At Arthit's home, the sun had barely risen when his mother and Arhan gently knocked on his door. The atmosphere was warm, filled with a sense of reverence as Arthit stepped out into the courtyard. It was time for mangal snanam (purification bath) .

The early morning rays glinted off the soft golden vessels filled with turmeric paste, sandalwood, and fragrant oils. His aunts and cousins bustled around, preparing for the ceremony with a hum of excitement. Arthit stood barefoot, wearing a simple white dhoti. His eyes soft, slightly nervous about all the new responsibilities he will be bearing form this day onward, but a small smile played on his lips. 

His mother approached first, holding a silver bowl filled with the 'haldi (turmeric) paste. "Didn't even realise when you stopped being my little Arth" she whispered, her voice thick with emotion as she dipped her fingers into the paste.

"I will always be your little Arth mama" . Arthit hugged her.

"No... you will have to be KOngpob's husband now... promise me you will take care of him like your father did for me"

"I promise mama. I can be both Kongpob's husband and your Arth." 

"But when times you will have to choose between them. Choose being Kongpob's husband, I will be having all of you with me. Kongpob will be standing alone.."

Arthit nodded.

"Don't feel wierd . This is just a secret of happy marriage every mother of this family passes to their sons. Your grandmother did that for your papa and I am doing it for you. I know , you will be a good son to this family because we have taught you all the ways since you were little. Its time I teach you how to be a good husband." 

"I won't let you down mother.." Arthit promised.

"I know you won't " She smiled,Gently, smearing the yellow paste  across his arms and face, the bright yellow paste glowing against his skin. 

One by one, the married women of the family joined her, applying the paste to his chest, back, and legs. Each touch was a blessing, each word of encouragement a gentle nudge toward the life awaiting him. Arthit felt the cool paste spread over his skin, the scent of turmeric and sandalwood calming his racing thoughts.

"yellow, yellow, dirty fellow..." Arhan teased, flicking a bit of the paste playfully at Arthit's cheek.

"Don't mock the sacred rituals" their mother twisted Arhan's ear.

"ow...mama, hurts.." Arhan wailed " remember this...no making fun of rituals at Kongpob's today.."

"Fine, lady dragon" Arhan made a face, whispering in Arthit's ears " Now I know where did you inherit the dragon genes."

"You don't have it because papa picked you from a dumpster" Arthit retorted, grinning. 

 The responsibility of marriage felt monumental, but the thought of Kongpob, waiting at his own home, gave him strength. After the turmeric was applied, Arthit was led to a large brass pot filled with water. His father, standing beside him now, poured the first pot of water over his head, and the cool liquid ran in rivulets down his body, washing away the turmeric and with it, any lingering doubts or fears.

.........................

Meanwhile, at Kongpob's ancestral home, the scene was equally serene but filled with the unmistakable excitement of a family preparing for something momentous. The garden outside the house had been transformed into a sacred space, adorned with flowers and bright fabrics. Maya had woken him early, a teasing smile on her face, reminding him that this was his last day of "freedom."

Kongpob laughed at her playful taunts, he stepped into the courtyard wearing a simple white veshti, draped perfectly around his waist, his bare chest glistening slightly in the early morning light. Varun, his elder brother, stood nearby, watching with a knowing smile. He had been through this himself and knew what was in Kongpob's heart. 

"Ready, little brother?" Varun asked, his voice soft but full of warmth. "As ready as I'll ever be," Kongpob replied, his eyes drifting to the small pots filled with turmeric paste. Maya was the first to approach, her hands adorned with bangles that clinked gently as she dipped her fingers into the golden paste. She smeared it across his forehead, cheeks, and neck, whispering blessings for happiness, love, and strength in the years to come. Kongpob closed his eyes, feeling the cool 

More family members stepped forward, each stroke of turmeric was a symbol of protection, a reminder of the family surrounding him as he prepared for this new journey with Arthit. After the turmeric had been applied, Kongpob's father took the brass pot of water, lifting it over his head with reverence. The water poured over him in a steady stream, washing away the paste and cleansing him for the day to come. Kongpob felt a deep sense of peace as the cool water cascaded down his body, knowing that in just a few days, he would stand beside Arthit as they pledged their lives to one another.

