🦋 राँझणा नैनों के तीर चल गए
साजना साँसों से दिल सिल गए
पलकों में छुपा लूँ तेरा सजदा करूँ
सीने में समा लूँ दिन रैन करूँ
तेरे अंग अंग रंग मेरा बोले
हो अब जाँ लुट जाए ये जहां छुट जाए
संग प्यार रहे मैं रहूँ ना रहूँ
सजदा तेरा सजदा
दिन रैन करूँ ना ही चैन करूँ 🦋

You stole my heart but I'll let you keep it

~ Annahita 🦚🪷

As Annahita approached Anantara Kutir, the entrance was bathed in a soft, golden glow, casting an ethereal light on the path she was about to take. The air was filled with the fragrance of jasmine and roses, their delicate petals scattered like blessings under her feet. She was a vision of grace and beauty, draped in a resplendent red saree adorned with intricate gold embroidery that shimmered with every step she took. Her veil, lightly embroidered with motifs of peacocks and lotuses, gently swayed with the breeze, offering fleeting glimpses of her serene face.

As she approached the entrance of Anantara Kutir, the courtyard came alive with the harmonious sound of conch shells and bells marking her official entry into her new home.

The threshold was adorned with a silver urn filled with rice, a symbol of prosperity and abundance. Annahita, with her head slightly bowed, nudged the urn with her right foot, sending the grains spilling over the edge. This act, simple yet profound, signified her role in bringing prosperity and happiness into the home. The soft rustling of the rice grains as they scattered across the marble floor seemed to echo the blessings that had been bestowed upon her.

As Annahita took her first step inside, she was handed a small brass kalash filled with water and a single mango leaf. She gently placed her hand on the kalash, turning it over as the water trickled down, symbolizing the purifying of their path together. Adhiraj's hand brushed against hers, a fleeting touch that spoke volumes, grounding her in the reality of their union.

The next ritual awaited-a plate of alta, the red dye mixed with water. Annahita stepped into it, her feet leaving crimson footprints on the pristine white cloth laid out for her. These footsteps, delicate yet bold, were the first marks she would leave in this house, a sign that she had not just entered but belonged here. Adhiraj followed her closely, his hand hovering protectively near her back, ready to support her if needed.

As they walked further into the house, they were met by the elders of the family, who performed the aarti, their faces lit with affection. The diya's flame flickered in the gentle breeze, casting a golden hue over Annahita and Adhiraj, as if blessing their union with light and warmth. Annahita stole a glance at Adhiraj, who offered her a rare smile, one that reached his eyes, filling her with a sense of belonging she had never known before.

Though she had lived in these rooms and walked these corridors for months, today, they felt different-more intimate, more hers. Every corner of Anantara Kutir now seemed to pulse with life, welcoming her not just as a resident but as the lady of the house. The house itself seemed to breathe with the rhythm of her steps, acknowledging her presence in a way that it never had before.

Adhiraj, sensing her quiet contemplation, took her hand in his. As they finally stood in the main hall, surrounded by family and the echoes of blessings, Annahita knew that this was her home now-not just in name, but in every sense of the word.

And as Adhiraj's hand remained clasped in hers, she realized that the true essence of home wasn't in the grandeur of the walls or the opulence of the decor, but in the quiet strength of the man beside her, the family that embraced her, and the love that filled every corner of Anantara Kutir.

࣪ ִֶָ☾.ᥫ᭡.࣪ ִֶָ☾.

Adhiraj and Annahita were seated in the temple of Kutir, preparing for the rituals. Nandini and Adhvita sat across from Annahita, placing a large vessel in front of her so she could dip her feet into it. Each of them clutched a kalash filled with water, ready to perform the ritual where the bride's younger sister-in-law washes her alta-painted feet.

Before they could begin, a lively voice echoed through the Kutir, "Oo hello hello, main thodi si late kya ho gyi, mere bina hi shuru ho gye sab log?" ("Oh hello, hello! I'm just a little late, and you all started without me?")

Everyone turned to see a girl standing in the doorway, her hands firmly on her waist.

"Deepu!" Tripti exclaimed in surprise as the girl came running toward her.

"Buaa!" the girl cried, hugging her tightly.

"Tu yahan itni raat ko kaise aayi? Kisi ko pta hai tu yahan aayi hai? Koi aaya hai tere saath? Bhai aaye hai? Maa?" ("How did you get here so late at night? Does anyone know you're here? Did someone come with you? Is your brother here? Mother?") Tripti fired off questions rapidly.

"Ohho, saans bhi le lo ab! Bullet train se bhi fast ho aap toh. Ye sab baatein baad mein karte hai, abhi pehle bhabhi se toh milwao." ("Oh, take a breath first! You're faster than a bullet train. Let's talk about all this later; first, introduce me to Bhabhi.") Deepanshi replied, amused by her aunt's rapid questioning.

