As I sit here in all my shimmering glory; my dark red saree, the same shade as the mehendion my hands, is woven around my body. It's white crystals intertwined with the crimson colour, shines up the palace. One of my best friends, Soni places the beautiful diamond necklace on my neck as she smiles wholeheartedly. Soni, who is dressed in a light bluelengha applies black coloured kohl on my eyes. I grin shyly, as I reminisce the times I spent with the love of my life, Akash. His velvet skin, engrossed in my mind as his cheeky smile entices me. I glance at my reflection in the rich mirror, staring back is a girl dressed up like a princess; my skin, almost golden. My lips are rouge in passion and my hair is pulled back into a bun, a small bindhi is placed carefully between my brown eyes. Soni, places the laced veil over my head, just about hiding my blushing eyes. I hear Akash's sweet voice in my ears as he places a similar veil on my head, the day he proposed to me. I cautiously stand up, taking a long, last look at myself in the mirror, and nod acceptingly.
"It's time." Soni speaks. She glances at me, making sure I look perfect for my rajkumar waiting downstairs.
"You look beautiful." Rajkumari Unatti stands over me; her light pink lengha compliments her skin tone as she looks at me, smiling. That was the thing about Unatti, no matter what her status is, she'll always treat everyone equally; a trait she shares with Rajmata, the Queen of the Kingdom and the Head of the royal family.
Besides me stands another blushing bride. The wife-to-be of Yuvraj Udayveer, and the princess of the Royal family. Me and Udayveer have never seen eye to eye, well maybe on some occasions, his flirty personality seems to have been tamed by him fiance, but I'm sure that his respective nature and confidence will soar through, making him one of the most respected person in the Kingdom. His bride, dressed in a lighter red saree to me is adorned in the richest of golds ' her necklace and her earrings are shining gold. On her feet, lies a beautiful payal that jingles as she walks. Her arm is ornamented with golden bangles, given to her by mother, Komal. She walks besides me, her face covered by her veil, as Unatti, Komal, Rajmata, Soni and couple of hand-maids helps us down the picturesque stairs and into the temple-cum-palace, the place of our vivah.
They place us besides our respectable partners, me with Akash and the other bride with Yuvraj Udayveer. I glance up at Akash, he has worn a white Kurta laced with red patterns and a perfect turban on his head. I see him trying to look at me, secretly, making sure the rest of the family doesn't catch him. I laugh silently in my veil, thanking God that no one can see me and my blushing face, on the other side, Yuvraj Udayveer sits charmingly with his bride as everyone smiles. A picture perfect moment. Soni, entwines my dupatta with Akash's as we get ready to take the saath pheres together. On the other side, Unatti plaits Uday and his bride together and we simultaneously stroll at once.
Both of us couples start walking around the fire, taking seven steps symbolical of seven lifetimes together. The first round is for promising a life of being pure and nourishment. The second, for a life of mental, physical and spiritual strength, to lead a healthy life. The third, for preserving wealth and prosperity in life. The fourth, for attaining happiness and harmony in love and trust in each step of life. The fifth, for the welfare of the universe and for noble children. The sixth, for a long, joyous life of togetherness. And finally, the seventh for understanding, companionship, loyalty and unity.
It is now when we can take the final moments to start our new lives together, the applying of sindoor and mangalsutra. At the same time, both grooms place themangalsutra over our heads, making sure it is put on right. And with that, Akash, the man I have loved, and always will be uncovers my veil and softly places the sindoor onto the parting of my hair. He looks at me intently as I whisper to him "What are you looking at?" He grins and whispers back, "My beautiful bride. You are all mine, forever and ever. Mera Chicki." As I glance over at Yuvraj Udayveer and Rajkumari Manyata, I know that this is Serendipity.
BY SHOCKANGELS (on India Forums)
