39~ Tied Together For Eternity
I sneezed as my mother tied the turban around my head. She smacked my shoulder and gritted, "Don't move, let me tie it properly"
"You are saying as if I enjoy sneezing", I retorted sarcastically and saw her glaring at me. I gulped realising that she is in her deadly mode and if I say something, she will murder me at my own wedding.
She grunted and then said, "I never knew tying a turban would be so difficult and where did your good for nothing dad go? Kaam aata hai tabhi bhaag jata hai khadoos bhuda". I bit my lips to control my laughter but ended up laughing loudly.
"Khadoos bhuda haha, mom from where you bring these words?
", I asked her. She snorted and secured the red turban on my head.
Adjusting the silk shawl over my shoulder she replied, "You will know when you will have to spend your life with a boring creep with no sense of humour and who always troubles you".
"But you love him", I said and she shook her head.
"Of course I do, but there are a few things that I don't like about him.
Not everyone is perfect and you should come to terms with it.
You are getting married as well. There will be times when you will have witness your partner's worst side and I am not saying to compromise, but always try to understand the other one.
In the end nothing matters more than your relationship.
Of course it can turn toxic, feel free to walk away but not before having a conversation"
"I still don't understand how you fell in love with the proclaimed Dr. Beast ?
", I curiously asked, remembering what she had narrated to me years back.
My father was often called as 'Dr. Beast' when he was young and unmarried.
Mother told he always roamed around with a poker face and used to yell at the smallest of things.
And then my mother came into his life. They both fell madly in love with each other and within three years of marriage had me.
She chuckled and patting my cheeks and said, "Well, I just did even though he acted so cold. But I knew that he has a golden heart and he needs someone to share his thoughts with. He slowly opened up to me and changed"
"That's so sweet mom but if I were you I wouldn't have chosen him with the facts you give me with", I said as she warmly smiled at me.
She took a seat beside me and said, "I think you are just like me Adhyay.
Who says you didn't choose someone with anger issues?
Akriti has anger issues but you love her the way she is".
"That's because-", I tried to justify myself but didn't find any words. I realised that she was telling the truth.
"Look Adhyay, love can both be fruitful and destructive.
It's difficult but it gives you happiness.
You love Akriti and I love your father. The reality is that we both know how big their hearts are and how much they love us", she said with a smile and I nodded.
She finally patted my cheeks again and said, "You don't need to think about it, enjoy your wedding. "
"You are right mom", I said in agreement. She nodded with a smile when her phone rang.
"Name the devil and the devil is here, it is your dad", she said with a laugh making me chuckle as well. She picked the call and smiling rushed out of my room.
I had no time to think about it as Yash came inside my room to help me dress up. I don't know why they all are so particular about my dressing up. My initial plan was to wear a simple suit but no, my mother argued and got this stupid itchy shervani.
"Are you sure right? There is no going back now. Shaadi is barbaadi and you are signing for that now", Yash seriously said and I looked at him dumbfounded. Is he seriously asking me this, now?
"Haan bhai, you think I am kidding?", I said and he sighed. He held my shoulders and said, "Bro your life is going to get ruined and I as a good best friend can't witness that. Waise hi teri behen ne meri laga rakhi hai, and then Akriti is her best friend".
(Already your sister has troubled me a lot)
"Dude I am hundred and one percent sure and I don't think Adrija troubles you that much", I said, a protective brother creeping in. Whatever it is, Adrija is my sister, I can't hear anything against her. She might me irritating and ugly but only I get to call her these names.
"Panauti hai panauti, she literally kicks me out of my own bed and I have to do all the cooking.
You know how busy I am and she has to just work for five hours!
I wish I was a dentist too, at least I could enjoy being at home", he exclaimed and I rolled my eyes.
I have no doubt that Yash troubles her or why else would she do these things?
"So? What's wrong with cooking and cleaning? She has a life too and you can't expect her to do all these things", I argued for the sake of my sister.
His jaw fell wide open as he said, "it's okay, you won't understand. Get married and then I will ask how life is. You are just talking like my younger self, much dino mein bhoot uttar jayega"
I patted his back in a mocking way and said, "We will see. By the way, there is a quite beautiful mark on your neck".
I pointed at his neck. He got nervous and checked himself in the mirror.
"Arrrgggg why did she do that?" He yelled furiously and glared at me while I enjoyed teasing him.
He closed the topmost button and grabbed my blue tie which was lying on the dressing table.
He looked at the mirror again but groaned as the art my sister had created was still peeking out.
