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Love Begins |
| Written by Rowena | |
| Wednesday, 12 March 2008 | |
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Share it:      Sitting uncomfortably with her brother Simi had no idea why his brother had suddenly showed up and wanting to talk to her specifically. Her parents were not around and she was terrified. At last after asking about her health and work he popped up the question. We have received a proposal for you. The boy lives in New Zealand and his dad has approached us for your hand he continued. Do you need to see his picture? Simi was terrified enough and she said no it’s fine. I don’t need to see his picture. Just tell uncle, his dad that it’s fine. Simi’s family had known Ajav’s family for ages. Ajav’s father was very close to Simi’s dad and they spent heaps of time together. Ajav’s dad was at Simi’s place every night for a drink. Her dad had helped him with his business while he was away visiting Ajav in New Zealand. Simi had met everyone in Ajav’s family except for him. She didn’t even know that Ajav existed. She was very close to Sunny his younger brother though. He often used to come to pick and drop her dad. He was very funny and had a Muslim girlfriend, which Simi knew about. Ajav’s family were not aware of his affair so Sunny came to Simi for advice. Whole night Simi couldn’t sleep. How could she have just agreed to such a proposal? She didn’t even know him. How can she marry a stranger and go and settle in New Zealand. She knew his family and that was it. Six weeks later, since her talk with her brother, Simi was sitting surrounded by friends and families. Everyone seemed to be talking at once. She was not interested in anyone’s conversation in that room. Her eyes were fixed to the door and she was watching all the excitement that was building outside. It was Ajav who had just arrived from New Zealand for their engagement the very next day. Simi was having henna done on her hands for the occasion and there was excitement everywhere. Well almost everyone except for Simi as she was not even sure if she would legally marry this person tomorrow. She had spoken to him on few occasions but he said very little and so did Simi. They both didn’t know what to talk about. It would have different story if they met and even seen each other. Ajav sounded friendly and nice and that’s all she knew about him. Ajav requested Simi for her photo and Simi asked the same but no one exchanged any photos.
Finally Ajav walked through the door. Simi immediately started to look away. She had only seen him vaguely. His brothers, dad and Simi’s family followed him into the living room of his house where the henna ceremony was taking place. In this entire excitement uncle Sam stood up to give a speech. Uncle Sam was also close to Simi’s dad and Ajav’s dad. She called them three musketeers. Uncle Sam being a schoolteacher was good at speeches. He introduced Ajav to Simi and most of the people who didn’t know that this was the first time they were actually seeing each other, burst into laughter.
Uncle Sam continued telling everyone how proud he was that two friends were getting their kids together and becoming families now. He asked Simi if she still wanted to marry him, as he knew they both had not seen each other before. Simi kept quite and concentrated on the henna, her face and ears turned red. She finally nodded. Same question was put forward to Ajav who said that he needed sometime alone with Simi as he needed to sort out few issues. This left everyone stunned even Simi. She had been in a relationship before but it was all over. Her boy friend had dumped her for another girl and Simi did tell Sunny about this. She was scared to death. What if Ajav said no to the wedding and tell everyone about her previous affair.
Finally Simi and Ajav were left alone to talk. Ajav took Simi into his room and closed the door behind him. Simi was standing next to the door, if in case she had to run away, and Ajav walked about in his room. After a long silence he finally said, I know all about your relationship with Shun and asked if she wanted to tell him anything else. Simi had tears in her eyes. Why did Sunny had to tell Ajav about Shun? Well it was bound to happen and she couldn’t have started a relationship being unfaithful. Simi told him about all the years that she had spent with Shun and how he took her for granted and slept with one of her friends and never advised her about it until the girl herself came and told Simi. Ajav interrupted her and asked her, in a very firm voice, have you slept with him. Simi looked at him and this was the very first time she had even looked how he looked, and told him no. Our relationship was basically based on love and trust and since he betrayed my trust I ended it, she continued.
Ajav left the room without saying anything. Simi was left in the room. She was stunned with Ajav’s behaviour. He is definitely going to tell everyone that he will not marry me, thought Simi. Suddenly she heard everyone clapping and cheering. Simi’s sister came into the room to tell her that Ajav had said yes for the engagement, but she found Simi crying. Simi told her what had just happened and she said she didn’t want to marry, as Ajav had no respect for her or her family. Her sister tired to explain to her that it was good of him to ask now rather than leaving for later and getting more confused.
