Chapter 51

Vikram's POV



Everyone was busy in the preparation. Invitation Cards were sent to all the friends, families and colleagues. Sandhya is already in Jodhpur as she has taken a leave for our wedding which is in 5 days from now. 5 more days.....

Last month or to be specific 3 weeks were very long... Or at least seemed to be extremely long. Sandhya's one month of assistance with me ended and then she worked with Aakash. It was pure torture for me... I never liked him too much and somehow I don't like the way he looks at Sandhya. Dr Chirag proposed... Ruchika and she accepted. Dr Ajay seemed to be taking interest in Pooja. Dr Aditi seemed to be having some grudges against Sandhya, Gautam and me.

Out marriage rituals would start very soon. I have not seen her for the last 5 days... And as per our tradition, we can't meet till the wedding.

Oh my God!! I wanted to meet her. I need to find a way to meet her. All my friends would come tomorrow.

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Our parents wanted a grand royal kind of wedding..,. A Ganesha idol was installed in the house and a Havan was performed. Our families worshipped the deity and seek His blessings for a hassle-free wedding.

Then we had Pithhi Dastoor. It was a combo of Haldi and Sangeet ceremonies. Turmeric and sandalwood paste was applied on me ( groom ) and Sandhya ( bride) in their respective homes. There was so much excitement in everyone. Women of the families sang Sangeet songs and danced on Dholak and Nagara beats... Vidhi, mom, Priya

Megha and Maurvi enjoyed the functions at both places. Poor me.....

Then there were other rituals like Mahira dastoor ( Bhaat where bride's maternal uncle comes to the wedding to bear the responsibility of the wedding). Then there was Bindora dastoor. ( Having last Batchelor food) All my family and friends teased me mercilessly. After some more rituals like Janev, Palla dastoor ( God Bharai) finally I would get married the day after tomorrow.

All the females of my family along with Priya, Maurvi and Megha went to Sandhya's place to give her gifts, clothes, jewellery, sweets and all kinds of bridal trousseau items. I wish I could go but it was not possible. Priya said she would send me the pics and videos.... which she did... Sandhya was looking very pretty in pink colour saree.

After that, there was Mehandi and sangeet. Her hands and feet were adorned with Henna. My name was hidden in the intricate designs of henna in her palms. I wanted to see her... I hated all the rituals as I could not meet her. Though everyone else was enjoying the wedding a lot.

I was ready to get married. I was wearing traditional gold Achkan, a sherwani, Jodhpuri Juttis, traditional orange turban and pearl necklace. I carried a sword and rode on an elephant.

My dad, male relatives and all my friends wore turbans, sherwanis and Achkans too.

Finally, when the Baraat reached the venue, the Sandhya's’s family members received us with a warm welcome. I hit a Toran (a particular decoration done at the entrance) with a stick symbolising the warding off of evil. Padma aunty then put a Tilak on my forehead and performed Aarti.



Sandhya's POV



It was my wedding day... I got ready wearing my wedding lehenga and beautiful heavy jewellery. Maurvi had come to my place... She was there with me along with Ruchika, Pooja and some other friends. We all were waiting for the baarat to come. My sister and brother-in-law were also here for our wedding.

Neeraj Jiju ( brother-in-law) and Shubh were very busy with the preparation of the marriage. Shubh was working like a maniac. I was worried about his health.

I have not met Vikram for the last 10 days. Everyone was busy with something or the other. Only I was free.... and I missed him a lot.

His friends and family came to our place many times, but due to our rituals, he didn't come. Priya, Megha and Maurvi came with aunty and Vidhi for God bharai, Haldi and Mehandi. They kept teasing me by saying that Vikram is going mad without me... And he may attack someone for not letting him meet me.

They clicked my pictures and said that they would send it to him. Vidhi was looking very pretty in traditional Indian dresses. Aunty told my mom that a marriage proposal came for her and they would talk about it after our marriage.

Just then someone came and said that the baarat has come. Ruchika and Maurvi peeped from the window.

" Oh God, he is looking like an Indian prince. Very Handsome and royal. " Said Ruchika... I smiled. He was royal.

I was going to get married to him in less than an hour. I was getting nervous and Maurvi held my hand and said, " Relax Sandhya... He is the same man you are in love with... Don't worry everything is fine. He is eagerly waiting for you to get married to him. He loves you a lot. You are looking like a walking angel. He is already getting crazy for just a glimpse of you..... Just enjoy. "

Vidhi, Priya and Megha also came to meet me. They all were looking so pretty. They were teasing me saying that I was looking so beautiful that he might elope taking me even before the wedding happens. I was getting red with the embarrassment.

There was a knock on the door. Ruchika opened it. Shubh was standing there. He came in and saw everyone there. He smiled at everyone. His eyes remained on Vidhi for s longer time then he looked away. He is confusing .... Does he like her or not?

" Come, Sandy, time for you to get married. " He smiled at me and extended his hand to hold mine. He hugged me lightly and lead me outside.

The music changed to the one which indicated that the bride is coming. Everyone turned to look at me. I was getting very nervous but kept moving as Shubh gave me an assuring smile.

I looked where he was and saw that he was looking at me with so much love in his eyes. He came forward and help me get up the stage and said, "You are looking out of this world. " I just smiled. Then we exchanged garlands of orchids. Everyone clapped and cheered for us. We were sitting as the guests wanted to meet and congratulate us. Our families and relatives came and gave blessings to us. He kept looking at me. His friends came and kept saying naughty things. I was blushing profusely. I couldn't even look at anyone. They were asking about the honeymoon plans and things like that.

After some time we all were called for dinner. We sat together and people kept teasing us. I couldn't eat anything... Everyone suggested him to feed me. He gladly did so... Then they forced me to feed him. I shyly did that. After the food, we took 7 phera. Sacred oath or vachan.( Promises). And after the kanyadaan ( panee Grahan sanskar or a ritual where father officially gives his daughter's hand into grooms hand in marriage) Vikram tied the Mangalsutra around my neck and applied Sindoor ( vermilion) in my hair. We were married now.

We took the blessings of our parents and elder ones. After all the other rituals and a tearful adieu ( Bidayi ) we went to their big Royal Haveli. The whole place was very well lit with small golden lights.