Part 112

They landed on Delhi Airport. Babuji, Amma and Buwaji had decided to stay in Lucknow! The cars were waiting for them. "We are going to the Mandir first and then home!" declared papaji. They went to the Mandir to take blessings. Panditji blessed the newlywed couple. Then the cars were moved the company guest house. Elsa helped Khushi change in Shaadi Ka joda and raj forced Arnav to wear the Indian attire.

They all went to Raizada house. The family members were waiting for the welcome. Nani asked Khushi to spill the rice filled in the copper pot with the toe of her right foot. Arnav lifted Khushi to bring her into the house. He kept her down and she was asked to soak her feet into the kumkum(vermilion) mixed water kept in a large shallow plate and then enter the house with her right foot. She did and walked up to the Mandir in the house. Both of them took blessings from Devi Mayya and all the elders.

Khushi did chouka pooja where she prepared kheer for everyone. Everyone presented her gifts. They felt relaxed. All the men were busy talking except Sham. He was made to sit there but no one was talking to him.

"During the reception, there will be a press conference!" Said papaji. Arnav looked little nervous. He glanced at Khushi who was busy talking to Anjali.

"Arnav, puttar, you know what kind of questions will be thrown. We have to take care of her. She is touchy about this.!" Said papaji gravely. He wanted the last formal event to get over without any untoward incidence. Arnav nodded.

"And I am going to make an important announcement in the press conference!" declared papaji. Raj and Shondeep were shocked. "Sir, you? Are you attending the press?" asked Shondeep knowing full well that Papaji was a  media shy person and never came before the media. He always sent his CEO's to make the announcements.

"Yes! " said papaji seriously. Sham got up and went to his room. Two of the bodyguards stood at the door. Everyone exchanged looks. Lavanya was sitting next to Shondeep and was trying to attract his attention.

"Lavanya ji!" Khushi called out! She looked up. Khushi glanced at papaji. He had a stern look on his face. Khushi changed the track. "Lavanya ji wil you help me getting ready for the evening?" she asked with an innocent face. "Yeah Sure!" said Lavanya smiling and getting up. Both of them went inside leaving the men to discuss the plans. Arnav suddenly remembered something. He excused himself and went to his room. He searched for something in his bag. Took out an envelope and came down again. He went into the kitchen. The maid was helping Payal and Khushi. He looked at her and went to the back yard door. She followed.

"um...! Thank you.! " he whispered holding out the envelope.
"No sir! I cannot accept this. You have already given me so much!" Said the maid. Khushi came to them , she took it from Arnav's hand and thrust it in the Maid's hand saying.. "This is not for you, but for your kid!" The maid accepted it smiling at both of them. Arnav went out.

They got ready for the reception and went to Roshan Aaraa Club. This was typically a high profile formal wedding reception. A mild music was played. People greeted the couple. Arnav was very comfortable with this kind of environment but Khushi felt nervous. She kept on looking for some familiar faces. She could see only Anjali and Lavanya moving around talking to people. Elsa stood by her side supporting her. Khushi looked at Elsa and gave her a faint smile. Arnav was busy shaking hands with the guests and talking to them smiling. He kept on introducing her to the unknown faces. She only had to join her hands and shake hands and greet people. Papaji and Raj were at the entrance welcoming people. Nani and Mummiji were sitting at the corner table discussing something. Mamaji and Aakash were busy greeting the guests. Mamiji was constantly in search of a gullible person to start with her boastful monologues.

Khushi saw them... her office gang... ! But they didn’t seem to have seen her or they purposefully ignored her!  She grew restless.  She wanted to run down to them and have a blast.  But she couldn’t.  Her gang ... her office... her friends ignored her completely.  They were laughing and eating at the far end and Khushi had to see them helplessly.  Regi was at the centre of her gang and Aman and Rekha were giggling with his animated talks. 

Khushi could feel the contrast between the wedding atmosphere and the reception! Late in the evening  the specially invited select media persons arrived. Raj and Shondeep did not leave any stone unturned in hospitality. They were taken care of very well. The food and drinks did the magic. They seemed to be contented. Papaji was nowhere to be seen. Some politicians and Ministers had  arrived to bless the couple with their Z-security. Sham at once came in the picture. He took them to the stage to introduce to the couple. Khushi fidgeted at the presence of Sham on the stage. Arnav greeted the politicians. Arnav did not see Ratan Singh Thakur in that group. He looked around. Shondeep had hurriedly climbed the stage looking at Sham. The group descended from the stage and Arnav could see them mixing up with other hi profile industrialists. Sham had again gone back to his front seat.

Khushi was feeling uneasy and tired. Payal asked her whether she wanted something to eat. She glanced at Arnav and said No! Elsa gave her a dark chocolate. "Eat this. You will feel energetic!" she said smiling at Khushi. Khushi smiled back with gratitude. Khushi touched Arnav's palm. Arnav looked at her. There was no one else on the stage. She inserted a piece of chocolate in his hand and said. "Eat it! No one is looking at us!" Arnav looked at her face. He stared at the chocolate traces at the corner of her lips. He could not take his eyes off. He smacked his lips. "What?" she asked him in a whisper blushing. He kept staring at her. Khushi looked around. Elsa had come back. She looked at Khushi and adjusted her lipstick with the tissue, grinning at her.

The crowd was thinning. People had started returning. Raj and Shondeep were taking care of media people. They both saw papaji coming from behind the stage with his confident stride. At once he was surrounded by media. It was a piece of cake to get the interview of a formidable but media shy person. On a very few occasions Mr. Balwindar Singh had come in limelight. He greeted the media among the camera flashes and the mikes. He asked Raj and Shondeep to join him. Raj went and called Arnav and Khushi. Khushi looked nervous and angry. She did not want to face the media. Arnav held her hand and whispered. "Don’t talk anything or react. Just be there with me!" She looked at him.

“I need you, Khushi!” he needed her support....!

Their eyes blinded with the flashes of cameras. Khushi stood a step behind Arnav who held her hand tightly.

 "Mr. Arnav how do you feel marrying your heart throb?" "Top of the world!" replied Arnav smiling.

"We know you were in relationship with one Ms. Kashyap! What happened to that?" asked an arrogant voice. "It did not work!" replied Arnav gripping her hand tightly.

 "Is it true that your wife is an orphan and grew up in a low class family?" came another disdainful voice. "Yes. She is an orphan and so am I" Arnav tried to keep his voice steady. Tears brimming up in Khushi's eyes.

"Gentlemen. I have to make an important announcement. And the wedding of Arnav and Khushi is only an occasion to make it." Papaji came to their rescue. Media focus shifted to Mr. Balwindar Singh.

"Sir, it is true that she is your foster daughter?" asked a contemptuous voice. "Yes, she is!" said papaji.

"What is your relationship with her dead parents?" asked a curious voice. "They were my foster daughter's parents!" said papaji plainly.

"Sir, we heard, your son returned after ten years. What was the reason for his return?" asked a poking voice. "I have returned to my family!" said Raj sternly. The things were taking a different turn.