"Haan haan, aaja. Anna, ye hai Deepanshi, mere chote bhai ki beti." ("Yes, yes, come. Anna, this is Deepanshi, my younger brother's daughter.") Tripti introduced the girl to Annahita.

"Bhai?" Annahita asked in confusion, as she had never heard of Tripti's family before, nor had she seen anyone from her family at the wedding.

The Kutir fell silent at her question, but Deepanshi quickly broke the tension with a cheerful tone, "Arey bhabhi, ye sab kya baaton mein lag jate ho sab, mujhse toh mil lo!" ("Oh, Bhabhi, why get caught up in all this talk? Meet me first!")

"Main hu Deepanshi, aapki sabse choti nanad." ("I'm Deepanshi, your youngest sister-in-law,") Deepanshi said, smiling warmly at Annahita.

Annahita smiled warmly at Deepanshi as she settled between Adhvita and Nandini, holding the kalash. The three of them began washing Annahita's feet, and Nandini playfully said, "Bhabhi ji, ab toh neg dena padega" (Sister-in-law, now you'll have to give us a gift).

"Hanji bhabhi ji, chaliye nikaliye humara neg" (Yes, sister-in-law, come on, give us our gift), Deepanshi added, extending her hands expectantly in front of Annahita. Nandini and Adhvita joined in, also holding out their hands.

Annahita laughed and said, "Lekin mere paas toh abhi kuch nahi hai dene ko. Aap logo ko kya chahiye? Main kal pakka de dungi" (But I don't have anything to give right now. What do you all want? I'll definitely give it tomorrow).

"Ji nahi, neg toh abhi chahiye" (No, we want the gift right now), Deepanshi insisted.

"Lekin abhi toh sach mein mere paas kuch nahi hai" (But I really don't have anything right now), Annahita replied, trying to sound apologetic.

"Humare paas hai" (But I do), Adhiraj interjected, stepping forward.

"Bhaiya, aapse nahi bhabhi se neg chahiye, aapki baari bhi aayegi jaldi hi" (Brother, we want the gift from sister-in-law, your turn will come soon), Deepanshi said, trying to keep things playful.

"Jo humara hai, vo humari biwi ka bhi hai, toh neg hum de ya vo de, koi farq nahi padta" (What's mine is also my wife's, so it doesn't matter if I give the gift or she does), Adhiraj said, holding out three small boxes toward them.

"Ayee hayee bhai, pyaar toh dekho inka" (Oh my, look at their love), Nandini teased, glancing at Adhiraj and Annahita.

Annahita blushed at the teasing, while Adhiraj shot a mock glare at Nandini.

"Nahi chahiye? Thik hai, phir hato jaldi yaha se" (Don't want it? Fine, then move away quickly), Adhiraj said, pretending to be serious.

"Arey chahiye chahiye, lekin bhaiya, aapko kaise pata main aa rahi hu? Aap mere liye bhi gift laaye?" (Of course, I want it! But, brother, how did you know I was coming? Did you bring a gift for me too?) said Deepanshi, her eyes gleaming with excitement.

"Ab main apni choti si gudiya ko toh bhool nahi sakta na." (How could I forget my little doll?) replied Adhiraj, smiling warmly at her.

"Gudiya? Haa paapi gudiya. Taatiya vinchu se kam nahi hai yeh gudiya!" (Doll? Yeah, a mischievous doll. This doll is no less than a scorpion!) teased Veeransh, shaking his head.

"Kya bole tum? Main Taatiya Vinchu hu? Aur tum kya ho? Annabelle?" (What did you just say? I'm a scorpion? And what about you? Annabelle?) retorted Deepanshi, glaring angrily at Veeransh.

"Annabelle? Mera gender mat change karo. Main mard hu!" (Annabelle? Don't change my gender. I'm a man!) protested Veeransh, looking indignant.

"Mard ho? Toh iski complaint apne mummy daddy se karo, main isme kuch nahi kar sakti." (You're a man? Then go complain to your parents, I can't do anything about it.) shot back Deepanshi with a smirk.

"Tum zyada bol nahi rahi." (You're talking too much.) said Veeransh, pointing a finger at her.

"Main zyada bolungi, kar kya loge tum?" (I'll talk more, what will you do about it?) challenged Deepanshi, crossing her arms defiantly.

"Chup bilkul, dono ke dono chup!" (Silence, both of you, be quiet!) Adhvita cut in angrily, her voice commanding. Both of them fell silent instantly, smiling sheepishly as they mimicked zipping their mouths shut.

"Chaliye, sabka ho gaya toh agli rasam kar le?" (Alright, now that everything is done, shall we move on to the next ritual?) Tripti asked, glancing at the others.

