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.

Part 109

"Raj!" called out papaji. Raj turned! "We are having a meeting with panditji..." said papaji.
"Meeting?" Raj wondered. He knew how weird his father was. All the five panditji gathered in the room with papaji and Raj.

"Pandit ji... with due respect to all of you, I would like to suggest that the wedding be done with all the rituals and no shortcuts." Said papaji bowing his head before the pundits.  Raj followed.

"Yes! " said the elderly Pandit raising his hand to bless Raj and Papaji.
"It will be our honor to do so! There are very few families now a days, wanting the wedding with full rituals. I will make sure of its sanctity. I will explain every ritual if you want!" said the elderly Pandit looking at others for their approval. They all nodded smiling.

"Its... I mean... I want people to know the significance of our marriages. My son in law, I want him to understand the meaning of being together, understand the marriage. She is my dear daughter.. I want her to know everything. I.. I want her to be happy and be blessed by the almighty God and all the people. I want .... Her... to be blessed by stalwarts like you...!" said papaji incoherently, losing his composure.

"DAD!... !" Raj tried to hold papaji's hand. Tears were rolling down papaji's eyes and disappearing in his moustache and beard. He raised his hand to stop Raj. A tear drop fell on his knuckle.

He looked shocked  and lost at his own tears. "Tear?... But I am happy! I am very happy ... !" said papaji quivering and looking confused. He looked at Raj helplessly. Raj was staring the floor.  He couldn’t hide his tears....!

"You carry on.. I will be right back!" said papaji suddenly getting up and going out! Raj gaped at his father. He had never seen him in such a state, in such a vulnerable condition.

"What have I done to him!! I have unhinged, disquieted, distressed him with my actions! He might have broken down completely when I walked out of his life, ten years back! It might have taken its toll on him. Mom crippled physically, but Dad? He broke from within, never showing anything on his face...Oh god! What have I done! Please .. God show me a way to bring those ten years back!" A muffled sob left Raj. He swallowed hard! The elderly pandit was watching intently.

Then he spoke in a deep voice. "You cannot bring the time back, my child! The only thing you can do is try and forget!!"

Raj looked at Panditji in surprise "I am sure, you will help him forget the past, my child!" he said seriously. A faint smile appeared on Raj's face. "Yes!" he said resolutely and getting up, said "I will bring him back!" he turned to leave.

"No need!" said the head pandit raising his hand. "I believe, the meeting is over! And God Bless you!" Raj turned and left to be with his father.

**  **** ****

Raj dashed inside looking for his dad. He found him with Khushi! She was laughing her heart out on his jokes and mummiji was smiling mildly looking at her husband. She knew something was wrong with him. Raj came in and stopped at the door seeing his father laughing and joking with joy. He dashed in and hugged his dad tightly to everybody's surprise. Mummiji understood what was wrong. She turned her wheel chair and went out of the room. Papaji was taken aback by Raj's action. He patted on Raj's back and whispered "I am ok, Raj!"

"Ok? Were you not Ok? What happened? Are you ok papaji?" Khushi asked at once. Raj closed his eyes and flared up his nose. "Shut up, Khushi! Stop poking your nose!" he said looking at her.

"What? He is my papaji, I am asking him! Not you!" she took her stance anticipating and getting ready for the fight on this issue!
"God Bless Arnav!" muttered Raj in frustration and went out grinning with his Dad. She had defused the situation successfully yet again!

*** ***** ****
Sham went out in a car driven by one of the security guards. The other one was sitting next to him. He asked him to stop at the ATM. He got down from the car. The guard followed him closely. Sham desperately wanted to withdraw the money. He inserted his card and keying in his password waited for his balance to appear. To his surprise he got a message "the amount is unavailable for withdrawal" Please contact the nearest branch." He tried several times with the same message.
"What?" he was surprised. He came back to his room and tried to connect to his account. A message appeared on his screen "This account is frozen till further orders!" He was shocked! He tried all his accounts in vain. All his bank accounts were frozen.

