March 2018, Alsisar, Rajasthan
We decided to travel Rajasthan for further talk. Dad was also told by Vikrant that his visit was brief. Dad understood that we had to move quickly for the wedding.
Our journey to Rajasthan was filled with anticipation and excitement. After spending a delightful week in Mumbai, my family and I, along with Vikrant, embarked on a flight to our destination. Little did we know that this trip would bring about a revelation that would forever alter the course of our journey.
As the plane touched down in Rajasthan, we were greeted by a stark contrast from the bustling cities we had left behind. The landscape transformed into the rustic charm of rural Rajasthan.
The air was infused with the promise of adventure and discovery, and we were eager to explore this new territory.
Our journey brought us to the town of Alsisar, where we were met with a magnificent sight—a grand mansion. It stood tall and
regal, radiating the essence of a bygone era. Its opulence left us in awe as we gazed upon its intricate architecture and lavish surroundings.
I never knew that my boyfriend was so rich.
Entering the mansion through its grand main entrance, we were immediately struck by the sheer grandeur of the interior.
The ceilings towered overhead, adorned with ornate designs, and priceless royal tapestries adorned the walls. The heavy wooden furniture was intricately carved, and exotic cutlery graced the dining tables, reflecting the mansion’s rich history and heritage.
A housekeeper guided me to my room, where I placed my belongings. My parents were assigned a different suite within the mansion, and I couldn’t wait to explore every corner of this captivating place.
The realization that our marriage was finally becoming a reality was a moment of immense joy and anticipation for both our families. My parents and Vikrant’s parents had several discussions, deliberations, and heartfelt conversations about our union. These discussions were marked by a sense of unity and shared excitement for our future together.
It was evident that both families were invested in our happiness and understood the depth of our feelings for each other. As they discussed the details of our wedding, from the ceremonies to the preparations, the atmosphere was filled with positive energy and enthusiasm.
With their blessings and support, we embarked on a journey that would lead us to our wedding day, where two families would come together to celebrate the love between Vikrant and me. It was an evocative moment that solidified our commitment to each other and to the families we were about to unite.
A date was chosen. It was planned to take place on March 22, along with all the festivities.
…
228 In the Arms of a Soldier
12 DAYS BEFORE THE WEDDING DAY :
Vikrant asked me for a walk after dinner.
‘Vikrant, I never knew that you are this rich.’
He chuckled and said, ‘My grandfather was the biggest businessman in Rajasthan. Dad, however, yearned to enlist. In order to enter the Indian Army, he handed this business to his younger brother, my uncle Virat Shergil.’
‘But why didn’t you tell me earlier?’
‘Firstly, I wanted to marry someone who would only adore Vikrant wearing a soldier’s uniform. I therefore kept my true self to myself. And secondly I wanted to surprise you.
‘Nimrit was instructed by me to conceal her true identity too. Because I desired a man who would cherish her innocence rather than her property. That person is Shivam.’ He clarified my confusion by saying, ‘So I agreed to their marriage right away.’
A female reporter’s voice on the phone caught our attention as we were just a few steps from a barrier and moving forward. A voice emanated from the watchman’s mobile.
“The Pakistani Air Force reportedly carried out an attack on army bases. This assault results in the martyrdom of 27 soldiers.”
We had only been married for 12 days when the situation on the borderlands became tense.
…
10 DAYS BEFORE THE WEDDING DAY :
I saw Vikrant coming my way as I was lying on the grass, reading a fresh book. He appeared to be extremely joyful. He actually danced over to me. He gave me a tight embrace, and I reciprocated.
‘What’s going on, Vikrant? You appear to be content. What is the cause?’
While still in my embrace, he said, ‘Revenge is taken.’
‘Means?’
He said after being freed from my arms, ‘Indian troops responded to the previous attack of Pakistani militants by killing their 37 soldiers.’
‘Oh really?’ I questioned.
‘Yes’. Actually, the fact that 37 people perished is not good news, but when the term ‘Revenge’ is used, it becomes good news. Vikrant’s happiness made me joyful, too.
