I never thought that I would end up in a typical Indian family. It's true that I said that I would marry anyone of my parent's choice but...Indian family? I don't have any problem with them. I am Punjabi and you can guess that our family is always excited about everything.

I thought to marry a foreigner when I was 17 but when I turned 20 my taste changed.

When I returned from London after completing my courses, I got to know that my family already started searching for a bridegroom. It was okay for me because I never gave attention to boys topic but....

I never thought I would be marrying a Gujarati in the end. Gujarati? Seriously? That means turning into a vegetarian?

And...the main problem is, I will be going to a joined family. I got to know that there are total 19 members in the family and well-educated but...what can you expect from a typical Indian family who always focuses on traditional cultures? I don't know what type of people they are but my parents selected them for me that means they will be good but how can I cope up with them? 

My would-be-husband is an engineer and I just completed my courses on medical and now I'm going to be a housewife.

*sigh* Wastage of all my certificates and dreams.

Oh! By the way, myself Manpriya Arora but you can call me Priya or Peu. And my would-be-husband is Anant Chauhan that means I would be Manpriya Chauhan...sounds weird.

My parents are quite excited about this marriage and my cousins are literally teasing me...well, I kinda like Mr Anant. I mean he seems to be a good person and good looking also. I liked him on Chandlo Maatli. Dad said that he is a very polite person and indeed I understood by looking at his photo.

[Chandlo Maatli: Chandlo Maatli is considered the first ceremony of the wedding where the formal announcement is made. During this ceremony, the father of the bride along with four male relatives visit the groom’s place with a steel container or maatli full of sweets and gifts for the groom and his family. He then applies chandlo or a red circle at the center of the groom’s forehead and gives him the maatli and some money. The marriage date is also fixed at this ceremony.]

I am again saying that I don't have any problem with this marriage but why a joined family? I have to stay with my mother-in-law, father-in-law, sister-in-law, brother-in-law and Mr Anant's cousins.

I think I'll not be getting any freedom to wear dresses of my type and to go to the places where I want and...*pout* I have to live on Vegetables. Anyways, we will see what happens and most importantly, I hope they will treat me nicely.

* * * 

"Priya! Are you ready?" My cousins came inside my room as I was wearing the earrings. 

"Almost" I said, looking at the mirror. "Where's the makeup artist?"

"She is downstairs and wow! You're looking gorgeous. I wonder how Mr Anant will control himself after seeing you." They teased as my face heated up.

Today is Gol Dhana, means Saagai (Engagement). My makeup artist came and after I was ready, I came downstairs.

"Aw, my baby is looking so beautiful today!" Mom smiled, holding my chin.

"Yea, just like you." I chuckled as she rolled her eyes and laughed.

"The coriander seeds and jaggery is ready!" Dad shouted to particularly no one as he came in the hall "Are you both ready? The car is waiting."

We nodded and went outside and I sat inside the car as my cousins sat beside me. I looked behind as my parents and relatives entered inside the other cars.

"Today is the best day ever." Nilangana, my youngest cousin smiled.

"Why do you think so? Today is not her wedding." Nisha, the eldest one asked.

"Yeah, but today I got to eat so many sweets." Nilu said as we laughed.

"I don't like sweets though." I said as all of them turned towards me with surprise.

"Um...what happened?" I asked, awkwardly.

"Don't you know that newly wed bride shouldn't talk?" Nisha smirked.

"Eh? What type of ritual is that? And I'm not even married yet." I said.

"Yeah, but practice not to speak much in front of your in-laws as they are... Ahem! Too strict!" Nilangana chuckled which put me into a deep thought for a while.

"Oh come on!" Nisha said. "They are good people and you don't need to worry about anything."

I nodded and decided not to drag the topic more. So, I started looking outside from the window as they were gossiping.

After an hour, we reached our destination and came out. The place was amazingly organized for our engagement and I was left dumbstruck by looking at the huge place.

I came out of the car as thousands of people surrounded me and then there came my in-laws with plates of flowers and coriander seeds for the blessing.

I am not used to so much crowds, specially when most of the people are unknown to me. I smiled a bit as they started to bless me.