"Is it that, you walked out of his life 10 years back and now returned due to financial problems?" another scornful voice asked. "He has a business of his own and doing very well!" said papaji placing his hand on Raj's shoulder.

"Is it true that you transferred the ownership of your fashion division to her and this is the reason for this wedding?" "It is true that it's a business politics than a love affair?" asked rude voice. Khushi was taken aback. She shuddered and looked at Arnav and Papaji. "They had decided to get married before the transfer!" said papaji firmly.

"Is it true that a case is pending about the tutelage of Mr. Arnav and Mr. Rattan Singh Thakur is involved in it" asked another discourteous voice. "I think, you should ask this to Mr. Thakur!" said Arnav firmly.

"Is it true that his parents were never married? Does his newlywed wife know about it?" came a supercilious voice from behind. Everyone was taken aback by this direct question. Arnav flinched. He could feel her sweating. He opened his mouth to retort back angrily. But...

"Yes! I know everything about him!" said a steady and calm voice of Khushi. She had moved a step ahead levelling with Arnav, holding his hand tightly. Arnav turned his face and looked at her. She looked at him and smiled back assuring him that she would always be there with him. Papaji smiled.

"I think we need to come back to the point!" said papaji loudly.
"The purpose of this press conference is that I have decided to retire in next couple of years!" declared papaji, sending shock waves everywhere. It was a news to even Raj. Everyone gaped at him.

"What?" Khushi blurted. "Of course I will always be there as mentor but not a decision maker!" papaji made another statement.

"Who will be your successor? Now that your son has returned! Or is this the reason for his return?" asked the sniffy voice louder than others.

"I have been thinking on this for a long time. And not one, but four of them together will run BTR group of Industries.!" Said papaji.

"Who? And How?" asked a female voice.
"My son, Raj, my daughter Khushi, her husband Arnav and my right hand man, who is already shouldering my responsibilities, Mr. Shondeep Banerjee!" Papaji declared to everybody's surprise. All four gaped at Mr. Balwindar Singh!

"And the modalities will be decided by the end of next year!" Declared papaji.

There was a sudden rush of questions from all over the press conference. Everyone wanted to ask the last question.

"I think, that's it!" papaji raised his hand discouraging further questions and turned to leave.
They dispersed. Arnav and Khushi took their places. They both were shocked. Arnav was musing on papaji's sudden decision. He looked lost.

Shondeep saw Anjali moving around with a worried face.
"Are you ok?" he came and asked her. "Um yes! But where is he?" she asked.
"My husband!" she said looking around. Sham had disappeared.

"Shondeep, where were you?' Lavanya came and wrapped her arm around his. He smiled at her and pulling his arm from her grip said "Please excuse me! I need to talk to her!" He looked at Anjali. She had already turned and was going away. Patting on Lavanya's hand he said "Lavanya, I need to talk to her. Its urgent. I will catch up with you later!" He went after Anjali.

"Anjali!" he called her out softly from behind. She stopped dead. He looked around. He saw Raj and Aakash approaching them.

 "Anjali, we need to talk" He guided her to the nearby table and pulling the chair requested her to sit. She looked confused. He waited for Raj to join him.

"Its time, we should talk to you about your husband, Sham!" said Shondeep in a grave tone sitting next to her. Aakash sat on the other side. Raj had taken the opposite chair! Shondeep felt a pain in his heart!!

"How can I break her heart by telling about her husband, whom she loved so much?" he thought looking at her confused face. He looked at Aakash. He nodded and took charge.

"Di, it’s about Jijaji. Di, he is cheating on you" He started off gauging his Di's reactions and feelings. Raj and Shondeep were looking at them intently. Aakash talked for a long time giving the full account of Shams deeds and showing her the mobile clippings. She did not react for any of the statements. She just sat there listening. He waited for her reaction or outburst for a long time. Then touching his di's shoulder

 "Di... please... say something!" he pleaded looking at her blank face. She did not react just stared unfocused. "Di, please.!" Aakash was panic and so were Raj and Shondeep.

"Was this a good time to talk to her?" wondered Shondeep. He felt that he made a mistake in taking a decision to tell her everything. Aakash looked around in panic. "Di... Please!! He shook her vigorously. She remained like a lifeless person, expressionless. Raj hurriedly got up and vanished. He jumped on the stage where Arnav, Khushi and Elsa were talking. "Arnav,.." he whispered in Arnav's ears.

"Ok! I will handle!" said Arnav descending the stage leaving Khushi and Elsa musing. He came to his Di in few strides..

"Di..!" called out holding her. Shondeep could see some recognition in her blank eyes.
"Chote...!" she spoke for the first time. Shondeep and Aakash felt relieved. "Arnav wrapped his arms around his Di, holding her tightly.

"Chote... these people say..."She looked at him hopelessly. He just held her and nodded. "Di, what you heard is true!" he said feeling her pain and anguish. She closed her eyes. A droplet of tear rolled down. Arnav and Aakash were holding her bending on her as if telling her that they both could feel her plight.

"Why did I trust him so much?" she muttered after a while sounding defeated.

"Di, you did not know about him! We all trusted him, Di" Arnav consoled her. She kept gazing unfocused. Arnav and Aakash straitened up. They saw Khushi and Payal approaching them. Anjali looked at them and said,
"Chote please don't tell this to anyone...Not now at least!" Arnav nodded. She forcibly brought a smile on her face looking at Khushi and Payal. Shondeep admired her love for her family!! Khushi came forward "Anjali ji, are you ok?" she asked concerned.

"Yes," said Anjali avoiding her gaze. Arnav turned and placing his hand on Khushi's shoulder said
"She will be ok, Khushi! Let us go!" Aakash with Payal and Arnav with Khushi left. Raj kept gazing somewhere not knowing what to do.

Shondeep kept his hand on her hand and said "Please... collect yourself Anjali. You are a very strong person!" She did not withdraw her hand from his.

*** ****
By the time they came home, it was eleven in the night. The entire city was illuminated on the eve of New Year. Parties were arranged! People were on the road wishing each other.

Papaji and his family with Shondeep had stayed in a Hotel. They were to leave for Kolkata next day evening. Raizadas came home. Anjali was all lost. Nani asked her several times. But she did not answer. Sham tried to talk to her. She refused even to look at him. He understood, understood that she knew!! He had to do something. His Anticipatory bail would not work. He knew the noose was tightening. He knew he would be handcuffed any time from now!!

Anjali went to Arnav and said "Chote .. its your Suhag Raat!" I need to prepare your bed.
"Hello.. hi bye bye! No need Anjali bitiya. I have done it already! And Arnav bete, what have you done to your room? Closed three side walls with wooden panelling and drawn all the curtains...It looks bigger too!" she asked looking at him suspiciously.

"Oh! I renovated the entire block shifting the library and study!" Arnav said looking away. Khushi was looking tired and uncomfortable with her heavy saree and equally heavy jewelry.

