The Strangers - Across the Silent Heartbeat-Chapter 19: Pongal Festival

January rolled in, carrying with itself every bit of the usual briskness and promises of new beginnings. This month was special to students at the university in a very unique manner. It is on their part the festive month of Pongal—the vivid pan-South Indian festival that ushers in harvesting time, celebrated in great fanfare. The university's director had informed all of them earlier in the year that they all had to take part in the set events regarding the festival and all had to be dressed in their traditional attire. All this had woken some form of excitement or curiosity within the students.

Rangoli designs in bright colors, garland of marigold flowers, and banners decorated this busy campus in preparation for the upcoming Pongal. There was a hum of energy amongst the students in preparation for the coming festivities as Ayesha stood by in a mix of excitement and confusion.

"Arjun, what is all this about?" she asked, her eyes wide open with curiosity at those beautiful decorations.

He smiled, his eyes twinkling with excitement at the thought of sharing his culture. "Pongal is a festival traditionally celebrated by South Indians for expressing thanks to the Sun God for a bountiful harvest. Traditionally, this includes the preparation of a special food item called 'Pongal' with newly harvested rice and in groups together with families."

Ayesha listened with interest, quite engrossed by what Arjun said. "That really does sound wonderful! What else happens during the festival?"

Arjun brightened up as he went on to say, "Well, there are tons of cultural programs ranging from dance events to singing and the traditional games. All those people in their traditional attire, and then so much scrumptious food—it's time to rejoice and celebrate."

Excitement lit up in her eyes. "I have never worn Indian attire. I would love to try it out!"

Updat𝒆d fr𝒐m freewebnσvel.cøm.

At last, that day arrived to celebrate Pongal, and Ayesha was more than awesome in her Indian attire.

She was wearing an Imperial Blue colored saree with intricate embroidery on it done by silver embroidery thread which suited her slender figure so well. With every move that she made, the flowing saree from all over her glittered shiny fabric. Hair styled in soft waves, adorned with fresh jasmine flowers, subtle yet radiant makeup bringing out the natural beauty.

The first time Arjun saw Ayesha in the saree, he had no words. She stood in front of his eyes unbearably beautiful; a sight from heaven. His heart swelled appreciation as he couldn't take his eyes off her.

"Ayesha, you are looking stunning," said Arjun as his eyes admired her.

Ayesha reddened deep, a soft smile playing on her lips. "Thank you, Arjun; I never looked this beautiful."

The campus was decorated as if it were a festive paradise. The ethnically dressed students were participating in the number of events. Several kinds of scintillating dances and soulful singing decked in vibrant colors, created an alluring ambiance in the cultural program.

Now, as the day wore on, it was time to reveal their talents. Arjun and Ayesha had elected to dance together, which really surprised everyone. What was presented in the setting was a twinkling fairy light backdrop with a flowery garland over the stage area.

The music started, and it was a traditional Tamil folk song. It pulsated with rhythmic beats and peppy melodies. Arjun and Ayesha flowed into the dance with fluid grace and proceeded to dance in perfect harmony. Such were the intricate steps and playful twirls that had the audience gasping; such chemistry existed with this couple.

The audience received their act with clapping and shouting at them. Vikram, who was a right friend to Arjun, had much support for the act as he shouted for them and handed out banners which he waved as they acted.

Then, all of a sudden, everybody turned attention to Ayesha. She took a breath and moved in with her violin. She started with this gorgeous, haunting melody, the fingers chasing up and down the strings, striking into the air in smooth harmony.

As the song's note reached the last crescendo, Ayesha launched into a soulful number exclusively penned for Arjun. Her soft and melodious voice spoke much about human emotions, telling of love and devotion—of their journey together, of the bonding they shared, of the joy brought into each other's life.

Arjun stood at the very edge of the stage—his eyes locked on Ayesha. That song seemed to touch some raw nerve within him; he could feel the jab in his throat.

The audience indeed was touched; many had tears in their eyes as the song seemed to really pay its heartfelt respect.

The crowd erupted into applause as the song finished, cheering across the university. Arjun joined them, running up onto the stage to sweep a blushing Ayesha into a tight embrace.

"You were amazing," he whispered, feeling his throat husk over with emotion.

Ayesha smiled, her eyes shining with happiness. "I'm so glad you liked it. I wanted to tell you just how you mean to me."

The day was absolutely perfect for both Arjun and Ayesha. And with the day getting deep into the festival, so were they both completely sunk in its celebration. Light-hearted and high-spirited, all the rest of the evening turned into a festivity of joyous delight for them.

With the festival closing, Arjun and Ayesha walked hand in hand back home; the light from the street lamps washed across their faces. It was one of those days that might have been recalled by just that very warmth of the festival and the experiences between them which had made it special if it hadn't been unforgettable.

Pongal was a festival that pushed Ayesha toward a new dimension in the arena of Indian culture and had also nurtured her closer to Arjun. They loved each other now more than ever, with hearts so much entwined like those threads of that beautiful saree which Ayesha wore.

With the festival behind them and the future ahead of hatched possibilities, beautiful moments to be covered on the way forward were awaiting them.