CHAPTER 37- THE ENGAGEMENT

DHRUV'S POV

“Where is my coat?” I asked, searching all around the room. We are in Udaipur and today is my engagement with her.

“Dhruv, are you sure you brought it from Jaipur?” Garv asked,opening the cupboards of the hotel room.

“Haa yaar” I was frustrated as I couldn’t find it anywhere.

Suddenly I received a call and it was from Vihaan.

“I found it ,it was in your car.”

“Thank you so much, please bring it fast .”

I turned only to see Garv’s face which clearly reflected he was ready to punch me.

“Badla nahi tu , jab kuch saal pehle teri hone wali biwi bina kuch kahe hyderabad gai, mujhe mere ghar se achanak bulaya aur Jaipur jaane ka plan banaya.aaj bhi waisa hi hai tu”He pointed ,keeping his hands on my shoulders but I gave him puppy eyes.

(You haven't change, few years back when your to be wife left for Hyderabad without informing anything, you called me all of a sudden from my home and made a plan to Jaipur. )

“Tu aisa tere bachche kese honge Dhruv? Apne bade papa par jaye toh thik” He started his daydreams again.

(I don't know how your kids will be if you are this way?)

“What bachche?I am yet to get married” I replied.

“Whatever but keep your son name as Rajveer, Rajveer Singh Deora”

“Stop Garv, sagai hui nahi aur bachcho ka naam soch liya “ Vihaan interrupted,coming inside of the room with my coat.

(The engagement is yet to happen and you have decided kids name)

“But Dhruv is youngest among us but see he is getting engaged first.One thing is for sure our kids will be best friends.My kids will be the youngest you know Avantika she is 19 and I am 22.the struggle is real” Garv said,wiping his fake tears while Vihaan helped me in wearing coat.

I am wearing a Jodhpuri suit in white color along with a light pink pure safa.I wore my kada on my right wrist  watch on the left.

Mumma and Shivu jija entered the room while discussing something.

“Dhruv,are you ready ? “ Shivu jija asked, handing me a gold chain to wear around my neck.

I nodded.

She put the chain around my neck and started teasing “Vihaan, did you look Geet sorry Geet Bhabisa ? “

“You are older than Dhruv,  you should address her as Dhruv’s Bindani” Mumma joined her.

“Yeah, I met her just a few moments back when I went to get the coat. Dhruv, I must say,  she is looking so beautiful.” Vihaan started making me feel left out.

“I want to see my kids kakisa” Before Garv could take a step, mumma stopped him “Garv tu jethsa tha na kal tak “

“We are friends okay and i am not

conservative ”He started giving  excuses.

“Dhruv and Garv , you won’t be leaving this room unless and until we call you “ Mumma ordered leaving both of us alone.

Vihaan joined them as he is attending from both the sides so he said he is going to help

Mr. Shaktawat with the arrangements.

GEET'S POV

“Avantika, I am looking good na?”  I asked adjusting the earring in my ears.

‘You are looking best Jija '' She answered, taking out safety pins from the pouch which is needed while wearing odhna .

" I am nervous,I am emotional” I expressed and stood checking my poshak.

Mumma and Kavya are downstairs in the hall where the engagement will take place.Anaya,Avantika and I are here in the room.

I am the last one to get ready , I wore a pink poshak , dark pink shade to be precise. I matched it with a necklace which actually had a traditional design along with earrings of the same .

I kept makeup minimal because at the end I have to be in ghoonghat , not a longer one but enough to cover my forehead.

I had mehandi in my hands along with a ring which mumma asked me to wear and bangles as well.

Anaya handed me odhna as I can wear it by myself.

My hands were cold,my heartbeat was a little faster and there were a bunch of butterflies in my stomach. After 3 years, we were able to make it to this day.

Geet, don’t be emotional but today onwards you will become part of their family officially. I want to see him , I know he is ready to steal my heart once again.

I wore my odhna and mojdi as well. Mumma entered the room and she looked emotional.

I didn't want to cry but I couldn't stop the tears falling from my eyes.

“Arre mumma jija,you will waste my makeup skills . We still have time for Bidaai " Avantika stopped us .

“If anyone doesn't  mind, can I come inside?” I heard someone and it’s none other than Mom.

“Geet beta, congratulations  and please someone apply Kaala teeka . Dhruv ko lagakr aai abhi and Mrs.Shaktawats , all your guests have arrived ,Aap waha jaiye ,Seema aur Monika dekh rahe hai fir bhi” She informed and applied kaala teeka taking kajal from Anaya’s hand.

After 30 mins

DHRUV’S POV

I sat on the sofa which was placed on the stage. Basically, we carry a sword which is usually covered with scabbard .

Garv is my anwar (groomsman). We kept smiling and greeting those who came to meet us.

“Aaj galti kardi tera ye anwar bankr shaadi wale din bhul jana” Garv murmured , without letting his smile fade.

(I have done a mistake being your anwar, forget me on your wedding doing this)

“Fir mandap mai aane ko nahi milega, sochle warna tuje rasame kese pata chalegi ki kese hoti” I replied slowly so no one could hear us what we were talking.

