Chapter 18

After that, everyone goes and gets ready for the post wedding rituals. Sameer and Vansh were told to do all the preparation for this ritual.

"Arre wah sari taiyariya ho gayi rasam ki. Shabash Vansh aur Sameer!" Meenaviti said as she came to the living room after getting ready.

[Great, all the preparations are done! Good work, Vansh and Sameer]

"Thank you, dadi sa. Aapko pasand aaya na?" Vansh asked.

[You liked it?]

"Bohot zyada. Bohot accha kam kiya tum dono ne" Meenavati said.

[Yes, a lot. You both did a great work]

Soon, everyone came to the hall except the newly wedded couple.

"Aree kaha rehe gayi ye dono?" Rohini asked.

[Where are those two?]

"Aa he rahe honge maa sa. Naye couple hai, aap samjho zara" Apeksha said and teased, making everyone laugh.

[They must be coming. They are newly wedded they need some time alone]

"Aree ye lo aa gaye humare love birds" Ekansh said as he saw Siya and Raghav coming down the stairs.

[Here they come our love birds]

"Chalo Vansh ab aur der nahi karte, uss bade bowl mei doodh aur thode petals aur thoda pani dalo" Meera said and Vansh started doing that.

[Okay, without any further ado, Vansh adds the milk and water in that big bowl along with some flower petals]

"Dadi sa jo ring pehele dundega uska shadi mei upper hand hoga, ye kaisa logic hai?" Sameer asked.

[Whoever will find the ring first will have the upper hand in the married life, grandma. What kind of logic is that?]

"Jaha vishwas hota hai na beta waha tark ki koi jagah kabhi kabhi nahi hoti" She said.

[Logic need not always be there, where faith residents]

"Par dadi har rasam ki koi na koi wajah zarur hoti hai" Veer said.

[But grandma, every ritual has some type of meaning behind it]

"Yes, of course hota hai par ab itne generation pehele ki rasam hai ye tho thoda thoda karke uska real meaning chupta gaya aur ab hum bas ye rasam karte hai"

[Yes, of course there is. But as time went by, little by little, the meaning of this ritual was left behind, and now we only do this ritual without knowing the actual meaning behind it]

"Dadi-Dada sa aapke shadi k time jab ye rasam hui thi tab kon jeta tha?" Akshita asked.

[Grandma grandpa when you both did this ritual, who won?]

"Hmm... who tho secret hai, badmei bataugi" Menavati said.

[That's a secret I'll tell you later]

"Bataiye na dada sa" Aksheta asked.

[Please tell us grandma]

"Kaha na secret hai badmei batauga" Bhumik said.

[I said right I'll tell you afterward]

"Rohini, where is the ring?" Menavati asked.

"Ye rahi maa sa" She said and gave her the ring.

[Here it is]

"Ye lo Sameer, isko uss bowl mei dal do" Menavati said, and Sameer did it.

[Take this Sameer, keep it in that bowl]

"Aao dono ye bowl ke aapne saamne baitho" Meera said, and Raghav and Siya sat on the opposite sides of the bowl.

[You both come here, sit on either side of this bowl facing each other]

"Lo tho anghuthi hummne andar dal di hai, ab mai teen tak ginugi, uske baad aap log haath is dudh wale pani mei daloge aur ring dhundoge" Menavati said with a wide smile making everyone excited. Raghav and Siya both nodded.

[So the ring is already in the bowl, I'll count till three, and then you both will search for the ring in this milk water with one hand]

"Thik hai, teen....do....ek. Go!" Both of them started searching the ring while the others were cheering and taking sides.

[Okay, three... two....one. Go!]

"Come on bhabhi! Dekha do bhaiya ko unko puri life aapki baat manni padegi!" Vansh said. "Yes bhabhi!" Sameer agreed with him.

[Show our brother that he will have to agree to your words his whole life]

"Nahi! Raghav jaldi ring dhund, dekha de meri nayi devrani ji ko ki tera is shadi mei uppar ka haath hai" Apeksha said and Akshita supported him.

