by Candy Laine
“You can count on me to help you, pal.” Vishal was really testing his patience now. What would it take for these two clowns to back off? Arun was just about done with this friendly reunion. Life was much simpler in the army. He looked at the soggy mess of the chicken sandwich clenched in his hand. As he dropped it to the plate, he was sorely tempted to get up and leave.
Thankfully Ashish’s phone rang at that precise moment and he got up, mouthing, “I have to take this call.”
“You know,” Vishal’s face was serious now, “If you really like this girl, you should at least get to know her better. Just ask her out once.”
“I am not sure I want to.” He closed his eyes and opened them looking at his friend. “Why would a girl like her, a doctor no less, be interested in a man like me?” He shook his head as he used the soft paper napkin to wipe the mess of mayonnaise off his hands.
“Are you kidding me?” Vishal’s eyes almost popped out of his head, “You guys in uniform have the biggest advantage. All the girls want to be with a hero.”
“I’m no hero, Vishal.” Arun’s eyes went bleak, “I’m just a puppet warrior they point in any direction they want. A killing machine to defend them.”
“The medals on your uniform beg to differ, my friend.” Vishal spoke softly but urgently, “You have been awarded for your personal bravery.”
“I was just doing my damn job.” Arun shook his head. “I really don’t want to talk about this. Tell me what you have been up to the last couple of years?”
“I’m so sorry guys.” Ashish walked back to them, “Emergency at the office, I’m going to have to run.” He held his hand out to Arun, then shook Vishal’s as well. “Let’s get together again before you take off Arun?”
“Sure, I’ll call you.” Arun waved at Ashish as he walked down the stairs.
“That guy needs to take a chill pill. He’s heading for trouble otherwise.” Vishal finished the last of his cold coffee in a loud slurp through the straw.
“What do you mean?” Arun looked down at the street where Ashish was striding away. His office was a couple of blocks down on East Street.
“He’s working too hard. Burning the candle at both ends. Something’s got to give at the rate he’s going.”
“I’m sure he will be okay.” Concern marked Arun’s words, but there was not much he could do about the situation.
“Yeah, I guess. So what time do you want me to come pick you up from the hotel tomorrow for the Rokka ceremony?”
“You don’t need to come pick us up. We can take a cab.”
“Nonsense, it’s on the way for me. Plus it will give me some time to talk with your Mom. It’s been ages since I spent time with her. I wish they hadn’t decided to shift to Delhi after your Dad retired.”
“She misses Pune too. It was the longest we ever stayed in a single station. From my ninth grade to twelfth.”
“Lots of army guys retire and settle down in Pune, why didn’t your parents?”
“Dad wanted to be closer to the family, and except for my mom’s sister everyone else was up north in Delhi, Gurgaon, and Chandigarh. Delhi made more sense for them at the time.” Arun looked at his watch.
“We’d better get going too. It’s getting late. We all have to be at Gagan’s house for dinner tonight. Close family and all that nonsense. It’s going to be a long and painful evening.”
“Especially since the pretty Doc won’t be there…” Vishal teased. “Come on, I’ll give you a lift to the hotel.”
Arun gave him a dirty look and Vishal raised his hands in the universal gesture of surrender. They both got up and started down the stairs. Arun was not looking forward to the evening, and yes he had to admit it was because she wouldn't be there. The thought did nothing to improve his mood as he banged the car door shut.
o0o
9
Engaging Times
o0o
She walks in beauty, like the night
Of cloudless climes and starry skies;
And all that's best of dark and bright
Meet in her aspect and her eyes.
George Gordon, Lord Byron
It was difficult not to get excited. The hall was lit in soft diffused lighting that made everything appear dream like. The indoor fountains added to the glamorous ambience. Shweta was glad that Rahat had insisted on getting her new outfits for the different occasions. The silk blouse had a sweetheart neckline and a much lower back than she was normally comfortable wearing, but she had to agree that the boutique owner was right. It was absolutely stunning.