He downloaded his mails which he had not done in a week. He had a mail from his boss Mr. Shondeep Banerjee stating that all his powers are withdrawn till he gives a reply to the show cause notice sent to him and he is suspended from his post.

Sham got up in rage. He went to Nani's room and called his wife. She came out hurriedly looking concerned.
"What is it?" she asked. Raani Saaheba! I need money right now! Its urgent! Give me your card!" he held out his hand.

"What? Why? Why do you want money now?" she asked suspiciously for the first time in their married life.
"Its urgent! Raani Saheba! " He said nervously.
"How much?" she asked.
"as much as possible.. in lacs" he said in a whisper.
"What? Lacs?" She screamed in the corridors.
"Shhh! Don't shout!" he held her by her shoulders tightly. She looked frightened.
"B..But you won't be able to withdraw that much from ATM" she said quivering.
"I know! I will withdraw in instalments!" he said looking at her angrily. He saw a room door opening.... He immediately left her and changing his tone said "Raani Saheba! I want it for your sake only!"
"What?" She was surprised with this sudden change.
"But... I don't have my card with me! Its with Chote! Wait I will get it!" she said moving away.

Shondeep had already reached. He was looking at both of them intently.
"Is there any problem?" he asked looking at Sham. Sham's blood boiled with rage. He almost lost his mental balance and coming on to him aggressively he hissed "You are the problem! You froze my accounts!" He had raised his fist to punch Shondeep. Shondeep held his hand and slowly brought it down with a force.

"Calm down Mr. Sham..! These are procedural matters! I had warned you before!" he said authoritatively. Sham could sense Shondeep's grip tightening.
"You will face the consequences..!" Sham threatened Shondeep. Shondeep smiled mildly.
"Mr. Sham it's a procedure. I cannot help. Please be ready to face the inquiry!" He said turning his back on Sham. He saw Anjali going to Arnav's room.

"Chote! Can you give me my card? Your Jijaji needs some money urgently!" she said.
"What? How much?" He asked picking up his wallet from the dressing table and pulling out her card.
"I don't know!" she said helplessly. "Di! Don't worry. I will give him the money! But why does he want it?" asked Arnav placing his hand on her shoulder.
"Wait! I will ask him!" she said taking the card from her brother.

Sham was furious and frustrated! He did not know what to do now! Anjali came back with the card. She handed it over to him. "Chote said he can help! He can give you cash!" she said smiling.
"What? How much?" he asked. "Whatever you want! But why do you want that money?" she asked him again.

"Can he give me five lacs now?" he asked her.
"Why don't you come and ask him?" she said again moving towards Arnav's room. Arnav was waiting at the door. He looked at his Jijaji sternly. Sham could not gauge Arnav.
"Why is he so helpful this time?" he wondered.
"Hello Jijaji! Di told me, you are in need !" said Arnav in a soft voice but his eyes were expressionless.
"Yes!" said Sham eagerly.
"How much?" he asked.
"um.. Five lacs!" replied Sham hesitantly.
"Ok! " said Arnav plainly. Sham was surprised.
"Jijaji, you know I don't do cash dealings. Its very difficult to account for! So I suggest you pass a receipt to that extent mentioning the purpose! Hope you understand!" Arnav said earnestly.
Sham thought for a while and then said "Ok! I will pass a receipt for the same!" Arnav smiled.
"Jijaji, Please get the receipt and I will pay you!" said Arnav.
Sham rushed to his room to prepare a receipt for Five lacs of rupees taken from Arnav Singh Raizada for personal use.
He came back with the receipt and Arnav was ready with the cash.

**** ***** *********
Sham went out again in that night with the security guards and money! He had paid it to a person waiting for him!!!
Arnav was smirking looking at the receipt. Sham had written it on his letterhead. "Dowery demand? On the eve of wedding of BIL !!!!" blurted Arnav before going to bed.

Next day early morning Anjali came to wake Arnav up. "Chote you have to get ready, The wedding ceremony will start soon. Nani is waiting for you!" She said and went out hurriedly. He got ready and went to Nani's room. She said "Chhote.. come here. I will put oil on your head and then you go and take bath!"

