The entire villa looked like something straight out of a dream. Blood orchids adorned every corner, their fragrance mingling with the soft glow of the chandelier that hung proudly in the center of the hall. Velvet carpets muffled footsteps, and the delicate tunes of the shehnai wrapped the space in a melody of celebration. It was the most important day in Dhimahi's life, her wedding day, the day she would finally become one with Trayambak, her long-time love, the man who meant the world to her.
Her eyes sparkled differently today. She sat gracefully, draped in a stunning red lehenga, every inch of it whispering stories of love and commitment. Her hands, richly adorned with mehendi, carried Trayambak's name deeply etched into her palms. Sets of heavy bangles clinked softly as she moved, but strangely, they didn't feel heavy at all. Her heart was light. She was marrying the one she had dreamed of for years.
Just then, her phone rang. It was Trayambak. She picked it up with a wide smile blooming on her face.
"Hello my dear dharampatni," Trayambak teased.
["Hello my dear wife"]
"Kya aap bhi, abhi tak shaadi hui nahi," she joked back, chuckling.
["Oh come on, the wedding hasn't even happened yet."]
Trayambak's tone changed ever so slightly as he replied, "Ho to jayegi kuch ghanto mein."
["Well, it will happen in a few hours"]
The words made her cheeks flush. She bit her lip, shy and glowing, unable to stop the blush from rising. He sensed her silence and added with a playful tone,"Arey sharmao mat, abhi to bus shuruwat hai, agey dekho hota hai kya."
["Don't be shy, this is just the beginning - wait and see what's to come."]
There was something in that sentence. It was light on the surface, but it lingered strangely in her mind. A passing shiver. She brushed it off.
"Dhimahi beta, jaldi chal niche baarat aa gayi," called her mother, Madhuri, from downstairs.
[Dhimahi dear , come quickly, the groom's procession has arrived"]
"Aai Mumma," she responded, rising
["Coming mumma"] from the ottoman stool. She gave herself one last look in the mirror, adjusted her lipstick carefully and, before ending the call, said with a smile, "Chalo goodbye my dear boyfriend and hello my dear husband."
["Okay then, goodbye my dear boyfriend, and helly my dear husband"]
Both of them giggled together, a sound that had always felt like home to her.
Later, sitting beside Trayambak in front of the sacred agni, surrounded by chants and blessings, Dhimahi felt herself drifting. The pandit's voice rang out, "Vadhu ke maang mein sindoor bhare."Her heart pounded.
["Now the groom has to fill the bride's hair parting with vermillion"]
Even after two years of being in love, something inside her tightened. A strange anxiety curled in her chest. Was it fear? Or just the overwhelming reality that she was stepping into a new life? She told herself it was normal. Marriage was a roller coaster, after all. Everything changes.
She zoned out, lost in thoughts until the touch of vermillion brought her back. She felt it fall on her nose, and in that moment, the weight of it all hit her. She was married. Married to Trayambak. To her love.
He leaned in close and whispered with a smirk, "Ab ho gayi permanent booking, ab kahi jaane nahi dunga."
["Now you are permanently booked- I won't let you go anywhere now."]
She smiled, but the words felt tight. She searched his face for warmth but found none. Maybe she was overthinking. Maybe it was just exhaustion.
The time came for vidaai, and the emotions swept over her like a storm. Dhimahi clung to her father, crying uncontrollably.
YOU ARE READING
The Oculesics- Ek Kahaani Junoon Ki
Fantasy"Kapde utar," he said coldly. ["Strip"] Dhimahi's hands shook as she reached for her dupatta. There was no point resisting. She knew it. But she was too slow. Trayambak stormed towards her, ripped her kurti, and forced her down to her knees. "Muh kh...
