Where there is wind, the trees sway.

Wedding Bells

Akansha

The wedding was serene. The hustle-bustle of the past few days had broken open into a new dawn and there couldn't have been a better start for the day. Stacy looked breathtaking attired in silk, beige saree with gold threadwork paired with a gold brocade blouse and matched with gold jewelry. A car was arranged to pick up the bride and the bridesmaids to the church. On reaching, Stacy was received by the groom's best man and was led into the church. The wedding was nothing like those Hollywood styled ones I'd only seen in movies; it was a blend of the rich Indian culture which sets it apart.

The wedding mass preceded the actual commencement of the wedding ceremony. Soon when the opening remarks were made by the priest, it was time for the wedding vows.

"I," she began, "Stacy Vishwanath, take you, Vikram Anthony, to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, ..."

For some reason, my eyes were almost moist by the end of it. Almost. The marriage was solemnized with a traditional Mangalsutra, after which they were announced, husband and wife. Smiling, they ceremoniously marched down the dais to seek blessings from the elders.

***

'Vikram Anthony weds Stacy Vishwanath' spelled the gleaming words that decorated the entrance to the reception hall. The hall looked magical with the dreamlike smell of the perfect arrangement of flowers; a few of which I couldn't name. The air carried the merriment of music, people, food, and celebration. There was calm chaos in the hall. Waiters with refreshments scurried around like mice with a driving push to please all those who arrived. The guests had just started filing in.

I would have joined the merriment if not for the call I'd just received from the company. They wanted me to fly back immediately. There was a meeting scheduled that evening. That's right, just when I'd started to relax. So instead of leaving the next morning, I had to leave in another two hours. I had already packed all my clothes and was searching for my parents in the crowd.

I was so busy searching for them that I didn't realize that there was someone right in front of me. I bumped against him.

"Abir?" I exclaimed as he turned.

"Hey, that's a surprise! I didn't know you were here." He seemed as surprised as me.

"Me neither. Did Stacy invite you too?"

"No. I am a friend of Vikram's. We had come together." He said looking around as though searching for someone.

I was losing patience. I had to find my parents fast. I felt my anger rising. I didn't know why. I was so annoyed.

"Akansha, are you all right?", he asked concerned.

I found myself knitting my brows and fidgeting. "I fine, why?"

"Come with me."

"I'm sorry Abir, I can't go anywhere right now.."

"Just come. Trust me."

To this day, I don't know why I went with him, but I did. He led me to the terrace.

"Why..."

"I think you don't like crowds. Am I right?"

I had never been comfortable around a large number of people. I didn't like being so stressed out either.

"How do you know?"

"I just noticed."

An ocean breeze blew past me. I felt myself relaxing for a bit.

'Why didn't I just come to the terrace earlier?', I thought. I wanted to thank him. I don't know what I would have done if he had not told me to relax.

"Thanks."

"No problem. It's just...never mind."

"What?" I asked, suddenly feeling a little self -conscious.

"It's just that you seem to draw into yourself often, I only want to help you out. I don't mean to cross the line, but..."

He'd noticed. He'd probably seen right through me. Though I considered myself to be a strong individual, I did have my insecurities.

"Like the time you asked me out?" I asked.

It was now his turn to feel uncomfortable. "I didn't say that.."

"Are you calling me chicken?"I asked smiling.

"No. I understood what you meant.."

"Three dates."

"What?"

"Three dates and I'll be your girlfriend."

He laughed, then stopped. "Wait, seriously?"

I nodded. He became silent. 'what if he says no?' I wondered. I stood facing the wind, trying to calm my rapidly beating heart.

"Where should we go for our first date?" he asked finally.

"Writer's café? Say, this Friday, at seven o'clock."I said smiling.