The next day marked the divine festival of Dhanteras.
As the first golden ray of the Dhanteras sun filtered through the sheer curtains, the mansion looked nothing short of a dream come alive-majestic, serene, and touched by tradition.
The architecture stood bold and magnificent-clean, minimalist glass walls blending seamlessly with smooth sandstone, a beautiful union of modern elegance and Rajasthani soul. At every step, one could feel the heartbeat of Rajasthan pulsing through the details.
On the sleek glass doorway, a traditional Rajasthani toran-woven with marigold flowers, mango leaves, and shimmering mirror-thread work-welcomed each guest with warmth and festivity. Flanking the entrance were two exquisitely designed brass Kalash (urns) brimming with water and fresh mango leaves, symbolizing prosperity and abundance.
A dedicated puja nook had been arranged for the occasion. A pristine white marble platform bore a silver idol of Lakshmi ji and Lord Dhanvantari, radiating grace and divinity. The backdrop was adorned with a hand-painted Pichwai tapestry depicting cows, blooming lotuses, and Lord Krishna in celebratory moods-a symphony of devotion and art.
Garlands of fresh marigolds hung from every corner, mingling with the gentle chime of brass bells and the soft tendrils of incense smoke, creating an atmosphere steeped in sacredness.
The family was abuzz with excitement, immersed in preparations-decorating the mandir, preparing sweets, and giggling over memories. Dadi Saa presided over it all with loving authority, guiding every detail with the precision of a queen.
Everyone was dressed in traditional finery. Shashi wore a flowing gown in a deep, regal red. The fabric was rich and luxurious, adorned with intricate golden embroidery across the bodice, sleeves, and hem-each stitch telling a story of elegance.
She and Dhritu were at the entrance, fully immersed in crafting a magnificent rangoli. The two of them, glowing like the morning sun, were laughing softly as their fingers worked in rhythm, placing every hue with care. This was their element-they loved doing it together.
"Bhabhi, yahaan kya banaayein? Yeh jagah khaali hai," Shashi asked, tilting her head thoughtfully.
([Bhabhi, what should we make here? This space is empty.])
"Main jo design banaa rahi hoon, wahi bana do yahaan," Dhritu replied, pointing.
([Make the same design I'm making here.])
Lost in their creative world, neither of them noticed the two pairs of eyes fixed on them from the entrance of the mansion. It was Aadarsh and Aakash, both quietly admiring their beloveds.
"Sundar hai na," Aadarsh whispered.
([Beautiful, isn't she?])
"Bohot," Aakash replied without breaking his gaze.
([Very.])
Shashi and Dhritu, unaware of their audience, smiled in satisfaction at their completed rangoli. Just then, Aakriti arrived carrying a silver tray of oil lamps. The trio placed the diyas around the pattern and took off the buri nazar (evil eye).
The rangoli shimmered on the floor-a vibrant tapestry of patterns and flowers, with glowing diyas casting a golden halo over their art.
"Bohot sundar banayi hai," Aakriti praised.
"Thanks!" Dhritu smiled, while Shashi bowed in humble gratitude.
"Chalo, ab jaake taiyaar ho jao. Shaam ki pooja karni hai," said Dadi Saa, walking in just then.
([Come on now, go get ready. We have to perform the evening prayer.])
"Dadi Saa, rangoli to dekho kaisi bani hai," Dhritu pouted playfully.
([Dadi Saa, at least admire the rangoli first!])
"Bohot sundar. Bilkul tum dono ki tarah," she smiled.
([Very beautiful. Just like the two of you.])
"Waise Dhritu aur Shashi, tumhare pati subah se tum dono ko dhoondh rahe the," she added with a teasing smile.
([By the way, Dhritu and Shashi, your husbands have been looking for you since morning.])
Both of them shrugged innocently.
"Wahan dekhiye Dadi Saa, dono aashiq kaise apni biwiyon ko taad rahe hain," Aakriti said, pointing toward the doorway.
([Look there, Dadi Saa, how both the lovers are staring at their wives!])
Indeed, Aadarsh and Aakash were still lost in admiration.
"Aadu to pehle se hi aisa hai... Yeh Chikoo ko pata nahi kis Majnu ka bhoot sawar hai," Aakriti laughed.
([Aadu has always been like this... And Chikoo, I don't know which romantic ghost has possessed him!])
"Jo bhi ho, ab jao taiyaar ho jao aur apne in aashiqon ko bhi le jao," Dadi Saa said with a smirk.
([Whatever it is, now go get ready and take your lovers with you!])
The girls giggled and walked inside. Like butterflies drawn to flowers, the men followed-hopelessly enchanted.
