In the small village of Saundaryapur.. The warning of torrents and heavy spells of monsoon alarmed the villagers. Residents rushed back to their huts, women picking up their toddlers, while daughters and sons helping their elders back inside their roofs.. But that was not the case with farmers! These well-built men, instead of hiding in their safe spaces called home, they grabbed their umbrellas, wrapped their lungis around their waist and crowned their heads with their cotton gamchas, as they rushed towards their fields to safe as many livestock as possible from the Mother Nature that was at the edge of outpouring.. the life of farmers was like the torrential weather, hard, relentless and scorching. But the farmers never complained, they were from the soil.. The mud and soil was their roots, the vast fields was their home and they were always fierce when it came to protecting them. Farming was their rel!gion.

Among them is also Jeon Aryan, who was unbothered by the umbrella that was left untouched as he dug his feet deeper into the muddy field, plucking out readied crops and gather as much as he can. These crops were his livelihood, that helped him bring food, clothing and shelter to his family..beside him, his brother in law, Kabir helping him in the process..

Amidst the tethering wind and pointy drizzles, he heard one of his neighbours shout from outside the field

“Aryan babu, sarpanch and his men are heading to your home.. they look angry..”

Those words were enough to knock out the wind from Aryan’s throat.. his eyes horrified as they met with his brother in law.. they dropped their crops, that became one with the mud.

Aryan gasped out

Kabir suggested, but there was panic in his voice. Aryan looked at his field, it wasn’t huge but his everything. He felt helpless, felt trapped in a turmoil where he can’t see any escape. He stared down at his crops, the rice grains were ready for harvest. But he didn’t have the time, he needed to choose.. chose between his hardwork or protecting his family.. The answer was clear to him, he chose his family.. his field will be there to embrace him the next day when he will weep about his miseries. So Aryan pulled up his lungi and tied it around his waist.. and then he was already on his heels, running as fast as possible, Kabir right beside him..

Aryan gritted through his teeth

Kabir sighed but nodded in understanding.. in reality, it wasn’t Aryan’s fault. He did repay the amount of loan, but the harsh reality was that he was illiterate and six years ago the sarpanch made him sign some documents in promise of lending him money to buy seeds and repair his field. Trusting the sarpanch (head of village), Aryan simply signed those documents unaware that he was actually signing his entire life’s hardwork, his 5 acres of land in the name of Kim Yuvraj (sarpanch)

When Aryan paid the full amount three months acknowledged , the next day the sarpanch came to his field and claimed it as his. Jeon Aryan was not only baffled but shocked to his wits. He demanded answers and when the documents were read to him by the sarpanch’s lawyer, Aryan felt the ground beneath him slip away! He felt utterly betrayed and scared. Giving up his respect and any ounce of ego, Jeon Aryan even kneeled and begged the sarpanch to give his land back. The sarpanch simply said to repay double amount of the debt and give him two acres of land. Aryan wailed and begged but there was no help. Aryan was even ready to repay double the loan amount and give away 2 acres of his land to the sarpanch, but that’s where the twist happens, the sarpanch wasn’t ready to give him the time he needed.

And that brings us to the reality, where Aryan is frantically running to reach his home.. in the past few weeks, the sarpanch has threatened both physically and mentally but only at his field. The sarpanch never came to the Jeon house. So the fact that the sarpanch was currently driving towards his home, there was no measure to Aryan’s fear

Just as the two men reached near a corner, Aryan picked few giant stones and placed them on the bridge that led to his neighbourhood.

Kabir nodded immediately and started to look at source that could help him puncture the sarpanch’s car..

By the time, Aryan reached his home, the heavy rains splashed across saundaryapur mercilessly

He almost slipped as he reached the front yard of his house. Heavy rains hitting his body as if pointy nails were dug in his skin.. but he ignored the cold, ignored chill and fear.. he simply hurried.. he was fighting time right now!

Once inside his home. He saw his mother at the back porch, sitting with Diyas and praying to the skies

The old women said nothing but pointed towards the kitchen and went back to chanting.

Aryan nodded his head and took hurried steps to the kitchen.. he halted at the wooden door when his eyes landed on his wife who was carefully making dinner, a beautiful smile adoring her lips. She is the perfect wife for him, never complained and never demanded but openly embraced his goods and flaws.. a tear escaped his eyes as fear creeped into his bones, he was scared of losing his wife and children. They were his reason to live and fight back the world..