The ghargra’s long skirt was layered with flowing, transparent, chiffon on a basic silk skirt which was the same shade as the blouse. It was embellished with embroidery done in silver thread. Rahat had personally insisted on helping her with the accessories, so she was wearing delicate silver earrings and a matching filigree pendant on a chain which rested just above the dip in her neckline. In the pink silk and chiffon creation that she was wearing, she felt like an absolute princess twirling around in front of the mirrors that lined the side of the corridor leading to the hall.
If she was honest to herself, and she liked to think that she was, there was some excitement at the thought of seeing Captain Arun Rastogi again. Oh, he was a Major now. She had better remember that in conversation. It was always a sore point with army officers that civilians didn’t understand the rank structure of the armed forces. She remembered major debates over the topic when her father was still alive and they were living in cantonments.
The thought of her father made her misstep. She stopped short. What was she doing? How could she be excited about meeting Arun? He was just like her father. An honourable soldier. One who had survived a gunshot already. He had been lucky that time, but every time? Could she live that life again? Waiting at home and hoping that her man came back safe? No. It was better to just leave things the way they were. Thankfully no one knew of the foolish thoughts that had passed through her mind. She was here for Rahat’s Rokka, not to get herself engaged.
Shweta took a deep breath, steeled her spine and walked slowly towards the stage she could see Rahat sitting on. There was an identical mini stage on the opposite side for Gagan. They had not arrived as yet, the boy’s side. That was a relief. She wasn’t quite sure how to deal with the groom’s handsome cousin right now. Instead she focused on the bride.
“You look absolutely radiant.” Shweta smiled at Rahat as she held out her hands. She meant it. Rahat was a vision in her green saree. The gold zari embroidery was fine and heavy on her sari border. She’d paired it with beautiful diamond jewellery.
“Thank you Shweta.” Rahat clasped her hands and smiled back. “I can’t believe it’s almost time for the Rokka. I’ve been planning this for so long, and everything is perfect. Isn’t it?”
“They are here. The boy’s side has come.” Teena came charging towards them, holding up her lehenga with both hands. As fast as she could in those ridiculously high heels. How was she managing to move that fast in them?
There was a general sense of bonhomie in the air as the two sides greeted each other and everyone settled into their places for the ceremony. The bride and groom were seated on the mini stages opposite each other. A priest sat in the middle with both their horoscopes spread out on the table in front of them. The fathers of the bride and groom sat with him as the priest ensured that the boy and girl were not so closely related in the gotras for marriage between them to be possible. Finally with all the elan of a master of ceremonies he announced that they could be wed.
The families all clapped and cheered. The bride’s mother and father then walked to the groom with an elaborate plate containing gifts and flowers. Gagan was sitting on the mini stage with his family standing behind him. He was garlanded and a red vermillion mark or tika was put on his forehead by his mother-in-law to be. His father-in-law to be handed him a red, decorative, money envelop with the shagun amount. And then Gagan had to swallow an entire laddoo to seal the deal.
<
br /> Shweta stood behind the mini stage on which Rahat was sitting. Watching the antics of the groom’s younger cousins as the whole party walked towards the bride. Gagan’s hands were pulled as he was seated next to Rahat. The ceremonial rites were performed as the two exchanged rings.
Then Gagan’s mother brought out a huge platter full of gifts for Rahat which included clothes and jewellery. She took a gold necklace and tied it around Rahat’s neck and then draped her head in a red chunni from the platter. Next she took Gagan’s hand and placed Rahat’s hand in his. She lightly bumped both their heads together and said a small blessing.
The significance was not lost on Shweta. Gagan’s family was accepting Rahat and promising to take care of all her needs. It was a beautiful moment and she could feel the tears welling up in her eyes. She looked up and saw Arun looking right at her. He was standing behind his aunt. He stared at her with a small smile on his lips. She swallowed her overwhelmed emotions and smile back. His smile broadened.
