"How much longer will it take! You're dressing her as if the wedding is today," Bidisha Devi said, standing at the door. Sohini adjusted the edge of Eshani's saree and said, "Ashirbad is the first ritual of marriage — that's nothing small! And my Icche is naturally beautiful; I just polished her a bit so everyone notices her glow today."
Eshani looked at herself in the mirror. Sohini had dressed her beautifully with the saree and light jewelry.
"I don't like this overacting. Come quickly downstairs…"
Eshani lightly slapped Sohini. "Stop it. You're creating trouble with Mom and Riya since you came. This isn't right."
"You be quiet. I'm fully prepared. They thought they'd irritate you, but I taught them a nice lesson," Sohini said while tying Eshani's hair. She pinned a floral hair accessory and hugged her. "Done. Watch how big a crush your future husband gets seeing you today."
Eshani smiled. Sohini kept laughing.
Arnab arrived with the car to pick up Sohini. For so long he had to stay without his wife…
As the car left, Riya angrily said, "Soha is overdoing everything. She purposely stayed here until the ashirbad."
"I know! She's pushing Icche forward. She'll stop only after completing this wedding," said Bidisha Devi, annoyed.
"This wedding won't happen. I won't let it. Let the ashirbad happen, but nothing will happen after that. Everything will break apart," Riya hissed.
At the Barman house, everyone was busy preparing. Kuhili Devi and Arnab's mother were handling the kitchen.
Sayem kept checking his watch, thinking how long before the girl he loves arrives.
The car finally arrived. Sayem and Ritom went forward. Arnab and Sohini got out, but seeing no Eshani, Sayem frowned, "What's this, Sohini? You two came alone! I told you to bring Ishu with you."
Sohini smirked. Arnab said, "Yes you told her, but Boudi didn't come with us."
"Why?" — Sayem
Before Sohini could tease further, Ritam called them inside.
When Eshani stepped out of the car, Sayem held her hand. On the way in, she let go. Seeing Sayem's questioning look she said, "Elders are here."
"So?" — Sayem
"It doesn't look good." — Eshani
Sayem slapped his forehead, "What's wrong with it! I'm your husband, Ishu."
"Not yet." — Eshani
"Not for long. Fine, I'll listen to you now, but after today's ritual you can't say this again. Right?"
"Why would I…"
Chitra Devi called, "Bring Icche inside." They entered, and Eshani touched the elders' feet.
Soon Souvik's family arrived. Riya quickly sat beside Chitra Devi to help with the puja. Looking at Eshani, she said sharply, "Why are you sitting idle! Help Aunty a bit."
Chitra Devi quickly said, "No no! She's dressed so beautifully, she won't do any work. Let her sit."
Sohini whispered to Eshani, "Very soon this will become your home…"
During the puja, Ritom whispered, "Brother, focus on God or He'll get angry."
"He won't. Even God knows husbands have to handle their wives. He'll understand my situation," Sayem joked. Ritom and Arnab laughed.
Chitra Devi pinched Ritom's ear, "Why are you laughing during puja!"
"Hit him, sister, hit him hard," Kuhili Devi glared.
Everyone completed the puja sincerely. Then the ashirbad began.
After many rituals and photos, the ring exchange moment arrived.
"Let's put the ring now! How many more photos will you take?" Sayem said. Arnab teased, "Aww, big brother can't wait anymore. Fine, go ahead."
Sayem slid the ring onto Eshani's finger and she did the same for him. Then they fed each other sweets.
Sohini shoved a sweet into Riya's mouth. "Here! Finally I did it. My Icche is becoming my brother's wife and my sister-in-law. And no matter how much you and your mom plotted, you both lost miserably."
Riya glared fiercely, but Sohini kept smiling.
Sayem held Eshani's hand and took her to the open veranda, sat her on a decorated chair, and sat opposite her.
Eshani became restless, "Why are we here! Everyone will look for us…"
"No one will," Sayem replied.
Eshani fell silent and stared at him. Sayem smiled, "Why are you looking at me like that?"
She quickly looked away, feeling shy.
"You're really fidgety," Sayem said.
"Who said so!" — Eshani
"I saw it myself…"
"So you always claim whatever you think is yours?" — Sayem
"I–no–I mean—ugh I don't know," Eshani said.
Sayem showed her a photo on his phone.
Shocked, she said, "Where did you get this picture!!"
Sayem didn't answer.
"That's from Soha's wedding day. I was playing with the kids during the turmeric ceremony. They're my cousins!" Eshani said.
Later Sohini joined.
"What happened?" — Sohini
"Nothing. I just showed your sister some proof of her fidgeting," Sayem chuckled.
Sohini frowned; Eshani puffed her cheeks in irritation.
"I was going through your wedding album and found this amazing photo of Ishu. I took a picture of it on my phone," Sayem said.
"Why did you show him the album! And who was your photographer! That photo is horrible!" Eshani complained and walked away.
Sayem showed Sohini the photo; she laughed too.