I laughed loudly and said, "That's huge, quite contradicting to what you were saying just now"
He glared and said, "Laugh all you want, my golden days are coming as well. It is no mystery that you both will do it tonight".
"Keep assuming Dr. Mathur", I challenged him. I know we are not going to do that today or anytime soon. Neither of us is ready for having sex right now at least. She is already troubled due to her mother's health and it is not the right time to distract her or even me.
I was soon seated in a well decorated car that took us to the wedding venue.
The marriage is simple without any fuss.
We had planned everything at the last moment and still it was better.
I looked at the shiny wedding band on my ring finger and smiled.
We will be married finally, my patience paid off.
We were welcomed by Akriti's mother who did my tilak and did the Aarti.
She greeted my parents and I was made to sit in the centre of the wedding hall, where the priest was arranging all the necessities required for our holy union.
I raked my eyes here and there just to have a glance of Akriti but found her nowhere, I will get to see her when the ceremonies begin, that's pathetic.
Meanwhile, my sisters engaged me in a photo session which was extremely irritating. They only wanted nice pictures and expected me to act like an idiot and pose as they wished. Adrija being the most irritating one kept on poking and teasing me with what she thought will happen this night.
"Bhai, you look troubled", Hrishika teasingly said, making me roll my eyes.
"Aree he is finding his beloved", Adrija said and both of them started giggling like stupid teenagers. They were joined by the rest of my brothers who did no good to me.
Finally my torment was over when a soft music played in the background and everyone's eyes went towards the entrance door. I stood up and the lights dimmed, increasing my heartbeats. That was it, Akriti was here, and soon we will be married.
My breath nearly halted when I heard a melodious sound of anklets and then she came in my view.
She was dressed up in that beautiful red saree which I chose and was adorned by a simple gold necklace.
Her soft hands were full of heavy bangles and her darkly stained henna.
The red bindi in the centre of her forehead just enhanced her beauty.
I have never seen her wearing something traditional, and now that I have seen her like this, I don't think I will be alive.
She looked like a Goddess stepping from heaven. I am dreaming, this is a beautiful dream. She suddenly looked up and our eyes met. My lips curled into a smile as I wiped the tears that had unknowingly filled my eyes. She smiled too as she neared me.
I had been waiting for this moment for years, her walking in bridal attire towards me. How much I had wished to see her like this, dressed up to marry me and be mine. I was always hers, before I had even known. She is my solace and now my home.
I forwarded my hand as she was just a step away from me. She smiled gracefully and took my hand, providing me with sparks instead. She stepped up and stood beside me.
"You look heavenly beautiful", I whispered and she smiled looking in my eyes.
"You look handsome as well", she said and scooped closer to me. I wrapped my arm around her waist as the photographer clicked out pictures, capturing our special day.
The priest soon announced that it was time to exchange garlands. Hrishika presented a fancy plate which had garlands made up of roses. Akriti took one of them and I the other. Akriti tiptoed to put the garland round my neck but failed to. She was too short as compared to my six foot height.
"Why are you so tall? I can barely reach your shoulders!", she exclaimed as she tried once again. I chuckled and kneeled down, the hall instantly filling up with wild claps.
"So that I can bow before my wife", I said looking up. Her cheeks turned crimson as she garlanded me. I stood up and repeated her actions.
We then moved to the mandap where we will exchange the holy vows. The fire was ignited as the priest sang the mantras. Adrija tied Akriti's veil's end with my silk shawl as we exchanged the seven vows, promising each other that we will be each other's partner in both happiness and despair.
The onlookers threw flower petals on us as the ceremony progressed, the powerful mantras engulfing the hall throughout. With each passing second, I felt more responsibility and the bond between us strengthened.
As I took the last phera, Akriti's eyes turned glossy and finally the priest asked me to tie the nuptial chain round her neck and fill her hair partition with the vermilion.
She closed her eyes when I tied the nuptial chain and did the last ritual, thus announcing her as my wife.
A bit of vermilion fell on her nose which made her smile.
At last, we took the blessings of all the elders present there and accepted well wishes from the guests who had arrived.
Akriti bitterly cried as she hugged her mother as we prepared to leave for our home. Her mother consoled her but she didn't even budge from her place. That was the most excruciating scene to witness and it stung me.
"Mumma come with us please", Akriti begged but her mother cupped her cheeks and said, "You are now married bacha and how can I live in my daughter's house?"
"Please aunty, your health is tender, how will you manage yourself?", I asked but she held my hand and said, "Adhyay, you are too kind but I wouldn't like to live at my daughter's house. I have managed myself all these years and today I will too. Just take care of my daughter".
