#3 Arshi SS ~Anmol~ (completed) - Page 17

The day went eventful. Both the families felt content seeing their children as bride and groom. As Aran warned everyone to not to dare uttering a word against Khushi, Manorama kept silent. She cursed Khushi for dominating her family. On the other side, Pankaj tried a lot to reach Khushi but as she blocked his number he couldn't talk to her. She answered only saved numbers, if the screen showed unknown number or unsaved number, she asked Aman to answer the phone as per Arnav's instructions.

On the other side Rajesh team came to a plan to trap Pankaj by trapping Abhinav and Latha. Arnav agreed to their plan when they explained things. So, for now, there is no disturbance or danger from the trio.

On Monday, both the families went to Goddess Durga temple to seek permission and blessing for the wedding. Both Arnav and Khushi offered few things like, flowers, sweets, clothes to the Goddess. They also kept a wedding card near Goddess feet as inviting the Goddess to their wedding. After finishing the prayers both the families came out to serve the poor as Arnav arranged breakfast for the poor people.

"Titli?!!" They heard someone calling.

Everyone looked at the man standing beside them and looking at Khushi with moistened eyes.

"Shyam...?!" Both Buaji and Amma called him in low voice. Khushi ran to him and hugged him leaving everyone questioned.

Khushi broke the hug and turned to her buaji "Buaji... Shyam Bhai... he came... Shyam Bhai came..."

"Ha Titli... I came... How are you my dear?" Shyam asked caressing her hair

"All the questions will be answered later. First I want to introduced to someone, come..." with that Khushi dragged Shyam towards Raizada-s.

"Hello Mr. Raizada... you here? And with Titli?" Shyam asked surprised

"You both knew each other?" Khushi asked

"I know him, and I don't think he know me. I work for his legal team in Mumbai" Shyam said looking at Arnav and Khushi "But how do you know him, Titli?"

Before Khushi answer anything, Arnav answered

"I'm her husband" the arrogance and dominance is clear in his voice

"Husband? Titli? What is he saying... You and him? When? Why? How?"

"That's a big story Bhai. I will tell you later. Let me introduce you... Arnav ji... Papa ji... he is Shyam, my brother. I mean, My dad adopted him long back. But he left us not wanting to be a burden on us" Khushi said with a pout and tears in her eyes. Arnav immediately hugged her

"Shh... don't worry, he will not go anywhere now. As he came now, I will make sure he will stay us, okay?" Arnav said leaving Shyam and Khushi in surprise and happiness

"Titli, that's not fair. You shouldn't complain on me. You tell me Mr. Raizada, when only one person is earning, is it correct all the other 5 members to sit and eat and depend on him? As a son, doesn't I have responsibility to take care of things?" Shyam asked

"But that doesn't mean you stop talking with us and doesn't care about us or doesn't bother about us. You could have done all these by staying with us too" Khushi complained like a child.

"If I called you, would you have allowed me to stay away from you all? No, right? That's why I didn't call" Shyam said with a smile. "Where is Bauji? Latha?" He asked looking around.

Arnav's hold on Khushi got tightened hearing the question to give support.

"So much happened in these years Shyam. We will tell you once we reach home. For now, let's complete the work" Buaji said and urges everyone to complete the work.

After completing the breakfast serving, all the Raizada-s bid bye to Gupta-s and left from there. Arnav kissed Khushi before leaving, promising her to call at the night.

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"How dare they to do all these?" Shyam shouted in anger. Buaji told him everything whatever happened with Khushi because of Latha and Abhinav and how Khushi's father left this world. Abhinav harassing Khushi angered Shyam more.

"It's all because of you. If you would have stayed with us, he wouldn't have done all these to us, to me. We didn't have any male support and he took the advantage. Dad left us, you also left us. If it is not for Arnav ji, I don't know what would we have done. If it is not for Arnav ji, I don't know how would I have deal with this life and people. He helped me a lot Bhai. He loves me a lot" Khushi accused him, told everything and gave the most important information about her Arnav ji.

Shyam cupped her face "I'm sorry, Titli. I never guessed you will go through all these because of my absence. I'm sorry... I never expected that idiot to turn like this. And Latha? What's wrong with her? Where are they?"