As the sun rose higher in the sky, both Arthit and Kongpob were surrounded by their families, their skin glowing from the turmeric, their hearts filled with anticipation. The Mangal Snanam was not just a ritual of purification; it was a symbolic farewell to their individual lives as they prepared to unite as one. 

...........................................................................

After the mangal snanam, Kongpob was taken for gauri pooja, he sat before the Gauri idol, dressed in a crisp white veshti. The Gauri Pooja was a special ritual, performed by omegas in Tamil tradition, seeking blessings from Goddess Parvati (God Shiva's divine consort/ wife) for a harmonious and prosperous married life. 

Kongpob's hands, adorned with sandalwood paste and turmeric, rested on his lap, while a priest chanted sacred mantras. He prayed in his heart to make Arthit a loving home and integrate in to his family like sugar in milk. Maya stood nearby, watching him with smiles, her eyes shining with pride and tears .

---

Meanwhile, outside Kongpob's home, the wedding procession had arrived. Arthit stood amidst the buzz, dressed in a traditional silk veshti and angavastram. His hair was freshly combed, his face glowing from the earlier Mangal Snanam. His family and friends gathered around him, preparing for the next part of the wedding traditions—the Kashi Yatre.

In this playful ritual, the groom symbolically "abandons" his wedding plans to embark on a pilgrimage to Kashi, seeking spiritual enlightenment. However, his soon-to-be in-laws convince him to stay and marry instead, offering him wisdom and gifts to dissuade him from the journey.

As the ritual demanded, Arthit grabbed the large ceremonial umbrella handed to him by his cousin and grinned. With a mock-serious expression, he began to walk away, pretending to leave for his "pilgrimage," much to the amusement of everyone around. Kongpob's father, who was playing his part in the ritual, called out to Arthit, catching up to him with a ceremonial offering.

 "Arthit, my son, where are you going? Kashi can wait. There is a much more important path ahead of you," he said with a smile. Arthit paused, the large umbrella tilted over his shoulder as he turned dramatically. "But I seek enlightenment!" he declared, keeping his face straight, though his eyes twinkled with mischief.

"Noble vision.." Kongpob's father commended " but you are forgetting something ?"

"What, Appa ?" 

"Shoes aren't allowed to the hermits..you should take them off" Arthit's father answered instead, grinning mischievously.

Stunned, Arthit slipped his feet out of his shoes. 

"Arthit " Varun interrupted this time around " What use does a hermit have of mobile... you should give it to Arhan, atleast he will use it." Varun said smirking while Arhan grinned " got you bhai" he mouthed.

"Bhai even has latest model iphone" Arhan chirped in glee after snatching the mobile from pocket of Arthit's tunic (Kurta).

"Papa, are monks allowed digital watch?" Arhan asked, smirking at Arthit.

His papa shook his head, "they must renounce all material possesions."

"Hush Dino," Kongpob's father chided, "stop bulllying my son. "

Arhan brought out a razor from his pocket "Shouldn't he shave his head, papa"

Kongpob's father shook his head at his friend and Arthit's brother, he grabbed Arthit's wrist . "You need not renounce the world, my son. You'll find it in marriage," Kongpob's father replied, offering Arthit a silver vessel filled with gifts and betel leaves, a traditional symbol of wisdom. "Stay, and take this path instead."

 Arthit grinned, stepping back toward the house. "I suppose enlightenment can wait, then," he said, winking at his family, who cheered at his return. Everyone laughed, the moment filled with lightheartedness and joy.

---

Inside, Kongpob was just finishing the Gauri Pooja. As he rose, Maya  and other ladies started helping him put a light makeup befire he was to be brought out for garland exchange . 

