The Moonchild – Part 8

Karan and Samiksha eagerly waited for August, as it was the month of their union, forever. Karan arrived with his family a few days before the engagement. Very close relatives and friends of both families arrived to attend the wedding. They stayed at a vast, traditional house, which made them feel comfortable as well as homely.

Karan’s sister-in-law, Anurag’s wife Sumitra was going to meet the Chatterjee family in person for the first time. As soon as they arrived, Sumitra persuaded Anurag and Mithila to take her to Samiksha. They fulfilled her wish and she met her Sami jaa. This is what she decided to address during one of their conversations.

As soon as Sumitra entered Chatterjee’s house,

she almost ran to meet her sister-in-law.
“Sami jaa.” Samiksha turned her head to find Sumitra and was equally excited to meet and greet her.
“Bhabijaa, no nice to meet you. Finally, we met.”
“Yes. Hi Kalyani.” She greeted Kalyani who was busy with wedding preparations. She hugged her and Lakshmi.
“My Samiksha is lucky to have a loving Bhabijaa like you, my dear.” Lakshmi fondly told Sumitra.

“Even I am lucky to get a sister-in-law like her. My Debor is the best in the world.” Samiksha blushed at the mention of Karan’s name. The three ladies teased her and the atmosphere was full of joy.
“I see someone blushing,” Sumitra told Samiksha. Mithila entered the room and greeted everyone, Samiksha at once touched her feet.

Mithila blessed and embraced her.

Other ladies came there and the talks went on. Samiksha took Sumitra to her terrace.
“Hmm. So I see, this is where Karan saw you first.” A shy Samiksha nodded.
“Since monsoon is here, I doubt if your Bandhu will come to meet me.”
“I had prayed to him and his abode also. Look up there.” Samiksha pointed at her Bandhu, shining brightly in the sky. “The rain will rest for some time.”
“Hello,” Sumitra waved at the moon in the sky.
“He has also said ‘Hi’ to you.”
“How do you know?”
“The movement of the clouds near him gives me my answers.”
“You are so pure-hearted Sami jaa.” An emotional Sumitra hugged her with tears in her eyes.

“You too.”
“Nowhere near. I know now why Karan fell for you.”
Samiksha blushed once again and spoke, “I am very excited to come to Kolkata. But I will miss everyone here.” Noticing her wet eyes, Sumitra placed her hand on hers.

“I understand.

But don’t worry. Whenever you wish, you can come here. Baba and Maa are very good.” She meant Hemant Sen and Mithila.
“Who all are there in our home?” Samiksha asked with the natural excitement of a bride-to-be.
“Maa, baba, Anurag, your Karan,” She winked at this mention. “Four house helps. That is all.”
“Four? We had only two here.”
“Our home is also big. So we need. The gardener comes twice a week. And the terrace is now renovated .. Oops.” She covered her mouth with her hand. “I am not supposed to say it. You come and see yourself.”
Samiksha knew she is hiding something. But she was eager to see the terrace herself now.
“Come, let us go down. Everyone will be waiting for us. We will continue our conversation in Kolkata.” Saying this, Samiksha and Sumitra left the terrace, hand in hand.

The day of their engagement arrived.

Everyone’s excitement was visible on their faces. The arrangement of the Ashirwad and other pre-wedding rituals was at Chatterjee’s house as per tradition. Mohandas and Lakshmi were excited about this marriage. They were about to perform the crucial duty of marrying Samiksha off to a respectable family. This would be one of the last few major responsibilities towards Samiksha after the demise of her parents. They did not leave any stone unturned to make this event grand and special for her.

After the successful accomplishment of the Ashirwad ceremony,

other rituals took place. Karan’s family bestowed Samiksha with a good number of gifts, including sarees and jewellery.

Karan’s mother and other female relatives were equally excited about the ceremonies and all of them participated wholeheartedly in each.

In all, the Ashirwad ceremony and the following ones took place in a happy environment. After a day the most awaited moment for Karan and Samiksha arrived. Everyone was enthusiastic about the Bor Jatri and other rituals. One by one the rituals started. Soon it was time for Saptapadi.

The wedding ceremony of Karan and Samiksha culminated with Sindoor Daan.

The post-wedding ceremonies were awaited by all, starting with Bashor Ghar. All the friends and family members gathered to have fun. Time passed with programs arranged by the well-wishers and friends. Karan and Samiksha exchanged sweet, naughty glances during the ceremonies. He gestured for her to get away from there. But Samiksha pointed at the crowd and signaled a strict no. The day ended with a sumptuous dinner and both families had a memorable time.

The next day was tough for Mohandas, Lakshmi and Kalyani. Their dear Samiksha was about to leave for her new home with her in-laws.

Stay tuned for Part 9/-