"They are kept somewhere away from my wedding. Arnav ji's security incharge is taking care of them" Khushi informed

"Hmm... Titli can I talk with Mr. Raizada?" Shyam asked

Nodding her head, Khushi dialed Arnav's number

"Are you free now? Do you have some time? Shyam bhai wants to talk with you" Khushi asked

"Sure... first tell me how are you?" Arnav asked

"I'm fine... here talk with him" Khushi gave phone to Shyam and left from there as buaji called

"Hello Mr. Raizada it's me Shyam"

"Yeah tell me"

"I want to thank you for taking care of my family in my irresponsible absence. I never knew the things would turn like this. I never expected Latha..." Shyam stopped there thinking Arnav might not like to talk about all these, so he immediately turned the topic "I mean to say, Bau ji leaving and Khushi's need to work..."

"I know everything about Latha and Abhinav. Khushi told me everything on our first meet. And I didn't do anything special. I did what I should, I took care of my life my Khushi. She is my responsibility. Don't worry, I won't let you down. You have my word that I will take care of her till my last breath" Arnav knew, how much these words to a brother. He knew how a brother feels worried about his sister. So, he tried his best to reduce that worry to this man. If Khushi feels this so called Shyam as her brother and important in her life, then he is important in his life too... there is no point in thinking about him. So, Arnav assured Shyam about his love towards Khushi. Both dropped the call feeling happy after talking with each other.

That night Arnav talked with Khushi, just to know how she is feeling after seeing Shyam. He knew Shyam's entry will remind her of her father. He can understand how much disturbed she can be at present. So, he talked with her to bring her out of her emotional state. Both bid bye with Arnav's sweet nothing and good nights.

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Next two days went in a giff. Both Arnav and Khushi got busy in helping their family members. They both couldn't get time to talk with each other leisurely. They just able to talk only few words. They both got restless for not able to meet each other. Both Arnav and Khushi waiting for the day.

As to reduce their wait and restlessness, the day came with bright morning. Khushi got ready in the sari which Arnav gifted her. As bride's family need to welcome groom's family, all the Gupta-s left to venue in the morning. Shyam took the responsibility of the father of bride, immediately after entering the house. He took care of all the things, giving rest to Khushi from all the tensions. He successfully controlled everything.

A/N: whoever not interested in wedding rituals can skip the following part. I mentioned where you can start reading again.

After entering the venue, Khushi was kept in one of the rooms beside the stage and everyone went outside the venue. As the wedding is happening in south Indian style, everyone is excited to see the rituals.

As Pandit asked Garima, she washed Arnav's feet and asked her brother's wife to apply tilak on his face and did aarti. Then she asked her SIL to apply tilak on every lady of groom's family. Then as Pandit asked Garima's brother, came front and took all the Raizada-s and their relatives inside the venue and to their respective allotted rooms. ((A/N I don't want to introduce everyone. So, I just mentioned)

Once Arnav's family got relaxed and refreshed, then Pandit asked them to get ready for the next ritual. He warned all the raizada-s playfully, to get ready to get strained as south Indians weddings are really strainful.

Snathakam followed by Kasi Yatra

This is basically an event of the groom's party only which includes some fun activity with the groom. After the basic ritual of 'snathakam' or putting the sacred silver thread round the groom's shoulder by his parents as is done in the thread ceremony, the groom adorns the clothes of 'sanyasasrama dharma' (Monk's). He holds an umbrella, wears 'pamukollu' or wooden sandals' and declares that he is no longer interested in the materialistic world and hence goes on 'Kasi Yatra' for accepting 'sanyasam' or sainthood.

After hearing all these Arnav got shocked to see the things happening. He bluntly rejected to do this ritual thinking they won't allow him to marry Khushi now. It took lot of time to Pandit to make him understanding by explaining the later on ritual. After hearing complete ritual, Arnav got to know it's one of the fun filled ritual. He shook his head unbelievingly for his desperateness

At this juncture, when Arnav is about to begin his journey, the bride's brother-Shyam blocks his way to the 'sanyasam' and requests him to leave the thought of taking up 'sanyasam' and enter into the 'grihasthashram' (marital life) as his (bride's brother) beautiful sister is eagerly waiting to get united with the groom. Thus Shyam convinces (He repeated whatever Pandit said) Arnav that as per 'dharma' one has to go through the 'grihasthashram' before accepting 'sanyasam'. As per Pandit ji's instructions, Shyam kept Piece of Jaggery under Arnav's chin and pleaded him. Then he applies sandal paste on Arnav's cheeks and sprinkles perfumed water. Then both gifts each other. Then Arnav was taken inside the venue again.