"Ye baaki ki rasmein kal karte rehna, abhi humein humari dharampatni ko gale lagana hai." (You can continue with the rest of the rituals tomorrow; right now, I need to hug my wife.) said Adhiraj, clasping Annahita's hands in his own and playfully preparing to make a run for his room.

"Bhai, ye rasam toh kar lo, isme pata chalta hai ki zindagi bhar kiska hukum chalega ghar par." (Brother, at least do this ritual. It determines who will rule the house for life.) Veeransh teased, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"Isme rasam ki kya zarurat hai? Annahita ka hi chalega hukum, ab isme puchne ki kya baat hai?" (Why do we need a ritual for that? Annahita will rule the house anyway, there's no question about it.) Adhiraj shrugged nonchalantly.

"Pyaar toh dekho, abhi se joru ka ghulam ban gaye hai yeh toh." (Look at the love, he's already become a henpecked husband.) Veeransh teased further, his grin widening.

"Shivaay, aaj ke baad hum tujhe Veer ko maarne se nahi rokenge." (Shivaay, from today onward, I won't stop you from hitting Veer.) Adhiraj said, turning to Shivaay, who simply raised an eyebrow at Veeransh.

"Bhai, nahi! Vo toh waise bhi aajkal bahane dhoondhta rehta hai mujhe maarne ke. Maafi sarkar, maafi!" (Brother, no! He's already looking for excuses to hit me these days. Forgive me, please!) Veeransh quickly pleaded, his eyes widening in alarm.

"Main bohot achhe se khayal rakhunga tera, Veer." (Don't worry, I'll take good care of you, Veer.) Shivaay said, placing his arm on Veeransh's shoulder with a reassuring smile.

"Bhai, mujhe yamraj dikh rahe hai, main jaa raha hu yahan se." (Brother, I can see the God of Death, I'm leaving now!) said Veeransh, shrugging Shivaay's arm off his shoulder as he backed away, feigning fear.

"Chalo, theek hai, jao, aaram kar lo. Waise bhi sab rasmein ho gayi hain." (Alright, fine, go and rest. All the rituals are done anyway.) said Tripti, gesturing for everyone to leave. Soon, everyone left the Kutir, the atmosphere light with laughter.

"Ab tum log kyun khade ho yahan pe? Dafa ho." (Why are you all still standing here? Get lost!) Adhiraj pointed towards Veeransh, Nandini, Deepanshi, and Adhvita, his expression one of mock irritation.

"Hum bhabhi ko room tak chhod ke aate hai." (We'll escort sister-in-law to the room.) suggested Deepanshi with a mischievous smile.

"Koi zarurat nahi hai. Main hoon yahan pe." (There's no need. I'm here.) Adhiraj declared, stepping in protectively.

"Lekin bhai, humara neg abhi baaki hai." (But brother, we haven't received our gift yet.) Nandini chimed in with a playful pout.

Adhiraj sighed in irritation, then reached into his pocket and tossed his wallet to Veeransh. "Aapas mein baant lena, card bhi hai usme. Ab niklo sab yahan se." (Share it amongst yourselves; there's a card in there too. Now get out of here.)

Deepanshi snatched the wallet from Veeransh's hands, grinning at Adhiraj, but the group stayed put. Shivaay, sensing the impending childish drama, quietly slipped out.

"Ab kya hai? Niklo!" (What now? Get out!) Adhiraj said, exasperated.

"Bhaiya, vo pin bhi bata dete zara card ka." (Brother, tell us the card's pin as well.) Deepanshi asked innocently.

"2011 pin hai, ab dafa ho jao saare yahan se!" (The pin is 2011, now get lost, all of you!) Adhiraj shouted, finally shooing them away. The group left, laughing as they went.

Adhiraj sighed in relief, looked at Annahita with a smile, and said, "Ye toh gaye, ab hum bhi chale?" (They're gone now, shall we go too?)

"Jii? Jii..." replied Annahita, feeling shy under his constant gaze.

Adhiraj moved closer to her and suddenly lifted her in bridal style, making her yelp in surprise as she instinctively grabbed his kurta.

"Kya kar rahe hain aap?" (What are you doing?) asked Annahita.

"Apni dharmapatni ki madat" (Helping my wife), replied Adhiraj as he began walking upstairs.

"Lekin main chal sakti hu khud, utariye mujhe niche" (But I can walk on my own, put me down), said Annahita.

"Haa, humein pata hai lekin hum toh nahi utaarenge" (Yes, I know, but I won't put you down), Adhiraj said, winking at her, making her cheeks turn a rosy red.

He opened the door to his room with one hand and walked inside. Gently, he placed her on the bed. Annahita looked around the room-no, from now on, their room. This thought made her feel both giddy and happy.

