From Shadows to Sunlight: A Journey of Liberation and Love🧿

7. The New Beginnings

As the vehicle carrying Meera and Vikrant approached the grand gates of the Rathore mansion, anticipation hung in the air like a delicate veil.Vikrant, his heart brimming with excitement and love, stepped out of the car first. With a reassuring smile, he extended his hand towards Meera, his eyes filled with tenderness and anticipation for their new journey together.

Meera, her heart aflutter with a mixture of nervousness and excitement, peered through her veil at Vikrant's outstretched hand. A subtle tickle of anticipation danced in her stomach, a gentle reminder of the love that awaited her on the other side.

Summoning her courage, Meera delicately placed her hand in Vikrant's, feeling the warmth of his touch enveloping her. With a newfound sense of determination and hope, she emerged from the car, ready to embrace the new chapter of her life with Vikrant by her side.

Together, hand in hand, they took their first steps towards the Rathore mansion, their hearts beating in sync with the promise of a future filled with love, laughter, and endless possibilities.

As Meera and Vikrant stepped onto the threshold of the Rathore mansion, they were greeted by Anjali, who stood there with an arti thal adorned with vibrant colors, symbolizing auspiciousness and blessings. Alongside her stood Bulbul, holding a pot of rice, and Arjun, carrying a thaal of kumkum water.

Anjali, with reverence and love, performed the arti, circling the thal around Meera and Vikrant, invoking blessings for their union. As the sweet melody of the arti filled the air, Meera felt a sense of warmth and acceptance wash over her.

Bulbul then placed the pot of rice at Meera's feet, urging her to gently kick it with her right foot to let the rice spill out. Meera, following the tradition, did so with a graceful gesture, and the pot fell, releasing the rice in a beautiful cascade. A round of applause filled the air as the rice flowed evenly, symbolizing abundance and prosperity in their new life together.

Next, it was Arjun's turn. He placed the thaal of kumkum water before Meera, inviting her to step into it and leave her foot imprints as a symbol of her presence and blessings in the household.

However, before Meera could move, Arjun gently stopped her, a smile playing on his lips."Bhabhi, wait," he said softly, his eyes twinkling with mischief and affection.Meera paused, curious and intrigued by Arjun's interruption, wondering what he had in store for her as she stood at the threshold.

As Arjun unfolded a long piece of white cloth with Bulbul's assistance, Meera watched in wonder, touched by the thoughtful gesture of her new family. The pure white fabric stretched out before her, symbolizing a blank canvas on which her new journey would unfold.With a gentle smile, Arjun invited Meera to step onto the cloth and leave her footprints-a gesture of love and acceptance that Meera had never experienced before in her maternal home."Ab hum aapke paairo ki chhaap hamesha sambhal ke rakh payenge," Arjun said tenderly, his words echoing with sincerity and affection.

Meera felt a surge of emotions wash over her-gratitude, warmth, and a sense of belonging that she had longed for all her life. Tears welled up in her eyes as she realized that she had found a family that cherished her, valued her, and most importantly, loved her unconditionally.

With her husband's supportive hand holding her heavy lehenga, Meera stepped into the thaal, her heart brimming with joy and gratitude. As she placed her right foot onto the white cloth, leaving behind a vibrant red imprint, she felt a sense of belonging wash over her-a feeling she had never known before.

Prithvi Rathore, her father-in-law, looked on with a smile of contentment, his eyes reflecting the pride and happiness he felt in welcoming Meera into their family.

"Hamare ghar laxmi aayi hai," he declared, his voice filled with warmth and affection. "Dekho kitne sundar chaap chhoda hai hamari bahu ne."

In that moment, surrounded by love and acceptance, Meera knew that she had found her place-a place where her footsteps would be cherished, her presence celebrated, and her heart forever intertwined with the Rathore family.

As Meera stepped away from the white cloth, her heart overflowed with a whirlwind of emotions-gratitude for her new family's love, awe at their warmth and acceptance, and a newfound sense of belonging that filled her soul with joy. Her husband, Vikrant, ever perceptive to her feelings, gently took her hand in his, offering silent reassurance and support.

With a tender press of his hand and a subtle eye gesture, Vikrant conveyed his unspoken promise to stand by her side through every moment, reassuring Meera that she was not alone in this new journey.

Feeling his comforting presence, Meera's racing thoughts began to calm, her heart finding solace in the love they shared. Together, they were ushered inside for more post-marriage rituals, each one designed to instill happiness and relaxation in the new couple.

As the rituals unfolded, Meera found herself enveloped in a cocoon of love and support, her husband's presence by her side serving as a constant source of strength and reassurance. With each passing moment, Meera felt herself growing more at ease, her worries and anxieties melting away in the warmth of their newfound union.

After the initial rituals at the threshold of the Rathore mansion, Meera and Vikrant were led into the warm embrace of their new family, where a series of post-marriage rituals awaited them. These rituals were intended not only to celebrate their union but also to usher in blessings and happiness for the newlyweds.

**Aashirwad Ceremony:** The first of the post-marriage rituals was the Aashirwad ceremony, where the elders of the family bestowed blessings upon the newly married couple. Meera and Vikrant sought the blessings of their parents, grandparents, and other elders, who offered heartfelt wishes for their happiness and prosperity.

**Ring Finding Game:** Following tradition, a playful game of "Ring Finding" was organized, where Meera and Vikrant were challenged to find a ring hidden in a bowl of milk. The game symbolized the couple's ability to work together and overcome obstacles in their married life. Amidst laughter and cheers, Meera emerged victorious, much to the delight of the gathered guests.
**Blessing the Newlyweds:** The elders of the family performed a special ritual to bless the newlyweds, invoking divine blessings for their marital bliss and happiness. Meera and Vikrant bowed before the elders, receiving blessings in the form of sacred chants and the sprinkling of holy water, symbolizing purity and protection.

**Feasting and Celebrations:** The post-marriage rituals culminated in a lavish feast, where family members and guests gathered to celebrate the union of Meera and Vikrant. Delicious delicacies were served, and traditional songs and dances filled the air, creating an atmosphere of joy and merriment.

As the day drew to a close, Meera and Vikrant basked in the love and warmth of their new family, grateful for the blessings and happiness that surrounded them. With each ritual, their bond grew stronger, laying a foundation for a lifetime of love, companionship, and shared happiness.