Echoes of Destiny

Mehendi Ceremony in Amravati

In Amravati, after the joyful haldi ceremony, it was time for the elegant mehendi ceremony. Rani Padmavati, known for her impeccable taste, had personally arranged for the best henna artists in the kingdom to adorn Advaita's hands with the auspicious paste of henna.

Advaita chose to wear a simple yet beautiful and elegant brown-colored lehenga for the occasion. She wanted to be comfortable since she would be sitting in one place for hours. The lehenga was adorned with subtle designs, reflecting her graceful style.

As the ceremony began, Advaita was seated on a beautifully decorated swing in the spacious meeting chambers of the palace. The swing swayed gently, and all the female members of the royal family and close friends surrounded her, eager to participate in this age-old tradition.

Rani Padmavati smiled warmly at her daughter as she prepared for the henna application. "Advaita, today is a special day. This henna ceremony symbolizes the deep bond of love and commitment that you and Rajveer will share. May your hands be adorned with the most intricate and beautiful designs, just as your life will be filled with love and joy." 

Rani Padmavati's warm smile radiated motherly love and wisdom as she observed the henna ceremony. Her words carried a profound meaning, and they touched Advaita's heart deeply. She listened with reverence to her mother's blessing.

Advaita's sister-in-law, Nandini, chimed in with a playful remark, adding a touch of lightheartedness to the moment. "Yes, Advaita," she teased gently, "it is believed that the darker the color of the mahendi, the deeper the love the groom holds for the bride. Let's see how richly your henna adorns your hands."

Advaita chuckled softly, her eyes reflecting a mixture of anticipation and joy.

The henna artist, with utmost precision, began to create intricate patterns on Advaita's delicate hands. The deep red henna paste contrasted beautifully against her fair skin, and the designs told a story of love, hope, and new beginnings. The henna artists worked their magic, their skilled hands creating intricate and beautiful designs on Advaita's hands. These designs depicted a tapestry of symbolism: brides and wedding rituals, idols of Lord Krishna, elegant elephants, graceful peacocks, and more. 

Meera glanced at the intricate designs on Advaita's palm and leaned closer to the henna artist. She whispered a request, "Could you please hide the letters of Rajveer's name in these patterns?"

Advaita's cheeks turned a shade of pink, and she looked at Meera with curiosity. "Bhabhisa, why?" she inquired, her voice filled with a gentle blush.

Meera flashed a knowing smile at Advaita and explained, "Oh dear Advaita, it's for the tradition where Rajkumar Rajveer will find his name hidden in your palms."

Rani Padmavati nodded in agreement, her eyes filled with warmth. "Indeed, it's a special moment when the groom searches for his name. It symbolizes his commitment to his bride and his willingness to be attentive to her."

Meera and her mother's explanation brought a warm smile to Advaita's face, her cheeks tinged with a delicate blush. She realized the significance of hiding Rajveer's name in the henna designs and how it added to the charm of the upcoming ritual.

As the henna artist skillfully concealed the letters within the intricate patterns on Advaita's palm, the anticipation for the upcoming ritual filled the room.

As Advaita sat on the beautifully decorated swing, her hands and legs being adorned with intricate henna designs, her friends couldn't contain their excitement. They danced energetically to the beats of the dholkis and tablas, creating a lively atmosphere in the room.

Kritika, one of her closest friends, looked at the mesmerizing henna patterns and commented, "Advaita, these henna designs are exquisite. They make you look even more beautiful, if that's possible!"

Advaita chuckled, feeling a sense of joy in the midst of all the celebrations. "Thank you, Kritika. I'm so grateful to have all of you here with me today."

Her mother and aunts, sitting nearby, joined in the festivities by singing traditional folk songs about brides and marriage. The room was filled with laughter, music, and the sweet scent of henna, creating a magical ambiance that celebrated the love and anticipation surrounding Advaita's upcoming wedding.

Advaita sat still, her eyes reflecting a mixture of excitement and reverence for the traditions that were unfolding. As the henna artist continued her intricate work, she couldn't help but wonder how vibrant the henna would turn out, and what it might symbolize for her future with Rajveer.

As Advaita's henna-adorned hands dried, her top maid, Reva, went to fetch dinner for her. In the meanwhile, her father, King Devendra, and her brothers arrived. Seeing his daughter, almost ready to be married, filled the king with a deep sense of emotion, almost bringing tears to Advaita's eyes.

Her father, with a tender smile, approached her. "My dear Advaita, you're growing up so fast. It feels like just yesterday you were a child."

Advaita nodded, her eyes glistening with emotions. "Babasaa!!"

Reva returned with a plate of dinner, and King Devendra lovingly fed Advaita, just as he did when she was a child. The room was filled with a bittersweet atmosphere as everyone remembered the days of her youth.

Her brothers couldn't help but feel a sense of sadness about Advaita's impending departure. They had always been protective of her, and seeing her on the brink of a new chapter in her life was both joyful and melancholic.

After dinner, Reva kindly assisted Advaita in removing the dried henna and changing into comfortable sleepwear. As Advaita gazed at her hands, still adorned with the intricate henna designs, the reality of her impending marriage sank in. In just two days, she would leave the place she had called home for so many years and embark on a new and exciting chapter of her life.

Advaita softly whispered to herself, "It's all becoming so real now. A new life awaits me." The mixture of anticipation, excitement, and a touch of nervousness filled her heart as she lay down to rest, her mind abuzz with thoughts of the future.

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The morning after the mehendi ceremony, Advaita woke up feeling both excited and a little nervous. She knew that the big day, her wedding, was just around the corner. However, today was a day of rest, as she needed to be completely refreshed and active for the ceremony tomorrow.

As Advaita began to get ready for the day, her trusted maid Reva entered her chamber. Reva's eyes widened as she saw the rich color of henna that adorned Advaita's hands. She exclaimed, "Advaita, your mehendi has turned out beautifully! The darker the color, the deeper the love between you and Rajkumar Rajveer."

Advaita smiled, her cheeks blushing slightly. "Thank you, Reva. It does look lovely, doesn't it? "

Reva smiled warmly and nodded, "Yes, it's truly beautiful. Now, remember, today is a day of rest. You must conserve your energy for tomorrow. Everything will be perfect, you'll see."

Advaita appreciated Reva's reassurance. She knew that the coming day would be filled with both joy and a touch of sadness as she prepared to leave her family's home. 

A/N: A small chapter and a sweet ceremony.