The smell of henna and spirit of womanhood filled up the room where women of all ages and sizes had gathered, sitting cozily with each other, admiring each other's mehendi. Further away in the room, the younger ones- boys and girls- took to the makeshift stage, performing solo, duet and even group dances on innumerable wedding themed Bollywood numbers. The men stood at the bar and near the stage, considering it none of their business to involve in girls’ stuff.
“I’ve included Lance’s name somewhere along this design.” Anita said.
“Oh,” Rave looked as Anita pointed to where it was.
“You don’t know about this. Do you? Let me explain.” She said as she started drawing on Rave’s other hand. “The wedding mehendi designs usually include the hidden inscription of the groom’s name on bride’s palm. It is believed if the groom fails to find his name within the elaborate patterns, the bride will be dominant in conjugal life. Oh here he comes.”
Lance entered the door and was instantly greeted and teased by the men gathered there. They were blocking the way so that he could not get to Rave, but they eventually pitied Lance and let him go. Lance took a seat at her side.
“Hey, you look amazing,” he said kissing her.
“You look amazing as well,” she gestured to the dress that he was wearing. It was what all men were wearing there -except Jacob- but Lance’s was grander than the rest. It complemented the colors of her dress, but while her dress had more blue, his had more of black.
“This is called a shervani,” he said.
“Right! Shervani.” she smiled at her handsome fiancée.
Then Janice announced, “Let’s hit the dance floor people.”
The lights around the hall were dimmed and the dance floor came under full glow. The DJ had specially been flown from a top club of India. He changed the tone of music from the slow background instrumentals, which had been playing till now, to fast paced, disco numbers.
As soon as the music started, people started performing to Bollywood songs. Rashi and Lizzie were up first. Rave was amazed how gracefully and fast they both moved together in unison. Anna couldn’t make it because she had an exam to attend. Next was a cute dance by twins Kim and Kate. They both were wearing matching outfits and captured the audience’s hearts by their endearing moves.
Franny didn’t back out; she had convinced her friends from Colorado to perform tonight as well. They were wearing traditional dresses especially designed for their performance and performed a cultural dance that mesmerized everyone.
Next was Carl, and Lance’s stepbrother Sunil. They did a gig on a loud and fast Indian dance number. Then, at last Janice and Ravi performed on a slow romantic number. Janice had called in a professional choreographer for the event and everyone’s mastery at their respective numbers was evident of his skills. People were laughing, clapping and cheering and even whistling. They were already congratulating Janice on arranging such a wonderful party.
Everyone was enjoying except one person. Jacob was standing at the corner, Rave observed, making irritated faces. He didn’t agree to perform at all. Lance excused himself and disappeared.
“And now for the last performance of tonight,” Janice announced.
Rave looked around for Lance, she didn’t want him to miss it.
“Call Lance,” she called out to Rashi.
The lights went out from the hall and a single strong beam fell on the center of the stage.
“Look in front of you,” Rashi winked.
There he was right in front of her, emerging from the fake shimmering smoke and looking ravishing in the glow of the light.
“This is a song I have made myself, for my lovely bride-to-be,” he said.
Rave looked at him in astonishment. She had no idea he was going to perform.
Everyone was clapping to a song that alternated between Hindi and English sentences. Rave was about to clap but then remembered her mehandi and stopped. Though there were other guys and girls participating in the dance- she didn’t see anyone except Lance. He had put a lot of time and effort into his practice- she was sure the song was his, though it was previously recorded with music. She could understand most of it- and then realized the reason. Rashi. Rashi had been working with Rave teaching her specifically the same words of Lance’s song. The lighting and smoke was fully coordinated with his movements and Rave felt she was watching a movie where the hero was hers. Half way through the song, he pulled Rave to the floor. Rave was caught completely off-guard and at first she was too numb to move. Others joined in going around in a number of circles around them. There was too much energy and laughter around her that she soon caught up in the vibe and started to dance. Rave and Lance both danced their hearts out, forgetting the crowd of people around them. It is magical, thought Rave. She had never felt happier in her life.
She could see Franny trying to push Jacob into it, but he stood defiant. After a sumptuous dinner people started clearing out. Lance was feeding Rave, and praising her continuously.
“You are at my party Jacob!” Janice’s voice boomed across the part-empty hall. The remaining guests were looking on, but the two of them were lost in their own world of anger.
“I’m here for Derek,” Jacob said.
Lance took it as a cue for them to leave and got up. “Guess it is time to go.”
“Shouldn’t we really meet before the wedding?” Rave asked.
Janice had told her that they weren’t supposed to see each other- after tonight’s event- until wedding day. It was an Indian tradition, which Janice wasn’t ready to give up.
“We’ll see what we can do about that.”
“Ha! He is Lance,” Janice continued.
“He is known as Derek on my side of the family.”
“That doesn’t change his real name.”
“Also in the business industry. Every client, every businessman calls him Derek.”
Janice ridiculed him. “Once he agrees to model for one of my shows, the fashion industry will know him as Lance.”
“I wish I could have changed his name in court.”
