Ch 34 Kahe Sataye Re Piya #3
Even though he and Dev run the entire company day in and day out, he has kept that seat completely empty to this very day. He works from a separate cabin, holding onto the silent hope that one day his older brother will understand and return to claim his rightful legacy."
Rivanya's heart swelled at the revelation. "Dadimaa, this sounds exactly like the Ramayana. Viswraaj Bhaiya is acting just like Bharat, managing all the responsibilities while selflessly waiting for his brother's return."
Dadimaa smiled warmly, nodding in agreement. "Exactly, beta. That is why I always call my three grandsons Ram, Bharat, and Lakshman. Truly, the bond and love these three brothers share is unlike anything else in this world.
Rudraksh loves his brothers more than his own life, and since childhood, he has fulfilled their every whim. Dev, especially, is the darling of both his older brothers. But alas, destiny hasn't been kind to that poor boy either. The deepest scars are often hidden behind the brightest smiles."
Rivanya's brow furrowed in deep concern. "Dev Bhaiya's scars? What happened to him, Dadimaa?"
Sensing she had spoken too much, Dadimaa quickly changed the subject, patting Rivanya's hand.
"Beta, if you learn every family secret in a single day, what will I have left to tell you later? I will share that story some other time. Right now, we have a mountain of work to do for the evening puja. And don't worry about the guests I am inviting a few of my married friends as well,
so our gathering will be complete."
Respecting her grandmother's boundary, Rivanya didn't press further. "Alright, Dadimaa. Why don't you go and rest for a bit now? I will handle the rest of the arrangements."
"Very well," Dadimaa replied, standing up.
She paused and turned back with a smile.
"Oh, and one more thing, Rivanya. Gurumaa has sent a sacred saree for you, blessed directly from the Gauri Temple of Vardhanpur. Make sure you wear it this evening and adorn yourself in complete, traditional bridal finery. Understood, beta?"
Rivanya smiled beautifully, a soft blush warming her cheeks. "Yes, Dadimaa, exactly as you say. Please go and look after your health now."
Once Dadimaa retired to her room, Rivanya spent the next couple of hours meticulously organizing the ritual space, sorting the prayer offerings, and giving instructions to the staff.
With the ground-floor preparations successfully underway, she picked up her pace and headed back upstairs to her bedroom to prepare herself for the momentous evening ahead.
By the time the afternoon bled into the muted gold of four o'clock, the otherwise quiet and imposing Vardhan Mansion was alive with an unprecedented, vibrant energy.
The stark, somber monochrome that usually defined the estate had completely melted away under the joyous preparations for the sacred Gauri Puja.
True to her pure, egalitarian spirit, Rivanya had personally gifted a gorgeous crimson silk saree to every single married woman working on the household staff.
Overwhelmed by her genuine warmth and respect, the women smiled brightly, their hearts swelling at the rare sense of dignity and belonging she gave them.
Down in the grand hall, Dadimaa sat elegantly in a rich red banarasi saree, chatting happily with a few of her close childhood friends who had arrived early.
The altar was meticulously adorned with marigold garlands, mango leaves, and fresh offerings; the only things missing were the family priest and the Queen of the evening herself.
Meanwhile, upstairs in the private study, Rudraksh was deep in a business discussion with Dev, Raaj, and Vyom.
Despite reviewing major financial files, a subtle, dark frown remained etched on his face.
He had been quietly discontent since the morning, entirely displeased with Rivanya's decision to observe a grueling fast and undergo an intense ritual for a superstition he simply did not believe in.
Inside her bedroom, a serene silence prevailed. Having taken her ritual bath, Rivanya sat before the heavy mahogany vanity mirror, carefully applying her makeup until her skin glowed like porcelain under the warm lights.
Looking at her finished reflection, a gentle wave of emotion washed over her. 'Today, I get to adorn myself as his bride all over again. Today, I become Rudraksh's suhagan in the truest sense.'
She lifted her hands, admiring the intricate mehendi patterns decorating her palms.
Even though she had applied it only a couple of hours prior, the henna had already left a breathtakingly deep, dark mahogany stain a traditional sign, as old folklore suggested, of a husband's profound, intense love.
A soft smile played on her lips as she stood up and carefully draped the sacred red silk saree sent by Gurumaa.
The rich fabric clung to her beautifully, its golden zari borders illuminating her complexion.
Sitting back down, Rivanya began her *Solah Shringar*, weaving the ancient, sacred traditions of a bride into her appearance one beautiful step at a time.
She began by picking up a perfect, round vermilion bindi and placing it precisely between her eyebrows, activating the divine third eye that symbolized intellect and her sacred duty to guard her husband's sanctity.
Next, though the main vermilion would be applied after the puja from the Goddess's feet, she delicately traced a faint, hopeful line of sindoor into her hair parting, whispering a silent prayer for Rudraksh's longevity.
Her fingers then reached for a stunning gold maang tikka encrusted with rubies.
She secured it at the center of her forehead, letting it hang gracefully as a shield of destiny over her mind.
To ward off any negative energy or evil eye hovering around her new family, she dipped a silver wand into traditional kohl, lining her expressive eyes with a dark, captivating kajal.
With steady hands, Rivanya carefully pressed a delicate, pearl-strung gold nose ring into her left nostril.
This traditional nath added an undeniable royal grace to her features, symbolizing bridal chastity and the prosperity of the household.
She then fastened an intricate, heavy gold kundan necklace around her neck, letting it rest firmly over her heart chakra as a lock of absolute devotion that bound her life force to Rudraksh's.