A day before Diwali, Siddanth and Krithika prepared to leave the Shamshabad farmhouse.
In Telugu tradition, a newly married son-in-law spends his first Diwali at his wife's family home. Siddanth's parents, Vikram and Sesikala, planned to stay at the farmhouse to perform their own morning pooja. They would join the rest of the family in the city the following afternoon.
Siddanth picked up their overnight bags. He walked out to the driveway.
Parked near the porch was a brand-new, silver Maruti Suzuki Swift. The old Swift he had driven for years had started showing signs of wear. Without asking, Rahul had purchased the latest model and had it delivered to the estate, ensuring Siddanth had a reliable, low-profile car for city driving.
Siddanth placed the bags in the trunk. Krithika got into the passenger seat. Siddanth got behind the wheel, started the engine, and drove out of the estate gates.
They navigated the evening traffic and arrived in Tarnaka.
Siddanth parked the Swift outside the familiar gate of Krithika's house. Subba Rao opened the gate, a wide smile on his face.
Siddanth and Krithika walked up to the front door.
Siddanth parked the Swift outside the familiar gate of Krithika's house. A few neighbors peeked over their compound walls. They knew exactly who the son-in-law was.
Subba Rao opened the gate, puffing his chest out with pride. He waved to the neighbors but quickly ushered Siddanth and Krithika inside.
He had made a strict deal with the colony: absolute privacy for the couple today, and in exchange, Siddanth would sign autographs tomorrow morning.
Suma stood in the doorway. She held a brass plate in her hands. A small oil lamp flickered in the center, surrounded by turmeric and red kumkum.
"Welcome home," Suma smiled.
She lifted the plate and moved it in three slow, clockwise circles in front of them, performing Aarti to ward off the evil eye and welcome the couple into the home. She pressed a dot of kumkum onto Siddanth's forehead, then onto Krithika's.
They stepped inside. Anjali ran out of her bedroom and hugged her sister.
"Come and sit," Subba Rao said, leading them to the living room sofas. "You must be tired from the drive."
Suma went straight to the kitchen. She returned a minute later with a large tray filled with special evening tiffin. There were bowls of hot, crispy murukku, mixture, and a variety of homemade sweets.
"Eat," Suma instructed, placing the tray on the coffee table. "Dinner will be late."
Siddanth took a piece of murukku. The house felt warm and familiar. They spent the evening sitting together, eating snacks, and talking about the festival preparations.
"We have to wake up very early tomorrow," Suma reminded them as the night grew late. "Before the sun comes up."
They walked into Krithika's old bedroom to sleep. The walls were painted a soft color. A standard double bed sat in the corner. Siddanth, a broad-shouldered used to massive hotel king-sized beds, looked at the mattress.
Krithika laughed, sitting on the edge. "You are going to fall off."
"I will manage," Siddanth smiled, sitting next to her. "I like this room. It is quiet."
He wrapped his arm around her, pulling her close. They squeezed into the small bed, comfortable in the familiar space.
The next morning, a soft knock on the door woke them up. The room was still dark. Siddanth checked his phone. It was 4:00 AM.
"Wake up," Suma called from the hallway. "It is time for the bath."
They got out of bed and walked into the living room.
Suma had set up two small wooden seating planks on the floor. Siddanth and Krithika sat down. This was the Mangala Snanam, the holy oil bath. It was an ancient tradition meant to cleanse the body and wash away any past negativity before the start of the new year.
Suma brought a small bowl filled with fragrant Ubtan—a thick paste made of sandalwood, turmeric, and herbs. She also carried a small brass cup filled with warm, perfumed sesame oil.
She stood behind Siddanth first. She dipped her fingers into the warm oil and applied it gently to the crown of his head. She then took a small amount of the Ubtan paste and applied it to his forehead and arms. She repeated the same process for Krithika, offering quiet blessings for their health and happiness.
After the oil was applied, they took turns bathing in hot water.
They changed into a set of fresh, casual new clothes.
Subba Rao was waiting for them in the front courtyard. The sky was just beginning to turn a pale blue. He had a small box of firecrackers resting on the compound wall.
"Just a few small ones to start the festival," Subba Rao smiled, holding a lighter.
