Ch35 The Captive Lioness
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The crystalline melody of Rivanya's anklets was more than enough to completely shatter Rudraksh's formidable peace of mind.
It was a staggering irony; on one hand, he repeatedly claimed that this marriage was nothing more than a nominal arrangement, fiercely denying the existence of any feelings for her.
Yet, on the other hand, amidst a sea of voices and chaotic background noises, his ears had instinctively isolated and recognized the subtle, rhythmic chime of her feet from a distance.
As Rivanya descended the grand staircase with a serene smile playing on her lips, she held the room captive. Dressed in her breathtaking *solah shringar*, her beauty was so profound, so utterly radiant, that spoken words seemed inadequate to capture its true essence.
Sitting frozen on the sofa, Rudraksh watched her without so much as blinking.
It felt as though an invisible, hypnotic spell had been cast over him; the moment his eyes anchored on Rivanya, the entire world simply ceased to exist.
Noticing his best friend completely lost to the world, Vyom leaned in close and whispered dryly into his ear, "Bhai, you might want to close your mouth before a fly wanders in. Relax, she is your own wife..."
The teasing remark jarred Rudraksh back to reality.
Flustered, he consciously attempted to rip his gaze away from her, but his efforts proved utterly futile.
Despite his fierce resistance, his eyes kept drifting back to her, helplessly tracing her every move.
Watching this unravel, Vyom felt a sudden wave of both astonishment and profound happiness.
He was astonished because throughout their school and college days in New York, and even back home surrounded by high-society beauties and prominent actresses, no woman had ever managed to command Rudraksh's attention or draw his cold gaze.
Yet today, his eyes were entirely reserved for Rivanya.
At the same time, Vyom felt a deep sense of joy; it was obvious that a pure, transformative happiness named Rivanya had officially anchored itself in his friend's life.
Rudraksh could deny it a million times over, but the fierce lioness was steadily carving out an irreplaceable territory within his guarded heart.
Down in the center of the hall, Rivanya was so thoroughly engrossed in greeting the arriving guests that she didn't even notice Rudraksh's intense, burning gaze tracking her.
Dadimaa stepped forward, immediately drawing her into a warm embrace to ward off any evil eye.
Gently cupping Rivanya's chin, she breathed in awe, "You look like a living, breathing deity today, beta."
Blushing deeply at the flood of genuine compliments from Dadimaa and the older women, Rivanya lowered her eyes modestly.
Dadimaa's childhood friends were absolutely captivated by her, silently marveling at how perfectly her internal virtues matched her ethereal appearance.
More than one lady couldn't help but sigh with a tinge of regret, wishing they had crossed paths with Rivanya before her marriage so they could have proudly claimed her as the daughter-in-law of their own households.
Just then, Gurumaa approached the gathering. The moment her imposing, spiritual presence was felt, both Dadimaa and Rivanya honoring their roles as the proud daughters-in-law of the Vardhan lineage respectfully adjusted the pallu over their heads and bowed deeply to touch her feet.
Gurumaa's warm gaze washed over Rivanya, a gentle, knowing smile gracing her lips. "You look absolutely spectacular, the future Ranisa of Vardhanpur. Akhand swabhagyavati bhavah."
Shortly after, Dadimaa was summoned by one of the organizers to oversee a ritual placement. Seeking Gurumaa's permission, she excused herself, leaving Rivanya alone with the spiritual matriarch.
As soon as they were isolated from the immediate crowd, the gentle smile on Gurumaa's face gradually faded, replaced by a profound, heavy gravity. She looked deep into Rivanya's eyes and spoke in a low, measured tone. "Rivanya, my child... you must remain exceptionally vigilant.
The coming days are bringing an unprecedented storm straight into your life.
But do not let fear take root in your heart.
Keep your faith absolute in the Divine Mother.
Every dark secret, every hidden truth will inevitably be unveiled, and through this tempest, you will finally discover your true identity and existence."
The ominous prophecy sent a chill down Rivanya's spine. Fear gripped her chest, but her very first instinct wasn't for her own safety. Looking at Gurumaa with frantic worry, the question slipped past her lips: "Gurumaa... is Rudra in any danger? Please tell me he is safe."
Gurumaa's expression softened into a sad, incredibly tender smile at her selflessness.
"The immediate danger hovering over his life will be completely severed by the sheer power of your devotion and prayers today, Rivanya. But remember, my child, sometimes a woman must learn to think of herself as well. There is no doubt that Rudraksh is a monumental,
crucial part of your destiny but he is a *part* of your life, not its entirety. Do not completely lose your own identity while shielding his."
