Abhiram is having a tough time at office as their project deadline is approaching, with this he managed to get one week leave for his wedding after much difficulty. His manager was considerate enough to agree.

He didn't have time to check messages or receive calls, his parents and relatives are calling him regarding preparations. Divya stayed with her parents to help them, Dhiraj (her husband) was taking care of her mother in-law.

He got a call from unknown number, "Hello"  Abhiram's voice made Harshini's heart flutter. His voice sounded deep over phone, "Hey" She said hesitantly. At first she didn't want to disturb during his office hours, his family informed about his work load.

Even after being engaged they didn't speak, so Varshith called and forcefully gave phone to his sister. "Harshini" said Abhiram little surprised, he didn't expect she would take initiative to communicate with him.

"How are you? Am I disturbing you?" She asked him, "I'm tired with my office work but your call made me feel good" he said smiling. "Flirting with your fiancée" Harshini asked playfully, "Why not! My girl" he said in same tone.

Abhiram didn't want to stop but he has a meeting to attend, "Harshini! I will call you after reaching home, I am occupied with work right now. Sorry" Abhiram said sincerely.

"I should say Sorry, it's my fault to call you during office hours" Harshini said in guilt, "No! No! I can't express my happiness in words, your voice ... Aggh! Will continue this in next call. Keep thinking about me baby" Abhiram said.

"Don't call to this number, it's not mine. Will text you from mine" Harshini hung up saying this. She quickly messaged him from her number.

My girl! Baby!

His words and voice kept playing in her mind, she started learning cooking from her mother. In two days officially her wedding shopping and preparations will start with Pasupu Kottadam/ Vigneswara Biyyam kattadam (a ritual in which they pray Lord Ganesha, turmeric sticks are powdered which is used in wedding rituals and rice is kept in a trunk till the wedding gets completed)

Abhiram reached his flat after having dinner, he got refreshed hurriedly and called his girl. Harshini kept waiting for his call fidgeting with her phone, his call made her face glow with an electrifying smile.

Then the conversation between the new couple started, Abhiram understood Harshini is a girl of few words but more depth. He found her more matured than many of his age, this maturity could not be gained by upbringing but only through what she faced.

What might be the circumstances or is she born like this? Is she an introvert always or reserved with me?

Abhiram wanted to know answers himself by spending time with his fiancee, time just flew away. Then he understood his father's words about courtship, I have so much time after marriage to know about her ... He thought.

After taking leave  he went to shopping with his mother for wedding saree to Kancheepuram. Then with the help of Vinay he finalised his attire which are combination of traditional and fashionable too. Nandini wanted her son's wedding to be perfect, it's her dream.

At Harshini's place the wedding preparations started with Pasupu Kottadam

Wedding cards were distributed, all shopping done and slowly relatives started arriving. Harshini didn't get much time to speak with Abhiram, she is a early bird unlike him. He preferred to be night owl and planned to spoil her after wedding.

Tara stayed beside Harshini sharing whatever knowledge she has and guiding her through all rituals. Varshith became super busy taking responsibilities of his only sister's marriage and dealing with his office issues. He would be leaving for Germany in two weeks, their parents will be away from both their kids. Srinivas is feeling a storm of emotions inside but acting  normal.

He is a content father with all his responsibilities being fulfilled, he went near his mother and slept on her lap. "I feel happy and sad Mom!" Srinivas said confusedly. "It happens Sri! As I always said you are blessed with wonderful kids, they gave you value which you never understood till date but trust me, now they will be away from you. It's time for your realisation" she patted her son's head lovingly.

Srinivas already knew what his mother meant, he didn't show what he feels till date to anyone. Waiting for the right time, maybe his son's wedding would bring out his feelings.

Bride making ceremony which was two days before the wedding date, all relatives gathered on the terrace where it's decorated with green leaves and combination of red, yellow and white flowers.

