Echoes of Destiny

Paheli Rasoi

After everyone left, only the royal family remained in the palace.  Leelavati explained the next ritual to Advaita, she said, "Advaita, now it's time for your 'Paheli Rasoi,' during which you have to prepare dinner for all the family members. I know you've just arrived here, and I don't want to burden you on your first day, but this is a traditional ritual. However, don't worry; apart from this ritual, brides are not allowed to do any work for the first 21 days of their marriage. Even if you want to work, you won't be permitted to."

Advaita replied with a smile, "It's not a problem at all, Maasa. I'm happy to participate in this ritual." She was ready to embrace this tradition as part of her new life with grace and enthusiasm.

"Okay then, but there is still time for the dinner. You should rest for a while as it has been an exhaussting day. And if you want you can also change out of these heavy clothes, cooking in them would not be comfortable." Leelavati guided her. 

With some time to spare before the dinner time, Advaita returned to the guest room where she had been staying. She decided to change into slightly lighter attire, even though it was still quite rich and colorful. She chose a green embroidered ghagra paired with a red choli. Completing her look with matching jewelry, she then took some time to rest and prepare for the upcoming tradition.

Advaita, guided by a maid, made her way into the heart of the palace, where the palace's bustling kitchen resided. As she entered, her presence was announced with a respectful, "Yuvranisa is here," by the maid. The diligent kitchen staff, busy with their culinary preparations, turned their attention towards the bride.

Gentle nods and smiles greeted Advaita as she acknowledged their greetings with a warm demeanor. She moved gracefully through the organized chaos of the kitchen until she stood before the head chef, a dignified figure who commanded the culinary operations with precision.

The head chef, with a neatly tied turban and an apron that had seen many flavorful creations, greeted her with a deep respect, "Pranam Yuvranisa. We are all here to assist you in preparing today's dinner. May I inquire about your choice of dishes?"

Advaita returned the greeting with a graceful nod and a smile, "Pranam. How about we prepare Dal, gatte ki kadhi, aloo jeera, and conclude with badam ka halwa for dessert?"

The chef's eyes twinkled with approval as he responded, "Ji Yuvanranisa, an excellent choice indeed. A well-balanced and delectable meal for our honored guests, both hearty and satisfying. I'll instruct the staff to begin preparations, but if you wish, you can guide us in this endeavor."

Advaita's smile radiated warmth as she replied, "No, it's quite alright. I'll be delighted to work alongside them. Please ask the team to start by soaking the dal, preparing the gattas, and organizing all the necessary ingredients. I'd like to be involved in the cooking process myself."

With a nod of agreement, the chef instructed the kitchen staff. Soon, the kitchen was abuzz with activity. Vegetables were meticulously chopped, spices measured out, and the aromatic scent of herbs filled the air. Advaita, in her resplendent attire, stood confidently in front of the stoves, each adorned with large vessels waiting to come alive with the magic of her cooking.

With each dish prepared and every ingredient carefully chosen, Advaita poured her heart into the meal, a symbol of love and respect for her newfound family. It wasn't just food she was preparing; it was a connection, a bridge between her past and her future.

Finally, the moment arrived. The dishes were ready, each one meticulously prepared. The kitchen staff began to portion them into small vessels, ready to be served to the awaiting family members.

Advaita, her grace undiminished by her time in the kitchen, set about preparing a thali, a traditional platter, with great care. Silver bowls were filled with the fragrant dal and the tangy kadhi, their steam rising in a tantalizing dance. Another bowl was set aside for the creamy raita, and a separate one held the sweet badam ka halwa.

With practiced ease, she arranged these bowls on the thali, creating a harmonious tableau of flavors. A scoop of aloo jeera was carefully added, and a small heap of salad completed the ensemble. Puri and papad, the quintessential accompaniments, were placed with precision. It was the bhog, an offering to the divine, marking the significance of this meal as the first one she had prepared in her new home.

As Advaita gently touched the plate meant for God, she felt a sense of fulfillment. It was more than just a meal; it was a symbol of her commitment to her new family, a gesture of love that transcended words.

The dining room was adorned with a regal charm, an opulent setting fit for the royal family's feast. Plates were elegantly arranged, waiting to be graced by the sumptuous meal Advaita had prepared. Her heart raced as she entered, flanked by maids holding the meticulously crafted dishes.

Every family member was already seated, anticipation shimmering in their eyes. As Advaita began assisting the servants in serving the food, Queen Leelavati couldn't help but intervene, her maternal instincts guiding her. "Advait beta, you need not trouble yourself. Come, sit beside Rajveer."

Advaita obediently followed the queen's suggestion, sitting beside her husband. Her hands trembled slightly with a mix of excitement and nervousness as the servants deftly distributed the dishes.

King Pratap, a man of few words, was the first to take a bite. His eyes widened in appreciation as the flavors danced on his palate. The rest of the family soon followed suit, savoring each delicacy.

Aditya, Rajveer's younger brother, couldn't contain his admiration. "Wow, Bhabhisa, this food is delicious."

Nayantara, echoing his sentiment, chimed in, "Exactly, Bhabhisa, you are such a great cook. Is there anything you're not good at?"

Advaita blushed, her humility shining through. She bowed her head shyly, thanking them for their compliments. Her heart swelled with pride at their appreciation.

Once everyone had savored the last morsel, King Pratap spoke, his voice carrying the weight of authority and approval. "The food was truly exquisite, Advaita. Here's a gift for your paheli rasoi."

Badi rani sa Vedika, her eyes filled with warmth, joined in. "You truly have a gift for cooking," she said, gifting Advaita a beautiful dress.

Leelavati, too, couldn't help but show her appreciation, offering an antique locket as a token of her affection.

Advaita accepted their gifts with grace and gratitude, her heart overflowing with love for her new family. It was a meal that had not only filled their stomachs but also their hearts, cementing her place as a cherished member of their royal household.