Chapter-16
Shraddha Kumar
Morning.
After having breakfast, all were busy with decorations and other works related to the wedding. When I tried to help them, they declined to say that the bride should rest. So here, I am in my bedroom sitting with Divi. Yes, I brought Divi along with me. Now we both are writing lyrics.
Today will be a Mehndi - Sangeet function. As the bride and groom cannot see each other so it was decided that remaining all functions would take place individually. We booked a venue for the Sangeet function.
However, when Mr. would-be came today early morning. He is very tired from a long journey and wanted to rest so Aunty decided that he will rest today the whole day and Sangeet will take place at the venue. As soon as the plan was confirmed Shreya called me to inform her that she is very much excited for both functions.
The Mehndi function will start in the evening at 4 o’clock and Sangeet will start at 8 o’clock. A Mehndi function is only a female function so all males will come directly in the night at the Venue.
For the Mehndi Function, I wore Off-white lehenga set by Aisha Rao. The outfit features a quirky-printed lehenga skirt with a crop top. Hairstylist styled my hair with a half-crown braid with loose waves. I told Makeup Artist to do natural makeup. I opted for neutral shades with defined eyes. I rounded out her look with pink lips. Divi helped me to complete my look with an oversized pair of earrings.
Divi was also ready in her green brocade lehenga by Manish Malhotra. She also kept Minimal make-up and a pair of big earrings to balance out her traditional look.
Bhabhi came to take me downstairs. She wore a turquoise green Saree.
“Shradhu, be fast. Malhotra’s have reached.” Sister in Law said.
Sister in law and Divi took me to the backyard where all the Mehndi setup was organized.
All wedding decorations functions managed by my cousins and Kary as in all brothers. I loved the simple open space Mehndi setup organized by my lovely brothers. It feels so amazing and refreshing to enjoy nature. There was a basket containing Bindi and bangles was handed around so girls can choose those that match the outfit they plan to wear to the wedding or any other wedding functions.
Shreya and Riya came towards me.
“Sister in law, You are looking pretty.” Riya complimented.
“Sister in law, You look so hot,” Shreya said and kissed my cheek. I blushed after hearing her compliment.
A special sitting arrangement was organized for the bride that is for me. Girls took me over there and made me sit. Sush aunty came near me with Mumma and 3-4 more ladies. For the bride, the mehndi is sent by the future Mother in Law so my Henaa was brought by Sush aunty. She and Mumma applied a small dot of Henna on both of my hands as a Shagun. Then Henna artists started their work on my hands.
Shreya, Riya and Divi were sitting around me. I insisted they keep Henna on their own hands also. There were many Henna artists appointed. We all were sitting near each other and chatting about anything and everything.
Suddenly Henna artist asked me, “Ma’am what name or letter should I write in your Henna?” I was baffled like what should I say to her that I do not know the name of my-would to be husband with whom I will be getting married in 2 days.
Shreya stood up from her place and spoke something in Henna artist’s ear. Who in reply smiled and nodded her head. I looked at my hands where there she wrote A & S in a very beautiful heart design. From all this, I got to know that his name starts with A.
Soon after completing the Henna function, we went to our rooms to change our outfits for Sangeet.
Aaron Malhotra
Riya woke me up at noon so I could have my lunch with all of them. I woke up and went to freshen up. I paired up a simple blue colour Kurta with black jeans. I went downstairs. The whole house was decorated. I went to the lawn area to see workers were decorating the outside of the mansion. There were a variety of flowers that were ordered for decoration.
The lunch was organized in the backyard so I went in that direction. I entered the backyard to see my grandparents. I took blessings from them and hugged them. Paternal grandmother pulled my left ear and gave me her scoldings for not attending engagement. I helped my grandparents until the dining table and made them sit. Then I went near Mumma who gave me a plate full of food and made me sit beside her on the chair.
I was having my lunch when suddenly Mumma said to me, “Aaru, you must have jetlag so it is decided that today you don’t have to attend the Sangeet ceremony. You can rest and be fresh for remaining rituals which will start from tomorrow.”
