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The air was thick with emotion, a mix of tears and bittersweet goodbyes. This poignant moment marked the culmination of wedding festivities and the beginning of a new life for Ruhanika away from her childhood home.

Her mother Aarti singh dabbed at her eyes, her face etched with a mixture of joy and sorrow. Her father, Raunak Singh’s hand resting firmly on Ruhanika’s shoulder, was a silent promise of unwavering support. He knew this was a significant transition for his daughter, and he wanted her to know he would always be there for her.

Relatives offered blessings and whispered well wishes, their voices filled with affection and hope for her future. The customary rituals unfolded—the exchange of gifts, tokens of love and remembrance; the emotional farewells, tearful hugs and promises to stay connected; the final moments spent in her childhood home, a place filled with memories of laughter, tears, and growth. The car, decorated with flowers like marigolds and roses, symbols of auspiciousness and new beginnings, waited outside.

It was time.

The moment had arrived for Ruhanika to embark on her journey to her marital home.

The journey to Kritarth Suryavanshi’s house was short, yet it felt long. Every passing moment was filled with a mix of anticipation and apprehension. Ruhanika sat beside Kritarth, her hands tightly fisted her lehenga, the elaborate wedding attire feeling heavier than ever.

There was a comfortable silence between them, punctuated only by the occasional soft sob from Ruhanika. The weight of the moment, the finality of leaving her family, was overwhelming.

"Relax.... don't cry "

Kritarth offered her words of comfort and reassurance, his voice gentle and reassuring. He understood the emotional turmoil she was experiencing. He squeezed her hand, offering a silent promise of a lifetime of happiness and support, hoping to ease her anxiety.

They passed familiar landmarks, each one a reminder of her past, of the life she was leaving behind. The old banyan tree where she played as a child, the local sweet shop where she often indulged in treats, the school she attended – each sight evoked a wave of nostalgia. The car ride was uneventful; no dramatic incidents or unexpected twists occurred. The only drama resided in Ruhanika's quiet emotional processing of the significant change in her life.

As the car pulled up to Suryavanshi palace, a grand and imposing structure that would now be her home, a warm welcome awaited. Ruhanika coming back to senses immediately jerked his hand as if his touch burnt her. Kritarth was taken aback by her rude behaviour but he somehow ignored, attributing it to her emotional state.

Ruhanika stepped out of the car, her heart pounding in her chest.

She was welcomed by his family with open arms and warm smiles, a comforting mix of familiar faces and brand-new relatives. His aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents all gathered to greet her, their eyes filled with genuine affection.

Ruhanika took a deep breath, a smile finally replacing the trepidation on her face. It was a new beginning, a new chapter, and as she stepped into her new home, she knew, with a quiet certainty, that she was ready for it. The predictable and expected journey had ended, and a new, equally conventional and anticipated life was about to begin.

It was the time for the Griha Pravesh . It is a significant post-wedding ritual where the bride enters her new home for the first time, symbolizing her integration into the family and the household.

Ruhanika was greeted at the entrance by family members, especially women, who showered her with blessings and good wishes. Her mother-in-law Alka Suryawanshi performed their aarti to invoke blessings, waving a platter of burning camphor and incense sticks in a circular motion.

She then applies a Tilak to both the Ruhanika and Kritarth, a mark of auspiciousness and welcome, after which the couple seek blessing from her by touching her feet, a gesture of respect and humility.

"Bhagwan tum dono ki jodi hamesha bnaye rakhe "

( Translation - "May God keep you two together forever." )

Alka blessed the newly wedded couple, her voice filled with warmth and sincerity.

"Apna daaya pair iss kalash par lagao Ruhanika beta "

(Translation - Push this tumbler using your right foot Ruhanika child " )

Ruhanika uses her right foot to gently push over a pot of rice at the threshold of her new home, she typically steps over a tumbler filled with rice, symbolizing abundance and prosperity. This act signifies her role in bringing wealth and good fortune to her new family.

" Ab apne pair iss thaal me rakhkar, apne shubh kadamo se iss ghar me pravesh kro Ruhanika beta ."

