Chapter 24 - Yeh bandhan toh pyaar ka bandhan hai (english)
Her skirt, full, pink and silken, swished as she turned so Prachi could tie the stings of her cream blouse, heavily embroidered with gold thread. Meher folded the dupatta and draped it over Kasturi's right shoulder, pulling the loose end behind her back and pinning it to the front of the skirt, creating a crescent shape at the side. Gauri adjusted the veil, raising it above her face. Mahi fastened the heavy "kundan" antique necklace; Divya arranged the red and white plastic "choodiyaan" (bangles) onto her wrists, followed by the heavy gold "kangana". Mahi hooked the "sehr" from each "jhumka" (earring) into her hair; Gauri gently clipped in her "nakni"(nose-ring). Ragini dabbed a small amount of red lipstick on her lips, and smudged shimmering eyeshadow over her eyelids. Prachi placed a shiny bindi in the centre of her forehead, painting a row of red and white dots at each side. Finally she was ready. The six girls crowded round her, "ooh"ing and "aah"ing and "haai"ing and "waah"ing.
"You're looking so beautiful, Kasturi. Honestly," observed Meher appreciatively.
Kasturi smiled, glancing in the mirror. Her smile faded as she remembered. Raunak. The others became concerned as Kasturi's expression dimmed. Prachi realised the problem. She hugged Kasturi and gently reassured her:
"Don't worry Kasturi. Now that evil shadow has left your life forever. You just dream of Robbie and his company. Come, smile. Aaj finally that day has come which every girl aspires to. Her wedding to the prince of her dreams. And all of us pray that our princess will live happily ever after."
Kasturi smiled, her distress slightly assuaged. They enveloped her in a circle of warm hugs, comfort and sisterly love.
***
Robbie was looking equally striking. His "sherwani" was of cream brocade, patterned with gilt "zaari" work and decorated with rows of maroon beading. Clean shaven, with his hair fluffed up, his face was radiant with excitement.
"Wow Robbie, you're looking even more handsome than before," whistled Milind.
"Honestly, I can't even believe our rockstar's getting married," marveled Preet.
"It was late but finally he loved. And in front of love everyone bows down. Isn't it Robbie?"
"Yes, I bowed in front of Kasturi's love," he agreed seriously. Then flashed a grin and continued: "But don't think I'm gonna stop all her mischief and jokes."
"Yeah, yeah, we'll see. Now come on, put the "sehra" on," ordered Milind, helping Robbie put on the turban, the flowered veil swinging in to cover his face.
***
Devika was delighted as she escorted them both to the mandap. Kasturi's face was glowing in contentment; Robbie was so excited that he was having trouble appearing serene.
"One minute, Robbie jeeju. You'll have to wait. Don't you want your shoes back?" teased Prachi, brandishing Robbie's slippers.
"You too, Prachi. Give them to me."
"Not like that, Robbie bhaiyya. You'll have to give us something," insisted Meher.
"What?"
"501 rupees. To everyone," demanded Gauri.
"Everyone? That would be over 3000 rupees."
"Come on Shabd bhaiyya, son't be so stingey. Look at poor Robbie, he's so impatient."
"OK, OK, come, we'll give it to all of you," conceded Milind, presenting each girl with 501 rupees. "Come, priest, you can start now."
"First, put the ring on her."
"Preet, give him the ring."
"No, no, he will have to look for the ring," announced Preet.
"Where?"
"It's very simple, Kasturi bhabhi. Your ring's here in this bowl. You and Robbie try, whoever finds it first will rule in this wedding."
He placed the bowl of water, filled with rose-petals between them. "One, two, three: go!"They began to search. Underwater, Robbie chhekily grabbed Kasturi's hand tightly. Her eyes widened.
"What are you doing, sir? Let go," she whispered.
"But no. I'm having lots of fun," he murmured back with a wicked smile. One hand trapping both of hers, he found the ring with the other and held it up triumphantly.
"Aw Kasturi bhabhi, what have you done, you let Robbie jeeju win?" moaned Meher.
"Don't worry Meher, I might have won the game but in my life only's Kasturi's will matters," promised Robbie. Kasturi smiled at him demurely.
"Now bride and groom garland each other," continued the priest. Kasturi reached forward first, quickly placing the flowered garland over Robbie's neck. Robbie rushed to reciprocate. Preet then performed Kasturi's "kanyadaan" and Devika tied Robbie's scarf to Kasturi's dupatta.
"Now begin the rounds. Husband leads first. These rounds, with the sacred fire as witness, are for the bride and groom's religion, duty, prosperity and salvation." Kasturi followed Robbie round the sacred fire, eyes fixed upon him devotedly. For alternate rounds, she led while Robbie followed. Kasturi then placed her palms in Robbie's cupped ones. Preet poured rice into them and they offered it to the fire. "Now the bride and groom will take seven steps together." As the priest read each vow, they took a step together.
"With the first step, promise to respect each other. With the second step, promise to share your happinesses and sorrows with each other. With the third, promise to trust and be loyal to each other. With the fourth, always live with morals and values. With the fifth, promise to keep this pure relationship and hope to be blessed with children. With the sixth, pray for logetivity and success. With the seventh, promise to always maintain a bond of friendship and love."
"Now put the "mangulsutra" round her neck, and fill her forehead with vermillion." Kasturi sighed in satisfaction as Robbie fastened the black-and-gold beaded chain around her neck, then lifted her veil to fill her parting with vermillion powder.
"Now you are man and wife. Congratulations. Take blessings." They bent to touch Devika's feet, seeking her blessings. She smiled, embraced them and sanctified the marriage.
***
"One minute, Kasturi. First let me welcome you." Devika stepped in front of her and circled the "aarti" plate in front of the couple. She then swept her hands towards them.
"Now come.."
"One minute, Kasturi. Did you forget, the goom has to cross the threshold with his bride in his arms. Pick up Kasturi bhabhi," ordered Milind. Amidst cheers, Robbie scooped Kasturi up in his arms and crossed the threshold. Once they were inside and he had set her down again, the women escorted Kasturi into the bedroom and closing the door.
Inside, the sumptuous bed was beautifully decorated. Ropes of roses were hung above to form a canopy, scented petals were scattered on it. They sat her down on the bed and covered her face with her veil. Giggling, they wished her luck and scurried out. Torn between anxiety and anticipation, she waited. Outside, Robbie was being held back by his friends.
"One minute, Robbie. Why are you in such a hurry? Wait a little," teased Preet.
"Aw look at Robbie jeeju, he's so impatient. Look, jeeju, 500 rupees again to go in," explained Meher.
"Why are you teasing the poor guy?" scolded Preet. "Here, take your money." He brandished the money and they dutifully moved aside.
Robbie strode through the door, which the others locked from outside. Robbie halted, gazing in wonder at Kasturi, patiently waiting, beauty and sweetness exuding from her.
"Kasturi..." he breathed.
Thanks for reading x
Mannat Har Khushi Paane Ki
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