embodiment of Truth."

Vratã or Puja means a religious vow. Hindus perform Sri Satyanarayanã Vratã for the divine blessings of health, wealth, prosperity, opulence, education, relief from troubles and sickness.

It is also performed because of success in business or career growth during social functions like marriages, house-warming ceremonies, the naming of the children, and so on.

*

Hey everyone! I hope this message finds you all safe and happy. I recently embarked on an unforgettable solo trip to the stunning cities of Rajasthan from April 7 to April 14, 2021.

Jaipur, the Pink City, was an absolute marvel! The vibrant hues of the buildings and the intricate architecture left me in awe. I explored the magnificent City Palace, a testament to the grandeur of royal heritage. Walking through its opulent halls and lush courtyards, I was captivated by the rich history that radiates from its walls. 

One fascinating fact I discovered is that there is a real king, Sawai Padmanabh Singh, who is just 23 years old. While I didn't dive deeply into his story, I couldn't help but feel the pulse of tradition and modernity coexisting in this royal legacy. 

Despite the beauty surrounding me, my trip was unfortunately cut short due to the ongoing COVID situation. However, every moment spent soaking in the sights of palaces and forts made the journey worthwhile. The vibrant markets and delicious Rajasthani cuisine will forever remain etched in my memory.

I genuinely hope to return to Rajasthan soon to explore more of its enchanting districts. There is still so much to see and experience!

That is me inside the city palace where the present king stays. A few rooms are open for the public for sightseeing. It was very beautiful. . .

Didn't see the king lol. . .