The event is one of the most enjoyable one by both the families and relatives with much of fun and laughter. As they never used to this type of ritual they enjoyed throughout.

Ankurarpanam

This is basically an event in which the bride and her parents are involved and this usually takes place simultaneously with 'snathakam' / 'kasi yatra'. In this event, while the priest chants mantras, the bride and the other women of the family sprinkle grains of 9 different kinds in the earthen plates filled with soil collect from ant-hill. As this soil is highly fertile, the grains sprout within a short period and these sprouts are taken out and the plates are cleaned on the 16th day after marriage which is known as 'padaharu rojula (16th day) panduga' in the bride's house.

This special event symbolizes the germination / reproduction process of human life to ensure the continuity of filial / procreation. The event is followed by the most important event of the ceremony which is known as the 'Gowri/Ganesh Pooja' performed by the bride in the evening.

After taking rest for sometime after Snathakam ritual, in the evening the next event which is known as 'Totalo Digadam or Vara puja or Panakala bindelu' held where there is mutual introduction and interaction of both the parties.

This is one of the most exciting events of the wedding ceremony where the bride and the groom meet face to face prior to the wedding. In this event all the relatives of both the parties gather and the 'lagna patrika' / invitation card is read out by the priest. There is a mutual exchange of new clothes between the bride and groom and their parents. In this event, 'panakam' (flavored jaggery and pepper syrup) which is brought in two new silver / steel 'panakam bindelu' or pots is distributed to all the guests by the bride's party. Thereby these new 'panakam bindelu' are offered to the groom's sisters. Seeing the importance she has in every ritual, Anjali got excited. She got ready and accepted every ritual.

In this event, Pandit ji announced the 'sumuhurtham' for the auspicious event of 'sobhanam' (nuptial) making both Arnav and Khushi embarrassed and shy. There's lot of enjoyment and laughter in the environment in this event as Khushi and Arnav sat side by side and pose for pictures and get closer to each other. Everyone teased the duo to their heart's content. After seeing each other after two days, both Arnav and Khushi overwhelmed with happiness. Their restlessness and desperateness are increased. They completed the ritual with full of laughter and happiness.

Then after completing these rituals, panditji asked to take both bride and groom to give them auspicious bath (Mangala Snanam). The mothers of both bride and groom applies oil on their heads and hands as they did when they made them as bride and groom and does aarti. After completing this aarti, both Arnav and Khushi sent to take bath separately. After completing bath Khushi was made to sit in her room to do the next ritual.

After taking sacred bath, Arnav asked to wear the traditional costume and sit in the mandap. Then Shyam washed his feet to start the rituals and continued doing some as per Panditji's instructions. Then Arnav was instructed to do the Lord Ganesh puja.

Gowri/Ganesh Pooja

Gowri Devi is widely worshiped by the Hindu married women for a happy, successful and blissful married life. As per Hinduism, performing Gowri Devi Puja is considered highly important for married women as the goddess blesses the woman with long married life.

In this ritual, the bride sits in a huge basket that is hand woven with eco-friendly material of bamboo. The basket is smeared with turmeric paste, decorated with kumkum and unprocessed rice grains are placed in the basket up to a height of 2 inches. The bride, then, performs Gowri pooja with kumkum for at least 2-3 hours prior to the 'sumuhurtham' of marriage to seek the divine blessings.

After this event, Pandit made Arnav sit beside Khushi and continue chanting the mantras. He made Arnav to give Khushi the traditional costume 'Madhuparkalu and asked her to change and come. These 'madhuparkalu' are basically white color attire with red, yellow or green border and is the sacred attire that is worn in the special way. In the rest of the events, both Arnav and Khushi should remain in this sacred attire only.