[No! Raghav, come on, find the ring, let Siya know that you have the upper hand in this marriage]

While they both were searching for the rings, their hands kept on touching, making their hearts flutter. Raghav sensuality brushed Siya's hand in the milk water, making her blush, and Raghav smirked. Raghav grabbed SIya's hand once, making her eyes pop out, but he soon left it. They both searched for the rings while staring in each others eyes and smiling occasionally.

"Come on, Siya, ye Raghav ko jetne mat dena" Ekansh said.

[Come on, Siya, don't let Raghav win]

"Je hai jetegi tho meri beti he" Manav said.

[Yes, my daughter will win, obviously]

"Wah, bahu aai tho apne bete ko paraya kar diya, mai tho Raghav ke said hu" Rohini taunted.

[Wow, you forgot your son after getting a daughter-in-law]

"Aree mai tho hamesha se Siya ke side he tha mujhe pata hai mera beta nalayak hai Siya ke comparision mei" Manav said making everyone laugh.

[I was always on Siya's side, I know my lame excuse of a son is nothing compared to Siya]

"Dekho biwiji aapne mere papa chen liye mujhse. Ab tho mujhe jeetna he hoga" Raghav said to Siya, and everyone laughed at their cute interaction.

[Look what you did, wifey. You took my father away from me. Now, the only way out for me is to win this game]

"Aapne bhi tho meri Sameera didi ko apne side kar liye tha Ahemdabad mei. Mai tho uska badla lugi aur ye game jitugi" Siya said.

[You too took my sister on your side. I'll get my revenge, I'll win this]

"Hai hai khayali pulav pakao aur khao" Raghav said.

[Yes, you can daydream about it all you want]

"We will see who wins" They both said at the same time.

After a good minute, they both found the ring at the same time and picked it up together. Everyone started clapping.

"Ye hui na baat, isse kehete hai takkar ki jodi. Manti hu aap dono ke story ka start kuch upar neeche tha par, jo aasani se ho jaye who ishqbaazi he kya? aap sab puch rahe the na ki mere aur aappke dada sa ke beech kon jeta tha. Tab bhi yahi hua tha, hum dono ko ek saath anghuthi mili thi" Menavati explained.

[Wow, now that's called a pair of equals. I know your story started on uneven grounds, but what kind of a love story is it if it's easy? You all were asking who won between me and your grandfather. What happened today was the same as what happened with us. We both, too, found the ring at the same together]

"Wah kya jodi hai,na koi zyada aur na koi kam dono ki barabari" Bhumik said.

[What an incredible pair! No one is above or below the other. Both are equal]

"Chalo ab last rasam karte hai usske baad sabko muh dekhai ke liye bhi taiyaar hona hai" Meera said.

[Okay, time for the last ritual, after that we also have to get ready for muh dekhai]

"Par last rasam hai kya?" Akshita asked.

[What's the last ritual?]

"Iss rasam mei bhabhi apne devar ki pitai karti hai" Meera said, making Sameer and Vansh shocked and others laughed.

[In this ritual, bhabhi will hit his devar]

"Par maa sa hummne aise koi rasam Ekansh bhaisa aur Veer bhaisa ke shaddi ke baad tho nahi ki thi" Raghav said.

[But mom, you didn't perform any such rituals during Veer or Ekansh's weddings]

"Hai kyuki ye rasam Siya ke ghar mei karte hai aur ab Siya humare ghar ka hissa hai tho uske ghar ki rasamei bhi tho karni chahie humme" Menavati explained and everyone nodded.

[Yes, because this ritual is performed in Siya's family. Now that Siya is a part of our house, her rituals are a part of us too]

"Siya bhabhi maa humne kabhi aapko pareshan kiya hai?" Sameer asked. "Ji bhabhi maa aap tho humare team mei hai na" Vansh said.

[Siya bhabhi maa, have we ever done something wrong to you?]

[Bhabhi maa, you are a part of our team, right?]

"Arree beta kyu ghabra rahe ho, neem ki dali se thoda sa dhere marna hai bus" Meera explained.

[Sons, why are you so scared? Siya won't actually hit you. She'll just touch you a little with a Neem branch]

"Par kyuu??" They both whined.

[But why??]

