Chapter 93
Chapter #91Part A
If you haven't figured it out I really like the pairing of Rajeev and Naomi, so I really wanted to do justice to their shaadi, a daunting task, since I am just a British fan of Indian Serials. Any errors we will just blame on Naomi's imparting her western ways LOL. At any rate I hope you enjoy, and for fun I have included the link to the entrance music Naomi has been obsessing over ...so here's my two part chapter 91:
"Come on Papa we will miss everything!"
Kabir held Sanjay by the shoulder as he was about to dash out the door in response to the sound of procession growing closer. "Wait, beta," he commanded, allowing Naomi's parents and Daadi to proceed, before falling in with the remainder of the bride's family who followed their elders. Once outside, Kabir hoisted Sanjay to his shoulder so that the diminutive boy could have the best vantage from which to view the proceedings. The crowd outside was incredible; far more than he would have expected, and frankly a source of worry. Over and above the groom's family and friends who had entered the home's forecourt, a crush of casual observers had amassed outside the residence for a glimpse of the local celebrity coach and his foreign bride on their special day. Unfortunately the byproduct of the public's heightened interest was a shocking number of press hovering in the vicinity. Whereas the pre-shaadi events had been cloistered within the confines of the hotel; the wedding being held at home was proving more problematic. Despite the increased security, they had to contend with the fact that as a public street, they could not curtail access to the immediate area completely. To the left of him, he heard a reporter hail him, requesting a comment on the day's proceedings. Automatically, he began to turn to acknowledge the speaker, ducking when he narrowly missed being struck by an elongated camera lens that unexpectedly swung towards him and then up towards the upper level of his home. The sound of the camera's rapid shutter followed, causing Kabir to chart the direction of the photographer's interest. He caught the briefest glimpse of the bedecked bride who must have taken an opportunity to take a quick look out of second floor window. Just as quickly, the drapes fell back in to place, removing the reason for the photographer's invasiveness. When Kabir finally turned, however he saw that the man had clearly become embolden by the perceived freedom he had been allowed , and had come over the perimeter fence, and onto the property.
"I'm sorry you have to leave."
"C'mon KT cut me some slack; it's not right that we all be shut out of the event, when others clearly are not," the persistent man insisted.
He was correct in his summation, but the two sanctioned journalists were courtesy of the newspaper that Rajeev's father had recently become the major shareholder of. Naturally they would be given the exclusivity, but even that had come with stipulations.
"I must insist, "Kabir replied evenly. Stealthily he looked around for the nearest security personnel should he need to remove the man post haste without creating a scene. Thankfully it did not come to that when the man decided on to leave on his own volition; or perhaps he hadn't ,Kabir thought when in the next instant Jack appeared at his side. Kabir couldn't hazard a guess what the bodyguard could have done to encourage the swift exit, but Kabir was certain that he had been the reason for the reporter's departure. The two men stood convivially watching as Naomi's mother performed the aarti for her son-in-law; welcoming him and his family home. Outside the crowd of spectators pressed as close as they are able.
"I will feel better once we get everyone inside," Jack confessed. "Much easier to maintain the barrier between the legitimate and the unknown." he added for Kabir's benefit.
The designer perused the vast crowd. "Are you expecting trouble on either front, Jack," he asked in a low voice.
"Ow Papa, you're squeezing me too tight."
Unaware of his involuntary reaction to Jack's concerns, Kabir nuzzled his son's hair. "Sorry, beta. Aacha, It looks like they have almost concluded. Would you like to get down now?"
"Ji Papa, can I say hello to Vihaan Uncle now?"
Kabir nodded and set him on the ground, watching closely to ensure Sanjay went directly there. He smiled as the little boy basically ended up where he began - up in Vihaan's arms. The latter cavorted excitedly as he entered the home, encouraging the little boy to follow his lead. Assured of his son's well-being, Kabir turned back to the concerns of the bodyguard.
