Uttara

Vivah Parva

The Great Wedding Preparations were on their way. Guests were coming from every part of the world. Kings, Queens, Princes and Princesses. The Palace was buzzing with activities. Gifts arrived from every King and relative, the commoners were given new clothes and food outside the Palace. The Palace chefs make all kinds of delicacies for the guests. Sweets, Polao, Meat, Fish, Desserts. The Guest Chambers were all filled with Eminent personalities from all over the land.

Away from these in the Andarmahal of the Inner Palaces, the Princess sat in a tense mood. Her wedding was on its way in a few hours and all she could remember was that night a week ago when he said See you at the wedding. He has stayed in the Palace the whole of last week and yet she could just steal glances at him at Dinners. He smiled at her whenever their eyes met and she felt warm.

 
The wedding day arrived. After the grand party of music and dance, the drums rolled to announce "The son of Warrior Arjuna and the future son-in-law of King Virat is arriving at the wedding Hall"

Abhimanyu made his way to the hall wearing red wedding attire followed by his parents, his uncles, brothers and Queen Draupadi.
His wedding crown shone with gold and gems much like his pride. His eyes searched the room for that shy smile as he took the Throne. The Sakhis rushed into the Andarmahal where she sat dressed in a red sari and all the nine signs of a bride, Churamani, Kamar bandh, bangles in red and white, bindi, red sari, hair tied in a braid and cupped up, the long neck piece and Mehendi
...Oh Princess, you should see the Wedding Hall. It is the best we have seen. The Prince is looking handsome in the wedding attire your father gifted...
She managed a half smile as her heart began to beat faster. She checked herself again in the mirror. She looked beautiful. But will he think the same? Lost in her trail of thoughts she smiled to herself. A guard came in to say its time. Queen Sudeshna and King Virat have come to take their daughter out of the Andarmahal one last time. the thought blurred her vision as she looked at her proud parents. The corridors suddenly seemed very short as they approached the Wedding Hall. Drums rolled to announce...
"Princess of Virat Nagar, Daughter of King Virat, Daughter-in-law of Pandavas, Princess Uttara is arriving at the marriage Hall."
She could feel a thousand eyes staring at her as the commoners cheered in joy. She could feel him watching her. She took the throne. The priest announced the time and occasion. The two families exchanged gifts. All she saw was her alta... Then they approached the dais and each step brought her closer to him. They looked into each other's eyes as they exchanged garlands. She was now his. Her happiness shone in her eyes. He smiled at her and she felt that they were the only people there.
The night ended with Dinner and drinks as everyone retired to their Chambers. Her room was decorated with flowers and scents for their first night. She sat in her chamber waiting for him. There were footsteps in the hallway...
"Sorry you had to wait so long, must have been tiring for you"
" No... I was .... it's okay...."
"Your brother invited me for a duel in the garden... I couldn't refuse a sword duel " He smiled and sat beside her.
"Yes, Uttar is always eager to show his skills..."
"That is good for a warrior..."
"Yes..." An awkward silence followed.
Abhimanyu, the valiant warrior was ready to face death on the battlefield but this night seemed like a real test. His thoughts trailed What was she thinking? Am I being an idiot?
"Uttara"... " I am happy you are my family now" His voice was a bit sad and distant...
" Arya, are you thinking of the war now?"
Her calling him Arya filled his heart.
"It just that you deserve more than a husband who will leave for the battles any time soon, you deserve a family life, assured and secured"
She held his hand. He looked into her eyes. They shone. Was she crying?
" Arya, my parents chose you for me. They know the situation. I know it. You thinking of me so much fills my heart with...."
She bit her lips and paused. His sad look changed to an amused one.
"With...?? what Uttara??"
" With respect... for you" ... Her eyes moved away. Her skin felt a warm blush. He held her hands tighter.
" Respect and .... ???" His eyes were eager to hear what he wanted. Like an enemy, in a Chakrabhuj he has caught his new bride about to confess.
".... and what Arya?" Uttara couldn't help a smile.
Abhimanyu let go of her hand. He walked up to the balcony. She walked up behind him. "Arya..."
" You should get some sleep, Princess, we have a long journey to make tomorrow"
" Arya..."
" What is it Uttara?"
" I am in love with you, you are my protector, my life, my family..." She looked away and blushed... He held her close and whispered...
" I promise you the best life in the world princess. I will love and honour you like no other in the world."
The night gave way to sunlight as they stood on the Balcony.
Their eyes filled with hopes and dreams of a bright future.
....Only if the sixteen-year-old teenage boy and his fifteen-year-old Bride knew what lay ahead of them.