It was one of the mornings of December that year. Brother Rudra and I were having our breakfast. Mom was drizzling water in the kitchen garden. Grandparents were busy in their routined task of singing hymns.
Mom hurriedly came up with a lady following behind her. "A black fortuner 'On Test' car swiftly turned into the passage and stopped just at the gate of our home. Agastya, she has come to meet you. Get up and ask what she is here for." Grandma too questioned the presence of the lady, who she was and where did she come from. But the lady gave no answers. When I came into the hall, I could barely recognize her. Before I introduced myself to her, she spoke up.
The Unknown Guest: Good morning Agastya. I am the MD of the 'Roopasthali Co.' and have arrived here on the command of our owner 'Srinivasa Bana'. Here's the wedding invitation that I am here to provide you and our owner has asked me to take you there. Please have a look on this card. I shall be waiting for your decision.
Mom was startled to see the wedding card embedded with a small Ganesha idol made of gold. She turned to me in astonishment and her eyes evinced skepticism. Brother Rudra and grandparents too had similar expressions for me.
Me: Let me have a look on this card and discuss it with my family. Please enjoy the special treats we have for our guests until I come back to you. Mom, serve coffee to the guest please.
I and Brother Rudra entered into our room with Grandpa. When I asked grandpa to let me view the card, he took the card out of its cover and handed it to me. I could hear the abrasion of a piece of paper in the cover. The card read the names of the bride and the groom respectively as 'Aisha Puria' and 'Srinivasa Bana'. I was shock trembled on reading Aisha's name on it.
Brother Rudra: (repeated) Do you know any of them?
Me: Yeah, Aisha is one of my favourite friends I met in Jaigarh. She gave me no hint about her wedding and at once, the wedding card has arrived. The date is too close, only three days to go. It was Thursday and according to Hindu calendar, it was Margshirsha Shukla Paksha Saptami and an auspicious daytime for marriage.
Grandpa: It happens sometimes. Marriages are fixed without any delay. If the MD of the company is personally here to take you in her car, you must be very special for the bride. You can go if you wish.
Me: Grandpa, Brother Rudra, please take care of our guest. I have to confirm it. Provide me some more time.
Grandpa: Okay, as you wish. Take your time and come out.
Brother Rudra took Grandpa into the hall.
Me: Grandpa, please hand me the cover.
When I looked into the cover, there was a folded piece of paper inside. Brother Rudra was skeptic of my relations with Aisha. When I unfolded it, the letter spoke:
"Agastya, I can't actually state but you are the best of all my friends for many reasons. So, I am leaving a secret note here for you. My wedding with Srinivas isn't out of love or familial relations but the birth of a political conspiracy."
It was written with thymolpthalein that faded away on exposure to air.
Background of Srinivas Bana:
The owner of the Roopasthali Co., worked as a goldsmith at his uncle's shop 'Roopasthali'. He worked there since his chilhood, to feed his family. His father got paralysed the year he was born. His mother couldn't run the business and had it sold for her husband's treatment and feed the family. Srinivasa was named 'Avastambh' on his naming ceremony by the society members for getting his father paralysed. His uncle 'Roopram Bana' took benefit of his low-paid labour. But his connate knowledge of jewellery arts made him popular. His uncle was envious of his popularity but couldn't let him go for he had led the business to international level. When his jewellery works got famous in the nation and overseas, the dealers and genuine customers always wished to have him design the ornaments. He had taken a resolution of working as an employee at the shop for Rs.1100 salary per month. Later, his uncle left the shop for him and named him 'Srinivasa'.
A week past, Roopasthali Co. had taken over the Shalamar Co. that faced a decade long shutdown orders issued by the court for its over-exploitation of natural mines and resources. Roopasthali Co. aided Shalamar Co.'s legal department to lift the shutdown orders over a legal contract of acquiring it for a sum of twenty five crores to be paid in further five years.
