Idea for this story came after discussions with Nikki, how Piansh did not have any proper marriage rituals.
Haldi
Chapter 1
Pia had taken Ansh to her close friend's haldi function. It was a small function, where all applied a lot of Haldi to her, and even Piansh went and applied to her. Pia was quite lost in admiring the function, and talked with Ansh quite emotionally. and when they returned home Pia stopped talking to Ansh, and Ansh was literally confused.. possibly these were the mood swings, people talked about but Pia wasn't like that. He tried and tried, but all she said was, "saare jawab tumhare haat me lage hai and ye function ek hint tha." She left crying.
Ansh stared at his hands, and then they had the stains of Haldi. But this couldn't help him, decode. So she decided to call Saavi and ask her, Saavi decoded but screamed on Ansh, "You made my sister cry and you still can't understand a basic thing, hint is aapki Shaadi" and she banged the phone and cut his call.
Ansh tried to join the dots and thought about their wedding, and thought maybe humari haldi nahi hui thi...
Pia screamed on him saying, "Haan, kuch bhi nahi hua tha. Na koi rasam, na tumne mujhse engagement ki thi, aur ye saari cheeze tumne baki logon ke saath ki thi, engagement, rasame..tum muzse pyaar bhi karte ho?! Mera bhi haq hai, dulhan dhang se banne ka, lifetime me ek hi baar ata hai" and she sobbed harder. Ansh tried to talk to her but she wasn't in a mood to budge, so he thought he would have to really fix up the whole mess. Definitely the few rasams were pending and had to be done, atleast late than never!!
He apologized to Pia by brushing his haldi finger on her cheeks and wiping her tears, she smiled lightly but she wasn't going to give in so easily, not before she got what she wanted. So she left, leaving Ansh to figure out and plan.
Edited by Madhura.. - 3 years agoChapter - 02
Ansh was really confused about Piya’s sudden outburst. With Saavi shutting him down too, he
had only one person to turn to – Guruma! He dialed her number and lucky for him, she was
still awake. “Namaste Guruma!” “Namaste Ansh beta! How are you and Piya? How are the kids?”
“Everyone’s fine Guruma!!!.......” After chitchatting for a while, Ansh finally disclosed his reason to
call her at that odd hour. “Actually Guruma! I needed your help with something. It’s about Piya.”
“What happened to her?” “I don’t know! She was happy and excited about her friend’s wedding and we
just got back from her Haldi Rasam. But out of nowhere she just erupted like a volcano and took my
class.” Ansh shuddered a little thinking about the earlier incident. Guruma heaved a sigh. “Well,
you know how she always manages to smile despite her heartbreak, right?” “I know! But what does that
have to do with it?” Ansh was surprised. “Ever since Piya was a kid, she used to like colors and
festivals, specially on Holi or during Haldi Rasam of someone’s wedding, she would be on cloud nine.
When Divya got abducted, she went into a dark place and I got really worried. It was Mata Rani’s
blessing that such a little girl had more strength in her heart and learned to smile for others. But she
used to say, she would genuinely start laughing and enjoying those festivals again when her family will
become complete.” Guruma paused for a moment. “When Divya returned and gave her nod to your
wedding, Piya’s joy knew no bounds. Her family was complete and she wanted to savor those precious
moments. But Vedeshree Ji was in a hurry to get you two married, so you guys skipped so many rituals.
On top of that, Divya died on your wedding day. I guess, that’s why she burst all of a sudden.” Ansh felt
guilty. He had no idea about this and felt horrible for not understanding Piya’s emotions and
failing to take care of her little wishes. He bade goodbye to Guruma and made a plan to
surprise Piya.
The next morning, Ansh told Adi and Pari about his plan and sent the kids to Piya. “Mumma!!!”
“Yes Pari!” “I need you help with something.” “Sure beta! What is it?” “We have a competition in our
school in a few days and there will also be a competition for pottery and Rangoli making. Can you
please help me with it?” “But you know how to make them beta! Then why are you asking me to show
you all of a sudden? Usually you don’t even let me touch your design!” Piya was quite surprised
seeing Pari’s sudden change in behavior. “Actually mumma! You know this GG. She was boasting in
her class and another girl made a better one than her, that too in less time. So madam wants to
become a pro.” Adi came up with an excuse. “Alright! You two go to my room. I am coming within a
few minutes.”