After that I entered to the garden and went inside the place which was designed for the engagement ceremony.

Do you know that I'm hella nervous now?

Everyone was talking and laughing among themselves as I'm admiring the place when my sight fell on my mother.

"Stop looking here and there!" She directed me as I gave her a ugly look. That means now I can't even look?

I sighed and looked down when I heard that people are saying that the groom came.

I realized that he came inside and stood in front of me. I wanted to look at him but I don't know why its becoming so hard for me to look up.

Manpriya, just look at him! You should know how your partner is looking today *grins*.

Damn, I am blushing too hard now but I somehow gathered my courage and look up.

I looked at him as he smiled at me. G-God! Is he for real? I quickly looked down again as I heard him giggling.

Then the priest came and murmured some prayers which was beyond my IQ. I can't even understand those languages in which the old man was speaking.

Anyways, at last we exchanged the beautiful rings as everyone clapped.

...

...

I love wearing rings over nail polish, its gives a pretty look to my hand and my ring was bit fancy as compared to Mr Anant's.

After the engagement, my mother-in-law fed me sweets but I can guess that she is strict...very strict. Uwa! Why can't she be a bit friendly like my mother? They are childhood best friends after all.

Engagement is done and soon I'll be married to Mr Anant, the youngest son of a Typical Gujrati Family! Be ready Manpriya and...oh! I've to enjoy wholeheartedly before the wedding because who knows what's coming for me *shrugs*.

* * * * *

1 week almost passed and now it's time for Ganesha Sthapan.

[Ganesha Sthapan or Ganesha Maatli is said to be the beginning of the wedding ceremonies and rituals. In this ceremony, both the families conduct Ganesh Pooja at their home few days prior to the wedding. Couple and their families pray for their happy and successful married life.]

The whole family is busy in arrangements as I'm casually stuffing myself with chips, followed by television. I'm not interested in poojas and all those but who will explain that to my mother?

"How many times do I have to tell you to stop eating chips?!" Mom yelled at me, holding the bucket of fruits. "It contains onions!"

"Off-so what?"

"So what?" She mimicked me. "Don't you know that The Chauhan family is vegetarian?"

Ugh!!!! Now I can't even eat chips?

"Bechari hamari Peu (Our poor Peu)" My cousins said with a Aww tone.

I sighed and threw the packet of chips inside the dustbin, obviously after eating it. After that I got ready in a yellow saree and came downstairs for the Pooja.

...

...

I joined my parents and relatives as they already decorated our small temple and the Idol of Ganesh.

Our family priest started the Pooja and we also started praying.

"Ladoo"

I opened my eyes slowly and found Nilangana looking at the ladoos like they are pizzas . Yea, they are... at least for her.

"Hey Nilu!" I whisper shouted.

"Let's eat those!" She smiled brightly.

"Not now, let my Pooja end." I said as she pouted. I joined my hands and started praying.

God, I just want the Chauhan family to treat me nicely. According to all the Indian join families, I don't want them to mistreat me or mentally harass me...and *whispers* If possible, please turn them into non- vegetarian.

I opened my eyes as the Pooja finally ended and the priest gave tilak in our foreheads and them mom and aunt started disturbing the prasad.

·

Nilangana was stuffing herself with delicious sweets as I took a bite from my ladoo while watching a movie with my cousins when someone jumped on me.

"Oii! Bale-Bale!"

"Ugh! Manprit! Just get off me!" I shouted as he snatched the ladoo from my hand and started eating it.

"Thank god you remembered my name. I thought you forgot that you have a brother." He said, with fake hurting tone.

Yes! He is my little brother, biological one though. There is nothing about him, he just roams here and there and god knows where.

"Can you please let me watch the movie?" I said, averting my eyes.

"Can you please let me watch the movie?" Manprit mimicked me and joined us.

.

Some days later:

I came down wearing a baby pink saree and sat among my aunts as my cousins were dancing.

"You're looking very sweet, Priya dear." my eldest aunt smiled as I sat beside her.

Today is the Mehandi ceremony and one of my favorite rituals. The hall is full of people and my parents were busy in gossiping with the aged people.

