Disclaimer: The characters in this novella are purely fictional. Any resemblance to anyone living or dead is purely coincidental.
Days flew by. It was finally the wedding day. The fateful August 2nd.
It was really a grand wedding. There were about six hundred people attending the wedding. Kiran’s colleagues, Swati’s colleagues, friends and relatives from both their sides were all present. The function went on well. The match seemed to be the most ideal one. They were neither too plump nor too skinny; neither too short nor too tall. And the name – Swati Kiran was just too pleasant to hear. It flowed like a song. In all ways this was really a great match.
Really marriages are made in Heaven. So thought many.
Kiran introduced Swati to all his friends and colleagues. Swati too introduced him to one and all. Mr. Sharma, Swati’s best friend was there in the marriage. He was there with his wife. He had given Swati a gift cheque for a huge amount of twenty-five thousand rupees.
Ammu was congratulated by everyone for having found a very pleasant, simple and well educated wife for her son. She was looking at her new daughter-in-law with pride gleaming in her eyes. It seemed to her that it was just a few days back that they had met. How fast the time has gone by.
As discussed Raghavan had sent Swati’s photograph the very next day, through Sunder. He had also called Raman to inform him that the date of engagement was April 25.
Ammu was certainly very happy that Kiran was getting married. With this, all her responsibilities as a mother would end. Her kids would all be settled with their own families. Now she could rest a while.
April 25.
The engagement was at 3:30pm and was to be held at Kiran’s house. They had decided that it would be only within the family. They had invited only very close friends. Geeta did not go to her work that day. She had to help Ammu with the preparation of the engagement ceremony. Ammu and Geeta prepared Idly, Sevai and Vada with Sambar and Chutney for everyone who was going to come. They also prepared Laddu’s for sweet that needed to be served. Kiran had bought a couple of big family packs of ice cream to serve everyone that noon. Vicky helped in cleaning the house and decorating it for the function.
At the appointed hour, Raghavan and family along with a few of their friends came. They had brought with them fresh new mangoes – the mango season had just started in Hyderabad.
‘Please come in. We were just waiting for you’, invited Raman.
Kiran had a glimpse of Swati from inside his room. Swati, there was a red dot on her forehead. Her long hair as usual oiled and plaited and with a string of jasmine flowers. She was not wearing heavy ornaments. A simple earring, a simple nose stud, a simple gold chain and two simple bangles on each hand, was all she had on her. She was stunningly beautiful in this simple outfit. That day she was wearing a navy blue silk saree, that had zari spots scattered everywhere, like a million stars scattered in the sky on a new moon night. Kiran remembered the great Tamil poet Subramania Bharathi and his Kannamma.
Swati was looking like the ideal modern woman as described by Bharathi – an intelligent woman with self-confidence, motivation, ambition; yet very simple and humble. He was very happy that he was getting Swati for wife. He gazed at her and he was entranced by her looks.
The priest who was to solemnize the betrothal arrived.
‘Kiran, the priest has come. Are you ready? Shall we start the ceremony?’ Geeta asked.
‘Manni, I am just coming’, replied Kiran.
Kiran and Swati sat opposite each other. The priest uttered the mantras and finally asked Kiran and Swati to exchange their rings. Raman on behalf their deceased father accepted the tray of fruits from Raghavan as a token of acceptance of the engagement. Swati was given a silk saree and a ring, by her soon-to-be in-laws. The date for the marriage was fixed. The Second of August… The priest and all elders consecrated the couple. Pictures were taken.
After this ceremony, hot snacks, prepared by Ammu and Geeta were served. There was jubilance everywhere in the house. Everyone was happy and were enjoying the conversation. At around 8pm Raghavan and family left for their home, though Geeta was insisting that they should have dinner with them. Vikky too was there and he enjoyed the engagement of his favourite uncle.
Vicky was not comfortable about one thing. He noticed that the ebullience found in his uncle’s face was not seen in the face of his new aunt. Was this his imagination? Vikky did not tell this to anyone.
Kiran visited Swati’s house a number of times from then on. He was not able to meet or talk to Swati in most of the occasions. He used to have long chats with Sunder, Raghavan and Kaveri. He liked them all a lot. It never once occurred to him as to why Swati was returning home late most of the days.
One of those days, he had planned to go out with Swati to the then popular Hindi movie, Deewana (Crazy), one evening. He thought it was the best blockbuster romantic movie to be enjoyed with his fiancée (for he himself was crazily in love with Swati). In fact he had booked the tickets in advance. At the last minute, their date was cancelled, as Swati was not feeling well that day. She had a splitting headache.
Days just flew by… And today was August 2nd, the wedding day.
END of Chapter 2
Once Again…???!!! to continue…