Readers, you may be happy to know that finally the marriage track is starting. And I do not know about Maharashtrian customs. Internet was my only source here. If I'm wrong bear with me/correct me.
The months sped by with Astha studying for her exams. Her project did win the best project award and as of now she was contending to be one of the top students in her university. Ria and Astha were preparing well for the last exam. Only that was pending after the most important day of her life. Yes. Her marriage. It was to happen in a week's time. She will start the marriage preparations from tomorrow.
As it is she had a tough time coping with the shopping, her project, and the academics. She could not even give enough time to her Shlok. It was a different matter that he was equally busy in his own work. Between them, they hardly had time to discuss the upcoming marriage, her project plans and his work.
The families were also frantic with activity. Finally the pre-wedding rituals started. Anjali wanted to have a mehendi ceremony in the Agnihotri mansion with friends and family from all three families. They decided to have it on the day of Sakhar puda, a custom where the bride's family and groom's family exchange sugar to informally mark the union of both the families.
Astha wore a beautiful silk, fuschia pink lehenga with a black choli made of brocade. Sojal wore a green chiffon lehenga with a red choli. Both of them looked very elegant and breath taking. The ladies surrounded the brides to be and did not allow the men folk to enter the huge drawing room. It was off limits for men today. Two of the mehendi artists were working on Astha and Sojal simultaneously. Their hands and legs were soon adorned with beautifully drawn mehendi.
Astha's and Sojal's friends were teasing them with the names hidden in their hands. They asked the artists to make it difficult for the groom to dig out their names when the right time came. They all giggled and teased amidst the general banter surrounding the beautiful angels.
Shlok and Varad wanted to meet their respective beaus in secret. They were hatching a plan. Shlok called Astha's mobile. It was in the silent mode and Ria had her mobile. Ria noticed Shlok's call and signaled Astha to come to a corner. Ria gave the phone to Astha. Astha held it between her ear and her shoulder.
"Hello."
"Astha, come and meet me in the terrace."
"I can't come now. Everyone is here." Astha whispered frantically.
"I don't care. I want to see you. Now. Do something, anything. But you have to come up now."
"Shlok, you're such a pest."
"What? I am a pest? Point noted. Come up. You're going to see what this pest is going to do!"
"Shlok." Her voice was pleading.
"If you don't come up in the next ten minutes. I will come down and carry you out in front of all."
"What? Have you gone nuts?"
"You know me. I can do it."
"Huh! ok fine! am coming." She cut the call and told Ria everything.
Ria rolled her eyes. You and your Shlok. OK fine since I am supposed to be your best friend what else can I do? Come on. I will cook up a story and take you upstairs."
"Really? Thank you...you're my bestie." She hugged Ria with full gusto.
The two of them managed to go up after informing Kalindi. Shlok was in the terrace while Ria was waiting by the stairs. She asked Astha to be quick.
Astha crept in to the terrace. She was searching for Shlok when a pair of arms engulfed her from behind.
"Shlok." She turned to him with a smile. He almost touched her hands when she took them away and signaled that the mehendi would get distorted. He gently held her hand from beneath and tried seeing her designs. She snatched her hand back.
"Not now. Later."
"Really?"
"Yes. You will have to search your name that's hidden in here. Else you're not going to get me even though I become your lawfully wedded wife."
"I see. And if I find my name before that? Then what? You will do what I say?"
"No." She stepped back with a laugh.
He quickly lifted her in both his arms with a laugh.
"Put me down. Ria is waiting outside and time is running out. Ayi will be on the lookout. Just two more days Shlok."
"All the more difficult." His husky voice said. He looked into her eyes deeply with her still in his arms. He kissed her forehead and then her cheeks. He then gently put her down and held her at arms length.
"You really do look like an angel who has come form heaven today."
She fought against her shyness and gave him a smile without taking her eyes off him. Both of them went from the terrace. Ria and Astha proceeded to the mehendi hall while Shlok went to the men folk.
The huge mansion glittered in joy and light. It spoke of the impending marriage and the arrival of happiness into the house.
Part 33 
Book Talk
Shiv Shakti
267