Seven Vows Part 1- Published

The Suhagan Pooja

Suman was sitting on the stairs and doing the embroidery of the saree she had taken to gift Riya. It was a beautiful plain orange silk saree. In the hall Vindhya, Renu and Maheswari were doing arrangements for Suhagan Pooja. A place where Suman was not supposed to go as it was exclusive for Suhagan's.

She looked at Vindhya arranging the thali to be given to each Suhagan. Her eyes fell on the chooda that was being kept, those red and white bangles a bride wore and once again her thoughts drifted to that evening in the Durga Temple

They had completed 2 rounds. As they started the 3rd round Sreedhar told " I promise I will make effort to acquire wealth through right means and Suman told I promise I will ensure the wealth is spend is only for the right causes and at any point of time the home to have sufficient saving. He pressed her hand gently, she smiled as the moved to the 4th round

I promise I will love and respect you in all circumstances told Sreedhar, I promise I too will love and respect you in all circumstances told Suman

Now it was the 5th round and Suman looked at Sreedhar. " Sreedhar you will have to allow me to walk in front, enough of taking lead" she giggled

" Of course dear. Take charge " told he smiling stepping aside allowing her to come in front

As they started the 5th round Sreedhar told " I promise I will be responsible towards the children we get through this union and I want two cute little daughters" . Suman turned glaring at him but continued walking telling " I promise I will make every effort to nurture our children both physically and emotionally and I prefer we have a son and a daughter so it is balanced " Sreedhar laughed

" Ahh" Suman came back to present as the needle pierced her forefinger and a tiny drop of blood spurted out .

" What happened Suman " came Maheswari

" Nothing Maa just a tiny prick " told Suman

" Be careful while you are doing things" told Maheswari. Suman nodded

As Suman scanned the hall she saw the invited ladies had come and the thali was perfectly arranged now and Renu Bhabi was making arrangements for food. She looked at the tiny prick in her finger as a tear fell down her cheek. She gently got up from the stairs and decided to go to her room. If she stayed there longer someone will notice the pain in her eyes .

" Maa I am going to the room " told Suman

Maheswari looked at Suman as she went up knowing fully well the girl was affected seeing Solah Sringaar and her status that didn't allow her to participate in what is happening. She thought she will talk to her after the Pooja. Soon the Pooja started. Maheswari had invited 15 Suhagans from underprivileged families. They gave the ladies a sumptuous feast and then the thali with Saree, all Solah Sringaar and 8gram gold coin each. The ladies told let auspicious tidings grace the family very soon as they left.

Once it was all done and after the ladies of the house also had lunch Suman went back to her room to do her work.

Sometime later Maheswari followed her. She saw Suman sitting and doing the work. Suman smiled seeing Maheswari and Maheswari sat beside her.

" Show me your finger. Did you put ointment " asked Maheswari

" Maa it is fine. You came to see that. It always happens in this work" told Suman

" I didn't came just to see your wound, but also to give you this " she gave fresh gajra in Suman's hands

Suman looked quizzingly " Suman maybe you cannot put gajra in your hair. But beta no harm in keeping it in your room right. Room will have good fragrance"

" Yes Maa I will keep it " told Suman. As Maheswari went Suman took the Tedy and put the gajra around its neck and looked at it admiringly. Maheswari saw it through the half closed door and smiled. The indication was good. Suman had put the gajra as Varmala on the Tedy Sreedhar had gifted.