Chapter 37 – Chooda Ceremony

The next morning, the Rajawat house was once again filled with joy as everyone gathered for Aradhya's chooda ceremony.

The hall was beautifully decorated with red, white, and golden flowers. Soft devotional songs played in the background as the women of both families gathered around Aradhya.

A beautifully decorated platter held the chooda (bridal bangles), adorned with flowers, rice, kumkum, turmeric, and sweets.

The elderly ladies of the family began the ceremony.

They performed a small puja, praying for Aradhya's happiness, prosperity, and a blessed married life. One by one, they blessed her, placing a little kumkum on her forehead and showering her with rice grains.

After the ladies completed the rituals, the priest invited the parents.

Priest: "Now the bride's mother and father may perform the puja."

Veeresh and Poornima came forward together.

They folded their hands before the deity.

The priest chanted sacred mantras while they offered flowers, turmeric, kumkum, and prayers for their daughter's new beginning.

After the puja was completed, the blessed chooda was handed to them.

Together, Veeresh and Poornima lovingly slipped the chooda onto Aradhya's wrists.

Aradhya looked at her parents with moist eyes.

Veeresh gently held her hands.

He smiled, though his eyes were filled with emotion.

For a moment, he wasn't looking at a bride.

He was remembering the little girl who used to run around the house with tiny pigtails, who would hold his finger while learning to walk, who insisted on sleeping on his shoulder after every bedtime story.

He smiled to himself.

Veeresh (softly): "My little Aru..."

His voice trembled.

Veeresh: "Yesterday you were my little girl..."

He looked at her proudly.

Veeresh: "...and today you're stepping into a new phase of life."

Aradhya hugged him tightly.

Aradhya: "I'll always be your Aru, Papa."

Veeresh hugged her back, kissing the top of her head.

Poornima wiped away a tear as she watched the father and daughter.

After the chooda ceremony, the family gathered for another ritual.

A beautifully embroidered red chunari was gently draped over Aradhya's head by the elder women, symbolizing blessings, protection, and a prosperous married life.

The family then assembled before the temple inside the house for a small Devi puja.

The priest offered prayers to the Goddess, seeking her blessings for Aradhya and Richard's married life.

Everyone folded their hands in devotion.

After the puja, as the family began talking among themselves, Veeresh quietly walked over to Poornima, who was standing near the window.

He leaned slightly closer so only she could hear.

Veeresh: "Poons..."

She looked at him.

Poornima: "Hmm?"

He spoke in a low voice.

Veeresh: "Did you miss your periods?"

Poornima looked at him for a second, immediately realizing what he was implying.

She gave him an exasperated look.

Poornima: "Veer..."

He smiled innocently, trying not to laugh.

She shook her head, trying to hide her own smile at her husband's never-ending teasing.