Shashi entered her room and opened the delicate bag her mother-in-law had given her. Aakash was sitting on the bed, observing her with quiet affection.
"A... Aakash," she called, a little hesitantly.
"Hmm?" he replied, voice calm and soft.
"Mumma ne saree di hai," she said, holding it up.
([Mumma has given me this saree.])
It was a vivid weave of blue and purple, interlaced with intricate golden threads that shimmered like stardust. The fabric was pure Banarasi silk-soft, lustrous, and noble. The kind of saree that spoke of artistry and heritage.
"Achhi nahi lagi kya?" he asked.
([Don't you like it?])
"Nahi... saree bohot achhi hai par..." she paused.
([No, the saree is very beautiful but...])
"Toh phir jhijhak kyun?" he asked gently.
([Then why hesitate?])
"Mujhe pehnani nahi aati," she admitted, voice cracking a little.
([I don't know how to wear it.])
"Hey, hey! Don't be sad. I'll ask bhabhi to help you," he offered immediately.
"Nahi Aakash... woh already bohot busy hongi," she said softly.
([No Aakash... she must already be so busy.])
"Toh kya karein ab?" he asked, genuinely concerned.
([So what should we do now?])
"Seekh lena chahiye tha pehle se... ab samajh mein aata hai," she sighed, burying her face in her hands.
([I should have learned this earlier... now I understand.])
He knelt beside her, lifting her face gently.
"Please don't cry. Okay, let's try something. Only if you're comfortable-shall I help you?" he asked, his voice low and sincere.
"Tumhe aati hai saree pehnani?" she blinked.
([You know how to drape a saree?])
"Internet will help us, baby. Now go freshen up," he smiled and patted her cheek.
She nodded and walked into the washroom.
When she returned, towel in hand, she found Aakash holding the saree in one hand, his iPad placed on the bed playing a tutorial.
"Here, wear the underskirt and blouse. Take this," he said, passing them to her.
She returned, dressed in the blouse and underskirt. The moment he heard the doorknob turn, he closed his eyes.
"Aankhein kyun band karli?" she teased.
([Why did you close your eyes?])
"Tum uncomfortable feel karogi," he replied honestly.
([You might feel uncomfortable.])
"Agar uncomfortable hoti toh tumse help hi nahi maangti, Aakash. Aankhein kholo. Waise bhi yeh skin toh skirts aur tops mein bhi dikh jaati hai," she said with a smirk.
([If I were uncomfortable, I wouldn't ask for your help, Aakash. Open your eyes. Besides, this much skin shows even with skirts and tops.])
"Pakka?" he asked again.
([Are you sure?])
"Haan baba... now be quick," she grinned.
([Yes, silly... now hurry up.])
With slight hesitation, he opened his eyes.
The draping process that followed was chaotic yet adorable-fabric slipping, laughter echoing, pins being passed with nervous hands.
"Aakash, hold this," she said, giving him the pin.
"Now pin it here," she pointed at her shoulder.
He secured the pallu with delicate fingers.
"Wow," he whispered, looking at her in awe.
She glanced at her reflection in the mirror and raised an eyebrow.
"Perfect. Bilkul apsara lag rahi ho," he breathed.
([Perfect. You look just like a celestial beauty.])
"Ab jao, tum bhi change kar lo," she said, blushing.
([Now go change too.])
He gave her one last loving glance, did a nazar utaarna (evil eye removal) gesture with curled fingers and cracking knuckles, and headed to the washroom.
When he emerged, wearing a traditional kurta, he looked nothing short of royal.
Shashi's heart whispered:
"Aaj lagta hai, mere paas ghar hai. Apna ghar. Apne log. Jo sach mein mujhe apna maante hain."
([Today, it feels like I have a home. My own home. My people, who truly see me as one of their own.])
As the auspicious hour (muhurat) for the Dhanvantari pooja and Yamadeepdaan approached, everyone was dressed to the nines. In the glow of celebration, Shashi brought out her camera, capturing every magical moment-Aarav running around with laddoos, Agastya chasing after him.
Just as they were about to step into the puja space, an unfamiliar sound caught their attention.
It was the sound of footsteps-heavy, rhythmic, deliberate. Like fifty people walking together... but there was only one set of footsteps. The echo bounced through the walls of the mansion like a heartbeat of something powerful.
A hush fell. Heads turned.
And then, from the gateway, a silhouette appeared-mesmerizing, mysterious, commanding. Every breath paused.
Something was about to change
_____________________________________
Hey lovlies thank for reading
Hope you all liked the chapter I'm working hard each day and trying to improve my
self please forgive me if i do mistakes and you all have authority to pinpoint my mistakes i have no problem with that
The next chapter is HOT
~the way to get spoilers
🖤🩶🤍
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