Rajni's wedding
Mr.Modi was too tensed to speak to anyone. After all it was his dear daughter Rajni's wedding. Engrossed in the arrangements, he didn't even have the time to wipe the sweat, off his brow. It seemed as if he was frantically being tossed among the laddoowalas, the bandwalas, the stage-drapers, the electrician, well the list was endless. "The baratis should witness the best wedding ever", with this goal in mind Mr. Modi speculated the tiniest detailing , so much that he had skipped his afternoon meal. On the contrary the bride seemed to be filling her stomach with whatever came in her way. Rajni had been eating since morning. She had already gulped two boxes of motichoors, and now it was the platter of butter-chicken that she'd decided to lay her hands on. This was not at all the reflex for nervousness but the strange eating disorder that Rajni had been suffering from since a month now. Every two hours she had this immense craving for food so much that queer noises from her stomach could be heard even from a distance. Poor Rajni.
Meanwhile it was Mrs. Modi who was monitoring the make-up department. She had already booked beauticians from the top parlour in town 'Naaz-e-noor' to ensure flawless make-up for her daughter. It was two-thirty in the afternoon, and still there was no sign of the beauticians who were then expected to arrive at one. Mrs. Modi was beginning to panic now. There was so much work pending. The 'lehanga',' the hair-do', everything needed attention but Rajni seemed more attentive towards satisfying her hunger. More than Rajni it was her cousins Rashmi, Kumud and Neha who were busy polishing their faces, deciding on the 'chunni ' colour and picking up the right accessories to make themselves bling in the wedding. They had a secret bet amongst themselves based on ' whose photographs would turn out to be the nicest during the wedding' and so none of them left a chance to beautify themselves. Much to the delight of Mrs. Modi and the sister trio, the beauticians arrived. "Better late than never", Mrs. Modi sighed and at once all of them turned to cater Rajni's make over. During the process Rajni had to satisfy herself with intermittent sips of lemonade.
While Rajni was getting ready, Mr. Modi was done with his set of tasks. The grand 'Maharaja Hall' bedecked with marigold and rose garlands impersonated a palace. The soft foam chairs covered with red cloth looked royal but it was the stage that drew everyon'e attention.The alternate strips of white lilies and orange roses festooned the backdrop and complementing the decor was the grand white couch for the stars of the event. At a little distance from the stage was the much sought after banquet. Mr. Modi had tried to incorporate every popular dish in his menu. 'Noodles', 'Matar-Paneer', 'Rasmalai', 'Kofta', ' Mutton' and 'ice-creams' all were served and seemed irresistible. In one corner was the famous 'Abdul Panwalla's' Stall and next to it 'Raju Chaat stall' especially for women. Mr. Modi seemed contented with the arrangements and couldn't help smiling. The guests had also started to arrive. Soon the hall was filled with laughter and revelry. Everyone was dressed in their best attires. Women and girls particularly were keenly observing each other's jewellery. A group of young boys in one corner was busy staring beautiful girls as if they had to select a bride for themselves. Elderly citizens on the contrary were more interested in discussing politics of the country but almost all of them, from the corner of the eye kept a watch on the food stalls ,waiting for the lids to be opened.
The moment soon arrived when the bridegroom made a grand entry along with his family and friends. After much dancing the baratis finally made themselves comfortable. The bridegroom was be-seated on the white couch meanwhile the orchestra created the ambiance with some popular bollywood songs. On the other hand the beauticians couldn't stop patting their backs as Rajni looked exceptionally beautiful with the make-up and her red-golden sari. The heavy gold ornaments shimmered on her body.With everything done, the time had come when Rajni had to head towards the stage. Almost a war started amidst Rashmi, Kumud and Neha as to who would escort Rajni to the stage. After all, each one of them had to get noticed beside the bride. Poor Rajni was handed a big garland of roses and lilies.The hefty ornaments coupled with this garland seemed to ignite her hunger. But it was too late to eat anything now. Mrs. Modi had already pushed her on the way to the stage. So Rajni almost cluttered between Kumud and Neha trudged up the stage. She had been practising to walk with the set of new heels since a few days however she always tumbled on them. But this day it seemed as if she was quite comfortable walking in her heels. She looked down at her feet and almost skipped a beat. Instead of the heels she was wearing her daily chappals. In the frenzy of getting ready she forgot to wear her sandals and now she was walking towards her groom in her chappals. Some of the ladies in the audience who were busy scanning Rajni's gold jewellery also noticed her slippers and started giggling.Rajni immediately took her slippers off and started walking bare foot. The gossip of 'bride wearing chappals' soon caught fire and the hall echoed with laughter. Poor Rajni, after so much embarrassment finally reached the stage and the garland ceremony was performed.
Late night in the 'mandap', Rajni and her bridegroom were be-seated around the holy fire where the priest enchanted the holy mantras. Everyone including Mr. Modi were feeling sleepy.But there was one person who seemed restless . Rajni's flaring hunger had been bothering her since the beginning of the ceremony. But with the marriage still in progress she could do nothing but sit still beside her to be husband in the mandap. All this while with her face hidden under the red chuuni she had been eating chana that she had tied in a knot. But now with no more chana in her small larder she was completely helpless and needed food desperately but in vain. No one was paying attention to her at all. Suddenly the priest shouted, 'the bride has fainted'. As soon as the words escaped his mouth, all the guests and Rajni's parents were on their feet. Mrs. Modi knew about her daughter's disorder and immediately understood what must have happened. Rajni was immediately gushed to a nearby restroom. Mrs. Modi requested the crowd to leave the room as her daughter needed proper ventilation. She was very much worried about Rajni's health plus the marriage ceremony was still incomplete. She grabbed her phone and started dialing the doctor's number when someone stopped her. Rajni was saying, "Sorry mother, but I had no option. I had to pretend being unconscious, so that I may get a chance to eat." Mrs. Modi couldn't believe her daughter's words. Rajni gobbled up some sand-wiches and moved towards the hall where the worried guests awaited her.It was indeed a memorable marriage just the way Mr. Modi had planned.
Like it on Facebook, Tweet it or share this article on other bookmarking websites.