Anjali smiled and said "You two go and have some rest." The maid brought in glasses of milk. Sham went to his room burning in rage. He couldn't stand Arnav and Khushi together. He wished he killed them both. Revenge had taken over his lust and desire. He shut his room with a bang. Arnav was still talking to Aakash. Anjali took Khushi to her room. The room indeed looked very big. Partition between library and bedroom was removed. The bed was decorated with rose petals. The curtains on the three side walls were drawn tightly. Only the wall with the entrance door was visible. The room looked like a cellar vault. Anjali looked curious

"This Chote..!  One will never know what goes on in his mind!" she muttered smiling. Khushi felt nervous and frightful.

"Khushi, this is gift from my mom and this is the note!" Anjali handed over the box to her. She kept it on the dressing table.

"Khushi, I will go and send him" she said placing her hand on Khushi's shoulder. She turned and left the room shutting the door behind. Khushi did not know what to do. She had come to the room innumerable times but had never felt so nervous and apprehensive. Her heart thumping frantically, she sat on the bed. But suddenly got up remembering Arnav's outburst and rage when anyone touched his bed without his permission!

 "what should I do?" She left the bed and sat on the swivel stool in front of the mirror. The door opened. Arnav in his black suit was at the door leaning against it.

He too felt nervous opening his bedroom door. He saw her sitting in front of the mirror in her bridal wear laden with jewellery. She had entered his room several times before, but this was different. He did not know what to do. Whether to tell her to change and then enter or to enter first and then tell her to change into comfortable attire!!. Khushi's breath became uneven and heavy sensing Arnav at the door. She kept looking at the carpet. He came in and closed the door behind him. She quivered. He came nearer. She held her breath. He turned his back and went away from her.

Puff! The lights went off leaving the room in pitch black darkness. She shuddered and got up with a jerk. A frightened, muffled scream could not leave her throat. She was scared to the core. Arnav was nowhere around.

She heard a grumbling and grinding sound getting louder and louder. She could not scream. A hand on her shoulder made her weak and stunned her. She froze!

Slowly the room started illuminating with the moon light. She looked up and forgot to breathe. The ceiling was splitting and a huge glass dome appeared!!. The starlit sky was peeping in. The glowed romantically in their room. She kept gazing at the sky mesmerized, hypnotized forgetting the unknown hand on her shoulder!

"Khushi!" he whispered in her ears looking at her from behind. She turned and looked at her husband. She looked into his eyes. He closed the gap and locking his eyes with hers asked her "And what did you call me? Most unromantic person..Huh?" she looked down blushing. Her moonlit face brightened. She looked like a marble statue waiting for her lover!

He made her sit on the swivel stool and went away again. He started pushing the curtains from the three walls. Slowly the walls lit up with aqua lights. The water screens from the three walls flowed down the translucent  pebble stuffed skirting of the wall. She looked around. She felt like she is in the pool with flowing water from all the sides, like she is behind the water fall, like she is the queen in her submerged Paani mahel.

He was looking at her passionately. She forgot his presence. She was looking around and above in the sky. He did not want to break her trance. He stood there waiting for her leaning against one of the water screens. He had panelled  the three walls with wooden planks from outside.  The nozzles and the water jets splashed water between the double glass at the top and the bottom of each pair of the glass walls were stuffed with colour pebbles.

The illumination in the walls gradually changed colours from aqua green to yellow halogen lights.. It  look like a solarium bringing in the sunlight from all sides.

She looked at him. He was gazing at her. His eyes too changed colours!!  The lights were changing to blue. He steadied them to remain blue and went to her. She was looking at him mesmerized. He kept his hands on her shoulder and made him sit on the stool again. He turned her to face the mirror. She kept gazing at his reflection in the mirror.

Her Pallu was long gone from her head,  when she looked up at the starlit sky, her husband had brought into their room!  He gazed at her hairstyle removing pins, golden flowers, beads from her hair. She closed her eyes feeling his fingers in her silky hair. Finally he removed the pin letting the hair sprawl on the back and neck. He nuzzled contentedly brushing his lips under her ear. A surge of passionate wave ran down her spine. She moaned. He removed her maang tika, kissing her sindoor. He turned her to face him. Leaning forward, he removed her Nose ring/ nathani kissing her on her cheeks. He kissed her kajal (Eye liner) kissing her eyelids, gently,  torturing her with a surge of sweet pain, everytime!  He removed her earrings delicately and kissed her ear lobes.

“Arnav ji!” She couldn’t bear it! He knelt down on his knees and putting his hands around her neck, started removing her numerous necklaces without taking his eyes off her face.. He slid down his hands from her shoulders removing her arm bands Baju bhadh. He looked at her palms and removed her rings and hath fulora the ornament attached to the bangles.

He kissed her mehendi! He took out his mom's Kangan from the box and inserted in her hands. He looked up at her. She was looking at the Kangan around her wrists hypnotized. He smiled and she closed her eyes again. He wrapped his arms around her waist removing her waist band. He could not take his hands off and bending forward he kissed around her navel gripping her tightly. She held her breath. He slid his hands down to her feet keeping them on his knees. He ran his fingers on her payal and looked at her. She tried to remove her feet from his hands. He did not remove her payal. He slowly got up and putting his hands on her shoulder helped her to rise. She had done her Solaa Shringar for this moment!! She opened her eyes looking at him passionately. He smiled staring at her lips.

"You did all this? ...., for us?" she asked in a bear whisper.
"Khushi! You are Arnav Singh Raizada's wife!" He replied cupping her face. She smiled closing her eyes again. He lifted her in his arms and carried her to the bed, water screens illuminating all over and a starlit sky peeping in through the glass dome.

"Khushi! Are you tired?" He asked her whispering in her lips bringing his face down. She shook her head garlanding her arms around his neck. The clock chimed twelve and the fireworks lit up the entire sky emitting joyous and colourful lights everywhere in celebration!! .

"Happy new year Khushi!!" He wished huskily.
"Happy new year!" her voice could only be heard by him.
She buried her face on his shoulder. Both of them had nothing to worry about in life. They wanted to live this moment not bothering about what was in store for them the next day!!!

*****************

Wish you all a very Happy and Prosperous New Year....!

May All Your Dreams Come True This Year...!

Enjoy.....

Love

Khushifan

Waiting for your comments...!!

Part 111

They waited for Papaji to return. Another round of snacks and drinks were served. It was almost six in the evening. Arnav was served juice. Special care was taken for his sugar problem. No one cared about Khushi. She was starving. But every time she was told that she can have food only after the wedding.

People had started talking among themselves. New and Old acquaintances were engrossed in the gossip. Almost everyone wondered about the tight security and metal detector searches. Some were happy for these orphan children; some jelous, some envied, some were finding faults in the arrangements; some were commenting on someone else's dress sense; a few were doubting the Guptas' relationship with papaji, some were wondering about Khushi's success; some were talking about Khushi or Arnav's childhood; some were discussing about Anjali's past; some were whispering about Arnav's diabetic problem; some were dozing off and others just waited for the grand dinner!!! All the Guptas and Raizadas were busy extending hospitality. Anjali was searching for her husband. Elsa, the foreigner, was the centre of attraction with her bengali attire!!.

As the time passed, Raj looked little nervous. He was trying to contact his father frantically but both Papaji's and Shondeep's phones were not reachable.

