Chapter 4: A Bride's Goodbye, A New Beginning
633 Words
Janvi’s POV
The moment was overwhelming.
My parents and I were getting emotional, tears welling up in our eyes. We hugged each other tightly, not wanting to let go. A lifetime of memories played in my heart like a silent film.
Uncle—no, Dad now—placed a comforting hand on my father’s shoulder and assured him, “Don’t worry, Arjun. Janvi is already a daughter to us. She will be loved, respected, and cherished always.”
It was time for my bidaai—the emotional farewell every bride must face. My mom handed me a handful of rice and gently said, “Throw this behind you, beta, and move forward.” Her voice cracked with emotion.
I threw the rice, and with each handful, I felt like I was letting go of my childhood, my home, my past.
I hugged my parents one last time. My father, with trembling hands, made me sit in the car that was beautifully decorated with flowers. Raj was already seated inside, quiet and thoughtful.
Before the door closed, my dad looked at Raj and said, “Take good care of my daughter.”
Raj nodded, looking directly into my father’s eyes. “Don’t worry, Uncle. I will take good care of her. I promise.”
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We reached the Malhotra Mansion shortly after.
It was glowing—draped in fairy lights and fresh flowers. The atmosphere was celebratory, yet my heart was heavy with mixed emotions.
Raj stepped out of the car first, then walked around to my side. He opened the door for me and held out his hand. I hesitated for a second, then nervously placed my hand in his. Together, we walked toward the main entrance of the mansion.
Mom—Kajal Aunty—stood at the entrance with a silver aarti thali in her hands. She welcomed us with a warm smile and performed the traditional pooja.
She then placed a plate filled with kumkum and a kalash of rice in front of me.
“Janvi beta,” she said softly, “kick the kalash gently with your right foot, step into the kumkum plate, and walk inside.”
I followed her instructions. As I walked forward, my red-stained footprints trailed behind me on the white marble floor—a symbol of the new journey I was stepping into.
“Now, make your handprints on this wall,” Mom said, holding out a tray of kumkum paste.
I pressed both my hands into it and left my prints on the wall—an emotional mark of a new beginning.
Once done, both Mom and Dad hugged me tightly.
“From now on,” Dad said, “please call us Mom and Dad, not Uncle and Aunty, okay beta?”
I smiled through my tears. “Okay, Un—uff, sorry… okay, Dad. Mom.”
They both smiled warmly, and I could feel genuine love in their eyes.
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After the rituals were complete, I felt exhausted—emotionally and physically.
Mom led me upstairs to Raj’s room.
She opened the door and said, “Go rest, my child. This is your room now. Your new life begins here.”
I stepped inside slowly.
The room was breathtakingly beautiful—decorated with red roses, candles, and soft fairy lights that cast a golden glow everywhere. It looked like something out of a dream.
But then, reality struck me.
The room wasn’t decorated for me.
It had been prepared for Priya and Raj’s wedding night.
I quietly walked to the side of the bed and sat down, staring at the roses scattered across the sheets. My heart felt heavy. I was here now… as Raj’s wife… but not as the girl he once loved.
Was this the beginning of a new love story?
- Writer
