-|| Vivaha Utsavam ||-
"I have searched the depths of my soul and found it intertwined with yours, bound by the sacred vow of forever, where every moment is a basis to the infinity of our love ".
◊◊◊
" Maharaja "
Suthanu stopped in front of the curtain that was hung between herself and Bhanu. Neerja had rushed into her chambers with a message that Bhanu had summoned her immediately. He had come from the outskirts just to meet her.
" I make no delay , Maharani " , Bhanu turned to face Suthanu who had stood sideways even as he noticed on the other side of the curtain. After the pasupu kumkuma ceremony, the bride and bride groom weren't allowed to see each other.
Sighing Bhanu continued resolutely , " This is not the time to tell you this truth , Maharani. But I can't conceal matters related to the kingdom for my personal benefits ".
" Maharaja " , Suthanu smiled - pressing her bright red veil close to her face , " Having our vivaham the next dawn if you have summoned me now , is it about Kalinga's hand behind their attempted humiliation directed towards me ? ".
" Maharani " , Bhanu gasped - stunned for a moment.
" Maharaja , your trusted allies didn't tell me " , Suthanu had a gentle smile , " As a queen , it's my duty to have my network of spies as well to have a hand in administration of the state ".
Bhanu broke into a smile , " Forgive me Maharani that I overlooked your vision into this matter . It was my oath to reach the roots of this cause and you had never spoken about this after that day. I mistook your silence on this matter for discarding this indirect rebel ".
" Maharaja, my silence was my faith that you would reach the roots and then decide the next course of action keeping up Dharma. But I also knew you wouldn't keep any truth away from me be it any situation and now , with our wedding at dawn - you are here telling me about the truth that I deserve to know " , Suthanu's smile was full , " My faith in you is because of the love we share and that shall always be there as long as we live ".
" Till death do us apart , is it Maharani? " , Bhanu's voice trembled even as he smiled nostalgically - it was the promise that they had taken at the time of their Vag dhanam. Also , the confession of his dear heart telling him directly that she loves him at the eve of their wedding drew him wordless.
" Adi , it is our beginning and you are talking about the end ? " , Suthanu shook her head , " Can you please smile that smile that melts my heart? ".
Bhanu closed his eyes as he blushed ending up smiling the way - Suthanu had requested even as Suthanu smiled knowing he would be doing so without looking at him.
" Praneshwari " , Bhanu whispered , " You charm my heart in every moment of your existence with your intellect , with your strength , with your compassion and your boundless love for me ".
" Pranesha " , Suthanu whispered startled at the unexpected address that he had called her with . She couldn't help but break into a wide smile , happy at heart about the beginning about the dawn that they had chosen for themselves.
Suthanu had enjoyed every bit of the ceremonial bath at the dawn of her wedding. Her heart was drenched still in the love , her mothers had poured into the smallest of annoitments that was prepared.
Once she had worn a bright yellow simple silk breast cloth and a cream-colored light lehanga - she was escorted by Uttara with a gentle smile to her chambers to adorn her with her wedding attire. Suthanu was sitted in front of the mirror as Uttara gestured the handmaidens to pass the message soon to the queens.
Uttara looked at Suthanu whose smile was soft as if the latter had been in memories of the past , a past that even her lord was a part of. Uttara placed her palm on Suthanu's shoulders who looked into Uttara's eyes.
" This was their dream come true , Anu. It is one of the biggest day of their lives that they had envisioned " , Uttara spoke softly.
" None better than me can know it better , Bhabhi " , Suthanu pushed away the gloom that she felt , " And , none better them could have made this day easier for me to accept their physical absence ".
Uttara looked at Suthanu questioningly as Suthan turned to face Uttara.
" I got a treasure trunk from their side " , Suthanu felt emotional , " It was filled with letters from each one of them and their were few gifts that I could cherish for my lifetime but of all , it was the happiness that they led me into Bhabhi. One lifetime falls too less for me to have them as brothers , if fate wills - I will want them to be their with me in my every birth : a blessing too much to ask for indeed".
