Several daasis were getting Uttara ready for her big day. She was wearing the garments given to her by her mother-in-law, adorned with the precious jewels from Indraprasth. Her face was done up, her lips were red, cheeks pink and the unique shape of her eyes was accentuated by kohl. Uttara had been getting compliments the whole time. She was indeed a beautiful bride.

Uttara had heard from her married cousins about their wedding day. The excitement and nervousness. The fear of leaving your home but the excitement of creating a new one. Sadness of leaving your own family but happiness of getting a new one. The joy of starting a new life. The realization of being responsible and mature, but at the same time, a little love struck. A whirlwind of emotions. But Uttara felt nothing.

Her heart held void. She was unsure as to how she should react. She didn't want this, but had no choice. Her cousins and friends and been teasing her, talking about how handsome her groom was, but she didn't blush. They were impressed by her groom, complimenting him non-stop, but she didn't feel any pride. She was just waiting for this to get over. She heard a knock on the door and saw her cousin, who told her that it was time to go.

Uttara sighed and got up. This was it. She was going to get married.

'Here goes nothing'.

♡♧◇♤♡♧◇♤♡♧◇♤

Abhimanyu was sitting at the mandap, in front of the yagya for a long time. The Pandit was chanting some mantras and performing rituals but he paid no attention. He was still trying to accept this change. Everything seemed to happen so fast, he had no time to comprehend. He sure had months to prepare himself, but he was still unprepared.
His heart beat faster as he heard the Pandit ask for the bride. After a few minutes, he heard people sround him, gasping.

He looked up to see the most beautiful sight in front of him. His bride. Uttara was walking towards the mandap, an entourage of women surrounding her. He would be lying if he denied that she looked beautiful. In fact she was breathtaking. He noticed that she looked older today, more mature. His eyes followed her as she came up to the mandap and sat down beside him, staring at the yagya as the rituals continued.

The entire time, Abhimanyu couldn't help but look at her secretly. Her dark eyes concentrating on the yagya, her raven black hair tied in a braid, adorned with ornaments...........he snapped out of his daze. It still didn't change anything. He never wanted this and still doesn't. He had built a wall around himself and won't let her penetrate it.

It was soon time for the pheras. Suthanu came forward and tied the knot which bound them forever. The two of them exchanged a look, as if communicating something, before standing up. They took seven pheras around the fire, making vows to each other, which were nothing but empty promises for them. They exchanged garlands, made from colorful flowers.

Finally, a woman brought the chudamani, which he placed on her head, claiming her as his. The wedding ended and they went to meet their families and take their blessings. They first went to Uttara's family. They took her mother's blessings, who had tears of joy in her eyes. Maharaj Virat blessed them wholeheartedly and embraced them. They approached his family.

They first went to Suthanu and Bhanu. Suthanu pulled Uttara into a hug and Bhanu did the same to him. "All the best", he whispered in his ear. "Trust me you will need it". But Suthanu heard it and glared at her husband, hands on her hips. Bhanu pouted at her, holding his ears. Abhimanyu wanted to laugh at their antics.

Mamashree Krishn and Balram blessed them heartily along with all their mamis. Finally they went to his parents. The Pandavs smiled proudly and embraced Abhimanyu and Draupadi did the same. Mahamahim Bhishm too blessed them and presented them with many gifts.

After meeting everyone, Uttara and Abhimanyu went to their respective rooms. They were to leave for Indraprasth in an hour. Sudeshna came to Uttara's room to help her with last minute arrangements. She was in tears.
"Mata, are you alright?", Uttara asked, worried. Sudeshna nodded. "I am fine. In fact I am so happy and proud. But also a little sad. My putri has grown up so much and now you are married and leaving to start a new family. "

On hearing her mother's words, Uttara's eyes turned moist. "Mata, you are my mother. You, pitashree and Uttar will always be my family."

Both mother and daughter wept in each other's arms.