episode 3

The courtyard was bustling with excitement as the ladies gathered for the haldi ceremony. The air was filled with the scent of turmeric and marigold flowers, while the vibrant decorations in shades of yellow added to the festive mood. The loud beats of the dhol echoed, and the guests began to take their places, eagerly awaiting the start of the celebration.

Aditi and Meera’s mother, dressed in her beautiful saree, joined the other ladies sitting in a circle, ready to take part in the traditional singing of geet. The older women, with their vibrant voices, sang playful and celebratory songs, as others joined in, clapping and dancing along. The cheerful sounds of their singing filled the air, making the whole scene come alive with energy.

Aditi, though shy, was drawn into the warmth of the ceremony, watching with a soft smile on her face. Meera, as usual, was less interested in joining the singing and instead pulled out her phone. The lively atmosphere of the haldi ceremony continued around them, with everyone laughing, dancing, and enjoying the moment. Aditi and Meera, now standing on the side, had their phones out, eager to capture the special memories.

“Let’s get some good pictures of Mumma and Didi,” Meera suggested, pointing her phone toward their mother and Harshita didi, who were joyfully clapping along to the songs.

Aditi smiled and raised her camera. The sunlight from the afternoon made the scene look even more beautiful, and the bright yellow of the haldi powder on everyone’s faces added a playful touch to the photos. Their mother and Harshita were surrounded by a group of women, laughing and singing, while Aditi and Meera clicked candid shots of them from different angles.

Meera clicking a picture of the group, while Aditi focused on capturing her mother’s radiant smile.

The haldi ceremony was in full swing, with everyone laughing, dancing, and happily smearing turmeric paste on each other's faces. The women, including the aunts and cousins, were thoroughly enjoying the tradition. It was a joyful chaos, with everyone joining in the fun.

As Aditi watched, some of her aunts, in the spirit of the celebration, applied haldi on one another's faces and then on the relatives, including her father. He laughed along with them, embracing the playful moment, but Aditi felt a bit awkward seeing the mess.

One of the aunts, with a teasing glint in her eyes, turned toward Aditi’s father and smeared haldi on his cheeks, saying, “It’s the tradition, uncle! You’re part of this celebration too!” Her playful laughter echoed through the courtyard as she moved on to another aunt.

Aditi frowned a little, feeling uncomfortable with the whole process. She watched as the haldi slowly turned into a more chaotic event. Sighing, she walked over to her father, who was still laughing but had a generous amount of turmeric paste on his face.

“Papa, let me help you clean this up,” Aditi said softly, reaching for a wet cloth. Her father smiled warmly at her, grateful for the attention. "It's fine, beta. Let’s just enjoy it."

But Aditi, not liking the mess, wiped the haldi off his face with gentle strokes, trying her best to clean him up while still respecting the tradition. She smiled at him as she worked, always grateful for his calm and understanding nature.

Just then, another aunt came over, mischievously holding a bowl of haldi. “Aditi, you’re looking so lovely today, but you can’t escape without the full treatment!” she said, applying the haldi directly onto Aditi’s forehead.

Aditi blinked in surprise, looking up at her aunt. “I... I don’t want it, auntie!” she protested softly, her shyness evident.

But the aunt only laughed and gently smeared the turmeric across her cheek. "This is the fun of a wedding, beta. Don’t worry, it’s all in good spirits!"

Aditi, though uncomfortable, gave in, trying to go along with the tradition. She wiped a few stray drops of haldi off her cheek and sighed. Despite her discomfort, she couldn't help but smile at the joy surrounding her.

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