" No Anu " , Uttara smiled as she placed her palm on Suthanu's cheeks affectionately even as she came to stand in the front , " From what I have known about the Panduputras , they have always claimed you to be one of the greatest blessing. So it is a two-way road , Anu and I wish for your wish to get fulfilled ".
" I am going to miss you the most Bhabhi " , Suthanu rose from the seat as she turned to Uttara. " Ah " , Uttara whispered as she placed her palm on her womb feeling the baby inside kick her. " Hey , little one - I am going to miss you too " , Suthanu smiled softly as she bent down to speak to it , " But do remember what I said , your Maa is everything to our Kula and she is your Dharma ! ".
" Anu " , Uttara looked at Suthanu with tears and a gentle smile , " You are the sister I never wished for but a dream come true ! I would never let any harm befall our family , it's my promise ! ".
" You don't have to promise Bhabhi , I know you would take care of maiya and pita better than me ", Suthanu smiled , " That is why I want the future of Aryvarta to take care of you and I know he will never disappoint his Bua just like Bhrata never could make me sad ! ".
" If you both are done , can we take the moment into our hands? " , Draupadi stood with the queens of Pandavas and behind them stood the handmaidens carrying the wedding attire and all the jewellery.
" Maiya ! " , Suthanu gave a soft smile as she ran over gently to hug Draupadi who held her back affectionately with a wide smile , closing her eyes momentarily holding the piece of her very heart.
" Maa " , Suthanu turned to all the wives of Pandavas as she smiled at them who lovingly caressed her head before handing over the wedding attire to Draupadi.
Draupadi smiled as she held the wedding attire in her hands , her little darling was getting wed. It was a dream come true and into every thread of the chunari that her daughter was to adorn- she had weaved with her own hands. Each thread having blessings in abundance for the marital life of her daughter.
" As I hand this wedding attire to you Bangaram , I bless your marital life to be the most fulfilling part of your life " , Draupadi handed over the wedding attire as Suthanu took it in her hands with a gentle smile knowing it had the blessings of all her mothers.
Soon , Suthanu stepped into the chamber adorning like wedding attire. Bedecked in the resplendent hue of crimson, a color akin to the fiery passion of a thousand sunsets. Her wedding attire, woven with threads of spun gold that gleamed like the first rays of dawn, adorned her form with a celestial grace that seemed to transcend mortal realms.
The fabric, as soft as moonlight caressing the earth, enveloped her in its embrace. But it was not the golden threads alone that captivated the eye, for amidst the intricate patterns shimmered the most precious of stones, each one a glittering constellation in the vast expanse of her attire. Rubies blazed like embers of longing and fire of ancient wisdom, and diamonds glistened like stars scattered across the velvet canvas of night.
Yet, she remained untouched by the weight of her impending adornments, her true beauty shining forth with a purity that transcended mere ornamentation.
Subhadra took a breath of wonder as she rushed forward placing her palm on Suthanu's cheek with deep affection , " Bangaram , I am left speechless. May no evil eye befall you ".
Subhadra looked at Draupadi once who smiled with mild tears , nodding her head as Subhadra touched the kohl of her own eyes before placing it behind Suthanu's ears.
" Come Bangaram " , Devika led Suthanu to take a seat as the queens of Pandavas surrounded her with Draupadi at the center , all their hearts dipped in maternal love and joy.
As the gentle hands of her mothers caressed each exquisite ornament and Draupadi's eyes shimmered with unshed tears, a testament to the bittersweet emotions that coursed through all their being. With each delicate touch, memories of bygone days danced in the mothers mind even as Suthanu had a gentle smile. This moment was too special for her own self to have her mothers aodrn her.