After the Kashi yatre, Vaun . as omega's brother did the pada pooja (Worshipping the feet of the grrom) - Washing Arthit's feet with sacred water with rose petals and fragrance. After drying his feet, he applied sandalwood paste, welcoming Arthit formally with a shawl. Other members of wedding procession too were heartily welcomed and accompanied to their seats at the wedding venue.

..................

As Kongpob walked in the mandapam, accompanied by his cousins and sister-in-law, Arthit couldn't move his gaze from his radiant groom. Arhan had to poke his sides to keep Arthit from being tagged a henpecked husband.

 Malaai Matral—the exchange of garlands—was about to begin. Kong and Arthit were made to stand facing Arthit, garland in their hands.  Arthit stood tall, holding a garland of fragrant jasmine and roses, his heart pounding with excitement. He glanced at Kongpob, who was standing with his brother Varun and cousin Shwetha, looking impossibly handsome in his traditional attire. 

Just as Arthit approached, ready to place the garland around Kongpob's neck, Varun and Kongpob's cousins grinned mischievously and, in one swift motion, lifted Kongpob high off the ground. 

Arthit laughed in surprise, stepping back for a moment as Kongpob's feet dangled above the floor, his smile wide and playful.

"You're going to have to work for it, Arthit!" Varun called out, his voice full of amusement as he lifted his brother even higher.Arthit shook his head, grinning. "You think that's going to stop me?"The guests erupted into laughter as Arthit tried to stretch up to reach Kongpob, but it was no use. Kongpob's family was clearly enjoying the playful teasing, and Kongpob himself looked down at Arthit, his eyes twinkling with joy and mischief.

"Are you going to give in?" Arthit teased, still holding the garland.

Kongpob laughed. "Not so easily."

The playful game went on for a few more minutes, with Arthit jumping slightly, trying to reach Kongpob's neck, but Varun and Ved kept lifting him higher. The crowd cheered and clapped, egging them on. Arthit finally gave up and turned to the his brothers with a mock-serious expression. " What are you waiting for?"

"May be a please?" Arhan raised a brow, smirking at Arthit's dilemma. "and Sorry for not realising Arhan that you are the best brother in the world"

"No need...I have other brothers." Arthit eyed his cousins who looked at Arhan for orders. Arhit sighed. Arhan , you are the best brother in the world, please help me out"

"Gladly brother" Arhan grinned, in next second Arthit was lifted high , he easily garlanded Kong. 

Now, it was Kongpob's turn, holding his own garland, he leaned to put it on Arthit, but before he could place it around Arthit's neck, Arthit's friends sprang into action. They lifted Arthit off the ground, just as Kongpob's brother had done, making it impossible for Kongpob to reach.

"Oh, come on!" Kongpob laughed, his eyes sparkling as he tried to jump up and reach Arthit.

Again, Kongpob's brother lifted him and amidst laughter, the garlands were exchanged two times. Now, it was final one, even though Kongpob was lifted very high, Arthit reached him and put garland on him successfully. But when Kong tried, Arthit stood up staright on his brother's shoulder, making it impossible for Kong to reach. 

"Fair's fair!" one of Arthit's brother called out, laughing as he held him up.

After a lot of teasing and failed attempts, Kong gazed at Arthit, 'pattu.." he mouthed, pouting. Arthit instantly lowered himself, now sitting on his brother's shoulder and bowing his head to make it easy for Kongpob

"traitor..."his friends teased. While another said " i guess we should change sides, since our friend is on Brother in law's side only"

---
With the *Malaai Matral* complete, The guests guided Kongpob and Arthit to a beautifully decorated swing, adorned with flowers and garlands, symbolizing the beginning of their life together. The two men sat side by side, their shoulders brushing against each other as they settled onto the swing.As they swayed gently, the married women of both families surrounded them, singing traditional oonjal songs and carrying trays filled with rice, milk, and fruits, all meant to symbolize prosperity, abundance, and blessings for their married life. The women took turns gently pushing the swing, causing it to rock back and forth as they circled around the couple, their voices lifting in song, filling the air with warmth and celebration. The elders blessed them and fed them banana and milk- wishing them a prosperous life.

