Back home, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement as we delved into the preparations for the upcoming sagai ceremony. The living room transformed into a bustling hub of activity, adorned with colorful fabric swatches, jewelry boxes, and the faint scent of incense lingering in the air.
As I sifted through a stack of vibrant sarees, contemplating which one would be perfect for the engagement ceremony, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of nervous anticipation. The reality of the impending engagement ceremony loomed large, filling me with a mix of excitement and apprehension.
"Aahna, beta, which saree do you think would be best for the sagai?" my mom asked, her eyes alight with anticipation.
I considered the options before me, each saree a kaleidoscope of colors and intricate embroidery. "I'm not sure, Maa. They're all so beautiful," I replied, my fingers tracing the delicate patterns adorning the fabric.
Just then, my phone buzzed with a message from Aashika, my best friend who was currently out of the country. With a smile, I read her message, informing us that she would be arriving just one day before the sagai.
"Guys, Aashika's coming back! She'll be here just in time for the sagai," I exclaimed, a surge of excitement coursing through me at the thought of having my closest confidante by my side for the ceremony.
My mom smiled, her eyes crinkling with warmth. "That's wonderful news, Aahna. I'm sure she'll bring her own touch of magic to the festivities," she remarked, her voice filled with genuine affection.
As we narrowed down the options for my sagai outfit, my mom's gentle guidance helped steer me towards a stunning saree in hues of blush pink and gold. "This one, Aahna. It complements your complexion beautifully," she suggested, her eyes twinkling with approval.
I nodded in agreement, a sense of relief washing over me as the decision was made. "You're right, Maa. This saree is perfect," I replied, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips.
**************
On the day of the sagai, the house was abuzz with excitement as we prepared for the joyous occasion. As I sat in my room, putting the final touches to my attire, there was a knock on the door. Bhavya, entered the room accompanied by her mother, ekta aunty.
"Di, you look so pretty!" Bhavya exclaimed, her eyes wide with excitement as she twirled around the room. "I can't wait for the sagai to start!"
I smiled at her enthusiasm, feeling a surge of affection for the lively little girl. "Thank you, Bhavya. I'm glad you're excited," I replied, my heart warmed by her genuine excitement.
As Bhavya and ekta aunty helped me with the final preparations, the door burst open once again, and Aashika swept into the room with her usual flair.
"Oh my goodness, Can you believe it? My best friend is getting married soon!" Aashika exclaimed, her voice filled with mock teary sentimentality as she dramatically wiped away imaginary tears.
Ritika, following closely behind, rolled her eyes at Aashika's theatrics. "Aashi di, please. Save the drama for the wedding," she teased, a playful smile tugging at her lips.
Aashika sniffled dramatically, feigning hurt. "Ritika, how could you be so insensitive? This is an emotional moment!" she exclaimed, her lips quivering in an exaggerated pout.
"Emotional moment? Aashi di, the only emotion I'm feeling right now is hunger. Can we wrap this up and head to the sagai? I heard they have some amazing snacks there," she quipped, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
Aashika gasped in mock horror, her hand over her heart. "Ritika, you're so heartless! We're here celebrating love, and all you can think about is snacks?"
Ritika smirked, undeterred. "Well, di, love is great and all, but snacks are a close second. Priorities, you know?"
************
As I descended the stairs, my heart fluttered with anticipation, and there he was—Veer, sitting next to Rudra. As our eyes met, Veer rose from the sofa, a smile spreading across his face.
He was looking so... breathtaking, I thought, unable to find the right words to describe the way he looked in that moment.
As I reached the bottom of the staircase Veer's passed me a hand, The warmth of his hand in mine sent a shiver down my spine, and for a brief moment, time seemed to stand still.
"Shall we?" Veer asked, his tone gentle yet filled with a quiet confidence.
I nodded, placing my hand in his, and together we made our way to the center of the room where the sagai rituals were set to take place. The room hushed into a collective anticipation as family members and friends gathered to witness the formal engagement ceremony.
Rudra shot him a glance. "Easy there, Veer. That's my sister you're holding onto," he remarked.
*****************
As the sagai rituals unfolded, the air resonated with the rhythmic chanting of mantras, creating an aura of sanctity around us. Veer and I stood on the ceremonial stage, surrounded by the presence of our families and the priest, who began reciting the sacred verses.
As the pandit ji continued with the rituals, the exchange of rings became a symbol of the intertwining of our lives. Veer placed the ring on my finger, and I reciprocated, sealing our commitment with the gleam of gold and the resonance of ancient mantras.
Veer: "With this ring, Aahna, we embark on a journey defined by tradition and familial ties."
Aahna: "And I accept this commitment with respect and gratitude, Veer."
****************
As the sagai rituals concluded, the atmosphere shifted from solemnity to one of celebration and camaraderie. Ritika, ever the mischievous one, wasted no time in teasing Veer, addressing him as "jiju" with a playful twinkle in her eye.
"Arre, jiju, you look so serious all the time! Can't you lighten up a little?" Ritika teased, her words punctuated by a giggle.
Veer, usually reserved and stoic around them, couldn't help but crack a faint smile at Ritika's antics. "Ritika, please," he muttered, a hint of amusement in his tone.
Meanwhile, Rudra and Aashika exchanged amused glances, cringing at the thought of calling Veer "jiju." "No way, Aashika. I can't imagine calling him anything other than Veer," Rudra whispered, his expression comically horrified.
Aashika nodded in agreement, her lips twisting in mock disgust. "I know, right? 'Jiju' just sounds so... formal," she replied, making a face.
Across the room, Aarav was busy playing with Bhavya, their laughter echoing through the space as they reveled in their own little world of innocence and joy.
Amidst the laughter and chatter, the adults engaged in animated conversations, their voices blending together in a symphony of familial bonds and shared histories. As the evening wore on, the sagai ceremony gave way to a joyous celebration, uniting two families in the shared anticipation of the days to come.
Our engagement outfits:
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