तेरा जूनून है मेरा गुरूर है,

मैं तेरे वरगी हो गई हो|

हो हो पल्ला जो है ,

तेरा मोहल्ला वो है ,

मेरा मैं तेरे घर दी हो गई

Noor adjusted the pallu of her saree, ensuring it draped perfectly over her head as she descended the stairs with her husband, Sidharth, by her side. Her heart raced with a mixture of excitement and apprehension.

It was the first day of their marriage, and the morning sun cast a golden hue through the windows, bathing the house in a warm, welcoming glow.

Sidharth walked beside her, his expression composed and distant. His silence from the previous night still hung heavy between them. Noor couldn't help but steal glances at him, searching for any sign of warmth in his eyes.

He had been silent, yes, but also cold-hearted, his demeanor leaving her feeling both sad and uncertain.

"Noor beta, are you ready?" Her mother-in-law asked gently as she spotted both of them coming downstairs.

"Yes, Maa," Noor replied, trying to match her mother-in-law's smile despite the nervous flutter in her stomach. Her mother in law's eyes scanning Noor's attire. She reached out to adjust the edge of Noor's pallu, her touch gentle and reassuring.

"Oh! See itni pyari lag rahi ho ki sab kuch bhool ja rhi hu, you look beautiful,beta. The saree suits you well."

(See, you are looking just so beautiful that I'm forgetting things now)

"Thank you, Maa," Noor said softly, feeling a bit more at ease.

Aditi ji took Noor's hands in hers, looking into her eyes with kindness.

"It's the first day after your marriage, and it's an important tradition in our family for the new bride to perform the Aarti."

Noor nodded, feeling a sense of duty mixed with the desire to make a good impression. "Of course, Maa." Aditi ji's smile widened.

"That's wonderful. Don't worry about anything. Just follow your heart and perform the Aarti with devotion.."

Noor felt a surge of gratitude for her mother-in-law's understanding and encouragement.

"I'll do my best." Aditi ji gently patted Noor's cheek.

"I know you will. Come, let's go to the pooja ghar together."

As they walked towards the pooja room, Aditi ji continued to offer words of reassurance.

"You know, Noor, the first Aarti by the new bride is always special. It brings blessings and sets a positive tone for the new journey ahead. Just remember, we are all family now, and we are here to support you."

As they reached the pooja ghar, Sidharth's younger Aunt handed her the aarti thali to Sidharth, who was standing there too and gestured Noor to join him. She moved to him she forwarded her hand to hold the thali, his fingers brushing against hers for a fleeting moment.

The touch sent a shiver down her spine, and she looked up at him, hoping to catch a glimpse of him secretly. But his face remained unreadable, his eyes focused on the task at hand.

Taking a deep breath, Noor began to perform the Aarti. Their hands moved gracefully, the small flame of the diya flickering as she circled it in front of the deities.

The scent of sandalwood incense filled the air, mingling with the soft sound of her prayers. She felt a sense of peace wash over her, even as her mind churned with thoughts of Sidharth.

They continued the Aarti. The memory of today's conversation played in her mind. He had handed her a payal, a simple gift, but to Noor, it had meant so much more.

It was a gesture that their is a hope, even if it lacked the warmth she longed for.

As she finished the Aarti, she placed the thali down and touched her forehead to the floor, seeking strength and guidance. Rising slowly, she turned to face Sidharth, her eyes searching his face for any sign of emotion. He stood there, looking at the idol of lord Shiva with Mata Parvati.

Sidharth ji might not express his feelings in words, but I can learn to read between the lines.

Noor thought. She adjusted her saree, the Payal, on her ankle, tinkling softly. It was a sound she had come to cherish, a reminder of the man she was now bound to, the man she was determined to understand.

Noor finished the Aarti, her hands still trembling slightly from the weight of the moment She had been brought up in an orthodox family where taking blessings by touching elders' feet was a deep-seated tradition, and today was no exception.

Taking a deep breath, she turned towards her mother-in-law, Aditi ji, first. Noor bent down to touch her feet, seeking her blessings. Aditi Ji placed a gentle hand on her head and said,"Khush rho beta."

(Stay happy)

Noor smiled gratefully, feeling a sense of acceptance. She then moved to her father-in-law, who gave her a warm nod of approval and blessed her.

As she made her way around the room, touching the feet of her new family members, she finally stood in front of Sidharth.

Ger heart pounded in her chest as she hesitated for a moment, unsure of how he would react. In her family, it was customary for the wife to touch her husband's feet as a sign of respect and devotion, but she wasn't sure if this was something he would appreciate by the way his eyes were scanning her throughout the room.

Siddhart face remained impassive, his eyes unreadable. She slowly bent down, feeling the weight of tradition and expectation pressing on her.

