63."What Am I, Some Kind Of Love Guru?"

[KRISHNA'S POV]

("A/N: I don't know much about marriage, but I've written based on what I know. If you find anything incorrect, please let me know.")

The day was alive with movement, energy flowing through the house like an unbroken stream. People were constantly coming in and out, weaving between the front yard and the rooms inside. Despite the little drizzle outside, no one seemed to mind; the rain was gentle, barely more than a mist, as if nature itself wanted to witness the marriage rituals without disrupting them. Inside, the air buzzed with excitement, the scent of incense mixing with the dampness of the rain.

Renuka and Raju were at the center of it all, performing the rituals that marked the final steps before the wedding. The girls were clustered around Renuka, chatting and laughing softly, helping her with the various ceremonies. I stood a little away from them, content to observe the scene from a distance. It was Renuka's day, after all, and the girls were in their element, supporting their friend.

I glanced over at Raju his face etched with exhaustion. He'd been at it since early morning, going through ritual after ritual, and now it was beginning to show. I couldn't help but feel a little sympathy for him.

Watching him, a thought crept into my mind, and I chuckled quietly to myself. 'Am I going to have to do all of this at my own wedding?' The sheer number of rituals seemed endless, each one more intricate than the last. I stole a glance at my girls—Anu, Ammu, Raji, and Aamukta—who were happily engrossed in the ceremony. The thought of saying anything about the rituals out loud made me laugh even more. 'If I dared complain, they'd probably kill me on the spot,' I thought, shaking my head with a smile.

But the idea of it—me standing in Raju's shoes, performing these sacred traditions with my girls—didn't seem all that bad. Exhausting, yes, but there was something beautiful about it too. Tradition had a way of connecting us to something larger than ourselves, something timeless.

I sighed softly, turning my attention back to the ceremony. A few drops of rain trickled in through the open door, catching the light as they fell.

As the rituals finally came to a close, I watched Raju slump slightly with relief. Seeing his tired expression, I walked over with a smile, clapping him on the back. "You look completely wiped out, man," I said, chuckling.

Raju let out a tired laugh and rubbed the back of his neck. "I barely slept last night, and these rituals have been going on since dawn. What do you expect?" His voice was light, but I could see the exhaustion weighing on him.

I nodded, still grinning. "Yeah, looks like you're running on fumes."

Before Raju could respond, Bhanumati appeared beside us, her expression cheerful but focused. "Jiju, go freshen up and change quickly, we need to start the haldi ceremony," she said, ushering him away with a sense of urgency.

Raju sighed but smiled at her before nodding. "Alright, alright, I'm going," he said, giving me a quick glance as if to say, here we go again, and then followed Bhanumati into the house.

The wedding was taking place in front of the village temple, with everything happening in a traditional and intimate setting.

Soon enough, the haldi ceremony began. Renuka and Raju were seated in the center, surrounded by family and friends. The atmosphere was alive with laughter, the sound of voices mingling with the soft patter of rain outside. Plates of golden turmeric paste were laid out before them, bright against the rustic setting.

The women were the first to approach, carrying small bowls of haldi in their hands, their faces glowing with excitement. They gathered around Renuka and Raju, smiles lighting up their faces as they began smearing the haldi on their skin. Renuka's cheeks were soon painted with the bright yellow paste, while Raju chuckled as the women playfully rubbed the paste on his arms and face.

The air was filled with joy, every laugh, every gesture adding to the celebratory spirit of the moment. Even those watching from the sidelines couldn't help but smile.

As the haldi ceremony continued, the air filled with laughter and playful shouts. The sacred yellow paste had turned into a symbol of fun and mischief, not just a wedding tradition. I was enjoying watching everyone when I noticed Raji, Anu, Ammu, and Aamukta approaching me, their faces gleaming with mischief, hands full of haldi. I raised an eyebrow and smiled, sensing trouble.

"Hey, what's going on?" I asked with a playful grin, but before I could get an answer, they smeared the haldi across my face and dashed away, laughing.

I stood there for a second, stunned, but then laughed to myself. Grabbing a handful of haldi, I chased after them. "Oh, you're not getting away that easily!" I called out, my voice carrying over the laughter.

It was chaos—everyone was doing the same thing, the solemnity of the ritual momentarily forgotten as the celebration took over. I managed to catch up with them one by one, playfully rubbing haldi on their faces as they shrieked in mock protest. Their smiles and laughter were contagious, making the whole scene feel lighthearted and full of joy.

Looking around, I saw Bhanumati smearing haldi on Varun's face while he tried to dodge her hands. Just then, Bujji sprinted toward them, his hands covered in haldi. Before they could react, he swiftly smeared it on both of them and took off, laughing loudly. Bhanumati and Varun exchanged looks and, without a word, chased after him, grinning like kids.

