Quarantine and Chill (AMBW standalone Romance)

by Kenya Wright

  Throughout the evening, people offered me drinks. I smiled and nicely declined, giving them no reason. Most were already too drunk to wonder. The secret of my pregnancy burned on my tongue. Luckily, Kamal and I barely had any alone time together. I wanted to make sure that the moment I told him would be special and intimate.

  The sangeet was supposed to end at midnight, but the party didn’t stop until two in the morning. Once again, as soon as I hit my bed, I fell asleep.

  Dreams of Kamal and I twirling along the bonfire played through my head.

  On the big day, I woke with a severe stomachache late in the afternoon. I wasn’t sure if it was a typical pregnancy symptom or absolute nervousness for my wedding day.

  Zora arrived right at the moment I raced to the bathroom and vomited.

  “Oh no.” She handed me a warm washcloth. “Do you need anything else?”

  “A new stomach.”

  Zora grinned. “The morning sickness will go away after a few months.”

  “Do you really think it’s that and not me being terrified?”

  “Yes. I think it could be the baby, especially after such a big night of food and partying.” She guided me into the bedroom, went to the small fridge, and took out a water bottle. “Did you get any sleep?”

  “Yes. As soon as I closed my eyes, I was knocked out.”

  “Good. You’re well-rested.” She handed me the water bottle. “Let me know what you need. The hairstylist and makeup crew is here. Ross called me and said he’ll be here in twenty minutes. He wanted to personally help you into the lehenga.”

  “Sounds good.” I took a small sip of the water. “Thanks for everything, Zora.”

  “Thanks for making my brother so happy. It makes me cry every time he looks at you.” Her voice cracked. “And. . .when you look at him, I know deep in my heart how much you love him.”

  “Oh, Zora.” I hurried over and hugged her. “Don’t cry.”

  Tears fell from her eyes. “It’s too late.”

  “Stop. You’re going to make me cry.” My eyes watered.

  “I can’t help it.” She sniffled. “I’m so happy.”

  Someone knocked on the door.

  “That must be the crew.” Zora left my hold and rushed over to it. She opened the door halfway and then shrieked. “No, Kamal!”

  His voice sounded from the other side. “I just wanted to say hello.”

  “Go!”

  “This is ridiculous,” he roared back. “We have followed the customs enough.”

  “You will see her in a few hours. Get control of yourself.” She closed the door on him.

  I laughed. “That’s my baby.”

  “Kamal has no self-control. He had his shirt opened at the top as if he thought he could seduce you.” Zora shook her head. “Men are insane.”

  I sighed, knowing I would have loved to have sex with him this morning.

  Another knock came.

  “Damn it, Kamal.” Zora stomped over to the door and opened it. “Oh. Come in, everyone. Thank you for arriving.”

  My glamour crew entered, carrying metal suitcases and garment bags.

  Ross followed them inside. He wore a fitted designer tuxedo with a red and gold bowtie. He came over to me and kissed my cheek. “Today is the day.”

  “It is.”

  “Nervous?”

  “Hells yes.”

  “Well, at least you’ll be looking insanely breathtaking.”

  “Thanks again for your design.”

  Ross half-bowed. “It was a pleasure.”

  After I took a quick shower, the crew began, doting on me like a princess. My queasiness left. I ate a few pieces of toast and fruit, knowing today would be full of elaborate dishes of food.

  I’m really going to marry Kamal today.

  Chapter 23

  Kamal

  A Wedding to Remember

  The sun set.

  In the mirror, I gazed at my lavish white and gold turban. It was a single piece of cloth decorated with gold brocade and zari border. Beautiful metal pendants were sewn onto it.

  Tyler watched my cousins put on my turban. “Why are you wearing that again?”

  “Brides have their veils. Grooms have their headgear.”

  “I wish I had one for my wedding.” Tyler frowned. “Maybe, I’ll wear one to the signing of my divorce.”

  “It would be odd.”