But the question was, what political conspiracy the Bana was plotting in his mind and why did he involve the Purias in his conspiracy. It was for sure that Srinivasa had surveillance over Aisha and her phone, that's why she wrote a letter with thymolpthalein. To unravel the truth behind the letter, I had to attend Aisha's wedding. When I came out into the hall, she gestured to know my decision. I assented to go with her. She asked me to carry proper costumes for the wedding.
When we moved in the car, she was quietly sitting beside me until we were out of the district.
Me: You look beautiful. May I know your name?
She had a serious look on me however I was calm.
The Unknown Guest: I am Mahima Roy, the MD of...
Me: Roopasthali Co., I know!
And we laughed.
Mahima Roy: (curious) Sorry! Are you Aisha's boyfriend or her ex?
Me: Excuse me!
Mahima Roy: Don't get offended, please! Actually, when sir asked Aisha to call any one of her friends to her wedding, she called your name. Beware! However, sir has fulfilled Aisha's wish but the security is tight huh."
Me: Hahaha! So you think I may take her away. I must have a plan to elope with her! No way. We are just friends and I am glad to know that she called my name amongst her hundreds of friends.
Mahima Roy: Okay! Well, you are handsome. You must have a girlfriend, don't you?
(She enquired nevertheless she still doubted on my relations with Aisha.)
Me: If you wish, I can have one!
Mahima Roy: (frowned) Aisha said that you are a man of virtue. And you are flirting with me. I hate cheaters.
Me: Oh really? And what made you to be in two minds with me?
Mahima Roy: Umm. I am sorry! I meant to say you are too young to be in relationship with anyone. Generally, girls don't talk about their age but I am 28 and single.
(Mahima behaved amicably and that raised suspicions on my mind. Then, I noticed there a camera over the looking glass and the driver had a microphone on his ears, perhaps directly connected to Srinivasa.)
Me: Don't you wish to get married?
Mahima Roy: I do. But I never found a perfect guy who matches my dream husband.
Me: I wish you find him soon.
She smiled.
Me: Well, let me congratulate you on the Roopasthali Co.'s acquisition of Shalamar Co. It'd not have been successful without your cunning diplomacy.
Mahima Roy: Oh, thank you. It's business and my potential depends on how good diplomat I am over being a departmental head.
(Mahima was proud of what she did for the company.)
After the acquisition, she became a popular face in the corporate world.
Me: We are still two hours away from Jaigarh.
(break)
The present mayor of Jaigarh, Mr. Durjaya, mustn't be willing to let the Roopasthali Co. build the Dugdhu area. I have heard that he wishes to ruin the lives of the commoners of Dugdhu.
Mahima Roy: (smiling) I am pleased to know that unlike other teenagers nowadays, you are curious and intuitive. Aisha has a good young friend like you. Yes, Mr. Durjaya wants his revenge with the people of Dugdhu and we are a problem to him. But he is bound by the rules and morals of a mayor. We have managed to start the operations at Dugdhu despite his interventions.
We reached Jaigarh by 3:30 p.m. The car dropped us in the Crowne Plaza Jaigarh when the wedding venue was being set. When we got off, Mahima asked me to follow her. She took my room keys from the receptionist and asked a guy to lead us to my room.
Mahima Roy: Oh, I am tired of the journey. I wanna rest.
(She loosely fell on the Florentina Poster bed and slept.)
I was, too, exhausted and took a bath to freshen up. The room attendant brought coffee for both of us when I stepped out of the shower. I asked him to leave it on the table and return. As I turned around, Mahima was awoke. "Woah!" She was charmed by seeing me half-naked. Mahima served the coffee in my mug, "Hot coffee for this young hot guy."
Me: Where can I meet Aisha now? She is not picking my call.
Mahima Roy: She is here in Room no. 51. She might be with sir or involved in any rites. You can meet her during and after lunch.
