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The evening sun slowly disappeared behind the mountains, painting the sky in shades of gold, orange, and soft pink.

Saanjh sat quietly on a high hill, watching the sunset spread its warm colours across the valleys. The cool mountain breeze gently played with her hair, carrying the fresh scent of pine and wildflowers. Everything around her felt calm, making her feel as if she belonged to nature itself.

She slowly closed her eyes, letting herself sink into the peaceful silence. The cold breeze brushed against her skin, sending a soft shiver down her spine, while the warmth of the setting sun gently melted away all the noise in her heart.

Just then, a gentle hand rested on her shoulder.

She slowly opened her eyes, leaving behind her little world of dreams.

"Saanjh, chalo ghar chalte h," Ritu said with a smile.

(Saanjh, let's go home)

Saanjh nodded, picked up the bundle of freshly cut grass, and together they started walking back towards home.

__________________________

"Saanjh... kidhr hai?"

(Saanjh where are you?)

Her mother's voice echoed through the courtyard.

"Aayi maa... muh hath dho rhi thi. Abhi aayi bas."

(Coming, Maa! I was just washing my face and hands. I'll be there in a moment.)

She quickly walked inside.

"Jii maa, bolo."

(Yes, Maa. Tell me.)

Her mother sat on the floor, quietly knitting wool with steady hands.

Without looking up, she said,

"Beta, kal teri bhabhi apne mayke jaayegi. Tune bhi jana h uske sath, fir bhai ke sath wapis aa jana."

(Dear, your sister-in-law is going to her parents' home tomorrow. You should go with her, and later come back with Virendra.)

Saanjh's smile faded a little.

"Par maa... aap akele kaise karengi sab? Aapke ghutno ka dard badh jayega."

(But Maa... how will you manage everything alone? Your knee pain will get worse.)

She looked at her mother with worry.

Her mother smiled softly.

"Kuch nhi hota ek din me. Tune mujhe bahut kamzor samajh liya hai."

(Oh dear, nothing will happen in just one day. Have you started thinking I'm that weak?)

Then she looked at Saanjh with affection.

"Abhi mayke me ghoom le thoda... fir pata nhi kaisa sasural mile."

(Go and spend some time at your parents' home while you can. Who knows what your in-laws' home will be like tomorrow?")

Those simple words filled Saanjh's heart with warmth.

These were the little things her mother always did for her—small efforts to let her enjoy life before marriage. Every time, they made Saanjh love her mother a little more.

"Par... Pita ji ko kaun manayega?"she asked worriedly.

(But... who will convince Father?)

Her mother chuckled.

"Tu bas saman bandh le aur apni bhabhi ke sath shadi me bhi shamil ho jana. Theek h."

(Don't worry about that. Just pack your things. And yes, make sure you enjoy the wedding and take part in all the celebrations.)

"Jii maa." Saanjh nodded obediently.

(Yes, maa)

Just then, a deep voice came from outside.

"Kaha jaane ki baatein ho rhi h?"

(What's all this preparation for?)

Her father had returned.

Saanjh looked at her mother.

"Maa... Pita ji...."

Before she could speak, her father asked,

"Kaha jaari ho, Saanjh?"

(Where are you going, Saanjh?)

Her mother answered calmly,

"Mai ise bahu ke sath bhej rhi hun. Waha shadi me shamil bhi ho jayegi humari taraf se."

(I'm sending her with our daughter-in-law to her parents' home. There's a wedding there, and she'll attend it on behalf of our family.)

Her father immediately frowned.

"Hnn... par Saanjh akele kaise jaayegi? Mujhe darr lagta hai isse akele bhejte huye."

(But... how will Saanjh go alone? I don't feel comfortable sending her by herself.)

His concern was evident in his voice.

Seeing his worried face, Saanjh's mother smiled reassuringly.

"Virendra bhi jaayega. Dono uske sath honge. Pareshan mat hoye."

(Virendra will go with them as well. Please don't worry)

Her father's expression softened.