The neckpiece, a masterpiece crafted from the finest rubies, gold, and diamonds, shimmered like molten fire against Suthanu's alabaster skin, casting a radiant glow that rivaled the very stars in the heavens above. Its intricate design, inspired by the eternal themes of lotus and flame, spoke of the enduring power of love and resilience—a fitting blessing from her mother.
Adorning her wrists were bangles of deep red rubies, their fiery hue a reflection of the passion that burned within her own hearts—a symbol of strength and vitality. The earrings in gold and ruby , resembled delicate fire flowers blossoms plucked from the rarest blooms of the divine garden.
A light chain, adorned with exquisite beauty and crafted with the skill of celestial artisans, draped gracefully around her hip.
Anklets of purest gold adorned her feet, their melodic chimes echoing the joyous rhythm of the celebration that was in front of her.
A huge ring of navaratna adorned her finger as Suthanu looked up at Valandhara who made her wear it - the navaratna symbolised her nine mothers, a reflection of the divine blessings that surrounded her throughout her life.
And finally, a nose piece of unparalleled beauty graced her delicate features by Vijayaa —a symbol of the eternal flame that illuminated within Suthanu's soul.
Draupadi, her fingers trembled as she delicately unfurled a crimson chunari spun from threads of celestial silk that she had weaved with her own hands. Each intricate pattern whispered tales of bygone eras - its intricate motifs, a delicate dance of lotus petals and flickering flames. As she draped it over Suthanu's head, a silence enveloped the air, carrying with it the weight of countless blessings and hopeful dreams of the mothers for their daughter. Suthanu placed her palm on Draupadi's palm that rested on her shoulder as she smiled gently making Draupadi blink back her unshed tears causing her smile widely.
Draupadi and Vijayaa moved away from the mirror causing Suthanu to lift her eyes to take in her reflection as a smile graced her lips. Her mothers had poured all their love into adoring her for her wedding , if at all she knew - her mother's were goddesses of the universe and Svarga sri herself had blessed her by adoring her with a chunari.
Karenumati and Uttara helped Suthanu to rise from the seat as she turned to face her mothers with a gentle smile. Her smile warming the hearts of her mothers leaving them with wider smiles erasing the deep emotions that they felt of leaving a precious part of their lives.
" Maiya , pitashree? " , Suthanu whispered softly looking at the door hopefully.
" Natha won't be able to make it Thanu , he is at the gates to welcome the groom's procession and I must leave too. But don't get disappointed , your pita's blessing can never be away from you " , Draupadi placed her palm on Suthanu's cheeks.
" Samragni forgive me for intruding , Senadhipati requests to come into the chambers " , Neerja stood by the door as Suthanu's smile reappeared looking hopefully at Draupadi who smiled in surprise. She nodded her head in consent as Arjuna walked in sooner. He stood at the threshold once he had entered the chambers , his eyes going soft as he looked at Suthanu.
His one and only daughter who had given him the joy irreplaceble by any wordly pleasures that he had obtained. The one who trusted him with all her being and stood by him when he didn't trust himself. His Krishnaa was his Ardhangini and at this moment , he knew only such a daughter could be his Krishnaa's - her every single deed : a boon to him and his family. His gaze moved to Druapadi who gave a soft smile understadning his heart that was overcome with emotions of a father during the time of the daughter's wedding.
" How is our Bangaram , Swami ? " , Subhadra voiced with a gentle smile.
" The entire beauty of my life's happiness has taken her form " , Arjuna whispered , his voice next being a deep affectionate address for Suthanu , " My daughter , my pari ".
" Paa " , Suthanu whispered as she walked to him as Arjuna placed his palm on her head with infinite blessings in her heart.
" I heard the groom's procession is utterely divine , Thanu " , Arjuna took a rein of his emotions , " They say it is like as if the Lord of the universe with the crew of Devas and Devis lead it. Admist all of it , Bhanu shines like the life-giving Surya Narayana himself itseems Bangaram , he resembles divinity to the common people's eyes and everyone who sees him says only one thing - unparalled ".