Harshini is smeared with turmeric paste and generous amount oil applied on her hair. Then her Uncle's and brothers poured milk and water through a decorated sieve. Everyone started pouring water on her brought from various rivers in the country. It's symbolises the prosperity of her future.

The same rituals are carried on at groom's place, Abhiram enjoyed with his friends and cousins. He posed in different angles and sent those pictures to his would be wife.

Harshini dried her hair with sambrani smoke, she got ready in yellow and green silk saree. Neela kept Kalayan Tilakam/Pelli bottu on her forehead which will be there till completion of all wedding rituals.

Her mother adorned her with many bangles and drew Parani(red colour liquid) on her feet. Tara placed anklets on her feet, while Rupa made her hair braid with poola jada.

(This pic is given only for reference, image source : Google. I do not own any right on this image, no copyright violation)

All her family members were happy to see their little girl becoming a pretty bride. Her aunt's warned all the young squad to not send her pictures to Abhiram. There is custom that groom should not see bride after the bride making ceremony and vice-versa.

That's the main reason why Harshini left her phone with her grandmother, Abhiram continuously sent her all pictures with live updates.

On the day of wedding a wooden pole smeared with turmeric and sandalwood paste is placed before their home (known as Pelli Raata) which shooes away any hurdles in the wedding.

Abhiram and his family members arrived to bride's place, they were all welcomed with pomp and gaiety. They were showered with flowers all through the way, while clarinet and drums were being played to invite them. (This is called Edurukolu)

All of them were given a bungalow with all facilities (vididhi), brides uncles took charge of managing groom's families requirements.

Snathakam ceremony took place which marks that groom is being a family man from bachelor, then Kasi Yatra ceremony is done with more fun. Varshith had to woo his would be brother in-law to marry his sister and not to become a celibate.
(There is lot of significance and entertainment in this ritual)

Divya is totally frustrated in managing things, her daughter and the groom himself. She's badly waiting for her husband Dhiraj to arrive. They didn't even show Harshini's picture to surprise him, it's all plan of Varshith and her. From these many days they acted like strangers even after being friends. All thanks to Dhiraj's busy schedule.

Dhiraj and Varshith were good friends, Divya wanted to surprise as he didn't attend their engagement. "Where are you? Are you planning to com or not?" Divya started shouting over phone.

"Sorry D! I'm stuck" Dhiraj faked observing her from a distance, "I'm going to dump you if you won't be here today" she fumed in anger making him laugh.

"I'm not your boyfriend to dump, remember you are talking to your husband D" he said and slowly hugged her from back shocking her. She punched him hard with tears, "shh! Relax dear. I am here now" Dhiraj assured.

He knew Divya is not good at multi tasking, handling Tridha is the most toughest task for them. She is doing all these alone which made Dhiraj proud of his wife. Pushing your limits for someone you love shows how important they are in your life. "Let's meet the bride" Divya said cheerfully,

"Where are they gone leaving me alone here" Harshini started searching for her cousins, she felt bored sitting inside her room. Everyone were busy after reaching wedding venue, groom's family were in other floor. Harshini is in other wing waiting for rituals to get over.

She suddenly saw Dhiraj coming towards her with a surprised look, "Sir! You are here. I didn't expect you will come" she said confusedly. Harshini forgot whom all she invited and whom she missed.

"Even I didn't know that you are bride" Dhiraj was amused. "Hey! Both of you know each other, Varshith said you aren't acquainted" Divya wondered.

"Varshith! Where dose he come in this topic?" Dhiraj asked thinking, "He is my brother" Harshini answered not knowing what's happening. "Then how do you know her?" Varshith asked coming beside his sister.

"She used to come for audits of our company" Dhiraj answered. Harshini nodded to confirm his statement, all of them understood the situation and burst into laughter. Varshith hugged his friend Dhiraj, "D! Abhiram is very lucky" Dhiraj commented and Harshini blushed.

