Arranged Love: Part 3 - The Dream

Even if you write volumes about love, still it would remain a mystery. It is as subjective as a life. It does not follow any rule or logic. It just happens. Until you find someone who gives meaning to it, love is just an over hyped word.

After Starbucks, we went to the Gateway of India. I was already on cloud nine, still, he praised me there like anything. That evening the Sun set into the water, just like me who was settling in his imperfections. At that moment I was convinced I was madly in love. He asked if he could hold my hand. I let him. I don’t even remember when it happened but I was in his arms. I was a bit shocked at first when I realized it but, his warmth presence compelled me to hug him back. It was so divine moment that I surrendered myself to him. It was the peak of meditation, I had no thoughts. His next statement compelled me to check whether it’s a reality or a dream.

“Even if my mother said no to you. I would have fought with her for you.”

“I love you. Just stay like this forever.” I said those words for the first time.

“I love you too.” He hugged me again.

It was like hugging my soul mate, my husband. And I was getting the feeling of completeness.

Later he dropped me at Marine drive where his mom and his brother was waiting for me. His brother went with him leaving only me and his mother. Just like all the mothers, she praised her son continuously.

 I don’t understand why mothers cannot accept their insecurities. No matter how strong a mother-son relation may be, ultimately wife is going to get the most of his attention. Sometimes reality is too bitter and too hot to be swallowed at first. We delay it deliberately so that with time it remains only bitter.

 I nodded for almost everything. I complimented her, picked her stuff. It’s just I wanted her to like me at the moment. We hired a cab and went to the hotel.

I envy men, they can find reasons to drink anywhere. When I went to the hotel, I found that my father and Alok’s father were drinking together. From the condition of the room, I guessed it must have been a while. Later we all joined for dinner. It was like a dream dinner for me. I have seen my father in almost all the emotions still that day his face was radiating a unique kind of happiness, perhaps stored for that day only. Alok’s father was teasing his mother. He was cracking some really humorous jokes. I was trying hard to control my laugh. His mother was certainly not enjoying those jokes.

She excused herself for the washroom. Even though his father said that it was fine, she often overreacts, still, I followed her. She liked that, I hold her purse while she went in there. When she came out, dinner was over, Alok’s family was leaving. Everyone was so happy. I still highly regard his father for his humor. I could vividly recall the moment when they were leaving.

“Your purse, Aunty.” she forgot to take back after the washroom.

“Why are you returning it, daughter? She has to hand over everything to you anyway. “His father cracked another one. We all laughed and secretly I touched Alok’s hands. It was indeed a memorable day.

His paternal family was huge. His father has 5 brothers and 3 sisters. Next morning when I was sitting in a corner in the traditional attire and they all were gazing me. I was told that it was just a formal meeting, to please their extended family. I realized that day, it’s not easy to get married in India. They asked every question in a sarcastic way. Somehow I was just counting the minutes.

Finally, the time came when my father had his return flight. We all went to drop him. Formally, they said they will discuss with the family and would call my father the next morning. I had my flight in the late evening to my workplace. I was supposed to stay at my best friend’s place who was dying to know everything in details.

I was at her place. Hardly an hour had passed when Alok called me. He wanted to meet me alone. I was in a moral dilemma, but my friend helped me by pushing me to go ahead. After all, he was going to be my husband, No was really not an option.

We went to his place. I had seen his room, photos every important thing on video calls, but touching them was special. Standing at his favorite spot, through the window I saw some couples holding hands and walking around the park. It all was a fantasy at some point, but I was living it that day. He held me from the back and kissed on my neck. Gradually I was in his arms again. I felt his breath on my face, it came close and he held my face in hands and touched my lips. We kissed. It was the first kiss of my life. One thing led to another and we made love that evening. I was in his arms the entire evening. I didn’t say anything, it was not needed. Words would have destroyed that moment. We stayed like this until it was the time to leave. Later he dropped me to the airport.

From next morning Alok’s phone was switched off. His family never called my father. We waited, waited and waited.