A Twisted Ankle Gives A Twist

A twisted ankle gives a twist to the pheras.

They fought to get married.

After dating for four long years, Rhea and Vicky were getting married. Although, there was resistance from both the families, they dug in their heels. They tried all possible ruses to convince their parents, but, nothing seemed to be working. Finally, they threatened to elope. The parents relented. They certainly could do without a scandal.

Considering the degree of confrontation each had faced with their own families, the couple expected that the other side would treat them coldly. But, they were in for a surprise. Rhea's parents welcomed Vicky with open arms and so did Vicky's parents to Rhea. In fact, Vicky was pampered to the hilt on every visit to Rhea's family and Vicky's parents welcomed Rhea warmly. Every-body seemed to have taken a U-turn from their earlier stand.

Rhea was a die-hard romantic. The furore of resistance, (which, she thought was rather thrilling) had subsided. She looked forward to a 'perfect' wedding.

It sure seemed to be happening that way. The families were not just happy, but very enthusiastic too. The wedding preparations were going on and she was on top of the world.

Everything looked set for a perfect wedding.

It was the wedding day. Adorned with white orchids and pink lilies, the mandap looked awesome. Vicky looked dapper in a white sherwani, so much so that Rhea could not keep her eyes of him. The pundits changed the mantras in chorus creating a magical ambience. It was all perfect!

After the rituals, it was time for the pheras. For the first six pheras, Rhea would walk behind her groom, and for the seventh, Vicky would follow Rhea. This signified that both man and wife should be willing to follow each other if required, in any situation of their life.

Then disaster struck.

It was all so idealistic and Rhea looked dreamy eyed as she moved forward for the last phera. That is when she stepped on her heavy lehenga and twisted her ankle. The pain was sharp and she could barely stand. The parents were alarmed…….it was inauspicious and the phera had to be completed! Rhea panicked……she didn't want to look stupid, limping around the sacred fire with a dozen eager aunts holding her. How could she be so clumsy and spoil it all? She was terribly embarrassed and hurting as tears rolled down her pink cheeks.

Just then Vicky whispered something into the Pundit's ears. The pundit deliberated for a few seconds and then gave a nod of approval. Vicky gave a reassuring look to Rhea's parents and then whispered into her ears. "Hold on tight, baby!" Before she knew it he had lifted her in his arms! Rhea was stunned for a moment. She then looked lovingly into his eyes as Vicky completed the phera, amidst rumors of "How romantic!' and "Isn't that sweet?" and "What lovely photographs this would make!"

Rhea was delighted. She had the most romantic moment a bride could have asked for. This was thanks to her twisted ankle. She began thinking "The Twisted Ankle had given a Twist to the Pheras!"