The Secret Wife of the CEO

Pre Wedding Bliss and Bridal Preparations

With her stipend that got credited on Friday, Sanju was bubbling with excitement, her heart set on purchasing a special ring for Bhargav. However, her plans for a weekend filled with Shruthi's company took an unexpected turn when Shruthi had to leave for her village due to a family bereavement. She promised Sanju she would return in time for the wedding, leaving Ragini to step in and ensure the pre-wedding preparations went smoothly.

On Sunday morning, Ragini arrived at the orphanage, and picked up Sanju. Their first task was to find the perfect ring for Bhargav, a moment Sanju had eagerly anticipated. As they perused the jewelry store, Ragini gently nudged Sanju, "Think your hubby dear will love this?"Sanju's cheeks flushed with shyness with just the mention of her husband. She scanned the display, and finally settled on the design that had resonated with her when she visited last week with her tatha. "This is more than just a ring; it's a token of everything to come." she said, her voice laced with hope and thankfulness for the opportunity her internship had provided.The day's journey continued to a spa, a bridal treatment awaiting Sanju, courtesy of Radha. Despite Sanju's initial reluctance, Radha's firm but loving insistence over the phone left no room for debate. "You deserve this, Sanju. Let yourself be pampered," Radha had said, her voice a blend of maternal warmth and authority.

Entering the spa, Sanju had no idea what to expect. She had never stepped into one before nor she understood the need for one. Her own beauty regimen, if you can call it that, was simple: a wash with soap followed by some oil on her face and a bindi. The concept of undergoing multiple skin care treatments was completely alien to her, given her naturally clear and glowing skin that required minimal care. The bridal package introduced her to an array of new experiences, with waxing causing her particular unease — for the pain and for the intimacy and exposure it demanded as well. "I can't see the point in all these procedures," Sanju shared with Ragini, visibly unsettled by the experience. Ragini, providing a soothing counterpoint, gently reminded her, "It's all part of pre wedding preparations, Sanju. But remember, you decide what makes you comfortable." 

Ragini teased Sanju, "Btw Sanju, if you're this shy about showing your arms and legs up to your knees to these ladies, your husband might find the wedding night quite challenging."Sanju, puzzled, asked, "What sort of challenge would he have? What does this have to do with wedding night?"Ragini, taken aback by the question, cautiously inquired, "Sanju, do you know what typically happens on a wedding night?"Sanju, with all sincerity, replied, "Yes it means the husband and wife start living together in the same room."Ragini was both shocked and touched by Sanju's innocence. Realizing the depth of Sanju's naivety, she decided it was a matter to discuss with Radha, to see if it might be time for a gentle and informative "talk" with Sanju about the realities of marital life.

Once the spa session was complete, Ragini took Sanju to her home to spend the night there. Ragini had arranged for a special bridal mehndi session. It was an intimate gathering, with Sanju, Ragini, and Ragini's daughter, Avni, all participating in the tradition. Sanju's intricate mehndi design seemed to take an eternity to apply. As the hours passed, she grew tired from remaining stationary for so long and felt the pangs of hunger.Seeing that it was dinner time, Vijay stepped in with dinner, ready to take care of the three important women in his life for the evening. As he began serving the food, he said warmly, "I hope you ladies are ready for a feast that I prepared. I can't have my favorite girls going hungry on my watch."With a plate in hand, he turned to Sanju, and offered her a bite with a playful smile. No one had hand fed Sanju ever since she remembered. This was a very special moment for her. She cherished these happy moments with Vijay and his family. To Ragini and Avni, he joked, "And don't think I've forgotten about my two other beautiful ladies. There's plenty to go around." Once dinner was done, Sanju was singing and everyone else were dancing and enjoying. Sanju joined them in dancing once she was done with her mehandi.That night, Sanju and Ragini slept together laughing and chatting while Vijay took care of the kids. Ragini, stepping in as both friend and surrogate family, ensured that Sanju felt loved and prepared for the journey ahead, turning pre-wedding jitters into a celebration of new beginnings.

Vijay, dropped Sanju back the next morning, finding Narasimha already engaged in conversation with Ashok. The topic at hand was Ashok's impending move to the Kulkarni residence post-wedding, a decision Narasimha was gently nudging him towards. Despite Ashok's initial hesitations, given the lack of a concrete living arrangement and his ongoing health concerns, he ultimately conceded, understanding the practicality and warmth behind the offer.Sanju, witnessing Narasimha's persuasive success, couldn't contain her joy, rushing to embrace him in gratitude. The sight of her bridal mehndi sparked a wave of emotion in both Ashok and Narasimha, their eyes glistening with tears of happiness.

Amidst packing their modest belongings, Ashok handed Sanju a box, the only tangible connection to her past. "This holds memories of your parents, Sanju. I've kept it for you to have once you were settled," he explained softly. Inside, Sanju discovered photographs that bridged her to a family she barely remembered, touching each image tenderly, tears streaming down her face. She placed a small passport-sized photo into her wallet, a keepsake for the days ahead.

As Narasimha returned home to spread the news of Ashok's upcoming move, preparations for the wedding continued with great enthusiasm Kulkarni household. Amidst selecting outfits and jewelry, Radha received a call from Ragini, promptly shared with Lakshmi via speakerphone. Ragini broached the delicate subject of educating Sanju about marital intimacy, sparking a mix of concern and resolve among the family.

Lakshmi, considering Sanju's pure naivety and innocence, suggests Ragini to stop any immediate discussion on such a sensitive matter. Ragini mentions her encounter with Sanju and if she or Radha should have "the talk". Lakshmi and Radha are unable to believe that such naive and innocent girl exists in this day and age. Lakshmi says "This girl's innocence surpasses even my own at the time of my marriage. Hold off on that discussion for now. Bhargav's entrance into this marriage wasn't by choice, and he's still shadowed by his past. This matter could serve as a means for them to start communicating and getting to know each other. Advise Sanju to be receptive to Bhargav's suggestions and actions on their wedding night, yet let her be firm with her boundaries if she feels uneasy about anything. Additionally, ensure you follow up with her the next day to confirm that nothing Bhargav did made her uncomfortable. Also Ragini, try to be a confidante for Sanju, a person with whom she could share her most personal thoughts and apprehensions."

Ragini, tasked with this delicate advice, later met with Sanju to pass on the wedding saree, blouse, jewelry and bangles she has to wear when she goes to the wedding. Ragini advised the counsel shared by Lakshmi, assuring Sanju of her unwavering support and urging her to embrace her new life with Bhargav with openness and the courage to assert herself. She emphasized that she would always be available for Sanju, whether for counsel or simply a heartfelt chat.

However, much of Ragini's emphasis on being open and receptive to Bhargav's suggestions and actions during their wedding night seemed to confuse Sanju. She found herself pondering why Ragini felt the need to highlight this point. Being someone who naturally inclined towards compliance and had never envisioned defying her husband in any capacity, Sanju was curious about the nature of suggestions or actions she might be advised to be wary of. The thought of disobedience was foreign to her, as she intended to carry forward her inherent obedience into her marriage.