"What? OIL" he looked at his Nani. "No! I am not going to put oil on my head!" he said firmly.
"You will have to!" Said Nani holding his hand and pulling him down. He sat unwillingly. Nani took her own time to apply oil on his head and then said... "Take this sandalwood powder and have a nice hot water bath!"

He touched nani's feet and went to his room. When he came out of the bathroom the two persons were waiting for him. He had disgust on his face but had no other choice. It took them quite a time to get Arnav ready. Arnav resisted for the Indian traditional outfit but there was no one to listen to him. Shondeep peeked a couple of times in his room and smirking went away. Anjali was supervising over his makeup.

"Di! Please.. I am not comfortable! Let me wear my normal attire!" he said pleadingly.
"Oh! Chote.. I cannot do anything. Its Khushi's papaji's order... And Ragi is policing outside...!" She said teasing him. The make up artists finished their work and turned Arnav to face the mirror. Arnav couldn't believe his eyes, he was staring at a stranger. He ran his fingers on his dress looking at the mirror.
"Is this me? Arnav Singh Raizada?" he asked himself. He saw Anjali's figure next to him and Regi appeared behind... She had tears in her eyes. "Why do women cry on every occasion?" he wondered. She placed a black spot behind his ear.

“Ho.. ho wait! Mr. ASR!” Regi roared taking out his cell.  “Got to send this to mother.... Her Aru ... ready to be wedded with his sweetheart..!” Regi has his share of teasing and suddenly getting serious, asked,

“By the way, did you tell her that you love her?” he asked loudly and everyone turned to them.  Arnav flushed .... “What?” Regi asked again very loudly above everyone’s snigger...! Arnav looked away...

“I didn’t have to! She knew!” he said under his breath.  “What?” Regi asked him leaning towards him.

“No!” yelled Arnav and suddenly fell silent looking around.

“Oh! Poor Khushi... She doesn’t even know, whether he loves her or not!” Regi pitied Khushi smirking...! He winked at Rekha.  She grinned.  The game was on...!

A Blessed Pagadi (sehra) was tied neatly around his head with pink and white combination and a string of pearls ran through it across. The stiff edge fanned out little skewed to the right over his pagdi. A ruby studded Shir pech was adding grace. His Off white designer Shervani was intricately embroidered with real gold and silver threads and pearls. The thick "Kantha" gold chain hung around his neck with antique maharaja style pendent with a large round ruby at the center. His wrist graced a bracelet. His engagement ring in his left ring finger and a matching ruby studded ring on his right hand ring finger. His white salwar was highlighting his off white knee length Shervani. He wore white gold designed Indian footwear (Joote) open at heels and pointed at the front with an upward turn. A belt bearing an ornately designed handled sword at his waist hung across his shoulder. This was at Papaji's insistence. He had always considered the couple, Arnav and Khushi as fighters to the core and a sword is the symbol of warrior! Arnav looked no less than a prince with his six feet height and muscular built body and his graceful body posture.

He had felt uncomfortable walking with jootas but with a little bit of practice he had a conquering walk. Even the makeover artists wondered at their own creation.

"Every girl will fall for him today!" they thought. Anjali could not take her eyes off her chote! There was a knock on the door and Shondeep for the third time entered the room. He had a strange look on his face and looking at Arnav, holding out his hand, he said bowing"I am Mr. Shondeep Banerjee...! And you are the Prince of which princely State Sir? ..." he looked very serious.

"Oh! Shut up, Shondeep!" said Arnav flushing. Anjali and Shondeep grinned at each other. Arnav looked away. Other family members started pouring in his room. Aakash held his hand on his heart looking at his handsome bhai. Nani again applied black kajal to ward off evil eye. Sham just stood there as if waiting for someone or something. Mama and Mami were on cloud nine. Mami was laden with tasteless gold ornaments from head to toe. She was wearing a blue designer saree with golden bordered. Nani looked graceful with her cream lucknow kalamkari designer saree and a single Kantha gracing her neck.

Aakash and Mamaji wearing designer Shervanis and pink pagadi. Sham had a light blue Kurta paijama with matching pagadi.