Suthanu lowered her eyes though her smile widened in happiness even as Arjuna and Draupadi exchanged smiles deciphering their daughter's shyness.
" Now , we have to leave Bangaram " , Draupadi voiced out as Suthanu smiled blinking her eyes but even as Arjuna turned to leave she held his palm.
" Paa , you weren't at the gates? ".
" I am the Senadhipati , Bangaram before the joy of welcoming my son-in-law : everyone's safety is my duty " , Arjuna smiled even as Suthanu smiled softly. After everything even now , her father weighed his duty above his own happiness for she knew what it meant for a girl's father to welcome the groom's procession.
" Paa , make sure Senadhipati's duty doesn't deprive my father of his happiness because ultimately without you not happy , I can never be at happiness ".
" Bangaram " , Arjuna whispered cupping her cheeks affectionately , " I will make sure of it , stay with a smile that I love. You will do this for me ".
Suthanu smiled in consent even as the queens of Pandavas smiled looking on. Draupadi and Arjuna left the chambers as Suthanu awaited the moment to be escorted to the Mandapa.
"Samrat, hope I wasn't delayed," Draupadi came to stand beside Yudhisthira, who smiled at her.
"You missed nothing, Samragni," Yudhisthira raised his palm as the doors of the palace gate opened at the sound of clarinets and trumpets, along with colors being thrown in the air. "Bear witness to the procession of our son-in-law."
Every eye turned towards the sight in front of them. In the heart of Indraprastha, amidst the resplendent palaces and verdant gardens, a spectacle unfolded unrivaled in its splendor—the grand procession of Bhanu, scion of the illustrious lineage of Lord Krishna.
As dawn painted the sky in hues of rose and gold, the city seemed awakened to the symphony of joy. From the sacred precincts of Dwarka to the farthest reaches of Bharatvarsha, citizens converged, their hearts alight with reverence and jubilation, eager to partake in this epochal event.
Leading the procession, like a celestial charioteer guiding the sun across the heavens, strode Krishna himself, embodiment of paternal love pouring from his eyes. Though his presence ignited the air with an aura of sanctity, his gaze was a benediction upon the gathered throngs. Alongside him, the Yadava parivaar, radiant as the constellations, graced the festivities with their celestial grace, each step resonating with the echoes of timeless lore.
Amidst the throngs of adoring subjects, the groom, Bhanu, moved with regal poise in his chariot, his form ablaze with the radiance of a thousand suns. Clad in resplendent garments befitting his princely status, he embodied the very essence of nobility and grace, a beacon of hope and prosperity for the realm. Samba held the royal umbrella with an affectionate smile, even as Pradyumna himself had taken the place of the charioteer. Bhanu had tried all possible ways, but his brothers let no stone unturned, and he was forced to give in front of their love.
From every corner of the kingdom, from the humblest hamlet to the grandest city, citizens gathered, their faces adorned with smiles and eyes sparkling with anticipation. They brought offerings of fragrant flowers, melodious hymns, and heartfelt prayers, weaving a tapestry of devotion that spanned the breadth of the land.
" Stop Maharaja ! " , a crowd of people suddenly emerged in front of Bhanu's chariot breaking through the gathering.
Indraprastha's soldiers quickly came in front of Bhanu's chariot to protect their King even as the procession had turned it's attention towards the scene.
" Weapons down , great warriors ! " , Bhanu declared as he raised his palm in order taking the sight in front of him.
" These people are my citizens , a part of our extended family - they are here to bless me! " , Bhanu gave a soft smile as the people took off the blanket that covered them. The people where men who had become disabled in the course of the war and widows who had lost their purpose of life in the Kurukshetra.
Bhanu and Suthanu had made a provision for those people giving them a space in the heart of Indraprastha and people who take care of them where people who had lost their everything in the war - aged men and women. It was a double sided road to stabilize the air for both the ends.
