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(Anand Karaj)

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February 2020

Udaipur

It was the morning of 2nd February, 2020, the day which will mark the new beginnings in the life of Karan and Monami, who will be Man and Wife in a few hours.

The day was begun even before the sunrise and people were already on their toes. Barkha along with a few elder ladies from the Groom side came to Monami’s room and did the Palla Ceremony in which they gifted her jewellery and the clothes which she’ll be wearing at the time of pheras. Generally this ritual is done a few hours before the wedding but since there are two weddings that will take place and they have a bit of a time shortage, they decided to do this at this time.

Then Monami was made ready in a pastel pink heavy lehenga, with the chooda in her wrists which was now finally visible to her eyes; she instantly fell in love with it. Her henna filled hands were adding the glitters to her look. She had that alluring wedding glow and a soft smile playing on her lips. Her hair was twisted in a bun with a maang tika adorning her forehead and a nath on her nose, with a huge neckpiece on her neck. She was looking ethereal.

On the other hand, Karan was up too when the sun was at the horizon. He took a quick bath and his groom squad was out in his room when he came in his Sherwani. Karan was looking every ounce of handsome in his off white sherwani which was printed with silver and pastel pink specs all over. When he came out, his father tied the turban on his head and his Bhabhi made him wear the three layered green pearl neckpiece, along with a relatively small white beaded one. Then Param gave him the sword which he needed to carry until all the rituals got over.

(Idk when the sword is given, apologies if I’ve wrote it wrong.)

Then Karan went downstairs in the lawn where peppy music was playing and he went towards the ghodi which was kept at its entrance, his Bhabhi applied surma to ward off the evil eyes and Atul waved some cash on him and he finally sat on the mare, with his niece in front of him. Luckily, they opted for a place where there was a Gurudwara nearby.

Then on the beats of dhol, the baarat went towards the Gurudwara where they were welcomed by the Bride’s family and they were welcomed with a scented rose for each of the baaratis.

Finally, Karan was taken inside the Gurudwara and Monami was there from before only, in a corner. Karan made his way towards the center where the priest was present and Monami was led to the place too, by Vedant, Sidharth and Sanjana.

It was the time when the two souls will have a look at each other, after almost a month and that too on their altar. Their heartbeats were frenzy, mind almost numb with nervousness, palms a bit more cold, the reason was not the winters, bit shakiness in the breaths and the oblivious obviousness to see each other for the last time as bachelors because the next moment they’ll be announced as a Man and Wife.

Karan and Monami were made to stand beside each other and all they could do was take a peek from the corner of their eyes subtly, at each other. They were handed over the Jaimala and finally they stood facing each other.

When Karan raised his eyes to have a glance of Monami, he was floored. She was looking like an enchantress. She was his bride. His eyes moistened a bit; when he realized that no one will be as special to him as she is, from this very moment. He realised that the soulful beauty in front of him with her eyes casted down and cheeks red with blush, holding the Jaimala for him will be his better half; his half in everything. He had this tiny urge in him that Monami raise her lashes to have a look at him too.

Monami was well aware of the gaze on her, from the man who was hardly standing at a two step distance from her, looking at her intently. She could not gather her wits to look up to him, but she knew she had to.

The moment when the priest announced to exchange the Jaimala, was when she had raised her lashes to have a look at him, who had stepped a bit close to her for obvious reasons. And when after looking at him, when she down casted her eyes, he could not help but sigh inwardly at the more redness on her cheeks.

Post Jaimala, Anand Karaj took place wherein the priest read the holy book of Guru Granth Sahib. Then the Lagan pheras took place around the holy book and then Karan filled the mid partition of Monami with sindoor.

Atul, Param and Barkha looked on as their most loved boy was now finally a married man and baby could not help but bubble with excitement. Whereas Deepak, Juhi and Vedant and even Sidharth and Sanjana were emotional when the Anand Karaj began. Their little girl was now someone’s companion too.

