Chapter 11

Mehul's POV

Bhai hit me with his elbow and I winced. I looked at him and he was smirking at me. So, my dear brother. You better close your mouth or some insect might go inside. By the way what are you looking at? She is not even pretty. Right ? "

I just rolled my eyes and again looked at her. Vimal bhai had already left. He was escorting her along with Sejal bhabhi. She was walking towards me shyly and slowly.

She reached the stage, bhai pushed me in her direction and told me to help her. I extended my hand towards her and she looked at me, as if she was surprised at my gesture.

Then shyly she placed her hand on mine and I helped her to climb on the steps which was tricky with her very heavy dress. I felt some kind of tingling in my hand. That was weird so I released my grip on her hand and she was standing in front of me now for Jai Mala or Varmala (exchanging garlands).

Everybody in our families were on stage, Sneha bhabhi and Sejal bhabhi came forward having a big platter with orchids garlands on it. They handed one to each of us.

She was still not looking at me and I could not take my eyes off her. I was definitely going insane, it must be due to lack of sleep. Yes, it must be...

Vimal bhai told her to put garland over my head. She raised her hands and did that. There was a big round of applause, then I did the same. Everyone was clapping and cheering for us.

Then we did all other rituals like Pheras ( walking around the sacred fire and taking vows. Seven rounds for seven vows), Kanyadan ( in this father of the bride officially gives away the hand of his daughter to the groom in marriage.) Etc. I applied Sindoor ( vermillion, an auspicious red coloured powder which, married woman wears in the parting of her hair) on her head and fastened a Mangalsutra ( nuptial necklace) around her neck. Here we are married to each other.

Stuck in a coerced wedlock....

We got the blessings of our parents and dadiji. She kept her fragile and wrinkled hand on my head and kissed my forehead and said, " It was a wish of my husband, to get Megha married to you. Now he would be very happy and contented up there. I can also die in peace. Now she is your wife... please take good care of her. "

It was the time for dinner, a large table was laid for the bride, groom and their families. The food was amazing. Every dish I could think of, was served there and it lifted my mood as I am a big foodie. The food was served to us and it was good.

But she didn't eat much. Everyone was feeding me, I was about to burst. Bhai and bhabhi were sharing the food feeding each other.

After the dinner everyone in her family became very emotional as it was time for us to leave. She was crying now and so was aunty and Sejal bhabhi. Uncle and Vimal bhai came forward and hugged me and then uncle said , " Please take care of her. I am giving my most precious possession to you please take care of her." I folded my hands and nodded.

Dad hugged uncle and said,

" Don't worry Suresh she is going from one home to another. She has always been my daughter so just rest assured... She will be fine with us."

She was still sobbing. We sat in our decorated car and came to our mansion.

Mom and bhabhi had planned a grand welcome for her. They did all the rituals like Griha Pravesh ( bride entering the groom's home for the first time). She immersed her feet in a platter filled with red coloured liquid and then she walked into our home leaving red foot marks behind.

After a few more rituals, bhabhi asked her to follow her. She got up and followed her.

I was really tired and was fed up of all the people who were teasing me. Are they crazy?? What is so funny or romantic about our situation. I just wanted to go and sleep but didn't want to go to my room. I can't share a room with her.

But what about dad? He would make me do what I don't want to. Am I seriously, his own son ?