The whole house was alive with this playful energy, everyone getting caught in the moment. It was like the ceremony had transformed into a festival of its own—pure, unfiltered fun that connected us all. The haldi, once a sacred part of the ritual, had become a way for everyone to share in the joy of the day.

After what felt like an endless cycle of laughter and chasing each other, the energy finally began to wind down. People slowly made their way back inside, faces still smeared with yellow, ready to clean up. I wiped some of the haldi from my cheek and smiled, watching as the girls headed off to wash up, their laughter still echoing in the air.

I followed behind, the warmth of the evening still settling over me, knowing that today wasn't just about Renuka and Raju's wedding. It was about the small moments—the playful exchanges, the laughter—that made it all unforgettable.

As everyone emerged after washing off the haldi, the festive energy only grew. The sky was draped in soft evening light, and it was finally time for Raju's baraat. Excitement buzzed through the air as the preparations fell into place. Raju, dressed in his wedding attire, climbed onto the horse with Bujji in front of him, the little guy looking both excited and proud, like a miniature groom himself.

I adjusted my kurta, feeling the richness of its fabric as I glanced around. The girls had outdone themselves—each of them wore stunning sarees that shimmered in the light. Their laughter and energy brightened the atmosphere, and I couldn't help but admire how gorgeous they looked. Aamukta was already snapping photos for Instagram, her phone capturing every little detail, from the decorations to candid moments between us all. I smiled, shaking my head. She always had a knack for turning every moment into something memorable.

Soon, the traditional band started playing, the rhythmic beat of the drums echoing through the village. The air filled with the sound of other instruments as well, and slowly, one by one, people began to dance in front of the horse. The scene was alive with colors, music, and pure joy. I stood at the side, arms folded with a small smile on my face, watching everyone. It's not that I didn't like dancing, but since the girls and I were from the bride's side, I thought it might not be proper to join in just yet.

But Varun had other ideas. He came over, grinning, and without a word, grabbed my arm and pulled me into the circle of dancers. "Come on, Krishna! You can't just watch from the sidelines!" he shouted over the music, and before I knew it, I was in the thick of it, moving to the beat.

I couldn't help but laugh as I joined him, the hesitation melting away. Soon enough, the girls caught on to what was happening and rushed in, their sarees flowing as they moved gracefully, adding even more life to the scene. The music thumped in my chest, and for a moment, everything else seemed to disappear—there was only the beat, the laughter, and the shared joy of this special moment.

We danced without care, enjoying ourselves, laughing and twirling. I caught a glimpse of Aamukta recording everything while she danced, multitasking like a pro. It was hard not to feel the infectious joy of the crowd—the baraat was in full swing, and for those few moments, there were no worries, no stress, just us, the music, and the celebration.

After a while, we stepped aside, letting others take over as we caught our breath. As I stood at the side, watching Varun dance with his cousin Shailu, something caught my eye. Bhanumati, standing with the girls, wasn't her usual self. She wasn't laughing or smiling like she normally would at a celebration. Instead, she seemed distant, her eyes lingering on Varun and Shailu, a trace of sadness—jealousy? on her face. It wasn't hard to figure out why.

I decided to approach the group, keeping my tone light. As I got closer, I smiled at the girls and said, "Looks like you're all having a great time." Ammu turned to me with a big grin, "Of course, Krishna! It's a wedding, after all." I chuckled in response, but my gaze shifted to Bhanumati, who was still quiet.

"But it seems like someone's not having as much fun as they should," I said, my eyes resting on Bhanumati. She looked up at me for a brief second but didn't say a word. Her expression told me everything I needed to know. The girls, noticing my comment, glanced over at Varun and Shailu, then back at Bhanumati. Anu, always the one to act first, leaned closer to me and whispered, "Krishna, you have to do something."

I raised an eyebrow at her. "Me? What do you expect me to do?" I whispered back with a smirk.

"I don't know!" Anu whispered urgently. "But I know you can come up with something. You always do."

I sighed, feeling the weight of her request. 'What am I, some kind of love guru?' I thought to myself. But I couldn't deny that Anu was right. Bhanumati was clearly upset, and knowing Varun, he probably had no idea what was going on.

I walked over to Bhanumati, who was still focused on Varun and Shailu dancing together. Her expression was hard to miss—a mix of sadness and something deeper. Standing beside her, I gently asked, "So, what's bothering you?"

She looked at me briefly, then her gaze returned to Varun. "Nothing," she replied, her voice soft, but unconvincing. I sighed lightly, a smile tugging at my lips. "Well, I'm not exactly a love guru," I said with a chuckle, "but I've got a bit of experience." I glanced at the girls, who were all watching the situation unfold with interest.

Bhanumati, noticing my look, glanced over at them too, before turning back to me, unsure of what to say. I leaned in slightly and said with a reassuring smile, "Look, I get it. We haven't known each other long, but you can think of me as your brother, Bhanumati. If something's on your mind, you can talk to us." I kept my voice calm, hoping to make her feel comfortable enough to open up.