Kongpob's heart felt light as the swing moved gently beneath them, the motion soothing and comforting. He stole a glance at Arthit, who was looking at him, smiling.  Arthit's hand brushed against Kongpob's, and Kongpob slid his hand further in, making Arthit's palm envelope his hand.
The Oonjal ceremony was meant to cleanse them, to rid their path of obstacles, and as the swing rocked gently, Kongpob found himself silently thanking the universe for bringing Arthit into his life. Beside him, Arthit seemed to be thinking the same thing, their fingers intertwined as they continued to sway, wrapped in the blessings of their loved ones.

..........................................

The auspicious moment had arrived, Muhurtam—the heart of the wedding ceremony. The priest's chants filled the air as the scent of sandalwood and jasmine surrounded the beautifully decorated mandap. 

Arthit sat near the sacred fire, his eyes glancing at Kongpob every now and then, who was seated beside him, adorned in a resplendent silk veshti, a golden bordered dhoti that shimmered under the soft light.

 Arthit, sitting tall and proud, was steady and calm, though his fingers betrayed him as they twitched in nervous anticipation. The fire in front of them crackled softly, as if acknowledging the bond about to be forged.

The priest directed Arthit to gently hold Kongpob's hand. Their fingers intertwined, and at that moment, all the chaos and noise around them seemed to disappear. It was just the two of them, sitting together, about to promise their lives to each other.

The priest sprinkled holy water on their clasped hands and began the mantras, invoking blessings for a lifetime of unity and love. Arthit's father came forward, offering sacred grains into the fire, while Kongpob's brother handed Arthit thala- a thread dipped in turmeric holding golden pendant, —a symbol of their bond.

With thaali in hand, Arthit leaned forward , more than necessary, each of his hand holding one of the corners of thread circled around Kong, halting at back of his neck. Arthit lightly brushed his lip's against Kongpob's ears and whispered "Fourth item on the bucket list checked, Kutti"

Feeling Arthit's lips against his skin, his breath hot, all the people around them satring at them- Kongpob felt goosebumps prickle whole of his body. This crazy, adventurous husband !

With slow, deliberate movements, Arthit tied the thread around Kongpob's wrist, sealing their partnership in the eyes of their families and the divine. It was a simple act, but the emotions between them were anything but simple. Kongpob looked up at Arthit with a soft smile, feeling the enormity of the moment, knowing that from now on, every step of their journey would be together.

....................

The wedding wasn't complete without seven vows - Saptapadi , the seven sacred steps. This ancient tradition, where the couple takes seven steps around the sacred fire, symbolizes the promises they make to each other, one for each step, a vow for each phase of life.

Both Arthit and Kongpob stood side by side. Arthit's hands were firm yet gentle as they clasped Kongpob's, ready to take the steps toward their shared future. Their eyes met, a mixture of nerves and love. The crowd of family and friends watched in reverence, their excitement hushed by the gravity of the moment.

As they took the first step, the priest chanted:

"With the first step, we promise to provide for each other and nourish each other's lives."Arthit could feel the ground beneath his feet steadying as he made this vow. He glanced at Kongpob, who gave him a small nod, his eyes full of quiet determination.

"With the second step, we promise strength and health, to stand by each other through thick and thin."They walked together in unison, around the holy fire, Arthit infront of Kong,  their steps synchronized as if they had always been meant to walk this path together.

"With the third step, we promise wealth and prosperity, to share what we have and build our future."Kongpob squeezed Arthit's hand as they moved forward, silently reassuring him of their commitment to grow and succeed as partners.