He lit a small flowerpot on the ground. It erupted in a fountain of bright silver sparks. Anjali lit a ground spinner, watching it spin rapidly on the concrete.
Subba Rao pulled out a bundle of long sparklers. He handed two to Krithika.
Siddanth stepped forward. He stood right behind her. He wrapped his arms around her waist, holding her hands gently to keep the sparklers away from her body. He held her close while Subba Rao lit the tips.
"Just keeping the smoke away from the twins," Siddanth murmured near her ear, turning a protective moment into a warm embrace.
After the sparklers burned out, a small group of neighbors was waiting near the gate, holding cricket bats and blue jerseys. True to his father-in-law's promise, Siddanth walked over and began signing them.
Anjali stood nearby, holding her phone up and recording a video for her Vibe account. "Look at him," Anjali joked to the camera. "Even on a holiday, the captain is working."
Krithika stood next to Anjali, laughing. "Make sure you get Nana in the frame. He is acting like his manager."
Siddanth looked at the camera and shook his head, signing the last bat.
Suma was waiting in the kitchen. She held a small silver spoon.
"Here," Suma said, handing the spoon to Siddanth. "Eat this."
Siddanth looked at the dark, thick paste on the spoon. "What is it?"
"Lehiyam," Suma explained. "It is a medicinal paste made of spices, dry fruits, herbs, and pure ghee. You eat it on an empty stomach on Diwali morning. It aids your digestion before you eat the heavy feast today."
Siddanth put the spoon in his mouth. The paste tasted strong, sweet, and slightly bitter with spices. He swallowed it and handed the spoon back.
As the morning progressed, the sun fully rose. Krithika went to her room to rest.
Suma began moving rapidly around the kitchen. Cooking a grand festival feast for the family was a massive task. She started boiling the lentils and chopping the vegetables.
Siddanth walked into the kitchen. He rolled up the sleeves of his shirt.
"Athamma, let me help," Siddanth said, walking over to the cutting board.
"No, no, Siddanth," Suma protested. "You are the son-in-law. You should sit in the hall and rest."
"I like cooking," Siddanth said smoothly. He picked up a knife.
He did not take over the kitchen. He worked with her. His hands moved with incredible speed, slicing the carrots and onions in perfect, even cuts.
Suma watched his knife skills, thoroughly impressed. She took the chopped vegetables and began making the curries, directing him on the specific family recipes.
When the dal was bubbling on the stove, Siddanth picked up a spoon, blew on it, and handed it to Suma.
"Check the salt, Athamma," Siddanth said humbly. "Nobody gets the spice balance right like a mother."
Suma smiled warmly, tasting the dal. With his help, the entire grand feast was prepared easily. He formed the dough for the Bella Appalu and fried them perfectly golden brown while she managed the stove.
In the early afternoon, a car pulled up to the gate.
Vikram Deva and Sesikala stepped out. They carried large, heavy boxes of sweets from Shamshabad. Subba Rao greeted them at the gate, welcoming them inside.
The two families sat in the living room, talking and laughing over cups of tea.
Siddanth looked near the television cabinet. Resting in the corner was a bright yellow plastic cricket bat. It was the one Subba Rao had bought for his future grandson months ago.
Siddanth walked over and picked it up. He tested the weight of the plastic bat, a knowing smirk on his face.
He looked across the room at Subba Rao. The two men shared a silent, amused look. Subba Rao nodded proudly.
As evening approached, the atmosphere in the house shifted to a deeply spiritual tone.
It was time for the main pooja.
Subba Rao brought out the new, heavy silk clothes he had purchased for Siddanth and Krithika. He walked into the small Pooja Mandiram in the house. He placed the new clothes directly at the feet of the idols, seeking divine blessings on the garments.
Siddanth and Krithika took the clothes and changed. Siddanth wore a traditional white silk dhoti and kurta. Krithika wore a rich red Kanjeevaram saree.
They walked back into the living room. The elders had prepared the space for the Deepavali Nomulu, also known as the Gauri Nomulu. This was the core spiritual ritual unique to the Telangana region. It was a dedicated Vratam performed to seek the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Shiva for prosperity and a long life together.
Siddanth and Krithika sat cross-legged on a small mat facing the idols.
A priest was not required. Subba Rao and Vikram guided the rituals. Siddanth and Krithika performed the pooja together as a married couple, offering flowers, turmeric, and kumkum to the deities.