“Didn’t happen.” Janice smirked.
“Anyway he is a Lawson,” Jacob said with pride. “Not a Kumar,” he pointed to Ravi “And thankfully not a Gupta,” he shifted his finger to Janice.
All the remaining guests were gathering around now. Lance quickly got to them. “Can’t you for once try to be nice?”
“Nice?” Janice scoffed. “Oh I tried to be nice. I even sent him a sherwani for tonight. But no! Not Jacob Lawson. He wants to be the odd one at my party.”
“I see nothing wrong with my suit.”
Janice started angrily in Hindi, and Jacob rolled his eyes to show he didn’t care- whatever she was saying in the foreign language.
“Come on dad. Let’s go,” Lance said. “Bye mom. Bye Rave, see you at the wedding.”
“And don’t come begging to see her before that because I won’t allow that. You have any problem?”
That question was to Rave.
Rave simply shook her head.
“Okay then, take this man out of my house,” Janice ordered Lance.
“Who even wants to stay here,” were Jacob’s last words before exiting.
Lance gave Rave a hug.
“Aww.” Janice said. “Kiss if you want, the next opportunity will only be at the wedding.”
“Mom,” Lance complained.
“If you want it, go on. Okay, I’m not looking.” Janice turned around.
Lance gave Rave a quick peck on the lips.
“Assuming you are done mister, it’s time to go.” Janice smiled, leading Lance outside.
*****
Later that night when Rave was sleeping her phone started to ring. It was Lance. She held it carefully with the mehandi now dry on her hands.
“If you want to marry me… open the window before I’m dead.”
Rave quickly opened the window uncertain of what he meant. The very next moment Lance entered. He was pant
ing and trembling, and quickly grabbed himself the glass of water from the table.
“What are you doing? Sit down.”
“You do not know the guts I needed to conquer this height.”
“It’s just the first floor,” Rave pointed out sarcastically. She knew how scared Lance was of heights.
He picked up his phone. “Yes dad, I’m in.”
“Dad?”
“He was the one who told me how to come in this way. I know he wanted me to meet you because mom restricted that,” he laughed. “But still I couldn’t have met you if not for him. Is the mehandi dry now?”
“Yeah. And I completely forgot to ask. Can you find your name on my hand?” Rave showed him the mehandi on her right hand.
Lance squinted for a minute and shrugged. “No.”
“Anita said that if you can’t find it, I will be dominant in our married life.”
“I don’t mind.” Lance got closer. “Let’s rub that stuff off your hands.”
“I need to keep it till morning,” Rave pulled her hands away.
“Well do you want me to stay the night or that?” he asked a smile played on his lips.
A knock on the door disturbed the moment.
“Is Lance in there?” It was Janice.
“Mom is going to give us…me a hard time if she knows I’m here,” he said making way to the window again.
“Why don’t you just hide? I’ll send her away” Rave whispered scared he’d fall down and break a bone.
“You don’t know my mom so well yet,” he kissed her and left.
The knocking grew louder. “Rave, open the door.”
Rave waited until Lance was safely back on ground. Then she faced Janice.
“What took you so long?” She said pushing her way inside and switching on the light.
“Uh...I was in the bathroom.”
“Where is he?”
“He?” Rave pretended.
“I know every trick in the book son,” she spoke louder so that Lance would hear her. “If I find you, I’m going to make you pay.”
She was very serious and Rave understood Lance’s decision to move out. She didn’t leave out any part of the room. Then she looked outside the window and slightly shook her head.
“I could swear I heard Lance.”
“I didn’t hear him,” Rave lied.
“Sorry for disturbing you darling. Do you need help with anything? Are you having a hard time sleeping with the mehandi.”
“No.”
“Look at the color,” she said taking her hand and pointing to the maroon lines, where the mehandi had peeled off.” It is so dark. Do you know what that means?”
Rave shrugged. “It means that when this comes off, the mehandi will leave a maroon pattern?”
“No,” she patted her head and smiled. “It is said that the darker the mehandi, all the more is the hubby’s love for you. It means that Lance loves you a lot.”
Rave smiled looking down at her hands. She knew that Lance loved her more than just ‘a lot’. Before drifting off to sleep once again, Rave messaged to Lance. See you at the wedding.
That way, she thought, their wedding day would be much more special.
*****
Lance’s e-diary
24 November
It is finally the day I’ve been waiting for, from a long long time- to unite with my soul mate- Rave. It was surely not easy getting here but we stood the test of time as proof for our unshaken love. I miss Steph, but I know wherever she is, she is happy for me as there is no threat anymore.
Carl, my best man, is spicing up his attire. The bridesmaids Rashi, Lizzie and Anna are with Rave. The venue, I had a glimpse of, is precise and business-like, just like dad. Well as of now everything is set. I’m ready in my expensive tux and ready to roll as soon as my man here is ready.
I’ll keep updating this diary today- with voice recognition of course. I wouldn’t have the time to type in between my wedding! This will be the last day of my diary entries.
