Chapter 29
Introducing the two families was no easy task, as the complex relationships were a bit awkward to handle. Prats awkwardness finally dissipated when her mother-in-law-to-be pulled her aside, "Let it be, Pratistha. Or, can I call you Piyu? I heard Sid calling you that a couple of times." At the bashful nod, she continued, "I will figure out all my samdhans (in-laws) later on; I want to know you now - your likes, dislikes, everything... I hope we can be the best of friends." Sitting Prats down next to her, she ran a caressing hand over her hand, "What a petite beauty you are. No wonder my son is lattoo <head over heels> over you... You are so pretty in this bedraggled state, I wonder how beautiful you'll look in this..." So saying, she picked up a bag from a designer store, handing it over to Prats.
Looking for approval at Sid and her smiling parents, Prats pulled out a deep maroon bandhni silk sari and a jewelry box. Eyes popping in anticipation, Prats opened the box to find jadau <studded> bangles and a matching ruby and diamond set. "Aunty, this is so beautiful, but isn't it too much?" she whispered. "Call me Maa please. Aunty is too impersonal. And what is too much? If you like my choice, then this is just the start of my spoiling you..." Leaning forward, she kissed Piyu on the forehead, "Welcome again, beti." Looking into Sid's proud eyes, Prats eyes acknowledged that she now knew where his gentle and loving ways came from. Kissing her new Maa's cheek in gratitude, she went to show her gifts to her family.
Her father-in-law-to-be stopped her on the way, "Pratishtha, I heard you are fond of dogs and vehicles. Well, so am I; let's go out for a spin some time. And call me Dad." Running a fond hand over her head, he turned to Bhoomiji, "So, samdhiji, let us leave these women to their giggling over clothes and jewelry. Sid had mentioned that the marriage has to be soon. We have a lot of work to do..." Bhoomiji inserted, "Do you want us to call our panditji <priest> to match their horoscopes and find the right time? Sureshji burst out laughing, "No, we are not that type of family. Miya biwi razi toh kya karega kazi <when the bride and groom are ready, what can the priest do>? They know whether they suit each other or not, and world over, people marry without checking dates. Don't see all of their marriages failing..." Sobering, he said, but of course, if you all want to consult a priest, I have no problem with that..."
"No, no samdhiji. At first glance, I knew Siddhant was right for Pratishtha. Let's plan the marriage in exactly a week's time. Maasa should have recovered from her operation by then. Is it OK if I book the Rajvilas for all the functions? We'll have to book a few rooms for our guests and yours too. I want this to be the biggest wedding ever..." Sid, who had been a silent listener so far, piped up, "Err, I know you two fathers have been dreaming of this huge wedding for your children, but I would like a small, private ceremony." Turning to put his hand out to Prats, "I hope you agree, Piyu. I was telling both of them that we would like a small wedding, a registered marriage, just for family. I don't want a grand display of pomp and show. This is our private moment of joy. We can celebrate with others later. Dad can host a party for his friends and fellow businesspeople when we return from our honeymoon. And Bhoomiji can host a reception in Jaitser once Daadisa is OK enough to participate fully."
Bhoomiji gave Sid a small punch on the shoulder, "So, first things first, we are Maasa and Baapusa for you from now. Next, I think I might love you more than I love Pratishtha... What you are saying makes perfect sense... Good, we'll go for that, but since we know nothing much of Jaipur, could you help us with the shopping and everything? Kuch to khareedna hi padega... <something will have to be bought, won't it...> Sid slipped his arm around Prats. "Leave it to me, I'll handle it all. Let me start by booking the registrar. He will come to whichever hotel you all are staying in. Scratch that, one of our apartments is empty. All of you can shift there..."
Geeta rushed forward, "None of this lovey-dovey stuff, Sid. If we had our way, you and Prats would not be meeting until the wedding. However, since this is a wedding with a difference, both of you will have to shop together, so... But, no hanky-panky stuff before the wedding and no alone time - at all! We will be watching you'll," she laughed. At Sid's pained face, Prats pinched him gently on the wrist, smiling lovingly at him, "OK Taisa, as you say."
Just then, a doctor came out to inform them that the procedure had gone well, and two people could go in to see her. By unspoken consent, Sid and Prats walked into the recovery room, where Daadisa lay, still frighteningly fragile. Touching one of her feet, Prats whispered, "Daadisa, won't you meet your new damaad?" As the papery eyelids blinked open, Prats drew Sid toward her. At her slight gesture, both bent their heads toward her, letting her breathe a small prayer over them.
As the nurse instructed them to leave, Prats pressed a small kiss on Daadisa's cheek, before walking backward out of the room. As she exited the recovery area, she let out a soft gasp as an arm encircled her waist in the dimly lit passage that led from the recovery area to the waiting area. "Sid, what are you up to?" she muttered while desperately trying to evade the seeking lips that attacked every corner of her nape and shoulders. "Shhh... am just congratulating you and myself on our engagement. Didn't get a moment alone so far!" "But Sid, you promised!" squeaked Prats as hungry lips ate at the corner of hers." Twisting her fully towards him, he smirked, "You did. And anyway, I had my fingers crossed behind my back." Covering her mouth with his, laving his way into the honeyed depths of hers, he sustained himself for the periods of starvation that would follow. Laying his forehead on hers, he kissed her closed eyes tenderly, "Congratulations, Mrs. Siddhanth Shrivastav to be... and thank you for agreeing to be mine."
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