I hummed in reply.
I was engrossed in thoughts of Shraddha that now there is no chance available for me to talk with her.
After lunch, all went to get ready because in the evening, there is a Mehndi ceremony that will end at near 7 pm and then everyone will go to the Sangeet venue.
My friends and sisters carried their Sangeet outfits with them. They said that they would change their outfits at Shraddha’s place.
After some time, I slept for the rest of the day.
Shraddha Kumar
For Sangeet, I’m wearing a white and red combination embroidered lehenga from the designer’s collection of Rahul Mishra. I paired up simple teardrop earrings with the outfit. Red lips and wavy hair finished out my look.
Divi was wearing a blue and yellow lehenga by Anita Dongre. Her look was rounded out with a pair of chandbalis, silver potli bag and wavy hair.
Riya and Shreya also changed their outfits and met us near the stairs. Both complimented me for my look and teased me saying that if only her brother was present then he would have been shocked to see her looking so beautiful. I blushed after hearing their teasings. At the same time my all brothers as in the Kartik, Ishaan Brother and Rajeev Brother.
I can see my three brothers of mouth hung open watching beautiful girls who were teasing me. Suddenly my best friend and sister-in-law looked towards them. All three pairs were busy in eye locks. I can see these three will keep my sisters happy. I will be cupid of their love stories. I will implement my plans for them after my marriage.
I coughed and said, “Oh god do I look so bad that my brothers are not even looking at me?” this sentence broke their trance and they all looked towards me.
My brothers came to me and surrounded me. Kary took my hands in his hands. Ishaan Brother side hugged me. Rajeev Brother was standing beside me and kept his hands on my shoulders.
“You are looking pretty, my sister.” All three said in chorus.
And one by one kissed my forehead. I felt very happy and lucky to have them in my life.
“Now can we head to the venue?” Shreya asked us.
We all headed towards the parking.
I have decided to be a Cupid for a small-time being.
"Riya and Rajeev brother, please can you both sit in the last seat?" I asked with a smile.
He looked towards Riya who in return looked towards him and nodded.
Kary took the driver seat so I made Shreya sit in the front seat.
Me, Divi and Ishaan Brother settled ourselves in the middle seat.
"Kary, play some music," I said to him.
Shreya immediately started the music system. There was a romantic song playing. As the roads were bad in the village area so the ride was bumpy. I looked behind me to see that Rajeev Brother kept his hand on Riya's shoulder and made her sit beside him. They both were looking in each other's eyes.
I looked in front to see Kary and Shreya were taking each other's glimpses.
Beside me, Ishaan Brother side hugged Divi but Divi’s expressions were irritating. I kept my head on the window and thought about my would-be. How my life is going to change. Will he accept me? Will he love me?
There were many unanswered questions in my mind.
Soon we reached the Sangeet Venue. Rajeev Brother helped Riya to get down.
We all entered inside. Sush Aunty came near me and hugged me.
"You are looking very pretty." She said.
Then Girls took me to my place in front of the stage.
Ishaan Brother and Divi were anchoring the whole program.
The first dance was played by Mumma-Papa. I felt emotional. Next dance was played by Sush Aunty and Shekhar uncle. They danced on the song which has cat fight theme.
Next dance was played by Kary and Shreya. It was a romantic number.
Then Ishaan Brother and Divi danced on the frenemies theme song.
Rajeev Brother and Riya also performed on my insistence on a romantic song.
Then all Girls vs boys danced.
Then I and Divi performed. Then the last dance performed by me which consists of 2-3 songs.
After the dance, we all had our dinner. Then DJ played some Punjabi bhangra music and Bollywood music. We all started dancing together.
Nearly at 11 pm, we were done with our Sangeet ceremony. And decided to retire for the day. We went to our respective place.
After reaching home I went toward my room and changed my outfit. Freshen up myself. I did my night routine and went to sleep.
----------