[Mehandi Ceremony : Like in every Indian wedding, Gujaratis also host a Mehendi function for the bride. Mostly this ceremony take place two days before the wedding. The hands and feet of the bride are decorated with henna amidst the singing of folk songs and a bit of dance as well]

My aunts started decorating my hands with henna as my maternal aunt started decorating my feet.

"Aunty, haha s-stop haha" I started laughing as she giggled. I am very ticklish and now I can't stop laughing.

"Just few minutes more and then it will be done." she said as I tried my best to divert my mind but nothing was helping. After half an hour, my Mehandi was finally completed.

...

...

(HAND MEHANDI)

...

...

(FEET MEHANDI)

Sure my aunts are historic persons but I didn't expected this. Its feels like they explained about tribal people in my skin. Anyways, they are great artist and I'm glad that finally it is done.

"Wow!" I mouthed as they smiled.

"It's really great, Isha." My mother complimented her sister as she nodded as I know I'm great.

"Priya!" My whole group of cousins came and dragged me on the stage where the folk song started and they they started dancing, while surrounding me.

I laughed and then joined them as everyone clapped. It was an amazing view of watching the pretty girls dancing, in traditional dresses.

The stupid Manprit was doing nothing but behaving like he has given the toughest job ever and is helping on arrangements with lots of concentration.

I smiled at him while dancing. Surely, I got a great and helpful brother for doing household work. He surely can be a house husband, lol.

.

Then the next day came the Mandap Mahurat and Griha Shanti ceremony.

[Mandap Mahurat: This is an auspicious ceremony where the parents of the couple seek blessings of Mother Earth and also take permission from her to start the digging of a piece of the land to erect a mandap.]

I was home only with my cousins while Manprit, my parents and The Chauhan family went to do the ceremony according to the rituals.

[Griha Shanti ceremony : It is held immediately after the Mandap Mahurat. In this ceremony the blessing of all the nine planets of the solar system is seeked by both the bride’s and groom’s family. Griha Shanti is a mandatory ceremony in the Gujarati wedding.]

It was already evening and as usual my cousins and me were having pizza party as no one was at home. Surely, I'll miss all these fun and who knows if I will ever be able to see Pizza in my life again or not.

The parents finally came and informed us that the ceremony was successful and everything is perfect.

After then my mom told me to come to her room as she is going to discuss something with me. So I nodded and secretly handed the pizza packet to Manprit.

"You were eating pizza?! On the ceremony?!" He whisper shouted.

"Yeah, because I'll not be getting to eat all these again." I said.

"I can understand but today you shouldn't have ate it." He said with nervousness. He is kinda religious and yeah, today I had to eat vegetarian but who cares? I don't believe in all that.

"Yeah yeah, just go and throw the packet outside and make sure no one sees you." I ignored his scoldings and went to my mother's room.

* * *

Today is Pithi.

[Pithi is similar to haldi ceremony in which a paste of sandalwood, turmeric, saffron, rosewater and perfume is applied to the groom and bride by friends and family at their respective homes. The turmeric included in the paste is considered auspicious and also a beauty enhancer.]

I came wearing a simple yellow saree and sat on the stool as my aunts placed a reddish saree above my head and my mother was pasting the sandalwood, turmeric, saffron, rosewater and perfume.

"Can't you skip this rasaam (ritual)?" I asked my aunt.

"No dear, it is very important to do and will also enhance your beauty."

"But I don't wanna look like a yellow alien!" I pouted as she laughed.

I really hate turmeric but who will listen to me? I closed my eyes as they applied the paste on my cheeks, forehead and on lips...?

What the-?

"Nisha! What is this?! Ewww!" I yelled and washed my mouth as everyone laughed again. What's so funny?

Then it's time for the final disaster. Everyone stood up and made sound by their mouth as I dashed closed my eyes. They surrounded me and showered me with turmeric mixed water.

Ew! Ew! Ew!

Now I guess, I'm looking horrible. Then they showered with normal water and I finally opened my eyes as aunty wiped my hair.

Then the call from groom's house came and they informed that its finished in their house also.

Everything was going alright and I went to my room and changed into something comfortable and dried my hair.