Expertly, Jack continued to scan the throng of people as the last of the groom's party filtered into the home. Quickly eliminating those who had started to move on, seeing that the pageantry of the baraat had ended, he radioed the additional hired protection personnel, reiterating his instructions to maintain the perimeter and report immediately anyone remaining who may unwisely attempt to circumvent the delineated border and move onto the private property. Just because he, himself had not seen ought to cause alarm, did not mean that there was no potential danger in the remaining people gathered. And as foolhardy as it would be for anyone to attempt something during such a well-secured event, he understood that such was not out of the realm of possibility. Still his instincts told him that, for the moment, all was well. Finally, he turned to his host. "I'm absolute follower of an ounce of prevention being better than a pound of cure, but in this instance, I say that you should relax and enjoy the festivities. Shall we go," he asked the designer, indicating the home's entrance.
***********
Rajeev folded his hands in greeting and exchanged pleasantries with the married couple, Naomi's university friends, thanking them for their felicitations and sharing their appreciation for the venue's appearance.
"Naomi has always been very artistic, but this...this truly surpasses all imagination."
The groom smiled and nodded, before bidding the pair goodbye, when they were called away by other guests.
"Aacha, you learn quickly, Rajeev; allow your spouse undeserved credit in order to maintain a happy home."
The coach turned around and immediately held his hand out to the designer. "Namaste Kabir, I was wondering where you were. How are you?"
"Clearly not as well as you my friend...if I may?" With a discerning eye, Kabir studied the fit of his friend's sherwani. It had been a hard sell to get Rajeev to agree to the non-traditional color scheme of mauve and grey, but definitely worth the persistence. Whether the man wanted to believe it or not he definitely had the stature to carry off the modern look, which would complement his partner's wedding look. "I may have to offer you some form of residual payment once your image is published. I expect my business to increase many-fold ..."
"And I would still be the better off," Rajeev interjected. "If I haven't expressed it well enough Kabir, thank you. I would have never imagined that any of this would come to be from a single invitation to dinner..."
Kabir shook his head " Blame Destiny my friend; it was never my doing that..."
Before he could finish his sentence, an arm encircled his shoulder as Vihaan stepped in between the two of them. He placed his other arm around his brother's shoulder. "Arrey guys, enough of the sentimentality; there will be enough of that during the actual ceremony. I think this floral explosion has affected your senses. Do you think Bhabhi has left any roses in the city at all?" He motioned a passing waiter and procured drinks for the three of them and offered a quick toast before swooping off to socialize further before the auspicious time arrived. The two older men shared the welcome peace that came with the younger Agarwal's departure.
"Vihaan is right about one thing though. This is an incredible display; should we add floral designer to your list of accomplishments, or will you continue to allow your better half to receive all of the accolades."
"Go to hell, Kabir," Rajeev jokingly responded before turning to greet more guests.
*************
There had been an almost steady stream of visitors to the upstairs bedroom, but the constancy of Rachna's company had been both a welcome respite, and deterrent to everyone who wished to meet the bride..
After another family member congratulated her from the door on how beautiful the great room looked, Rachna shut the door and laughed aloud. "I think you may as well give up, Naomi. No-one is going to believe that you did not conceptualize the entire thing. They would only be half wrong, if it helps" Rachna suggested.
"Be that as it may, it was his decision to augment the design into what it is now," Naomi answered "I cannot take the credit."
She had in fact, been on the brink of a breakdown when it appeared that the floral order had been completely bungled; when wave upon wave predominately deep red and lavender roses were brought into the house. As beautiful as they were; she hadn't ordered half as many, and worse yet none of the pale purple hydrangeas she had wanted, were anywhere to be seen. She had only calmed down when the lead florist of the team sent to decorate had provided a copy of the change order that had been endorsed by R. Agarwal. Chastened that her uncertainties got the better of her, Naomi had telephoned to affirm that he had actually done this. Rajeev had listened in silence as she had apologetically stumbled over her words as she questioned him over changing the floral design.
.He was absolutely unapologetic, and only asked her to trust him. "I'm sorry you felt the need to call me, but yes Sweetheart, I have made the changes. I know you will like them...and the reason behind it."