Shondeep wore a silk off white kurta and had turned his thick curly hair back highlighting his broad forehead. His blue eyes emitting happiness, his smile made people hold their breath. Lavanya was wearing a red saree with select ornaments. She was looking stunning. She could not take her eyes off Shondeep. He had a simple attire but was looking handsome with his Six and a quarter feet slender fair body. Lavanya got lost in his dimpled smile. He smiled at her. She came and wrapped her hand around his arm.

Anjali was wearing a yellow designer south Indian silk saree with green golden boarder. She wore an emerald and diamond studded ornate set. She had combination of yellow-green and gold bangles till elbow length. Her baajubandh IArm band) highlighted her slender long hands with the rings gracing her artistic long fingers.

"Uncle!!!!" Tej dashed in pushing everyone aside. Arnav and Tej kept gaping at each other. Tej was looking like a miniature prince replica of Arnav's exactly! Even he had hung a miniature sword across, causing people to hold their breath. Arnav picked him up. Tej kissed on Arnav's cheek.

"Dadaji told me to kiss you on Khushi buwa's behalf!" He said loudly sending a  wave of laughter in the gathering and Arnav put him down immediately looking away.

"Uncle!!" Meera was pulling his hand. She was wearing a red ghagaraa Choli with golden chunni, red bangles and matching jewellery! Arnav knelt down. She too kissed him on his other cheek! And before she could speak anything Arnav pressed his finger on her lips and said "I know!" Shondeep thumped on his shoulder.

Raj and Elsa came in. Both of them were in Bengali attire! both of them joining their hands said "We have come to take you to the Mantap in procession (Baarat!)

Elsa put a tilak on Arnav's forehead between his eyebrows and did Aarti. Raj held Arnav's hand and they all walked towards the motorcade.

The motorcade stopped at a distance from the gates of Sheesh mehel. A decorated, large, tall upto 15 hands height, spotless white mare was waiting. She wore a white foam leather saddle with silk embroidered cloth on it, A leather reins and stirrup! The owner of the horse was holding the reins.

Arnav suddenly resisted. "No! I am not mounting a horse!" he said firmly. Raj looked at him naughtily and said "As you wish!" "Your wish is my command!"

"Here!” He waved at the opposite side. An intricately draped huge Elephant was waiting patiently for someone to mount his decorated howdah with canopy. (Ambari) Arnav winced at the thought of mounting an elephant. He looked at Raj angrily. Raj grinned! Arnav preferred Horse to Elephant. Raj had a bright smile. Arnav muttered!

The other baaratees (All Arnav's relatives and friends with their families!) had gathered under a make shift pendal !

"Where did these many relatives come from?" He wondered. He could recognize a few like mami's sister, brother and their family, Nani's elder sister and her family. Some of his second cousins.. Mama's cousins...the list went on. All of a sudden all of them had become active excited about the baaraat!

Raj took Arnav to the Horse. Elsa again did aarti to the horse and washed the hooves with water. She fed the mare grains and mare put a step ahead indicating the acceptance. Arnav tried to mount the horse... but every time the mare shook her body. The owner asked Arnav to feed her. He did and then the mare nodded and stood still. Arnav inserted his left foot in the stirrup and mounted the mare gracefully. "Uncle!!" Tej was shouting raising his hands for someone to pick him up and put him behind Arnav. Raj did!

He took out some cash and gave away to be distributed among the poor! He gave a gift box to the owner of the horse too!

Tej held Arnav tightly from behind. The musicians (Band walas) started playing typical procession styled music and The baaraaties started dancing infront of the mare! It took one hour to cover the distance of just half a Kilometer to reach to the gates of Sheesh mahel!

Papaji, Mummiji and Khushi's family and friends were waiting at the gates to welcome the Baarat!!!

*********  ****

Mummiji woke Khushi up early morning. "Khushi! Get up! " she said. Khushi reluctantly opened her eyes. She looked around. "Khushi! Wake up!" Mummiji said smiling at her. "Hm!" Khushi got up stretching her body.

"Khushi! You have to fast till your wedding. Of course you can have milk or juice!" Said mummiji remembering Khushi's hunger.