  “Deborah is already planning a divorce party. I might as well have some fun too.” Tyler pouted. “I can’t believe she left me, man.”

  “She caught you with one of your side chicks. It couldn’t be helped.”

  “My advice to you. . .only have one side chick.”

  My cousin Prateek frowned. “Or no side chicks.”

  “Or none.” Tyler nodded. “Yeah. Maybe don’t have any at all.”

  I laughed. “Thank you for the advice.”

  “There.” Prateek finished. “You look like a proper king.”

  According to original Indian tradition, the entire ensemble of the groom should resemble a king. And Indian kings considered their crowns and turbans as symbols of pride and stature.

  “Did you wear something like this?” Tyler asked my cousin.

  “No. Kamal’s mother is from the south. Their very grandiose.”

  I grinned.

  “I’m from his father’s side. The northernmost tip of India. Jammu Kashmir.” Prateek placed his hand on his chest. “There, we have a cold climate. My attire was made of wool. I had a silver mulamentho. It’s similar to the bride’s and went from my head to my neck on both sides of my face.”

  I drank in my mirror refection. Allowing my turban to be the focal point, I kept the rest of my ensemble in neutral ivory. I patted down my sherwani—a long coat-like garment remarkably similar to the British long coat. However, this had been crafted in elegant silk and embroidered in off-white beads.

  “Your father would have been so proud.” Prateek gave me a warm smile. “And your bride is a beautiful and compassionate woman. You have done well for yourself, cousin.”

  “I think so.”

  Tyler poured me a glass of champagne and handed it my way. “Congratulations, man. You’re going to be happy.”

  “No, thank you.” I waved the glass away. “I’m too nervous. I may drink more than necessary.”

  Tyler winked and set the glass down. “Don’t worry. I’ve got your back like you had mine at my wedding.”

  A loud knock sounded. “Kamal, the elephant is here.”

  “Yes. Everything is on time.” Tyler punched the air. “I’m stoked for this. I can’t believe you pushed for that elephant.”

  “One must indulge in small fantasies.” I moved the curtain and spotted the beautiful animal. “I’m only getting married once, so I wanted to do it all.”

  Many didn’t see an elephant walking down a public street every day. Therefore, crowds of people stood on the sidewalk, gawking, and taking pictures. Red finery draped the big captivating animal. A band stood by, along with professional dancers, draped in red and gold.

  The baraat was the groom’s wedding procession, and mine would be the best one of this year.

  Tyler handed me a gold sword. “It’s time to do the do, man.”

  “Here we go.” I left the hotel suite, walked down the hallway, and stopped in front of the elevator. When the doors slid open, Tyler and Prateek climbed on with me.

  Tyler glanced my way. “How the hell did you get the elephant? I thought you were having problems.”

  “It was a lot. Some places in California have ordinances that forbid the performance of any wild and exotic animals for public use. Various cities have separate ordinances and different wording regarding wild animals and performances. I spent a month searching for the one that worked for our plans.”

  “So, this area is okay with it?”

  “Yes, but there were a lot of instructions dealing with food and accommodations. And Jade wanted to make sure that the company was a good one
and treated the elephants properly. No abuse or anything like that.”

  We made it to the hotel lobby and headed to the front.

  “We also didn’t want to have me riding the elephant for too long and far.” I pointed to the back of the hotel. “Therefore, the elephant will only take me over there and that’s it.”

  “That’s nice.”

  “Good karma too.”

  When we arrived, I stood close to the band and elephant. All of my family crowded us, dancing and singing.

  “Oh, son!” My mother hit my shoulders. “Dance, Kamal! It’s a happy day!”

  My hands shook. “I will.”

  “Now. Stop being nervous.”

  “Okay.” Letting out a long breath, I raised my hands in the air and shook my hips.

  Everyone laughed and joined me. The dancers twisted and twirled my way. My uncles began to sing several folk songs that I hadn’t heard since my youth.

  And then fireworks went off.