(Translation- "Now, placing your feet on this plate, enter this house with your auspicious steps, Ruhanika beta.")

Ruhanika felt a surge of emotions she couldn't quite decipher – a mix of nervousness, excitement, and a touch of trepidation. She carefully stepped into the thaal, a large plate filled with Alta, a red liquid traditionally used in Hindu ceremonies. Alta, often referred to as red dye or vermillion liquid in English, stained her feet a vibrant crimson. This was more than just a ritual; it was a symbolic entry into a new life. After this, she was to walk into the home, leaving behind auspicious red footprints, a trail that symbolizes the arrival of Goddess Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. The red footprints are believed to bring blessings and abundance to the household.

It marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life and symbolized the acceptance of her into her new family, the Suryavanshi.

" Apeksha, Avni apni bhabhi ko yahan toh lao."

(Translation- "Apeksha, Avni please bring your sister-in-law here.")

Yogita Suryavanshi, Kritarth's aunty, said to her niece and daughter, gesturing for them to escort Ruhanika further into the house.

"Tum kahan chle Kritarth abhi toh Shadi ke baad ki rasmein baaki h "

( Translation- "Where are you going Kritarath, there are still post-wedding rituals left ")

Alka, Kritarth's mother, noticed him attempting to slip away. She playfully scolded her son, dragging him towards the sofa, ignoring his protests. She made him sit on the sofa where Ruhanika was already seated, a clear indication that the games were about to begin.

"Now you both have to find the ring from this bowl. It will have three rounds. Whoever wins this ritual will have upper hand in this marriage."

Alka announced, placing a bowl filled with water, milk, and fragrant rose petals between them. This was the 'finding the ring' ceremony, a lighthearted game designed to ease the tension and foster camaraderie between the newlyweds. The belief is that whoever finds the ring more times in the three rounds will symbolically hold a dominant position in the marriage.

" Main toh bhabhi ki side hoon "

(Translation - I am on sister-in-law's side )

Apeksha, Yash, Avni, and Abhir shouted together, declaring their allegiance to Ruhanika. Kritarth glared at them playfully, while Ruhanika smiled, feeling a warmth spread through her as she witnessed their enthusiastic support.

"Okay, on the count of three!" Yash announced. "One, two, three!"

With that, Ruhanika and Kritarth plunged their hands into the bowl. Their fingers swirled through the cool, milky water and the soft, velvety petals of the roses. A shiver of goosebumps erupted on their skin as their hands brushed against each other. Their eyes met for a fleeting nanosecond, a spark of connection passing between them before they quickly averted their gaze, each focusing intently on the task at hand.

Laughter erupted around them, the playful banter of their family echoing through the hall, creating a joyful and celebratory atmosphere.

The air crackled with anticipation as the wedding games commenced. Ruhanika, her fingers trembling slightly with a mix of excitement and nerves, reached into the large pot filled with rice and milk. She swirled her hand around, the cool liquid a stark contrast to the warmth of the room, until her fingers brushed against something cold and metallic.

"I think I found it!"

With a triumphant shout, she pulled out a ring, holding it high for everyone to see. The family erupted in applause, cheering for her victory. The women ululated, a traditional Indian expression of joy, their voices blending with the rhythmic clapping.

" Well done, Ruhanika! " her mother-in-law exclaimed, her eyes twinkling with affection.

In the second round, after a few more moments of playful searching and laughter echoing through the hall, Kritarth finally found the ring, his face breaking into a wide grin. The crowd cheered once more, celebrating his success with good-natured ribbing and playful teasing.

In the third and final round, the stakes felt higher, the playful atmosphere charged with a competitive spirit. Ruhanika, determined to win, plunged her hand into the pot once more. This time, it didn't take long. With a flourish, she pulled out the ring, holding it high, her eyes sparkling with triumph.

"Yes ! Bhabhi Jeet gayi "

(Translation - Yes ! Sister-in-law won. " )

Ruhanika was smiling in victory, a genuine, radiant smile that lit up her face. It was a new beginning, a moment of acceptance and belonging. It was the first time for Kritarth that, despite losing, he was smiling, genuinely happy looking at his bride. He admired her competitive spirit and the joy she brought to the occasion.