After completing the rituals and taking the blessings of the elder ones, the younger clan sans Param and Barkha, who’ll join them a few minutes later, took the bride and groom to the pond outside and asked them to have some time with each other before they can click some of their snapshots.  

Once in the solitude, Karan inhaled a deep breath and looked at Monami, whose eyelashes were fighting a battle, with the continuous fluttering; he smiled at the belle in front of him whose cheeks were pink then her ensemble and he cleared his throat before speaking something he never thought he would, at least as an ice breaker.

“Mrs Shergill?” At this Monami was jolted and she looked at Karan, in utmost surprise. Her fingers were having a tough time controlling their fidgeting and her cheeks were on fire.

Before she could look elsewhere, Karan kept his slightly cold palm on hers, which was interlaced in a tight grip and Monami followed the sight of his palm on hers.

She looked up and a tiny shy grin plastered on her lips. “Mrs Shergill?” She raised an eyebrow.

“You mind me addressing you with this?” Karan genuinely asked; he wanted to know what she feels.

“No, I don’t.”Monami said after a couple of seconds, still looking in his dark orbs.

“Aap bohot khoobsurat lag rahi hain, Mrs. Monami Mahajan Shergill.” Karan complimented and it took Monami’s mind back to the very first time they had met and Karan had said something similar. She was also touched with the fact he addressed her with her complete identity.

(You’re looking absolutely gorgeous, Mrs. Monami Mahajan Shergill.)

Karan wondered what had gotten into him so suddenly that his mind was giving him the constant signals to add his surname along with her name.

“You look so different with this turban, it suits you so well.” Monami said, taking in his look.

Before they could talk more, which they didn’t even knew if they will on what exactly, they were interrupted by Koel calling them and letting them know about the photo shoot.

They were suddenly conscious of the presence of the person before them, albeit they had some mild brushes of fingers against each other and a few hand grazes here and there, they were still very shy and they knew for a fact that Wedding Photoshoots can actually include a few poses that might make them uncomfortable or nervous.

Thanks to their clan, that was out there, at least they’ll feel a bit less conscious but at the same time, a lot more bashful.

Also, it was great to have all their friends around since all of them have actually bonded like a family; especially Sidharth and Sanjana with Faizi and Koel and Vedant was kind of a part of every group.

So finally when they were joined by Param and Barkha, they asked the lensman to suggest the exact places near the pond where they can click some snaps.

Karan and Monami at that moment realised that neither of them had ever taken a single pic of them before their marriage and Karan literally mentally face palmed. But what they didn’t know was that there were indeed a few candid clicks of them that can totally stand out.

Posing for pictures was a task, because indeed some poses required them touching each other more than a finger brush on the hands and that actually made them flustered. But the most beautiful click of them was when Karan had to peck on her temple and the bashful yet small smile that tugged on Monami’s lips, with her eyes closed. Then, they had especially clicked a few pictures in an angle that will not reveal Monami’s face, for the social media account of Karan.

Hence, the session was concluded with a lot of laughter from the younger clan and demure smiles of Monami and an occasional tint of redness on Karan’s cheeks. The youngsters too posed with the couple and separately and at times they intentionally pushed the bride and groom towards each other and they had no choice but to comply with their oh so clear mischief. But one thing was common in a few clicks and that was Karan’s eyes on Monami and Monami with her lashes down, with a pretty smile that was settled on her pink mushes.

Soon after the clicks with the family, all of them settled in the cars and drove to their stay for these days as the function was due for the evening as well.

Granting some much required sleep to the bride and groom, they were woken up and after feeding their hungry tummies, they were made to get ready for the equally important ritual as that of morning.

Monami couldn’t help but take a double look at her after she woke up, her hairline was filled with the vermillion of Karan’s name, adding a new glow to her and she could only anticipate what this evening and the time hereafter will bring her.

On Karan’s side, before they could leave to the lawn of bride’s side, Barkha tied the golden sehra on his saafa and applied the kohl behind his ear to ward off the evil eye, as a part of Nikkasi ritual. Since Karan had no real sister and Barkha was more than a sister to him, she did so.