Her eyes widened a bit in surprise, clearly not expecting that. I smiled at her encouragingly, and just then, Raji jumped in, adding with a grin, "Yeah, Bhanumati! You can totally trust Krishna—he has a solution for every problem!"

I rolled my eyes at Raji's exaggeration, but before I could say anything, the others chimed in with similar comments, all teasing me for being the 'fixer.' I shook my head, smiling, but I knew they were only trying to help lighten the mood for Bhanumati.

Bhanumati still seemed hesitant, her eyes darting back and forth between Varun and Shailu, her emotions weighing heavily on her face. I sighed softly and took a step closer, speaking gently but with a smile. "You know, Bhanumati, love is one of those things that feels complicated, but it can also be simple if you look at it the right way. If you're worried about Varun and Shailu, you don't need to be. Varun told me earlier that Shailu already has a boyfriend, and they're planning to get married soon."

Her eyes widened in surprise, clearly caught off guard by the revelation. "Really?" she asked, her voice soft, almost disbelieving.

I nodded with a reassuring smile. "Really. So if that's what's been bothering you, you can let it go."

Bhanumati's expression softened, but the worry still lingered in her eyes. "But... what about what he said earlier? About settling in the U.S.?" She bit her lip, her voice growing more fragile as she continued, "I want to stay here, Krishna. I want to take care of my father. Didi's already decided to move to the U.S. with jiju, but I... I can't just leave him behind."

Before she could finish, I sighed again, a bit more dramatically this time, trying to lighten the mood. "Bhanumati, you're overthinking this," I said, my tone gentle but firm.

She looked up at me, confusion clouding her face. "What do you mean?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

I leaned closer to Bhanumati, keeping my tone light yet earnest. "You haven't even confessed your feelings to Varun yet, have you? You're already worrying about the future when you haven't even taken that first step. Trust me, once you talk to him, everything will start to make more sense. Varun is a good guy. He'll understand."

I paused for a moment, gauging her reaction, then added, "And if you're really worried about his job situation, I can always have a word with him. I already offered him a position; I can assure him that he won't be alone in this."

Bhanumati looked down, her brows knitted in thought, and nodded slowly. "Thank you, Krishna," she murmured, a mix of gratitude and uncertainty in her voice.

I smiled warmly, trying to lift her spirits. "Don't mention it," I said, ruffling her hair playfully.

She pushed my hand away, a mock frown forming on her lips. "Don't do that! I'm not a kid anymore," she protested, trying to maintain her composure.

I chuckled, throwing my hands up in surrender. "Alright, alright! You're a strong, independent woman." My words drew laughter from the girls, their smiles infectious, and I felt a warmth spreading through me.

With a satisfied grin, I stepped back, giving her some space as the marriage ceremony began to unfold. The atmosphere shifted, filled with a sense of excitement and joy.

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting a warm golden hue over the venue, the atmosphere thrummed with excitement and anticipation for the wedding ceremony. Raju and Renuka sat beneath a beautifully decorated canopy, adorned with vibrant flowers and shimmering fabrics that swayed gently in the evening breeze. We stood close, encircling them like a protective embrace, sharing in this moment of joy.

The air was filled with the sounds of joyous laughter and cheerful conversations, the mingling voices creating a symphony of happiness. The faint aroma of marigolds and sandalwood lingered, wrapping us in a fragrant embrace that felt almost sacred. It was a celebration, not just of two individuals, but of families, traditions, and new beginnings.

As I glanced around, I noticed the smiles on everyone's faces—friends and family gathered to witness this special day. The women in their colorful sarees, their laughter echoing, while the men exchanged playful banter. In the center of it all, Raju and Renuka radiated happiness, their eyes sparkling with love and promise.

The Pandit, draped in traditional attire, took his place in front of the couple. His demeanor was calm and composed, embodying the gravity of the moment. He raised his hands, and a hush fell over the crowd, anticipation hanging thick in the air.

"Welcome, everyone," he began, his voice resonating with authority yet laced with warmth. "We are gathered here today to witness and bless the union of Raju and Renuka. May their love be eternal and their bond strong."

As he spoke, I stole a glance at Raju, who looked both nervous and ecstatic. His fingers fidgeted, betraying his excitement, while Renuka's smile shone brightly, her eyes reflecting a mix of joy and serenity.

The priest's voice rose above the joyful chatter, his chanting filling the air with a sense of reverence. "Swasti shree gananayakam gaja mukham moreswaram sidhidam" Each mantra flowed like a gentle stream, connecting us to centuries of tradition. "shbhamagal shavadhan…" As he completed the invocation, the guests erupted into applause, and a cascade of akshada—colored rice—rained down upon Raju and Renuka, shimmering like confetti in the soft evening light.

