22nd
October, 2013.
Karva
Chauth.
For me,
it was not just a fast but something that had yet a deeper meaning. Like many
other married women, I too had undertaken the Karva Chauth vrat (fast) to pray
for seeking the longevity, prosperity and well being of my husband and to seek
blessings for a happy married life.
My day
started early in the morning, before sunrise, I woke up to have
my sargi (a festive meal) given by my mother-in law. I was very
conscious that I should not eat anything or drink water on this day. Observing
a strict fast and abstaining from food and water for the entire day is tough,
but my love for him kept me going. Yes, I love him, ‘my husband’ – it is a kind
of unsaid love. We have had an arranged marriage, it has been only a month
since then, so it is taking us a bit of time to get to know each other and
discover more about each other. But as
far as I have known him, I am already in love with him, for the kind of person
he is. He has become a 'soulmate' now.
Nowadays,
Karva Chauth is very popular among youngsters too, who fast for their partners
or simply fast to please God for a good life partner! Never mind the cacophony
that some feminists create over this “chauvinistic” tradition; but fasting
after you are married is a romantic occasion, I believe. This event reflects
joy, splendor, brightness and happiness of a married life. There is
something romantic in fasting for the man I love! I’m too filmy, I know.
This is
my first Karva Chauth after my marriage. So obviously, it is an occasion to
indulge in a lot of fun and frolic. So here I’m all decked up, like a newly-wed
bride, having used up all the sola (16) shringaar items, wearing a bright red
saree (well, red defines marriage) with a beautiful necklace that my sasu-ma
gifted me this morning. Feeling absolutely bridal, I’m flaunting the things
that symbolize and reflect the marital status of a woman – the exquisite henna
designs on my hands, sindoor (vermillion) on my forehead, Mangalsutra, Bindi
and colorful bangles.
In the
evening, we sat in a circle, with my sasu-ma narrating vrat kathas (stories)
and chanting prayers. Around 8.30pm, it was time for the puja. The puja thalis
were all set. We were all waiting desperately for the moon to show its glimpse.
So, it was all about the moon and the men! I lit the karva (earthen lamp) in my
thali. I saw both the moon and my husband through a sieve and performed the aarti.
He offered me the first morsel to break the fast.
As he
fed me, Viraj said, “So, Patni won’t you feed me back?!” Surprised, I
said, “Sure.” That’s when he revealed that he was fasting too. It was his
expression of love and care for me. That was the moment I discovered his love
for me. Love needs no words, for actions are enough to show that you care. I
asked him back, “But, this was not needed Viraj.” He replied back, “Why not? If
you can fast for my well-being, then why can’t I too, for my wife’s well being?”
Well, I couldn’t say anything more. All I managed to utter was, “Thank you.
That’s so sweet of you.”
A while later, after all the pujas were done, Viraj came over and secretly asked if I could go on a drive with him. We took everyone’s permission and went for the drive - that's when he presented me with my first romantic gift ever - a solitaire platinum diamond pendant necklace. The jewelry box had a note kept which read, “Chehre pe hasi chha jati hai, Aankhon main suroor aa jata hai, Jab tum mujhe apna kehti ho, Apne pe guroor aa jaata hai!” He left me speechless. It was very romantic and emotional for me at the same time.
He
said, “I love you, Aaradhya. I often may get occupied with my duties and
responsibilities, but now after having this pendant you will know, I love you
always. You know, in the hierarchy of metals, platinum is the most precious and
30 times more rare than gold! To signify and celebrate the highest level
of our relationship, our marriage, something this pure is needed, something so
durable that stands the testimony of time! I want you to wear this everyday for
the rest of your life, so that our love and bond never fades or tarnishes.”
Yes, I
loved him. He loved me too. But we never said that aloud to each other. But
marriage is such a bond that romance has to abound in it! Not being able to
contain my happiness, I told him, “I love you more than my life, Viraj and I pray
to God that I leave this world in your arms. I am proud to be Mrs Aaradhya
Viraj Sharma. Thank you for being mine! We are forever. This pendant will be
the most coveted piece of jewelry I will ever possess. It is so pretty and
dazzling white!” I gave him a quick peck on his cheek and hugged him tightly
and snuggled up like a small child.
Karva
Chauth gave me an opportunity to spend some quality time with my husband –
rather rare given our frenetic work lives. Marriage is a joyous decision of
staying together - a decision destined to change our lives forever. It is the
foundation for a lifetime of everlasting love and romance.
My
husband is more than just a life partner. He becomes my protector when I’m in
trouble. He respects me, comforts me and cares for my happiness. This bond I
share with him is such a sacrosanct
one. We now realize the importance of each other in our lives. This day has become
a symbol of our unflagging loyalty and love for each other - the kind of love
that begins and never ends. It’s the day we achieved a deeper, more enriching
and personal satisfaction out of being in love. The realization of this rare
moment is my ‘Platinum Day of Love’ with my 'soulmate'!
It has
kept the love experienced between the two of us budding and has brought us
closer. Such days are never planned. This has been the day that made me
experience immense satisfaction of being with my better half. Indeed, unsaid
words are useless, unless you utter them. Viraj and Aaradhya are meant to be.
And there is nobody else I would want to spend the rest of my life with, apart
from Viraj.
I still
can't believe that I have ended up with such a sweet husband. I am blessed to
have him. Marriage is more than just a piece of paper. It's a commitment for
life. And I am glad that I will share my life with not just my husband but also my best friend, the love of my life. I am proud to say that I love
this man, and I am truly loved back by this man, hamesha and forever.
I feel soulmates are not necessarily life mates; but your life mate surely becomes your 'soulmate' because marriage is powerful!
I feel soulmates are not necessarily life mates; but your life mate surely becomes your 'soulmate' because marriage is powerful!
P.S: This is
my entry for the Platinum Day
of Love Contest powered by Indiblogger. For details: http://www.preciousplatinum.in/en/about-platinum/platinum-day-of-love
Also, this post is for IndiSpire in response to ~
Soulmate not necessarily is life mate. What do you feel? Express your take... #soulmate
Also, this post is for IndiSpire in response to ~
Soulmate not necessarily is life mate. What do you feel? Express your take... #soulmate
Liked you post. Aptly described. All the best :)
ReplyDeletethank you Rafaa :)
Deleteappreciation from you, means alot :)
Nicely done! Best wishes :)
ReplyDeletethank you Bhavya :D
DeleteLovely Aayesha...very well expressed...:)...Best of luck..:D
ReplyDeletethank you Vaisakhi :) :D
DeleteLoved reading about your love(ly) relationship... Wish you both a good life together! :)
ReplyDeleteoh thank you :) but, Vanessa, it's not for real, just my imagination. thank you for stopping by :D
DeleteLoved it. It is hard to hear praises about a husband. Good going guys!
ReplyDeleteYou can read my story at http://www.indiblogger.in/indipost.php?post=293795
haha.. that's true!! but men do deserve appreciation, for all the small and big things they do for women :)
Deleteall the best for the contest Dr Lawrence :)
Hi, I am from PGI (Platinum Guild India). Congratulations, You have got a beautiful story and we loved it. We would like to know more about your story. So Kindly send me your contact details through email. Write your and your partners full Name, Contact Number.
ReplyDeleteSend it to me on pavitra.1820@gmail.com
thank you.
Deleteglad you liked it :)
Sweet story, Aayesha :)
ReplyDeleteFits well with the current IndiSpire topic & also with VDay :)
Thank you, Anita :)
Delete