"With the fourth step, we promise to live in harmony and mutual respect."The fourth step felt like a gentle promise whispered between them, more than just a ceremonial act. 

"With the fifth step, we promise to raise a family and provide love and education."

Arthit felt the weight of this vow but smiled at the thought. Kongpob's gaze softened, his thoughts drifting to a future filled with the laughter of children and the warmth of family.

"With the sixth step, we promise to be faithful and cherish one another for life."As they circled the fire, Arthit's thumb brushed Kongpob's knuckles. There was no one else, no other love. It had always been Kongpob, and this vow felt more like a reaffirmation than a promise.

"With the seventh step, we promise to be best friends, soulmates, and lifelong companions."

The final step. They paused after completing the circle, their bond now sealed, not just by rituals but by the love they had nurtured for each other. 

Their eyes met once more, and Arthit, unable to stop himself, mouthed the words, "I love you," to Kongpob, who blushed deeply, the soft glow of the fire reflecting in his eyes.As the 'Saptapadi' concluded, the priest declared them wedded partners in the eyes of their families, their ancestors, and the gods themselves. Their union was blessed, sanctified by fire, and sealed with love.

......................................................

For Ammi midhithal, Arthit was instructed to press Kongpob's toe to the grinding stone ( Ammi); signifying Kongpob's readiness to take on domestic duties and grind the grains of life together with Arthit.

Wedding was coming to conclusion and now seeing tearful eyes of his brother and father- Kong realised he will have to part from them. 

"Don't worry Kutti " Arthit teased as he gently pressed Kongpob's finger against the grinding stone " We have mixer grinder at home"

Despite the lame joke, a smile bloomed at Kongpob's lips.

..................

Next came the 'Arundhati Paarthal', a tender and spiritual ritual that symbolized the couple's commitment to a lifelong partnership. Named after the mythological couple Arundhati and Vashishta, whose unwavering love and devotion to each other were immortalized in the stars, this ritual involved the newlyweds looking up at the sky to find the Arundhati star, a symbol of fidelity and steadfastness in marriage.

Even though it was still noon, the wedding party gathered outside under the open sky. The priest led Arthit and Kongpob, standing close together, to the center of the gathering. Arthit's hand rested lightly on Kongpob's shoulder, a touch of warmth and reassurance."Now, both of you will search the sky for the Arundhati star," the priest instructed. "It is believed that couples who find and gaze upon this star are blessed with a marriage that is filled with unwavering love and mutual respect, just as Arundhati and Vashishta's was."

"Its day Arhan chirped.

"The alpha just point at sky and Kongpob must say yes"Priest announced. 

"Found it?" Arthit whispered, his voice barely audible over the soft murmurs of the crowd around them."Almost," Kongpob replied, laughing, pointing upward at the blank sky.

"Tonight, we will find the Arundhati star, I am not leaving any ritual that will strengthen our marriage halfway" Arthit vowed.

Kong nodded.

The priest recited a prayer, blessing their union with the same steadfastness and loyalty that the star represented. Kongpob and Arthit exchanged a glance, a sense of deep connection passing between them.

......................
As the wedding concluded, the two families gathered in the mandap for the ritual of Saamandhi Maryathai—a beautiful ceremony to honor and show mutual respect between the groom's and bride's (or in this case, Kongpob's) families. 

The air was filled with warmth and camaraderie as the elders from both sides approached each other with gifts.

Kongpob's father and Arthit's father stepped forward, exchanging garlands of jasmine and roses, a symbolic gesture of welcoming one another into their respective families. Kongpob's father handed Arthit's family a silver tray filled with gifts, including a silk saree for Arthit's mother, along with fruits, coconuts, and betel leaves wrapped in gold foil. Arthit's father reciprocated with a grand tray containing traditional Tamil sweets, spices, and precious stones.Both Arthit and Kongpob stood silently, watching their families come together. 

..................................................

