Disclaimer: The characters in this novella are purely fictional. Any resemblance to anyone living or dead is purely coincidental.
SwatiKiran’s wedding had been really grand. Though both Kiran’s and Swati’s families were settled in Hyderabad for over a quarter century they wanted to follow the typical Tamil tradition in this wedding.
The festivities began with the application of henna, a couple of days prior to the wedding, at both the households.
The day before the wedding, on August 1, everyone from Kiran’s family gathered at the Wedding Hall after an early breakfast for the celebrations and various miniature ceremonies that were all a part of the wedding function. Swati’s family was already there in the wedding hall, since that morning. All ceremonies were to begin right away.
A traditional welcome was offered to Kiran’s family at the wedding hall, complete with the music (nadaswaram and melam); trays of fruits, nuts and sweets; and the most important betal leaves, nutmeg, turmeric, kumkum and chandan.
Right after the welcome, both the families indulged individually in the auspicious initiation of the bride and groom for the family life (virudham), by the individually appointed priest. Once the ceremony was completed, it was time for a sumptuous big seven-course lunch.
After lunch everyone (particularly the groom’s side of the family), took a little rest in the rooms pre-allocated. Everyone knew that the evening was going to be busier and all of them had to be on their cheerful self.
Kiran was all excited and just wanted to spend time with Swati. However, he knew that it was not appropriate at this time. Ammu, Raman and family, Tara and family all had a nap in their respective rooms. Coffee was served to their rooms by about 3:30 pm.
While the coffee was served, as the parents of the bride and the ‘host’ of this wedding, Raghavan and Kaveri came by to inquire if the arrangements were fine and if they needed anything at all. They also requested everyone to come by for the evening snacks by 4 pm so that there would be enough time for everyone to get ready for the evening.
The function in the evening was the official welcoming of the groom and family (Maapillai Azhaipu). The evening started with the groom being taken to the nearby temple in a convertible. Kiran enjoyed the ride to the temple. There were four men carrying huge lighted lanterns that walked beside the convertible. Once the main deity in the temple was worshipped, the procession back to the wedding hall began.
Kiran was in the convertible. Vicky, as the best man of this wedding, gave company to Kiran in the car. The ride back was very slow. Behind the convertible there was a convoy of men and women, lead by Tara and Geeta. They were holding all the goodies (fruits, nuts, varieties of Indian sweets, betal leaves, kumkum and chandan) that would be given to the brides’ family at the wedding hall.
Being in Hyderabad, Kiran’s friends wanted to dance for the latest Bollywood music that was played along. Music from Hum Aapke Hai Kaun and Maine Pyar Kiya blasted everyone’s ears. Arun, Vicky’s friend enjoyed being a witness to all the events of this wedding and danced in front of the convertible as if there was no tomorrow and that no one was watching him. There were fireworks and crackers all along the way.
With the song and dance, the procession took about 90 minutes to cover a small distance of under a kilometre. Everyone was involved and enjoyed the Maapillai Azhaipu.
Once inside the wedding hall, it was time for the betrothal, confirming the wedding from both sides of the family. There was no more turning around!
Then, it was the Reception. SwatiKiran’s family decided to have the reception for the family and friends on the evening prior to the wedding, so that those that could not make it for the wedding would still be able to participate. There was a turn out of about 400 for the Reception.
It was a sight of chatter and smile galore. What a joyful occasion it was! Everyone took a picture with the bride and groom. Vicky was there behind his uncle, as the best man, to assist him.
Raman and Raghavan had ensured that all guests were welcomed and guided properly – for a picture and then to the big fifteen-course dinner that was served in the buffet style. The smell of Hyderabadi Dum Biriyani, the ‘chat’ varieties that was available and the ‘double ka meeta’ with ice cream was the talk of everyone. It indeed was a big celebration.
By the time the last of the guests left the wedding hall it was past 11 pm and they all had to be up bright and early at 4 am. Kiran was very tired, but he was excited too.
The monsoon rains were tapering; there still was the occasional thunderstorm every now and then. It was the season of mosquitoes. The big and bold mosquitoes, which sucked human blood, were not bothered by any repellent. The room that Kiran and Vicky were in had a number of mosquitoes. Neither the “good night” tablet nor the “tortoise” mosquito coil had any effect on them. Kiran was trying to keep the mosquitoes away from biting him and was not able to sleep. He was not sure if it were the mosquitoes or the excitement of the following day and the many years to come, which kept him awake.
A swarm of mosquitoes landed on Kiran and started sucking his blood. Their darting needle snapped him to reality. What was Vicky saying?
Kiran was in a daze. He was not listening to Vicky anymore.
“Kiran, where are you? Are you even listening to what I’m saying?” Vicky asked.
“Hmmm?” a long pause.
“Let’s go down Kiran and have something to eat”
Kiran did not say anything. He just followed Vicky, mechanically. Ammu has had the dinner served at the dining table. The aroma of Ammu’s Sambar, potato fry and freshly deep fried pappad was all over the house. Kiran did not smell anything.
Like a robot, Kiran gobbled his food. His eyes were glazed. While serving, Ammu asked, “Are you okay Kiran?”
“Yes Amma, I’m fine”, said Kiran.
“I’m not sure. Are you still thinking about what Swati said to me?”
“Hmmm… Kind of…”. Kiran did not want to reveal what Vicky had mentioned.
“May be Swati was stressed about something. Maybe something happening in her college. That’s why she might have snapped at me. It’s okay. I would have been fine if Tara or Geeta snapped at me. So will it be with Swati too. She is my daughter and I am fine. You should not take these things seriously. Finish your dinner and see if Swati would like to have dinner”
“Okay Amma”, was the mechanical reply.
Finishing dinner Kiran washed his dinner plate and carefully placed it in the drying rack. Then he went to the bedroom to see what Swati was doing.
Swati seemed to be asleep and she did not respond to him, calling her name.
Once Again…???!!! Chapter 3: the Erudition
to continue…