Chapter 12
The doorbell rang very harsh and Aman ran to the door as if he was waiting for the arrival of a guest. I was aghast to behold Sumit as he entered; it was certainly an unexpected visit. Aman immediately introduced him saying, “Grandma, meet Sumit uncle; He is the director of the company where mum is working. Now with great effort we have been able to convince mum, to agree for marriage.”
Before anyone could say anything, mama encircled her arms around my neck, excitement showing on her face, “Oh! This is wonderful news, I am so happy that Asha has agreed to start her new life. It was so disturbing even to imagine her living alone after you were gone.”
“Grandma, if she had not agreed, I was not going anywhere. This was a pact.”
Sumit stayed for lunch, talked freely with all of us. Then mama said in a sad tone, “How I wish I could also attend the marriage and bless them, but I’m leaving after three days. Anyway my blessings are always with you.”
Aman looked at Sumit with his raised brows and narrowing his eyes, questioned him. The body language was sensed; Sumit smiled softly and nodded his head in agreement. Aman nearly jumped off his seat and called up my parents, “Granny, there is good news and all of you are reaching here immediately. All further details will be communicated to you personally.” His excitement was turning him hyper.
I wanted to speak, but Aman kept a finger on my lips and pursed them tight. Then looking at Sumit he said we’ll go and make all the arrangements soon. I signaled him into my bedroom and talked to him, “Honey, I have agreed to all your demands. You have to agree to my only request. I don’t want any big show about the whole event. Let’s keep it in the registrar’s office, with all our immediate relatives there. Then it can be followed by a family and friends dinner in a good hotel, but convey my request to Sumit and take his consent too.”
“Ok, mum as you please.” Was his excited reply, and he darted out of the room saying; “I’ll have to make a list of all the friends now.”
Mum dad my brother’s family reached by the evening. There was excitement all over. Mum had brought with her a few diamond sets with her for my approval. I refused everything saying, “Mum; now all these materialistic things do not matter for me. My previous jewelry is lying untouched in the bank lockers; I don’t want to add anything to it. You know Sumit had said once I just want you and only you, he’s not going to accept anything else. You know very well all that I want is happiness of all of you, and that has become evident for the past two days.” Sumit’s parents were so overjoyed at their son’s decision that they also reached on the same day as my parents.
Rohit’s mother stayed back and very gracefully participated in the entire show. Though a breech had developed in her friendship with my mum, but I could understand her miseries more than my mum. She was literally helpless. Part of her was with us but the greater part of her was with her son whom she contacted a dozen times, to confirm his wellbeing. Despite her turbulent mind she posed to be strong. The dinner that was hosted by Sumit included some of the important business tycoons some officers from big companies. His entire office staff and his parents who were the happiest to see their son happy.
The entire show ended in a short span of two days exactly as I had wanted it to be, a quiet and simple affair. Rohit’s mother wanted to leave on the third day and we did not want to persuade her for further stay, because of her anxiousness.
We were on our way to the airport, mama and I sat on the rear seat, both quiet and lost. I realized that both of us had grown over the lost years as a result of intertwining of our lives and the sea of emotions we had experienced at our ends. As a result we had a bond of respect and acceptance of each other.
I kept my hand on her cold and clammy hand and said, “Mama, I know you are strong, take care of yourself too. If you need any help, don’t hesitate, just call us. Sumit and I will be there for your assistance.” Sumit wished her goodbye when she was going for her security check and said, “Mama, please don’t hesitate if you need us.” Then we watched her go through the security check and then she got lost in the crowd.