After Managala Snanam (holy bath) beautician started working on Harshini's look. The beautiful saree bought by Nandini is draped with elegant jewellery, her eyes started burning with the eye makeup. It took nearly half an hour for it to complete. Her eyes and smile were striking features of Harshini.

"Don't cry and smudge your Kohl, remember my hardwork" makeup artist teased. "You look so pretty" Rupa screeched, Tara just kept smiling seeing her best friend getting dolled up as bride. "Next your turn" their cousin Srikanth teased Tara. "Not before you" Rupa added.

"My baby wife should graduate before marrying me, that's Gran's condition" Srikanth explained. "Desperate Pedophile" Rupa rolled her eyes starting fight with Sri which is her favourite job.

Abhiram is pacing in his room, "Tensed?" Dhiraj asked smiling. "He is eating my brain bro, are these what they call wedding jitters" Vinay complained. "Remember I will be with you, definitely better than you" Abhi glared at Vinay.

"If you are like this imagine your bride's state, she would be leaving her family. You have got a gem Abhi, treat her like one" Dhiraj adviced.

After that they reached Mandapam (where wedding takes place) Abhiram did Ganesh Pooja and parallely Harshini did Gauri pooja with her parents. Then bride is made to sit in a bamboo basket with a green coconut which symbolises Goddess Lakshmi in lotus flower, then her Uncle's and brothers carry her to sit opposite to groom. There is a partition made with a curtain between bride and groom so that they don't see each other.

Harshini's parents washed Abhiram's feet as groom is considered incarnation of Lord Vishu, they placed their daughter's hand in his hand below the veil while preist is chanting mantras. Then at the time of muhurtham jeelakara bellam (cumin jaggery paste) is placed on each other's head. Then the partition is removed for them to look at each other.

(In olden days this is the first meet of bride and groom, where they see eachother with positive vibes. Cumin jaggery paste placed on head helps them to connect each other souls. That first sight has so much importance)

Now officially they are wedded, they kept looking into each other's eyes while all the guests started showering them with blessings. At that moment Harshini has so many feelings making her eyes teary. Abhi I don't know what you felt on our first meet but today at this moment I feel I'm just yours, you have officially marked me yours... She smiled at her own thoughts.

Abhiram felt happy seeing the twinkle in her eyes, his wife looked contently at him which made his heart flutter. Then they are asked to change into white attire, then bride is welcomed with diyas.

With blessings of elders he tied Mangalasutram (sacred thread) around her neck, then they poured Thalambralu (yellow rice) on each other followed by various colours of rice, pearls, flowers. Abhiram started drenching her with his fast pace by picking plates with his cousins support, preist warned him not to do so and Harshini smirked at him.

Then they finished other rituals like pulling ring out of water filled pot, appagintalu, arundati nakshtram etc.,

Photographers took pictures of the couple, now Harshini didn't hesitate impressing her husband. They went to Abhiram's home where their Gruhapravesham is done. She kicked rice bowl inside at the threshold, they are asked to say each other's name before entering

Satyanarayana Vratam is performed next morning for well being and Prosperity of the new couple, Reception is done in the evening with all relatives of Abhiram attending and complementing Nandini about bride and also arrangements.

Now the new life of Abhiram starts as a married man..

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A/N: So here is the update, sorry for the delay I am having multiple health issues. This chapter I wanted to write in detail and better way. This didn't reach my expectation, I didn't want to make it too lengthy so omitted few rituals and detailings.

This is a Telugu wedding, you can check the above video link for an overview.

Sorry for any mistakes, skip this chapter if you are not interested. Just know that the couple are married.

Unedited chapter

Now the real story starts, Does Abhiram deserve Harshini? Is she really his soulmate? Are they compatible? Or will they just compromise for the sake of wedding?

Let's see, please press the star button and vote... It gives me encouragement to update soon.

Thanks to Yagna13, being a mother of two kids still you update daily just for readers. You are my inspiration 😀

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