Keeping Khushi Thread 11 Part 111 Page 135 - Page 51

Smita,😊

Here is my interpretation to Part 107.

This update is NUPTIALIS, a Latin word, meaning of a wedding or marriage.

Aarti was led on to the mandap for the jai mala.
Mamaji gave her a garland of fragrant roses, and said, "As soon as NK Bitwaa comes to stand by you, throw it around his neck. Don't let him get away!"
Aarti smiled.
Her acquaintance with marriages was distant, as distant as the car park and the wedding mandap. She was used to sitting in her car & working as her passengers attended weddings... but this... This was the real thing! Her wedding!
"Marriage is the golden ring in a chain whose

beginning is a glance and whose ending is Eternity" ~ Khalil Gibran

Aarti looked around. So many smiling faces... Amma trying hard not to cry... Gopi Kakka looking all brave... Khushiji & Payalji smiling away... Mamiji cracking jokes and Buaji laughing, her hand on her head... her sasur & sasummaa smiling at her through their tears of joy... Aarti smiled back, watching Raj Kisore give Rani a napkin to wipe her tears... Jayesh Bhai standing with his wife, both of them smiling at her... Nitin, his wife, & two daughters... the girls were waving at her... Aarti smiled...
"It is only goodness which gives extras"

~ Arthur Conan Doyle, The Naval Treaty
Tara, the receptionist was in a pink lehenga, looking beautiful & happy... Ram Singh, her watchman smiled at her and salaamed her... Aarti nodded, smiling at him... Her fish had been transferred to RM. One evening, NK had taken her to a small pond that had been built in the grounds of the house for her fish... so many kindnesses... so many small acts of kindnesses... How would she ever return all these?
"Kindness trumps everything. Kind people are magnets for all of the good things in life"

~ Tom Giaquinto, Be A Good Human
She saw Arnavji, Anand Jiju, & Akash lead her Sunflower to the mandap. The brothers were teasing NK, who was all red and glowing with happiness and laughter. As she watched, NK winked at her. Aarti drew in a breath. Here... in front of the entire world... She blushed, lowering her face to look at the garland in her hands.

"I smiled, and you winked. I think. Perhaps you merely blink with one eye at a time."

~ Jarod Kintz, $3.33
She saw her Sunflower's feet approaching her, and finally standing in front of her. She looked up into his eyes. Such a world of love they held... Aarti swallowed... How had she gotten so lucky?

"Love gives naught but itself

and takes naught but from itself.

Love possesses not nor would it be possessed;

for love is sufficient unto love" ~ Kahlil Gibran
Maybe it was a dream. Maybe she would wake up now? Maybe she should pinch herself to make sure... She felt NK's fingers sneak under the cover of her pallu, and softly pinch the underside of her arm. She jerked, looking at him with wide eyes. NK smiled at her.
"All that we see or seem is but a dream within a dream" ~ Edgar Allan Poe
"Put the garland around his neck when he is mooning into your eyes!", advised Mamaji in a whisper.
Aarti, a true businesswoman, decided to take the opportunity, and tried to garland her Sunflower, but her Jetjis were businessmen too. They lifted him off the ground, holding him up in the air so that she couldn't reach him.

"Don't give up! It's not over. The universe is balanced. Every set-back bears with it the seeds of a come-back" ~ Steve Maraboli
All laughed, shouting suggestions at her, asking her to jump up & garland him, throw the garland around his neck...
Suddenly, she felt arms lift her up to reach her Sunflower.
Mamaji, her sasurji, & Gopi Kakka had formed a cradle of their arms and lifted her. Aarti smiled her thanks and garlanded a laughing Nandkisore, who quickly garlanded her and leaned forward to drop a kiss on her cheek.
"A kiss can beautify souls hearts and thoughts"
Aarti heard many gasps of shock, a "Hello Hi Bye Bye!", a "Hai Re Nandkisore!", Khushiji, Di, & Payalji giggling, something dropping on the floor... That must be the handbag of some female colleague, she thought... She seriously hoped it was just the handbag & not the colleague who had collapsed in shock... The employees of Mishra's would soon get used to the Sunflower and the Raizadas and their outrageous ways...
"Love is like playing the piano.

First you must learn to play by the rules,

then you must forget the rules

and play from your heart"
Aarti smiled at NK.