After a while, Kritarth's father, Rajveer Singh a stern but kind man with a commanding presence, called him aside. He excused himself and went outside for a private discussion, the weight of family expectations settling on his shoulders.

Meanwhile, Kritarth's mother, a warm and nurturing woman, turned to Avni, Kritarth's younger sister, her eyes filled with concern.

"Avni apni bhabhi ko kamre me lekar jao kaafi thak gayi hongi "

(Translation- "Avni, take your sister-in-law to her room, she must be very tired.")

She then turned to Ruhanika, her voice filled with genuine affection. " Ruhanika beta, kisi cheez ki zarurat ho mujhe btana...ise apna hi ghar samjho beta "

(Translation- "Ruhanika child, if you need anything, let me know...consider this as your home, child.")

Her mother-in-law lovingly patted her head, a gesture of acceptance and welcome into the family.

~: RUHANIKA'S POV :~

I released a deep breath I was holding...don't know for how long. The weight of the day, the ceremony, the games, and the expectations, all seemed to converge in that single exhale. Right now, I don't even know what to expect from my new family. Will they accept me? Will I be able to live up to their expectations?

I'm experiencing a whirlwind of emotions. Be it nervousness, confusion, and even sadness as I navigate this significant life transition, and I have to adapt to their new roles and surroundings. Leaving my own family behind, stepping into a new world with unfamiliar customs and traditions, it's all overwhelming.

Everything is always good in the starting but as time passes and everything changes. I've already experienced it in the past. When you start expecting things from others, they betray you at your lowest point. My past experiences have taught me to be cautious, to guard my heart and not to expect too much from anyone.

"Bhabhi kahan kho gayi aap ?" Avni's voice broke through my thoughts.

(Translation - " Sister-in-law where are you lost ? ")

Avni asked, giving me a teasing look. I smiled in response, forcing a lightness I didn't quite feel. I don't want to come out as rude to them. I need to make a good impression, to show them that I am worthy of being a part of their family.

Avni and Apeksha, Kritarth's younger cousins, took me to the East wing of this palace, which only belongs to my husband. The sheer size and opulence of the place were staggering, a stark contrast to my modest upbringing.

Now I'm standing in the middle of my new room, and the bed is decorated with rose and jasmine flowers. The sweet fragrance filled the air, a cloying reminder of what tonight might hold.

What the fuck.

Wedding night.

Today is my wedding night. The thought sent a shiver down my spine, a mixture of anticipation and dread.

" Bhabhi ! aap toh abhi se bhai ke sapno me kho gayi ...chinta mat kriye aaj aapki suhagrat h...hm aapko pareshan nhi krenge...kyunki aaj toh bhai aapko pareshan krenge."

(Translation- "Sister-in-law! you are already dreaming about my brother ... don't worry today is your wedding night we won't bother you... because today my brother will surely bother you.")

Avni and Apeksha teased me, giggling in between. They showed me a different room attached to this master bedroom, a small sitting room with plush sofas .

This spacious bedroom has a king-sized bed in the centre and walk-in closets on the left side attached with an en-suite bathroom. The bathroom includes a big bathtub, a rain shower, and dual vanities, all designed with high-end materials. The sheer luxury of the space was overwhelming, a symbol of the life I was now expected to lead.

The balcony was attached to the right end of the room, offering a seamless transition to the outdoors. In the middle of the balcony, there was a charming wooden swing, inviting relaxation and leisurely moments. To enhance the ambiance, several small potted plants were scattered around, adding a touch of greenery and vibrancy to the space.

I could already envision myself spending countless hours there, reading, enjoying a cup of coffee, or simply unwinding after a long day. This was undoubtedly going to be my favourite place in the future, a personal sanctuary where I could escape the stresses of everyday life.

After giving me a tour of my new room and allowing me to settle in, they excused themselves, explaining that they needed to go and wait for their brother to arrive. They assured me that he would be along shortly to introduce himself.

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To be continued....

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