"What?" Khushi screamed! She went to get ready sulkily.
Amma made her to sit on a low square stool and put scented oil on her hair. Massaging her head slowly she said "Khushi, you need to get ready soon. The baaraat will come anytime" Khushi turned hearing a commotion outside. She heard some familiar voices and waited to see! "Rano, Megha..." she screamed when her childhood friends entered the room. She went ahead and hugged. Giggling, her friends started rushing in the room.

"Khushi!" Amma called sternly. "Girls... go out and wait for her! Let her get ready!" they all went out laughing and teasing each other. "This is great! After so long I am meeting them!" Khushi grinned.
Amma took her to the bathroom. She massaged her face, hands and legs with Sandalwood paste and bathed her with the river water papaji had arranged ! Mummiji was supervising over all her makeup. Khushi came out! The team of make over artists were waiting for her.

It took a very long time to make her ready for her D-day! She was enjoying this making over. She smiled, giggled, laughed, blushed when the make up artists started putting Sola shringar for her and complemented her on every Shringar. They had covered all the mirrors in her room. She was not supposed to look at her image before the Shringar was complete.

When she got ready! One of them went out of the room and called Amma and Mummiji. It was the mother's privilege to see her first in bridal wear. Both of them couldn't stop their tears and mummiji took out cash to be distributed among the poor. Mummiji and Amma held her hands and turned her around to face the mirror! The cover was removed from the full length mirrors.

 Khushi had closed her eyes while turning around to face the mirror. She slowly apprehensively opened her eyes and kept looking at her own reflection. She gazed at the image unblinkingly. Her eyes went dreamy.

She was looking  heavenly!! Her fair complexion was glowing. Her hazy eyes emitted satisfaction. She gazed at herself from head to toe. Her Sola Shringar was complete. She fell in love with herself. She dreamed about Arnav and wished he be there with her, Looking at her!
She looked at her Solaa Shringaar (16 steps in bridal make up!) .
Her hair was neatly combed and was tied into a bun loosely hanging above her neck. The Hair style was decorated with gold studs and tiny floral beads.
White delicate jasmine malas (Lines) were pinned to her hair bun bringing them down from both the sides of her neck.
The hair was centrally parted and a Maang Tika (A ornate gold string with a circular pendent at one end was placed on her parting, bringing the pendent down on her forehead. The chains hanging from both the sides of the tika were loosely pinned behind her ears highlighting the hairline on her forehead.
A studded bindi was placed between her eyebrows matching the saree she was going to wear.
Her expressive hazel eyes were highlighted with Kaajal or Anjana (Eye liner) A small dot was placed behind her ears. Khushi wore a light lipstick.
A Nathni (a big gold ring through her left nostril with a chain pinned behind her left ear was delicately placed in her pierced nostril.
She was made to wear the earrings, large dangling zumkas and a chain ran around her ear for support.
Different types of Haar (/Necklesses) graced her neck of varying lengths right from the chokers to the navel length.
A Baaju Bandh was placed around her arms with serpent designs to signify its power to keep the evil at the bay and symbolizing lord Shiva.
The chudaa had already graced her wrists till elbows with red, ivory and gold combination.
Mehendi was intricately designed on her hands with Arnav's contribution to the design. Khushi looked at her palms and blushed recollecting Arnav drawing on her palm his name!
She wore rings in all her fingers except the thumbs. These rings were tied at the back of her hand with a gold floral ornament (Haath Fulora) which was joined to her first bangle on the wrist.
Gold anklets were placed around her ankles.
The toe rings were placed around her toe middle and third finger.
A Kamar Bandh (waist band) was placed tightly around her waist.
She wore a golden yellow ghagara choli with golden chunnari. Her transparent chunari covered her head and her hairstyle and tucked in her kamar Bandh.

The door of the room was thrown open and Khushi was brought out to take blessings from the elders. She first went to the panditji and took their blessings by sitting down on her knees and touching her head to the floor! Panditji blessed her sprinkling holy water on her head.

