Do follow me buddies ( ruhani_gupta) so that you don't miss out on any important announcements.

Also Please do Vote (The Star Icon⭐) and Comment. It motivates your author to write more.

Roka: Means officially we have stopped each other. This ceremony is done basically to stop the search for any more alliances.

Happy Reading!

Riya's Pov

Today was one of those rare, perfect days that lifted people's moods and eased their anxieties. With a web of fluffy clouds cloaking the sky, a wedge of sunlight bursting through them, and a dewy breeze whispering through the trees, the whole atmosphere felt serene and peaceful.

As I relished the zephyr on the balcony, a gust of cool wind trailed over my bare arm, eliciting a series of chilly goosebumps on my skin. Instinctively, I let my palm ensconce my arms in pursuit of some warmth.

Contentment and tranquillity swarmed my insides witnessing a group of children playing across the street unfazed by the upcoming thunder. The thought of getting drenched didn't concern them as they continued squeaking and squealing, laughing and playing unworriedly.

My mouth curled into a thoughtful smile as I saw how gracefully these young children teach us the most valuable lessons simply by being themselves, carefree, and innocent. Their behavior, albeit unintentionally, teaches how the fear of an impending storm should not affect your peaceful present. To find acceptance in today than pursue reluctance towards the future happenings.

It had been two weeks since Purva's wedding in Delhi and life as it is meant to be, had fallen into the usual routine. The vacuum in my life and the void in my heart I felt in the initial days after her wedding had fortunately subsided a little. While it might never cease, it had definitely diminished.

Considering the new-found changes in her life, we couldn't talk much but a random message here and there keeps us in touch and connected.

A ping on my phone broke my trance and I lifted the phone to see yet another picture she had sent on WhatsApp. This had been an unspoken rule between us that she was supposed to send me her pictures every time she went for an outing.

My eyes popped open glancing at her in a red strapless bodycon dress and smokey eye makeup complementing the overall look.

Ooh-La-La. You look fire, Purv. I wonder if Rishabh is alive yet.

Adding a wink and a fire emoji, I pressed enter to the text. She was quick to respond with a flying kiss boomerang. I laughed, in an attempt to dissipate the hollowness I felt at her absence.

Find a husband soon. I assure you, he will die and reincarnate only to see you all tantalizing and hot.

She messaged and I shook my head, astounded by the extent of urgency she felt at the prospect of my wedding.

Chup kar.

I responded before pocketing my phone.

Her message drifted me to the ongoing situation in my family where their hunt for my prospective groom had intensified after my best friend's wedding. Consequently, they now use the hours before breakfast along with the hours after dinner for the very purpose.

And, to make matters more complicated and frustrating, there were five steps to the lengthy process of choosing a suitable groom.

Just in case, you are unaware of this procedure, allow me to have the honor of explaining it. Before that;

Attention.

Warning.

Alert.

User Discretion Advised.

The following steps can provoke you to bang your head on the wall or fall off the cliff. Kindly read at your own risk. Faint-hearted, please skip reading.

Step 1:

Keeping aside the innumerable biodata you have studied with hawk eyes, you finally select one biodata that will suit your requirements in terms of price, durability, features, and appearance. Hopefully with a lifetime guarantee and warranty.

And yes, stalking all the prospective options and their families on social media is a must. No second thoughts on this.

Step 2:

Horoscopes of you and the other person's will be matched if your family is a firm believer in such Kundli things. If the number of gunas, grahas, and other aspects in the horoscope match, please move to step 3, otherwise, my dear friend, go back to step 1 and restart.

Step 3:

After being satisfied with the Kundli matching, you conduct inquiries of the person and the family concerned through your very own detective agents, that is relatives, friends, and mutual acquaintances.

Because you never know,

He can be a murderer.

Or a thief.

Maybe married.

Or a divorcee.

Possibly, a drug addict.

A typical Mumma's boy.

Worst, with forged income and address.

After all, chances are high that he had feigned his professional information to lure the other person into marriage.

Long story short, he can be anything, but not what is mentioned in the biodata.

This step might cost you the time of several weeks. In complicated cases, probably a month.

If you are convinced with the inquiry, move to step 4, otherwise- rightly guessed, stride back to step 1 and restart.

Step 4:

Through a conversation with the mediator, discussions, disclosure of expectations, negotiations and the date and timing for the meeting regarding the prospective rishta take place.

This step might take a few days to a week or a month.

Heavy chances that the other party can cancel the meetup on the pretext of the Kundali not matching. A reason used to disguise their preference to another better alliance.

However, if both parties are satisfied with each other's terms, move to step 5, otherwise, be quick and rush back to step 1.

Step 5:

This is the most crucial step of this ordeal.

Here, the prospective bride and groom are finally allowed to come face to face and have a conversation with each other. They are expected to make decisions regarding their futures based on a five-minute to 1 hour-long conversation.

If both of them are convinced and want to take this alliance ahead, Roka is done which can be counted as your Step 6.

