14.

                                    

                                          

Gadodia house
Laksh was finally getting married.
He should be happy and excited, but more than that he is hurt, sad and dull.
His little sister was not here after all. 
She was the most excited one for his wedding. 
Swara had literally made a list of all that she wanted to do, what she was gonna wear, even she was the one who talked with the decorators and finalized the decorations and all. 
And truly the decorations were done just like she wanted.
He remembered how she literally fought with the decorator who denied having the kind of items she suggested. 
Remembering that a chuckle left his mouth. 
He had tears in his eyes.
Getting ready alone in his room he missed her so much. If she had been here she would have made him wear his turban, chose his dress and ornaments, would have ordered around like a boss.. only if she was here..
Laksh loved his sister, so much. And when she just married out of nowhere, he was shocked as well as hurt.
Had she told him she loved someone, he would have definitely supported her, albeit after thoroughly interrogating the guy.
But she just took that stupid decision. 
The last two days were not at all easy for him and his parents. 
They were hurt, more so worried for her. 
She was their baby after all, and they didn't know in which state she would be right now.
Yes sanskar seemed like a good person, but that doesn't lessen their worry.
Adding to that, the constant questions about swara's absence in her only brother's wedding,  which was then followed by taunting and the whispers.
People were questioning her character and the whole family's reputation. 
But somehow they managed. Answering as kindly and subtly possible. Diverting attention many times.
And putting on a mask of fake smiles, his parents were getting everything done for his wedding. And that hurt him the most.
The house which should have been filled with excitement and giggles was somehow dull, inspite of the presence of so many people.
He was almost done getting ready. 
Shekhar and Janki came into his room. They were the ones who were affected the most. One side their daughter and other side their sons wedding. 
Janki looked at him with tears. 
She put kajal behind his ear, warding off evil eyes.
"Kitna pyara lag raha hai na Laksh? Shekhar abhi to hum pehli baar maa papa bane the, isse apne sath ghar leke aye the aur abhi dekho dulha bana hai. Mera golu" 
"Haan Janki. Pure ghar me nangu pungu dodta tha aur aaj kaise sherwani pehen rakhi hai tumhare golu ne. Maa maa ki raat lagata tha ab Kitna bada ho gaya hai ki shadi karne wala hai." Shekhar said, trying to uplift their moods.
Janki and Shekhar laughed whereas Laksh whined, "Maaaa... dekho na papa ko." 
"Bola tha na.. maa ka chamcha.. "Shekhar laughed out.
"Haan to.. mera bacha hai. Tumhari shona bhi to bas papa papa hi karti hai.. mene kuch kaha.Aaj yaha hoti to pure ghar ko sar pe chadhaya hota usne.. ye kyun nahi hua, woh kyun nahi hua.. " Janki stopped at that.
And with the mention of swara the three of them got silent.
"Maa.. uski batein na karo to hi acha hoga." Laksh said.
"Laksh behen hai teri woh. Mana gussa hai par aise na bol." Janki reprimanded him.
"Maa, please. Aaj nahi. Usne jo bhi kiya uska decision tha. But uske decision ka natiza hum bhugat rahe hai. Aap dono ko Kitna kuch jhelna paad raha hai.. so it's better hum uske bareme baat na hi karein to. She is just Sanskar's wife now,nothing else." Laksh replied. 
Shekhar said" Bass. Behes band karo.  Abhi Laksh tumhara baarat nikalne ka time ho raha hai. Ye Saab bad me discuss hoga. Chalo tum maa beta. Warna late ho jayega tumhara golu." 
Making themselves strong they left to start the rituals.
Ritually groom's sister should do his Tilak and take aarti but as swara was not there his cousin did that.
And then Laksh left with his baarat, to come back with his wife.
To be continued..