Aadhya's Smile

There are no words befitting to the loviness of her complexion, no lines of worry, anxiety, or regret. Her gentle spirit, awake, as she silently faces a place beyond the shuttered palatial doors called no return. Her aura bedazzles the jewel and gem accoutrements under which she resides at the moment; it is more radiant than the shimmer of the aurora borealis, come south.

Her posture is on point, standing to the demands of her ornamental robe. She is unaware of the fuss being made over her hair, her makeup, albeit it as necessary as adding more light to the sun's perfect glow. Her brow, unfurled and hiding every emotion. She peers at the tapestry adorning the floor, preparing her very essence for the ceremony; she reserves her gaze for the opening of the doors, quelling most of her visual intake, for the moment, so as to hush her overwhelming vision of customary Samskara. She hears every word of her entourage, but listens to none, for it is the din of her vows that is her complete consumption. In her mind, there is no focus on any events leading to this day, there is no pressing last minute details to distress her radiance. This is a cathartic ritual of her sheer will.

She is not nobility, but she is majestic; she is not wealthy, but she is substantial; she is not lofty, but she is honorable. She is not last, she is first. She is Aadhya.

Her name means the beginning, the first one. It is commonly given to the firstborn daughter. It is a revered name in her family, she, her mother, and grandmother all are called Aadhya. It is a rarity to have three generation of first daughters giving the name to each of their first daughters, but it is an honor for her to share in the name of ther ancestry.

With the celebration getting underway beyond the threshold, Aadhya's unflinching resolve is not moved, she cannot waiver. She will not smile until she is revealed from the portal, closed now to the guests. There is much for Aadhya to be thankful. She has loving parents, she is adorned with beauty, intelligence, and is an inspired by those around her.
Beyond the door, the music grows faint, the crowd settles in, and there is quiet. Aadhya closes her eyes and silently prays.

"Ganesha, seed of Shiva and of Parvati, should you find me faithful, should you find me deserving, should you find me to be pure, should you find me to be humble and kind, my prayer is please provide me with he who is faithful, he who is deserving, he who is pure, he who is humble and kind. Ganesha if there are obstacles before us, cast them aside and provide a clear way for us to be helpful to those in need. I pledge to be of service to your instruction to lead me to a better life in marriage. Oh, Ganesha, you the adored, your blessings will abound for you are the speaker, the listener, the giver, the sustainer. Please protect us from all directions. I place any challenges of married life at your feet, and trust you will always help. I thank you with all my heart."

Her prayer complete, Aadhya prepared herself for the opening of the doors. She continued to concentrate on the floor, her composure intact.
The celebration could go on for days. There is no definitive timeline. She is prepared, she now listens to the chatter in the room, it is time. As it is her family's custom, there are three knocks on the door, a pause, and her father receives her and accompanies her to her groom. He warns the groom to be honorable, faithful, trusting and kind to his daughter. Then ceremony begins.

Tap, tap, tap...the courtesy pause and the doors she has been standing before for hours are opened.

Aadhya brings her gaze from the floor to her father first, then her mother and on to the friends and family of both her and her groom, Vihaan. The congregation cheers and applaudes. Her father reaches for her hand, she steps through the doorway...not revealing the hours of standing behind the door in her burdensome regalia ...and smiles.

The Beginning...Aadhya
by : @Lymmerik

This short story is fiction, it is not based on fact. It is based on the photo above. It is base on my perception of the subject in the image. This story is a reflection of my mind and is no way meant offend.