Just than Ajav walked in and saw her crying and he asked if her sister could leave and that he wanted to talk to her alone. He was walking up to Simi and she was moving back. Her eyes were full of tears and anger but finally she came to a stand still as the wall just behind the door stopped her. Ajav walked close, so close that she could hear his heart beat, wiped her tears and said, sorry that I came out like this but I needed to be certain. Even if you had slept with him and had told me now the wedding would have still gone ahead, all I needed was the truth he continued. He added on that for them to start a relationship it would be better if everything was based on the truth and fact.
He gently kissed her on her forehead and told her to get fresh and walk with him to the living room where everyone was waiting. She pushed him away using her elbow, as she had henna on her hands, and told him not to touch her ever again. She was in a furious mood and she walked out of the room straight into the living room. She sat on the floor next to her mum and asked her if they could leave.Her mum asked if she was all right, for which she nodded yes and told her that she was tired and needed to go home and rest. But since dinner was being served no one could leave. Everyone were busy running from here and getting things prepared for the party on Saturday.
Simi was getting her henna dried when Ajav walked up to her and said if she needed food. She nodded no and started to look the other way. He sat next to her with a spoon of food and asked her to open her mouth. Just than Sunny walked in and shouted to everyone that Ajav is feeding his wife to be and from tomorrow he will be carrying her around and massaging her legs and back. Everyone burst into laughter and Simi smiled and frowned at him. After much persuasion by Ajav she finally ate with him. He softly mumbled, are you ready for tomorrow? I am physically ready but not mentally after what you have just done she replied. Can you come to my room after dinner, he asked gently. I don’t think so Simi replied, but I have something to give you in a persuasive voice. Fine she replied but it better be something nice and expensive or your might not be able to walk out of that room ever again, she said smiling and went to the kitchen.
Her mother-in-law caught her in the kitchen and asked if she was fine and what Ajav asked her. Simi brushed her questions aside and started to help her with the dishes. Ajav walked into the kitchen and stood next to her, do you need help with the dishes, he asked. His mum heard him and called for his dad. Look Ajav helping Simi with the dishes, she said. I have washed dishes for the past 26 years and he had never asked me once, she continued. Everyone was just laughing and continuing with the preparation.
As soon as the dishes were done Ajav asked his mum if he could take her to his room. Yes you can, provided you leave the door open for me to check upon you guys, she said. Her mum was very nice and sweet, down to earth person. She didn’t have a daughter of her own and she was over joyed about Simi joining in the family. She could not have asked anything better than this.
Back in the room Ajav was trying to impress Simi with his gift. He held her hand and said, sorry I didn’t mean to hurt you. I wanted to be sure that you really wanted to marry me and that no one was forcing you in this. By the way, he continued these are from my cousins and your sisters in New Zealand. They won’t be here tomorrow for the engagement but they all will be here in next 10 weeks for the wedding, he said. As Simi was walking away he grabbed her and said you sure you want to marry me, he asked in a cheeky voice, coming very close to her, their lips nearly touching. Well I have to marry you otherwise who else will marry you, she replied smiling. I love you he said but didn’t get an answer from her. She pushed him way and went out of the room. Ajav was calling back for her and told her that she only had time till Monday afternoon to be with him as he is going back to New Zealand and will come back for the wedding.
It was finally Saturday morning. Simi’s mum and dad had left home early to be at Ajav’s for cooking and Ajav was to come and pick her later that morning. Simi had just come out of the shower and she was shocked to see Ajav standing in their lounge room. Nice place he said but if that towel drops there will be few dead people around, which would make this lounge look terrible, he continued. Simi ran into her room and got dressed while Ajav made himself at home. Is Shun coming to the party tonight, he asked. I don’t know but I gave one invitation to all my friends and he might show up with them. we have been in the school together so he might come but please don’t create a scene, she said. If you want I can call and ask him now and tell him not to come, she went on. It’s fine with me, Ajav replied. He can come and I don’t have a problem with it as I will be the one putting the ring on your finger and signing the legal wedding papers, he said laughing.
In no time Simi was ready. She was a very simple person with just black eye liner on with a skin colour lipstick. She was tall enough, medium built and fair skin while Ajav was bit tall and dark skinned with bit curly hair. His eyes were very attractive and Simi liked the way he looked from this side to that. His eyes just glowed on his face. What you doing tomorrow Ajav asked her as they were driving back to his place. I am staying home and sleeping, she replied yawning. Do you do anything else apart from that he asked laughing and she replied yes I eat when I am not asleep. I don’t think so you eat he replied, you hardly ate last nite. Yes because there was no meat to eat, she replied and both burst into laughter. Do you know why people invented automatic cars he asked and Simi had no idea what so ever. You are a real dumb girl he said, automatic cars were invented so that the hands are free to do other stuff such as to touch you or hold your hands, he carried on. With his free hand he was tickling her so that he could make her laugh as he thought she was too serious. Simi thought for a while and held his hands. Just yesterday she was not sure whether she would marry this person and today she is in his car holding his hands.
