The morning sun rose, heralding the D-day filled with traditions, emotions, and the promise of new beginnings. In the quiet confines of the orphanage, Ragini conducted the haldi ceremony for Sanju, infusing each moment with the warmth of familial bonds and the laughter of children eager to partake in the joy.

After a refreshing bath, Sanju found herself swathed in the wedding saree her tatha had given her. Ragini, with a gentle touch, adorned Sanju with jewelry that was given by her mother-in-law and a touch of light make-up. "You look like a godess, Sanju," Ragini whispered, a smile in her voice, though Sanju felt an unfamiliar weight upon her, unaccustomed as she was to such grandeur. Sanju proceeded to seek blessings from Parimala, expressing her deep gratitude for her support and guidance throughout this period. Turning to her tatha, who had tears glistening in his eyes at the sight of his granddaughter adorned as a bride, she received his blessings. "Sanju, you are the most radiant bride. I wish you a life brimming with happiness, peace, and love," he told her, his voice thick with emotion.

Before heading to the wedding venue, they made a detour to the Shri Ram temple, honoring Sanju's heartfelt wish. She stood there, hands folded, eyes closed, offering prayers for a harmonious married life filled with love, prosperity, and wellness for her new family and all those she held dear back at the orphanage. The serenity of the temple provided a moment of calm before the whirlwind of the day's events.On their way to the wedding venue, the car was filled with an air of solemnity and anticipation. "Tatha, I'm... I'm nervous," Sanju admitted, her voice barely a whisper against the hum of the road."Don't be, child," her tatha reassured, his hand finding hers, "You're stepping into a new chapter, blessed by Lord Ram himself. You will have a wonderful life ahead magu"

Arriving at the wedding venue, the transition from the orphanage's familiarity to the grandeur of the Kulkarni household was overwhelming. Ragini guided her through the garden, whispering encouragements as they approached the special secluded space for the Gouri Puja.Meanwhile, the Kulkarni residence was a hive of activity and emotion. Bhargav, amidst the haldi laughter and familial teasing, found himself ensnared in memories of past preparations, each reminiscent moment sharpening the edge of his anxiety.

Accompanied by Vijay and Ragini, Ashok Rao presents Bhargav with the traditional dhoti intended for the wedding ceremony. Bhargav, showing his respect, bows to Ashok Rao, "Bless me, tatha." Pleased by Bhargav's display of respect and culture, Ashok Rao offers his blessings warmly. Then, he joins Narasimha near the wedding pavilion for a friendly chat.

As Bhargav stood solemnly, trying to mask his pre-wedding jitters with a facade of calm, Raghav sidled up to him, a mischievous glint in his eye. Vijay, ever the instigator of light-hearted mischief, joined the duo, ready to inject some humor into the tense atmosphere.Raghav nudged Bhargav lightly, breaking the ice with, "So, anna, feeling ready to take the plunge? Or do we need to fetch a parachute for you, just in case?"Vijay chimed in, his tone playful, "I heard cold feet can be cured with a good run. How about a sprint around the block, Bhargav? It might just shake off the nerves—or lead you straight to the altar faster!"Bhargav, caught off guard by their banter, couldn't help but crack a smile. "I think I'll manage without the sprint, thank you. But keep a parachute ready, just in case," he retorted, his spirits lifted by their jesting.Raghav laughed, clapping Bhargav on the back. "That's the spirit! Just remember, we're all here for you, Anna. This is the start of something beautiful."Their laughter and camaraderie filled the air, momentarily dispelling Bhargav's anxieties and reminding him of the support system surrounding him on this monumental day. 

The arrival of Shruthi and her family added another layer of warmth to the gathering, with Shruthi joining Sanju and Ragini for the Gouri puja, invoking the goddess's blessings for Sanju's new journey.

As the rituals progressed, the moment for Sanju to join the mandap arrived. Guided by Vijay and Ragini, her nervousness was palpable, her head bowed in shyness, barely registering the crowd of well-wishers around her. Taking her place opposite Bhargav, the symbolic silk cloth, or antarpata, veiled the direct view between them, heightening the anticipation of their first glance at one another.

Something like this:

The tradition of placing the betel leaf, symbolizing who would wield greater influence in their union, infused the ceremony with a playful tension. As they prepared for the reveal, Bhargav's towering stature gave him a swift edge, securing his position effortlessly. However, the instant the barrier between them vanished, Sanju's eyes, lifting shyly, found Bhargav's. In that moment, she gently positioned her betel leaf atop Bhargav's head, capturing his complete attention. Bhargav, poised to return the gesture, found himself unexpectedly immobilized, his gaze locked with Sanju's. Engulfed by her innocence and captivating beauty, he was spellbound, the world around him fading away. "So, you're the enigma I've been trying to decipher," he whispered under his breath, a sense of wonder enveloping him. Sanju, her face warming with a blush, modestly averted her gaze. Raghav's gentle prod reminded Bhargav to complete the ritual, snapping him back to reality as he delicately placed the leaf upon Sanju. Yet, his yearning to dive back into those eyes remained, even as Sanju modestly resisted his gaze.