The women in her mid-30s, as if sensing her husband’s presence, looked up., but her beautiful smile disappeared when they landed on the fear that prickled in her strong husband’s eyes

She stood up.. Aryan shrieks but composed himself immediately. He can’t show his fear or else she was going to be scared too.. She looked at him to anchor her life always..

Sumi by now was crying. Aryan spoke through his own teary eyes. A brief understanding that was exchanged between the couple and then she nodded her head. Aryan smiled painfully. It wasn’t a goodbye, but then why this night felt like Aryan was separating from his family for forever. Aryan wasn’t even given the chance to exchange goodbyes..

Aryan helped her pack a small bag.. he then opened his small almari and removed his entire savings, which weren’t much just 1 lakh rupees, but he pushed them inside the bag, hiding them deep under the clothes..

Sumi’s voice wavered fearfully

She asked as she changed her nine year old daughter jimin’s dress

“Papa, she is sleeping..” Jimin voiced out with a pout because she was sleeping too before dinner

Aryan nodded and rushed to their daughter’s room..there were two small chairpais (cots) and on one of them, his youngest daughter slept without any care in the world

“Papa.. ninni ninni (sleepy sleepy)”.. the 6-year-old daughter whined but didn’t stop her father from pushing a dress on him.. Aryan picked kookie in his arms safely and then rushed out.. Sumi was already standing with the small bag and holding Jimin’s hand..

Just as they were about to rush to the backdoor of the house, the sound of gunshot echoed

The couple stilled and their hearts hammered against their rib cage.. The cunning voice of sarpanch breaking their hearts.. the two daughters too hugged their parents, now completely awake and scared. Their six year old kookie was already crying

Then the family heard a strong booming voice

Sumi’s eyes widened in horror.. Aryan gulped but held jimin’s hand tightly.. he pulled Sumi in a warm embrace from his other hand, hugging his family tightly..

His voice held fear and only Sumi could understand it.. Aryan eventually handed over Kookie and Jimin back to Sumi, and walked out of the house and stood at the front porch.. his eyes met with Kabir who was held by the collar from behind, with a gun pointed at his head.. Kabir looked scarred but more than that he was petrified for his elder sister’s family..

Kabir cried out.. Kim Yuvraj laughed as he swayed his own small gun in the air

Aryan held his kurta’s hem but stood tall as he tried to speak calmly

He growled

Aryan lied but Kim Yuvraj was way smarter than that

Aryan joined his hands and hung his head low as he spoke

Yuvraj shot his gun in the air and everyone inside the house screamed..

Yuvraj walked closer to Aryan but halted when they all heard a small string of cries and tapping of little feet as they rushed towards Aryan

“Papa.. papa.. papa..”

Aryan’s eyes widened in pure pain as he swung his head to look at the source.. it was his kookie

The little angel ran, eyes filled with unstoppable tears, as she hiccuped and cried out to her father.. “papa..”

Her voice was like of an angel, soft, pure and innocent.. Aryan’s heart clenched as he looked at his little bundle of purity.. his little baby never cried because of him, because of how fragile she is, Aryan was always her shield even when she demanded for extra cookie from her mother who would sternly deny. She knew, only her father would fight the world for him, even from her mother. So when Aryan sees his little baby cry in fear for him, it broke him completely..

Aryan kneeled and hugged her, lifting her small body in his arms and patting her back..

Lost in his emotions of fatherhood, he didn’t pay attention to how one of the older man with Kim Yuvraj, leaned in the sarpanch’s ear and whispered something.. he was unaware of those wicked eyes that had already landed on his little daughter

The truth was.. that jeon jungkook when just 1 year old, one of the old lady from their village who was known for sharing visions had visited their house. The couple welcomed her respectfully, offered her ghee ladoos and holy jal from their house temple..

The old lady warmly smiled and spoke loudly as she waved her palm against the 1-day old girl..

“She will flourish the household she will go. She will be a blessing to her father, to her neighbours, to her destined husband. She has favour in the eyes of Gods, they will bless her wherever she is. Her hands gentle but holds the fertility of blossom, richness and health..”

