#bhoomi

একটা লিচু পড়ে গেল চায়ের দোকানে,

চা দোকানি, চা দোকানি দরজা খোলো না,

বরিশালের বউ এসেছে দেখতে চল না।

Aditi Rao Hydari as Maha

from Maha Samudram

Video snippet from "Cheppake Cheppake lyrical song

sasuraal hota hain.

par ghar kahaan hota hain papa?

Kho Diya Hai Maine Khudko

Jabse Humko Hai Paaya

Rootha Hai Rab, Chhoota Mazhab

Chhoota Hai Yeh Jag Saara

Mere Pyaar Ko Na Samajhiye Galat

Inn Nigahon Ka Teri Hi Toh Qaayal Hoon Main

Umr Bhar, Main Tujhe…

Umr Bhar Main Tujhe Dekhta Hi Rahoon

Iss Khata Ki Har Saza Manzoor Hai

Tu Dariya Toh Main Ishq Hoon

Kuch Der Mujhsa Ban Ke Toh Dekh

Kaun Kitna Gehra Hai

Having grown up without a mother, Avanthika worried incessantly about the day of her marriage. Who would dress her up? Would she look as beautiful as the fabled Kuntalan brides from the stories she had heard as a child? How would she know to satisfy both, her own heritage, and the two heritages of her would-be husband?

However, she needn’t have lost her sleep over this. The night before her wedding put all her fears to rest. Both her mothers-in-law came to her room with a sringaram offering. While Sanga’s jute bag carried solid silver bangles, brass earrings, toe rings, bracelets, a necklace, and a nose ring, Devasena brought her alta, henna, hair jewelry, anklets, turmeric, sandal, chamkeeli, and Kumkum. 

The two women seemed to know her mind even though she had not said anything to anyone. Were they clairvoyant? How could they be? 

Devasena sensed the young woman’s turmoil. Luckily, she had an answer for her

“No one should have to let go of who they are. And when the time comes, they should also be able to become who they must. I know the pain of not having the agency to do so. And I don’t want anyone to experience it– especially not my daughter-in-law. You deserve everything I was denied. You deserve everything I would have wanted for myself. It is because of you that I am standing here, a free woman, thankful and grateful that the Gods sent you to guide my son back home and to victory. You are Kuntala’s blessing to Amburi and to Mahishmati.”

Sanga kissed Avanthika’s forehead, conveying a wealth of warmth in love through that simple gesture. In that moment, she knew she would be fine. 

The next morning, when her friends came to dress her up for the wedding, she enjoyed every bit of it. After all, she was not just a new bride. She was the hope and dreams of everyone who had lost their true selves under Bhallaladeva. With her sringara, they would all come alive; because she would be them– their queen, their daughter, and their protector.