Sanju's mind raced with thoughts as she noticed Bhargav's intense stare. "Why does he look so stern, like my high school headmaster? Oh Lord Shri Ram, I hope he's kind-hearted and gentle like you, not fierce like the ugra roopa (angry form) of Lord Narasimha," she silently prayed, yearning for a partner with a soft disposition amidst her nervous anticipation.

Bhargav's desire to lock eyes with her again is unmistakable, yet she hesitates, shyly keeping her eyes cast down. The exchange of garlands, usually a smooth tradition, unfolded with a mix of clumsiness and charm. Bhargav effortlessly looped his garland over Sanju, but she, at a height disadvantage of 1 foot, found herself stretching in vain to reach him. Unyielding, Bhargav stood taller, adding to the challenge until Vijay stepped in, hoisting Sanju slightly, facilitating her attempt. This intervention sparked laughter and warmth among their watching families, turning the moment into one of joy and connection.

As the pivotal moment of kanyadaan arrived, Vijay and Ragini gently placed Sanju's hands, cupped and trembling, into Bhargav's steady palms. Nested within their joined hands lay a coconut and a small idol of Lakshmi Narayan, symbols of prosperity and divine blessings. As Vijay and Ragini poured milk over the idol, they symbolically entrusted their beloved Sanju to Bhargav, marking a sacred transfer of care and protection.

Sanju's anxiety about her future manifested in the chill of her hands and the uncontrollable shiver that ran through her. Bhargav, upon feeling the light touch of Sanju's cold hands, experienced a jolt of connection, a shared current that seemed to bridge their lives in that instant. Noticing her apprehension, he gently began to warm her hands with his, his index fingers tenderly stroking hers beneath their joined hands. This subtle gesture of reassurance eased Sanju's nerves significantly, silently thanking the divine for this moment of comfort and connection amidst the rituals.

Sanju is then made to sit next to Bhargav. Bhargav found himself enveloped in the delicate fragrance of jasmine. The scent triggered a fleeting memory, a brief flashback to the kind-hearted girl with the long braid. "It's just my mind playing tricks," he thought, dismissing the connection as he attributed the fragrance to his bride, adorned with jasmine flowers.The solemnity of the moment deepened as Bhargav prepared to tie the mangalsutra around Sanju's neck, a symbol of their union. As he did so, his fingers accidentally brushed against her skin, causing her to tense up instantly. The subtle reaction didn't escape Bhargav's notice, a mischievous smirk spreading across his face at her sensitivity to his touch. Unbeknownst to them, this fleeting interaction, charged with unspoken communication and a hint of unintentional intimacy, was captured by the wedding photographer, freezing a moment of their budding connection for eternity. 

Bhargav then delicately applies sindhoor along the parting of Sanju's hair, and no it doesn't fall on her nose. The ritual continues with Bhargav adorning Sanju's feet with toe rings. They then shower each other's heads with colored rice followed by tying of Sanju's saree to Bhargav's shawl, physically binding them together as they step into the next phase of the ceremony.

As they approach the sacred fire for the agni pooja, Bhargav envelops Sanju in a protective embrace from behind, both their hands clasped around a bamboo basket, ready to offer grains to the divine flame. In that instant, Sanju's heart races, her body alight with a flurry of sensations she's never known. Feeling Bhargav's warmth envelop her, and his arms securely wrap around, Sanju experiences a rush of sensations she's never known before. This unprecedented proximity to a man leaves her both exhilarated and deeply self-conscious, embarrassed and concerned about the perception of the elders witnessing their intimate moment. Bhargav, meanwhile, finds himself savoring the closeness with Sanju. Her delicate soothing jasmine scent, the perfect fit of her body against his, and her responses to his touch fill him with a sense of excitement to see what the future holds for their upcoming night together.

Something like this:

Having circled the sacred fire seven times hand in hand, the wedding ceremony reaches its conclusion. Bhargav's family is ecstatic, celebrating the marriage of their long-standing bachelor. Ashok Rao breathes a sigh of relief, content in knowing Sanju has found her partner in life. As the wedding ceremony concludes, Shruthi and her parents prepare to depart for a family commitment, the very reason they were unable to perform the kanyadaan for Sanju. Despite her disappointment at not being able to support her friend more closely on her wedding day, Shruthi leaves with her family, carrying with her the joy of witnessing Sanju's new beginning.

Authors Notes: 

The next chapter will be a continuation of post wedding fun rituals. Again I will be covering the Karnataka perspective of postwedding activities. Unlike north, we have our weddings during morning hours. So most of the things are completed on the day of the wedding including the reception. Let me know if you need more clarity on any of the rituals mentioned in any of my chapters.