Chapter 34 – Blessings in Turmeric

The haldi ceremony continued amidst laughter, music, and cheerful teasing.

Aradhya sat in the center on a beautifully decorated seat, wearing a simple yellow outfit adorned with fresh jasmine flowers. Richard sat beside her, smiling as both families gathered around with bowls of fragrant turmeric paste.

The priest smiled.

Priest: "Now let the family bless the bride and groom."

The elders went first.

Rajendra lovingly applied haldi to Aradhya's forehead and cheeks.

Rajendra: "May your married life always be filled with happiness."

Ritika gently cupped Aradhya's face and applied haldi.

Ritika: "Stay blessed, my daughter."

Daniel and Maria then blessed both Richard and Aradhya, applying a little haldi and wishing them a lifetime of love and understanding.

One by one, the rest of the family came forward.

Raghav and Meera blessed the couple.

Rudra couldn't resist teasing.

Rudra: "Didi, don't blame me if I put extra haldi."

Aradhya laughed.

Aradhya: "Don't you dare!"

Ignoring her warning, Rudra lightly smeared a little extra haldi on her cheek.

Everyone laughed.

Richard smiled.

Richard: "Looks like I'm next."

Adwait walked over.

Adwait: "Brother-in-law, welcome to the family."

He applied haldi to Richard, who returned the gesture.

Thoshini hugged Aradhya before gently applying haldi to her cheeks.

Thoshini: "You'll always be my sister."

Aradhya smiled warmly and hugged her back.

Finally, Veeresh and Poornima stepped forward together.

The courtyard became quiet for a moment.

Standing side by side, they looked at their daughter.

Aradhya's eyes became emotional.

Veeresh dipped his fingers into the haldi.

With a father's love, he gently applied it to Aradhya's forehead and cheeks.

Veeresh: "May your life always be filled with love, trust, and laughter."

Poornima then lovingly applied haldi to Aradhya.

She gently held her daughter's face.

Poornima: "Be happy, beta. Always."

Aradhya's eyes filled with tears.

She held both her parents' hands.

Aradhya: "Thank you... Mom... Dad."

Veeresh and Poornima smiled together.

They then turned to Richard.

Veeresh applied haldi to Richard's forehead.

Veeresh: "Take care of our daughter."

Richard nodded sincerely.

Richard: "I promise."

Poornima smiled and gently applied haldi to Richard as well.

Poornima: "Welcome to the family."

Richard smiled warmly.

Richard: "Thank you, Mom."

The simple word made Poornima's eyes well up.

Veeresh noticed and quietly smiled.

The ceremony continued with cousins playfully applying haldi to each other until everyone had streaks of yellow on their faces.

The courtyard echoed with laughter, music, blessings, and endless photographs.

For Veeresh and Poornima, watching their children together on such a joyful day felt like the beginning of a new chapter—not only for Aradhya and Richard, but for their entire family.