She took Akriti's hand and entangled her hand with mine.
She patted my shoulder and said, "Keep her happy, I am giving my diamond to you to cherish.
Don't hurt her ever, treat her like a queen.
She is my pride and now she should be yours.
Give her all the love of the world. May God keep you both happy"
"I promise she shall never cry because of me", I said with determination and her mother smiled. The car arrived soon and I helped Akriti climb in as she cried.
We set off for home and throughout the way she kept crying.
I slowly took her in my arms and she sobbed against my chest. Her soft arms went around my neck as she mumbled, "Why didn't she agree to live with us?
What if something happens when I am not there?
She is so weak and I-I c-can't even ask her to live with me? How is it fair Adhyay?"
I softly kissed her forehead and said, "She lives a few minutes away from us, you can visit her anytime"
"B-but who will cook for her? Who will remind her to take her medicines on time? Who will see if she is taking proper rest?"
"Akriti, you can live with her until her condition improves. I have no problem with it", I replied and she nodded. She hugged me and said, "Thankyou, I don't know how to thank you enough".
"Maybe you could thank me by giving me a kiss when we reach home, and not only a kiss, much more", I teased, holding her closer. She blushed and smacked my shoulder saying, "Shameless creature".
I chucked and whispered, "Only for you wifey".
The car stopped in front of my bungalow which was decorated with lights and my mother was waiting at the entrance.
I stepped out first and then opened the car door for my wife who shyly took my hand and stepped outside.
My mother did the Aarti and asked my wife to kick the kalash full of rice.
She stepped inside my home which was ours now and my mother instantly ushered her away from me.
Akriti glanced at me one last time and then disappeared with the ladies. I was dragged into the garden by Yash and the other of the men who seemed a little too interested in ruining my wedding night.
"Welcome to married men community son", my dad said patting my back and chote papa grinned. I was made to sit in between these frustrated married men as they told me about their dangerous experiences with their wives.
"And then she threw the coffee cup on the floor and one of the glass pieces struck my poor leg. I hoped she would soften but she banged the door and went outside leaving me in pain", Yash said as he finished another glass of alcohol. Am I the only one who doesn't drinks? I think yes.
"I am so proud of my daughter, she did so good", chote papa said under the effect of alcohol and I gulped. I need to get out of here as soon as possible.
"What do you mean so good? Tame your daughter, she has broken all the glasswares in my house and she even threw me out of my own room", Yash roared and then cried.
"You married her, now she's your responsibility. Don't come running to me", chote papa coolly said.
"This is nothing, Mishika has done worse", dad stated and all of us eagerly looked at him.
"She poked my hand with a fork and I couldn't work for days", dad said, almost shaking as if he was too terrified to even remember it. I gulped and instantly imagined Akriti doing that with me. She wouldn't do that, would she?
"Ridhima had five wild dogs. I despised them and one day she asked me to give them food. They started growling and I had to run to save my life", chote papa said shaking his head.
"Adhyay, wives are mad, only solution is do what they say", the three of the, said together. I nodded, getting scared of their experiences and said, "Thankyou but I think I need to go".
"Go! Have fun", my dad yelled, waving me goodbye as I started moving from there.
"Don't make noises!", Yash yelled and took another shot.
I shook my head with a disgusted look and went to my room only to hear giggles.
I opened the door and saw all the ladies giggling at something and Akriti was blushing.
I smirked knowing what they were talking about and announced, "Thankyou for accompanying my wife ladies, now you can go. "
"Yeah yeah, he is too eager", Choti mom said with a giggle and my mother smirked at me
As all of them started going, my mother whispered, "Remember to give her the gift". I nodded and whispered, "Will she like it?"
"Of course she would, now go", my mother said and went out. I sighed and closed the door so that no one could intrude now. I was alone with my wife finally and there was no way I was letting anyone disturb us.
I slowly moved towards Akriti who sat shyly on the bed and I intently looked at her. She looked sinfully beautiful today, her face which usually showed no emotions was just red. Her mehendi filled hands made me proud that it was only I who gets to witness this.
"Why don't you change? This outfit looks too tiring", I said laying down on the bed. She suddenly looked up at me and asked, "Aren't we going to do that?"
Shock would be an understatement. I didn't know she was too eager to consummate our marriage. It's not like I complain but isn't it too early?
"Do you want to?", I asked biting my lips. Her cheeks turned into a beautiful shade of red as she meekly whispered, "I asked you".
"What if I say yes?"
I am such a nice person right?
I updated before the specified day.