Aarti heard her Sasumma comment, laughing, "Just like his father! He is never one to miss an opportunity!"
"Time is limited and some opportunities never repeat themselves" ~ Belle de Jour
The ladies from Sydney started giggling.
Arnavji, Anand Jiju, & Akash were chuckling, sharing their mirth with their wives at their brother's outrageous behaviour.
"Mami complained to Mamaji, "Kyon Ji? You never gave me a pappi at our wedding!"
"Don't worry, Manno.", Mamaji consoled her. "I will give you one now!"
Mami's mouth fell open, and all laughed.
"Every mistake committed is a learning opportunity" ~ Santosh Kalwar

The long-suffering priest asked the bride and the broom to sit down in front of the holy fire. NK supported Aarti's arm, and helped her sit down on the floor. He then sat very close to her, his arm rubbing against her.
"Looks like NK is feeling cold.", Arnav commented softly in Khushi's ear.
She burst out laughing, pressing his fingers that had a firm hold of her hand.
Akash put his arm around Payal's shoulder, pulling her gently closer to him. Both of them stood watching NK & Aarti.
"How we need that security. How we need another soul to cling to, another body to keep us warm. To rest and trust; to give your soul in confidence: I need this. I need someone to pour myself into"

~ Sylvia Plath

Gopi Kakka performed the kanyadaan, handing over Aarti into NK's safekeeping. An unusually somber NK accepted his gift and responsibility with gratitude. Amma smiled through her tears. The employees and the family smiled at the sight, knowing and understanding the appropriateness of the act. Nitin smiled at Jayesh Bhai, and Baba nodded at Arnav, pleased at Aarti's choice.
"Choices determine character"

~ Brandon Mull, Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary
The wedding proceeded, Aarti & NK obeying the priest, performing all the rituals that would make them one.
After the seven pheres, wearing the mangal sutra and the sindoor, and touching each other on the heart, they sought the blessings of the priest.
Then they touched Gopi Kakka's feet, and went from one family member to the next, taking their blessings. All blessed and hugged them. Amma, Naniji, Raj & Rani Kisore, Baba...
"May God be with you and bless you.

May you see your children's children.

May you be poor in misfortunes

and rich in blessings.

May you know nothing but happiness

from this day forward"

~ Irish Marriage Blessing
When they took Baba's blessings, he asked Aarti, "What do you want as a wedding gift?"
Aarti beamed at him, and asked, "Will you give me anything I want?"
"If it is within my capacity to do so.", smiled Baba.
"Will you sing today, Baba? Here. With Khushiji? One song. For me.", Aarti pleaded.
Baba looked at Khushi. She was smiling. Baba smiled at Aarti, and nodded.

"The gift was not large as money goes, and my need was not great, but the spirit of the gift is beyond price and leaves me blessed and in debt"

~ Robert Fulghum
"Are you sure you don't mind? Khushiji said that you perform only twice a year in public..." Aarti's uncertain eyes searched Baba's calm ones.
"Let the dinner be over. Once the mandap is cleared, we can arrange a concert there." Baba smiled.
Aarti hugged him while NK and the others looked on smiling. Once Aarti released Baba, NK quickly hugged Baba, saying, "Me too, Baba."
All laughed.
"Love is, above all else, the gift of oneself"

~ Jean Anouilh
The newly-wedded couple then took the blessings of Buaji, Mamaji & Mami, Anand Jiju & Anjali, Arnav & Khushi, Akash & Payal, Dr. Prakash Sinha & his wife, Anand Jiju's mother & Buaji, Jayesh Bhai & his wife, Nitin & his wife...

It begins with Aarti being led to the mandap where the rituals take place. For the Jaimala Aarti is given a garland of redolent roses by Mamaji who gives a piece of advice. He says as soon as NK stands besides her, to garland him quickly, without giving him a chance to tease her.
Aarti, for whom all these rituals are strange as she had never attended any marriages and those she attended were as chauffer and had spent her time in her car, found it hard to believe that it is her marriage and she is getting married! Aarti who observed all the people around her, found happiness emanating like sunbeams from their faces.

