Aasha stood at the doorstep of her home, her hands trembling as she held a handful of rice.

Her mother, Jaya, stood beside her, her face wet with tears. "Bitiya, sasural ki izzat rakhna… sabka kehna maan-na," she whispered, her voice breaking

Aasha nodded, unable to speak. She turned and threw the rice over her shoulder, each handful feeling heavier than the last. With every grain, she was returning to her home what it had given her—love, care.

Nearby, the dahej was being loaded onto a large carrier. Wooden trunks filled with clothes and jewelry, brass utensils, a heavy quilt, a beautifully carved cot and what not—each item a symbol of her parents' struggle. Rupesh stood watching, his eyes filled with exhaustion and sorrow.

It had not been easy. He had to put his small piece of land on collateral, knowing well that he might never get it back. When that was not enough, he had swallowed his pride and approached his younger brother, Charan. Charan had refused at first, listing his own struggles, but after much persuasion, he had reluctantly handed over a small sum. Every item now being tied to the cart carried the weight of Rupesh’s sacrifices.

"Sukh se rehna, beti," he said, placing a trembling hand on her head. "Koi takleef ho… toh yaad rakhna, yeh ghar hamesha tera rahega."

Aasha's eyes welled up as she turned to her siblings. Little Bobi clutched her lehenga tightly.

"Didi, mat jao!" he sobbed, refusing to let go.

She bent down, kissing his forehead. "Main hamesha tum sabko yaad karungi… maa-babuji ki baat sunna, theek hai?"

Poonam and Pinki wiped their eyes, while Pappan and Manu stood silently.

The dholi was ready, decorated with bright marigolds. Aasha was helped by her brothers inside, her fingers clutching the edges tightly.

Her in-laws stood near, as they watched with satisfaction, their eyes drifting towards the dahej cart that would follow the baraat.

As the dholi was lifted, Jaya let out a wail, falling into Poonam’s arms.

The procession began. Aasha turned back one last time, her home disappearing behind her.

           ------------------------------------------

As they neared the village, the sounds of drums and conch shells echoed in the air. The entrance of Devraj’s haveli was grand—tall gates, whitewashed walls, and a large courtyard bustling with people waiting to welcome the new bride.

Women in bright sarees stood at the doorstep, singing traditional geet. Devraj’s mother stood in the center.

Aasha’s dholi was set down, and a woman lifted the curtain. "Aa gayi dulhan," she announced, and the crowd murmured in excitement.

The women helped her come out. Aasha hesitated, adjusting her lehanga and covering her face properly with the veil.

She made aasha stand beside devraj on the entrance of the haveli.

Kamla Devi stepped forward with a brass thali of aarti. The flame flickered as she circled it around their face, muttering blessings. Then, in a firm voice, she instructed, "Pehel padho, bahu."

Aasha hesitated only for a second before stepping onto the brass plate filled with kumkum water. Her small feet left red imprints on the white marble, marking the beginning of her new life.

"Aa gyi mere dev ki bahu idhar aa zara m b to dekhu" an elderly voice called out.

Aasha lifted her gaze and saw an elderly lady sitting on the wooden jhoola (swing) in the center.

"Han amma" Her mother in law replied and took Asha in front of her.

Her sharp eyes scanned Aasha with scrutiny. Aasha immediately lowered her gaze and touched her feet.

"Sada suhagan raho" Kanta devi blessed her.

"Hmm…" she drawled, letting her gaze sweep over Aasha from head to toe. "Sundar toh hai ladki… rang bhi saaf hai… shakal surat bhi theek hai, mere dev k sang jachegi. "

Aasha kept her head lowered, unsure how to respond.

"Bhale hi gareeb ghar ki hai, par shukar hai ki dekhne mein achhi hai." Amma said.

"Dahej to layi h na? " She asked.

"Han amma layi to h, par dahej lana or acha dahej lana dono alag alag baate hoti h" Bua ji said.

"Ab saman kisa h vo to baratne pe hi pta chalega" Her mother in law said.

Kanta Devi fixed her sharp gaze on Aasha.

“Saas ki izzat karna, pati ki seva karna aur ghar ke reeti-rivaaz samajhna. Yeh ghar aaj tak ek izzatdaar naam se jaana gaya hai. Koi shikayat na ho.” she said.

Aasha nodded.

"Bahu ko andar le jao" Amma said.

Kamla Devi nodded and gestured to a young woman standing nearby. "Sudha, tu isse kamre tak le ja," she instructed.

Sudha, a tall girl dressed in a bright green lehenga, stepped forward, "Chalo bhabhi," she said, grabbing Aasha’s arm lightly.

Aasha followed her quietly through the wide courtyard, her eyes lowered. The haveli was massive, its whitewashed walls adorned with paintings and brass lamps. The corridors were dimly lit, and the stone floors were cool under her bare feet.