The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as the next ritual began. Raju and Renuka stood facing each other, their hearts pounding in unison. With laughter ringing in the air, they exchanged garlands, a beautiful symbol of their union. Guests cheered them on, eager to witness this playful ritual unfold.

"Come on, Bhaiyya! You can do better than that!" Varun shouted, his voice teasingly loud. In a flash, he scooped Renuka up, hoisting her into the air as if she were a feather, creating a delightful distraction for Raju. The crowd roared with laughter at the sight, the playful rivalry igniting a wave of energy.

Seeing the opportunity for some fun, I rushed to Raju's side and picked him up too, declaring, "You won't win this!" Raju's laughter boomed as he joined in on the playful spirit. "Oh, just you wait!" he retorted, his competitive spirit shining through like the sun breaking through clouds.

The girls, stood nearby, their laughter infectious as they cheered for their respective champions. Their joy was palpable, and it felt as if the whole world had melted away, leaving only this moment—a beautiful fusion of love and friendship.

Finally, amidst the laughter and cheers, Raju and Renuka managed to place the garlands around each other's necks, their movements slightly clumsy but filled with love and joy. The crowd erupted in applause, celebrating not just the couple's victory but the love that brought us all together.

The priest smiled, his eyes twinkling with warmth as he observed Raju and Renuka's playful banter. "May this love always be filled with joy and understanding," he intoned, his voice a soothing melody amid the excited chatter of the guests.

As the sacred fire, the agni, crackled to life, casting flickering shadows around us, Raju and Renuka stood before it, hands clasped gently, their expressions shifting from playful to earnest. "Raju and Renuka," the priest continued, "as you circle the fire, remember that this fire is a witness to your vows. Let the flames ignite your love and illuminate your path."

The air grew still, anticipation hanging like a delicate thread as they took their first step around the fire. "Om Agnaye Namah," the priest chanted, and with that, a hush fell over the crowd. "May your relationship be blessed with purity and strength."

With each round, the atmosphere grew heavier with meaning. As they circled the fire, their eyes locked, each step a testament to their growing commitment. "With each step, you vow to nurture each other," the priest continued, his voice rich with tradition. "With each step, you promise to support each other. With each step, you will grow together in love."

As they reached the seventh round, the priest raised his voice, resonating with authority. "As you complete the saat phere, you are now bound together as husband and wife. May your lives be filled with love, compassion, and happiness."

Cheers erupted from the gathered friends and family, a chorus of joy that echoed through the evening sky.

As the kanyadaan concluded, I caught a glimpse of Renuka's father, his stoic facade slipping as he stepped away from the crowd. The joy of the moment seemed to weigh heavily on him, and tears welled in his eyes. He turned slightly, as if to hide his sorrow from Renuka, but the heart-wrenching truth was unmistakable. It was a poignant moment, a reminder of the bittersweet nature of weddings—where love and separation often walked hand in hand.

I watched as his sister and other family members gently surrounded him, their arms offering comfort and support. They whispered words of solace, their expressions a mix of understanding and love.

Once the emotional tide settled, the atmosphere shifted back to joy. The air buzzed with excitement as guests began to gather around Renuka and Raju, presenting gifts to the couple. Brightly wrapped packages and envelopes filled with heartfelt notes began to pile up, each one a symbol of love and good wishes for their new life together.

The photographer, capturing every moment, moved swiftly, snapping photos of beaming faces and candid laughter. As the moment unfolded, I felt the warmth of camaraderie surrounding us. The girls and I stepped forward, presenting the gifts we had brought for Renuka and Raju. "Here's to many years of happiness!" I declared, a genuine smile spreading across my face.

Renuka's eyes sparkled with gratitude as she accepted the carefully wrapped gifts, her smile radiant and infectious. Raju stood beside her, beaming with pride, and I couldn't help but feel a swell of happiness for them both.

We gathered for a group photo, laughter mingling with the clicks of the camera. Varun playfully jostled me as we posed, and the spontaneous energy ignited even more laughter among the group.

"Everyone say cheese!" Aamukta chimed, and we all responded with exaggerated enthusiasm, our laughter ringing out like music, intertwining with the sounds of the ongoing festivities.

As the evening progressed, the joyful spirit remained unbroken. Friends and family mingled, sharing stories and creating new memories, each moment etched into the fabric of our lives. The night air was filled with the sweet scent of flowers and the lingering notes of music, weaving together a tapestry of celebration and love, where laughter was abundant, and happiness felt almost tangible.

In this beautiful chaos, I felt a deep sense of belonging, united in this celebration of love—a reminder that in life, the joy of new beginnings often comes hand in hand with the heartache of goodbyes. And yet, in that moment, I couldn't help but believe that love, in all its forms, was truly worth celebrating.

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