After Khushi wearing 'Madhuparkalu', Arnav along with Khushi-carrying a coconut were escorted to the 'mandapam' by married women from both the parties carrying plates with lamps in rice powder paste. As bride has to be carried by her maternal uncles, Khushi was carried to the 'mandap' by her maternal uncles. Pandit made both Khushi and Arnav sit opposite to each other with a curtain between the two.

Jeelakarra(Jeera/cumin seeds) Bellam (gud/jaggery) or Sumuhurtham

All these events took place one after the other very fast amidst the traditional music of 'Sannai Melam', Khushi and Arnav still separated with the curtain, hold 'jeela-karra bellam' (a thick paste made of crushed cumin seeds or jeera and jaggery) placed in betel leaves.

'Sumuhurtham' is the most important and awaited event of the wedding ceremony" Panditji said.

At the auspicious time or 'sumuhurtham', to the excitement of the august gathering and amidst the fast beat of 'Sannai Melam', and fast thumping of their hearts, both Arnav and Khushi place 'Jeelakara Bellam' on each other's head from underneath the curtain. At this moment, the curtain is removed when the bride and the groom remain seated facing each other.

"This is the main part of the wedding and you became husband and wife" Panditji said to duo.

Arnav and Khushi looked at each other with different and lot of emotions in their eyes. Both their eyes got moistened with the happiness.

All the elderly guests blessed the newly wedded couple with 'akshintalu' or rice grains mixed with turmeric powder while the younger ones wished them.

Mangalya Dharana

'Mangalyam Tantunanena Mama Jeevana Hetuna' is the most important and sacred chanting which is recited at the time of 'Mangalya Dharana' - the most important event of the ceremony - in which the bride and the groom are religiously united and become the husband and wife as per the Hindu LAW. In this event, the groom ties 'Mangala Sutra' ((A/N the sacred yellow thread smeared with turmeric paste, to which two specially designed pendants(one is by groom's parents and one is by bride's parents) called 'sutralu' are tied for the purpose. But as we are talking about Arshi wedding you can imagine normal north Indian nuptial thread)) round the bride's neck and ties three knots (which stand for 'manasa' / mind, 'vacha' / speech and 'karmana' / deed). And later Arnav was asked to fill Khushi's forehead with sacred vermillion powder, which he completed with utmost care.

When Panditji asked Khushi's parents to come to do Kanyadaan, Shyam came forward and sat beside Khushi to let her know that she has him in her father's place. After sitting beside her, Shyam placed Arnav's feet in a big brass plate and wash his feet. Then, while the priest chants mantras he placed Khushi's hands along with tender coconut, pumpkin and bananas in her hands in Arnav's hands and give away his sister in 'danam' (donation) to Arnav by pouring water on top of their hands. After that Shyam kept Khushi's hands in Arnav's hands and covered their hands with his. In return, he seek promise from Arnav that he will take care of his sister for life long. This event is known as 'Kanyadanam' or giving away of the young lady (the bride) to the groom in donation. As per Hinduism, 'Kanyadanam' is considered as a highly noble act which has great returns.

Talambralu

This is an event which is enjoyed the most not only by the newly wedded couple but by the guests as well who keep encouraging the newly wedded couple with a highly competitive spirit. 'Talambralu' are the rice grains mixed with turmeric powder and saffron along with other things like flower petals, pearls and colorful beads depending on the affordability and interest of the party.

In this event, both Arnav and Khushi are made to sit facing each other and initially they are made to pour 'talambralu' on each other's head like a shower in turns. As it progresses, both are encouraged by the friends and relatives to compete with the pouring of 'talambralu' on each other's head. There is much of laughter and enjoyment all around and the event signifies the happiness and contentment of married life. Both Arnav and Khushi enjoyed to their hearts content.

After that Arnav was seated and Khushi stood before him and put garlands on his neck. Then Arnav does the same. Then Akshaya was instructed to give the jewelry and clothes to Khushi and also Shyam asked to give clothes to Arnav.

Nagavalli & Saptapadi

Fire or 'Agni' is considered one of the 'Pancha Bhootas' and hence, the ancestors and 'Agni Deva' are the witness of the auspicious events.

