HUMNAVA MERE ☑

Chapter 46

The house seemed to be on run since early 5 in the morning. Everyone was up even after the late night Sangeet (which turned into more of a family fun gather). The house smelled strongly of marigolds and roses. The backyard was still same. Only difference was a large yellow curtain hanging in between dividing the space into two parts for Sidharth and Shehnaaz's haldi ceremony.
A swing hung on the other side. The decorations were stunning bright and colourful.

The morning sun broke through the clouds shining upon the house with rays of hope, happiness, prosperity and a new beginning. It was finally the day when the knot was to be tied, knot not only as a mere ritual but of their hearts, their lives. There was a wave of excitement and happiness that filled the entire house.

In  a white see through chicken work kurta paured simple white churidars Sidharth looked like a shining moon in the broad daylight. He sat with his juju's and Kunal in room having a fun banter about how they missed to arrange a bachelorette for him.
'Abey Kunal tera kaam tha ye na' juju said lightly hitting Kunal on head.
'Ha ha' Kunal laughed. 'Haan mujhe bhi Kal raat ko dhyaan aaya pr...' Kunal said.
However Sidharth payed no attention to this conversation. His eyes wandered outside watching the big baskets of flowers being moved. The commotion kept him busy and his thoughts kept wandering over the big day. He felt a rush through his body making him lively...livelier than ever. He was excited like a young boy but at the same time his insides kept churning with a strange feeling.

'Oye Shukla' Kunal snapped his fingers. 'Kahan khoya hai Bhai? Kya soch rha hai?' Kunal chuckled. Sidharth looked around and circled his tongue inside his mouth to stop himself from grinning widely.
'Pkaa rhe ho tum' he said throwing a pillow at Kunal and got up to set his hair.  The rest giggled and continued with their banter... knowingly annoying him more from time to time.
***

Shehnaaz sat in front of mirror dressed in a yellow kurti and white skirt. She looked ethereal with the morning glow on her bare face, her hair in a simple hairstyle. The little locks of hair resting on her cheek and the floral head accessory made her look like fresh dew on a bright red rose petal. Her hands were empty but the mehandi was shining beautifully. It was an odd mixture of anxiety and happiness that filled her making her insides churn. She sat alone waiting for someone to come to call her to begin the long day.
***

Shehnaaz sat on a stool in the garden area with the entire family sitting around. The priest was doing Pooja for well being and prosperity. The bright red choora was emerced in water and milk mixture and kept nearby. The golden shimmery kallerien lay in a silver plate next to the tray of choora.
Sidharth stood on the enterance of the backyard leaning against the wall and watching his would be wife.
She was smiling even after those tears in her eyes. They both were a sweet and sour blessing to each other. And blessings aren't turned down so they both hugged their blessings tightly accepting it whole heartedly.