.

Today is the Sangeet!!! Hurray!! I'm soo happy that I'll be having so much fun and that's why, I dressed up in a pretty red saree and wore the jewelries.

[Sanji/Sangeet Sandhya: This is one of the most fun filled ceremonies of Gujarati wedding. In this event all the family members and friends gather to perform the traditional garba dance and make merry singing the folk songs as well.]

I feel totally amazing today and when the song started, my happiness was out of my control.

...   ...

The whole family surrounded the bonfire and we started doing garba while laughing and singing.

I went to mom, singing and laughing near her ears. I'll miss all of them and this is the first time I'm doing garba.

Gujaratis have interesting occasions but what about our Punjabi dance? Won't I able to dance like a crazy again?

...

...

I shook off that thought and took a pair of garba sticks and joined my cousins in dancing.

We continued till midnight and then went back to our respective rooms to sleep.

My bed was already prepared by my grandmother. So I freshen up and lied on the bed.

I tried to sleep but I don't know why but I can't. I suddenly remembered what mom told me that day.

*flashback *

"Peu" mom smiled as I sat beside her.

"Yes mom?"

"Remember, the Chauhan family may be strict and different from us but they are really nice." she said.

"I know...you and dad chose them for me then they have to be nice." I smiled at her.

"You were always obedient and I am happy that you listened to us everytime but...I'm sorry that I didn't asked your opinion regarding the wedding. Are you happy with it?" She asked, softly as my heart skipped a beat.

I don't know I should be happy or not. I never thought much about my happiness. From the childhood, I thought that my parents raised me up with so love that's why I should listen whatever they will say.

"Of course I'm happy, mom." I said as her face lit up.

"Thank you my sweet daughter"

"They maybe strict and old-fashioned but I will cope up with them, don't worry." I said.

"It means a lot to me and try to listen to them and don't open your mouth to argue." she said as I rolled my eyes.

"We will see that." I giggled and rushed out of her room as I heard her sighing.

*present *

I think I will not get too much freedom but that's okay...I guess.

I closed my eyes and soon fell asleep.

·

[Mameru: Also known as Mosaalu, Mameru ceremony takes place one or two days prior to the wedding day. In this ceremony, the maternal uncle of the bride visit her and gives sweets and gifts like saree, jewellery and other clothes.]

I was sitting in a bridal style with a bridal look.

...

...

It's time for the Mameru ceremony and the guests already started arriving. The wedding spot was beautifully arranged and the guests started filling up the hall.

...

...

Everyone is rushing here and there and The Chauhan family was also busy.

The groom aka Mr Anant Chauhan arrived on horse like he is some kind of nawab (king).

...

...

He seems to be too happy as he came to me and took his seat beside me. I smiled at him as he smiled back.

"Oh ho! Lovely couples are smiling!" My cousins shouted as everyone laughed.

Ugh! So embarrassing! I looked down as my maternal uncles came and handed the gifts and sweets. We accepted it together and then took their blessings.

Then the other guests arrived and Mr Anant's sister sat beside me and started gossiping.

Her name is Anushree and kinda jolly like me, so we started gossiping like no tomorrow as my cousins continuously pinching me for not to talk too much.

The main wedding is going to start soon and that's why everyone was filling themselves with tasty foods but...what will happen to me? I am too hungry now and i can't eat anything also! *pout*

...

...

Hey you stupid author!! I'm starving here and you're showing me tasty food?! I won't spare you!!!!!

"Nilangana!" I called my cousin.

"Yes?" She smiled. I whispered something in her ears and she seems to be nervous but agreed.

"Be careful and do it now." I said, slowly and she nodded.

I continued taking pictures with the guests.

Then it's time for our photoshoot, so we sat down and the cameraman took his place. He was about to click the photo when Mr Anant surprised me by kissing my cheek and I could help but open my mouth wide.

...

...

The guests clapped as the younger ones shouted with excitement and I was left blushing.

I looked at him as he shyly looked at the other side. I barely saw the guest's faces and smiled in my mind. Now I think that...my parents really chose the best for me and I'm very lucky to marry him.

* * *