For a moment, she saw a flicker of something-perhaps surprise, perhaps something else-but it was gone as quickly as it came. Siddhart spoke, his voice steady and calm.

Jst as her fingers were about to reach him, Siddhart stepped back, his expression firm and unyielding.

"Rukiye, please," he said, his voice commanding yet filled with a calm authority.

[Stop, please]

"Sidharth beta, it's a ritual," his older aunt injected in a defensive tone.

"I respect your traditions, but for me, women are a form of shakti. Na to mai itna gira hua hu, na hi meri itni haisiyat hai ki bhagwan ki shakti mere pair chue."

["I respect your traditions, but for me, women are a form of power. I am neither so fallen nor so worthy that they God's power should touch my feet."]

Noor looked up at him, surprised by his words. There was no affection in his gaze, but his words held a conviction and a sense of respect that she hadn't expected.

His words, though simple, held a depth that surprised her. As he completed, he looked in her eyes, like he was searching for something, like challenging.

"Ji, Siddhart ji," she replied softly and looked away, her heart swelling with a mix of respect and hope.

It wasn't a grand gesture, but it was enough to make Noor feel seen and valued. She continued to take blessings from the other family members, her heart a little lighter, her steps a little steadier.

As she was done, she stood their still feeling those butterflies in her stomach.

He turned to everyone, his expression hard as he spoke. "Let's go have breakfast," he said, his voice low but hard.

Noor nodded, feeling a small flicker of hope ignite in her heart. As they walked to the dining room together, she clung to that hope, believing that one day, Sidharth's silence would break.

Sidharth walked ahead while Noor waited for everyone to leave.

In her village, women are seen as burdens most often, but here, her husband called her Shakti, and he called her a goddess.

She felt heart skipping a beat. This man confuses her a lot.

"Noor beta," she heard her mother in the law's voice. She looked up, her mind still over his words.

"Come now. You have to make something sweet on your first rasoi. Phir muh dikhyi bhi karni hai. " Noor nodded her head.

"Chalo," her mother in law said, and kept a blessing hand over her head and then led her out. They both exited the pooja ghar.

Noor took a deep breath as she followed her mother-in-law out of the pooja room. Her husband's words lingered in her mind, creating a tumult of emotions she wasn't used to feeling. Shakti. Goddess. No one had ever spoken to her with such reverence before.

The kitchen was bustling with activity, and there were many people in the kitchen, making breakfast. They all stood straight as they both entered in respect.

Noor tried to steady her nerves, reminding herself that this was an important day. She looked around & smiled at everyone, The first rasoi was a tradition she had been preparing for, but the reality of it made her heart race.

"Here, Noor," her mother-in-law, Mrs. Rajvardhan said, handing her a tray of ingredients.

"Make something sweet and special. Something that will bring sweetness into your married life."

Noor nodded, her hands trembling slightly as she took the tray. She decided on making kheer, a sweet rice pudding that was her mother's specialty. She hoped that by recreating it here, she could bring a piece of her family into her new home.

As she measured out the rice and milk, she kept milk to boil on a pot & started cutting dry fruits in small pieces.

"Do you need any help, ma'am?" A girl of her age from the group of preople working asked, breaking the silence.

"No, thank you," Noor replied softly, her voice steady despite her racing heart. "I can manage." She nodded & stepped back on making the salad.

Noor set to work, her hands moving with practiced ease as she stirred the pot of milk and rice, adding sugar, cardamom, and a pinch of saffron for fragrance.

The familiar motions calmed her, and she found herself lost in the rhythm of cooking.

As the kheer simmered, the rich aroma filling the kitchen, Noor felt a sense of accomplishment. She hoped this simple dish would be enough to impress her new family.

When the kheer was ready, she carefully ladled it into a bowl and garnished it with slivers of almonds and pistachios. Her mother-in-law came inside the kitchen & looked over her shoulder, and nodded approvingly.

"Well done, Noor," she said, patting her shoulder. "This looks delicious."Noor smiled, her heart swelling with pride.

She has only talked with her mother in law till now & she seems to be the sweetest mother in law.

"Chalo, tum bahar chalo. They'll bring breakfast." Noor nodded. Although she wasn't used to such facilities.

(Come, let's go out)
It was her duty in her father's home to decorate the breakfast table while her mother would cook. Her brother & paps will come hurried, eat a little, and rush out. Thinking about this, a small sad smile came to her lips.

She was missing her father, her brother. She still doesn't know why he said those words to her on her bidai.

"Kya hua? Muh kyu utar gya?" Her mother in law asked. At that moment, Noor's heart swelled with love. Her mother used to ask her this every time she'll so silent.

(What happened? Why are you sad?)

"Kuch nahi maa"

(Nothing maa)

"Ghar ki yaad aarhi?"