"Hnn... tab theek hai. Jao, Saanjh. Saman bandh lo aur samay se so jana. Kal subah jaldi nikalna hai."

(Hmm... then that's fine.Go and pack your things. And make sure you go to bed on time. You'll have to leave early tomorrow morning.)

"Jii, Pita ji."

(Yes, father)

Saanjh smiled, nodded respectfully, and quietly walked towards her room. Deep inside, a small excitement had already begun to bloom. It had been a long time since she had stepped beyond the familiar mountains she called home.

__________________________

"Saanjh ke pita ji... Saanjh ki byoh (shadi) ka kuch socha aapne? Woh jo rishta aaya tha... aapko pasand aaya?"

He gently shook his head.

(Saanjh's father... have you given any thought to Saanjh's marriage? That marriage proposal that came... did you like the boy?)

"Nhi... woh ladka mujhe achcha nhi laga. Saanjh ke liye achche mann ka ladka dhundunga."

She let out a small sigh.

(No... I didn't like that boy. I'll find someone with a kind heart for Saanjh.)

"Koi achche mann ka ladka nhi hota aajkal. Bas ghar ke liye naukarani chahiye sabko. Diya jalakar bhi dhoondhenge, fir bhi mushkil se milega jaisa ladka aap chahte hai."

(There are hardly any kind-hearted men these days. Most people just want a maid for their home. Even if we searched with a lamp in broad daylight, it would still be difficult to find the kind of man you're hoping for.)

A faint smile appeared on his face.

"Mujhe vishwas hai... uske bhagya me bahut achcha ladka likha hai. Waise bhi meri Saanjh bahut bhagya wali hai."

(I have faith... destiny has written a wonderful man for her. Besides, my Saanjh has always been blessed.)

For a moment, he looked outside towards the mountains, lost in old memories.

"Yaad hai... jab pata chala tha ki Saanjh hone wali hai? Do saal se banjar pade humare kheton me usi saal hariyali laut aayi thi. Aur jab se woh paida hui hai... lagta hai jaise Ishwar ne mere bhaag hi khol diye. Beti ka baap hona... apne aap me hi ek vardaan hai."

(Do you remember... when we found out we were going to have Saanjh? That very year, our fields—which had remained barren for two years—turned green again. And ever since she was born... it feels as though God opened the doors of my fortune. Being the father of a daughter is a blessing in itself.)

His eyes sparkled with pride as he spoke about his daughter.

She smiled warmly.

"Hnn... woh toh hai. Meri bachchi bahut bhagya wali hai."

(Yes.. it's. My girl is truly blessed.)

Both of them silently prayed the same prayer in their hearts.

"Bas, aage aane wali zindagi me bhi uska bhagya aise hi chamakta rahe."

Early the next morning, Virendra, Saanjh, and Ritu set off for Ritu's mayeka.

The journey passed pleasantly. The three of them laughed, gossiped, and talked about little things along the way. Ritu couldn't stop sharing stories from her childhood—her mischievous adventures, funny incidents, and memories with her friends. Listening to her, Saanjh couldn't help but smile every now and then.

After three to four hours of travelling through winding mountain roads, they finally reached Ritu's home.

The house was filled with warmth and excitement. Ritu's family welcomed them with open arms. Everyone showered them with love and blessings.

Although Saanjh already knew most of the family members, her shy nature always got the better of her. Even while greeting everyone, she kept her eyes lowered, speaking softly. Still, she made sure to greet every elder respectfully and exchange a smile with the familiar faces around her.

After lunch, Ritu's younger sister, Rekha, took Saanjh to her room.

"Aap pehle hath muh dho lo didi. Thoda aaram bhi karlo."

(Please freshen up first, Didi. You should get some rest as well.)

Saanjh smiled gratefully.

The long journey had left her exhausted. Since she wasn't used to travelling much, the mountain roads had made her feel tired.

The moment she lay down on the bed, sleep quietly took over.

___________________________

Nearly three hours later...

A gentle knock woke her up.

She slowly opened her eyes and saw Rekha standing at the door with a steaming cup of tea.