Her mother was trying not to cry, seeing her Bitiya whom her husband had brought up as a boy and stunted her emotional growth. She had never even dreamt that she could find herself with such happiness. Her daughter whose stance on marriage was rigid and hardened had melted at the persistant wooing of Her Sunshine Boy!

Gopi Kaka who was the witness to all the woes in the tender life of Aarti was braving himself against the fall of tears. He was happy to see his Bitiya getting married to a person of her choice, who was considerate, who had made her comfort his top priority and was from a simple but cultured family. He was a relieved man that she was being married for herself and not for her wealth.
Khushiji and Payalji her soon to be sisters'-in-law, were smiling happily welcoming her to their Parivaar as the better half of their favorite brother-in-law. For these two had been planning to have her with them, since the day they realized that NK had given away his heart to her. Even when she was reluctant, they had accepted her as one among them.

Mamiji was cutting jokes and had Buaji in laughter with her typical stance. They were happy to see that both NK and Aarti whom they loved were entering the Holy Bond and Aarti would always be with them.

Raj and Rani were smiling with visible tears of happiness. They were extremely happy to see their son bring home a pleasant mannered, accomplished, adjusting girl with a modern outlook as his wife. Seeing her father-in-law handing over to his wife a tissue to wipe tears made her smile.

Jayesh Bhai, his wife, Nitin, his wife and children were beaming at her. They elders were happy that she was getting a proper anchor in her life, who had only her welfare in his heart! They knew that she was gaining a lot more from this alliance. She who had a lonely and split nuclear family, was gaining a wonderful joint family where each though had space to grow individually had the strength and backing of each other collectively. The youngsters were waving at her making her smile.

Tara, the receptionist who was the witness to a lots of hugs that were received by Aarti, was looking beautiful and was bubbling with happiness to see her employer who was getting a life of abundance, be it love, family or wealth.

Ram Singh who was her watchman as well as keeper of her fish tank saluted her with a smile wishing her a wealth of happiness.

NK had taken her to the pond especially built in the garden to house her fish.

Aarti felt overwhelmed to be the recipient of the blessings, good wishes and kindness of so many people. She who had never been the receiver but always the giver was overwhelmed and thought whether she would ever be able to repay their kindness.

"Have you had a kindness shown?

Pass it on;

'Twas not given for thee alone,

Pass it on;

Let it travel down the years,

Let it wipe another's tears,

'Til in Heaven the deed appears -

Pass it on"

~ Henry Burton, Pass It On

While all these thoughts were passing through her mind, she saw Arnav, Anand and Akash leading NK to the mandap. The brothers were teasing him and he was in full splendor of setting sun... an obvious shade of red. Undeterred by the fact that all were watching him he winked at her!

"Maybe that's what life is... a wink of the eye and winking stars" ~ Jack Kerouac

She blushed and lowering her eyes focused on the garland in her hands. She saw Her Sunflowers feet approaching and standing before her. When she lifted her eyes to his she found her heart dancing with joy seeing his love pouring over her.

"Tell me how many beads there are

In a silver chain

Of evening rain,

Unravelled from the tumbling main,

And threading the eye of a yellow star:

So many times do I love again"

~Thomas Lovell Beddoes

She who had been dealt a bad hand all her life till she met NK, just couldn't believe her luck! She thought she must be in a dream and may be she should pinch herself to to see if was true. Just then she felt NK's fingers sneaking on her arm and giving a pinch. With that reality check, she realized that it was really a dream come true for her. She was surprised that her thoughts got conveyed to NK. When she looked up he just smiled.

When Mamaji whispered to her, to garland NK while he was mooning into her eyes, her sharp reflex made her lift her hand to garland him. But to her chagrin, NK had two seasoned businessmen as brothers, who quickly lifted him way high above her reach much to the amusement of all!
Not to be outdone Mamji, her Sasurji and Gopi Kakka lifted her and she, thanking them, in a quick movement garlanded NK and NK too garlanded her and as a bonus snatched a quick kiss on her cheek.

