Daastan [#MissionDesi]

Prologue

Remember me?

Remember when?

These are simple words for any normal person but not for us. These are my tracking devices to spot her in a crowded place. But not here. She recognizes most of the people here. It's a bit difficult though for me to track her down in this colourful crowd.

I scan the sea of faces that swim around me, faces caked with makeup, hair styled with gajras pinned around them, glittering glasses, twinkling gold ornaments, sparkling chandeliers, smiles decorating faces like diwali lights, fragrance of flowers floating around.

Its her cousin's wedding. By her I mean my wife, my better half, my soulmate, whatever names you give. Personally, I prefer 'My Life'.

Oh! There she is! Hips swaying, moving from side to side, pleats of Kanjivaram saree taut over her shoulder, hair tied in a loose bun with gajras circling it, she twists a little to her side now revealing her gold bangles jingling as she talks animatedly with her relatives, catching up on the gossip, an old lady puts her hand around her gold earrings and examines them. I roll my eyes. Women and gold! Her cheeks lift up in a smile. Its a beacon which guides me back home. She is my home.

A thought crosses my mind how many men might be oggling at her. I walk up to her and slid my arm around her smooth as porcelain waist, as if to say to those men, NO TRESPASSERS ALLOWED.

She gasps, looks at me and her eyes go round like a deer caught in headlights. Then her face goes blank. My heart skips a beat. Fears and insecurities close in on me. I don't know for how long I've been holding my breath when I hear her giggle. "Arvind, breathe!" she says, "I'll never forget you." And she envelopes me in a hug.

I know how you feel for someone hearing this for the first time. I may not make sense right now but I promise when I'm done, you will know it all makes sense in the end. Let me make it easier for you. Let me take you back to when my wife and I first met, following the events which led me here....