Exactly after nine minutes papaji and Shondeep returned. They both were smiling. Two of the bodyguards entered the hall with Sham. He was fidgeting and looking nervous. Raj came hurriedly forward, "Dad?" he started off.

"Everything is alright!" declared his Dad. Shondeep lingered behind and when Sham came in he placed his hand on Sham's shoulder and manoeuvred him towards a couch in the front. When they sat he tightened his grip.

"I told you, not to try anything different, Mr Sham. Had we not reached in time, anything would have happened! Even you could have got shot! They had shooting orders!!" He whispered with gritted teeth. "Your hired people wouldn't be of any help!" His otherwise, kind and pleasant eyes emitted rage and disgust!

Sham did not answer nor looked at Shondeep. He stared unfocused at the wedding altar. Arnav cast a disgust at Sham. He knew something was wrong.

Khushi was already in inquisitive mode.
"Papaji, where were you? What was so important? We all were worried!" she looked back from where she was sitting at papaji and started off loudly.

"Khushi! Everything is ok. Don't start your inquiry here!" said Arnav with gritted teeth, leaning towards her. She turned her face and kept quiet uneasily!!

**** **** *****
Seven heaps of fistfull of rice were placed at the right side of Arnav near the edge of the Mantap. Panditji asked Arnav to get up first. Arnav got up and held Khushi's right hand in his left.

"Both of you walk around the Fire (Havan kund ). For the first four rounds, Arnav first followed by Khushi and the last three rounds Khushi fahead of Arnav. Understand?"

"Both of you follow me in reciting the mantras! Khushi, you repeat after Arnav for the first four pheras and then Arnav, you repeat after Khushi! After each round you should step on one heap together crushing it with your right foot. Understand?" Asked the elderly priest. They both nodded.
Slowly Arnav had started taking interest in these rituals and was curious to know the meaning behind them.

People gathered around the altar with flower petals in their hands to shower their blessings on the couple while they take "Sapta padi" seven pheras together!!

They started the first round. Panditji recited : Followed by Arnav and Khushi All the priests showered flowers while the couple walked around the sacred Fire!!

"Let Lord Maha Vishnu the protector of life, for his blessings in marital life. Follow each one of our steps"
1.
"Sakyam -the' -Ghame'yam Sakyaath -the' Maayosham -Sakyan me" (sanskrit verse)
I will never move out of this relationship. God has united us in this bondage. I Our love has become firm by taking the first step together. I will love you and cherish you. promise me to share the responsibilities of the home, food and finances.
Khushi Promised!
2.
"Maayosta -Samayaava -Samayaava Sangalpaavahai Sampriyov" (sanskrit verse)
you have filled my heart with strength and courage. In your happiness I shall rejoice.
Khushi repeated!
We shall perform all activities together with love and affection.
3.
"Rosishnu -Sumanasyamanov Ishamoorjam - abhi Savasaanov" (sanskrit verse)
You have brought auspiciousness and sacredness in my life.
Let us be friendly in our thoughts. Let us observe our duties and rituals together.
4.
"Managhumsi -Samvrathaas smu Chiththaani -Aakaram Sathvamasi" (sanskrit verse)
If you are the lyrics, I am the music."
If you are the music, I am the lyrics."
"Pruthivee thvam -Retho' aham -retho' Bhruthvam Manohamasmi" (sanskrit verse)
If I am the heavenly body, you are the earthly world.
If you are the heavenly body, I am the earthly world. Together we make a perfect universe!
Khushi and Arnav changed their places.... Khushi ahead ofArnav
5.
"Amooham -Amoohamasmi saa -Thvam dhyowraham" (sanskrit verse)
While you are the life source, I am the carrier
While I am the life source, you are the carrier of the same.
and together we take this life cycle ahead!
6.
"vak thvam -Saamaa ham asmi -Rukthvam Saamaam" (sanskrit verse)
I am the thoughts and you are the speech.
I am the thoughts and your are the speech.
Let our thoughts and speech be one!
"Anuvradhaa -bhava Pumse' Pumse' -Puthraaya- Veththavai" (sanskrit verse)
While you are the words, I am the meaning.
While you are the words, I am the meaning.
Let our words convey the same meaning!
7.
"Sriyai -Puthraaya -Veththavai ehi -Soonrurute" (sanskrit verse)
With your sweet words, I come with you to lead a prosperous life begetting our progeny with children.
With your sweet words, come with me to lead a prosperous life begetting our progeny with children.
Together we fulfill the purpose of this bondage by begetting obedient and Nobel Children.
"Sakaa -Sapthapadha -bhava Sakaayov -Saptha padhaa Bhaboova" (sanskrit verse)
By these seven steps you have taken with me, you have become my best friend. We are equal in our life together. We are perfect halves and together we make a perfect Whole!!

Everyone clapped sealing on their wedding!!! The gathering started scattering and people started taking their places, resuming their talks!!

Raj came forward and whispered something in Panditji's ears! Pinditji nodded in acceptance. "This western culture....!" He exclaimed looking fondly at the couple.

Raj gathered all the young people together including Khushi's friends. He told them something ... the boys whistled and the girls giggled.

Raj came back to Arnav with his gang. "Hey BIL !! This is a open challenge to you ! only a couple of rituals are remaining.. Steal a kiss and win the challenge!! “whispered Raj in his ears.

"What? Are you out of your mind?" Arnav could not believe his ears!
"Tell me! Do you accept the challenge?" Raj gave him a open challenge..

Khushi's face brightened. "Challenge? What challenge?" she asked excitedly.
"Oh! Shut up!" Arnav said flushing. Khushi looked confused.

"Hey BIL! I am asking you for the last time! Do you accept this Challenge?" Asked Raj loudly. Arnav gaped at him.

The gang was looking at him naughtily!!!
Raj saw papaji coming and hurriedly said... "Disperse everybody!! " They all vanished but Raj kept looking at Arnav for his nod.
"Arnav raised his thumb!" They could hear a scattered wooing!!!
Papaji came in. Looking suspiciously at Raj he asked "What is it? What are you up to?"
"Nothing Dad!" replied Raj innocently.

"Are you up to some of your pranks?" Papaji asked sternly.
"No! Dad!" Raj winked! Papaji shook his head hopelessly!

****

Khushi was restless and eager to know the challenge. No one cared about that. Panditji was looking at the couple piercingly making Arnav nervous. He had accepted the impossible challenge. In a crowd of around two hundred people it was impossible to put any plan in action. People were moving around. The Raj gang was lurking. Raj casting a villainish look every time; Arnav started missing out Panditji's instructions. The head priest was very serious. But the other priests were smirking and smiling at the couple. Elders knew nothing about it. But Arnav could not think of kissing Khushi in front of everyone. He wouldn’t  dare touchr in the presence of the elders and family. He couldn't even imagine Khushi's reaction after the kiss. "Either she will die of embarrassment or will kill me!" he thought.

"Now get ready for Sindoor and Mangal Sutra!" Declared pandit ji. They sat down again. Arnav took a pinch of Sindoor (vermilion powder) and lifting her Maang Tika, put the Sindoor at the parting of her hair, replacing her maang tika back in place. Khushi had closed her eyes.