The Holy Fire or Homam which is lit, symbolizes purity and 'Agni Deva' remains a 'Sakshi' or witness for the vows made by the newly wedded couple which are read in Sanskrit by the main priest. The newly wedded couple offer prayers to 'Agni Deva' which has a special significance. They offer rice grains to 'Agni Deva' / Homam which symbolizes fertility and it is believed that Fire God removes ignorance and darkness if any from the marital life of the newly wedded couple and lead them into a more knowledgeable life.

Homam is followed by Nagavalli and Saptapadi which is the most important post marriage event. In this event Arnav and Khushi held each other's hand and take Saptapadi or 7 steps that are symbolic of 7 vows of the married life. They pledged and declared in the presence of the august gathering that they have accepted one another willingly. They held hand in hand and took 7 rounds around the Homam / Agni and they take pledge at each round which includes:

Maintaining a pure household.

Development of physical, mental and spiritual strengths.

Enhancing our wealth by righteous means.

Acquiring knowledge, happiness and harmony by mutual love and trust.

Pray for virtuous, intelligent and courageous offspring.

Long and happy married life.

Remaining true companions and life-long partners.

"With this Saptapadi, the marriage is complete as per the Vedic scriptures." Pandit announced.

(A/N: These are just some fun event held in wedding. I'm just mentioning, imagine Khushi and Arnav going through these)

During the event of Nagavalli, a traditional cradle made of silk sari in which a ripe mango, a turmeric and a piece of sandalwood is placed which symbolizes offspring as healthy as a ripe mango and this event has a lesser significance these days due to time constraint. This is more a fun event than of a religious significance as there are no religious chanting. This event is followed by another fun-filled event in which usually a gold finger ring is placed in a narrow mouthed vessel into which the newly married couple put their hands and search for the ring. This event has no significance and just for a fun.

This is followed by the next important event in which a short chain of black beads (nallapusalu) is worn by bride and a flat grindstone called Sanikalu decorated with turmeric paste and kumkum is placed beside the Homam. Arnav then helps Khushi to tread her left foot toe on the grindstone when sacred mantras are read out by the priest and finally Arnav adorns Khushi's toes with silver toe rings and same happens with right foot

By this all the customary rituals come to an end and finally the newly wedded couple are taken out to the open air whence the priest shows them the 'Arundhati Nakshatram (star) and seek her (Arundhati's) blessings as she is exemplified as the ideal wife and the embodiment of chastity.

Appagintalu / Handing over of the bride / Bidaai

Then the final event is known as 'Appagintalu(bidaai)' or the official ceremonial handover of the bride to the groom and his family members and this event marks the change of the family of the bride who thus gets the family name of her husband and becomes a new member of the family. In this event, two betel leaves were kept in a plate full of milk. Khushi takes the leaves in her hands, where Shyam took her hands in his and caressed Arnav's palms with those leaves. And then Shyam followed same procedure to his parents, his sister and Dadi. In this painful event tears flew down the eyes of Garima and Buaji.

Arnav felt bad seeing Khushi crying for leaving her family. He promised her to take her to her house after marriage whenever she wants. All the Raizada-s felt bad to see Khushi crying. They can understand her feelings well.

A/N : continue reading from here. Till now everything is about rituals.

After bidding bye to her family, Khushi was led to the car by Arnav and drove towards Sheesh Mahal for Griha Pravesh. Before Khushi comes to sheesh Mahal, Anjali arranged everything for the ritual. While entering the house, Khushi pushed the rice pot and stepped in red colored water and walked front leaving her foot mark in Raizada house and Raizada members' life.

Arnav looked at his lady love - his life - his WIFE - his Khushi. Suddenly he felt overwhelmed seeing Khushi with his marks on her forehead and neck. He pulled her into bear hug and kept his face in crook of her neck.

"Thanks for coming into my life... I love you..." he said aloud

Khushi too hugged him, understanding and feeling the same overwhelmed feeling.

"The feeling is mutual Arnav ji..." she whispered back

"Huh... that's not fair Khushi. I'm expecting to hear the same I love you from you. But you whispered something in his ears. We want to hear the same from you too..." Anjali demanded teasing her brother and his wife, making Khushi go all red.