The words were out.. while the couple was grateful and cried happy tears.. They were unaware that this old lady’s word would spark a fire among the villagers.. Their kookie wasn’t even one year old when they had marriage proposals flooded at their doorsteps.. not just this village, but anyone from anywhere in neighbouring village heard about the blessings of Jeon Jungkook, they would visit with offers of marriage. But Jeon Aryan wasn’t in a hurry, he wouldn’t just give away his daughter on the basis of wealth. He wants a husband for his daughter that could safeguard her dignity and innocence, who holds her like a crown to his head, who holds her purity like a vow for forever. Every proposal he saw and received, they all heard one cunning desire, to be blessed by the fortune their little Kookie carried

And it was visible.. when Kookie turned 1 year old, her father’s field saw the most recovering from that traumatic monsoon and made the most harvesting in the entire village.. when she was 2, his father managed to renovate and make their house even bigger. When she was 3, his father was able to find the best husband for their eldest daughter, one that wasn’t just rich by material but also wealthy at hearts. He was even capable to prepare the dowries and gifts.. When Kookie turned 4, Aryan bought cattles, bullocks and hen to expand his livestock.. when she was 5, her father repaid every single loan that he owed to the sarpanch or other people.. she was even a blessing to her mother’s household as well!

Yuvraj’s calm and dominating voice hit Aryan’s soul.. he looked up from her daughter and nodded to Yuvraj..

The sarpanch thought for awhile and finally spoke

Aryan’s eyes suddenly glistened with hope

Aryan frowned as his grip tightened around his daughter who snuggled in his chest for calmth

Aryan felt numb..

Yuvraj didn’t wait for any more words.. he got back in his jeep with his men and left

..

..

The storm had eventually passed.. Saundaryapur was calm, humming and cloudy.. No souls left outside, but the flicker of street lamps were enough to guide anyone who forgot their paths

But inside the jeon house, the night was longer, tormenting and nerved-wrecking

Sumi walked towards the sitting area of the house, after ensuring her both girls were well tucked and sleeping.. she sat beside her husband on the mud-washed floor. Aryan sat as if he was mourning, holding his head and elbow placed on his knee that was bucked up.. opposite them, sat Kabir also lost in thoughts, trying to find a better solution to this grave situation

Aryan tiredly exhaled as a tear slipped from his eyes

Sumi cried silently

Just then Kabir realised something..

Both Aryan and Sumi frowned

Kabir suggested

Aryan spoke defeatedly.. but Kabir stared at him with a smile

Kabir spoke and the couple nodded.. Kabir stays in another village with Sumi’s maiden family.. he is married and had visited his sister’s home in Saundaryapur for the weekend because their mother made her favorite pickles. Unlike Aryan and his father who are farmers, Kabir however worked in a sugar mill that was at the border between the city and their village.. the mill is owned by one of the most powerful mukhiyas of this district. This mukhiya also represents ten villages whenever they visit the city to convey the needs and requirements of the villagers to the government. The men of this family are well educated, farming being their first work of line, they didn’t live in extravagant luxuries, because of their traditional nature but they definitely held immense power.. among the ten villages also included Saundaryapur, Kabir’s own village and even the village where Jimin is wedded

Aryan’s eyes widened as he nodded.. everyone knows Kim Rudra.. but just as hope fluttered in his eyes, it also got dimmed instantly

There was a brief moment of silence but Kabir was persistent

Kabir nodded..

..

..

The next morning, just as the sun rose, Aryan sat behind Kabir’s motorcycle and bid goodbye to his wife and mother.. they were all hopeful

The journey to Euphoria village was nearly two hours, and they needed to avoid prying eyes.. If any manner, Yuvraj found out about his early morning mission, it would be grave for Aryan’s family.. so it was better when half of the village was still asleep..

They passed by from multitudes of luscious green trees to sea of fields.. once they far away from Saundaryapur, they halted at a small chai patri (tea shop) to drink chai (tea) and eat breakfast that Sumi had packed for them..

It was already ten am when they entered the borders of euphoria village.. Aryan stared at the entire place in awe, very clean and peaceful. The air here felt safer and more cozy

It took them another half an hour to near Kim household.. village houses were now less in their eyes reach, and the roads looked private and mostly deserted.. soon after, they finally halted opposite a two storey house, which had their personal pond in the front

They got down.. Kabir led them to inside. A guard at the door halted them..

“Kisse milna hai? (Whom do you have to meet?)” the guard asked

The guard scowled and added, “today he has taken a day off from village work. It’s his wife’s birthday and the family is going to the main temple. So please come next time..”

Aryan immediately reached forward, holding his hands in the air, joined as pleading..

