Previous epi: Part 1
key points to remember in this story…
1. This story is happening around 1947’s the early days of independence.
2. The whole story happens in a small village.
3. Laksh and Ragini here are village persons. You have to imagine Laksh as a village boy with khadi shirt and dothi. Ragini in simple olden days half saree. Visit any old hindi movies to imagine them. I recommend, ‘mother India’ old movie.
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Laksh came out of the shock and asked her, “I know that two years back you have rejected a match and then next also you rejected another. I don’t know the reason. At last past year, you are about to married to someone. But you got up from the stage and said that you will not marry him. Why did you do like that. Now, your parents brought an alliance for you. Still, you are not ready to marry him. But you are asking me to marry you. Why are you doing like this?”
Ragini will tell the past to him.
Ragini: Laksh, all of them are bad guys. By knowing this thing, I have rejected them. But everybody misunderstood me.
Laksh was silent.
Ragini: what Laksh! Are you thinking I will do the same thing with you?
He was silent still.
Ragini: I know I have asked you the difficult thing. It’s okay Laksh. I’m not forcing you to help me. Leave this thing here.
Ragini was about to go but he stops her.
Laksh: I’m ready to help you Ragini. Because, I understood that you are in trouble. But on one condition I will do this.
Ragini looked him.
Laksh: I’m marrying you, to help you. But I can’t accept you. I can’t start a relation with you.
She smiled and said, “That’s what I wanted Laksh! We are wife and husband before everyone. But not by our hearts.”
He shook his head. She left the place.
She informed her parents about her decision of marrying Laksh. Her parents agree because Laksh was a well known good person in the village. But they amazed will their daughter remains silent during marriage! But they are even worried what they can answer to landlord’s son.
It was Sahil’s (landlord son) wish to marry Ragini. But his father doesn’t like this alliance. He was happy with Shekar’s words. But Sahil grew rage on Laksh.
Landlord sent away his son to city on force that he might not create any problem to Shekar’s family. Sahil too left due to university exams. But he still had hatred.
Delightfully all the marriage arrangements were done. As Laksh has no family. So the whole village acted as his family. If it’s Laksh’s marriage it was like festival in everyone’s house.
“Dear! Please don’t stop your marriage this time. Are you sure that you aren’t going to stop?” asked her mother.
She said, “I won’t even stop this marriage even if God orders!”
Her mother looked at her and asked, “Do you love him?” Ragini remained calm. So many people have tried to say to Laksh not to marry Ragini, as she behaves mischief every time during marriage. But he was on his decision.
Everyone in village started talking funnily on Ragini. “She will do it again.” “Hey, she will do the drama again.” They will make fun on Ragini like that but they are worried about Laksh also.
However, the marriage arrangements were done.
The whole village came to the marriage place to see the marriage of their beloved Laksh. They also came to see the fun which Ragini is going to do. “Why only our Laksh has to be the poppet in her hands?” they thought.
Some of the elder ladies made Laksh as groom and brought him to the marriage place. Landlord and Jamindar also came to see the marriage. With the priest’s note, Shekar and Sumi brought Ragini to the stage. Shekar washed the feet of Laksh.
(The marriage is happening according to telugu culture)
Both bride and bridegroom were seated in front of each other. There is a curtain in between them. The holy chants were started. Everyone was observing the marriage interestingly. Both bride and groom were given jilakarra and bellam in their hands.
(jilakara bellam is mixture of cumin seeds and jaggery.)
“She will skip the marriage!” “She will run away now.” Whispers among the people were started. Laksh raised his hand and kept the sacred jilakarra bellam on Ragini’s head. Next Ragini too did it.
Then the curtain in between them was removed. Laksh and Ragini looked at each other. Laksh was amazed to see such a beautiful girl in bridal attire. Her mang tikka on fore head, black dot on her cheek, a beautiful smile on her lips. Laksh couldn’t move away his eyes from her. But he has remembered his promise. “Wow…” all people expressed their happiness as at last Ragini has agreed a marriage. Now, the marriage is half done. Only tying the sacred mangal sutr is left.
Next, Laksh tied the holy managala sutra on around her neck. The marriage was completed. Everyone clapped their hands. Shekar’s and Sumi’s happiness was endless. Bride and groom poured thalambralu on each other. It was exciting in everyone.
(thalambralu is the raw rice mixed with turmeric powder, in marriage bride and groom shower on each other’s head for happiness, well wishes forever.)
However, the marriage was finished! “At last, Ragini is married.” talked all the villagers.
Sumi said many well wishes to her. Later Laksh took Ragini to his house. Laksh was a simple boy. His house is a small hut.
“I don’t know whether you can adjust here or not. You were brought up in a big house and you are about to married to a rich guy. But now, you have to stay in this poor man’s hut.” said Laksh.
Then Ragini, “a poor man’s hut is better than the rich man’s proud palace. Laksh! It’s not the size of house. It’s only depth of the heart which matters!” when Ragini said so Laksh was looking at her.
to be continued….