"Beta aisa kehete hai ke devar hamesha bhabhio ke ladle aur pyare hote hai, tho unke pyar ko kisiki nazar na lage isleye ye karte hai" Rohini explained.

[It's said that devars are very beloved and loved by their bhabhi and to protect this love from evil eye bhabhi strikes their devars with a Neem branch]

"Ye sahi hai jo cute ho usko maro" Sameer huffed.

[Wow, just great. You hit the one who's the cutest]

"Aree Sameer Vansh, kuch nahi hoga chalo come on" Akshita and Apekha cheered them.

[Come on Sameer Vansh, it's nothing]

"Vaise tum dono ek trick bhi kar sakte ho" Manav said, making the duo's eyes light up.

[Well, their is a trick that you can use]

"Kya?" They asked.

[What??]

"Tumhari bhabhi aakho pe patti bandh ke tumhe marne aaegi, tho tum unse bachke bhag sakte ho. Lagi tho lagi, bach gaye tho bach gaye" Devang said.

[Siya will be blindfolded so you can run and be safe from her. If it works, then good for you or else nothing]

"In dono ki acche se pitai karna Siya. Bachne nahi chahie dono bilkul" Raghav said.

[Make sure you hit them nicely, Siya. Dont spare them at all]

"Kitne kharab ho aap hukum" She said to him.

[You're so bad, hukum]

"Voh tho hai" Raghav said and smirk.

[That I am]

"Nahi Siya sach mei acche se marna dono ko subhe se nak mei dum karke rakha hai" Veer said.

[No, Siya, really beat the hell out of them. They're so I  need of that after what they did today morning]

"Hai Siya, kash koi aise rasam hoti jismei teen bade bhai do chote bhaio ko maar sakte" Ekansh said.

[Yes, Siya. I wish there was a ritual in which 3 elder brother's get to hit their 2 younger brothers]

"Voh tho aap roz he karte hai bhaisa" Vansh said.

[You do that every day]

"Accha tho abhi karu kya?" Ekansh threatened them.

[Okay, so should I do it now?]

"Nahi nahi, sorry aaj hum sirf bhabhi ma nahi sirf Siya bhabhi maa ki mar khaenge" Sameer said.

[No, today we will just get beatings from our bhabhi maa,... no, our Siya bhabhi maa]

"Bhabhi maa dheere please" They both requested.

[Bhabhi ma, please be kind to us]

"Ofcourse, mai aap dono ko aise kaise mar sakti hu bhaisa. Mai dhayn rakhugi don't worry" Siya assured.

[Of course, I won't hit you both. You both are like my elder brothers. I'll be mindful of that, don't worry]

"Thik hai phir chalega par hum bandhege bhabhi maa ke aakho par patti" Sameer said.

[Okay than that's alright, but we will blindfold you]

"Manzur hai" Siya said, and the rasam started.

[Accepted]

Siya is blindfolded while holding a Neem branch.

"Vansh, Sameer run!" Manav told them, and they started running around in the hall.

All the family members form a big circle around the three trapping Vansh and Sameer in it with Siya. Siya followed the sounds of their footsteps along with the directions given by the family members. She continuously kept swaying the branch from left to right in hopes of touching them with it.

Raghav smired at Veer and Ekansh, and they understood the plan. Veer and Raghav went and held Sameer while Ekansh held Vansh. Siya lightly striked Sameer with the branch and went towards Vansh. But Vansh somehow escaped, making Siya run behind the footsteps. She swung the branch in her hand with extra force, making that branch hit Vansh a little too hard than expected.

"ARGHHH!! Bhabhi maa kyu??!!" Vansh whined, making Siya remove her blindfold. She saw Vansh on the floor and understood what had happened. She went towards Vansh and sat beside him. While his four brothers were busy laughing.

"Sorry sorry sorry Vansh bhaisa. It wasn't intentional. Aap kyu bhage? Aap Sameer bhaisa ko pucheiye maine nahi mare unhe" Siya explained herself.

[Why did you run away?? Look Sameer bhaisa didn't he stood the, he isn't hurt at all]

"Aab kya sorry bhabhi maa ab tho mar pad gayi" Vansh said.

[What's the use of that sorry now that I'm hurt?]

