Harvest Moon

Epilogue - The wedding

April

Wedding day of Khushi and Arnav

Satyaprakash Patial stood in the beautifully decorated main hall of the Haveli watching the hustle and bustle of the people running around for last minute preparations for the wedding. Shashi was talking to the caterer making sure the food would be ready in time and Garima was at the madap, in conversation with the panditji.

The mandap stood on intricately carved gold pillars, swathed in curtains of cream and gold, artistically embellished with flowers and other decorative materials. All items needed for the wedding ritual was arranged neatly. Everything seemed to be in order.

"Why the tears Satya?" Naniji said as she stood next to him, "today is a happy day." She smiled.

"I wish Arjun was here today," he rasped his hoarse voice, "how happy he would have been to see this marriage between our two families. When we were younger, we couldn't even stand together in public. I hated that."

Nani's eyes teared up. "Yes, Arjun would have been so happy to see our communities unite like this." She fell silent, choked with emotion.

"You know Arnav is a lot like Arjun," Satyaprakash said, "not only in looks but in personality as well. He is honest, generous, brave — all the qualities that Arjun used to have."

"I know," Naniji wiped her tears. "And Khushi is like you."

"Like me?" Satyaprakash rolled his eyes.

"Not in looks of course!" Nannie teased, "She saved Arnav just the way you saved Arjun all those years ago."

"It was Arnav who saved Khushi," Satyaprakash reminded her.

"I don't mean literally," Naniji paused.

"Devyani, I know you were not very happy when I first sent forth the proposal." Satyaprakash said.

"Only because Arnav was already carrying a lot of responsibility on his shoulders trying to take up where Arjun left off. I didn't know how much more I could impose on him. But I am glad you sent that proposal.

"Because of the trauma in his childhood, Arnav had built a shell around himself which was further strengthened by his sister's broken marriage. I thought he would never settle down. When I saw Khushi's photograph something told me that she was someone who would be able to get through to Arnav and my hunch was right.

"If Khushi hadn't come into his life, Arnav might never have found the happiness he deserves. He is calmer now, at peace with the world."

"So now all our debts are settled, let's get our grandchildren married, shall we?" Satypaprakash smiled.

In one of the rooms above, Arnav sat looking at photos of Khushi on his phone. After a wedding date had been fixed Khushi's parents had insisted that she come and stay with them in Delhi before the rituals could take place. He had tried his best to get out of the situation but he finally had to give in to the elders' dictate. He had however managed to sneak Khushi away for lunches, dinners and movie dates. They had talked to their heart's content clearing all remnants of doubts. But during all these outing Khushi had insisted that he kept his hands off her and that had driven him crazy with need. He couldn't wait for tonight.

"Someone is very pleased that he is getting married today," Manav's voice brought him out of his thoughts.

Arnav raised his eyebrow. "Come on," he drawled, "I am already married. This whole rigmarole is just to please the oldies."

"I can't believe you are getting married twice when I am not able to convince my parents for even one!" Akash walked in with a sullen face.

"Cheer up Akash," Arnav consoled his brother, "everything will be alright."