(Then you won't be able to be in mandap, now decide how will you be able to come to know about rituals during your turn)

The gifts from both the sides were placed on the side so everyone can see along with pooja thali placed on paath (square shaped small heighted table)

“Geet jija aa rahe hai” Kavya diverted everyone’s attention and my eyes fell on her though her face was half covered. She walked slowly which she usually doesn't .

“Muhh band kar photo acha nahi aayega” Garv whispered into my ear and I closed my mouth .

(Close your mouth otherwise your photos won't be clicked properly)

I raised and stood looking at her. She reached the stage while I took a step down offering my hand , while everyone screamed, especially my friends.

“Geet jija, go” Kavya said, placing her hand on mine, well the stage had less height one can climb within one step.

She raised her head a little to look at me and came on the stage.

Anaya is accompanying her just like Garv is for me right now.

She sat on the sofa while I sat nearby maintaining a distance because I am too shy to sit close right now with my fiance.

She didn’t turn her head while her eyes were busy gazing at her hand which had mehandi. Did she write my name ? The muhurat is after 10 minutes and the guests settle in their respective seats but I was least bothered to look at them.

I could  see her face a little through her odhna but she was busy looking at her hands.

“Mrs.Deora, I know the mehandi color is dark , you know very well what does that mean?” I said slowly , bridging a gap between us.

Still she didn’t  even  look at her future husband. I know she is shy but I have to see her.

I asked for my phone from Garv who left from the stage as bhabosa called him for some work.

I opened the camera and turned to the front one , moving towards her side carefully before someone noticed my actions.

Her eyes suddenly fell on my phone and I saw her glimpse.

She smiled but before she could see me , Mumma asked me to keep the phone aside .

Mumma and shivu jija came on stage along with pooja thali to do her aarti.

Mumma applied a small tilak on her forehead while she sat peacefully.

After Mumma completed the aarti , Shivu jija handed over the pooja thali to her cousin who came on stage.

Her aapsa joined his palm and greeted me

“Jai mataji ri”

“Jai mataji ri sa”I replied and he placed a dry coconut in my hands which were one above another.

Aapsa applied a tilak along with placing little rice on it. He fed me gud (jaggery)  twice and sprinkled some flowers over me.

This means the next is ring ceremony. It's a kind of fusion of tradition and modernity. Some might wonder why she is sitting in a ghoonghat in spite of the century we live in.

We know how to embrace the modern period without forgetting our roots where we belong.

“Jijosa,”Avantika asked, showing her hand to stand up .

I raised and looked back to give her a hand but she already managed to get up.

We were made to stand facing each other and Kavya came with our rings.

She was looking down. I know she is nervous, emotional but at the same time I am aware of what's going on in her mind.

“Dhruv”Mumma called, while her eyes gestured to take the ring from the tray which Kavya had in her hands.

“Noo,  give me 50000 cash if you want this

ring ”She said, taking the tray back before I could reach it.

“Kavya, jutte chupai mai time hai, dedo

na ”Garv requested.

“Aap mere jijosa ho? No right, aapki saali ke sath ye sab karna. mai apne walo se baat kar rahi hu, ha Jijosa , 50k and take your ring ”Kavya started debating, giving me a smile.

(Are you my jijosa?  No right. You can do this with your sister in law. I am talking with mine, yes jijosa, 50k and take your ring)

“Kavya tu maar khayegi, aise kon karta hai?''Her Mumma said, taking the tray from  her hand and handing it to Anaya.

Anaya handed me the ring and I came closer.

“Ye mera beta hokr chup chap? Dhruv ache se kuch kehkr pehna.  ”Bhabosa said,  coming closer to the stage.

(Why is my son silent? Dhruv say something special and put it. )

Let's make this more special.

“Ms. Geetanjali Kanwar Shaktawat, let's start a new phase of our life and I promise I won't break the promises made to you, I will fulfill every dream of yours which you mentioned me in the last three years”

Saying this, everyone screamed and the rain of flowers began from all the sides. I lifted her hand and placed a ring in her ring finger on her right hand.

She raised her head a little while her lips formed a smile and her eyes had tears.

Anaya gave her a ring so she could place it on my ring finger.

I offered my hand but before that Avantika interrupted

“Geet jija, do you want to say something or you want it to be kept as a secret which you will tell him on call?”

She moved her head side by side which means no.

She slowly put the ring on my finger, at that moment I felt complete, the wait to call her mine was officially announced with this ring ceremony .

One by one everyone came on the stage for the photoshoot which went for nearly 20 to 30 minutes.

“Geet sorry Bindanisa, ek ghoomar toh ham deserve karte hai ab aapse, langas have arrived. aap abhi karoge ya kuch ladies ke turn ke baad?” Shivu jija asked, standing down on the stage.

(We deserve to witness your ghoomar, the langas have arrived . Do you want to do it now or after a few ladies?)

“Par pehle toh ghoomar start geet kregi ”Her bhuasa informed , reminding about the rituals.

(But Geet will be the first to start it)

Today,  everyone is testing my patience. I want to talk to her but nobody is giving me a chance.

