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SNEHAL
Snehal was hungry. Seated in the restaurant, she waited for the waiter to bring the food.
“It’s no good wasting time in Bangalore,” Harsha said. “We need to settle the matter as soon as we can with Snehal’s parents.”
“I too think so,” Vivek’s uncle said. “Our efforts in the last two days were unsuccessful. I hope things will go smoothly after Vivek gets married to Snehal.”
“What have you planned for their marriage, Uncle?” Arjun asked.
“Harsha will tell you the details,” Pankaj said. He shifted his glance to Harsha.
“We’re going to ISKCON temple tomorrow and arrange the marriage with a priest. Things should go smoothly as I’m in the police department. There might be some hurdles as Snehal’s parents aren’t with us; I can manage to get the wedding done.”
“Do you think anyone will raise an objection?” Vivek asked.
“I don’t think so as you both are adults.”
The waiter arrived and served them the food. The hot and spicy smell of palak paneer, sambar masala, and malai kofta wafted in the air. Snehal was hungry like everyone else. They ate in silence for a few moments until Snehal asked, “Uncle, Are you sure we’re going to ISKCON temple tomorrow?”
Pankaj finished chewing his food. “Yes. Do you want to postpone it?”
“No, I too want it tomorrow. I need to do the shopping for wedding clothes.”
Snehal had thought about her wedding shopping, but she wasn’t sure at what time they were going to ISKCON. Now Harsha confirmed them they would go there the next day. She looked at Vivek. “Vivek, don’t you need a new suit and shoes?”
Vivek nodded. “Yes, I need them. We are going to a nearby mall in the evening to buy the required items.”
Vivek’s mother coughed and reached for a glass of water. She sipped it and then said, “Harsha, I’m still apprehensive of Snehal’s father and Ranjit harming us. I hope you’ll manage to stop them if they find us.”
Harsha took a bite of chapatti and chewed. “Don’t worry. My colleague must be talking to them by this evening. If they still acted against your wishes, I’ll talk to the police personnel in Bangalore. And I don’t think that situation will arise.”
“Please talk to your friend and let us know what my parents have said,” Snehal said.
Harsha nodded. “Sure.”
They became content after eating a sumptuous lunch. Vivek paid the bill, and they all walked back to their rooms.
Snehal went to a nearby shopping mall along with Vivek and his mother that evening. Pankaj decided to remain in the room with his wife. Harsha went out to see one of his friends.
Snehal sat on a chair in between Vivek and his mother inside a clothes shop. She glanced through the heap of saris spread in front of her. “Do you like the purple one or that blue mixed orange colored one?” Snehal asked Vivek as the shop keeper continued adding more saris on the heap.
Vivek smiled at her. “I’m not familiar with women’s dresses.” He turned to his mother. “What do you suggest, Mum?”
“Don’t you think that green mixed pale purple is a good one?” Prabha replied.
Snehal spread it on the top of the heap and unfolded it. She liked it for its gold border and its color combination. “This is good, Ma. I too like it.” She looked at the man who showed them the clothes. “We want to buy this. And I need some more Mysore Silks.”
Snehal bought a few more saris for herself and for Vivek’s mother. Then, they went to the men’s section. Snehal helped Vivek to choose a proper suit, tie, and a pair of shoes.
Everyone decided to have dinner in their hotel rooms. Prabha didn’t want to eat as lunch had been heavy for her. Snehal and Vivek sat on the balcony with their dinners on the table.
The street down and next to the hotel premises appeared bright with white halogen lamps. A few motorbikes and cars sped to their destination with occasional honking. The traffic seemed less compared to what it was in the afternoon.
“I really like your company, Vivek.” Snehal opened the dinner pack. “You are a good person even without a professional matter between us.” She served Rotis and capsicum curries on the plates.
“Thanks for the compliments.” Vivek smiled and ate his dinner.
“So, are you waiting for the D-day, finally?” she asked, biting her lip.
“I’m, obviously.” Vivek finished chewing his food. “Perhaps, our marriage will put an end to most of our miseries. Ranjit and your father will never be behind us.”
Snehal locked her eyes with his. “Yes, Vivek. Also, no one can harm us because Harsha is with us.”
“Yes, he is of great help.”
They finished their food exchanging a few more words.
Snehal served the ice cream in a bowl. “So, what’s the next plan after tomorrow? Are we living in Bangalore?”
“I’ve spoken that matter with Uncle and Harsha.” Vivek took a bite of ice cream. “We two are staying here for a month or so until Harsha and my mother consoles your parents and Ranjit. When things are settled, we’re going back home.”
Snehal’s chest lightened. She admired Vivek for his wise decisions. “That’s a good plan you’ve made.”
It was just before midnight when Snehal went to bed with Vivek after a prolonged discussion. They talked about their business, how they handled the situation after they came closer, and about their schooling back in the town.
Snehal’s blood rushed through her veins when she slept beside Vivek. The smaller bed was occupied by his mother. Vivek’s mother was in a deep slumber, and Snehal was tempted to make love with him. But she remembered his suggestion when they visited Bangalore last time. She would wait until tomorrow. Vivek wouldn’t stop her from making love during their first wedding night.
In the morning, Snehal put on her silk sari. She applied a lip gloss and mascara and sought Vivek’s mother’s help to make sure her dress fitted properly. She invited her classmates who worked in Bangalore to attend her wedding reception in the evening, held in the hotel party hall.
Vivek too spoke to his friends and colleagues and invited them to the party.
It was just before noon when Harsha drove their vehicle to the temple. He asked everyone to be in the vehicle and then went to meet temple officials. He came back and said, “I have told the authorities to arrange for your marriage.” He looked at Arjun. “You take a few snaps when they exchange the garlands. The photos will be needed when we register the marriage.”
“Thank you so much for your help, Harsha uncle.” Snehal smiled at him.
He led everyone inside.
Vivek and Snehal exchanged the garlands in the presence of a priest and their beloved ones. The priest chanted the mantras when Vivek tied the nuptial knot to Snehal. Everyone shook their hands with Snehal and Vivek and congratulated them.
In the evening, Snehal stood beside Vivek in a party hall, nestled within the hotel, and decorated with colorful papers and balloons. Many of her classmates who worked in Bangalore greeted her. Vivek’s colleagues too arrived and gave him the presentations. He had many friends in Bangalore as he had worked there for a couple of years.
While Snehal relished the dinner with Vivek, he whispered in her ear his uncle had arranged their first wedding night in a special room.
Snehal looked forward to spending her first wedding night with Vivek.