Ch 3: Fun Before The Wedding

Today is Pithi.

[Pithi is similar to haldi ceremony in which a paste of sandalwood, turmeric, saffron, rosewater and perfume is applied to the groom and bride by friends and family at their respective homes. The turmeric included in the paste is considered auspicious and also a beauty enhancer.]

I came wearing a simple yellow saree and sat on the stool as my aunts placed a reddish saree above my head and my mother was pasting the sandalwood, turmeric, saffron, rosewater and perfume.

"Can't you skip this rasaam (ritual)?" I asked my aunt.

"No dear, it is very important to do and will also enhance your beauty."

"But I don't wanna look like a yellow alien!" I pouted as she laughed.

I really hate turmeric but who will listen to me? I closed my eyes as they applied the paste on my cheeks, forehead and on lips...?

What the-?

"Nisha! What is this?! Ewww!" I yelled and washed my mouth as everyone laughed again. What's so funny?

Then it's time for the final disaster. Everyone stood up and made sound by their mouth as I dashed closed my eyes. They surrounded me and showered me with turmeric mixed water.

Ew! Ew! Ew!

Now I guess, I'm looking horrible. Then they showered with normal water and I finally opened my eyes as aunty wiped my hair.

Then the call from groom's house came and they informed that its finished in their house also.

Everything was going alright and I went to my room and changed into something comfortable and dried my hair.

.

Today is the Sangeet!!! Hurray!! I'm soo happy that I'll be having so much fun and that's why, I dressed up in a pretty red saree and wore the jewelries.

[Sanji/Sangeet Sandhya: This is one of the most fun filled ceremonies of Gujarati wedding. In this event all the family members and friends gather to perform the traditional garba dance and make merry singing the folk songs as well.]

I feel totally amazing today and when the song started, my happiness was out of my control.

...   ...

The whole family surrounded the bonfire and we started doing garba while laughing and singing.

I went to mom, singing and laughing near her ears. I'll miss all of them and this is the first time I'm doing garba.

Gujaratis have interesting occasions but what about our Punjabi dance? Won't I able to dance like a crazy again?

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I shook off that thought and took a pair of garba sticks and joined my cousins in dancing.

We continued till midnight and then went back to our respective rooms to sleep.

My bed was already prepared by my grandmother. So I freshen up and lied on the bed.

I tried to sleep but I don't know why but I can't. I suddenly remembered what mom told me that day.

*flashback *

"Peu" mom smiled as I sat beside her.

"Yes mom?"

"Remember, the Chauhan family may be strict and different from us but they are really nice." she said.

"I know...you and dad chose them for me then they have to be nice." I smiled at her.

"You were always obedient and I am happy that you listened to us everytime but...I'm sorry that I didn't asked your opinion regarding the wedding. Are you happy with it?" She asked, softly as my heart skipped a beat.

I don't know I should be happy or not. I never thought much about my happiness. From the childhood, I thought that my parents raised me up with so love that's why I should listen whatever they will say.

"Of course I'm happy, mom." I said as her face lit up.

"Thank you my sweet daughter"

"They maybe strict and old-fashioned but I will cope up with them, don't worry." I said.

"It means a lot to me and try to listen to them and don't open your mouth to argue." she said as I rolled my eyes.

"We will see that." I giggled and rushed out of her room as I heard her sighing.

*present *

I think I will not get too much freedom but that's okay...I guess.

I closed my eyes and soon fell asleep.

·

[Mameru: Also known as Mosaalu, Mameru ceremony takes place one or two days prior to the wedding day. In this ceremony, the maternal uncle of the bride visit her and gives sweets and gifts like saree, jewellery and other clothes.]

I was sitting in a bridal style with a bridal look.

...

...

It's time for the Mameru ceremony and the guests already started arriving. The wedding spot was beautifully arranged and the guests started filling up the hall.

...

...

Everyone is rushing here and there and The Chauhan family was also busy.

The groom aka Mr Anant Chauhan arrived on horse like he is some kind of nawab (king).

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He seems to be too happy as he came to me and took his seat beside me. I smiled at him as he smiled back.

"Oh ho! Lovely couples are smiling!" My cousins shouted as everyone laughed.

Ugh! So embarrassing! I looked down as my maternal uncles came and handed the gifts and sweets. We accepted it together and then took their blessings.

Then the other guests arrived and Mr Anant's sister sat beside me and started gossiping.

Her name is Anushree and kinda jolly like me, so we started gossiping like no tomorrow as my cousins continuously pinching me for not to talk too much.

The main wedding is going to start soon and that's why everyone was filling themselves with tasty foods but...what will happen to me? I am too hungry now and i can't eat anything also! *pout*

...

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Hey you stupid author!! I'm starving here and you're showing me tasty food?! I won't spare you!!!!!

"Nilangana!" I called my cousin.

"Yes?" She smiled. I whispered something in her ears and she seems to be nervous but agreed.

"Be careful and do it now." I said, slowly and she nodded.

I continued taking pictures with the guests.

Then it's time for our photoshoot, so we sat down and the cameraman took his place. He was about to click the photo when Mr Anant surprised me by kissing my cheek and I could help but open my mouth wide.

...

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The guests clapped as the younger ones shouted with excitement and I was left blushing.

I looked at him as he shyly looked at the other side. I barely saw the guest's faces and smiled in my mind. Now I think that...my parents really chose the best for me and I'm very lucky to marry him.

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