Kongpob didn't cry much as he was taken to Arthit's home; it hasn't hit him fully yet. Besides, Arthit's backyard literally opens in to his own backyard- it didn't feel like going away when his Anni, Appa and Anna accompanied him on insistence of his father - in- law.

Kongpob stood with Arthit, at the main gate of Arthit's house.The next ritual was the 'Grihapravesham' (entering the home)—the moment when Kongpob would officially step into Arthit's home as his partner, marking the beginning of their life together.The threshold had been decorated with intricate 'kolam'designs, and a brass lamp flickered at the entrance, welcoming them. Kongpob, still dressed in his wedding attire, stood with Arthit before the door. Arthit's mother held a silver plate filled with rice grains, turmeric, and a lit 'diya'(lamp)

"welcome home,Son," Arthit's mother said, her voice soft and filled with to Kong emotion. She placed a small pot of rice at the entrance.Kongpob blushed but smiled, murmuring thank you. 

As per tradition, Kongpob's feet were gently washed with water by Arthit's younger brother, Arhan, and he was asked to kick the pot of rice gently in to the threshhold of the home, symbolizing prosperity and abundance as he entered the house.

"You're home now," Arthit whispered as he stood by Kongpob, who took his first step inside, his heart pounding with excitement and joy. He felt the weight of the moment, knowing that this was not just a symbolic step—it was the beginning of their shared life, their love solidified by the blessings of their families and the universe.

After the formalities of the Grihapravesham, Kongpob lighted a lamp infront of mandir (temple in the home) - asking blessing of the divine .

Now, it was time for a more lighthearted ritual—Valeyadal.

The first game was simple but fun. Each of them had to break as many  appalam (papad) as they can, on other's head.

It was Kongpob's turn first and he broke almost thirty on Arthit's head.

When timer was set for Arthit, Kong closed his eyes fully expecting a cold blooded revenge. The appalam did break but the impact never hit his head. Kongpob opened his eyes to see Arthit holding his own hand on Kongpob's head - and he was technically breaking appalam's on his own hand. Although the light weight food item wouldn't hurt even slightly.

Arthit broke forty.

"While it was cute and all" Arhan drawled " You lost bhai and that too badly- 0 to 30"

"I broke 40"

"On your own hand. Deal was to break it on Bro-in-law's head."

"Second chance" his cousins advocated.

"No second chance..." Arhan pressed " My bro in law won"

"In your wedding I will bring coconuts instead os appalam....... " Arthit teased.

"You just try...my bro in law will have your head" Arhan retorted.

......................

Next game was fishing the ring.

A large silver bowl filled with milk and rose petals was placed in front of them. In it, a small ring was dropped, and the couple had to fish it out using only one hand each. The teasing and competitive spirit began as Kongpob's cousins and Arthit's friends began cheering loudly for each of them.

"You better win this one," Arthit's friends teased as Arthit rolled up his sleeves.

"Oh, you think bhai can beat my bro-in-law?" Arhan shot back, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "Use your charm bro-in-law, bhai can't woin. Or he will boss around both you and me our whole lives.."

They both plunged their hands into the bowl, fingers brushing against each other as they searched for the ring. Every now and then, Arthit would purposefully push the ring  Kongpob's  way, and Kongpob would nudge him right back. After a few moments of laughter and playful struggle, Kongpob finally found the ring and searching for Arthit's hand , he placed the ring in his palm.

Arthit shook his head and mouthed "you"

Kongpob stubbornly refused. 

Arthit accepted defeat and  pulled the ring out "Looks like I'll be the one in charge in this marriage," he said with a smirk, causing everyone around to burst into laughter.

"Not so soon bhai..." Arhan retorted on behalf of his bro-in-law.

The games continued with more playful rituals, from tossing flower petals at each other to trying to untie complicated knots in a cloth tied around their wrists. Each activity was designed to help them bond, to understand each other better, and to start their marriage with joy and laughter

......................................................

A?N : Last chapter remaining...I have it ready...I will just skim through it and then publish it today itself !