(You remembering your home?)

Noor didn't say anything. She remembers her mother telling her not to get too casual with her mother in law she might not like this. But couldn't stop herself from nodding.

"Are to isme udaas hone wali kya baat hai? Avi bolti hu Sidharth ko, tumhe le ke Jaye. But aise udass mat ho. Itni pyari so ho, haste hue hi achi lgti ho"

("So what's there to be sad about in this? I'll tell Sidharth to take you along. But don't be sad like this. You're so lovely, you look good when you're smiling.")

A chuckled left Noor's lips at her words. While Aditi ji felt relieved seeing her smiling.

"Aao aab," saying she took hold of her hand like Noor was a small child & and led her to the dining area. Noor's head ducked down seeing so many people.

(Come now)

"Bhabhi," Suddenly, Noor heard a voice so near her, which made her finch as she was lost somewhere.

"ADARSH." Before she could understand, she heard her husband's hard voice, and the person beside her, who looked almost her age, took a step back with an apologetic smile.

"Sorry bhai, sorry bhabhi," Adarsh, Sidharth's youngest brother, said

Noor glanced at Sidharth, who stood by her side, a hint of annoyance on his face. She felt a wave of relief wash over her as he remained close. Even though he hadn't said anything word to her, he and his mother in law are the only people she is little familiar with.

She was still grappling with the unfamiliarity of her surroundings and the people around her.

"It's fine," Noor managed to say, her voice barely above a whisper, feeling her heart race as she met Adarsh's curious gaze.

She had barely gotten used to her new life, and now here was Sidharth's brother, catching her off guard.

"Once again, sorry, bhabhi, I just wanted to surprise you." Noor smiled at him. The charming smile was contiguous.

"By the way, I'm Adarsh, apka chota dever,"

(Your younger brother in law)

"I was not able to attend your engagement due to my exams, I just landed a day before your wedding," Adarsh said, trying to lighten the mood with a friendly smile. Noor nodded, smiling back at her. She was already liking this person.

"But aab mai kahi nahi ja rha, qyuki college katam ho gye," He said with a broad smile. This made noor remember she had to join back her college too. She's in last year, too.

("But now I'm not going anywhere because college is over.")

"Adarsh, aao beta aab baith bhi jao." Aditi ji said to her youngest son, who nodded at her. Noor looked up to see her husband sitting on the head chair while his father sat on the other end.

The chair beside Sidharth was empty while others sat on different chairs.

"Noor come beta," her mother in law said, and Noor went to sit with them hesitantly with nervousness written all over her face.

Noor's heart raced as she sat on the chair next to her husband, Sidharth, her fingers slightly trembling as they rested on her lap. The dining table was grand, far different from the humble setting she was used to back in her village.

The warmth of the room, the soft clattering of cutlery, and the murmur of conversation around her only heightened her nerves.

In her village, the women would always eat after their husbands had finished, never with them or the family. It was an unspoken rule, passed down through generations.

Noor had expected the same here, and the idea of sitting beside Sidharth, sharing a meal with him and his family, felt unfamiliar. It was only her first day after marriage, and she didn't want to make any mistakes.

Sidharth sat quietly at the head of the table, his expression neutral, as usual. Noor couldn't help but glance at him from time to time, trying to gauge what he might be thinking.

Was he as uncomfortable as she was?

Or was this just another ordinary day for him?

"Noor beta," her mother-in-law's voice broke through her thoughts, warm and inviting. "You made such delicious kheer today. Why don't you serve it to everyone?"

Noor looked up, startled. The request was gentle, but it carried the weight of expectation. She could feel everyone's eyes on her, waiting for her to move. With a small nod, she stood up, her movements a little stiff from the nervousness that gripped her.

As she picked up the serving bowl filled with kheer, her mind drifted back to the kitchen earlier that day.

Aditi ji had been kind, guiding her through the recipe with patience. But now, standing in front of the table, Noor felt like she was being tested. The ladle felt heavy in her hand as she carefully spooned the sweet dish into bowls, trying not to spill.

When she reached Sidharth's bowl, her hands shook slightly. She could sense his gaze on her for a second, but she didn't dare meet his eyes. She placed the bowl in front of him, her breath catching as she awaited his reaction.

He didn't say a word, just gave a small nod of acknowledgment, no didn't denied nor showed any excitement, he didn't even looked up at her but it was enough to make her heart skip a beat.

"Thank you, Noor," Aditi ji said, breaking the silence once more. " Aao beta."

Noor managed a shy smile, relief washing over her as she returned to her seat. The first day was always the hardest, she reminded herself. She just had to take it one step at a time. She looked around to see people already digging in with a smile.

But as she was about to sit in her place, she heard his older aunt gasping suddenly.