She looked at Mummiji. Mummiji took her to babuji and Amma, then Buwaji. Khushi's eyes were searching for papaji, but he was nowhere to be seen. She looked at mummiji. "Where is he?" she asked. Mummiji looked away avoiding to answer. Khushi asked again "Where is papaji?" She held mummiji's hand.

"He doesn't want to see you... in bridal dress!" said mummiji trying to stop her tears.
"What? But I am not in bridal wear yet! " She said moving from room to room in search of him. Finally she found him sitting in the balcony of his room.

"Papaji ! She called out!" He turned around and froze!
"Oh! My angel!" he called her with open arms. She ran and merged in his hug!

"Papaji!" she said in quivering voice, tears welling up her eyes.!"
"No! Khushi! No!" he almost screamed. Khushi stopped dead. "Don't! Your make up will wash off!" he said grinning at her. She grinned back and hugged him tightly.

"Papaji, come!" she said pulling his hand and dragging him out of the room. She came where mummiji was waiting. She sat on her knees and touching her head on the floor said "Bless me!"

Mummiji lifted her and kissed her forehead. "No Khushi! You bow like this only before God or HIS men!" she said. Papaji hugged her tightly muttering "Rub raakhaa !!" May God protect you!!Bless you!

Khushi was surrounded by her friends.  Someone pulled her away... “Khushi..!” Regi was looking at her unblinkingly...! She blushed and Rekha couldn’t stop pecking her on cheeks.  Aman whistled, winking at her. 

“What is this?” she said blushing.   “But.... I don’t know.... But!” she shook his head.

“What?” Khushi asked curiously.  Aman looked away not knowing what to say..

“What? Aman Sir?” she asked holding his hand.  “I mean... I don’t know...! But ASR was looking very handsome...! Compared to that... she .. i mean... Khushi....!” he said looking at Rekha.  Rekha wore seriousness. 

“Yeah...! I think ..” She looked at Regi.  “I think Regi designed his outfit himself... and yours Khushi... I think some apprentice...!” Khushi turned to Regi fuming in rage and Regi staggered back.  Rekha and Aman waiting smirking, for the explosion...!

“Regi sir!” Khushi yelled and Regi winced.  He held her tightly ..

“Khushi... you believe them? Do you think I would do that?” he tried his best. 

“Yeah, you would!” Khushi shouted breaking free and the duo roared in laughter. 

“I know you are his man, through and through....!” She said breaking free from him.  He pulled her in his embrace and said... “Khushi... I designed for both of you...! “

“By the way, Khushi, when did he say he loves you? In Kolkata?” Rekha asked grinning at others.   Khushi looked confused. 

“When? You don’t remember?” Rekha added fuel... Khushi tried to remember but she couldn’t.  “When did he say?” he didn’t!  Khushi fidgeted restlessly trying hard.

“What? He didn’t say? And you are marrying him?” Aman was wicked  among the three.  Khushi fumed. 

“You should have made him confess his love, Khushi!” Aman said shaking his head hopelessly.

“Now its too late!” Rekha said seriously.

“It is never too late! Our Khushi will compel him to confess...!” Regi patted on Khushi’s back sympathetically.  Khushi clenched her teeth. 

“Yes.. Khushi! We are with you!” Rekha said winking at others.  They left her alone to ponder.. Her friends surrounded her. 

She was giggling and blushing. "Khushi, we heard he is very handsome! How did you manage to hook him?" one of them asked teasing her. "Oh! It must be easy for her! Look at her! Anyone would fall for her!" complemented one of the friends.
There was commotion downstairs. Khushi could hear the band playing loud music. Mummiji came forward!

"Khushi! The baarat is at the door! Go this way to the balcony which opens on the front side. Look at your husband. If he looks up at you, come back!" She said pushing Khushi! Her friends accompanied her. Mummiji kept her fingers crossed.
"What?" Asked papaji!
"It's a good omen if he looks up at her!" She prayed.
"Oh! Is it? I will make sure he looks up!" he said smiling at her.
"No! " She ordered him. They both along with Guptas went down to welcome the baaraat!
Khushi waited at the window with bated breath!!!