Once the formal ceremony was over, the DJ got into the swing of things and the dancing began. Shweta quickly escaped to a chair at the back of the hall as the rest of the crowd began dancing. It was entertaining watching Gagan refusing to part with Rahat as he tried to hold her close and dance energetically. It looked like a cross between ballroom dancing and bhangra. Not exactly the most elegant performance, but it worked for them. She chuckled softly as she relaxed in the plastic chair.
“What’s so funny?” The whisper in her ear had her nearly jumping out of the chair. She turned her head sharply to see Arun was sitting in the chair behind her.
“You startled me. How long have you been sitting there.” Shweta’s hand went to her chest.
“About a minute after you sat down. Didn’t you feel like dancing?” Arun nodded in the direction of the enthusiastic couples on the dance floor.
“Not really. It’s not my thing. How about you?” Shweta half turned in her chair to continue talking with him
“Two left feet.” He pointed to them and gave Shweta an excuse to run her eyes over him. He really was looking handsome in a suit. The light green shirt contrasting beautifully with the charcoal grey material of the coat. A matching handkerchief was tucked into his breast pocket. Why did he have to clean up so well?
He cleared his throat and brought her attention back to his face. “So read any poems lately?”
“Poems?” She frowned at the abrupt change of topic.
“You were reading a volume of poetry that day in the hospital in Sikkim.” He looked sheepish as he admitted it.
“Wow. I didn’t realise you noticed. Or would even remember after all this time.” Her eyes were wide with surprise.
“You were rather unforgettable.” Jeez could he sound any cornier. Come on Arun, get it together.
“You were too.” She said it softly and dipped her head. Her embarrassed admission flared hope in his chest.
“So what are you doing these days? Are you still based in Sikkim?” He sure hoped not. It would be really difficult to find an excuse to meet her there now that he wasn’t posted to Sikkim.
“Oh, no. I finished my project. I’m working at a hospital in Pune now. How about you? Where are you posted right now”
“I’m currently in Ambala. The unit is there, but we will be moving out to the valley soon.”
She stiffened. He had no clue what he’d said wrong. The easy mood between them was about to dissolve and he couldn’t have that yet. He still needed to talk to her. Get to know her. Maybe it would be better if he could take her somewhere the music wasn’t blaring so loudly.
Before he could second guess himself Arun got up and held out his hand to her. “Would you like to go see if dinner is served?”
“I guess it should be by now.” She looked at the time on her watch as she put her hand in his and stood up. They started walking towards the door.
“Hey, you guys. Wait up. Where are you going?” Arun cussed under his breath as he heard Vishal come up behind them. He turned and gave him a half smile.
“We were just going to get dinner. Would you like to join us?”
“Sure. I’ve had enough of the dancing. Aren’t you going to introduce me, Arun? I’m not sure the pretty doctor knows who I am.”
“Shweta, this is my friend Vishal Nadkarni. You met him the day we sneaked in with the flowers at Rahat’s house. Vishal this is Dr. Shweta Karkare, as you already know she’s Rahat’s best friend.”
“Hello Vishal.” She held out her hand politely for a handshake. “Nice to meet you formally.”
“The pleasure is all mine pretty doctor.” He took her hand, turned it in his and pressed a kiss to back of her hand. Then tucked it on his arm and turned to Arun, “Let’s go get dinner. I’m starving.”
Shweta couldn’t help but smile at Arun’s expression. He looked like he could murder his friend where he stood. She was grateful for the distraction. This was the perfect way to spend time in his company, without anything serious coming of it.
She began walking out of the hall on Vishal’s arm towards the hotel’s dining room. She knew Arun would follow them. Suddenly the evening was looking up. They found the dining room set with three menus. One side dedicated to Indian food, one to Chinese and the last one was the dessert table.
“What would you like to have?” Vishal handled her a plate. “Should we start with the Indian food and move on to the Chinese?”
“I’m not sure I have that much place in my stomach.” Shweta lamented looking at the dozens of dishes on each side.