" Maharaja , this is why you reside in our hearts ! " , the man who had lost his one leg in the war spoke with a smile even as he was supported by an aged man.
Bhanu joined his palms together as he gently bowed to the people in front of him , momentarily closing his eyes.
" Bhadra, it is my Vivaha and you will have to gift me " , Bhanu gave a smile.
" What can I give you Maharaja , ask for my life " , the man spoke with reverence. " All of you be thre in my vivaha Bhadra ! Be a part of this groom's procession and so , join in with me " , Bhanu smiled even as Pradyumna looked affectionately at Bhanu and Samba looked at his elder brother fondly.
" Hail our Maharaja ! Glory to you , Indraprastha Raja ! " , the assembled people screamed and the procession entirely began hailing as well.
In the realm of reverence, where whispers of devotion blend,
Maharaja, in every breath, our prayers ascend.
Against the malevolent gaze, we shield and defy
,Our blessings cascade, step by step, beneath the vast sky.
Oh, Maharaja, a benediction unfolds in each stride,
A symphony of blessings, a sacred guide.
With hands clasped, our hearts bestowed,
In the tapestry of your journey, our love is sowed.
Blessed we stand, as the dawn reveals its grace,
A celestial announcement, our Maharani, in embrace.
Speech falters in the presence of joy so profound,
A happiness unspoken, in every heartbeat is found.
A chariot of dreams races, its speed in ascent,
The anticipation for Maharani, an ardor unspent.
In the tapestry of time, her place draws near,
A sovereignty of love, devoid of fear.
Blessed, Maharaja, as thrones are claimed by you and our Maharani,
Happiness blooms, like a flower unnamed.
In your joy, our joy intertwines,
Maharani, an ethereal gem, in destiny aligns.
With your both hands on our heads,
a sacred touch,Blessings cascade, life's tapestry in clutch.
A pledge profound, our lives entwined,
Sacrifice willingly, for love's bind.
Rendered speechless, in joy's sweet refrain,
A melody of love, an unspoken gain.
In the face of adversity, we stand as one,
For you, Maharaja and Maharani, our journey begun.
In the silence of emotion, where words find rest,
Happiness unfolds, a testament to the heart's bequest.
Oh, rulers, in your love, we find our voice,
A symphony of blessings, a love to rejoice.
Bhanu's eyes momentarily glistened with unshed tears seeing the love of the citizens and so did Prayumna's own eyes fill up.
Yudhishthira and Draupadi exchanged glances as Krishna got down the chariot with a smile along with Balarama. Kula guru Gargi descending with YaduSreshta Vasudeva as they proceeded towards the entrance of the palace where Pandavas and Draupadi stood.
Yudhishthira and Draupadi folded their palms together as they greeted Maharishi Gargi and Vasudeva , touching their feet.
" Welcome Rama and Krishna " , Yudhishthira smiled at Balarama and Krishna. He took the garlands that was brought in a ceremonial plate by the men beside making them wear it , he smiled folding his palms together along with Draupadi.
" Jyeshtha Bhrata" , Krishna caught his palms together , " You are our eldest brother first ".
" I am a daughter's father now , Kanhaiya " , Yudhishthira smiled.
" If that's the case , we are equals Bhrata " , Krishna smiled.
Balarama turned his sight towards Draupadi, " Krishnaa I have a request if you deem it right , allow me to do so ".
" Bhrata , you have to just ask me " , Draupadi spoke.
" This is a request Krishnaa , it can only be a request " , Balarama spoke, "Can I perform the Vivaha rituals from the place of your brother as Suthanu's Mama? ".
" It's her blessing and my honor , Bhrata " , Draupadi's eyes glistened with slight tears - her memory momentarily thinking of her twin , " The fortune is entirely mine here ! ".
" Rama , the fortune is even mine " , Yudhishthira folded his palms together.