  With my hands in the air, I paused in shock. “Mother?”

  She shrugged. “I wanted a big show.”

  “Fireworks are too much.”

  “Which is why I didn’t tell you I was getting them.”

  Thankfully, the elephant wasn’t stressed from the crackling and boom of coloring zooming into the night sky.

  My heart pumped with excitement. My nervousness left. I sang with them, happy for this day, delighted about this amazing wedding my lovely fiancé and sister had planned.

  My mother checked the time and singled for my uncles to help me onto the elephant. It took several minutes, but I got on with ease.

  Soon I rode the elephant to the tent.

  I can’t wait to see Jade. I bet she looks gorgeous.

  Our wedding ceremony would take place outside under a huge tent behind the luxury hotel. Flowers outlined the path. The elephant took his time, moving forward. The band, dancers, and my family followed, singing and prancing as they walked forward.

  Loud and in a jolly mood, we made it to the tent.

  Following tradition, Jade’s male family members stood in front of the entrance and blocked the way. It was over thirty of them. A few wore stern expressions on their faces.

  My mother pointed and took pictures. “Oh, you’re doing such a good job! Yes. Just like this!”

  Why did I agree to this? We should have just gone to Las Vegas.

  I slowly lowered from the elephant, took off my shoes, and stepped forward.

  The men kept their stance, blocking the entrance.

  Not one held a smile.

  I smirked at Jade’s uncles and cousins. “Can I please get through?”

  They remained.

  My mother clapped. “Yes. You must earn it, Kamal. This is so much fun.”

  I sighed and tried to push through a few. Together, they gently backed me up.

  My mother snapped some pictures. “Bribe them, darling!”

  I dug into my pockets and offered each a dollar. A few shook their heads. Some took it and left. Still, many remained. I raised my bribe to ten dollars each. They shook their head.

  Groaning, I pulled out the stack of hundreds.

  “She’s worth it, darling!” My mother screamed in glee.

  The men took the bills and left.

  Finally, I’m closer to my bride.

  Jade’s female cousins hurried and stole my shoes. I grumbled but kept my annoyance to myself. It was all a part of tradition. Usually, the bride's sisters or cousins pocketed the groom's shoes. Later, the groom would have to pay them to get the shoes back because he was supposed to leave the tent with the same shoes he came in.

  Why is there so much terrorizing of the groom? It’s insane.

  My mother laughed. “Oh, this is so much fun.”

  Yeah. This is simply great. I haven’t slept or kissed my fiancé in days.

  At this moment surrounded by over two hundred people, I only yearned to be naked and alone with Jade.

  The band ended their playing and remained outside. I walked down the aisle, climbed the stage, and waited for my beautiful new bride. On the stage, flowers outlined the square. A tiny table held a blazing fire on top of it.

  Jade and I decided to blend Indian and Western wedding traditions at our ceremony. Therefore, her father would walk her down the aisle.

  A pianist sat by the stage. Someone signaled for her to play.

  Here she comes.

  My nerves went on edge.

  I impatiently stared at the entrance.

  Where are you, my love?

  Soon, my dream bride arrived.

  Damn. Is she really all mine?

  Dressed in glittering gold and bright red, Jade looked captivating. Her family accompanied her under a phoolon ki chaadar—meaning a blanket of flowers. It looked more like a massive umbrella with flowers hanging all over.

  Slowly, her father walked her down the aisle to the heart-touching piano’s melody.

  Come to me, Jade. You’re so amazing. I’m going to spend the rest of my life making you smile.

  When Jade and her father arrived, I had to force myself to remain on the stage. He helped her up and half-bowed to me. “Take care of her, Kamal.”

  “I will, sir. I promise.”

  Tears glazed over his eyes. He left and sat with his wife on the stage across from my mother.

  We didn’t want our ceremony to be as long as many traditional ones. Therefore, we cut a few things out to keep the time down.

