The wedding had gone beautifully—every ritual, every smile perfectly in place. By the time the last guests left, the whole house seemed to breathe out in exhaustion. Yet in the garden, a quiet bustle continued— the final ritual for the newlyweds was being prepared. A few neighbors and the remaining relatives had stayed back, waiting for the evening’s reception—the last celebration of Avyukt and his bride.

Rida walked toward Avyukt’s room, balancing a thaal filled with all the accessories and outfit pieces his wife was to wear for the ritual. The soft clinking of bangles and anklets in the thaal echoed gently as she entered.