He had leaned towards her, very close. Her head almost touched his chin. The gang was closing in. Pandit jis were smiling. The sindoor ceremony was complete, without Arnav's mission completion!
Panditji asked him to tie mangal sutra. He gave him the Mangal Sutra from the Silver Thaal. Arnav again leaned forward, so did Khushi. He took the edges of the Mangal Sutra in his hands and bending forward and moving his hands around her neck, tied the Mangal Sutra at the back of her neck . Her head touched his chest. His hands wrapped around her neck. She looked up. Arnav was staring at her face. There was an excitement in the younger crowd. The gang now closed in. They were around the altar staring unblinkingly at the couple. Khushi getting more and more restless under her ghunghat! Her vision was blocked for some time when Arnav tied Mangalsutra!. She was not able to understand anything. Curiosity was killing her.

Arnav took his hands back after tying the Mangal sutra. Pandit ji Blessed both of them and gave them water to drink.

Khushi leaned forward and in a bear whisper asked "What is the challenge? What is the stake?" Arnav glanced at Pandit ji and looked away. Pandit ji smiled and said "Beti, you will come to know soon!" Arnav kept looking at the floor. He had not thought about the stake. "Damn it!" he muttered. But it was too late now!

"This is blessing in disguise!" He thought. He had a chance to let it go as there was no stake for the challenge. He cannot take up the challenge without prize. Or was the kiss itself the prize ???
"Arnav beta, touch her heart with your right palm and Khushi beti, touch his heart with your right palm. This is called Hridaya-Sparsha (touching of the hearts) Feel for each other. They did. Arnav's heart was thumping against his chest faster than ever. The rituals almost ended and still no success!! He became nervous, though he had an opportunity to call off the challenge. The gang was smirking.
Meera and Tej also had joined them. They were lingering in the mantap keeping a constant vigil on both Arnav and Khushi. Their Dad had told them to keep an eye. Tej was pacing like a soldier with his mini sward hung across, looking at his uncle.

He came nearer and putting his tiny hands around his uncle's neck from behind, told Arnav. "Dad asked me to be with you!" and smiled. Arnav smiled at him sulking. He turned his face and whispered something . Tej looked at him excited. "Promise?" he asked. "Yes!" said Arnav. "Sure?" Tej confirmed. "Yes!" Arnav promised.

Tej went away and coming to Khushi's side, flung his hands around her neck.
"Khushi buwa... I will share my prize with you!" he said seriously.
Khushi raised her eyebrows. "Really?" she asked. "Yes!" he said. "Oh! Thank you dear!" She kissed him on his cheek, leaving a lipstick mark. He ran away blushing. He came back to Arnav and Arnav kissed him on the same cheek, looking at Khushi!

There was hooting and wooing!! Arnav looked around victorious! Arnav glanced a guilty look at the head priest. He was looking at them piercingly. He got up and came behind the couple. Putting both his hands on the couple's heads, he blessed them and said..

"You know how to respect elders and their presence!! And also know how to take up challenge!" Other priests laughed loudly. Khushi blushed furiously. She flashed an angry look at Arnav. He smiled.

There were commotion and arguments going on in the crowd. The young gang had split. Half of them supporting Arnav saying he won. And half of them with Raj saying he lost. Raj was arguing at the top of his voice. He was fighting a losing battle. The other people in the crowd looked confused and the girls never stopped giggling and blushing as if someone had given a peck on their cheek. Boys were gazing at the girls mesmerized and forgetting to fight for Raj. Girls naturally took Arnav's side and so did boys. Raj was not ready to leave the ground. He went to Panditji, who se permission he had sought for this prank.

The head panditji smiled at Raj and said "You lost it! That was a kiss indeed!!" Raj went away sulkily throwing his hands in the air in frustration!! There was giggling and sniggering from the girls' side.
"Now let us come back to the important ritual." Panditji signaled. Four covered silver plates were brought with two glasses of milk, Jilebees, Kheer, and Laddu and Badam halwa. "Now drink milk and feed each other Four times, for nourishment of Bone, Muscle, Skin and Blood, the basic four elements of our body!!!" Said panditji and they followed the instructions. Khushi looked contented with jilebees in her mouth. She was happy. At last she had eaten something. Arnav was happy because Khushi was happy!! At last!!! He took a sigh of relief!!.

"That's why Hindu marriage is not a contract but is an institution laid by a ceremony of woes making it a permanent relationship between husband and wife" said Panditji.

"Now take Aashirwad form all the elders!" ordered Panditji. Concluding the wedding ceremony!!
Khushi and Arnav got up and mixed up in the crowd taking Aashirwad from the elders touching their feet.

"There will be a dinner now and then there will be games all the night!! To keep you awake, there would be music too!" The Vidaai will be early morning when the couple will fly for Delhi!" Declared Papaji.

There was an excitement in the crowd and people around dispersed in the open area outside the Sheesh mahel where the food counters were waiting for the guests. The entire Sheesh mahel was illuminated with blue and green lights. The scattered fountains across the huge expanse of laun were dancing to the tune of music. The chairs and tables were arranged neatly. Raj, Papaji, Avinash and Shondeep were personally attending the guests with Mummiji, buwaji and amma.

Khushi and Arnav were moving around in the crowd and were accepting the appreciations for the arrangements, nodding politely. The dinner went on for a long time. When they all gathered in the hall again, no one except papaji and the young clan had the energy for the games and the music. Even Khushi and Arnav looked tired. But papaji was determined to keep them awake.

"Its your wedding! You cannot be dozing off like this!" He kept on nudging the couple.

"All the games are for winning or losing!" he declared loudly looking at Khushi. Khushi 's eyes flashed excitement. Arnav opened his mouth to reject the proposal outright but suddenly stopped looking at Khushi's glowing face. He knew how much she enjoyed games! He kept gazing at her forgetting to refuse to play games....

Raj was talking to Shondeep while others were preparing for the games, Antakshari, and dumb charades.

"He tried to sneak in his men for sabotage. He had asked them to come at the wicket gate at the river side of this mahel. This is hidden in the unkempt bushes. This gate is closed permanently and you can enter only through crossing the river. They did that. They had all the weapons with them." Said Shondeep gravely. Raj clenched his fists.

"This Sham gave the guards a slip and went to the gate to open it for his men. There were around fifteen of them. They could have played havoc in here. It would have been difficult to control the disaster had they entered. We did not have CCDs on that gate as it was closed and there was no possibility that anybody would enter through." Shondeep pointed out the lacuna in their planning. The entire mehal and surroundings were networked with CCD cameras and a control room was set up on the top floor.

"I don't know! But when Sir discussed the entire security arrangements when Arnav landed here with his sister, he cursorily mentioned about this closed gate and said he used to jump from the gate to reach the river. Sir had deployed a security guard there as a failsafe arrangement! And thank god, it worked!" Said Shondeep.

