"Shakthi, Bharathi, are you ready? Everyone's waiting at the wedding hall. It's getting late—hurry up!" Raji's voice echoed through the house, tinged with excitement, urgency, and a warmth that made her sons smile.
"I'm coming, Mom," Bharathi called back, his eyes bright as he descended the stairs. His crisp kurta rustled with each step, and he adjusted it carefully, ensuring everything looked perfect. "I'm ready."
Shakthi followed behind, walking steadily. "I am ready too, Raji," he said, his voice calm and confident.
Raji paused, taking in the sight of her children—how they had grown, how different yet similar they were. "Just a minute, my darlings," she said, stopping them both. Her heart swelled with a mixture of pride and warmth.
"All set now?" she asked after a moment, smiling warmly.
"Yes, Raji," Shakthi replied. "We're ready."
"Good. Did you bring the gift?" Raji asked, her eyes scanning his face to make sure he hadn't forgotten anything.
"Yes, Raji. Let's get into the car first," Shakthi said, nodding. His calm tone reassured her, though she could sense his quiet attentiveness to every detail.
The three of them got into the car, the soft hum of the engine filling the brief silence. Outside, the morning sun bathed the streets in a golden glow, highlighting the colorful garlands hanging across houses. The air carried the distant scent of flowers, incense, and sweets from other weddings nearby. The familiar chatter of vendors and distant temple bells added to the morning's charm. They drove in silence for a few moments, each lost in their thoughts.
When they arrived at the wedding hall, Shakthi stopped the car. "Bharathi, you and Raji go ahead. I'll park the car," he said, a faint frown creasing his forehead. "I left the gift here—take it inside."
Bharathi nodded eagerly, helping Raji step down gracefully. The wedding hall loomed ahead, decorated in vibrant reds, golds, and marigold garlands. The scent of jasmine hung in the air, mingling with the faint aroma of fresh sweets laid out in trays for the guests. The sparkling lights reflected off polished floors, and soft traditional music played in the background, creating an atmosphere of warmth and anticipation.
At the hall entrance, Bharathi and Raji were warmly welcomed by Ganeshan and his family. Ganeshan had been a loyal worker in Raji's cloth shop for over twenty years, and today was one of the happiest days of his life—his daughter's wedding. His eyes shone with pride and gratitude as he clasped Raji's hands.
"Shakthi sir hasn't arrived yet?" Ganeshan asked respectfully.
"He's gone to park the car. He'll be here soon," Raji replied, a calm authority in her voice.
"Alright, let's go inside then, Mam," Ganeshan said politely, guiding them toward the hall and making sure they were seated comfortably.
Raji's gaze swept across the hall, taking in the rows of guests, the sparkling decorations, and the floral arrangements that adorned the stage. Everything seemed perfect. "Keep an eye on things inside. This is our wedding celebration, so we'll handle it," she said to Ganeshan, her voice carrying a soft warmth that made him nod with pride.
As she settled, Raji leaned toward Bharathi and whispered, "Bharathi, do you think this girl is right for Shakthi?"
Bharathi glanced at the girl sitting nearby and then back at Raji, a teasing glint in his eyes. "I don't know if she's perfect for Shakthi," he said softly, "but she seems fine to me. You should ask her—if I'm okay for her, then I'm fine with it."
Shakthi, who had been nearby, overheard their conversation. A flash of frustration crossed his face, and he stormed over, his voice sharp and edged with anger.
"Raji, are you starting already?" he demanded, his eyes blazing. "This is exactly why I don't come anywhere with you. What did we even come for? We came for the wedding—just do the work we came here to do!"
The words hung in the air, leaving a brief silence around them. Raji took a steadying breath, her chest tightening, while Bharathi smirked slightly at Shakthi's theatrics, unable to hide a small laugh.
As the auspicious moment approached, the bride was called to the stage.
"Mam, please come and give the wedding chain to the groom and bless them," Ganeshan requested, his voice filled with respect and deep emotion.
Raji hesitated, her heart tightening. As a widower, a wave of sorrow and self-doubt washed over her. She wondered if she still had the right to step forward, to bless the couple, to play a role in their joy when her own life had been shadowed by loss. The weight of her past pressed gently against the present, making her pause.
Ganeshan stepped closer, his voice soft but firm, filled with reverence. "Mam, you are the one who gives us life. To us, you are like a goddess. Only you should do this. Please, Mam, come forward," he said, his eyes glistening with pride and unwavering respect.
Shakthi leaned closer to his mother, his voice quieter now, yet firm. "Raji, he's right. Don't worry. Just do it."
Raji's mind raced with memories of the past—their family, their traditions, and the unspoken bonds of respect and love that tied them together. With a deep breath, she stepped onto the stage, her saree flowing gracefully behind her. The audience fell silent as she gave the wedding chain to the groom, her hands steady despite the whirlwind of emotions inside her. She whispered blessings softly, her eyes shimmering with warmth and love.
"Alright, Ganeshan, let's go," Raji said, stepping down, a mix of relief and quiet satisfaction washing over her.
Ganeshan accompanied them to the hall entrance. "Thank you so much for all your help, Mam. I was worried about how we'd manage this wedding, but you handled everything perfectly," he said, his voice thick with gratitude.
Raji smiled, feeling the weight of the day but also a deep sense of joy. "Ganeshan, you've worked in our shop for over twenty years. You're part of our family. We're so happy the wedding went well. Now we can leave."
Shakthi and Bharathi flanked her as they walked toward the car, the sounds of laughter, music, and celebration echoing behind them. The warmth of family, the pride in their hearts, and the fleeting, precious moments of togetherness made this day unforgettable.
And with that, the three of them departed, leaving behind a hall brimming with joy, memories, and the soft fragrance of flowers—a day that would remain etched in their hearts forever.
To be continued...