Face of Karma

True Love (Part I)

Wearing an Indian saree was the last thing Jan Di ever expected to do in her entire life, but when Michael's friend informed him that the theme of the day was Indian style, Jan Di knew she had to embrace the moment wholeheartedly. As Michael's wife, attending events by his side was second nature to her, and given that their company was designing the bridal jewelry for the couple getting married, it felt essential for her to immerse herself in the rich tapestry of Indian culture. Initially nervous about trying something so different, Jan Di's apprehension melted away as the evening progressed, and she found herself reveling in the elegance of the attire, with compliments from attendees making her feel radiant and beautiful in the traditional garments.

After enjoying a soothing shower, Jan Di looked at the exquisite saree draped elegantly across the bed and took a moment to gather her thoughts. The intricate fabric shimmered, catching the soft light of the room, and she felt a wave of excitement and curiosity wash over her. She scanned the room, but Michael was nowhere to be found. "I wonder where he is?" she thought, her curiosity piqued but overshadowed by a sense of anticipation.

Deciding to take the plunge, she gracefully draped herself in the exquisite garment, allowing it to flow around her like a cascade of elegance. As she admired her reflection in the full-length mirror, her heart fluttered with a mix of amazement and self-consciousness. The saree emanated an ethereal allure, crafted from diaphanous fabric in a pristine hue of white or off-white. Its translucent nature revealed her collarbones, waist, and even her belly button, leaving her in awe of how gracefully Indian women wore this traditional attire. The lower portion of the saree boasted a lively floral motif, showcasing vibrant blooms in shades of pink, yellow, blue, and green. This enchanting design gradually transitioned into the Pallu, creating a mesmerizing ombre effect that flowed gracefully over her shoulder, adding an air of sophistication and charm.

Scattered embellishments added a touch of sparkle, enhancing the saree's elegance. Paired with a sleeveless blouse matching the base color, she completed the ensemble with a chic clutch purse, perfect for such festive occasions.

"Michael?" she called out again, her voice tinged with both excitement and concern, but silence answered her. She finished applying her simple makeup, curling her long hair into soft waves that framed her face, enhancing her overall look. Checking her phone for any missed messages or calls, she noticed there was nothing from him. Putting on the wedged sandals that completed the outfit, she grabbed her purse and stepped out into the home, ready to find her husband and share in the joy of the evening.

Following the soft sounds of laughter, she eventually found Michael on the couch, engaged in a playful moment with baby Elijah and Esther. "Hey, Phoenix, I was calling you!" she said, a grin spreading across her face as she approached, feeling a warmth fill her heart at the sight of her family.

"Oh," he replied, rising from the couch with an apologetic smile. "Esther and Elijah are keeping me preoccupied; it's hard to tear myself away from their charms." His eyes sparkled with affection as he added, "Come out. Let me see how my beautiful wife looks in a saree."

Blushing with a mixture of confidence and shyness, Jan Di stepped forward into the living room, twirling slightly to showcase the intricacies of her outfit. Michael's face lit up as he wrapped his arms around her, leaning in to press a gentle kiss to her forehead. "You look stunning as always," he whispered, his words wrapping around her like a warm embrace, making her heart flutter with a familiar affection.

"Wow!" Esther exclaimed, her big eyes widening in wonder. "You look beautiful, Mommy!"

"Thank you, sweetheart," Jan Di replied, kneeling to envelop Esther in a warm hug, knowing how much her daughter loved moments like this. Michael chimed in, "Daddy thinks so too," which sent Esther into a fit of delighted giggles, her laughter adding to the joy in the room.

"Oh right, what is their event all about?" Jan Di inquired, lifting Esther into her arms as little Elijah began to squirm, eager to get closer to the vibrant colors of her attire.

"It's the henna ceremony, which usually takes place a few days before the wedding," Michael explained, his voice brimming with excitement as he shifted Elijah higher on his hip, making sure their little one was included in this special moment. He turned to the baby, saying, "Listen, buddy, Mom is not just yours; she belongs to Daddy too."

"And Esther too!" Esther added, pressing a kiss to Jan Di's cheek before returning her gaze to their dialogue, her innocence illuminating the room.

"That's right, Esther," Michael chuckled, clearly charmed by their children's innocent perspectives. "We're all in this together."

Elijah, with his bright eyes wide with curiosity, continued to wiggle in Michael's arms, fascinated by the colorful skirts of Jan Di's saree. With careful hands, Michael shifted Elijah's small fingers away from the fabric, preventing him from attempting to taste it. "Hey! That's not food, buddy," he said with playful authority. "Let's stick to your milk for now." Esther erupted into laughter, reaching out to tickle her little brother's chubby cheeks, and Elijah echoed her joy with a delighted squeal.

In that lively atmosphere of love and laughter, Jan Di felt not only welcomed but embraced by the vibrant culture she was eager to discover. As they prepared to step into the festivities together, a sense of anticipation bubbled inside her. This event was not just a gathering; it was a celebration of love, heritage, and family. The beauty of the saree, the joyous sounds surrounding her, and the warmth of her family's smiles reminded Jan Di that this experience would etch beautiful memories in her heart forever. Embracing her new role amid this culture, she felt a deep sense of gratitude and excitement for the journey ahead, ready to create lasting bonds not only with her family but with traditions that would enrich their lives.