Her bhuasa accompanies her till she reaches the place where the ghoomar is going to be held.

The gents were not present  here as they went outside to have their lunch.

Garv Vihaan and I were sitting on stage. My best friends were busy talking  within themselves.

“Dhruv, nyochawar krne jana tu”Garv reminded giving my wallet

“Couple dance hi kar lene do ”Vihaan teased.

“Tum dono ka time aayega na mai batata hu fir ”I replied, taking my wallet from his hand.

“I am the last one to get married in our group”Garv winked and looked at Avantika.

This boy will never leave a chance to remind me that he has a crush on Avantika.

The langas started playing instruments while she gave dhok sitting and getting up on all sides, holding the pallu  between her hands .

Avantika informed them the song name and she started twirling slowly while her hand movements formed gestures to describe the lyrics of the song mumal.

(Mumal song describes the love story of Mumal, Princess of Jaisalmer and King Mahendra of Amarkot which is currently in Pakistan. The song says how Mahendra describes the beauty of Mumal  comparing with the various things )

One by one all the ladies came and started doing nyochawar.  I walked near coming down from the stage, taking a bundle of  notes, doing a nyochawar but she slowed her pace when she felt my presence.

I gave it to the group of men who were singing and returned to the place where  I was sitting before .

The photographer called us out for a couple photoshoots. Garv informed me that he will ask anyone from her side to bring her in the corridor or in the garden.

After 20 mins

“Why are they late? ”Vihaan asked, looking at his watch.

“I don't know, Garv. Did you inform them where we are?”I asked, looking at him.

“Yeah I informed them, but Dhruv when is your plan to get married? After 6 months? ”Vihaan asked, looking around..

“After 2 to 2.5 years because her company won't accept the request of transfer to Jaipur or Delhi unless she completes two years of working and I don't want her to lose her job. ” I replied while I noticed her coming along with Kavya.

If I ever have a chance to pause, I will stop at this moment. I know we are together for hardly two hours. After that we will head towards our respective places, but I don't have a word to describe the way I felt today.

“Congratulations to the cutest couple”My friends wished as soon as she came and stood beside me.

“Thank-you ” She replied, finally I heard her voice .

“Thank God you spoke otherwise Dhruv was on his way to get admitted to the hospital ”Garv teased, wrapping his hand around my shoulders while I gave him a side eye.

“Actually everyone was present there and I…”She started explaining but I cut her words.

“I understand, no need to say anything ”

“Let's give our newly engaged couple some quality time to spend because we know they won't open their mouths if we are here. ”Kavya reminded, staring at my friends.

“Yeah you should go, kids aren't allowed ”Garv taunted but before Kavya could reply she got a call.

“I will see you soon Mr. singer ”

The photographer asked us to pose for pictures.

“Dhruv, show your chemistry ”Garv said, sitting on the bench placed in the garden.

“They already have, stop your advice. You both continue, ”Vihaan replied , asking him to shut his mouth.

I held her hand and leaned closer and whispered

“Congratulations”

“Same to you,”She replied.

“Yeah, you both can talk and we will click some candid photos ”The photographers informed and did as per their command.

In between  we had some moments which gave us butterflies.

“I guess this is enough now. Congratulations once again”The photographers departed leaving us alone as my friends left in between as they thought themselves as third wheel.

She was looking around and stopped when she noticed me seeing her.

“What? ”

“Nothing,” I replied.

“How are you feeling now? ”

“No words  of any language in this world can describe what I am feeling right now.''I replied, smiling and of course she blushed.

“I guess we should go now,  I am hungry. I haven't eaten anything ”She pouted and turned .

She started walking trying to manage her poshak, adjusting her odhna on the shoulder, then her bangles.

“Okay, we are in the third stage of Crushship ”I informed, following her.

“How? ”She asked, turning back.

“Friends, then LDC now courtship ”

“True  but you didn't inform me that 10,000 copies has already been sold out ”

“How did you know? ”

“I am your wife, don't doubt my stalking skills”She held my hand , I tried matching her walking speed .

“Right. So after two years we will get married, I know we will miss those days which we lived before but can't wait to be yours for the rest of my life ” I said, entering the entrance of the hotel.

“I guess you should go to the men's section and once you reach home, text me that you have reached safely ” She informed me but she could go away. I grabbed her wrist to stop.

“Dhruv ”

“Everyone knows about our marriage,” I said.

“I am planning to renovate our room so  be free to give your preference, don't say that Dhruv, do whatever you want. ” I said, bringing her closer.

“Okay, I should go warna koi dekh lega.take care ”She removed her hand and headed towards the place where ladies were busy having their lunch.

She looked back and smiled, then her hand made a sign that she will call me tonight.

I decided to have my lunch too, otherwise I have to travel hungry incase if I reach late.

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VOTE TARGET -300?

NEXT CHAPTER WILL HAVE A LEAP!  HOPE YOU ALL EXCITED FOR THEIR SHAADI.

You can follow me on instagram @avinaphile for more updates and spoilers.

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Hope you enjoy reading it and don't forget to vote and comment down below.

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Take care and lots of love ❤

See you soon in the next chapter

Avina,

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