"Sorry na Vansh bhaisa" Siya said h, lding her ears.

"Vansh tujhe itni acche se mar padi hai ki kabhi bhi nazar lagegi he nahi" Apeksha joked m, king the elders laugh.

[Good thing now any evil eye won't ever hunt you because of this beating Vansh]

"Maza aa gaya Siya aaj" Ekansh said a, d Siya looked down in embarrassment.

[It was awesome S, Siya. m so happy. You made my day]

After that everybody fefedach other sweets. They were enjoying the music and having a fun time together.

"Chalo chalo sab apne kamre mai jao thodi der rest kar lo aur Siya beta tum bhi change kar lo thodi der mei mumuhekhai hai" Meera said and Siya nodded.

[Okay now we should all go to our room and get some rest. Siya child you should start getting ready for the function]

The function started and Siya had no time to rest before it. She was getting bored as hell because her bhabhis were resting in their rooms and her devars were busy eating.

"Badi sundar bahu hai Rohini, nazar na lage tumhe beta" another unknown lady said, and I smiled. I hate being in a room with so many unknown people!

[Your daughter-in-law is very beautiful, Rohini. May God keep you away from any evil eyes]

"Ladki tho acchi hai par Rohini humare Tia mei kya burai thi? Hum tho aae the uska rishta leke tho kisi parai ladki se kyu shadi karai humare Raghav ki" Another woman said with a sweet smile but venomous words.

[She's good, but our Tia wasn't bad either. You didn't chose Tia for Raghav but went and got him married to a girl who isn't known to any of us]

"Voh kya hai na Raghav ko Siya he pasand aai. Usse aur koi ladki mei interest he nahi tha. Aakhir kyu na ho humari Siya lakho mei ek jo hai" Rohini said with a sweet smirk.

[The thing is that Raghav only had his eyes on Siya. He didn't even want to look at any other girl. I get it why he's like that because our Siya is one in a million]

"I'm sorry Siya you have to hear all of that. Just some more minutes and then ots over" Meera said to her, and Siya just nodded with a smile.

Their were some ladies that were burning in jealousy seeing that the Raghuvanshi's already have two beautiful and virtuous daughter-in-laws and the new one is also like the other two, beautiful, lovely, sanskari, innocent  and intelligent.

It was already 7 pm, and finally, the muh dekhai came to an end.

"Siya mujhe pata hai aaj ka din bohot tiring hai tumhare liya but aab sirf reception hai. Aur tumhe jaldi se ready hona padega kyuki reception mei bohot log hoge aur tum dono ko media ke liye bhi photos lene padege" Rohini explained.

[Siya, I know it's been a tiring day for you, but now only reception is left. You'll have to get ready for the reception, there will be a lot of people and you will have to take photos for the media]

"It's okay, maa sa. I'll go get ready" Siya said and went to her room to change. After changing, she went to one of the guest bedrooms where there was a hair and makeup artist.

After getting ready, she went to her bedroom and saw Raghav there.

"I'm ready" Siya said while looking at Raghav.

"You look gorgeous, Siya. I guess you just took my breath away" Raghav said as he walked to her.

He kept his hands on either side of Siya's waist and kissed her temple.

"You're looking so handsome, and look, we are matching" Siya said with a broad smile.

"Yes we are" Raghav said, reciprocating the smile.

Siya rested her head on Raghav's chest, and they both shared a moment of pure silence. After a minute, Siya said, "Hukum, it's such a tiring day, but I'm enjoying it"

"Are you?" He asked.

"Okay, except the taunts from those unknown women at muh dekhai. It's all good" Siya said, and Raghav hugged. He drew imaginary circles on her back to comfort her.

"Hukum stop or else I might fall asleep here" Siya joked.

"Okay, we should head down now" Raghav said a bit said.

"I don't wanna go" Siya whined.

"I don't want to either, but we have to" Raghav said with a tight smile. They both went to the hall where the party was held.

"Oh too many people" Siya mumbled.

"It's okay, I'll deal with them. After some time, you can go be with someone who you would like to hang out with. I'm sorry, but I will have to meet almost all of them" Raghav said.

"It's alright, we will get through it" Siya said and sighed. They both entered and became the center of attraction.

