Chapter 12: Sacred Strands
Winter's grip loosened as March sun warmed Markham's meadows, coaxing Aashu into lighter layers at home. Kurtis and leggings became his daily wear. He no longer his in his oversized Tees during video calls anymore. Vishu made him wear flowing anarkalis in pastel pinks over sleek leggings and dupattas draping him as a perfect housewife. He started a tick-tock and an insta channel under the name "Ashwini" and uploaded his dance and yoga reels. He became a hit with thousands of followers growing in numbers by the day. After months of vocal practice (Vishnu's playful coaching), his tone lifted naturally—soft, melodic lilt like the actors in serials effortlessly.
Phone calls sealed it. The delivery boys cooed "Madam, Your order's here" by just hearing his voice over phone even without seeing him. Friends transformed too. Lakshmi, once whispering around her husband, now chatted freely late nights (Night in India time, But day for Aashu).
During One call, Divya introduced him to her Husband "Meet Ashwini—my pretty friend from Canada" Her husband waved a hi and went away. Later after the call was over, he came back to Divya and asked "Shall we make her meet my brother Akash in Canada?". "Why" asked Divya. "She looks pretty and a sanskaari. If they like eachother we can get them married. Ask her if she can share Kundali". Divya laughed nonstop till she had a stomach ache. Finally when she came back to her normal self, she texted in group "@Ashwini, Can you please share your janam Kundali? My husband wants to check compatibility with his brother. Will you be my Co-Sister?" Before Aashu or Vishu saw it, all other friends started replying... Neha Said "Yes please... even we are looking for a match for my brother". Lakshmi said "Who will be the lucky boy?" Sravani Said "Will Vishnu let it happen?".
There was a pun intended in all these messages. But Vishu got envious after reading it. She took out her Mangalasutra and blackbead chain from the cupboard (she stopped wearing it long back when they came to Canada) and gave it to Aashu and asked him to wear it. Upon asking why, Vishu showed the chat to him and said "I will mark my territory. No one shall conquer my queen". Aashu smiled and said "Aaawww ...! My hero got jealous...? You only put it. But on an auspicious day. Okay?". Vishu agreed and cooled down with a tight hug and a smooch.
Next day they went to the local temple, Vishu wearing a track pants, Tshirt and a hoodie over it while Aashu wore an Anarkali. They asked the Panditji when will be the auspicious muhurta to tie a knot. Panditji thought they are lovers who eloped from India. He asked their names, Date and time of births. They said their names as Ashwini and Vishnu and told their DOBs. When Panditji saw that the groom is younger than the bride, he said "Now I understand why you have come here all alone. Your parents might have objected to your marriage because you, Ashwini, are elder to Vishnu. Don't worry the itihaasaas say they even Sita was elder to Rama. You both have excellent compatibility. Just come back on the third Thursday of next month by 8AM. According to both your kundalis, if you get married at 9:53AM that day, you will have a great life ahead....!"
Vishu: "If the muhurat is at 9:53, why come so early?"
Panditji: "We offer packages here in our temple for marriages, We will arrange traditional makeup, Mehendi, Flower decoration to hair, saree draping etc for the Bride. And Pagdi, Sword for rent, Horse ride to the Mandap for the groom. The package will also include Photography, videography, decoration of Mandap and Palki seva for the bride. if you can give the no of guests we will arrange food also. But for that you will have to pay extra per plate"
Aashu- "we don't want any package Panditji. We want a simple marriage"
Vishu- "Why darling, we only marry once... I mean... You get to be the bride only once in your lifetime.... Why not make it a grand occasion. And record our moments?
Aashu- It's a waste of money darling... it will be only two of us na... why go for extravagance and lavishness... who will see?
Vishu - (Thinking that Aashu is avoiding all these only because there is no one to see) it's okay Panditji... Let's go for it. Who much will it cost?
Panditji - How many guests?
Vishu - let's assume 30.
Panditji - it would be 10000 CAD.
Aashu - Not required... Don't waste money Vishnu... There is no one here to come and bless us.
Vishu- It's okay darling... I will take care....! Panditji..., give me your bank details. I will send 50% as advance. Balance I will pay on that day itself. Please make our moments special and bless us.
They both bowed and touched the feet of Panditji for blessings. "Dheerghaayunmaan bhava...! Sheegrameva suputra praaptirastu"
Chapter 13 - The Wedding....!