Chapter 22: Chapter 22

Sandhya's POV:

I and Sanjay tried really hard to convince our parents to a simple marriage, and we did succeed. Those are how my principles are. I believe that the only purpose behind the marriage event is that the pair has to make emotional memories together and our well-wishers should heartfully bless them.

Arranged marriages always freaked me out! Even though our marriage looks to be arranged, we do hold an emotional bonding much early than expected. My association with Sanjay is a beautiful relationship between two souls, rather than men and women. And, why do I hold that emotional bonding? It's because I wasn't forced to do anything for societal standards and against my principles. Even though my father is much abided by society and its stupid rules, Sanjay stood as strong support to my words.

In a beautiful temple, amongst our very family members, peacefully and joyfully we got married. We never were a center of attraction of hundreds of people who are jobless enough to judge if the bride is beautiful or the groom is handsome and if their kids will have good looks or not. My father isn't running up and down in his old age to check if the lunch is being served perfectly or not. Instead, he is right here beside me, enjoying the trust and confidence he has in Sanjay while getting me married to him. We even are asking the Old Brahmin performing our marriage, the meaning, and purpose behind every ritual, rather than doing it for the sake of formality.

I am wearing a baby pink silk saree. Holding a coconut in hand, I enter the Mandap. I sit right opposite Sanjay facing him, but I can't see him. I am not allowed to see him. We are not allowed to see each other. There is a Curtain impending us from seeing each other. Actually, I am looking too cute and girly in this pink saree. I want to see him flattered for my grace!

My father has to finish the Kanyadanam ritual, by which he hands me over to Sanjay. And then, with our right hands, we have to place the cumin-jaggery paste placed in a betel leaf on each other heads. It is said that this paste has some kind of reaction on our brains which makes us feel attracted and attached to each other. God knows how it does that! This is the significant step where we are declared 'married'.

Soon enough, the Curtain is lowered and we are eager to look at each other. With our faces bent down due to each other's hands on our heads, we have to widen our eyes to see each other. I always wanted to be selected for being a heartful girl with just average beauty, and I was selected so. But, looking at his mesmerized looks for me, I do wonder if I am more beautiful than any angel in this universe. I'm perfectly enjoying this moment, I'm perfectly enjoying our marriage! Anytime I had guys stare at me, I only felt pride. But this time, when Sanjay stares at me like that, all I feel is happiness. Just happiness! I give him back a warm smile, which wakes him up from his cloud nine.

Next, we will have to change into traditional white clothes. I wear a white Saree with a red border and he wears a white Dothi. The priest stops chanting mantras for a moment and actually speaks! "Since the couple is interested to know the meaning behind each ritual, let me say that the white signifies purity and the red signifies strength. And coming to the three knots tied by the groom to the bride, each of the knots represents the mental, physical and spiritual union of the couple." And there does Sanjay stand up to tie those three knots to me. This is the most hyped ritual in our Indian marriages.

Now enters the fun. We are given rice grains mixed with turmeric paste. We can shower them on each other as much as possible, as fast as possible. It's like an energetic competition between us! The next game is much more fun. In a big pot filled with milk and a few rose petals, a ring is dropped. I and Sanjay compete hard with our arms to find that ring and win.

Next, we take seven steps around the fire with my saree knotted with his dothi. This is where we make the promise of traveling together with this life's journey. And then, Sanjay points out at something in the sky, I am asked to accept that I did see a star, a star called Arundathi. Sorry, but I didn't see any star. We marrying in the daylight.

The last event is send-off. My family has to send me off with Sanjay. All I know is, Sanjay is getting added into my family, I am not getting rid of any of my old family. Not even a drop of tear rolls down my cheeks. I am happy to start a life with Sanjay. The only upsetting thought is that I will miss Sindhu and our everyday routines!

As I leave, Sindhu says one dialogue that keeps Sanjay Awestruck! "Every time you come to our house, you have to sleep with me, in our room, holding each other's hands. I don't care if Sanjay has to go to hell to get his night's sleep! Promise me Akka." I giggle at Sanjay and give Sindhu her promise.

Thanks for choosing this story. Please vote and comment as you like my works!