"When he saw someone approaching the gate he immediately contacted the chief. By that time this Sham had already reached the gate. When the guard tried stopped him, he hit the guard with an iron rod lying there. But our other security guards had reached there. His men were climbing the gates . There was firing from both the sides. The chief called Sir and we reached there. They had overpowered Sham and his men. My God, Raj! They had all sorts of weapons! Our security guard got injured but two of his men were shot. All of them were taken in the custody, except this Sham!" Shondeep had disgust in his eyes. "That too because Sir insisted that he be spared for a couple of days." Said Shondeep, emitting rage.

"If we had not reached in time and had he continued his resistance, they would have shot him dead!" said Shondeep, wishing they could have done that. Raj echoed the same thought.

"Let these two days pass, Shondeep, I will personally go and kiss that bastard!" Raj said furiously, revenge lighting up in his eyes.

"Don't worry! We will have our change to have a go at him!" said Shondeep putting his hand on Raj's shoulder. Raj shuddered with the thought of Sham and his men entering the mehal. They both went inside. Raj spotted sham sitting alone with his two bodyguards. He went there striding and sitting next to him, he clenched his hand around Sham's neck! "What do you think you were doing?" he asked him grinding his teech. Sham did not answer. Raj could feel him shiver in fright. "Start counting your days, Shamu!" Raj said menacingly. Sham tried to free his neck from the grip. Raj tightened his grip.

"Raj!" Papaji called him. He reluctantly got up casting an angry look at Sham.

**** ****
The entire crowd of young people was divided into two parts. The elders had already reached their homes or had retired to their rooms. Arnav and Khushi were permitted to change in their comfortable attire. Khushi wore a beautiful light blue saree with the help of Elsa. And Arnav, his usual mono attire!

A large pot with milky water and rose petals was brought in. Anjali took out a beautiful solitaire diamond ring and slid it in the pot. The water and petals were churned out vigorously. Khushi and Arnav were asked to find out the ring. Whoever take out the ring is the winner of the ring and it was said that the winner is the boss of their married life. Arnav and Khushi were about to put their hands in the pot, "Wait wait! Its not that easy! Let me put in something else." Said Anjali. She put in some more rings with studded stone. "If you take out the wrong ring, you are out of the game and the other person wins!" she declared making it more difficult and complicated. Arnav looked away in frustration. On a count of three they both dived their hands in the pot and started searching for the ring. It was almost impossible to differentiate between the diamond ring and the other stone studded rings. Every time Khushi hit upon the ring, she had a feeling that it was a wrong one and had to let it go. While the hands were busy finding the rings moving in the pot, many a times they hit upon each other sending shivers through their spines and Khushi blushing furiously. Arnav had started enjoying Khushi's desperation to find the ring and every time he found her hand, he held it tightly making it impossible for her to move. She flashed a look at him every time he held her hand. The crowd was clapping and whistling, encouraging both of them. Finally Khushi was on the verge of giving up and stopped resisting freeing her hand from his. His hand slowly inserted the Diamond ring in her finger. She looked at him in surprise! He nodded smiling at her! He had found it first but had given it to her. Shyness appeared on her face. She smiled at him and took out her hand, brandishing the diamond ring in her finger. Crowd erupted in a roar. Arnav looked away smiling!!

There were rounds of Dumb charades and Antakshari. The young crowd was at its best in playing and fighting. Khushi took part in everything initially but her energy level started going down and slowly she withdrew herself from the games. The games had gathered momentum and the parties were trying their level best to win the games shouting at the top of their voice and sometimes resorting to cheating...! No one paid much attention to the newly wed couple. Arnav and Khushi were trying to keep themselves awake but their eyes gave way. The clock chimed Four in the morning when everyone was exhausted and was dozing off, Nani came down and tried to wake up her family.

"Wake up everyone! Get ready! We have a seven O'clock flight!" she roared making everyone shudder.

Papaji came in and tried to wake up Arnav and Khushi who were curled on the couch itself. He got up with a jerk. "You two are coming with us by 9 O'clock flight. So go and get ready!" he said.
The other Raizada family members were to take the earlier flight as they were to prepare for the Welcome(Gruhapravesh) of the newlywed couple. There was a big commotion as everyone wanted to get ready.

The Raizada family left exactly at five. Sham had got ready to leave with the Raizadas. But papaji had held him back saying he wanted to spend some more time with the Damadji of Raizadas as he was the guest of honor! "We have given you a long rope, Shamu! Now its time to hang!" Raj had said with a vengeance. Shondeep had never allowed him to go out of sight. Anjali had left with other Raizadas. Avinash and Anita too had left.

Khushi was moving from one room to another searching for papaji, who had vanished suddenly. She found him with mummiji. She was on her bed and papaji was sitting on the floor resting his head on her laps. "Why do we have to send her? Why can't she stay with us?" papaji was asking innocently. "She stayed with us only one year, biwi! What will we do now? I can't think of life without her!" he asked looking at her hopefully.

"She has to leave. Kaali maa had sent her to set right our scattered life. She has done that. Now she should move on! Let her have her own life and be happy!" mummiji said holding papaji's hand.
"And who said, I am leaving?" asked Khushi from behind. She came in running and hugged mummiji.
:Mummiji, I am not going anywhere!" she said sobbing. Mummiji smiled. "Khushi, you are staying with us permanently in our hearts! Bur pttar, Arnav is waiting for you!" said mummiji stroking her. With the mention of Arnav, a faint smile appeared on Khushi's face. She looked at mummiji and then at papaji.

"Mummiji..." she blurted in a quivering voice. "Don't worry puttar! I will take care of Balwindar!" said mummiji smiling. Papaji looked vulnerable but mummiji was calm and stable. She said "Now go and get ready for your Vidaai, Khushi puttar!" Khushi left. She ran to her room crying. Arnav saw her in corridors and went into Mummiji's room. Papai had stood up and was ready to leave. He saw Arnav and stopped dead. Arnav came forward and said. "Just one phone call, papaji and not only Khushi, but I too will be there at your service in no time!" he held papaji's hand promising him. Papaji smiled and said "You will have to! I have made all the plans!" Arnav looked confused.

Everyone got ready and Papaji held Arnav and Khushi's hands and brought them at the main door. Guptas, Khushi's friends, Mummiji, Elsa all were following them behind. Khushi took a palm full of puffed rice with some coins and threw them behind over her head. The people behind tried to gather them. She repeated this thrice thinking "You all have done so much for this orphan girl, I am indebted to you for all my life. I cannot think of a way to return what you all have done for me!!"
A decorated Mercedes was waiting for the couple. Arnav was in dark blue suit and Khushi, laden with matching jewelry, wore a dark red designer saree with pallu on her head. Guptas, Raj, Shondeep, were waiting at the porch. Papaji descended with the couple. Raj and Papaji opened the doors for Arnav and Khushi. Tej and Meera were to accompany the newlywed couple to the airport. Khushi looked at Papaji, he was looking away. She went to amma and babuji. She took blessings from them resolutely sending her tears back. "I am going now! But I am always there with you!" she said in a trembling voice. Buwaji could not control her tears hugging Khushi tightly.

Papaji waited for Khushi to sit in the car. Then he came around the car where Arnav was waiting and joining his hands said "Please, keep her happy. Take care of her!.." he could not speak more as his throat got choked. Arnav held his hand and said "I promise! I will always keep her happy!" He sat in the car. Papaji took a coconut and kept under the front tire. "What are you doing Dad?" Asked Raj bewildered.