In no time she was at his place and people were just running everywhere getting things organised. Thank God you two are here, his mum said, as she saw them walking in. we all thought you had eloped with her to save the engagement and wedding cost she said laughing. Well I won’t do that but if you allow I can take her for a honeymoon rehearsal, Ajav said looking at Simi and cuddling like a baby to his mum. In your dreams son, even if I allow she will never go with you, she is a decent girl and I trust her, his mum said walking away from them. So what you want to do now he said except for eating or sleeping he said coming very close to Simi.
Time had just flown everything was in it’s place, the food, the decoration the music the tables and the cake. Simi was to get dressed at Ajav’s place. While she was in the shower Ajav helped himself to his room and waiting for her. As soon as she walked in he gave her a small fright avoiding not to make her shout and attract others attention especially Sunny’s. Otherwise the whole house would know what they were up to. Before Simi could even say something Ajav was kissing her. Simi tired to push him away but with all her might she couldn’t. Just than they heard someone calling for Ajav and he left the room leaving Simi all stunned. Just as he left his mum came to help her dress up. Make sure when you two are called downstairs for the ceremony you are on time and not in the room, she said laughing.
Did Ajav ever have a girl friend, Simi inquired? Yes he did but she left him for another man sometimes ago and he never dated anyone after that. He wasn’t even prepared for this wedding thing but his dad and I pressured him into it, she continued. To tell you the fact his face has brightened and he is full of life again, she carried on. You can just tell he has fallen for you and after you left yesterday he told me why he asked you in the room. He wanted to be sure that no one has forced you to marry him like we have forced you. Just as she was finishing Ajav walked back in. Simi doesn’t want to marry you, his mum said to him in a serious voice. Don’t worry about the wedding much he replied I was on the verge of asking her to elope with me.
They all burst into laughter. Ajav walked to his mums side and said, don’t dress her up too much as she is already very sexy, I don’t want anyone else to look at her tonight. His mum slapped him lovingly on his forehead and he went out of the room to get dressed. Soon it was time for Simi and Ajav to walk down the stairs and face hundreds of people waiting to witness the engagement and the legal wedding ceremony. As they walked down Simi looked at her family standing and smiling at her. Their eyes were full of happiness and why wouldn’t that be. Simi had always brought happiness to her family and she made everyone proud with her exam results, her behaviour and now her decision to marry Ajav.
The ceremony was never ending. Simi was getting tired of being the centre of attraction for such a long period. Plus there was Ajav next to her on the main table teasing her. One minute he would touch her thighs the other squeeze her hands and whispered in her ears, did you like the kiss. If only Simi could get up and push his face into the cake and stop his teasing! Ajav was quick to kiss Simi as soon as they were pronounced husband and wife, which made everyone laugh. It’s not in Indian custom to kiss or sleep with the bride till the actual wedding rituals have finalized. When people told Ajav it was wrong he shut them up by saying he had lived in New Zealand for a long time now and he had forgotten most of the things that he shouldn’t do, and why shouldn’t I kiss her, didn’t you see that I just got married, he told everyone.
Ajav was too busy showing off his wife to everyone introducing her to people around after the ceremony. Others went ahead for dinner and dancing when Simi said to him that she would introduce him to Shun who was present with rest of Simi’s friends. He was very excited to meet all her friends especially Shun. Mate, he said to Shun, whatever you lost is mine now and at no cost I will be giving her back to you. It’s all mine now he said and before he could add anything else Simi interrupted and said lets go and eat, I am hungry. It was so noisy that Ajav decided to take some food upstairs and eat in peace. You are so stupid, Simi said to him as they walked up. You didn’t have to say all that to Shun as his girlfriend was the there and she would have felt very uncomfortable. Who cares, Ajav replied and what did you see in him that you had affair with him for the past 8 years?