Soon , Krishna put on the flower garland on Yudhishthira before sharing an embrace. The rest of the Pandavas greeted all other elderly Yadava men.
The queens of Dwarka descended their chariots as they were greeted according to rituals as well. Satyabhama and Draupadi shared an embrace together.
The sons of Krishna who were dancing came to pull in Krishna and Balarama as Krishna pulled along Yudhishthira.
" Not today Jyeshtha Bhrata , it's our children's wedding " , Krishna whispered even as Yudhishthira stood with a smile - giving in.
Krishna , Balarama and Yudhishthira together made Bhanu smile in absolute happiness even as he was on the chariot.
" Samba " , Bhanu looked at Samba who was still holding the umbrella over his head , " Don't you want to go join our siblings? ".
" No Bhrata , it's alright " , Samba spoke with a smile.
Before Bhanu could say more , Dhruv called out from below.
" Rajakumara , give me the opportunity to serve my friend too " , Dhruv spoke to Samba , " Please join in the royal princes and princesses ".
" No Dhruv "
" Samba " , Bhanu voiced as Samba signed with a shake of a head.
" Alright Bhrata , I am going " , Samba smiled making Bhanu smile. As he got down the chariot , he thanked Dhruv before joining the crew of his brothers.
" Jyeshtha , you? " , Bhanu voiced looking at Pradyumna.
" I will enter with you lal " , Pradyumna smiled , " Its been years , I saw our entire family and citizens this happy ".
" When were the happy such Bhrata? " , Bhanu had a smile as well.
" During our Pita's Vivaha or rather maybe, when they came into Dwarka for the first time ! " , Pradyumna smiled.
Soon , Krishna , Balarama and Yudhishthira went near the gates back.
Balarama raised his palm as Pradyumna smiled getting the gesture moving the chariot in front , the royal princes and princess giving way and halted the chariot.
As Bhanu was about to dismount , he found a pair of hands near his feet.
" Lal " , Bhanu whispered touched by Samba's love for him.
" Bhrata please " , Samba voiced even as Pradyumna descended. Bhanu looked at Pradyumna who nodded his head.
Bhanu placed his feet on Samba's palm even as he got down the chariot. Soon , Bhanu took Samba in his embrace - carassesing his hairs.
He came to stand in front even as everyone had smiles. Draupadi stepped forward with a ceremonial plate as she did the Thilaka and showered akshatas before proceeding with the aarti.
" Maharaja , this is the last time I am welcoming you with the honor of my son-in-law after this you will receive only the love for a son of this household " , Draupadi had a smile that was of mischief even as she handed the plate to the handmaiden beside , " Hope you won't have objections ! " .
Bhanu internally happy at the joy of Draupadi smiled willing to play along , " Objection , Samragni ? Maybe...".
He trailed as Draupadi's brows curved before Bhanu broke into a smile , " Offcourse not Maa , it's your right and by blessing. Also given - how dare I go against the one to whom even my emperor bows to ! ".
Bhanu's words made everyone present there break into laughter even as Draupadi shook her head before smiling affectionately.
" Kanhaiya , was Bhanu always adept of cracking humor like his father? " , Bhima whispered to Krishna who stood beside. " All of my sons exceptionally do well in humor Bhrata but it's not about me but my Ardhangini's " , Krishna whispered in the same tone even as Bhima laughed.
" Bhagini , Krishna says... " , Bhima spoke in a ouder tone even as Rukmini turned to Bhima though Krishna and Bhima had turned their gaze towards Bhanu.
" Bhrata , why put me in trouble? " , Krishna whispered - not looking in that direction even as Bhima tried suppressing his laughter.
Bhanu stepped forward even as Yudhisthira folded his palms in welcome as Bhanu folded his palms in the same manner gently bowing his head down. He greeted the other Pandavas before Babruvahana appeared to stand in front of him.