After some time, Siya left Raghav's side and went to Meera and Rohini. They were talking but were interrupted by a bunch of women and all gi busy in unwanted small talks and fake smiles.

SIYA'S POV

I feel so tired. This music is giving me a headache. It's so loud! I'm feeling suffocated in between all these people. My dress is feeling too tight and uncomfortable.

It's getting hard to breath, I need some space.

"I'll be back soon, byee" I said to the bunch of ladies I was with.

Meera maa looked at me and silently asked if I was okay and I just nodded.

I went to an empty hallway and rested my back on the wall.

Okay Siya, everything is fine, the music isn't loud here. Calm down. Deep breath okay, deep breath.

Okay think about good thoughts, good thoughts. Damn it!

My one hand was on my chest, hoping that would calm my heart but it was of no use.

"Bhabhi maa?? Are you okay? What happened?"  I heard a voice and saw Sameer bhaisa and Veer bhaisa.

"Bhaisa, I don't feel well" I said honestly.

"Kya hua bhabhi maa?" Sameer bhaisa asked.

[What's wrong, bhabhi maa?]

"Pata nahi dil bohot ghabrane laga tha hall mei isleye mai yaha aa gayi. But ab bohot weakness feel ho rahi hai" I said but my voice was a bit shaky.

[I don't know exactly, but I was getting jitters when I was there in the hall, and now I feel very weak and tired]

"Vansh, take Siya to her room. I'll go search for Raghav and bring him there" Veer bhaisa said and Vansh bhaisa nodded.

"Siya beta dyan rakhna apna okay?" Veer bhaisa said and nodded with a small smile. He left, and then Sameer bhai held my hand so that I can balance myself properly. He took me to my room.

[Siya take care of yourself dear, okay?]

I was sitting on the side of the bed, Sameer bhaisa passed me a glass of water.

AUTHOR'S POV

When Veer told Raghav that Siya wasn't feeling well, Raghav rushed towards their bedroom.

As soon as Raghav saw Siya sitting on the side of the bed drinking water. He went towards her and knelt in front of her and held her hands.

"Kya hua? Achanak se weakness kaise? Doctor ko bulau?" Raghav asked.

[What happened? How are you suddenly feeling unwell? Shoul I call a doctor?]

"Nahi, it's okay now, who neeche music aur itne saare log upar se aaj subhe se kuch na kuch ho raha tha isleye proper rest nahi mila isleye shayad" Siya explained while Raghav checked her temperature.

[No its alright, I guess it was because of the loud music and just too many people. Also i didn’t get a chance to rest properly]

"Tumne last kab khaya tha?" Raghav asked.

[When did you last eat?]

"Duphar ko maine methai khai thi" Siya said.

[Afternoon, I had some sweets]

"Siya proper khana kab khaya tha? Proper khane ka matlab sirf methai ka ek piece nahi hota. Mai puch raha hu last kab acche se khana khaya tha?" Raghav said.

[Siya I'm talking about a proper meal not a piece of dessert. When did you have your last meal?]

"Subhe breakfast mei" Siya said timidly.

[In morning, breakfast]

"Aur Pura din kuch nahi?" Raghav asked worried. Siya just nodded.

[Just that? And nothing since that?]

"Why?" Raghav asked.

"Time he nahi mila. Subhe se kuch na kuch chale ja raha tha function pe function. Agar khana khane baithti tho late hi jata" Siya explained.

[There wasn't enough time. There were so many functions. If I sat and ate something I would've gotten late]

"Bhabhi maa late ho jata tho chalta but you shouldn't starve yourself" Sameer said.

[It would've been fine if you were late but you shouldn't starve yourself]

"Yes he's right, Siya your health is of utmost importance. I know you're tired isleye mai tumhe koi lecture nahi duga aaj but don't repeat it. Okay?" Raghav said.

[I know you're tired so I won't lecture you today but don't repeat it. Okay?]

"Hmm, I won't do it again" Siya said. He face was a little pale indicating her deteriorating health.

"Sameer, Siya ke liye dinner upar leke aa please" Raghav and Sameer was on it.