Folding her hands reverently, tears glistening at the edge of her dark lashes, Rivanya took a deep breath and replied softly, "I understand exactly what you are trying to tell me, Gurumaa. I promise you, I will keep your words close to my heart."
Gurumaa gently stroked Rivanya's hair with profound affection and said, "Beta, I know for a fact that you are not weak at all. I have seen the fierce spark in your eyes. That is precisely why I named you Rudrani. It was not merely to link your identity with Rudraksh's name,
but because Rudrani represents the untamed, invincible form of the Divine Mother Maa Mahishasurmardini. That cosmic power resides within every single woman; all it takes is the willingness to recognize the strength slumbering within your own soul."
Rivanya listened to Gurumaa's words with absolute devotion, absorbing their weight. While the rest of the world trembled before Gurumaa's notoriously strict and formidable nature, Rivanya found a rare, comforting solace in her presence, feeling completely at peace.
Their profound conversation was gently interrupted when the family priest announced that the auspicious time for the rituals had begun, summoning the bride to the altar.
Accompanied by Gurumaa, Rivanya walked into the beautifully adorned household temple, followed by the rest of the married women.
As the sacred chants echoed through the room, Rivanya folded her hands reverently before the idol of Maa Gauri, closed her eyes, and began her prayer.
"Maa, aaj yeh pooja mein aapne suhag ke liye kar rahi hoon. Hey shakti swaroopini Gauri Maa! Aap sabhi nariyon mein sarvopari hain, aur pati ka marm jaanne wali param pativrata devi hain. Aap swayam param saubhagya-wati hain aur doosron ko akhand saubhagya pradaan karne wali aadi-shakti hain.
Iss vrat ko dhaaran kar, aapki iss beti ki aapse bas itni hi vinti hai Maa, ki mere pati ke bhagya mein jitne bhi kasht aur sankat hon, un sabhi ka nivaran karein. Unhein aapna suraksha kavach aur aashirwad dein, aur mujhe sada suhagan hone ka vardaan dijiye Maa.
Yadi iss pooja mein mujhse koi bhool-chook ho gayi ho, toh aapni naadan beti samajhkar mujhe kshama kar dijiyega Maa."
(?"Mother, today I perform this sacred ritual solely for the longevity and protection of my husband.
O, embodiment of primordial energy, Maa Gauri!
You are supreme among all women, the ultimate devoted Goddess who understands the profound essence of the marital bond.
You possess absolute divine auspiciousness, and You are the eternal giver of good fortune to mortals.
By observing this strict penance, this daughter of Yours begs only one boon: please dissolve every hardship, danger, and affliction written in my husband's destiny, Mother.
Shield him with Your divine blessings, and grant me the immortal fortune of remaining a Sada Suhagan.
And Mother, if I have committed any unwitting mistake during these prayers, look upon me as Your innocent child and forgive me.")
Hearing such a profound, selfless plea from Rivanya, a wave of emotional awe swept through the temple hall.
In this modern day and age, it was rare to see a young woman embody such absolute, unwavering devotion to her husband.
Dadimaa's eyes welled up with tears of gratitude, while Gurumaa's heart swelled with an even deeper sense of pride for the future Ranisa.
But Rivanya wasn't done. Keeping her hands folded and her gaze anchored on the divine idol, she continued softly, "O Maa Gauri, I pray that You fulfill the heartfelt wishes of every single married woman present here today. May Your blessings shelter their homes and their families always."
In a single, beautiful moment, Rivanya had transitioned from guarding her own husband to praying for the well-being of every woman standing beside her. This selfless act deeply touched the hearts of the household staff and guests, bringing tears to many eyes.
With the initial prayers complete, everyone took their respective seats around the altar. The family priest cleared his throat and officially commenced the sacred rituals with Rivanya performing the principal acts of devotion.
Guided by the priest's Vedic chants, Rivanya began the *Abhishek* (holy bath) of Maa Gauri's idol with her own hands, pouring each offering with utmost love and care.
She began with pure, sanctified water, followed by milk, curd, unrefined ghee, wild honey, and crushed mishri.
She then offered fresh coconut water, fragrant rose water, and finally, a rich blend of saffron and sandalwood water.
Once the idol was meticulously cleansed, Rivanya lovingly adorned the Goddess.