"Checking the car's travel worthiness!" said papaji coolly.
He went and brought Babuji's Wheel chair near the car and put babuji's hand on the car door. Papaji came to the front door and Raj and Shondeep at the back of the car. The three of them with initial pushing from babuji, started pushing the car out of the gates of Sheesh Mahel. Tears rolling down every one's cheeks. The car went out of the gates and out of sight. The three of them came back to the porch to be ready to go to the airport.

Part 110

The baaraat was at the gates. Papaji, Mummiji and Khushi's family and friends were waiting to welcome the Baarat!!! Elsa went ahead to prepare for the welcome of the Baarati! The baarat entered the gates and moved towards the Porch. The music had become louder. Arnav wanted this to get over soon. His baarat was moving dead slow.

"What the..! Oh! When will this end?" thought Arnav looking at the roof of Porch and suddenly he pulled the rein of the Mare causing to stop her dead. Raj was looking at him intently. He raised his hand and the music stopped! The baaraties turned to look!

Arnav looked up with a jerk. His Khushi was waiting at the window, looking at him pressing her hand on her heart!!. Their eyes met and the world around them vanished. Arnav and Khushi forgot to breathe. They couldn't take their eyes off. Khushi's breathing became uneven and heavy. Arnav had kept his rein pulled. He never wanted the mare to move ahead. A moment before he wished this baarat ended soon! And now he wanted it to go on and on. They gazed at each other and fell in love with each other once again!!!  There was no need to confess their love!! It was all evident...!

A faint smile appeared on their faces!! A shrill whistle brought them back. Raj whistled inserting his fingers in his mouth and then the baaraat erupted in whistling and wooing! The music and dancing reached its peak. The motorcade behind the horse started moving again. The baaraat reached the porch.

Khushi ran back to mummiji! Mummiji hugged her! "I knew it!" she whispered. Khushi was still breathing heavily and shivering slightly with excitement. Mummiji patted her and said
"Khushi, now go inside! Wear your shaadi ka joda! Take a mouthful of water and don't swallow it. First evoke Lord ganesha by making pooja and then Sit before your devi mayya and pray for "Health, Wealth, Prosperity and happiness' for your family. Don't get up till they call you! Understand?" Khushi nodded!!

The make up artists hurriedly came forward to get her ready. Payal was at her service. She changed into bridal wear. She wore a red joda and her jewelry changed accordingly. She wore the chunni sent by Anjali. Her joda had a real gold heavily embroidered borders and the precious stone studded all over! Her choli was intricately designed with real gold tiny flowers and leaved. Mummiji came in.
"Khushi, your solaa shringar will be complete when he puts sindoor in your maang! She came forward and applied ittar (Perfume) behind her ears and on her palms. "Khushi! Go and pray!" she ordered her. The baaraat was at the porch and the dancing and music never stopped. She knew it will take some time and Khushi will have enough time to pray!

Papaji, Mummiji and Guptas came forward. Elsa fed the mare and did aarti. Papaji lifted Tej from the Horse. Raj came to Arnav and locked his fingers cupping his palms and said bending down. "Keep your foot in here and dismount from the Horse!" Arnav looked at Raj's palms "Oh! No! I am not doing this!" He got down himself. Raj hugged him. Elsa washed his feet with milk and water and wiped with a cotton cloth. Raj helped Arnav to wear his jooti back. Anjali came forward and gave Arnav the coconut and kalash (copper round shaped vessel) she was carrying to hand it over to Mummiji. Mummiji took aarti from Elsa and put Ttilak on Arnav's forehead. She did aarti. Papaji took out cash again. Arnav touched the feet of both mummiji and papaji. He hugged his son in law. Arnav got lost. He did not know what was going on and who was doing what.

Papaji looked for Sham. He was the daamadji of the groom's family. He was at the back never taking part in the celebrations. He was smoldering from within. He had seen Arnav looking up! Sham too had gazed at Khushi but no one had time to look at him. He was constantly accompanied by two bodyguards! He couldn't move or do anything or call anyone. His wings were clipped neatly without his knowledge. He was trapped, cornered....

Papaji came and held his hand and brought him forward. He washed his feet and wiped. He called Anjali forward. Elsa put tick on Anjali;s forehead. And Raj put it on Sham. Sham and Anjali were given gifts. Shondeep was standing behind Sham keeping a close eye on him as the bodyguards were left behind.

Khushi was sitting before her devi mayya praying by joining her hands. She had closed her eyes and water in her mouth not allowing her to open her mouth.

There was milaap going on outside. Both the families were getting introduced with each other formally. The ladies had gathered for Jayamala. Lavanya and Anjali were busy greeting the family members. Mamiji was at her best, boasting herself and flashing the glittering jewelry. Arnav was given a beautiful garland. They were all waiting for the bride to come for the jayamala. Pandit jis were changing mantras. The maternal uncle was to bring Khushi. Papaji whispered something in panditji's ear. Panditji nodded. But Shondeep's father came forward and said "I am her Mama and I will bring her!" Mummiji's face brightened up! Papaji hugged him. He went inside smiling.

"Khushi!" he called out standing at the door of her room where she was praying. Khushi looked up at him. She swallowed the water at once and choked. "Easy..Easy!" he said coming forward and putting his hand on her back. "Uncle?" she looked at him.

"Yes, Khushi! I am your uncle, Mama and you are coming with me!" She got up. He held her right hand and walked her out of the room! They descended the stairs and she was standing before Arnav. She couldn't look up at him. But he was staring at her forgetting the crowd around. Khushi's friends giggled.

Khushi was given the replica of the garland. Aakash and shondeep were standing on either side of Arnav All his young cousins and relatives were gathered behind him. All set to lift him.... Arnav said. "No! No! don't do this!"

"Oh! Yeah! We know you care more about her! But let us see how she takes up the challenge!" A wave of laugher and whistling roused through the crowd. Khushi friends nudged her. "Take up the challenge ... haan?" they winked. Khushi's cheeks were competing with her red wedding dress!!
Panditjis were chanting mantras to bless the couple. Papaji felt little awkward by the childrens' stunts. He said "Nothing doing. No lifting and all!" he looked at Panditji. But pandit ji smiled and nodded and said "Its ok! Don't stretch it too far!!"

"Yeeaaa!" cried Aakash, looking at his wife payal who was standing next to Khushi. Khushi became suddenly alert hearing the word challenge. Her eyes flashing, she looked around. There was no one standing beside her except payal and her close friends. Mummiji and Amma with buwaji were standing behind her. She got nervous. Panditji asked her to put the garland around Arnav's neck. As she moved forward, Aakash and Shondeep, two tallest persons lifted Arnav at once making it impossible for her. The crowd wooed and clapped. Khushi felt helpless and so did Arnav. He looked down at her.

And suddenly she was raised up to his level. Raj and Avinash had appeared from nowhere and lifted her! She grabbed this and put the garland over his head around his neck. The crowd clapped harder!! She looked at Arnav for a fraction of second. He was speechless. His mouth fell open. Shondeep and Aakash were sulking. Avinash and Raj had a winning grin!!! Khushi smiled looking down and Arnav couldn't stop himself staring at her stunning beauty! He forgot the garland in his hand.