  I picked up a garland from the table next to us. Jade did the same. Next, we were supposed to place the decorative wreaths of red and white flowers around each other’s neck. However, even with this part, there was some gameplay to it. Whoever put the garland on first would have the upper hand of the marriage. At the moment, it was time to place them on, I didn’t move.

  You’ll be the boss, my love.

  She raised her garland as if unsure that it was the moment to put them on. I leaned forward, letting her know it was fine. Tears welled in her eyes as she placed it over my neck.

  Slowly, I put the garland on her and attempted to kiss those lips. “I love you.”

  My mother’s voice sounded behind me. “Kamal! No kissing.”

  Relax. I won’t touch her just yet.

  A tear left Jade’s eye as she giggled and whispered, “Be good.”

  A few people snickered from the audience.

  I took her hand and intertwined my fingers with her. Music shifted into a romantic tempo. We slowly walked around a sacred fire where each step signified a different wedding vow. Equal responsibility and growing together in strength. Sharing of worldly goods and filling our hearts with peace and happiness. Raising our children to be strong.

  Many emotions rose in my chest, warming my heart.

  Then, Jade’s family preacher came onto the stage and spoke typical Western vows. We repeated each one. Jade’s hands shook in mine.

  Finally, when the preacher announced that we were man and wife, I pulled her into my arms and kissed her.

  “Kamal!” My mother shrieked. “You’re not to kiss her.”

  Zora shushed her. “Mother, let them have it.”

  She’s mine. No one can stop me.

  It had been forever since I’d tasted her lovely mouth. Groaning, I held her tighter to me.

  “Okay, Kamal,” my mother said. “That’s enough.”

  But it was too late. I couldn’t stop. The audience laughed. Zora eventually gently pulled us away.

  After the ceremony, Jade and I took a few pictures. Some were on top of the elephant.

  Later, our families separated us again.

  Damn it!! What is wrong with these people?!

  “Calm down, brother.” Zora chuckled pushing me along to my room to change. “This is the last time.”

  I growled. “Jade and I could have done this together.”

  “You two would have never made it out of the room on time.”

  “This has been torture. As soon as I get to Jad
e, we’re running out of here. You all are insane!”

  Zora laughed. “Oh, stop your pouting. The ceremony was so amazing. Now I wish I’d done it.”

  Minutes later, I returned in a tuxedo. The tent had shifted to a reception space. Our wedding feast was served in a buffet style. Lots of vegetarian dishes to appease most of my family. However, there were large platters of roasted meats for the rest.

  All over, I searched for Jade among the dancing and eating guests.

  Damn it! Where is she?! This is maddening!

  Someone tapped me on my shoulder.

  I spun around. “Yes!”

  Jade giggled, completely taking my breath away. She wore a dazzling gold gown. The beaded fabric hugged her full breasts and curvy hips.

  I captured her. “I’m not letting you go for the rest of the night. I hope you can eat with one hand.”

  “I agree.” She laughed. “I should have brought handcuffs just to make sure we’re never separated.”

  “I love you, Mrs. Patel.”

  “I love you too, Mr. Patel.”

  I kissed her.

  The rest of the night we partied with our guests. There were a few speeches from both of our parents and some family members. After dinner, we cut a massive four-tier cake. And then when it seemed reasonable enough, I picked Jade out and raced us out of there.

  Epilogue

  Kamal

  The next day

  Surprise. Surprise.

  After the wedding, I ravished my new bride, ripping that gown off her and licking every inch of her sexy body. I fucked her hard on the bed, over the hotel desk, in the shower, and even against the wall. I played and sucked those stiff nipples. I squeezed her fat ass and spanked it. I stuffed my cock into her pussy and pumped. Surely, our moaning and groaning woke up the entire hotel. And the staff would have a lot to clean up the next day. I shot cum all over her and the space.

  Before leaving this morning, I put an envelope with a thousand dollars in it for the maid.

  We didn’t get any rest that night, so we slept on the plane. We arrived in St. Lucia that afternoon.