"Which is what exactly Rajeev Agarwal," Naomi asked bewildered by his absurd spontaneity that had the potential of ruining everything.
He hurried when she would have interrupted him "At the very least, I hoped it would make up for the last time you received flowers at home - knowing that something so personal was used against you, I wanted to replace that bad memory . Now just relax and when the time comes, please confirm our stairs to the florist for me, thik hai? "
His request made no sense to her but she agreed anyway.
Watching as the florists began suspending the pale purple rose garlands, interspersing them with the reflective strings of crystals that twinkled as the light caught them, inside the translucent columns of the modern acrylic mandap that she had selected before topping it with the most exquisite red rose floral swag, Naomi looked on amazed that he would do this for her, although she still couldn't fathom the reason. She soon noticed a common theme of all of the lavender roses being encased in glass or some other lucent vessel while the red roses displays were bold, almost to the point of being overpowering. Finally she couldn't contain herself, and went to supervisor for an explanation. The man, who expected her questions, had smiled at her and told that it all had to with the language of roses, and the meaning behind the different colors.
"Take the lavender rose for instance: they generally signify enchantment and love at first sight."
Naomi hadn't known that, but the thought made her smile. "And the red rose is for love right; that's pretty common knowledge..."
"Ji one could say that, but more so they actually convey deep emotions; an enduring love full of respect and devotion and passion." The decorator smiled as the young woman blushed as she pondered on the explanation he had given. He then excused himself and got back to work.
Naomi remained there, staying out of the team's way, but keenly watching their progress. As Rajeev had forewarned, the only time her input was needed was when she was asked to point out specific stairs to the supervisor. When the room: from top to bottom had been transformed into a floral paradise, the lead decorator had gone one last time to his vehicle, leaving Naomi alone in the space and her thoughts on the design. A multitude of delicate purple roses had been placed on the steps themselves on wall side of the staircase in a variety of cylinder vases all with floating candles while the red roses commandeered the staircase hand-railing completely, from top to bottom where it cascaded dramatically on to the floor almost as it was a waterfall. What the flowers said to her was what had begun as a fascination had been protected, and nurtured until it became something enduring and long lasting; at least that's what Naomi imagined the meaning to be. She walked and stopped at every one of "their steps" and noticed that a touch of red had been added to complement the lavender rose arrangements. The only exception, she found when she reached the stair where she had professed her love, and in the tall clear vase was one single red rose in full bloom. Her hand went up to her mouth, as she realized she was so on the right track. And then the florist had returned with the wedding bouquet, and Naomi finally understood that she was about to marry the most unassumingly romantic man on earth.
"Princess..."
Naomi blinked, coming out of her recollections. "Daddy?"
"It's time Princess."
************
The guests had been seated and Rajeev waited at the mandap for his bride. He smiled as Rachna walked down the staircase, looking lovely in her rose pink saree, As close as to a wedding party as they would have, which they both agreed was not necessary; Rajeev knew that as her sole attendant, Rachna's arrival meant Naomi would not be far behind. He smiled at his wife's best friend as she walked and joined her fmily who waited not far from the mandap. With a clear view of the upper level, he then looked to the direction he expected his love to come, escorted by her father.
Not leaving anything to chance, and knowing that she had exactly 49 seconds from the beginning of the overture to be taking her first step down the staircase, Naomi pressed the wireless remote to start the entrance music. On her father's arm she walked the landing and waited. As she had anticipated, he faltered and came to a complete stop when he recognized the tune.
"Daddy, are you okay?"
"I wasn't expecting this Princess," he said his voice gruff with emotion. "I figured that with you going the traditional route that you would have chosen ..."
Naomi shook her head. "How could it have been anything else, but this music, Daddy," she responded as she remembered her seven year old self being taken to the cinema to see Ever After by her father, and her subsequent obsession with the Cinderella story. Her father had totally indulged her fixation and would humor her by constantly re-watching the film with her and reluctantly promising that, when she found her own Prince Henry he would walk her down the aisle to the soundtrack. It had seemed so long ago, and maybe he had forgotten it, but she wouldn't have had it any other way.
