Author's POV

As the wedding neared, new emotions arose in the hearts of our bride and groom. In no time, the wedding preparations began and the excitement of the Sahni and Maan family knew no bounds.

Here, The Maans had decked their magnificent house with flowers and lights, sending a clear message to even strangers that a massive celebration was about to take place. The guests from all over the world were invited to be a part of this wedding. Their living arrangements were made in the most extravagant hotels of the country. They even opened the doors of their farmhouse and other estates to accommodate the wedding guests as they wanted everyone to attend every single event. The hustle and bustle spread celebratory vibes in the entire neighbourhood and was a proof enough that every guest was excited for this wedding. The men of the family laughed frivolously and teased our groom Adhyay in the name of Anvita and told him that he is no match for her. On the other hand, the women discussed their outfits and were actively preparing for the events that were about to begin. Some of them were busy making sweets while some of the men helped their wives with decorations. The opulence of The Maans was reflected in every way in this wedding.

On the other hand, the Sahnis illuminated their house with oil lamps and flower garlands. Their house smelled of marigold and jasmines, which radiated cheer and contentment. Our bride received all the attention from every guest and was showered with blessings and love. It was an overwhleming time for Anvita's parents as they could clearly observe the happiness of their shehzaadi that reflected on her face. However, amid all the lamps and lights, she was glowing the most.

Anvita's POV

How come no one ever talks about how wedding is such an overwhelming experience for the bride? You always watch those happy brides, but never do they mention the nervousness of stepping into a new family, sadness of separation from your childhood home, the joy of receiving love from everyone, the giddiness in being the center of the attention, and the delight one receives from being tied into a pious relationship.

I was supposed to visit the mandir in the evening today before all the wedding festivities begin. I chose a green suit to wear and leaving my hair open, I left for the temple.

Walking into the mandir, a sense of serenity surrounded me after being around so many people. The mandir was surrounded by water on all sides with a pathway in the middle, and you had to climb few stairs to reach the inside. My head bowed down on its own capturing the sight of Maa Gauri's idol in front of me as I stood on the stairs. I was holding a plate with an oil lamp, some grains of rice, vermillion powder, turmeric powder, coconut, and some silver coins for the auspicious wedding prayers.

Ringing the temple bell, I stood in front of Maa Gauri and started reciting the hymns while moving the plate in a circular motion.

Maa, mein Adhyay ki ardhangini, unka adha ang banne jar ahi hu. Aashirvaad dijiye ki mein unhe poora kar saku.

(Maa, I am going to become Adhyay's wife, his better half. Bless me so that I can complete him)

As I finished, pandit ji put the coconut back that he had took from my plate in the beginning after offering it to the idol.

"Jaha jaha par bhi paer dharo gi khushiyon ko aamantrit karo gi," he said while putting his hand on my head and giving me blessings.

(You'll invite happiness wherever you'll step.)

It had already turned dark by the time I finished with everything and the mandir was glistening with lights by now. I sat at the edge of the water, taking the burning diya and releasing it in the water. I just watched it float further into the water and a smile came across my face when I spotted another diya that slowly floated near mine. I moved my face to the side to see who it belonged to, only to get surprised by the sight of my soon to be husband. He was sitting at the edge in his black kurta, and I found it hard to take my eyes off him.

Adhyay's POV

Anvita has a firm belief in prayers and her beliefs have left an impact on me too. I just know that before stepping into the events of the wedding, she must have gone to pray. I felt an urge to go to the mandir and pray too but amongst all the splendour and wedding guests, it was hard for me to leave without anyone noticing, and being the groom, it is even harder as all the attention is on you.

"Dhruv," I called my brother who was laughing with his friends, hoping that he can help me escape.

"Yes bhaiya," he said as he strolled towards me.

"Dhruv I forgot to pick up my outfit for tomorrow's event so I'm going to get it now. If anyone asks, just tell them I went to go pick it up."

"Why don't you just say that you're going to meet bhabhi? No need to make excuses in front of me bhaiya," he said with a smirk and I wanted to just smack him.

"Shut up Dhruv, I'm not going to see her. She's busy with the wedding too. I was gonna go to the mandir real quick. So, cover up while I'm gone and if anyone finds out about my whereabouts, you won't be alive to see me get married," I said in a threatening tone, and he just laughed at me.

I slyly left the house when I found a chance and drove towards the closest Gauri mandir. The sky was covered in the darker shade of blue now with few stars, indicating the arrival of the night. I walked inside and standing in front of the idol, I began praying.

Maa, Anvita ko aap par bahut vishwaas hai, aur aaj uss vishwaas ke saath hum bhi aapse kujh maangne ayein hain. Humein himmat dena ki hum Anvita ki har khwaahish poori kar sake aur jaise gun vo apne pati mein chahti hai hum vaise hi ban paye unke liye.

(Maa, Anvita believes in you a lot, and I have come here to ask you for something with the same belief. Give me strength to fulfill Anvita's every desire and become the very person with all the qualities that she wants to see in her husband.)

Panditji handed me a diya placed in the leaves and flowers, telling me to liberate it into the water. I went downstairs to reach the water body, and my eyes captured the sight of a woman sitting by the edge of the water.

Anvita

Even though she had her back towards me, it did not even take me a second to recognize my wife to be, lost in watching the water carrying away the diya she had just released.

I kneeled at the edge at a little distance from her capturing her side view, and her eyes were still fixated on the light coming from the lamp under the dark night.

I put my diya on the surface of the water gently and moved my hand in the water to send it in the direction of her lamp. She titled her head in the search to find its owner.

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Translations:

- Mandir: temple

- Pandit: priest

- Diya: oil lamp