Aryan almost cried. The guard pitied him and nodded his head.. he asked them to wait outside, while he conveys the message

Inside the Kim house of euphoria, the scent of agarbati (scented stick), marigold flowers and delicious aroma of halwa (sweet dish) fluttered in the air.

The head of the family Kim Rudra was awake, a little too cheerful for the day after all it was his beautiful wife’s birthday, the mother of his two sons and one precious daughter.

Rudra shouted teasingly

Kim Avni, the beautiful wife of Kim Rudra appeared with her Pooja thali (prayer plate) that was adorned with flowers, Kumkum (red vermilion) and Prasad (blessed sweets)!

The women halted nowhere but before her husband. She leaned to touch his feet for blessing and then she put the plate forward. Rudra smiled lovingly as he took a pinch of vermillion from the plate and gently slide in between her maang (middle partition of her hair).. every day, even after having three children, she never failed to touch his feet and he never failed to apply the vermillion to her head. They held this ritual like a sacred vow between them..

Just when Rudra decided it was time to pull his children out of their rooms.. the guard appeared before the three elders..

“Sahab ji, two men have come to meet you..”

“I said that.. but they look really distressed. One of the man was almost at the verge of collapsing and the other looked scared too.. they said they came from far, Saundaryapu.”

Rudra was about to give the guard a piece of his mind.. because he works endlessly for his house and the villages he represents. The only time he takes leave is when his loved ones birthday arrives. He is even working during festivals.. so this day, when his wife is blessed with another year, all he wanted to do was to spent the day with her and his children

His mother Kalyani spoke though

The mother in law smiled while patting Avni’s head who looked at her husband and nodded

Rudra smiled and nodded

He then gestured the guard to call the two men.. few minutes later, Aryan stood before Rudra with a helpless look.. Kabir bowed and touched his feet..

Rudra nodded and raised his hand in the air, a gesture of receiving the villagers.. but his eyes stayed on Aryan whose shoulders were slumped

Rudra spoke while gesturing them to sit down.. Aryan immediately sat on the floor beside Rudra’s feet

And then Aryan began to tell his miseries bit by bit.. from illiteracy to his stupidity of signing the documents without reading and now being trapped under sarpanch Yuvraj who demands to give his daughter away in marriage for his son

After few minutes.. when Aryan was done conveying his problems.. he shifted uncomfortably as he gathered the courage

At that, Rudra raised an eyebrow and that made Aryan feel so little

Aryan joined his hands in pleading before Rudra

The Sarkar was about to speak when his wife Avni peeked her head from one of the pillars near the kitchen.. he frowned when Avni gestured him to come to her.. she never interfered in matters of village but this was about a small child, a daughter. She heard the entire story of Aryan and her heart cracked for the little angel who has no idea with what is happening with her..

Rudra spoke a little gently.. he stood up, smoothing his white kurta and pulling up his lungi to wrap around his waist.. then he walked up to his wife

Rudra sighed but spoke calmly

She pouted and Rudra was no one to oppose her when she was that cute. He chuckled lightly but nodded

Avni smiled brightly and ran away to the kitchen.. Rudra returned back to his guests

This time Rudra spoke in a much more gentler voice and Aryan smiled with tears escaping his eyes. Aryan nodded and pulled out an angel’s photo from his front pocket of his shirt

When Rudra held the photo, he smiled fatherly and again went back to his wife.. he handed her the photo..

Avni smiled and took the photo in her hand. Her own eyes misting with happy tears because the girl in the picture was like a fairy sculptured just for her son..

Rudra nodded and smiled..

Avni was on her heels, running happily

When Rudra returned, his gaze softened slightly at aryan’s tensed posture. But then his eyes turned darker and the smile erased from her lips, and he spoke

Rudra held Aryan’s shoulder making him stand.

Rudra sighed but smiled gently

Aryan couldn’t believe it.. he cried out and then literally kneeled and hugged Rudra’s feet.. Rudra felt shocked but he can understand a father’s helplessness.. if his daughter Irene was in this situation, he would be bleeding too..

..

..

..

