LAKSHMAN PRIYA

WEDDING (2)

The Princes and princesses were experiencing a myriad of emotions because the most awaiting moment was getting closer. Anticipations were blending with nervous excitements as they were preparing to embark on a new chapter of their lives together.

In the palace....

The brides were sitting in front of four huge mirrors, dressed in all red and gold. Nearly hundereds stylishs and dressing experts of Mithila were making the brides look the best in the world.

In that crowded chamber, the princess'es heart were dancing with a delicate symphony of nervousness and excitement. Each breath, making them more and more close to those sweet melodies of dreams, which were yet to unfold. The wedding attire were tapestry of emotions, which were whispering tales of their divine love.

The smile was not leaving their gorgeous face. Especially Urmila... She had no idea if it was happening for real or she is still diving in the ocean of dreams at the the bank of her neel kamal pond. Soon she was officially going to belong to the man she crazily in love with.
Lakshman... the name itself was running up and down through her spine like current. The undescribable attraction towards his fierce gaze and delicate feelings were burning like camphor in her racing heart. The memories of the past few days were dancing joyfully in her mind... how she saw him for the first time... how their eyes met... how he always recognises her even without looking... how he shows his love... how he makes her feel butterflies in stomach... and how her soul craves his presence always....
It was just feeling like a bubble of water on ground while rain, which can pop in a second. But it was real... And very soon her forehead was going to get decorated by the vermilion of her Saumitra's name.

As the red veil cascaded on the heads of the bride, every eye teared up again. The reflection of their upcoming future started unfolding in the mirror glass along with their bridal look.

The sisters looked at eachother again to cherish eachothers bridal beauty. Smiles of satisfaction were uplifting their charm. From wearing fake marriage garments for their doll's marriage to wearing real bridal attire for their own marriage... they have travelled this journey together. The wave of nostalgia was making their eyes damp.

Soon after the completion of the princess'es dress up as brides, the mothers entered in the chamber to see them. And immediately their eyes started worshipping their daughter's beauty by releasing tears of  jitters and joy waltz in a delicate embrace.

The princesses just ran to their mothers and everybody witnessed an high emotional hug of mother and child. With heavy hearts they separated, and wipped eachothers tears, while Shrutkirti was still crying in Sunaina's arms like a newborn.

" That's it kid... Don't spoil the kajal on your gorgeous eyes with these tears. Or else people of Ayodhya will think that Sunaina hasn't taken good care of her youngest daughter. So her eyes looking dull and dark. " - Everyone chuckled a little by Sunaina's words.

Chandrabhaga said- "Soon the rituals of marriage are going to begin. And to let it happen without any hindrance we have to tie 'raksha sutra' (protection thread) on your write wrists. So no evil energy will be able to touch you all. "

Maharani Sunaina tied the protection thread on Sita and Urmila while Maharani Chandrabhaga tied it on Mandvi and Shrutkirti's wrist. And with that final touch the bride's were now ready for 'the moment'.

At the ashram of Maharshi Yagyanvalkya....

Just like the Princesses, there were hundreds of male dressers and stylishes were assisted for making the princes ready for the wedding. In those luxurious silky attires and gold ornaments, the brothers were looking like heavenly beings. The younger threes were busy in teasing eachother while the Ram was just smiling calmly while looking at himself in the mirror.

"So my sons are ready for their big day ??" - Dashrath questioned.
"Almost Pitashree..."- Ram answered and all the princes went near their father. Dashrath looked each one of them from head to toe with a super proud smile. He was feeling like sitting on the seventh heaven as it was the happiest day for him. He ran his fingers on Ram's hair gently to fix it a little. - " Do you know, when I was getting ready for my first marriage, I was super nervous. I had no idea why was I acting like that. I was never ever this nervous in my life... not even infront of enemies in battle ground. Then why now ?.."

After Ram, Dashrath went to Bharat and rearranged the ornaments on his arms and wrist properly while continuing his words. - "But then my pitashree and your pitamah (grand father), late Maharaj Aja came to me. I tried my best to hide my nervousness with a smile but it didn't take a fraction of moment to find it out that his brave warrior son is turning pale by the thought of marriage.."

All the princes giggled along with Dashrath himself while he moved to Lakshman and started pressing his angavastram neatly on his shoulder with both of his hands. - " He asked about it. And I couldn't lie. So eventually I had to answer that I'm nervous for this marriage. Because I had no idea how is it going to work. How will I be able to live with women, I only understood the language of swords and shields. How would I understand the language of love ? "

By fixing the kundal (ear ornaments) of Shatrughna, Dashrath added again- " Then my pitashree laughed. I was a bit embarrassed but he hugged me tightly and taught me a great lesson that day."

Then Dashrath looked at all of his sons from head to toe again. And by placing his hand on waist he completed- " Marriage is a great yet most beautiful responsibility my sons. It involves companionship, mutual support, shared goals, and commitments to navigate life together. Values such as trust, communication, respect, and compromise play key roles in a successful marriage. It completely our soul and enlightens our path further.
In marriage, always communicate openly, be patient, and cherish the small moments. Remember, it's a partnership built on love, respect, and understanding. "

"We understood Pitashree... And we have imprinted your words in mind." - Bharat said on behalf of all of his brothers while others supported him with big smiles.

Dashrath patted Bharat's shoulder and then embraced all of his sons together. - " I'm so proud of you all... "

"Oh yes... I forgot to tell you the main reason behind me coming here now. "- Dashrath said while breaking the hug.
Ram questioned- " what is it Pitashree? "

The king answered- " It's time for the raksha sutra to get tied on your wrists. And for this a very wise and Godly sage has arrived here from so far Himalayan mountains with his deciple. After seeing him, I felt an eternal peace in my heart... as if I'm just a free spirit in cosmos and not a human being trapped in shackles of Karma anymore. He is so divine. And I feel nobody else is perfect for tying the protection thread on groom's hands. Because I believe, his sacred aura is going to end all negative energies. His young deciple is also looking angelic just like him.
Gurudev (maharshi Vashishta) , Maharshi Yagyanvalkya and Brahmarshi Vishwamita has also the same desire. Infact they suggested me to let the divine sage do the raksha sutra ritual. "

Ram assured his father in his loving tone - " If you and all the Gurus think that he is the the right one for this, then he must be the right one indeed. Please request him to tie raksha sutra on our wrists. "
And all the other Princes supported him.

Dashrath nodded and replied- "He will be here soon... Wait for him. "
After adding another smile Dashrath left the chamber and Princes patiently waited while looking towards the entrance.