Wanderlust Woman - Part 10

She opened it slowly removing the tape one by one and finally, she found a bike helmet.

“Will you travel with me forever”, the card read.

Yes, she nodded.

The sun rose up brightly that morning and the wedding news spread like the forest fire from one corner to another. The village head wrote the wedding invitation on the palm script and gave it to their parents for distribution. All were extremely happy, especially Karthick.

For the very first time, Priya and Radhi parents’ met. Silence was their language. Both didn’t utter a word but understood the situation. Priya and Radhi who know all the truth hid near the corner of the room watching them silently.

Karthick invited all his friends with the traditional invitation and they were surprised to see him getting married at a middle of a forest near a waterfall which even Goggle can’t find. He also informed Priya’s friends about the same and left to the village.

The groom was welcomed by the morning showers and what he saw was a rainbow above him. Radhi by then has started making the arrangements for their wedding. Rooms were arranged for the guests, the food menu was fixed, flower decorations were up and compliments were decided.

Karthick searched for Priya but she was no were to be seen. He inquired Radhi about her to which she blindfolded his eyes and took him to the grapeyard which Priya was growing secretly.

Wrapped in white frock, her white clear skin glowed like the sparkling white wine. The purple grapes were hanging everywhere and the whole village has assembled to witness the ritual of wine making by the new couple. As he reached, the villagers washed his foot with sugar syrup and put him inside the drum consisting of carefully chosen purple grapes. He could sense the smell but was unaware of where he is. Slowly, she got inside and removed the cloth.

He stood still seeing the magnificent view in front of him. Behind them was the waterfalls fully decked up for the wedding. The sunflower swing was almost ready.

How you managed to do all this, Karthick asked raising his eyebrows.

Anything for you my love, Priya said stamping the grapes.

The village head who was seeing all this told, “It’s our ritual to make the couple to do the wine together. As wine get better with age, relationship gets stronger by years is what we believe in. After 60 years, you and your family members will be made to consume this drink to celebrate your love, he added.

Priya listened keenly and they both stamped the grapes moving around the drum side to side. As they moved, Radhi poured the sugar syrup and white wine and handed over the flower crown to Karthick. He crowned Priya and applied the grape paste on her face and body all of the sudden. As they both were submerged in grape paste, the villagers pulled them out and took them to the waterfalls.

Both took bath under the waterfalls and came to the stage dressed up in linen clothes. Both swang on the swing as the guests started arriving.

The next day, at sharp 6.30 am Karthick tied the yellow colored rope on Priya's neck. From singular they became plural.