The morning of Kim Yuvraj was rather peaceful and usual. He woke up at exactly 10 am and did his morning routine. He walked out the bedroom to find his servants scattered everywhere and going about their jobs. His eyes landed on his wife whose bangles clicked at every movement as she rushed to prepare the breakfast

Yuvraj spoke rudely to his wife whose eyes were wide in pure horror. She was among those unlucky ones where at every mistake she received a harsher punishment than comfort and care. Yuvraj never really took wives as his equal or as his humsathi (companion). For this sarpanch, wives were meant to cook, clean and obey.. that was the only law for the women of this household. His wife finally placed every dish in its container and rushed to the dining table. Two maids helped her, because they all have witnessed the punishment of Kim Yuvraj on his own wife. Yuvraj glared at his wife and he knew his fingers inched to slap her but today he refrained himself. Because he believed today was going to be good. He was definitely expecting a defeat from Jeon Aryan and soon he will get his little daughter as his son’s wife. Yuvraj truly believed that the old visionary woman’s blessings on Jeon Aryan’s daughter was true and surely his household will multiply in multifold in richness and strength..

Yuvraj asked to his wife as he broke a piece of paratha on his plate.. he didn’t even look at the weak woman.. his wife nodded her head, too scared to speak anything.. but that was her biggest mistake as Yuvraj’s mood turned sourer by the second. He kicked his leg against her, making her fall to the floor. He wasn’t even bothered that she scrapped her elbows against the hard concrete. Instead, he stood up and towered over her, growling in pure rage

Yuvraj growled at his whimpering wife who nodded aggressively and tried to stand up.. just as she stood up, she received a slap right across his cheek because Yuvraj wasn’t done venting his anger. Finally, satisfied in watching her cry, he decided to finish his breakfast as he needed to visit the jeon house.. it was the last day of his condition. If the jeons won’t agree to give their youngest daughter in marriage to his house, then Yuvraj was prepared to create a bloodbath..

Few minutes later.. a young boy, at the age of 15, walked carelessly beside his mother. He was still in his silky pajamas. And his arrogance oozed even from far. The boy scratched his hair and yawned, and then stretched his limbs before facing his father

“Pita ji (father), what’s the problem? Why did you ask ama (mother) to wake me up so soon.. I came home late last night..” the son spoke while sitting beside Yuvraj and grabbing a plate for himself

Yuvraj asked rather softly.. no matter what, his son was his pride and his everything.. Viraj was the only thing that he adored the most in the world because he was his heir..

“I and my friends went to a wedding in the neighbouring village.. came home late..” Viraj smirked cunningly.. he was just 15 but famous for all the wrong doings. Him and his friends were those boys who parents feared and hid their daughters from. Even at the young ages, they did gutka (tobacco) and bira (organic alcohol) like these were not bad for their health. They teased the young girls and even bullied hardworking boys in the village just for their entrainment

Yuvraj laughed and so did Viraj,, the father patted his son’s head lovingly

“Why should I wait for her to turn 18.. when I reach my age, I am getting her home.. young or not..” Viraj declared proudly and Yuvraj too nodded his head. Yuvraj would give anything to his son, it was evident ..

The father son then dug into their meals, ignoring the woman who stood beside them, hungry and exhausted even in pain due to her latest fall ..

Just then, a guard rushed to Yuvraj rather quickly and fearfully. Yuvraj frowned and he was about to growl at the guard, but the servant leaned forward and whispered in his ear immediately.. “Sarkar Rudra ji aye hai” (supreme Rudra has arrived)

Yuvraj frowned and was completely confused.. because Sarkar Rudra doesn’t meet anyone randomly, let alone visit someone’s home unannounced. Sarkar Rudra is a very busy man with responsibilities of ten villages on his shoulders. Rudra barely even cared to know each sarpanch of the villages under him. If Rudra found any problem that’s when he visits people.. the farmers love him, the women and elderies priase him and pray for his longevity while the children see him as their protector, as their godfather.. the last time Yuvraj came face to face with Rudra was few months ago, before monsoon when the Sarkar had conducted a meeting with all sarpanch to ensure precautions to crops were taken during heavy tides and thunderstorms. Yuvraj remembers it clearly, how he leaned and made an attempt to talk to Rudra to get his attention, but the Sarkar shoved him away with the gesture of his hand. No one dared disobey Sarkar Rudra and Yuvraj who was a mere sarpanch wouldn’t cross paths with the Sarkar for rivalries or feud..

