Ethan was happy when he saw Emily smiling and he turned towards Liam when he found Liam already staring at him with a grin on his stupid face.
“Thank you.” Ethan mouthed Liam but he just smirked at Ethan. At first Ethan didn’t understand anything but just as Liam opened his mouth Ethan understood the meaning of Liam smirk.
“Brother-in-law.” Liam said with a smirk.
In the past Ethan could do anything to Liam, but now as Liam has become his brother-in-law then Ethan will not be able to touch Liam.
Emily took Liam as her brother and if Ethan does anything to Liam then Emily will have Ethan’s neck in her hand. He is in a lot of trouble now.
Just as rituals were about to start Liam stopped them. “Wait.”
He turned to Ethan and said in a teasing tone. “I’m already giving my precious sister so I don’t think I need to give you any dowry. Right?” Liam asked. Emily was confused and she looked at Ethan whereas Ethan shook his head in ‘NO’.
Liam smirked and said, “So brother-in-law, what are you going to give me as you are getting married to my sister?”
Ethan glared at Liam and asked, “What do you want brother-in-law?”
“How about a villa?” Liam said.
Emily’s eyes nearly came out from their place. She started to giggle as she found their encounter funny. Ethan who was glaring at Liam, his eyes softened when he heard her giggles. He looked at her with warmth in his eyes. Her giggles were music in his ears.
Ethan looked at Liam with a smirked look on his face and said. “Sure brother-in-law. How does a villa in South-Africa sound?”
Liam’s face showed pure horror. He was horrified when he heard Ethan. How would he live there? He has to stay there alone and without his love too?
“NO NEED.” Liam shouted.
No matter how much Ethan is surrounded by trouble, he won’t lose to Liam.
Emily was shocked by hearing Liam shout out of blue.
Liam cleared his throat and said, “Let’s start the rituals.”
Liam performed the ritual and looked at Ethan.
“Take care of her.” he said. “I will” Ethan replied back.
Then the priest told Ethan and Emily to stand as now they will have to take seven rounds around the fire. The wedding ceremony is spread over days but the marriage is solemnized only after the groom and the bride complete seven circumambulations around the sacred fire (Agnikund). This ritual is popularly known as Saat Phere and traditionally called Saptapadi.
Saat Phere are seven vows taken collectively by the bride and the groom as they do the parikrama around Agni Dev by taking him as a witness to their marriage. This is called AgniSakshi.
The groom leads his bride while doing the first four parikramas while the latter leads her man during the remaining three pheres.
Now, let us take a look at what each of the seven vows or pheres mean and symbolize:
FIRST VACAHAN
The groom promises to take care of his bride, their children and the family.
In return, the bride undertakes the responsibility of looking after the groom’s home and his food.
SECOND VACHAN
The groom promises to protect his bride under all circumstances. In return, the bride promises to stand by her husband through his agonies and ecstasies.
THIRD VACHAN
The groom promises to work hard to earn enough wealth for the family and in return, the bride promises to effectively take care of the income and expenses.
FOURTH VACHAN
The groom promises to entrust the responsibility of his household to his bride and respect her wise decisions regarding the same. In return, the bride promises to fulfil her duties to the best of her abilities for a respectful living.
FIFTH VACHAN
The groom promises to consult his wife in all important matters. In return, the bride promises to support her groom in all his endeavours.
SIXTH VACHAN
The groom promises to remain committed and loyal to his bride besides considering her alone as his wife. The bride in return promises to remain faithful to her husband.
SEVENTH VACHAN
The groom promises to lead his entire life with his bride, who is not just his wife but his friend forever. In return, the wife too promises to spend her life with him until the very end.
After completing the seventh round the priest told them to sit back to their place and Liam came with a decorated plate in which vermillion and nuptial chains were kept.
The priest told Ethan to fill Emily’s headline with vermillion and then tie the nuptial chain around her neck.
Ethan did exactly what he was told to do. He took a pinch of vermillion and filled Emily’s head with it and then he took the nuptial chain and tied it around her neck.
The priest told them that their wedding was completed.
The witness of their wedding is the god themselves.
Simran Chaudhary.