"Noor, beta," Chachi-ji's voice sliced through the air, cold and cutting. "Isn't something missing around your neck?"

"Noor, it's your first day here, and you've already forgotten something so important?" Chachi-ji's eyes bore into her.

"Where is your mangal sutra? Do you think this is just a piece of jewelry? It's the symbol of your marriage. Or have you already decided it doesn't matter?"

Noor's heart sank as she realized her mistake. Her hand instinctively reached for her neck, finding it bare. She felt the weight of everyone's eyes on her, the silence in the room thick with judgment.

"Such a simple thing, Noor, yet you couldn't manage that? What kind of message are you sending? I hope this isn't a sign of how careless you'll be in the future."

Noor's face flushed with shame, her eyes dropping to the table. She opened her mouth to apologize, but Chachi-ji wasn't finished.

Before I could say anything, Sidharth ji, who had been sitting silently at the head of the table, suddenly stood up. I froze, my heart pounding in my chest.

My heart skipped a beat as he walked toward me, his expression unreadable, his movements calm but deliberate.

What was he going to do?

He walked over to me, and I felt a wave of panic. Was he going to scold me like Chachi-ji?

My mind raced, thinking of all the things I might have done wrong.

He didn't say a word. Instead, he bent down, and I watched in stunned silence as he picked up the payal that had slipped off my foot earlier.

He knelt there, calmly, almost reverently, and picked it up. A gasp left my mouth as his hand light brushed on my feet..

His touch was firm but gentle, and I felt a warmth spread through me that I hadn't expected. I expected him to support his family members, but here he was collecting my payal..In my village, men didn't do things like this-such tender gestures were unheard of.

I was shocked, and my eyes filled with unexpected emotion. This wasn't the Sidharth ji I had been trying to understand, the man who had kept his distance, who had left me feeling like I was on my own in this new life.

As he stood up, his expression remained serious, unreadable. Still, there was something different in his posture-a ignorant way or a silent message.

But I wasn't able to guess.

He then looked up at me, making me look away from him. The whole dining table was silent while my heart was going wild.

He then held his hand out for me. The gesture took me by surprise. It wasn't as if I hadn't touched his hand before, but what he did last night made me feel alone & depressed, but there was something different in the way he did it now-something that made me feel like I was seeing him for the first time..

I hesitated, looking up at him. His eyes held a steady, almost daring calmness, as if he was waiting for me to take the leap. My heart raced, and I swallowed hard before placing my trembling hand in his.

The warmth of his hand spread through mine, easing the chill that had settled in my fingers, calming the nervousness that had gripped me for reasons I couldn't fully understand.

For a moment, I forgot that we were sitting in front of the entire family. All I could focus on was the sudden change in action & things my ignorant husband was doing. All I could focus on was how to control my beating heart, whichever seemed unstoppable due to his actions.

Sidharth ji gently guided me to sit in his chair, the head of the table. My breath caught as I lowered myself into the seat, hesitating for a moment. This was his place, the seat of authority, and the idea of sitting there felt overwhelming, almost wrong.

My heart pounded in my chest, a mix of nervousness and confusion swirling inside me. But his hand remained steady on mine.

"Baitho"

(Sit)

His voice was hard, and he was leaving no room for a sny discussion. I finally lowered myself into the seat, still not fully processing what was happening, feeling the weight of his expectations and the eyes of the family on me.

He then knelt down in front of me, his movements steady and deliberate, leaving me completely stunned. My heart raced, and a wave of nervousness washed over me.

What was he doing?

I couldn't understand. This wasn't what I expected-not from him, not here, not in front of everyone.

As he reached for my leg, instinct kicked in, and I quickly pulled it back, my breath catching in my throat. I had been taught that a husband should never touch his wife's feet-that such an act was improper, disrespectful even.

The thought of him kneeling in front of me made my mind spin with confusion and unease.

But Sidharth ji didn't hesitate. His calm, unyielding presence made me feel more unsure, more out of place. I could feel my hands trembling slightly as I tried to process what was happening.

His touch was gentle, yet firm, as he reached for my leg again, leaving me with no choice but to allow it, though my heart pounded in protest.

I felt my heart flutter as he lifted my leg and placed it on his thigh, his touch both firm and gentle. My mind raced, trying to comprehend this moment, this unexpected act of care. He took the payal and, with a quiet concentration, slipped it back onto my ankle.

The room seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of us in this charged, intimate moment. I could barely breathe as I watched him, my emotions swirling, mixing with confusion, gratitude, and respect.

Once the payal was secure, Siddharth looked up at me, his gaze locking onto mine. There was a softness in his eyes, for a second,something that made my heart skip a beat until it turned emotionless again.

"Perfect,"

________________

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