Yuvraj hurriedly stretched his both palms in an empty bowl, and his wife taking the message hurriedly poured water on them. He washed his hands quickly, a maid moved forward with a small towel. He grabbed it and wiped his hands, and then he grabbed his dhoti (traditional Indian long unstitched cloth which is wrapped around the lower region). Yuvraj wasted no time and speedily walked to his front door.. the moment he reached his baranda (porch), his eyes widened in shock as he watched Sarkar Rudra get down his black famous jeep. Rudra held a cold stare, shoulders stiff and proud, eyes hawk like and his entire demeanor screamed of immense strength and power. Yuvraj smiled widely, but Rudra never returned the gesture instead the powerful man pulled his lungi up and wrapped it around his waist, a far contrast to the way Yuvraj stood more bowing and respectful

Rudra spoke as he stood taller and stronger before Yuvraj who bowed happily and reached out to touch his knees as respect..

Yuvraj smiled widely as he kept his posture slouched while guiding Rudra to enter his so-called small home which looked rather huge in reality..

No one could believe it.. the sight of Kim Yuvraj so small and welcoming.. it was very opposite to the night where he held a devil’s thorn on his head and threatened an entire innocent family like jeon..

The moment Rudra entered Yuvraj’s house, his eyes landed on his arrogant son who stood up immediately. Then his eyes followed the woman beside the son, small, fragile and weak. Rudra could tell Yuvraj wasn’t the ideal husband from the way the woman rubbed her elbows.. she bowed and reached to touch his feet.. Rudra blessed her by raising his hand but not touching her forehead for it is forbidden to touch any other woman who isn’t your wife.. Rudra hated violence in a marriage but he can’t do anything until and unless the woman speaks for herself and seeks help..

Nonetheless, Rudra spoke gently

The woman held her palo (the saree draped around her head), closer to her face as she bowed and rushed to the kitchen to prepare chai (tea) for their esteem guest.. Rudra than looked at the spoiled son who still didn’t realise his mannerism. It was Yuvraj who had to pat his son’s shoulder rather too harshly to make him realise. Viraj straightened immediately and bowed before touching Rudra’s feet.. Rudra simply stared at the boy and than walked past him..

Rudra spoke as he pointed at the pajamas that Viraj still wore.. Yuvraj stiffened and mentally cursed his son for being so careless

Yuvraj lied through his teeth and Rudra laughed.. the sarkar’s voice resonating like a siren, so thunderous that it could swipe through any skin

Rudra mocked but his eyes were blank.. Yuvraj gulped but nodded with a bow..

Yuvraj guided Rudra to his sitting area.. Rudra sat in the middle couch, like a head..

Just then Yuvraj’s wife entered the living room with a tray of light snacks and tea. She served Rudra first and then her husband before leaving the men alone.. Rudra smiled at the teacup and took long sips.. He wasn’t the type of man that would led his business overpower a woman’s hardwork..

For the first time in many years, yuvraj was actually grateful to have his wife.. on other times, he simply found her as an eyesore, too timid, dumb and slow..

Once the tea was over, Rudra straightened and then looked in the eye of Yuvraj who was eagerly waiting with bated breath to know the reason behind the sarkar’s visit

Yuvraj nodded with his chest heaved upward

Yuvraj lied once again.. he didn’t care about farmers, he cared about acquiring lands and increase his wealth and power

Rudra nodded and then mindlessly played with the hem of his lungi and spoke

Rudra didn’t ask, he simply spoke.. the colour on Yuvraj’s face drained but he composed himself and lied once again through his teeth

Rudra still didn’t pay attention to Yuvraj, he was now fiddling with a small peda (small round Indian sweet), in his fingers..

Yuvraj gulped. He now understood that Rudra is aware of everything..

Rudra cut off Yuvraj’s words and again looked at the sarpanch in a dominating manner

Rudra smiled but with blank eyes

Rudra than put the sweet in his mouth and waited for Yuvraj to get the documents.. shell shocked, Yuvraj didn’t move from his place

Yuvraj dared to speak

Rudra calmly spoke but with a pinch of danger that couldn’t be ignored

Yuvraj’s jaw clenched but he got the message crystal clear

This time Yuvraj looked more compliant as he asked, but internally he was burning in rage. He hated losing but creating a rivalry with Kim Rudra was out of option..

Yuvraj’s breath hitched and he was speechless. His eyes dilated wide..

Rudra stood up and eventually untied his lungi to let the fabric fall till his toes

Rudra didn’t wait for an answer.. he needed to visit the jeon house right after paying a visit to the sarpanch.. his wife and mother are already there, discussing the rituals of wedding.. he asked his man to ensure Yuvraj gave every last bit of threshold he had on jeon..

