The morning didn’t begin.
It declared war in yellow.
Marigold garlands hung everywhere, turmeric paste sat in bowls like ammunition, and the Malhotra–Iyer house echoed with laughter before the sun had fully risen.
It was Haldi day.
Command Centre: Grandma
Savitri Devi Malhotra sat in the centre of the courtyard, cane resting beside her chair, eyes sharp and amused.
“Blessings first,” she announced firmly.
“Mischief later.”
Everyone nodded respectfully.
No one listened.
The Fathers Enter the Battlefield
Vikram Malhotra rolled up his sleeves, peering into a bowl of haldi.
“In my day,” he said seriously,
“haldi was applied with dignity.”
Raghavan Iyer raised an eyebrow.
“And somehow, dignity never survived.”
Before either man could react, turmeric was smeared onto their cheeks—courtesy of their own children.
“This,” Vikram declared, laughing despite himself,
“is betrayal.”
The Bride’s Brother & Groom’s Sister
Aditi’s brother Karthik Iyer stretched his arms dramatically.
“I’ve been waiting for this,” he said, eyes locked on Arjun.
“For what?” Arjun asked cautiously.
“Justice.”
At the same time, Riya Malhotra slipped in beside Aditi, eyes sparkling with mischief.
“From today,” Riya said, looping an arm around her,
“you’re my sister. And he”—she pointed at Arjun—“is the enemy.”
Arjun took one look at the alliance and backed away.
Too late.
Target: The Bride
Aditi barely sat down before chaos resumed.
“Block the exits!” Nisha shouted.
Cousins surrounded her.
Haldi smeared everywhere—cheeks, arms, nose.
Meera applied haldi gently to Aditi’s forehead, whispering,
“May joy always find you.”
Aditi smiled, glowing.
Target: The Groom
Arjun stood his ground.
Big mistake.
Karthik and Riya attacked together.
Rohit joined for backup.
Uncle Mahesh added a ceremonial smear.
“For luck,” he said solemnly.
Arjun sighed dramatically.
“I feel extremely lucky.”
Aditi laughed openly now.
The Ritual Moment
When elders finally called for calm, the noise softened.
Aditi and Arjun sat opposite each other.
Savitri Devi watched carefully.
“Slow,” she warned.
Arjun leaned forward.
“May I?” he asked softly.
Aditi nodded.
He brushed haldi onto her cheek—gentle, reverent.
His thumb lingered just a second longer.
Karthik cleared his throat loudly.
“That’s enough,” he said.
“She’s my sister.”
Arjun smiled innocently.
“Respectfully.”
Laughter erupted.
Haldi Turns into Mayhem
Music played.
Water appeared.
Aditi flicked turmeric at Arjun.
He stared at her, mock offended.
“Oh, it’s war.”
He chased her across the courtyard.
Uncles cheered.
Riya clapped enthusiastically.
When Aditi slipped, Arjun caught her by the waist instinctively, pulling her close.
“Careful,” he murmured.
Before the moment could deepen, Raghavan splashed water on them both.
“Public ceremony,” he reminded.
Grandma’s Verdict
Savitri Devi smiled, satisfied.
“These two,” she declared,
“will never let this house grow silent.”
Arjun bent to touch her feet.
Aditi met his gaze across the courtyard.
Yellow-stained.
Certain.
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