She reached up with the small hanky she carried, and dabbed her father's moist eyes.
"Daddy, it's time; will you walk me to my prince?"
He leaned over and kissed her forehead before taking a shuddering breath. I expect I had better before your mother comes up here," he joked through his tears." Come on Princess before I change my mind."
********
Rajeev didn't care who heard him exhale in relief when Naomi resumed her walk, and judging by the twitter surrounding him, he would gather that many of the guests had. To say that he had experienced a moment of sheer panic when the father and daughter duo suddenly came to a complete stop would be a gross understatement. He had waited unsure, as the finally revealed music continued playing and the pair stood immobile, talking for what seemed a lifetime. His heartrate had quickened as he, and all of their guests, began wondering what could be wrong. He sought out his mother-in-law with anxious eyes for some understanding of what was happening, and found relief when he saw her smiling. Only then did he comprehend the probability of nothing being untoward in this unforeseen stoppage other than that the giving away of his only daughter - his princess- was possibly the hardest thing any father could do.
She may be her father's princess, Rajeev thought as he faced Naomi, but to him she seemed no less than an angel: delicate and ethereal. He thought he had steeled himself against her appearance when he got a good look at her at the top of the staircase, and trusted his self- control, to get him through the rituals without making a complete fool of himself. But now up close he was even more dazed by her The lavender bridal lehenga already made luminescent by the iridescent beadwork took on an even more stunning air when paired with the diaphanous veil and dupatta , and complimented by the ornate diamond bridal jewelry she had chosen. She shone with an inner and outer beauty, and he was just captivated ; surely there could be no luckier man on earth. When it came time to exchange garlands, he gladly bowed his head, making no pretense of resisting at all when she reached up placed the red rose garland over his head. He was sure he heard Vihaan's moan that he had acquiesced so easily, but it didn't matter, because in a most uninspiring move Naomi did the exactly the same, smiling sweetly and remaining completely still when Rajeev did the same for her.
*********
Naomi could only assume that no matter the type of ceremony, that one's own wedding would inevitably pass in the blink of an eye. Despite the mantras and chanting of the pundit throughout, it felt as if one ritual gave way to the next: one minute her father was placing her hand in Rajeev's, and even though she was aware that it wasn't true, somehow, in what felt like mere moments, the time had passed and then she was standing for the pheras. In her preparation for the wedding, of all it was this ritual that she welcomed: the vows that they would make to each other; divine promises that would forever unite the two of them.
They had taken turns first leading and then following the other: willingly and with an abundant joy they made and received promises to each other in tandem. Amidst the shower of rose petals that cascaded upon them, as plentiful as the love they felt from their family and friends, and most importantly for each other, they declared and validated their union in this most important of rituals. Each circumambulation moved them closer to the destiny they had been born to reach together. And then, this too was done.
**********
She - his wife - sat on his left side now, as dictated by the almost completed rituals, were all that remained was for him to adorn her with the symbols of a married woman. Unabashedly he ached to complete this and cover her with the visual proofs that she was his - for now and always. For all appearances; she sat composed as she awaited these final rites which would authenticate her status as his wife; a sereneness he knew to be false. He could see it in her eyes; his ill-disciplined darling was bursting at the seams, wanting to express the happiness that shone as she looked at hm. For once he couldn't fault her, he felt the very same. His mother, herself beaming with pleasure approached and provided the first adornment: the mangalsutra that Rajeev had meticulously selected for her, taking into consideration her likes as he had come to know. As he leaned in to place it around her neck, he winked at her roguishly, knowing that for decorum's sake she would not respond as she would like. Her eyes flashed a warning that he would gladly take her up on later. However both sobered when the priest instructed Rajeev to apply the sindoor. The act would bring the culmination of all they had wished for; and if both got a little blurry-eyed as he filled her maang, nobody cared; certainly not the two of them nor any of their loved ones who celebrated with them that evening.
[NOCOPY]
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