Aparna's wedding

The lawn area was bustling with people dressed in designer wears, diamonds and exotic perfumes.

The evening air wafted warm with celebratory music, mixed with chimes of bangles, the rustling of Lehengas and Sarees, waves of laughter of middle-aged people and senior citizens; shy secretive giggles of teenagers, peals of laughter of little ones.

Gossips ranged from talks of vogue, holidays, stock market, business deals, joint ventures and marriages of convenience...

It was a destination wedding at Agra. Parul had zeroed in on this resort and had Paarth book this for the wedding almost a year ahead, since it was the union of two high profile families. The daughter of the Jagannath Group of Companies and the son of the celebrity Chef Mihir Khurana, who had a stint at the White House for one of the former Presidents and many other high profile people through his career.

The resort was at such a vantage point that the Taj Mahal was visible from anywhere in the resort. Parul and her husband Akash had arrived at the resort four days before to oversee the arrangements. And they had not failed. Everybody was impressed
Aparna was in tears of sheer joy, every decor detail was to the point, as per her dream. Parul had strived hard to keep it more eco friendly since that was what the young couple wanted.

Emma and Surya's daughters were so excited about all the traditions and celebrations.

"Parul aunty we had decided we will marry twin brothers or at least brothers, now we think we would love to have an Indian wedding. It's just so beautiful. Everything you do has some significance to it, like a really special connection with God or soul, you know" earnestly Maya explained in a clear American accent.

"Oh yeah? Wait until you see our people eat! Soul connection out and gluttons in. And I mean it. When it comes to food and drinks at weddings, we put the Vikings to shame".

Parul spoke with a very solemn face, the teenage girls look bewildered.

"Bua you are so naughty! Why are you scaring  them?"

Sneha turned to them to reassure them that not all men are gluttons, while she was helping them to get ready.

"Ok now, Maya and Mira the best way to get noticed by guys in a wedding, hang around the bride, like bridesmaids. And if she is here getting ready you girls walk up and down pretending to be busy but don't be actually busy. I could help with that part. If I happen to spot some good looking boys, I'll ask you, girls, to run errands. Oh wait..." she slapped her forehead dramatically, everyone looked confused.

"These tips are for Indian girls, you don't have to move from your seats. Indian parents are suckers for fair-skinned, slim and NRI girls, so by the end of this wedding, your Dad will have a stack of horoscopes in his hand, rest assured".

She rolled her eyes and drawled.

"Indian aunties can materialise horoscopes and at times even the groom, out of thin air. Better than Dumbledore I say".

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The main members of the bride's family had colour coordinated outfits for all the rituals, as per Aparna's request. It was Turquoise Blue for the Sangeet, forest green for Mehendi, Yellow of course for Haldi and Burgundy and Gold for the wedding.

Aparna wore a Turquoise Blue designer Lehenga Choli with diamond jewellery, she looked ethereal.

"Appu, you look like a princess! God bless you bacha!" Padmini planted a kiss on her little girl's forehead and hugged her gently. "It feels like yesterday, that I held you in my arms for the first time, that teeny tiny bundle; now all grown up into such a beautiful woman. I'm so proud of you and immensely happy that you found a man like Samar to be your life partner".

All childhood memories of Aparna flashed through their mind and both the mother and daughter held each other for a few minutes so lost in their love and emotions. The room fell silent and all other women became emotional too.

Padmini wore a turquoise blue kanjeevaram silk with a broad navy blue border with a wide zari (golden thread work).

"Well, Minu darling you look absolutely ravishing in this Kanjeevaram silk. Can I kidnap you?"

Parul winked and earned a slap from Padmini trying to lighten them up.

"I agree Ma" Aparna and Sneha chimed in and the others followed.

Parul turned around to Sneha, "You have great taste my Chennai girl" she appreciated Sneha. "Where did you get this though? I might want to pick some for my in-laws".

"Amma went to Chennai a few months back Bua and Kancheepuram too. I had mentioned that we couldn't find a saree for Mumma and luckily she got it. I shall ask for their contact details".

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Sangeet was on full swing, the youngsters had some themed dances planned and later there were some professional dancers hired. Aparna was the only girl child in Chandrakanth's family, even among his second cousins all of them had only sons. Aparna was special to all of them.

Kanth Manor used to buzz like weddings during Raksha Bandhan and Bhai dhooj. (Both these festivals celebrate the significance of brother sister relationship)

Padmini was on her toes, greeting the guests and interacting. Sangeet, Haldi and Mehendi rituals were strictly for family members. Wedding and Reception are where they will have all the 'you know whos' of both the families. Surprisingly, Chandrakanth was in a very good mood for almost a week. He had been conversing to her normally, a human normal!

'It's because of the presence of guests and the wedding atmosphere for sure'.
Padmini knew she can't keep her hopes high.

She was speaking to Parul regarding room arrangements for guests. When she heard a voice - an octave above the music. She had heard that voice before, she turned around and scanned the crowd of people hanging around the lawn with drinks but couldn't say who it was. Parul dragged her back into the conversation.

A peal of shrill laughter and then, "oh! Thanks to the designer Divya she saved my skin last minute".

Something nagged Padmini to locate the voice, to find that lady. She had heard that voice before. She turned around and scanned the guests intently to find the woman. No luck! It was like a hide and seek game, throughout the evening the lady's voice kept ringing over the other voices in intervals, but she dodged her. After a few failed attempts Padmini declared that she was hallucinating and gave up.

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Haldi ritual was underway, all the young girls Aparna's friends, were posing for photographs, caked in half-dried ubtan (basically a homemade scrub made with fresh turmeric, sandalwood paste, rosewater etc) and basking in shades of yellow under the special gazebo set on the lawn.

"Bhabi looks like someone is trying to grab the Oscar award for the best husband at the end of Appu's wedding".

Padmini raised her brow quizzically and when she understood her shoulder slumped. She wasn't eager to react to that or rather anything related to him.

Parul held her by the elbow, "what is it? Something is eating you away Minu di, I can see it. Please speak to me." Worry lines creasing her perfectly round face.

"It's nothing Paru," her voice cracked, "just feeling extremely exhausted". Padmini lovingly adjusted the necklace around Parul's neck and smiled at her in fake assurance, hoping she wouldn't catch her blatant lie.
'Exhausted by the daily battle to survive with self-respect'.

"Of course you will be tired, you haven't slept the whole of this week. Nah! Don't give me bullshit, I know you didn't. Tell me who I should knock out. My brother isn't it? Give me the reason and I'll make sure to pack deadlier punches. Been training in kickboxing for three years remember!"
with a villainous smile she pointed at her arms where her toned biceps were at display.

'Quite a fiery package this one is!
Padmini's heart melted at her love, she chuckled.
"Meri pyari paagal pari! (My sweet mad angel) just roll down your sleeves and be my Appu's nice Bua for two days more." She pulled her adorable cheeks.
"and later we can decide if you're my personal bodyguard or henchman. Ok?"

She hugged her in gratitude. Frankly speaking if not for Parul; Padmini would have given up long back and probably ceased to exist. Padmini dragged her towards Aparna, diverting her for the moment.

Deep down she was absolutely pulverized. Walking on her two feet, holding onto her sanity and acting normal, was absolutely a miracle. She willed all her body cells, every last drop of her love for her children and last shreds of self-respect to help maintain her composure after what had happened that morning. She felt like someone took her to a clifftop and while she was anticipating a breathtaking view, she instead was thrown down into a volcano; twice over!

Hello all! The next chapter is up! One more coming right up after this!

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