…
ENGAGEMENT DAY,
8 DAYS BEFORE THE WEDDING DAY :
The grandeur of the mansion in Alsisar meant that we didn’t require additional rooms to host the pre-marriage rituals. The mansion grounds themselves provided an exquisite backdrop for our engagement ceremony.
Vikrant looked dashing in his navy blue sherwani, complete with matching trousers and traditional Indian shoes. Meanwhile, I donned a vibrant pink lehenga, complemented by intricate neck jewellery, bangles, and dazzling earrings. A traditional Indian bride’s appearance wouldn’t be complete without a bindi gracefully placed on my forehead.
As the guests began to arrive, Vikrant’s family extended a warm and gracious welcome to each one. The air was filled with an air of anticipation and excitement, as we were about to embark on a new chapter of our lives together.
The heart-warming ceremony commenced with the exchange of rings, symbolizing our commitment to one another. Religious leaders presided over the occasion, offering their blessings and prayers to ensure a harmonious and prosperous journey ahead.
As the formalities came to a close, the celebratory spirit was evident in the traditional dance performances that followed. The guests were treated to an array of mesmerizing acts, bringing joy and life to the grand occasion. The engagement ceremony was a beautiful celebration of love, tradition, and the promise of a shared future.
6 DAYS BEFORE THE WEDDING DAY :
Vikrant tapped on the door as I was dozing off in my room.
‘May I enter?’
‘Of course.’ Vikrant entered the space and perched on the bed next to me.
‘What occurred, Vikrant? Why you are looking disturbed?’ I questioned.
‘The situation at the border is getting more tense every day.
The Pakistani government sent 20,000 soldiers to POK. They also received support from Chinese forces, who stationed 5000
soldiers close to Siachen. In addition, they are receiving assistance from terrorist organisations. Prana, this marks the start of a major conflict.’ I was unable to respond.
I finally managed to say, after a lengthy pause, ‘You should go back to the border…. after our marriage.’ He didn’t respond; he just nodded.
…
5 DAYS BEFORE THE WEDDING DAY :
As Sonal, Pratik, Nimrit, and Shivam arrived at the majestic mansion in Alsisar, they were greeted by the same overwhelming sense of grandeur and opulence that had left me, and my family, in awe. The sight of this splendid setting took their breath away, just as it had done for us.
Pratik and Sonal’s reactions were a mix of pure joy and perhaps a hint of envy, and it is easy to understand why. They, like many of us, couldn’t help but feel overjoyed for me as their dear friend was embarking on this new journey of love and commitment. The grandeur of the mansion and the occasion was enough to make anyone envious, and perhaps a little wistful, as they shared in the excitement of the upcoming celebrations.
So, their expressions of happiness and perhaps a touch of envy were a natural response to the magnificent setting and the love-filled event that was about to take place. They, too, wished me nothing but the best as I embarked on this new chapter of my life.
…
4 DAYS BEFORE THE WEDDING DAY :
The most beautiful and cherished day in both Vikrant’s and my life was the Haldi day. It was a day filled with celebration and joy, and the grand mansion was transformed into a place of festivity and happiness. The entire atmosphere was permeated with the spirit of love and anticipation.
The day began with a vibrant and colourful procession, as relatives and guests gathered to partake in the festivities. The entire mansion was adorned with vibrant decorations, and the air was filled with laughter and the sound of music. It was a day when the walls of the mansion seemed to echo with the joyful dancing and singing of those who had gathered to celebrate our love.
The highlight of the day was the haldi ceremony itself.
Traditionally, haldi, or turmeric paste, is applied to the bride and groom to cleanse and purify them before their wedding day. It is not only a beautiful tradition but also a meaningful one. The ceremony began with all my close relatives and guests taking turns applying the haldi paste to my face, symbolizing their blessings and well-wishes for me.
Afterward, they continued to apply the haldi paste to my entire body, ensuring that I was adorned with the yellow hues of turmeric, which is believed to bring good luck and happiness.
As the ceremony unfolded, every moment was captured by the cameras, preserving these priceless memories for years to come.
The haldi day was a day of pure joy, love, and celebration, and it left an indelible mark on both Vikrant’s and my hearts as we moved closer to our wedding day.