Then Barkha said to him lovingly, while patting the creased on his shoulder, “Karan, you’ll be my first kid, always and never for one moment have I felt any other thing than proud of how you have become. Monami is leaving a part of hers behind, to start on this new life with you, hold her and be there by her side.” Karan nodded.

Baby came running to her uncle and he knelt down in front of her and asked him innocently, “Chachu, chachi ke aane ke baad aap mujhe bhoologe toh nahi na?”

(Uncle, you won’t forget me once aunty comes, will you?)

“Of course not baby, we’ll include her in our team.” Saying so, Karan pulled baby’s nose and kissed her forehead, making the little one gleam in joy.

Although the Baarat was supposed to take place, but since he had already climbed the mare once, they decided to skip it and went on their side with dhol nagade. There, he touched the toran on the entrance with the neem stick to keep the negative energies away. Post that Juhi did his Tilak and pulled his nose, even after his attempts to save it and welcomed him inside. This whole time, there was only and only wide grins plastered on everyone’s faces.

Soon it was the time of Jaimala and Vedant, Sidharth and Sanjana went to bring Monami. First Vedant went and as soon as he stepped inside and saw his sister, all decked up in her wedding ensemble, looking the most gorgeous she’ve ever looked, his eyes turned misty at the realisation that his sister will now not solely be his partner in crime but someone else’s too; someone who might hold a bigger share of her heart.

When Monami turned to Vedant, he lunged himself forward in her arms and embraced her tightly, Monami reciprocated the gesture and the siblings just let them have their moment.

Vedant pulled back, and cupped her face and leaned in to drop a peck on her forehead and dropped his shoulders. Monami wiped his tears that escaped without his notice and kissed his forehead too.

“You’re looking so beautiful di that I do not wish to let you go, kabhi bhi nahi. I love you!” Vedant muttered making Monami simper a little.

(Never ever.)

“I love you more kiddo. Take care, okay? I’m here only.” Monami palmed his face and he held her hand that was on his cheek and nodded.

This moment was witnessed by Deepak and Juhi, who came to take their daughter and Sidharth and Sanjana too, and they were equally emotional.

Monami looked away from her younger sibling and walked in the direction where all four of them were standing in a line.

She went towards her father first and Deepak looked at his child, all ready and set to begin her new life, with misty eyes. He took her in his arms and pecked her head lovingly. “Mera baccha.”He whispered, making her tighten her hold on him.  

(My child.)

Monami then went to Juhi and hugged her. She kissed her mother’s head and consoled her making her chuckle. “Main hoon teri maa, kamse kam aaj toh mujhe yeh karne deti.” Juhi mumbled, making everyone chortle, wordlessly.

(It’s me who is your mother; you could have let me do it, at least today.)

“Take care of yourself, love.” Juhi soothingly whispered to her.

She then went to her best friend, who never left her side since childhood and he too did the same gesture as Deepak and muttered, “Moti billi, wahan jaake kisi aur ko panja mat maarna.”

(You fat cat, don’t go and scratch someone there with your claws.)

Monami scoffed and rolled her eyes before smiling and hugged him, before she went to Sanjana, the only girl best friend, she ever had. The besties hugged and nodded at each other.

All of them then proceeded towards the altar, Deepak and Juhi went first and then Monami came, surrounded by Vedant, Sidharth and her cousins holding a flowered veil on her head and Sanjana helped her with her Lehenga.

Karan’s eyes drifted on the way she was coming from, after hearing the commotion and then they were glued on his wife. She was looking an epitome of gorgeousness in the red lehenga.

Monami’s eyes were a fluttering and lowering down with tingles in her body, again and again. But this time when she raised her lashes it clashed with her husband, who was looking at her with nothing but warmth and comfort, he blinked at her and she smiled faintly, almost unnoticeable and averted her eyes from him. He would have really missed that smile, but thanks to his gaze on her, he didn’t and he felt the warm tingles in his insides. Monami too looked at Karan, as much as she could with her feeble movement of eyes and appreciated how he carried his off white Sherwani, which was filled with golden threadwork and his saafa.

