Raven

3

It was chaos everywhere, men shouting to hurry the preparations, to tighten the tent ropes, the shouts to assemble the stage properly, the coming in and out of the house with hands full of new dastarkhans, baskets filled with water bottles and disposable utensils. The wedding lunch had ended an hour ago now it was just waiting time, waiting for the groom and his family and friends to come and get his bride. The strings of light hanging outside the banquet hall where switched on, a golden hue surrounded the building, making it dazzle like a star.

The sky cleared up when we were in the middle of our lunch and since the rain stopped my aunt made a brave decision to serve the 100 guests that were accompanying the groom in open space. All the men were hurrying about like hard working ants not even stopping to take a drink of water. In just one hour the whole groom's party would be here so the stress level was high. The bride had gone inside of her room to rest and to change into a new set of clothes since she had to prepare for the Nikkah ceremony. I decided to get away from the festive atmosphere for few moments to fill the disposable plates with flower petals: roses, marigold and sunflowers. I found my safe haven in a balcony on the second floor.

I was feeling a little woozy and my stomach felt too full, wazwaan does that to you. The 12 servings of dishes made of meat, maybe some vegetable like mushrooms or haakh, and my favorite tamatar paneer--- simply mouthwatering.

Filling all the plates with flowers I got up to look at the preparations from above. The garden looks clean after the rain and the golden hue of the lights give the remaining droplets a sparkle, everything looked beautiful. The number people outside had also decreased since they had built the stage and were already done with all the preparations. Maybe I should go inside now mum might be wondering where I went. Though I really don't------

"Liza? What are you doing here?"

Surprised at the sudden sound I literally jumped around to see Rashid bhai.

"ah! bhai u scared me" putting a hand on my chest to calm my now fast beating heart "I was just putting together these flower plates."

"Oh sorry I was surprised to see you here I thought no one would be here. I came to get these extra baskets, I almost locked you inside. Why are you alone? "

"I thought to finish this small job and plus everyone is busy with other stuff. The weather cleared up nice didn't it I am so glad that the ceremony can go as it was planned."

"Hmm " putting the baskets down he came to stand beside me, holding the balcony railings he turned to look towards me, "you know liza I didn't realize how much you have grown I still remember how small you were coming with deeba di to our house , it feels like yesterday. You really have grown up." His gaze was too strong and made me a little uncomfortable. As if sense sensing my discomfort he turned to look at the tent and he continued, "you know I didn't even realize how this one year went by, it's been so stressful with noor getting married so much is going to change. With papa's death I really hoped to do the best for my family but to tell you the truth I really wish he were here with us to celebrate this day. "

Rashid bhai was feeling so vulnerable right now. He seemed to do his best holding all what would fit in his hands with a strong grip. He was showing me his vulnerability yet I could not say anything but stare at him, I didn't know what to say to him to make him feel better to make him realize that I felt his pain so I said to him –

"I am sure uncle would be really proud of how you have managed the situation and don't worry everything is going to be alright." Putting a hand on his arm I continued, "Trust me everything will work out for the best.

And He looked at me and let out a chuckle. Placing his hand on my head, he rubbed it and said, "thank you for listening to me. Now, let's go downstairs the guests would be here soon."

I just decided to smile back and node my head in agreement.

Authors Note: 

Kashmiri terms used:

Dastarkhan: cloth on which food is eaten

Nikkah: Islamic marriage

Wazwan: is a multi-course meal in Kashmiri cuisine, the preparation of which is considered as an art and a point of pride in Kashmiri culture and identity. Almost all the dishes are meat-based using lamb or chicken with few vegetarian dishes.

Haakh: collard greens

Tamatar paneer: cottage cheese made with tomato

Bhai: brother

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