Rave’s grandpa Ronald walked her down the aisle…And everything went well. Everything, except for the heavy scent of overloaded flowers at the altar. It was a last moment addition to the decoration. The Sangeet function too included flowers, but this had gone way overboard. It was hard to just wait there till Rave stepped up. It was a battle not to choke to death and the priest too had the vows going a little sooner. I think Carl or the girls will ever forget the time, even though they did maintain a good distance from the cloud of fragrance.
I’ve snuck to the corner after kissing the bride and being wished by friends, family and the major portion today- dad’s guests from business. Rave as usual is stunning, with the white half-netted gown with bead work from mom’s new bridal collection..…
The reception followed. Just finished with the dance. Carl said I look like a total love-struck Romeo and have to take my eyes off Rave every once in a while. Time to grow cautious, Lance. At the moment, Rave’s taking pictures with mom and the bridesmaids. Mom is looking for me. Got to go….
I can’t miss recording this. It is 4:16pm. Three minutes ago, mom and dad together took pictures with me and Rave. I have rushed here to the bathroom unable to contain my feelings, letting my tears of joy spill. The thing I’ve been wishing for every birthday, every Christmas, every day, finally happened today. They took pictures with me! They didn’t even fight today, the whole time. Just for me. They have given me the best gift ever. I borrowed Carl’s lighter and destroyed the torn picture of my childhood- I do not need it anymore. I am sooo happy. I’m so out of the world right now that I don’t know what to say except for everything I wished for came true today…………..
And so Rave and I start our happily ever after. Goodbye, diary.
CHAPTER 40
Eight years had passed since the night Rave had been set free. The wedding had been one of the happiest days of her life, but nothing could ever be greater than the relief and sheer joy of that night she knew that she was no longer destined to kill everyone who she loved, that she could be happy. After the wedding Lance and Rave had just partied for a whole year- multiple honeymoons, clubs, parties, adventures, everything Rave had never experienced. After that Rave was expecting Lanra- and things settled down and Lance started taking work seriously. They decided to name their daughter honoring the family name-keeping tradition. ‘Lave’ ,’Lanave’, ’Ralance’,‘Lara’, later settled for they thought was best-‘Lanra’. When they took her in their arms and called Lanra's name for the first time, they understood the joy from it- proof of the bond they shared with her, it was the feeling of oneness, the feeling that she was theirs, a part of their own family.
After years of inactivity, of not seeing the demon, they had both simply stopped mentioning it, ignoring the past to focus on the future, on Lanra- providing her parts of what they had missed in their separate childhoods-both love and freedom.
It was harder for Rave though- especially during nights like this when she had trouble sleeping- to stop thinking of the things she had done. She never told Lance but she still pondered on her sins seeking forgiveness from all those departed people who died because of her- including her own parents.
As she passed Lanra's room, she couldn't help but wonder what she might've done to deserve such a kid. Perhaps murder. Rave shook the thought off her mind- she couldn't relate Lanra to her dark past. Lanra was a lovely kid. Being six, any other kid would've become spoilt in her place- but not Lanra. Lanra didn't cry or demand for stuff she wanted, she was very composed, understood many things, always offered to help and appreciated what was being done for her. Maybe the qualities of Lanra tempted them to pamper her even more.
Rave returned to her room where Lance was fast asleep. Eight years but he still looked no less charming than he was then. No less caring or protective either. He would always remain the same man who loved her unconditionally, even when she was evil.
When Rave heard footsteps coming from below she took a look outside
the window. A man was crossing the street in front of their home, and Rave smiled. Years ago, the sight of him would have stirred something deep inside of her, and he would have unknowingly been walking straight to his death. Tonight? There was nothing within Rave, no sense of alarm, no feeling of rage or bloodlust. He was free, blissfully unaware that he could cross the street without harm coming to him.
The man stopped.
Go on, cross the street already, Rave thought.
But he didn’t, he stood still. Rave snapped her fingers and looked on nervously. A van came up in a familiar speed and hit him. He flew a distance like a soda can being kicked in the air.
No! This can’t be happening! Not again! Rave thought, gasping covering her mouth with her hand. Etsy said this will never happen again. How did I kill him?
“Rave!” Lance sprang up from the bed and was beside her in an instant. “What happened?” he looked outside the window. “What did you do?” he shook her in fright.
“I didn’t do anything!” Rave said. But she didn’t expect him to believe her because she wasn’t sure herself.
"Mommy?" Rave heard a voice from the hallway.
“Lanra.” She quickly headed to the door.
Lance blocked her, “Don’t wake her up. She’s asleep.”
“No she’s not, she called me.” Rave told him.
Lance stepped aside. They hadn’t given it a term yet but Rave and Lanra could talk to each other without actually saying anything. People could sometimes get what Rave was thinking when she was in high emotions, much like how Lance sensed her thinking about the accident moments ago, but the bond with Lanra was different. Lance had come to accept that his daughter had inherited that from Rave.
Rave opened the door and Lanra was standing right there. Her dark eyes were confused and long brown hair was fixed back with a hairband. With a small face that had gone a shade paler, she pointed outside with her teddy bear.
The Grasp of Nighttide Page 29