Back in their room, Ansh was checking for one last time whether everything was in place or
not. When the kids gave him a thumbs up, he hid behind a curtain. Soon enough, Piya came to
her room but was surprised seeing only yellow color on the floor. Before she could ask
anything, Pari was ready with her explanation, “It’s only practice na mumma! So I just brought one
color.” Piya nodded her head and started showing the kids howto spread the color and make a
rangoli. When it was almost over, Adi took some color in his hand and threw it on both Pari
and Piya. At first Piya got angry but looking at the way both of her kids were giggling, she
joined them too and soon enough, it looked like they were celebrating holi with all three of
them covered with color. Ansh was watching them and unknowingly a smile crept into his
face. It was time for him to join! He went behind Piya and put a huge amount of color on her
head. “What the hell Ansh!” Piya was hell shocked. “What? You three were literally playing holi and
when I joined, suddenly you are not interested anymore?” He tried to anger Piya further. “We were
just playing with colors papa! You just painted mumma with color!” Adi started laughing holding his
tummy. “Okay then let me take care of it also.” He smirked and poured water from a jug over Piya’s
head. “Have you lost your mind!” Piya’s anger now reached its peak! Ansh signaled the kids and ran
towards their balcony.
Piya ran behind him when suddenly there was a shower of merigold petals on her. Piya was
pleasantly surprised when she noticed there was a small couch placed exactly at the center of
their balcony and around it multiple plants were decorated. There was a thali with Haldi on it
and on a normal day, anyone would mistake that someone’s Haldi Rasam was going on or
would take place in there. Ansh came from behind and gently hugged Piya. “What is all this
Ansh?” Piya was utterly surprised. “When we got married, we skipped a few rituals and I just figured,
my wife deserves every happiness on this planet. So I decided to perform those rituals. But, I also know
you have always wanted your family to be next to you so I brought these plants, so that you feel Divya
maa is here with you.” Tears were rolling down Piya’s cheek when Ansh wiped off her tears and
signaled Adi and Pari to come out. “Let’s celebrate this moment with our family!” Piya couldn’t say
anything and nodded. Her feelings overwhelmed her and she didn’t know how to respond.
The kids put some haldi on both of them and left the place after a while. Piya was still
gathering herself when Ansh hugged her from behind.“I am sorry!” Piya got startled. “For what?”
“I should have understood what was bothering you but instead I was busy enjoying. I know I am not
perfect and unknowingly I hurt you sometimes. But I promise, I’ll try my best to become the partner you
deserve. I love you Piya!” “I love you too!” Piya hugged Ansh tightly. After a few moments,when
Ansh was about to leave the balcony to get freshen up, Piya noticed the haldi thali was empty
and gave a mischievous smile. “Ansh!” “Yes!” “Haldi is supposed to be husband’s first mark on
his wife.” “So?” Ansh was clueless. “You still haven’t apply haldi on me.” “Oh sorry!” Ansh came
forward quickly only to see the empty bowl. “Oh no! How are you gonna complete the ritual now!!!”
Looking at Piya’s expression, Ansh realized it was all Piya’s ploy and raised his eyebrow. “Not
bad Mrs. Rathore! But you too are challenging your dear husband.” He thought to himself. “It’s not
necessary that I have to apply haldi from that bowl only.” With a devilish smile he cornered Piya
and brushed his cheek against hers. “Perfect!” Piya faked being angry a little but later hugged
him tightly. “I don’t know what good had I done in my last birth that I got you!” “Don’t know about
your last birth honey but for this birth and the upcoming seven births, you have to bear with me. Is it
okay?” He smiled. “No!” “No?” “No! Seven births is not enough. I want all eternity with my Ghanghor
Ajeeb Praani!” Piya laughed out loudly. “Your wish is my command your Highness!” Ansh took Piya in
his lap and started twirling while the later thanked Devi Maa for blessing her with such a
wonderful partner and life.