Arakshi SS : Amour Fou - 16+ *Ch 6 - page 18* I PM SENT I

Devi Garh*, Jaipur, Rajasthan

He dusted his jeans and drank copious amounts of water from his steel flask. Slipping on an expensive pair of aviators he walked through the village and almost bit back a chuckle as the women were hushed into their houses and men stared at him.

Some in immediate admiration, some in pure confusion.

He pulled out a neatly folded kerchief from his pocket, a small smile adorning his face as the S' of his wife's name was neatly stitched in a wonderful embroidery at the end of the kerchief.

He sighed as the memories of her gazelle like eyes, lush mouth and breathtaking embraces provided solace to him amidst this arid heat of the Indian desert.

Apparently this was a five hour drive from the main city of Jaipur, many people debated whether it was a part of the city or not.

Wiping the sweat from his brow he walked towards the sarpanch's house and allowed himself to get astonished by the intricate decorations on the cement walls. One could have easily called it a haveli as the yellow stone from Jodhpur shimmered against the sun, no wonder Ray** had named his novel The Golden Fortress.

This little house seemed no different.

"I would want to meet the Sarpanch." He bit back at his inability to speak flawless Hindi. He was sure that a few were going to snicker at his accent while a few would fawn over his fair skin and chestnut hair.

"He's busy at the moment... may I know why you are here?" A man with salt and pepper hair, bearing a pot belly and a huge red turban on his head peered back at him.

"I'm from the State Productions and I had taken prior permission to shoot child marriages happening in this side of the world. Of course we're going to make a beautiful movie out of this." He had hidden that he was a part of no State Productions but of State Geographic.

And that he had come to make a documentary on child marriages - exposing them to the world as half of them would consider the discrepancy of the situation while the other half would be busy minding their own business.

The pot bellied man smiled at him, revealing his exquisitely stained teeth. An excess of a savoury made with betel leaves probably, the man mused to himself.

"This is the perfect time, his son is getting married today. Would you care to join sahib?" The rubbing of the forefinger and thumb suggested cash, a gesture he was largely acquainted with by now.

Daniel focused his lens while the man stared at the couple in front. A girl, no more than fourteen years of age, was almost hidden under the piles of gold and heavy fabrics twisted around her frail body. The only thing that stood out were her large, dark eyes.

Fear, confusion, anxiety.

He cringed as her fluffy pale cheeks and baby lips screamed of innocence.

It might be hypocritical to state but he did feel relieved to find the groom to be just a mere few years older than her. He seemed to be more confident and the man could make out the adoration the groom had for his bride for his eyes never left the bride.

Strange, the man had never seen this happening before.

However, at least both were young. He could vouch that the groom was no more than eighteen.

"Robert?" Daniel called him out. Robert put on the traditional turban and motioned Daniel to start recording. He sent a short text to his wife, Samantha, of his delay in arriving back at home - New York.

He sighed as guilt ate him again. They were strongly advised to just record the event, no heroism or voicing out their opinions was allowed.

With the camera rolling, focusing on two contrasting faces, Robert and Daniel captured the wedding rituals.

"Dulhan ka naam..." the pandit spoke, his heavy voice sending a small shiver down the girl's spine.

"Sakshi... Sakshi Dhoundiyal." A soft tuned, one that of a lillet's chirped out under the red stole.

"Dulhe ka naam..."

"Arjun Maurya."

* Devi Garh is a fictional village.

** Satyajit Ray's - The Golden Fortress/ Shonar Kella