" Oh , YaduVeer - hear me out on why you must let go of celibacy. My sister , the heiress of Chakravarti Samrat Yudhisthira and Samragni Draupadi , the heart of PanduParivaara is regarded to be the one of the best princess of Aryavarta. She is beautiful , compassionate, ever - obedient , determined , a famed warrior , virtuous and strength- personified. Oh Dwarkapriya Rajakumara , she will be a wife that whom you would consider a blessing. She is born for you , to be yours alone Indraprasthaeshwar " , Babruvahana completed with a smile.
" Hearing these words , I declare to let go of my celibacy this instant " , Bhanu responded with a smile , internally imagining Suthanu's happy smile.
Babruvahana gestured for the plate to be brought even as he went on his knees to perform the ritual of washing the groom's feet.
' Shiva Shankara , as Mata AdiShakti supports us mortals in the form of Bhu Devi : may you always be beside my brother-in-law in every path of his life ! Keep him in your shelter Janaka and may you always protect him ' , Babruvahana prayed within his mind even as he affectionately wiped Bhanu's wet feet. Bhanu bowed down pouring the water on Babruvahana's hand even as Babruvahana smiled softly looking at the affection and respect Bhanu held for him.
As they both stood up - Bhanu joined his palms together , bowing down is head even as Babruvahana held them midway.
" What are you doing , Maharaja? " , Babruvahana's eyes widened.
Bhanu smiled , " I am more your brother-in-law at this hour , Maharaja. I respect our rituals but not at the cost of blind faith. I am a brother of 8 lovely sisters too Maharaja and I know your emotions at this moment because I have been there ".
" Bhaginipati , then call me Bhrata ! " , Babruvahana smiled , " The one who is going to hold my sister's hand has a place in my heart ".
Babruvahana and Bhanu shared an embrace even as everyone ended up in smiles.
" Rajakumara Bhanu " , Pradyumna came to stand beside , " Know that the one you are going to wed is the sister I dearly love but if I see ever tears in her eyes - you will find myself standing by Babruvahana with weapons ! ".
" Bhaginipati , what I couldn't say - Bhrata has said it " , Bhabruvahana had a mused smile.
" You both " , Bhanu pouted before breaking into a smile , " You won't have me standing in front of you alive if you witness such a day with Rajakumari in tears ! As long as I am living , I will ensure that I will never be the cause of her tears".
" BhaginiPati , it was in mere jest " , Babruvahana turned serious , " Never repeat what you spoke once again ! May even my life add onto yours and you live long ".
" Anything regarding your Gudiya Rani means more than life to me , Bhrata ! It can never be mere jest" , Bhanu had a smile before shifting the air into joy once again by whispering almost inaudibly , " But where is your Gudiya Rani? ".
" Lal " , Pradyumna nudged him with a mischief smile , " You will need to have patience ".
" Unfortunately or fortunately , I have been having that for years Jyeshtha but your sister has stolen it for me on this day " , Bhanu joked before solemnly whispering , " This is the day , we both had dreamt in all those years of darkness that has lead us towards this light ! That light of our love which is to now illuminate our lives for a lifetime ".
" You will not have to wait for long " , Pradyumna looked at the retreating figure of Yudhisthira and Draupadi even as Babruvahana excused himself. They would be going to escort Suthanu to the mandapam even as Bhima led the way for the procession to the place of the wedding.
' What's the dawn of this chapter of our life called , Pranesha?' , Suthanu's whisper last dusk echoed in Bhanu's ears. ' Krishna Saubhagya , the fortune blessed by the Lord of the universe for us ! ' , Bhanu's own voice fell into his ears even as he looked at Krishna who held his hands with a smile that welcomed a permanent waterfall of happiness.
" Krishna Saubhagya " , Suthanu repeated as she heard the arrival of her parents being announced !
To be continued...
A/N : I am so happy to be posting this on the day of MahaShivaratri. It wasn't planned in any way but a mere coincidence though it's something that I have entirely loved. I bow to Lord Shiva as the universe bows to him.
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