Chapter 22

Sadhvi 's pov :

Oh my God am I getting married to handsome stranger?

Wow.... I think I am really lucky to marry my crush.

I can see his grey eyes widening in shock. Did he recognize me??

I think he did recognized me. Because I can observe that change in his expression from blank to surprised.

My thoughts broke when the priest asked me to repeat his words.

I realized that I was staring at him without even caring about anything.

May be he thought I was checking him out.

I blushed at that thought.

I shyly bowed my head down and did the rituals priest asked me to do.

After that he called Siddarth to Sit in front of me.

They kept a cloth between us and asked us to keep Jeelakarra bellam on each others head.

It is a ritual where a paste of cumins and jaggery placed on a betel leaf.

It signifies that no one can make them apart.

And next priest asked him to tie a thali on my neck.

(in Telugu states... Groom will tie three knots of a yellow thread with a gold pendent on the neck of bride. It is like as sign of married woman. For us it is like mangalsutra. We wear black bead chain but it is not as compulsory as the Thali.)

And next a gold chain for which the gold pendant on the thali will be attached to it after few days.

And next to that is the black bead chain.

After that priest asked him to apply the vermilion on my hairline. Which he obliged. I closed my eyes feeling his hand on my head.... I can feel his breath near my neck.

And then the sapthapadi....where bride amd the groom walks seven steps together......

Every step signifies a vow they make to each other.

First step:Nourish each other

Second step:Be each other’s strength

Third step:Prosper and Stay Faithful

Fourth step:Love and Respect for families

Fifth step:Care for Children

Sixth step:To live a healthy and peaceful life

Seventh step:Bond of Friendship and Loyalty

After that was my most favorite one.... Thalambralu.

It is ritual where on the groom and bride shower each other with  a mixture of Jowar ,turmeric and rice.

It is like a competition of who showers the others more fastly.

After that was a toe ring ceremony.

I have to place my foot on a wooden block and Siddarth will place a ring on my second toe.

In South India thali, vermilion and toe rings are signs of a married woman.

And then was Arundhati nakshathra.

Where groom shows his bride the arundhati nakshathra.

(Arudhati was an ideal married woman.... So in every marriage they will show the bride arundhati nakshatra as a role model to her)

Finally the priest announced that we are married following all the rituals.

I can hear my stomach rumbling. I haven't had my breakfast as I had to fast till my marriage .It was for marriage to happen without any nuisance.

We sat on chairs and our relatives started coming one after the other.

They were congratulating us by saying happy married life.

But all my focus was on food so I was just smiling at them without even saying thanks for their wishes.

But can't blame me.... It was already 4 pm I had nothing except an apple from morning.

Then Geetha came on the stage with a huge smile on her lips..... I can see the teasing look in her eyes.

I know why she was doing that...

I was turning red.. I clasped my hands each other feeling anxious.

Now I just hope she will not ramble about my crush in front of him.

If she does that it would be so embarrassing that I could not even think about facing him.

She came towards me and hugged me very tightly that I had a difficulty in breathing.

U know I was never a touchy person.... I feel weird doing that. I don't hug even my friends... Mostly they side hug me.

She is really trying to choke me.

I patted on her back ....signalling her to release me.

She finally released me from that life sentence.

I can feel someone looking at me.... I followed those eyes...

He was looking at us with an amused look.

I just gave a small smile and diverted my attention to Geetha.

She said

" Happy married life honey....

Wish you and jeeju a loads of happiness "

I glared at her for calling him jeeju. It is awkward guys.... Sigh...

I said " Thank you dear... "

With a fake smile.

And she smirked at me.

God what is she up to?

She turned towards Siddarth and said

" Happy married life jeeju. You should be nice to my bestie.... If not I won't hesitate killing you. "

He just cleared his throat. May be he was also feeling awkward. I mean Geetha calling him jeeju.

And said "Thank you and I promise I will take care of her. "

I smiled at her protectiveness.... She always says that I am her little sister.

I don't know why? I mean i am just six months younger than her.... And she sees me as a kiddo sometimes.

Not only Geetha but also the other two.... When I ask about what they are speaking they just cut me of saying you are too younger for that conversation.

Common guys... I know everything. You don't need to treat me as a kid.

Just as Geetha left us a boy came towards us.

May be he is a friend of Siddarth.

He hugged Siddarth and wished him a happy marriage.

And then turned towards me.

He forwarded his hand for a shake. I hesitated at first but gave in finally...i would not look nice I have not done that. He may feel disrespected.

He shakes my hand and released it saying

"Wish you a very happy marriage Bhabhi... "

I blushed at the word Bhabhi..... I am new to that word.

And said "Thank you. "

As if remembered by something he started speaking.

"Oh Bhabhi I forgot to introduce myself... I am Adarsh.... Sid 's friend from childhood. Nice to meet you. "

I said " hello I'm Sadhvi. It was really nice meeting you" politely and smiled at him.

I can feel the sudden change in temperature but I just ignored it.

***

Guys can you guess why she suddenly felt cold??