In Every Lifetime

Chapter Sixteen

The Sutthiluck household busied themselves once again. But this time around, it wasn't for a day of celebration. Not exactly. The atmosphere around the house was solemn despite the bright red decorations, and everyone worked quickly with hushed voices. Whilst the whole neighbourhood buzzed with the rumours of a ghost wedding being held, the family held their head up high and pressed on with their decision. Arthit included.

Ghost marriages had been shunned by society for a long time, as many had resorted to crime and grave robbery, just to find a suitable partner. The gang had questioned Arthit on multiple occasions on his decision to which he had answered resolutely that he would be going ahead with it. While it was easy for a live male to take on a dead bride, Arthit was going to be playing the role of the 'bride' in this case. This meant that even though their marriage would not be recognised in the eyes of the law, by tradition, Arthit would still be married to Kongpob and would never be able to take on another partner regardless.

Not that any of it mattered to Arthit. As Kongpob had said so lovingly once to him, they were family and in their minds, they had already been married. He was worried however, about what his father would think about it. Taking on the Sutthiluck family name would have been a different matter altogether. But the elder Rojnapat had just patted him on the back, assuring him that no matter what decision he made, he would stand by him. The Sutthilucks had given the both of them everything in life - to say that they owed them their lives would be an understatement.

So here Arthit was on the 7th day of Kongpob's passing, finally dressed in one of those fancy suits Kongpob had always wanted to see him in. He smiled woefully to himself at the thought, knowing exactly how the younger would have reacted. 'If only you were here Kong, I'm in one of your stuffy suits. We could match now,' he thought to himself as he straightened his tie. They had decided to forgo the usual traditional outfits as Arthit knew how much Kongpob wanted to see him in a suit.

Stepping downstairs, he finally saw the full decoration that had been prepared for their ceremony. The whole house was now covered in red as it would have been had they been preparing for their actual wedding ceremony. The only difference being that a white rooster sat in the coop in a corner, the representation for Kongpob that evening. Arthit found himself staring at it, wishing that Kongpob would appear to hug him from behind, to tell him it was all just an evil prank and they were going to have their actual wedding.

But Arthit knew it was all just wishful thinking on his part. He sniffled and stepped towards the elders, giving them a small wai. Madam Sutthiluck smiled at him gently as she stepped forward to hold his hand, tears brimming in her eyes.

"You look so handsome," she said, stroking his cheek. "Kongpob would have swooned. You were always the best looking in his eyes."

"Thank you, Madam," Arthit whispered.

"It's Por and Mae now, Arthit." Master Sutthiluck joined the two, clapping a gentle hand upon Arthit's back. "We are family. Have always been. You were just too stubborn to listen to us."

"Now that you're marrying Kongpob, you have no more excuse my dear." Madam Sutthiluck added on, as she continued stroking his face. She may have lost one son but the other was still here, and she was going to love and dote on Arthit with all the love she would have given Kongpob and more.

Earth came in with the last of the needed items for the ceremony and hustled Arthit along. "Come now, Arthit, we have to start. We can't afford any delays or we will miss the auspicious hour. We have to be done before 9pm or we won't be able to wait for Kongpob's soul to return."

The elders quickly took their seats, settling at the front of the hall. Arthit walked in with Earth by his side, holding onto one end of the bridal ball, the other tied to the white rooster that was in Earth's hands. He walked slowly, making his way towards the parents who were seated. The officiated then began reciting the rites once he had reached the front.