Author's POV

The Haldi function unfolded in the radiant light of the morning. Samyukta adorned herself in a simple yet stunning yellow saree, complemented by delicate white flower jewelry. Abhimanyu, wore a yellow kurta embellished with intricate mirror work that accentuated his well-toned physique, capturing the attention of onlookers. The entire gathering, in sync with the celebratory theme, donned various shades of yellow.

A symphony of yellows and oranges, painted the venue with the warmth. It was a canvas adorned with the blossoms of marigolds, their golden petals weaving a fragrant narrative throughout the ceremonial space. Torans swayed gently in the breeze, rangoli adorned the pathways, and clay pots brimming with water and petals added an earthy charm. The bright fabrics, flowing like verses in a poetic dance, draped the seating areas and mandap, creating a luxurious yet authentic setting.

The ritual commenced with the application of haldi paste on the couple's face, neck, arms, hands, and feet. Led by the heads of both families, the ceremony unfolded with a sacred grace. The couple's parents, relatives, and friends followed suit. Each stroke of turmeric paste infusing the ceremony with a profound sense of familial love and blessings.

As the turmeric paste was playfully applied, the ceremony evolved into a lively exchange of banter and jest. Samyukta and Abhimanyu's friends, along with Khushi, Suyash, Gaurav and Arnav armed with haldi-laden hands, engaged in spirited battles of color, turning the event into a joyous turmeric carnival.

The aroma of traditional snacks and refreshments wafted through the air, tempting the taste buds of those partaking in the jubilation. 

As time passed, a delightful surprise awaited the couple. Samyukta and Abhimanyu's friends, planned a heartwarming gesture. Fragrant rose petals gently rained down as a symbol of love and beauty, adding an extra layer of joy to the festivities. The air became infused with the sweet aroma of roses, and the couple, adorned in turmeric and petals, sat at the center of this enchanting moment. Caught in the unexpected shower of petals, they exchanged surprised glances that quickly transformed into radiant smiles. They shared a laughter bubbled up from the depths of their hearts.

After each person had taken their turn applying haldi, a symbolic purification ritual unfolded. A pot filled with water was poured over the soon-to-be-married couple, cleansing them of the haldi paste. The cascade of water drenched them, and as their hair became wet, Abhimanyu observed Samyukta, her closed eyes as water trickling down her beautiful face. In that moment, she exuded an ethereal beauty that captivated him. He couldn't help but gaze at her, witnessing a serene smile linger on her face.

Later, both of them left for their respective rooms to get a bath and change, the lingering fragrance of turmeric and the colorful memories of the Haldi ceremony still fresh in their minds as the anticipation of the upcoming wedding day danced in the air.  

Abhimanyu's POV

Haldi was so fun. While I may not have expressed it overtly, the happiness bubbled within me, particularly witnessing her immersed in the celebration. As the purification ceremony unfolded, she closed her eyes, allowing the water to trace a gentle path down her eyes, nose, cheeks, and lips. In that moment, I found myself captivated by her serenity, losing track of time until the water ceased. Even after the ceremony concluded, her eyes remained closed, and a profound sense of tranquility seemed to linger. It was as if the echoes of the ceremony continued to resonate in the quiet aftermath, creating a space where time momentarily stood still, and our shared connection deepened.

When she opened her eyes, she held the eye contact. I saw her light brown eyes darken. There was an innocent beauty in them yet a tension lingered. But as I kept staring at her, I felt my breath calm, and I was in another dimension. I felt like I've been purified from all the sins I did.

Suddenly, maa called us and said to take a bath, breaking our trance.

Right now, I'm bathing myself in warm water, trying to scrub off the leftover dried turmeric paste on my face and hands.

Samyukta's POV

We were sitting so close during the Haldi ceremony that my heart kept beating fast the entire time. I tried to calm myself by engaging in the celebration. Everyone was having fun, smearing Haldi on each other's hair and faces. I laughed while observing how they were fooling around. Suddenly, I turned my face towards my right. He looked exceptionally good today. He always looks good, but today there's something extra. His smile. He smiled watching his friends and kids having fun. His side profile was so beautiful that I wanted to stare at him all day.

The proximity wasn't helping; if I kept staring, I might end up kissing him on the cheek. No, no, I couldn't gaze at him any longer.

As the purification ceremony began, I closed my eyes, feeling his presence beside me. I found tranquility closing my eyes after studying his face carefully. I kept my eyes closed, enjoying his proximity as the cold water ran down from all over my head. I stayed that way until, after some time, I realized the water had stopped pouring. Opening my eyes, I saw him staring at me. I maintained the eye contact, noticing his dark orbs darkening even more. His eyes held a catastrophe —a hurricane constantly brewing but silently.

Sudenly, Nandini maa called us and asked us to go and have a bath.

Today, as I looked at him, a genuine happiness enveloped me, and a willingness to embark on this journey of marriage with him settled deep within. It felt as if we naturally belonged with each other, as if an unspoken and unlearned equation existed between us which we would unravel and solve slowly and tenderly.

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