If not, then humble apologies my friend, Please go back to step 1 and start over.

Hereafter, this process is repeated again and again until the required match is found.

Fortunately-Unfortunately, I've reached stage five merely two times, with a 1:1 ratio.

I was rejected by one, and I rejected one.

The boy's family disapproved of me because they thought I was too ambitious to continue the job after the wedding and too forthright to inquire about the boy's previous relationships. I'm perplexed as to how someone could marry knowing the other person still harbors feelings for his/her ex. It won't be fair to either of them.

And, I rejected one, because I was asked by one of the relatives from the boy's family to wash my face just to persuade them that I had not applied any makeup to the meeting. I was also instructed to fully tie my half-tied hair so that they could see how my appearance would come out with fully tied hair.

In other words,

Do I look presentable solely with my hair open or also with tied back?

Unable to tolerate such an insult and stab at my self-esteem, immobilized by fury, I turned down the prospect of taking this alliance ahead in front of my family.

I don't expect someone to treat me with respect in the future if they couldn't in the beginning. If this guy is incapable of standing up for my dignity right now, he will never do so if we ever get married.

**********

Humming Kya hua tera vaada, I walked into Maa and Paa's room to see Avyukth sprawled over Paa's stomach, giggling and jumping as if he had gotten free access to his homemade trampoline. Maa being Maa had her camera turned on, not missing out on the opportunity to capture this heartwarming moment.

The reason for my presence in their room after dinner was yet unknown. I was occupied in ironing the clothes for my college tomorrow when Paa summoned me downstairs for a conversation.

"Kya hua?" I quizzed the reason for requesting my presence as I perched on the mahogany couch placed at the edge of the room.

Before anyone could respond, Bhai-Bhabhi made their way into the room after their customary stroll. Bhabhi took a seat beside me while Bhai slipped on the bed taking a drowsy avyu in his arms, kissing him over his forehead.

My gaze traversed through the room, keenly eyeing them.

"An alliance has come for you." Bhabhi initiated, smiling at me softly.

"Okay." I glanced toward her. I almost expected it, hence no dramatic response here.

"Who sent it?" I questioned, knowing well until yesterday night no discussions were held regarding anyone.

"Purva's mom called today." It was Maa this time, "She said that one of the relatives from Purva's in-laws had inquired about you through Purva's mother-in-law." She explained making me nod in understanding.

"She has sent his bio-data and said that if we all are convinced with the same, then we can send yours to them. The boy is Rishabh's maternal cousin." Paa piped in, gulping down his blood pressure medicine.

"Horoscope?" I queried considering this is the first thing they do whenever an alliance comes.

"Matched," Bhai answered, swaying a sleeping Avyuktha in his arms.

"Enquiry?" I probed next.

"Yet to be done once you have a look over the biodata. Only if you are convinced, we will proceed with the rest." Paa vociferated, "Though, Purva's in-laws have affirmed the boy's background and Purva's parents too spoke highly about him based on what they have observed during Purva and Rishabh's marriage." He resumed, now putting his phone on the charger, a habit he carries where he makes sure to charge his phone to a dot hundred percent before sleeping.

"Okay." I murmured, having nothing else to say.

Sensing my quietude, Maa reasoned politely, "Have a look at the biodata beta, and make up your mind. You know we have never pestered you to consider any alliance, hence we will not influence our thoughts this time as well." Her words did ease my heart but my mind remained dazed in the quagmire of ifs and buts.

Paa's concerned voice sliced through the air, "I'll send you the biodata, hmm? We have already told Sunita ji that we will update them in a few days, so take your time." His eyes sought confirmation.

"Hanji." I managed to smile amidst the frenzied beating of my doubtful heart.

Avyu squirmed in his position, whining a bit. His whines didn't cease compelling Bhabhi to soothe him in her arms. I smiled at how effortlessly he shushed back to sleep at her touch.

The conversation was implied to be over yet I remained seated staring aimlessly at my lap. A turbulence of emotions had begun to surface in my throat just at the mention of a new alliance.

"Uhm, Aur Kuch?" I inquired while they shook their heads in denial.

"Then I am going to sleep now. Good night." I stood up with my palms navigating to rub my forearm to pacify the appearing goosebumps.

Descending the stairs, I let my thoughts lurk on various possibilities.

Hitting the bed after changing into my night clothes, I patiently awaited Paa's message. When after a few minutes of wait, the biodata didn't come, I closed my eyes to drift into slumber only to have my somnolence vanish at the sudden pinge of my phone.

Seemingly, sleep would be in a backseat tonight as there were two messages.

From Paa.

***********

Heya Dear Ones!

Your author is genuinely awaiting your views on the chapter. Do share your opinions with me. It will make my day.

How was the 5-Step Groom finding process? Could you relate to it? How is it done in your community?

Also, Do vote(Star Icon ⭐) and comment dear ones, it will motivate me to write more.

You can also follow me on Instagram at ruhaniwrites_ for story updates, recommendations, and writing tips.

Until Next Time,

Lots of Love

R❤️