Here After!

17: From Ceremony to Routine

Giri

It was late when I finally returned to our room. The day had been a blur of activity, from running last-minute errands to making sure everything was perfect for Anitta's wedding. I quietly opened the door, careful not to make too much noise, and saw Anu already asleep, her face peaceful and serene.

The room was dimly lit by the soft glow of a night lamp, casting gentle shadows across her face. I paused for a moment, taking in the sight. I realized that I had barely seen her all day. She had been busy with the elders, then occupied with the cousins, and by the end of the day, I noticed her sitting alone, deep in thought. I was about to go over to her when Anish pulled me away to meet Pradeep and his friends. By the time they left, it was already late.

Anish dragged me to where everyone was having dinner, saying, "See, bro! Your wife, who always prioritized food, left you and is having her meal alone. Now it's just us left." I chuckled at his way of putting things. When we got there, true to his words, Anu was enjoying her food, not paying attention to anyone teasing her.

Post-dinner, Papa asked everyone to retire to their rooms, but I stayed with him until he was ready to go. I don't know why, but I feel a great sense of satisfaction when I'm around this man. There's something about his presence that brings me comfort. It's like he has some kind of magic that drew me in from the very beginning. Perhaps it's just my immediate fondness for him that made me say yes to this marriage and is the reason why I'm here now.

Thinking of all these things, I took a shower, changed into comfortable clothes, and settled close to my not-so-close wife. Anu stirred slightly as I got into bed, her hand unconsciously reaching out to find me. I gently took her hand in mine, feeling the warmth and softness of her skin, and drifted to sleep.

I awoke to the bustling sounds outside our room, noticing immediately that Anu was not beside me. The door was slightly ajar, allowing the noise to filter in and disturb my sleep. Glancing at the clock, I realized it was already 7 o'clock, and preparations for the day must have begun. After a quick shower, I dressed in the clothes Anu had set out beside the bed, finding a note advising me to stick with this outfit for now and change into the other before leaving for the wedding destination.

The photoshoot was already underway by the time I emerged from the room. This ritual, a time-consuming aspect of Kerala weddings, was likely a common practice globally. Chuckling at my own musings, I searched for my wife, hoping to request some tea. However, to my disappointment, I couldn't find her. Instead, her mother greeted me with a smile and offered me tea and breakfast, which had already been prepared. I noticed some of her cousins having their meal, so I joined them. The rest of the day seemed to pass by quickly.

My mother and Gayu had gone directly to the wedding venue. I caught only rare glimpses of my wife until the ceremony. After the knot was tied, she appeared to be more free and joined me. From that moment on, she never left my side, leaving me wondering what had changed so suddenly.

Out of curiosity, I couldn't help but ask, "What changed all of a sudden? Why this sudden appearance by my side?" Her response was a look of shock, her mouth falling open in surprise. I couldn't resist playfully lifting her chin and closing her mouth with a smile.

"Is it not allowed for me to be by your side, or perhaps Sir was enjoying the attention from other girls, and my sudden presence beside you displeased someone else?" Her response only led to more questions, leaving me wondering who exactly was being viewed by whom.

"What? Who is seeking whose attention, Anu?" I replied, puzzled by her response.

"I was just asking in general, do you have any problem with me standing beside you?" she clarified.