Everyone laughed looking at Khushi's blushing state, making her more shy.

"Stop teasing my wife. IF you tease her like this and if she turns into more red with this rate, then I can't control myself. Then you all have to run from here to save your eyes" Arnav admitted bluntly leaving everyone shocked.

Soon, the hall filled with loud roar of laughters seeing the love and happiness and shy on both Arnav and Khushi's faces.

As it is early hours, Panditji asked them to take some rest before they continue with Satyanarayana puja'. So, both Arnav and Khushi sent to different rooms to take rest. After taking rest for three hours, around 8 in the morning, both Arnav and Khushi were woken up and got ready for the puja.

"Please ask Khushi to wear the sari I selected. I can't believe nobody listened to me, to ASR in the wedding. As panditji said Khushi should wear only saree in marriage, I selected one. But damn, he didn't even tell that sari should be white one. And you guys didn't bother to inform me. You just bought whatever he asked to. Don't you think, I want to see my bride in my choice? What's wrong with you all?" Arnav said in irritation

"Chote... Panditji said it's traditional dress for the bride and groom. As we accepted the wedding to happen in south Indian style we have to accept whatever he said" Akshaya chided him

"Did I say anything when doing the rituals? I'm asking why didn't you guys tell me before about this arrangements? Fine leave all that. Ask that so called panditji, whether Khushi can wear my choice or not. If he says yes, then please make sure Khushi wears that. I don't know why I agreed for all this mess. I should have married her in register office" Arnav muttered last words

"Stop it Chote. Don't act like a teenager. Let us do what should be done. You just get ready and come down fast" Akshaya scolded him and went from there leaving irritated Arnav behind.

As if Arnav told this to Khushi, she asked buaji to ask Panditji about the saree thing. When Panditji gave his green signal, Khushi wore the sari which was gifted by Arnav. When she entered the hall, Arnav's eyes got brightened with the sight she made. He slowly went to her and held her hand and led her to the puja place. Then the Pandit made them do the puja. After an hour and half, the puja was finished and Panditji asked Khushi to cook her first meal. After cooking the sweet, panditji offered the sweet to God and then asked Khushi to distribute to everyone.

Later he took his leave telling he will come in the evening to perform the night rituals and left

"What night rituals? Can't you say no need for all those? Oh God... this is so embarrassing" Arnav said

"Chote... I said keep quiet and follow everything whatever Panditji said. No more arguments now." Akshaya gave her ultimatum and went to kitchen calling for the butler.

Arnav sat along with others in living room with irritated expression. Khushi smiled looking at his expressions. She held his hand and pressed little not making clear to others. Arnav looked at his hand and then at Khushi, who smiled and nodded her head in a slight no, not making clear to others. Arnav sighed deeply and leaned the back rest of the couch. He closed his eyes to control his urge of take his wife in his arms. Much to his restlessness, all the wedding rituals and blushing Khushi came before his closed lids. He groaned in irritation.

He suddenly stood and said "I need to talk with Khushi now. I'm taking her with me" before anyone says anything he continued "I know, I won't do anything before tonight. I just want to TALK. I need some private talk with MY WIFE. I know what to do and when to do. So, please excuse us" with that he dragged Khushi towards his room, leaving people with different expressions.

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"Arnav ji what are doing? Wait... what...?" Khushi was stopped by a sudden hug.

After entering the room, Arnav closed the door and pushed Khushi very delicately on the door and hugged her tightly. He sighed in relaxation feeling her soft body.

"I missed you a lot Khushi. I love you..."

Without saying anything, Khushi too hugged him back. Slowly Arnav came out of the hug and cupped her face and kissed her forehead

"You said you want to TALK nothing else" she teased him

"I can't tell them what I'm going to do with my WIFE. Can I? And most of that, I know upto what extent I am allowed and I know where to stop. I know that will be highly difficult and painful. But still I know what to do and what not" he said everything making Khushi turn into red.

"Oh Khushi I missed you so much... please don't waste my time and cooperate. Otherwise someone will come and knock the door to check what we are doing. If I have your permission..." he leaned down and captured her lips into his for soft kiss to promise his wife for best life ahead.