Soon they were standing in front of each other with the garlands in their hands and a déjà vu hit both of them. The moment they were supposed to make each other wear the garlands, they were swept off their feet by their brothers and friends. And after a few minutes of teasing and fun, the ritual completed and after having the pics with all the relatives, they were taken for their personal and individual photoshoot and it was done too, awkwardly successful.

Finally it was the time when they’ll be named as each other’s till eternity. Vedant did their gathbandhan, followed by Kanyadaan, which was done by Juhi and Deepak which filled their eyes and then finally the pheras.

The wedding was concluded with him applying the sindoor on her already filled hairline, some of which fell on her nose too, making him chuckle on the redness which made her look at him in confusion and when he raised his finger to wipe off the vermillion, he was suggested against it after stating that it was a sign of love between them, and made her cheeks look no different from her red nose and Karan too felt the heat on his ears.

Then he tied the mangalsutra around her neck, his fingers touching her neck in the process making goosebumps mark their presence on both of their bodies and on this their eyes met each other, in a very close proximity where they could feel each other’s breaths on their skin, making them conscious and enveloped them in a familiar warmth.

After that, they took the blessings of the elders and had their food. It was already somewhere around two, when they finally took a breath of relief.

Post that Karan moved to wear his footwear, but of course all he was met with was an empty space. He looked at his best friend who was not meeting his eyes, along with his brother. But then Vedant, Sid and Sanju and Monami’s cousins were kind enough to let him know about his jootis if he could sponsor their India vs Pakistan match series lifetime. Though this was a joke and everyone guffawed. Finally, he got his shoes from the feet of his very dear wife who was controlling her laugh too and he paid the shagun money.

Then they were taken to their rooms so that they could sleep for at least a few hours before gearing up for the next day which included the Vidaai and a few post farewell rituals because the rest would take place at Karan’s home and the reception.

The next day rolled in real fast and after having the food, the ritual of Vidaai happened. Monami was decked up in a light weight lehenga, with the same dupatta on her head as the wedding, with its end secured in gathbandhan with the pink long dupatta of Karan that was placed again on his shoulders.

After a teary farewell, Monami was welcomed on the other side of the lawn where Barkha welcomed her. Then it was the time for the Jua Khelai or the ring finding game, where after a few brushes of their fingers, the couple stood at a tie. After a few more rituals, they were taken to different rooms and were made to take rest before gearing up for the reception.

The eventide rolled in apace and the bride and the groom were now standing together, adorned in the most beautiful outfit of the evening, greeting the guests.

Karan was decked up in a mint green sherwani, with a dupatta and his better half was accoutred in a pretty blush pink coloured lehenga with zardosi embroidery all over, complimenting him a bit more beautifully.

Monami was really happy meeting Karan’s friends and other colleagues. She was not even for once bored, because of his occasional commentary about a few of his friends or relatives. But the thing that stayed in Monami’s mind the entire evening was the authoritative yet comfortable manner in which her hand was held in his with some desultory graze of his thumb on the back of her palm.

The guests were humbly requested to not to post any picture of the wedding until he does so himself and especially, even after that, no picture with Monami’s face should be out. The guests had accepted and agreed to this.

They called it a night, after having a full fledged crazy dancing and eating and grooving, at least as much as they could do in their heavy attires. Monami refrained herself from the group since it was in no way possible for her to dance and that too in the heavy lehenga she had adorned.

Monami and Karan then went back with Barkha and Param in different rooms and slept for a few hours until the next one.

Their soulful union was done in a way many could only dream of; with utmost love, affection, with their close ones, amidst all the laughter and warmth and in a way that almost no one in today’s times actually prefer.

The celestial bodies from heaven and the supreme elements of the nature were the prime witnesses and the guests of their wedding, making it all the more incredible.

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3.5k+ words.
Done and dusted.

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Also, this is the last update, until 19th December, since I have my four entrance papers on between the period.

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Nehal.