"The groom always smiles proudly because he's convinced he's accomplished something quite wonderful. The bride smiles because she's been able to convince him of it"

~ Judith McNaught, A Kingdom of Dreams

The kiss brought out a plethora of expressions!
Aarti heard many gasps of shock, a "Hello Hi Bye Bye!", a "Hai Re Nandkisore!", Khushiji, Di, & Payalji giggling, something dropping on the floor... That must be the handbag of some female colleague, she thought... She seriously hoped it was just the handbag & not the colleague who had collapsed in shock...
She decided it was just a sample of things that the employees of Mishras' would be witnessing from now onwards. They better get used to

Her Sunflower, Raizadas' and their demonstrative ways. Aarti smiled at NK.

"1 Universe, 9 Planets, 204 Countries, 809 Islands, 7 Seas and I had the privilege to meet you"

Aarti heard her Sasuma's laughing comment that NK takes after his father who never misses an opportunity making her friends from Sydney giggle.

Arnav, Anand and Akash were chuckling along with their wives enjoying NK's display of affection. Seeing NK's display of affection,

Mami complained to Mamaji, "Kyon Ji? You never gave me a pappi at our wedding!"
"Don't worry, Manno.", Mamaji consoled her. "I will give you one now!"
"...you have not only a very large portion of my affection and esteem, but all that I am capable of feeling..." ~ Michael Kelahan, The World's Greatest Love Letters

Mami's mouth fell open, and all laughed.
The Purohit who was patiently waiting asked the bride and the groom to sit for the 'Havan'. NK not the one to miss the opportunity helped her to sit and sat close to her touching her arm.
"Looks like NK is feeling cold.", Arnav commented softly in Khushi's ear.
She burst out laughing, pressing his fingers that had a firm hold of her hand.
"The spaces between your fingers were created so that another's could fill them in"
Akash put his arm around Payal's shoulder, pulling her gently closer to him. Both of them stood watching NK & Aarti.
"..A hug is an amazing thing

It's just the perfect way

To show the love we're feeling

But can't find the words to say.."

~ Johnny Ray Ryder, Jr., A Simple Hug

When Gopi Kakka performed the Kanyadaan, NK who is always fooling around accepted it with love, grace, respect and gratitude making Amma smile through tears! The rest smiled at the poignant sight understanding that behind the tomfoolery act of NK, there lies a man with a heart of gold and a sense of responsibility.

The rituals were completed with the Seven Pheres, adorning Mangalsutra, the Sindoor and the rest, making them Man and Wife for their next seven lives.

"My heart to you is given:

Oh, do give yours to me;

We'll lock them up together,

And throw away the key"

~Frederick Saunders

After seeking the blessings of the Purohit they sought the blessings of the elders one by one. After Gopi Kakka, Amma, Nani, Raj, Rani they came to Baba. Baba while blessing them asked Aarti what would she like to have as her wedding gift? Aarti who was extremely happy, asked him whether he would give her anything that she wants? His reply that anything within his capacity is hers was responded with a request to sing a song there with Khushiji. When Baba who sought approval of Khushi and received it, agreed to do so. Aarti who had come to know from Khushi that Baba only did two concerts per year in public was flummoxed! When she voiced it, Baba said they will hold a concert after the dinner.

"How beautiful a day can be, when kindness touches it!" ~ George Elliston

Aarti who had not even dreamt of it was moved beyond words. She hugged Baba and NK too took cue from her and hugged him. Both had sought his blessings through his vocal recital. Baba singing on their wedding, was Baba's way of paying back for their largesse to Omkar! Aarti with her pleasant mannerism and large heart had made a place in Baba's heart. He who had dedicated his life to music and service to children had been touched by her deeds that had come willingly without anybody requesting her!(I know, I know, its courtesy Viji! No brickbats please!)
The newly-wedded couple then took the blessings of Buaji, Mamaji & Mami, Anand Jiju & Anjali, Arnav & Khushi, Akash & Payal, Dr. Prakash Sinha & his wife, Anand Jiju's mother & Buaji, Jayesh Bhai & his wife, Nitin & his wife...

"May the stars carry your sadness away,

may the flowers fill your heart with beauty,

may hope forever wipe away your tears,

and, above all, may silence make you strong."

~ American Indian Chief, Dan George

That was NUPTIALIS...

That's it from me. Hope you enjoy it!

Originally posted by: smitar

Can you contact Rashmi? I can't send PMs😭

Originally posted by: Japonica

Smitaji, how come everyone has read the latest update, except me one of your most faithful readers!?!

Could you please give me the link to the blog. Thanks!