Humdum

Chapter 5 ~ Married

Manik

A month had passed since the day Nandini and I had informed our families that we were ready to get married to each other.

Nandini and I had constantly been in touch through WhatsApp but we hadn't met each other until the pre-wedding functions. She was extremely busy in hospital and had worked extra hours to compensate for the one week off she was going to take.

I had been busy with my classes and students and hadn't been able to drop by her house either. The last time I had managed to see her was when we got engaged fifteen days ago.

I smiled as I stared at my reflection in the mirror. I was getting married to her today and it seemed surreal.

"Jiju?", Cabir called as he knocked on the door.

"Come in, Cabir!"

Cabir walked in and held out a hand, "It's time for your life to change for the better, please come!"

I chuckled as I accepted his hand and walked to the mandap with him. I removed my shoes and sat cross-legged in front of the agni kund.

I smiled wide when I saw Nandini descend the stairs with Alia and Piyali Aunty or rather Mumma.

She came and sat beside me in the mandap and I smiled at her.

She smiled back and whispered, "No second thoughts allowed."

I laughed, "No second thoughts will be entertained."

We exchanged garlands and then Pandit ji asked me to place my right hand over Nandini's left hand. Papa placed his open palm over our hands. Mumma then poured water over Papa's hand, which subsequently fell on my hand and then Nandini's hand.

Pandit ji started reciting various mantras and we fed ghee to the agni. Then, Alia came and tied the end of Nandini's dupatta to my stole and we took seven rounds around the agni, making one promise per round.

After that, I applied sindoor to the parting in Nandini's hair and tied the mangalsutra around her neck.

"Ye shaadi sampann hua, aaj se aap pati-patni huye.", Pandit ji announced.

Translation: This marriage has been conducted successfully, you are husband and wife from today.

"Mrs Manik Malhotra!", I whispered to myself.

She looked at me with her captivating doe eyes and smiled, "We're actually married!"

I chuckled, "What were you expecting?"

She laughed, "It's a different feeling."

Nandini and I slowly stood up and took Pandit ji's blessings and then walked towards Mumma and Papa. We touched their feet and hugged them.

Mumma placed a hand on my cheek, "Take care of my Nandu."

I nodded, "I promise, I will."