Chapter 13: Colors That Bound Her

The house was filled with music and soft laughter as the mehendi ceremony began.

Poornima was seated in the center, her hands resting gently on a cushion. The mehendi artist carefully started drawing intricate bridal designs on her palms, moving slowly with precision.

Fine patterns of peacocks, flowers, and delicate vines spread across her hands, reaching up to her arms. Every curve was detailed, every space filled beautifully.

“Don’t move,” the artist said softly.

Poornima nodded, watching the designs take shape.

Someone teased, “Find Pavan’s name in it later.”

A few laughed.

Poornima smiled faintly, but her eyes didn’t reflect the same joy.

Hours passed, and finally, the mehendi was complete.

Her hands looked beautiful.

Full.

Decorated like a bride’s should be.

Then came the alta.

Lakshmi brought a small bowl filled with deep red alta and sat in front of Poornima.

“Give your feet,” she said gently.

Poornima stretched her legs slightly.

Lakshmi carefully applied the alta along her feet, drawing simple, elegant patterns. The red color stood out against her skin, making her look even more like a bride.

After that, Lakshmi held a small box.

Toe rings.

She took Poornima’s foot in her hand and slowly placed the rings on her toes.

“Beta,” she said softly, looking at her, “never remove these.”

Poornima looked at her.

There was something in Lakshmi’s voice.

Something deeper than just tradition.

She gave a small smile. “Okay, Ma.”

Lakshmi nodded, though her eyes carried a quiet emotion.

The mehendi ceremony slowly came to an end, people praising the designs, clicking pictures, talking among themselves.

Poornima sat quietly, her hands still raised carefully, the mehendi drying.

Then the next ritual began.

Chooda ceremony.

A set of bangles was brought, covered in cloth, kept ready for her.

Lakshmi and Raju came forward together.

“This is our tradition,” Lakshmi said softly.

Poornima looked at them.

Raju sat beside her and gently took her hand.

One by one, he started sliding the bangles onto her wrist.

The sound of the bangles filled the air.

Soft.

Rhythmic.

Meaningful.

Each bangle felt like a step.

A step toward something final.

Lakshmi adjusted them carefully, making sure they sat properly on her wrist.

Then came the kalire.

Golden, delicate ornaments were tied to her bangles, hanging down beautifully.

Lakshmi tied them gently, her fingers steady but her heart heavy.

“They should stay,” she said softly.

Poornima nodded again.

Everyone clapped lightly, smiling, admiring her.

“She looks like a bride now,” someone said.

Poornima looked at her hands.

Mehendi.

Bangles.

Kalire.

Everything was complete.

Everything looked perfect.

She smiled when people looked at her.

But inside…

Something still felt incomplete.