A Mother's Will

Chapter 33

It was now time for Akira's marriage; she had a lot of plans, and she had directly told Jovana to stay away from every function of her marriage. It started well with the mehndi function, and everyone was really happy. This was followed by the sangeet event that same evening. Every event came out perfect, and the reason for this perfection was none other than Jade's coordination, and Akira thought it was her who planned it well.

The Tilak ceremony went on to become a really big event because Mihir Singhania was a world-renowned businessman who was a dealer in the steel industry. The two big families of steel industry were becoming one; it had to be on the national TV. Everyone envied Akira; she was getting married to the perfect bachelor.

The Haldi ceremony started well, but some unwelcome guests arrived. They were from the Kinner community, and they were not here to give blessings but to ruin the ceremony. They started by putting alcohol in the Haldi, and then they were doing their type of dance, trying to create trouble, and everyone was confused, so grand pa Pritam invaded this mishap and asked the Kinners to leave, but the Kinners misbehaved with him, and even the security guards could not do any better. Riyaan went to Jovana and told her what was happening. They both argued, saying Akira did not want me there, but Riyaan kept insisting, so she agreed to help and went to help.

As per instructions, inside gratia, Jovana always wore princess dresses and jewels that didn't keep her from working efficiently; the crown was for special occasions only. As she walked down the stairs, she looked as the Pari from heaven was walking down. Jovana had taken after her mother vividly; she looked just like her but even better, in the opinions of many. When she walked down the stairs, all Kinners and guests looked at her, and they were ever mesmerized by her. Even in such a situation, we are always feeling her presence. She was wearing a beautiful white dress with elegant jewels; her hair was open; she wore anklets; and she was wearing white heels that were a perfect match to the dress. She was the goddess for everyone who did not know who she was.

As she walked down and towards the Kinners, one of them said Maria Rani sa, and Jovana looked at her and said Tarina. I did not know that you still keep harboring hatred for my family. Tarina was shocked and said, You can't be Maria Rani, because we saw her die in front of our eyes during her children's birthday. Wait, you must be, Jovana said. Tarina was so surprised by this; it was giving her goosebumps, and she asked Jovana, Why did you return after so many years? Did you know what we suffer from? I know, Jovana said, and trust me, I have done whatever I could to help you, but forcing people who don't want to be a part of your community only makes it worse for yourself. So, you are no different? Tarina said. People have rights, Tarina, Jovana said in a firm voice. While this happened, everyone just stared at them.

Tell me why you are here, Tarina, asked Jovana. To let the world know that even your family has kin in it, and they have again managed to escape this humiliation. Being transgender is not a humiliation. Tarina, and if I were one of you, I would have never limited myself from exploring this world; I would still be who I am. Tarina said these are talks, not walks, princess. I say so because I have done so, Tarina, and I want you to leave Gratia now, or this won't end well. What will you do? said Tarina. Jovana said I would take away what I had given you. Tarina said, What have you given us? You really want this. Jovana asked, and Tarina said, Yes, I do. Jovana said the land you live on, the house you have, the respect you get, the donation you get, and the election rights that you have today. Tarina looked at her in astonishment but felt very insulted by this. Jovana said, Leave now.

Will not say Tarina; she said put some Haldi on the bride. Jovana stopped that Kinners hand and twisted it till it broke and said you started it, Tarina. Another Kinner came to her and tried to slap her, but she again blocked the transgender. She dodged them like balls. When Tarina stepped ahead, Jovana said to leave for good; this would bring nothing nice. Jovana then signaled Jaden to call the cops and asked the security to take them away. Tarina, I want good for the trans community, just like Maa wanted. Don't make it difficult; it will bring embarrassment and humiliation, nothing more. Be proud to be who you are because I am proud of my scars, and I do feel scared. It is okay to feel scared, but remember that Jiga has been married happily for 15 years now. Leave what was and look forward to what is. Tarina kept arguing until the cops arrived, but Jovana finally said, You don't want to disrespect the respect that took years to earn; you don't want to kill your own, do you? Tarina resailed how foolish she was to do this; she was feeling ashamed to shame the family. She apologized to them and left and gave blessings to the bride. They left, and so was Jovana, who was leaving when the would-be mother-in-law of Akira asked who she was. The crown princess, or, say, the stepsister of Akira, Riyaan said. Oh, the mother-in-law said, But should you not be a part of this ceremony, girl? Elle ne m'a pas invité pardon. She left without saying any further, which confused the families, but Mihir, Akira's finance, understood French, so he asked why you would not invite her. Akira gave an unreasonable reason and left.