Rudra got inside his jeep and drove away.. when he reached the small house of jeon, almost the entire village was standing outside the gate.. everyone looked at him with happy tears, their hands joined before him as respect as they bowed to him. Some even reached to touch his feet including elderies. But Rudra smiled warmly and gestured them to get about their daily routines.

Jeon Aryan stood by the gate to guide him inside his humble abode.. when Rudra walked inside, he found his wife and mother in the backyard baranda, a small cozy but greenery area. Jeon aryan’s mother sat beside his mother as they spoke words of wisdom while his wife Avni tried to make Jeon Sumi comfortable around her, but the young lady refused to sit beside Avni out of shyness

At the sight of Kim Rudra, Jeon Sumi pulled her gunghant (head covering) all the way to below her face.

It was a tradition of those times, for a woman in India. Her virtue and beauty was meant for only her husband. Usually, it would be a married woman who would cover their faces before other men who weren’t part of their families, or were her husband’s male relatives, as a sign of respect, modesty and to keep ones honour. The elders always taught their sons to protect and hide the beauty of their women because these fragile beings could create peace and at the same time had the capability to spark a war. Tales of their own golden books was a testament that wars could ignite over a beauty of women.. they were taught that this beauty was sharp like a knife and tempting like a dove, and perfect to slice through hearts and minds. While men were taught to hold loyalty, commitment and shield to their women, at the same time these beauties called women were taught to be compassionate, loving and pure for their households. Because men held the roles of providers but women held the power of nuturing

Jeon Sumi leaned to touch Kim Rudra’s feet and without touching her the Sarkar blessed her

Sumi had gone inside the kitchen to bring more snacks and tea for Rudra. Aryan sat beside sarkar’s feet but Rudra immediately made the father sit beside him

Avni and Kalyani exchanged a knowing smile.

The conversations began..

(Diwali is one of the biggest festival in India and Laxmi puja is the main event. It’s very auspicious for prosperity and good luck)

Aryan smiled warmly and nodded

Aryan joined his hands and bowed to Rudra who smiled and patted his shoulder

A tear escaped jeon Aryan’s eyes because it was really a blessing of finding a home for a daughter who didn’t demand dowry.. Their society had taught them that the daughters were a liability who marry and leave their fathers home. Dowry has been a traditional old practice in their culture

Just then, Avni nudged her elbow around Rudra’s waist. Rudra leaned and listened to his wife who spoke ever so softly. Rudra chuckled but nodded as he looked at Aryan

Aryan smiled widely and nodded. Sumi immediately went towards her daughter’s room. Few minutes later, two girls walked behind Sumi, holding each other’s hands tightly.. but just at the sight of Aryan, little Kookie let go of her sister’s hand and ran to her father..

“Papa.. papa look my dress is so beautiful. Ama gave me a new dress.. look jimini didi is also wearing new dress..” little kookie giggled out

Meanwhile the entire Kim elders felt an arrow to their hearts, as their eyes softened and melted at the little angel before them..

In laws? Kookie asked.. “papa, what is in laws?”

Jimin who held her mother’s hand voiced out immediately while raising her other hand.. “I know what is in laws.. it’s like my pati’s family.. I am right Ama hai na?”

Kookie frowned with a pout.. “what is pati?”

And everyone laughed.. Avni gestured the little angel to come to her. Kookie looked at her father who nodded. The little angel walked clumsily but with a bright bunny smile

She hugged the little girl and kissed her forehead. But kookie pouted again and she raised her hand in the air.. “aunty, who is taehyuna?”

Avni almost squealed loudly and squeezed her cheeks.. but the little angel was like a delicate rose, red puffy cheeks and glossy doe eyes with a snowy skin. She was pure white as feather and Avni couldn’t believe her luck of finding this girl for her son.

“Like jimini didi have a husband.. I will also have a husband?” She asked cutely and for some reason she showed her ten fingers and curled them around her dress. Her cuteness was overload and overwhelming to watch

Kookie pouted sadly.. “no, I want to stay with Ama and Appa..” she ran to her mother and hugged her legs, hiding her face in her saaree (a traditional clothing of Indian women.).. Kookie cried out, “ama, I don’t want to go to taehuna..”

The jeon parents couldn’t help but smile with tears in their eyes. Their precious daughter will soon have to learn the meanings of a husband and the vows of a marriage..

..

..