[Sameer bring dinner for Siya please]

Sameer left closing the door behind him. Raghav was still kneeling where as Siya was sitting on the side of the bed. She placed her forehead on his shoulder and sighed. Raghav squeezed her hand and his other hand went in her hair.

"Siya pakka tumhe doctor nahi chahie?" Raghav asked.

[Siya you sure you don't need a doctor?]

"No, it's okay Hukum. I'll be fine, I just need some rest" Siya said.

Raghav got up and picked Siya up. He placed her in the middle of the bed in a half sitting-sleeping position and arranged a lot of pillows around her back to make sure she's comfortable.

He sat beside her and held her hand again.

"Now tell me kya hua neeche?" Raghav asked.

[Now tell me what happened downstairs?]

"I don't know exactly but during reception I was feeling a bit drained out. I was with maa sa and badi maa sa, we were talking to a bunch of ladies when I started feeling uncomfortable. I felt like it was hard to breath, the music felt too loud, my heart was beating too fast I was feeling suffocated. I was getting jitters. So I excused myself to calm myself. I went to the hallway which was empty at that time. Veer bhaisa and Sameer bhaisa saw me their and told me to go to my room and rest" Siya explained. She rested her temple on his shoulder, her eyes were half closed.

"Are you still feeling like that?" Raghav asked.

"No it's better now. I only have a headache and I feel weak but it's okay. It's much better now, atleast I feel calm" Siya said.

"Siya, wait I'll be back" Raghav said and went to the closet.

After a few minutes he came back and said, "Siya Maine tumhare kapde bathroom mei rakh diye hai, khana aane se pehele you should change and get comfortable".

[Siya I've kept your clothes in the bathroom, you should change and get comfortable before eating]

Siya nodded and got up. Raghav helped her to the bathroom though Siya said it wasn't needed he was still adamant.

Siya came out of the bathroom wearing her soft oversized t-shirt and a loose and shorts that reached her knees.

"Feeling okay?" Raghav asked as he made her sit on the bed. "Yes, much better" Siya said. A knock was heard, and Raghav said, "come in".

"Bhaiya, mai aap dono ka dinner le aaya" Sameer said.

[I brought food for both of you]

"Thank you Sameer bhaisa" Siya said with a smile.

"Bhabhi maa aap thik ho? Bhaisa aapka headache badha tho nahi rahe hai na?" Sameer asked making Siya laugh.

[Bhabhi maa are you okay? Are you sure bhaisa isn't making your headache worse?]

"Nahi aisa kuch nahi hai bhaisa" Siya said.

[No its nothing like that]

"Accha beta ab mai Siya ka headache badhuga?" Raghav said folding his hands together.

[Oh I will increase her headache?]

"N-Nahi bhaisa aisa kuch nahi hai. Accha aap log khana khaiye mai neeche ja raha hu. Waise bhaisa sab neeche puch rahe hai aap dono kaha hai. Mai kya bolu?" Sameer asked.

[N-No bhaisa it's not like that. Okay you guys eat I'll head downstairs. Also what should I say? They're all asking where are you two]

"Guests ko kuch bolne ki zarurat nahi hai aur ghar walk ko bol de Siya ki tabyat kharab ho gayi thi isleye sone chale gaye hum" Raghav said.

[Don't tell the guests anything. And tell the family members that Siya wasn't feeling well so we both called it a day and went off to sleep]

"Okay, byee good night" Saying that Sameer left the room.

Raghav took the plate filled with food and went besides Siya. He feed her and she told him to eat too. Once they both were done eating,Raghav went to change.

"Kya hua tum soyi kyu nahi abhi tak?" Raghav asked as he came out of the bathroom.

[Why aren't you asleep yet?]

"You weren't here" Siya said.

"Oh, meri biwi ko ab meri aadat ho chuki hai. She can't sleep without me anymore" Raghav teased and Siya didn't accept or deny it.

[Oh so my wife is now habitual to sleeping beside me. She can't sleep without me anymore]

He slept besides Siya and cuddled her. Siya rested side of her head on his chest and went off to dreamland.

"Goodnight Siya, I hate to see you sick. Please always be happy and healthy" Raghav mumbled and kissed the crown of Siya's head.

.........................................................................

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