Blogchatter A2Z: Stereotype

With the blossoming flowers, December transitioned from autumn to winter, bringing joy and chillness. The town was hustling with pomp and show as it was wedding season. The resorts and hotels were full, and the preparations for marriages began. 

Ritu's friend Sanya was also getting married this wedding season. She was busy preparing for Sanya's wedding and other functions. After all, she was the most eligible bridesmaid. She had to look the best and organize the best Bachelorette for Sanya. Ritu and Sanya, born and brought up in the same neighborhood, grew together from sharing secrets to sharing school, college, and even job.

And now the day arrived when Sanya decided to tie the knot with his beloved Karan. Ritu had plans for higher studies, so she was not ready to get married yet. But she was happy for her best friend. Before leaving abroad, she had to manage the events of Sanya's wedding, including Haldi, Mehendi, Sangeet, Bachelorette, and the D-day her wedding.

Ritu told her parents that she would stay at Sanya's place till she left for her husband's house. Her parents did not restrict her and told her she was not required to worry about them because they knew their bond. When Ritu went to Sanya's house, she was crying hysterically. Ritu got worried and hugged her, trying to console her. 

Sanya kept mumbling while sobbing that Ritu could not decipher. She scolded her, "Dumbo, first stop crying and speak clearly." Sanya cried again and said, "You are scolding me even today. It is my Haldi ceremony." (Ritu laughed.) Sanya was in shock and told her about the problem. She mentioned flower jewelry being missing. Ritu told her that she only asked her to keep it in the fridge to keep the flowers fresh. She got her flower jewelry and helped her get ready for the ceremony.

After the Haldi ceremony, Sanya and Ritu prepared for the Mehendi function in the evening. Sanya would always count her blessings that she had Ritu in her life. They would hug each other periodically, reminding each other that no matter what, they would always be there for each other. It was their mantra since childhood.

Ritu hired the best henna artist for Sanya's Mehendi function. Sanya was elated with the final result on her hands and legs. Ritu tirelessly worked without sleeping much to make it the best moment for Sanya. Sanya would scold her, reminding her to eat well amidst the preparations. After all, Ritu would be required to look the best at her best friend's wedding. Maybe Ritu would find her groom at Sanya's wedding. (and they laughed)

Sanya went to the parlor to get ready for Sangeet night. She insisted Ritu to join her, but she refused as she had to look into last-minute preparations. Ritu told her she would take half an hour to get ready. She would join Sanya in some time. After finishing the preparations, Ritu went to the parlor and returned to the venue with Ritu, both shining like stars in glittery lehengas and jewelry.

The Sangeet commenced with Ganesh Vandana and ended with the bride and groom's dance performance, which received loud applause from everyone. Ritu had tears in their eyes seeing her best friend with his soulmate, feeling that they had grown together and now was time for separation. She controlled her emotions and ran to the stage for a group hug with Karan and Sanya. After that, the bachelorette party began, and they partied the whole night as the next night was the wedding night.

It was the wedding day. A new morning came with hope for both Sanya and Ritu because Sanya would start a new phase in her life, and Ritu would leave for higher education in a new country in a week. Ritu was busy with wedding preparations and arrangements, and Sanya went to the parlor. Ritu could not get time to ready in the parlor, so she managed to get ready by herself but had to visit the parlor for Sanya. Sanya asked her to acknowledge that she looked her best before she came to the venue for her D-day.

After settling Sanya in her room, Ritu came to the entrance to welcome Karan and his family and perform rituals. As she waited for Karan, she heard a woman whispering to another woman, "See, how she is running from marriage. My daughter told me she is going abroad for higher studies. It is all a hoax. She is trying to fool her parents and avoid marriage." Ritu acted as if she did not hear. But within a few minutes, another woman came and told her, "Beta, gala number toh tumhara hi hai. Apni dost ki shaadi toh tumne karwa di. Tumhari shaadi me kon tayari karega." Ritu did not want to create a scene, but she knew if she did not say anything, they would not stop.

Ritu spoke politely, "Aunty, I heard your daughter is my age, and you are looking for a groom. I can help you with that and arrange your daughter's wedding too. Please stop worrying about me. My parents would make arrangements for me when I would be ready." Nobody spoke for a minute, and silence broke by the baraat. Ritu welcomed Karan and took him to the stage.

After exchanging garlands and taking seven vows, Ritu and Sanya's family bid farewell to Sanya.

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