Simi thought it was just brain recking talking to Ajav sometimes so she kept quite and finished her dinner. The party ended around 1.30 in the morning and Ajav kept bothering his mum, can she stay here for the night he asked. Finally when she couldn’t stand him longer she said why don’t you take her out tomorrow to Sunshine Beach and stay in the resort. But make sure you two are back before sunset, as I don’t want her parents or her brothers to know about this. They very restrict and they will not tolerate such behaviour from you, she said. Just as Simi was leaving, Ajav’s mum told Simi that she will be picked up around 7 in the morning. She said for them to spend sometime together as he would be going back to New Zealand the very next day.
It was only 6.55 in the morning and Ajav was already at Simi’s place to collect her. She got up in a furious mood. Is he insane, she thought? He knew I came late from the function last night and now he is here. Wish mum and dad wakes up and tell him I can’t go, she thought while she quickly brushed and rushed through her shower. Finally at 7.30 she was ready. The ring on the finger looked perfect and the smell of the henna still on her hands. Ajav stood quietly looking and admiring at his wife. He was floating on the 9th cloud. He just wished that these 10 weeks quickly went pass. He couldn’t imagine spending another day or night without Simi. So where we going, Simi queried. We will be spending whole day together he quickly replied not answering to her, but where she asked again. Just wait and watch.
As soon as he pulled into the resorts car park Simi froze. Are you out of your damn mind, she shouted? If anybody sees us here you will be marrying my dead body that is if you are alive after my brothers torture, she said. Simi turned pale and upset with this absurd idea of Ajav’s of them spending a day at the resort. I am not here to sleep with you understand and will you stop acting like a baby, we just got married yesterday and I have the right to take you anywhere I want and can do anything I want, Ajav shouted back. No I am not getting out of this car and that’s it, said Simi, tears rolling down her eyes.
Finally after 30 minutes of argument and fuss they decided to go to the beach for a walk. Simi couldn’t believe that Ajav could stoop so low, what was he thinking getting her here. After a while of walking and talking Simi felt be confident to actually walk inside the beach room Ajav had organised for them. It’s not a honeymoon suite so whatever is on your mind just brush it. And if anything does happen we will are getting married aren’t we, Ajav whispered as they walked into the room. She looked angrily back at him and walked without throwing up another argument. The room was filled with warm sea breeze and lavender fragrance. Do you want anything to eat, Ajav asked, as Simi was about to jump into the bed. No I am fine and I am going to sleep and I would appreciate if you can go out or do something rather than talking and disturbing me.
As Simi was about to finish her sentence Ajav jumped into the bed, nearly knocking Simi out of the bed on to the floor. They looked at each other and burst into laughter. Why do you make big issues of small things, Ajav asked politely? I am only here because I asked mum and we won’t be seeing each other for the next ten weeks, ten weeks he highlighted to Simi. Simi bit ashamed of her hostile behaviour she quickly apologised and told him that she freaked out. Ajav leaned on the wall and pulled Simi to him. She sat leaning on his chest while he played with her ear, neck and hair. Simi was very ticklish and every time he did something she shook herself and they laughed. Can I kiss you Ajav asked? Simi turned around to look at him and their eyes met and they kissed each other passionately.
It was a long and passionate kiss and Ajav held onto Simi tightly. His hands moved on her back to undo the zipper but Simi pulled away. We can’t do this she said. The wedding is just 10 weeks away and we should wait. It will not just be right. He agreed to whatever Simi was saying. I want the honeymoon to be special, Simi added. And I would like that to be in New Zealand and in my house, Ajav added and they again kissed passionately. Ajav kept pushing Simi to say “I love you” to him but she ignored him every time and changed the topic. While talking and teasing they fell asleep.
Around 4pm they woke and rushed back home. Ajav with his family was supposed to have dinner at Simi’s place. His parents were waiting when they went back home. After dinner everyone headed straight to bed as everyone had been having such long nights since Friday. It was Monday and it was the day Ajav was supposed to go back to New Zealand. He came to get Simi around 9.30. They went to the New Zealand embassy to lodge her papers. Hopefully the papers are processed in time for the wedding, Ajav whispered to Simi, as I will not be leaving you behind after the wedding if your papers are not ready in time.
Time just flew and in no time they were at the airport. Simi was there with his parents to see him off. As Ajav was leaving through the departure gate after kissing everyone good-bye Simi called him, half hiding behind his mum, I love you and I will miss, she said rather embarrassed and turning red. Ajav wanted to turn back from the gate and hold her and kiss her but the security stopped him. He waved and smiled and headed for the plane. It would be a long wait for them, ten weeks before they are together forever and for the love story to continue. Copyright 2008 Rowena |
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| Last Updated ( Tuesday, 18 March 2008 ) |
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