Peacock...

50

Mayil

I couldn't ease myself to sleep last night. I will be leaving my parents this day and spending the rest of my life with Vetri sir. I love him with all my heart but it hurts to vacate my house and my parents whom I truly adore.

But there's no other way...

At early dawn, when even the 4 'o' clock blossom in our backyard hasn't risen, I was woken up by my mother and relatives. The auspicious time is from 6.30-7 am, and our marriage would occur between those thirty minutes. Prior to that, I had to be prepared and go to the temple for the poojas that needs my presence.

Which is why, on this chilly pre-matured morning, I am made to perch on a wooden low chair in our backyard, with only my inner skirt covering my body. The aunties beside me pour water from the plastic jugs and apply turmeric over my skin. I shiver as again a pot full of water washes against me to cleanse off the turmeric. Then again, they lend me soap and after a long while, they again pour another couple of jug water onto my head.

Afterward, as I dry myself in my room and wear the inner-wears, blouse, and inner skirt, the aunties help me in draping the saree. It's a dark red silk. I felt nervous as everyone decorated me with various ornaments which is lend by my mother-in-law as she didn't want her daughter-in-law to be less adorned on her marriage day. My parents refused to budge to her present genuinely, but she was very stubborn and we had no option but to accept it...

"Sit here," one of my aunts ushers and I recline on the bed as she combs my hair back and pins it using hairpin in the middle. Then let my moderately dried hair cascade freely. Following that, she places a bunch of jasmine flower strings on my bristle and then averts her attention to my face where she draws a line on my eyelid using the cosmetic items the groom's side had bought the last day.

Inside my eyes, she applies eyetex and after that, she paints my lips using pink lipstick. This is the first time I'm exposed to one and it certainly renders me want to gaze at my face in the mirror to witness how the lipstick appears on my lips...

"Maapilla (Groom) is going to faint over your beauty Mayilu," one of the aunts comments as they all back-off, staring at me appreciatively. I blush and look down, feeling unbearably shy.

"Look at yourself in the mirror," Jayanthi brings a hand mirror and showcases it infront of my countenance. Raising my head, I glance at the face on the reflector with surprise. Is it me? I look so different. "Ayo, enna azhagu (what a beauty you are)" I flush as Jayanthi compliments me with wide eyes.

"Aunt! You should protect Akka from evil eyes," Jayanthi yells over to my mom who was smiling warmly yet sadly as she gawks at me. She then steps towards me and rubs a little portion of eyetex from my eyes, smudging it behind my ear, to keep me safe from the said evil eyes.

"It's time," a knock diverts all our attention to the closed door and the aunties and my mom, guide me out of my house where my father was standing near a rented car, talking with the driver.

Upon discerning my presence, he darts his gaze to me and gives me a happy smile, but the pain within his eyes is too visible to neglect.

"Get inside, Mayilu," nodding to him silently, I oblige and enter the car, accompanied by Jayanthi and other few aunties. Mom and Dad, along with the remnant relatives would come by in the van as they aren't ready yet.

With the cool breeze grazing me, I press my palms together, feeling a bit scared. Once we attain the temple, I worship the god firstly and momentarily was made to sit before the sacred fire to perform rituals that should be done by the bride.

As minutes pass by, Mom and Dad appear along with mine and Vetri sir's relatives.

And at last, when the world starts to light up slightly, Vetri sir arrives in a white button-up shirt and Veshti. His thick hair and stubbled jaw...the naturally light rose lips, the manliness, and the mature look on his face, have my heart thumping behind my chest.