"Uth gayi didi? Yeh lo, chai piyo."

(You're awake, Didi? Here, have some tea.)

"Dhanyawad..." Saanjh said shyly as she accepted the cup.

(Thank you)

Rekha smiled mischievously.

"Saanjh didi... aap kitne sharmeele ho. Mujhse bhi sharma rhi ho."

(Saanjh Didi... you're so shy. You're even feeling shy around me.)

Saanjh immediately shook her head.

"Nhi... nhi... aise nhi hai, Rekha."

(No... no... it's not like that, Rekha.)

She tried her best to hide her shyness.

Rekha giggled.

"Aap bolre ho toh maan leti hun."

(If you say so, I'll believe you.)

She sat beside Saanjh and began chatting excitedly.

"Aaj meri dost ki bhen ki mehendi hai. Hum sab jaa rahe hai... aur aap bhi chalengi."

(Today is my friend's sister's mehendi ceremony. All of us are going... and you're coming with us too.)

Saanjh almost dropped her cup.

"Mai... mai nhi... nhi Rekha. Mai nhi jaana chahti... unn logon ko toh mai janti bhi nhi."

(I... I can't... no, Rekha. I don't want to go... I don't even know those people.)

Her nervousness was clearly visible.

Rekha held her hand and smiled warmly.

"Kya nhi didi! Mai hun na. Ritu didi bhi hongi, Jiya (jiju) ji bhi honge, Maa-Pita ji bhi chalenge. Aap bilkul akeli nhi rahogi."

(Why not, Didi? I'm with you. Ritu Didi will be there, Jiya Ji will be there, and Mother and Father are coming too. You won't be alone at all.)

Saanjh still looked unsure.

Seeing that, Rekha made an innocent face.

"Chalo na didi... aap nhi aaoge toh mai bhi nhi jaari. Itni mushkil se aap yaha aayi ho. Waise bhi aap kabhi aati hi nhi ho... aur ab mere sath chal bhi nhi rhi ho."

(Please come, Didi... if you don't come, then I won't go either. You came here after so long. You hardly ever visit... and now you're not even coming with me.)

She folded her arms dramatically, pretending to be upset.

Saanjh couldn't help but smile.

After all the emotional blackmail, she finally gave up and nodded slowly.

"Theek hai... chalungi."

(Alright... I'll come.)

"Sachh?"

(Really?)

The very next second, Rekha clapped her hands happily and started twirling around the room like a little child.

Her cheerful laughter filled the room.

Watching her excitement, Saanjh smiled softly.

Maybe... coming here wasn't such a bad idea after all.

___________________________

By the time we finished dinner, the mountain village had grown quiet. A cool breeze drifted through the windows while the distant sound of crickets filled the night.

Rekha, however, was nowhere close to being sleepy.

The moment we entered our room, she sat beside me with sparkling eyes.

"Didi, pata hai... main kal hara wala suit hi pehnungi. Aur baalon mein choti banaun ya khule rakhun? Ya phir juda banaun?"

(Didi, you know what? I'm definitely wearing my green suit tomorrow. But should I braid my hair, leave it open, or make bun?)

Before I could answer, she had already picked up her dupatta and stood in front of the mirror, imagining herself ready for the wedding.

"Aur konse jhumke pehenu? Batao na!"

(And which jhumkas I should wear? Tell me!)

I couldn't help but smile. And searching the jhumke which compliments her dress.

"Yeh dekho yeh pehen lena. Hare suit ke saath acche lagenge."

(Wear this one jhumkas. They'll look beautiful with your green suit.)

"Sach? Mujhe bhi wahi lag raha tha!"

(Really? That's exactly what I was thinking too!)

She happily twirled around the room, talking nonstop about matching bangles, bindis, sandals, and hairstyles.

I simply watched her.

She was like a little sparrow—always chirping, always full of life. Her excitement filled the whole room, and somehow, it made me excited too.

Just then, Ritu bhabhi and Ma walked into the room.

"Abhi tak soyi nahi tum dono?" Ma smiled.