She had been here a few times before, but this time, everything seemed different. This wasn't just Adhiraj's room anymore-it was theirs.

The room was beautifully decorated to welcome her. The soft glow of fairy lights draped across the walls, casting a warm, golden hue. Roses, lilies, and jasmine flowers were arranged in delicate patterns around the bed and windows, their sweet fragrance filling the air. Petals of orchids, roses and carnations were scattered gently on the floor, creating a soft path.

Adhiraj's room wasn't empty or cold as she once imagined. It was full of life-family pictures framed with care, paintings he had made, lush green plants adding freshness to the space, and trophies lined neatly on a shelf. These little things made the room feel homely, welcoming, and full of memories.

Annahita's heart swelled with joy as she looked around. The room wasn't just a space-it was a reflection of who Adhiraj was, and now it was where they would create their own memories together. The thought made her smile, her nervousness fading as she realized how much this room, now their room, meant to her.

"Sundar hai na?" (Isn't it beautiful?) asked Adhiraj, his voice soft as he looked at Annahita.

Annahita, lost in thought, looked up and asked, "Kya?" (What?)

"Tum bhi, aur ye kamra bhi," (You are, and this room is too,) he replied with a smile.

She smiled back, "Haan, sundar hai." (Yes, it's beautiful.)

"Lekin humne nahi sajaya," (But I didn't decorate it,) Adhiraj added casually.

"Toh kya hua?" (So, what?) she asked, curious.

"Jis din apni arddhangini se apne saare adhikaar maangenge, uss din kamra aur apni Jaanam ko apne haathon se sajayenge," (The day I ask my wife for all my rights, that day I'll decorate both the room and my love with my own hands,) he said, kneeling before her. He gently removed the heels she was wearing and began massaging her feet.

"Kya kar rahe hain aap? Aise paaon nahi chhute," (What are you doing? You shouldn't touch feet like this,) Annahita said, trying to pull her feet back, but Adhiraj tightened his hold, still massaging her soles.

"Hum apni Jaanam ko kahin bhi chhu sakte hain, toh paer chhuna konsi badi baat hai," (I can touch my love anywhere, so what's the big deal about touching your feet?) he responded.

Annahita looked at him with various emotions swirling in her eyes. He released her feet and rested his head on her lap, sighing contentedly.

"Hum aaj bahut khush hain, bahut zyada. Bahut intezaar kiya hai iss pal ka," (I'm so happy today, more than ever. I've waited so long for this moment,) Adhiraj confessed.

Annahita smiled at his words and gently placed her hands on his head, playing with his hair. They stayed in that position for some time, silently enjoying the peace between them.

Eventually, Adhiraj broke the silence, "Change kar lo, thak gayi hogi. Dresses tumhare kamre mein hain, yahan jo bhi rakhna ho apni marzi se rakhna." (Go change, you must be tired. Your dresses are in your room, keep whatever you want here later.)

Annahita nodded and walked to her room through the door connecting their rooms. Meanwhile, Adhiraj also changed into a T-shirt and sweatpants, and when he returned, he saw Annahita back in a simple red cotton saree, her hairline filled with sindoor, mangalsutra tied around her neck, bangles on her wrists.

She looked so simple yet breathtakingly beautiful to him. Walking closer, he softly said, "Itni sundar mat dikha karo, humara dil bahut tez se dhadakne lagta hai." (Don't look so beautiful, my heart starts beating too fast.)

Annahita blushed at his words but stayed quiet. Adhiraj noticed her tired, red eyes and gently rubbed his thumb near them, saying, "So jao, aankhein dekho laal ho gayi hain neend se. Hum ye decoration hata dete hain." (Go to sleep, look, your eyes are red from tiredness. I'll remove the decorations.)

"Lekin achha lag raha hai decoration," (But the decoration looks nice,) Annahita responded.

"Toh aapko sona nahi hai Jaanam?" (So, you don't want to sleep, love?) Adhiraj asked with a teasing smile.

"Sona toh hai, uss kamre mein so jaaye. Waise bhi itni raat ho gayi hai, ye decoration hatane mein time lagega." (I do want to sleep, let's sleep in that room. It's already so late, removing the decorations will take time,) she replied.

"Jahan tum comfortable ho, hum wahan so jayenge Jaanam," (Wherever you're comfortable, I'll sleep there, love,) Adhiraj said, following her into her room.

They lay down next to each other, staring at the ceiling in peaceful silence for a while. Then Adhiraj turned to face her, and she turned to him. Slowly, he moved closer, wrapping his arms around her and burying his face in her neck. His warm breath against her skin sent shivers down her spine, but it was a comforting feeling.

Annahita hugged him back, her arms around his torso, as he tightened his embrace, nuzzling deeper into her neck. Gradually, they both drifted into sleep, wrapped in each other's warmth.