"Bete, put the garland around her!" said panditju touching Arnav's hand. Arnav came back to his senses and garlanded her. The crowd clapped and the crackers echoed everywhere!!!

All of them came inside. Cold drinks and snacks were served to everyone. Arnav was given a glass of juice as he was to fast till the wedding. The wedding altar with canopy (Mantap) was waiting for the wedding ceremony!!!

******  *********

The intricately carved Four marble pillars with meena work on them. Each one had an elephant's head at the base and the carved trunk balanced the height of the pillar. A canopy was built on those four pillars. A glass roof/top rested on the four pillars. The canopy contained four curved conical mirrors facing inwardly raised at the center above the glass roof making the sloped roof. The light source was placed at the center of the canopy where the four conical mirrors met. The transparent colored glass pieces and colorful rings were spread over the glass top randomly, reflecting on the four mirrors giving it a cascading effect shaping it in perfect symmetrical designs. It looked like a kaleidoscope from under the canopy. The colorful glass pieces emitted different colors down under the canopy . The outer canopy was decorated with delicate colorful flowers.

All the loud music and chaos was stopped. A mild low volume shehenai was played. The chanting by all the panditjis echoed throughout the house creating a holy, sacred, blessed, consecrated atmosphere dedicated to the divine purpose of union of two souls.

After the lavish lunch for all the guests and family members the priests were ready to start the wedding ceremony. The head panditji called the groom and his parent and the bride and her parents for invoke the presence of Lord ganesha by Ganesh poojan. A symbolic coconut and beetle nut were worshipped with fresh flowers and colored rice.

Papaji and Mummiji were asked to wash Arnav and Khushi's hands tand feet o get them ready for the pooja. A fire was ignited in the havan kund with wooden logs and pure ghee was poured over them. The head priest ignited the sacred fire evoking all the Gods and Goddesses inviting them to bless the couple.

The prayer to the nine planets of the Solar system was performed to please the celestial bodies influencing the destiny of every individual.

Papaji stood up for Kanyadaan (entrusting of the daughter in wedding) . Pandit ji asked papaji to take mummiji's permission to give away her daughter and she approved off the groom as the husband of her daughter. Papaji asked her "Do you consent to this? As her mother, your permission must be obtained. Do you agree to give your daughter in marriage to this boy?' Mummiji nodded smiling. Papaji stood behind Arnav and Khushi and took her right hand and by putting the bride's right hand into the groom's right hand (Hastamelap, joining of hands) while panditji reciting sacred verse. That sealed the relationship. All four parents papaji, mummiji, mamaji and mamiji placed a cotton cord around the couple standing at the four corners of the mantap, symbolizing the promise to protect the couple from all the evil and keep them always in safe environment.

Cold drinks, Tea, Coffee and milk were served to the gathering. Arnav and Khushi were asked to drink milk.

Panditji asked Anjali to tie the knot symbolizing the permanent union of bride and groom as husband and wife and she be the witness for the same. She tied the edge of Arnav's silk scarf to Khushi's bridal chunni. Papaji showered her with gifts and also honored her husband, Sham with several gifts.
Panditji asked Khushi and Arnav to get up for the havan. Khushi was asked to cup her hands and to place them in Arnav's cupped hands. Raj then poured puffed rice in Khushi's hands, half of which spilled over in Arnav's cupped hands. Together Arnav and Khushi offered it into the fire with pouring of pure ghee causing the emittance of smoke. Three such obligations were offered to the sacred fire and panditji asked both of them to pray to Yama, the God of Death, that he grant long life, health, happiness and prosperity to both of them.

"Arnav and Khushi! The smoke emitted by the sacrifice of the rice and ghee in the fire, not only wards off evil, it reaches all the corners of the house, purifies the house and drives away all the insects!" said the elderly panditji smiling. Khushi smiled and nodded. Arnav was busy wiping off his eyes and nose burning with the smoke. Anjali and Nani presented gifts to Elsa and Raj.

Pandit ji asked the couple to walk around the sacred fire four times. Each time they had stoped, to touch with their toe a stone in their path, symbolizing that all the obstacles in their life, they would overcome together.

"Arnav bte! You lead the first round holding her hand. Pray that you both will work towards Dharma righteousness and help her in every walk of life." They did.

"Lead the second round for Artha - monetary accomplishment and give all your finances to her to manage. Both of you together work towards growth and wealth.

"Lead the third round for Kama - energy and passion in life and never to part with her and keep each other satisfied and happy.

"Khushi beti.. you now lead the forth and the most important round Moksha - liberation from everything in life. Help him look at everything as if its not his while achieving the above three goals of life keeping the presence of God, The almighty in mind. You take your spiritual journey together! And lead him for self actualization!!"

For some reason unknown.. Khushi'f friends, Arnav's cousins, Aakash, Avinash and Raj had gathered around the mantap. They were looking at the couple with bated breath.

Panditji asked them to take their places, Khushi to the left side of Arnav symbolizing his better half and controller of his heart. Arnav sat down first and his party gave a winning roar. Raj, Avinash and her friends went away sulking. Both Arnav and Khushi were bewildered. Khushi looked at Panditji.
"Whoever sits first is the ruler in this marriage!" said panditji laughing.

"What? Why didn't you tell me earlier.. I..wo..?" Khushi started off angrily. Panditji laughed again.
"Shut up Khushi!" whispered Arnav making her shut her mouth up at once! She looked at his smug face.

"See! I told you! He is the boss!" said the youngest pandit laughing. Khushi looked away furiously and Arnav smiling with pride..

Mummiji was called again on the altar. She came with the help of papaji. Panditji asked her to help Khushi in Sheela Arohan Mummiji assisted Khushi to step onto a stone slab which was kept aside and counseled her to prepare herself for a new life with new family and new relations. "Khushi this is not bed of roses. This new life is like solid rock with the possibilities of banging your head. You have to be strong like a rock in standing by your family and husband. This is like climbing a cliff hanger. But once you reach the top, the world is yours!" . Mummiji had tears in her eyes while advising her young, kidlike, daughter! Khushi nodded looking confused.

"God knows how much she has taken in!" wondered mummiji.
The head priest was explaining each and every ritual of the ceremony in simple terms enlightening the gathering. He made sure the havan was kept burning constantly pouring ghee into the Havan Kund.

"Now get ready for saptapadi or saat phere! " This constituted the heart of the entire ceremony which virtually seals the wedding.

Papaji's phone kept in the front upper pocket of his shervani , vibrated. He took it and then grim appeared on his face. He bent down and said something to the head priest and then said please wait for me, I will be back in a couple of minutes. If I don't turn up in Ten minutes, please go ahead and complete the ceremony. Panditji nodded.

Papaji turned to leave. He looked around and raised his hand at Shondeep. Papaji hurriedly went out followed by Shondeep. Everyone else waited for them to return back. Sham was nowhere to be seen. But Raj was relaxed and confident. He knew nothing would go wrong.