(You two are still awake?)

"Maa, bas kal ki taiyaari ki baatein kar rahe the," Rekha answered before once again asking everyone's opinion about her hairstyle.

(Mother, we were just talking about tomorrow's preparations.)

Soon the room was filled with laughter. The four of us sat together for a long time, talking about tomorrow's mehendi, the guests, the food, and the little responsibilities everyone had.

By the time we finally lay down to sleep, Rekha was still making plans for the next day.

I smiled to myself before closing my eyes.

___________________________

The next morning, we woke up before sunrise, just as we always did.

After freshening up, we finished the household chores together, swept the courtyard, helped in the kitchen, and had breakfast with everyone.

The moment breakfast was over, Rekha grabbed my wrist.

"Didi, chalo jaldi! Abhi tak socha hi nahi ki aap kya pehenogi!"

(Didi, hurry up! We still haven't decided what you're going to wear!)

Without waiting for my answer, she pulled me towards the room, already excited to choose our outfits for the wedding.

"Didi, jaldi idhar aao na!"

(Didi, come here quickly!)

Rekha's impatient voice came from outside my room.

"Itni bhi kya jaldi hai? Mehendi toh shaam ko hai." I replied while neatly folding my dupatta.

(Why are you in such a hurry? The mehendi ceremony isn't until tomorrow evening.)

She walked inside with two bangles in her hand and frowned.

"Jaldi isliye hai kyunki mujhe taiyaar bhi hona hai. Aur aaj mehendi hai... sab log honge!"

(Because I have to get ready too! And today's the mehendi... everyone will be there!)

I smiled at her excitement.

"Achha bata, toh kya pehenu mai?"

(Alright, tell me—what should I wear?)

She quickly held up a bright green suit.

"Ye wala! Maa ne kal hi eshtri kiya tha. Apko achcha laga?"

(This one! Mom ironed it just yesterday. Do you liked it?)

I looked at the neatly folded peach suit lying on my bed.

"Main ye pehen lungi."

(I'll wear this one.)

Rekha looked at me for a second before shaking her head.

"Didi... aap na. Itne sundar kapde hote hain aur aap hamesha sabse sada hi chun leti ho. Thoda toh saj liya karo."

(Didi... honestly, you always do this. You have such beautiful clothes, yet you always choose the simplest one. You should dress up a little sometimes.)

I laughed softly.

"Mujhe itna sajna accha nahi lagta. Aur waise bhi, main kisiko dekhne thodi jaa rahi hoon."

(I don't really like dressing up that much. Besides, it's not like I'm going there to impress anyone.)

She burst into laughter.

"Aap nahi dekhne jaa rahi... par ho sakta hai koi aapko dekh le!"

(You may not be going there to look at anyone... but someone might end up noticing you!)

"Rekha!"

I picked up a cushion and lightly threw it at her, making her laugh even harder.

Still giggling, she sat beside me.

"Waise pata hai? Dulhan ki saari saheliyan bhi aayi hui hain. Pados ke gaon se bhi bahut log aa rahe hain. Mehendi mein na bahut maza aayega. Pehle gaane honge, phir naach, aur raat ko sab milkar hasi-mazaak karenge."

(By the way, do you know? All of the bride's friends have already arrived. Lots of people are coming from the neighboring villages too. The mehendi is going to be so much fun! First there'll be singing, then dancing, and at night everyone will sit together, laugh, and enjoy themselves.)

Her excitement was contagious.

I simply listened with a small smile.

She suddenly looked at me with narrowed eyes.

"Bas ek baat ka dhyan rakhna... kisi kone mein chup-chaap mat baith jaana. Thoda sabke saath bhi rehna."

(Just remember one thing... don't go and sit quietly in some corner. Spend some time with everyone too.)

"Main koshish karungi," I replied honestly.

(I'll try.)

"Bas koshish nahi... pakka!"

(Not just try... promise me!)

I nodded with a smile.

___________________________

LET'S SEE...

How destiny slowly leads Saanjh towards her Lieutenant Sahab...

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