Contd. from 1) OS: Ghodi ka zulm (http://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3308987), 2) OS: Aapko bura to nahin laga na? (http://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3312221#70350046), and 3) OS: Palat Vaar: http://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3318907
(reading "Ghodi ka zulm," "Aapko bura to nahin laga na?,and "Palat Vaar" is essential before you proceed)
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
As the people in the back seat dropped off to sleep, Shiv relaxed his guard a bit. Shifting lower in his seat, he tried to catch his brides eye. His bride ' radiant of face, glowing of nature, and as pure as a drop of dew. He surreptitiously pinched his own hand. His breathed out "Ouch" succeeded in gaining her attention. "Kya hua, Collector Saheb?" Snaring her eyes with his, he shook his head gently, "Aap jab mere saath hain, toh kya ho sakta hai, Anandiji?" Looking over at the tender pink spot on his wrist, she smiled back, losing herself in his eyes. A cane suddenly tapped Shiv on the head, "Jawan, dhyan kidhar hai? Na aage baithane se sukoon, na peeche baithane se. Itni jaldi kya hai marne ki bhai?? Abhi toh zindagi shuru hui hai." At the muffled giggles coming from Ira and Meenu, both Shiv and Anandi righted themselves in their seats and looked to the front. However, nothing could stop them stealing glances at each other. The brushing of hands, the rustle of clothes, and the constant static electricity that ran between the two only added to their desperation to be alone.
As their journey drew to a close, Daddu excitedly pointed out landmarks to his new grand-bahu. Seeing the banter between his beloved family and the love of his life brought a soft smile to Shiv's lips. Everything was turning out just as he could have wished for. Only Sanchi was the barrier; but he was sure that things would work out. His stern warning a couple of days ago and Anandi's gentle treatment and determination would do the trick.
As they drove through a huge wrought iron gate, down a grand driveway lined with date trees, Anandi could only stare in wonder. Her new home, a place where her hopes and dreams resided. A place where her love dwelt. A place where she would form new bond and rishtas ' Kesarbagh. A palatial residence loomed up ahead. Palanquin shaped windows were lit up from within in a warm glow of yellow lights; it beckoned her heart as never before. As the car drew up, Shiv stared at his rapt brides' eyes in fascination. Unable to help himself, he put out his hand and squeezed one of hers gently. She returned the pressure, turning to beam into his eyes. Daddu, who had got off first, held the door open for Anandi, "Aao beti." Another father figure in her life.
Shiv handed his mother and choti ma out of the car and scooted toward his bride. Just in time too, as Mahi had drawn up behind them. Anandi stood bathed in the soft light emanating from the front door. A huge crowd of people stood to greet them. Dhol nagara, girls with garlands and diyas, scores of beaming people, all eager to meet the new dulhan. Ira and Alok proudly took their places on either side of the couple, ushering them into the house. As Anandi put her right foot over the threshold, she gently pushed the kalash over, ensuring happiness and fertility. Her next step into her new life.
Blinking against the flash of cameras, she turned to look around bemused at the ancient haveli. The old structure was set off by the ethnic, yet modern, art so favored by Ira and Meenu. She tried to imbibe the flavor. Feeling Shiv's hand at her elbow, she moved forward to the center of the room, where an ancient regal throne waited for them. Ira started introducing her to all the new family and friends who had not made it to Jaitsar. Mahi kept giving vishesh tippani, squatting down to sit at his bhabhi's feet. Shiv kept nudging him with his feet.
The rasams started. The search for the ring ' which Shiv found but pushed into her hand. The looking at each other's faces in the mirror, under cover of a red brocade dupatta. Shiv's mouthing of "I love you" under that cover. The kheer being smeared on their hands ' kheer chatayee. The licking of Shiv's palm by Anandi, leaving him stupefied. The licking of Anandi's palm by Shiv ' leaving her breathless and flushed. The blessings. The muh dikhayee. The endless rounds of cocktails and snacks. The sleepiness.
Watching Shiv yawn for the umpteenth time, Mahi said loudly "Kyon bhaiyya, badi neend aa rahi hai? Kya baat hai? Dupahair mein soye nahin the kya?" "Mahi, kisi din Shiv ke haaton tumhara khoon pakka hai," laughed Alok. "Nahin Alok, Mahi sahi keh raha hai, Shiv aur Anandi bahut thak chuke honge. Sone dein unko," said Ira. "Jao Sanchi, tum aur tumhare dost Anandi ko apne kamre mein le jao."
Grimacing madly, Sanchi complied. To her chagrin, her friends were gushing over Anandi. "Gosh Sanchi, your brother is one lucky man. Your bhabhi is absolutely gorgeous, and so sweet too. And to top that, she's a sarpanch, runs her own school, and still she's so down to earth. Wow! I wish we had a bhabhi like her" Smiling gently, Anandi said, "Lucky to main hoon, ki itna accha parivar aur itni acchi nanad mili mujhe." Almost snarling in her frustration, Sanchi took Anandi's hand and led her to the bed, royally covered in a canopy of red roses. Sitting down at the edge of the bed, Anandi took Sanchi's hand, "Sanchi, hum dono itne alag bhi nahin hai. Hum dono tumhare bhai se bahut pyar karte hain, hai na?" Nodding abashedly, all Sanchi could do was accept the inevitable for the very first time.
Closing the door behind them, leaving Anandi in a soft rose-scented haze, the giggling girls went to fetch Shiv. Taking a deep breath, Anandi looked up as Shiv was pushed through the door by the girls. Shiv turned to bolt the door. Almost trembling in his nervousness, he turned to look at the wondrous sight ' Anandi waiting for him, on his bed ' the place he wanted her most. Shaking his head slightly, he said "Anandiji, aap so jaaieye. Main toh kahin bhi so jaoonga."
Arjun