Once the offerings were made, Suma opened a small holy book. She sat down and read the Nomula Katha, the sacred story behind the festival. Everyone in the room sat quietly, listening to the story.
When the story concluded, Suma brought forward two sacred yellow threads, known as the Nomula Dharam.
She tied one thread securely around Siddanth's right wrist. She tied the second thread around Krithika's left wrist. The protective threads signified the completion of the vow.
The indoor rituals were done.
"Anjali," Siddanth called out, standing up. "Bring the lamps."
Anjali walked in carrying two large metal trays. The trays were filled with dozens of small, unlit clay lamps called Pramidalu. They were filled with oil, and cotton wicks rested inside them.
Siddanth took a tray. He walked to the front door. He used a matchbox to light the first cotton wick.
He bent down and placed the glowing clay lamp near the corner of the doorway. Anjali followed him, placing her own lamps along the opposite side.
They walked out into the courtyard. The sun had completely set, leaving the sky dark. Siddanth carefully lined the edge of the compound wall with the flickering clay lamps. He placed them along the steps, near the main gate, and on the edges of the balcony.
Anjali pulled out her phone. She took several pictures of Siddanth and Krithika standing together, the golden light of the lamps illuminating their faces. She then stepped between them, holding the phone high for a group selfie.
"Upload these tomorrow," Siddanth told her with a smile, knowing the internet would go crazy. "Let us keep tonight just for the family."
"Done, Bava," Anjali agreed.
Within twenty minutes, the entire house was outlined in a warm, soft, golden glow. The small flames danced in the evening breeze.
They walked back inside. The grand feast was ready.
They spread large banana leaves on the dining table. The family sat together. Suma and Sesikala served the food. They ate the hot rice, the rich vegetable curries, the spicy dal, and the perfectly fried Bella Appalu that Siddanth had prepared earlier. It was a heavy, satisfying meal shared with family.
They stayed awake late into the night, sitting in the living room, talking and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the festival.
The next morning, Siddanth and Krithika packed their bags. It was time to return to the farmhouse.
They walked into the living room. Subba Rao, Suma, Vikram, and Sesikala were waiting for them.
Siddanth and Krithika bent down together. They touched the feet of Vikram and Sesikala, receiving their blessings. They then turned and touched the feet of Subba Rao and Suma.
"God bless you both," Suma said, patting Krithika's cheek.
Subba Rao reached into the pocket of his shirt. He pulled out a small, dark velvet box.
He opened the box. Resting inside was a thick, solid gold chain.
Subba Rao stepped forward and held the box out to Siddanth.
Siddanth looked at the gold chain. He stepped back slightly and shook his head.
"Mamayya, there is no need for this," Siddanth said politely. "You already bought us new clothes."
Subba Rao did not lower the box. He took a step closer.
"It is your first Diwali as the son-in-law of this house, Siddanth," Subba Rao said firmly. "I am giving this to you with my own love. You cannot say no to a father's gift."
Siddanth looked at Subba Rao. He saw the pride in his father-in-law's eyes. Declining the gift would hurt his feelings.
Siddanth nodded. "Thank you, Mamayya."
Subba Rao smiled broadly. He took the gold chain out of the box and placed it around Siddanth's neck.
Suma stepped forward next. She handed Krithika a beautifully wrapped box containing a new set of traditional gold bangles. Krithika smiled and hugged her mother.
Then Suma went to the kitchen carrying two large tiffin containers. They were filled to the brim with Bella Appalu, mixture, and mutton curry.
"Amma, why so much?" Krithika asked, looking at the heavy boxes.
"You have twins growing inside you," Suma instructed firmly. "You need to eat properly. Do not rely on outside food."
Siddanth smiled happily. He took the heavy containers from his mother-in-law and packed them securely in the trunk of the Swift.
They picked up their bags and walked out to the silver Swift.
Siddanth put the bags in the trunk. He hugged Subba Rao. Krithika hugged her parents and her sister. They got into the car. Vikram and Sesikala followed them in their car.
Siddanth started the engine. He rolled down the window and waved to the family standing near the gate. He put the car in gear and drove away from Tarnaka, heading back to the quiet farmhouse in Shamshabad.