The land of Saundaryapur had illuminated with warm Diwali lights across houses and streets.. children ran around with sursuri (a type of fireworks) in their hands and big smiles on their lips.. while boys and adult bursted their own favours firecrackers and the young girls and woman created rangolis (an art) outside their homes along with preparing sweet celebratory dishes. The elderlies prayed and blessed the younger ones. It was pure joy and bliss as if the Gods were smiling from heaven upon them..

Lanterns and Diyas had taken over many villages.. everytime it’s a breathtaking experience.. however, for jeons and Sarkar Rudra’s family, it was also the night of new relations, of new bonds and new vows between them to honour and to respect each other as their children were bound to be married

The pandits (priests) performed an auspicious havan (ritual) for the two souls who were going to be tied in a holy matrimonial. The havan was meant for a peaceful, healthy and love filled marriage for the two souls. The haven was for their longevity together and for their blessings.. the havan was meant to protect them and protect their new relationship. It wasn’t just for two souls but for the two families. Because marriage isn’t just between two people but a union of two families.. the chants loud and clear, felt anointing and powerful. The flowers, lanterns and decorations added their own scent and beauty to the wedding mandap (wedding canopy)..

In their culture, the wedding took place late at night however the rituals and prayers had began right from the muhurat (auspicious timing). Everything was going smoothly.. Kim Rudra personally ensured that everything was well prepared and everyone was happy, after all it was his youngest son’s wedding.. his youngest boy is the most loved in the family!

Avni stayed beside her son, ensuring that the young boy performed all the wedding rituals with utmost care and perfection.. there should be no room for mistake. Her eyes scanning his other two children.. she smiled watching her Irene dancing with Jimin, and her eldest son namjoon accompanied his father in his duty..

The pandit called for the bride and that’s when drums started to play.. women sang in unison and shennais (clarinets) echoed in the air..

The young boy who sat before an Agni (a fire that symbolises Indian marriages). With great focus, he listened to the pandit and performed every task..

The young boy Kim Taehyung wore the traditional Indian wedding attire. A shiney warm cream coloured kurta and pajama with deep golden yellowish borders and embroideries. A golden cream duppatta proudly wrapped around his shoulders..

(Something like this)

Soon after.. Jeon Sumi guided her child to the mandap carefully. Avni smiled brightly as she patted her son’s shoulder who looked up at the girl whose face wasn’t visible due to the long ghungat..

Jungkook was made to sit beside her to be husband. The pandits continued the wedding rituals.. soon after, the two souls were made to stand up and the mothers helped tie a knot of their long duppatas. The mothers helped the souls hold their hands and then Sumi and Avni tied a piece of cloth on their joined hands

Following the pandits instructions, Taehyung and jungkook circled around the Agni seven times taking turns. After the procedure was done, they sat back. Mid way through the wedding, little Kookie had dozed off and was being held by her mother.. when the time to wrap the mangalsutra (sacred necklace of marriage) came, everyone giggled at the little angel’s dangling body.. Sumi apologetically made Kookie stand up who whined but didn’t protest..

Taehyung held the sacred necklace firmly as he wrapped his arms around the girl’s neck. He was still not able to see his wife’s face but that didn’t bother him. Growing up, he had learned about his culture and had witnessed his own siblings weddings. He knew hiding the bride’s face under the long veil was part of the ceremony. Nonetheless, he gently tied the sacred necklace. His eyes hooked at the dangling gold chain with black beads, for a brief moment.. his mother Avni nudged him to pick a pinch of vermilion to place it between the partition of kookie’s head

Taehyung nodded and picked a wholesome of vermilion in between his fingers as he stretched his arm. Sumi carefully lifted the veil, but only for Taehyung’s eyes..

Taehyung’s eyes lingered for a moment before he snapped back to reality and swiped his fingers with vermillion on top of kookie’s head in between the partition

A faint smile lingered on Taehyung’s lips as the realisation dawned upon him. He was married and this was his wife

Taehyung’s eyes slightly widened when his wife’s own doe eyes fluttered open for a second

But nothing prepared Taehyung to the soft pouty words that his wife carelessly spoke to him, just for his hears..

“Tatahyungie hubby?”

And before Taehyung could bask in that sweet delicate child like voice, his little wife was back to sleep., Sumi held Kookie in her arms, as she led the child to her resting room.. Taehyung bowed and touched every elders feet, taking their blessings and well wishes for himself and his wife. Rudra smiled proudly at his son as he blessed him with riches but also values of marriage