“Why don’t you start with the Chinese that you enjoy.” Arun suggested.
“And how would you know she prefers Chinese?” Vishal raised an eyebrow at his friend.
Arun looked at Shweta and they shared a smile. “I just know.”
They were both thinking about the day at the Chinese Room. Obviously both of them had recognized each other and not said a word.
“Please don’t fall at my feet today.” Shweta whispered to Arun as Vishal headed off towards the Chinese section.
“Not gonna happen. Not today. I already have your attention.” Arun looked at Vishal who had turned back. Vishal gave him a look that said he wanted details later.
“If all you wanted was my attention you would have been better off calling out my name.” Shweta arched an eyebrow.
“Well, the first time I didn’t know your name.” Arun’s eyes twinkled.
“What about the remaining two times?” Shweta trying to look serious and failing miserably.
“I saw how well it got your attention and decided to do it again.” She laughed and his heart beat faster. He could spend hours listening to that sound.
They were both surprised when a flash went off in their direction. Vishal was taking photos with his mobile. “Come on, we’ve got to get some selfies to prove we attended the wedding.”
He grabbed Shweta’s hand and gave her plate to Arun. They put their heads together under a sign that read Sweets. Arun stood by waiting for them to finish and thought to himself, she really did have the most amazing laugh. When they finally finished he handed her plate back to her.
o0o
10
Vows and Promises
o0o
In secret we met -
In silence I grieve,
That thy heart could forget,
Thy spirit deceive.
If I should meet thee
After long years,
How should I greet thee? -
With silence and tears
George Gordon, Lord Byron
The next evening Arun fought to keep a smile off his face as he looked at himself in the mirror. He was dressed for the wedding ceremony in the traditional bandhgala sherwani. It was of the same fabric and pattern that all the male members of the groom’s family were to wear. It wasn’t the semi-uniform he was wearing that made him smile.
It was thoughts of Shweta. Memories of last evening had kept him awake most of the night. Once Vi
shal managed to corner Shweta’s attention, there had been little he could do to make him leave. They had taken their plates, loaded with food, together to a table. Shweta sat between the two of them.
Vishal had spent the rest of the evening glued to her, telling Shweta anecdotes, and making her laugh. After sometime Arun was no longer disappointed at not having her all to himself. With Vishal playing the clown he could relax and observe her unobtrusively. He’d ended up having a really good time. After dinner Shweta had said goodbye to Rahat, who tried to get her to take one of the many cars that they had hired for wedding guests.
Vishal had objected and said he could drop her home. There was no way Arun was letting Vishal take her home alone, so the three of them had gone in Vishal’s car together. He’d actually managed to get a couple of minutes alone with her as he escorted her to her building’s lift. Vishal sat outside in the car waiting for him to return.
“Thanks for the lift.” Shweta tucked her hair behind her ear. His gaze following her hand, he wondered if it was as soft as it looked.
“My pleasure.” The lift door opened and Arun placed a hand on the side of the door preventing it from closing. She gave him a little wave as she walked into it and turned to face him again.
“I guess I’ll see you tomorrow at the wedding.” She said. He stepped into the lift after her. “Where are you going?” Her brows drawn together in a frow.
“I am going to escort you to your door.” He would use any excuse to stay longer with her.
“You don’t have to do that.” She began. “It’s perfectly alright for...”
“I know I don’t have to come up with you. I want to. Is that a problem for you?” Arun looked straight into her eyes.
“No.” Shweta blushed and the pink lit up her cheeks.
Arun turned to look at the floor numbers on the panel. “What floor do you live on?”
“The third.” Shweta realized he was playing the gentleman card. When they got off at the third floor she led them to her door. “Well, this is me.”
“So I see.” Arun looked at the nameplate with her mother, brother and her name on it. The carved door was obviously customized for the apartment. Then he took her hand in his and planted a light kiss on the back of her hand. “Good night. I’ll see you at the wedding tomorrow.”