(She replied while she was scrolling on her phone.) Are you prepared for the party tomorrow? If not, we can go shopping now.
Me: Yeah. It's a nice idea. You must have a plan, don't you? Perhaps, the Central Mall!
Mahima was in awe and bemused to express any emotion.
Mahima Roy: I am loving it. You have made my day. Thank you! Let's go then.
She drove me to the Central Mall. She urged me to check the 'Suits' corner when I found a lovely three-piece slim fit blazer for the wedding and a royal blue tuxedo for the reception. When I came out of the changing room each time, Mahima had her mouth wide-open.
Mahima Roy: You are looking fabulous!
She said she was not as good as me in shopping. She needed an acolyte everytime she went on-purchasing formals. She went in the Kurti and the saree sections but found nothing that matched her choice.
She disappointedly faced towards me.
Me: Let's go to WTC! You will find something nice there.
When we reached WTC and she looked into the kurti section, she fetched a lovely dress for her. The colour paired with my royal-blue tuxedo. She bought some other accessories for herself and we returned back. Mahima had a message on her phone that said Aisha had been waiting for me.
Aisha was waiting for me in the dining section. When I approached towards her, her eyes dazzled to see me around her. However, she was bound to be formal.
Aisha: Hello Agastya! How are you? How was your journey?
Me: Oh, I am fine Aisha. You are looking gorgeous. Let me see the engagement ring. Oh wow! You are fortuitous to have Mr. Srinivasa as your life partner. Ain't I right Mahima?
Mahima: Yeah! Sure.
(A server approached us to serve fruit wine.) Please have it Agastya. It's not wine.
Me: No, thanks! I am fine!
"Excuse me." Aisha turned towards washroom gesturing me to follow. Mahima slipped the wine glass and spoilt my dress. I too, say luckily, moved to washroom but entered into the ladies section. Wherein the passage, Aisha pulled me towards her and hugged me tight.
Aisha: (sobbing) I had no other option than to accept the wedding Agastya. My family is doomed by the return of Dikshita.
Me: Please, calm down yourself Aisha. We can't take much time. There are surveillance cameras everywhere and Mahima is out there waiting for both of us. Please tell in concise.
Aisha: (wiping her tears) Listen to me carefully! Durjaya, the mayor of our district, conducted a raid in the 'Soundarya Jewels' i.e. Dikshita's dad's business and took their accounts. That day, he had an eye on Dikshita. Those days Dikshita was furious on Dakshit, you know. He might have enquired about Dikshita and sent the scoundrel Durvish, a popular fashion icon, to entice Dikshita into the advertisement of lingerie. Durjaya solaced her on the return of all accounts ASAP. On the other side, her family was sent a show cause notice to prove them innocent of the fraud allegations. Srinivasa met Dikshita's dad during the court proceedings and forwarded him a deal to let Roopasthali Co. acquire his enterprise and he shall save them from all the allegations. We had no idea about all this before Dikshita told us after her return. Srinivasa wanted to revive the Shalamar Co. operations and had sought help from my dad. When he knew about Durjaya's evil conduct, he schemed Durvish somehow and got the pictures deleted from every sources. Dad was elated by the news and when they won the court case, Srinivasa himself proposed to marry me in front of my dad. The day I met Srinivasa's mother at her home, I discovered a dark truth. Srinivasa's father pretends to be paralysed in front of others but he is not. He is linked with a foreign agency and perhaps, responsible for the shutdown of Imaze Landmarks Co. and Manohari Garments. Mayor Durjaya is an acolyte in his criminal business.
I wondered how acutely she understood the connections and the story.
Me: Still, we have no proof of any conspiracy and/or misconduct against them. And his unparalleled tenacity in the past can't be subsided easily. It's obvious that this wedlock will provide him opportunities to be a great man. Lets see what's hidden in the lap of future. Now, let's move out or Mahima shall enter and see us here. You go first.
"Are you sure Agastya?" She got bewildered by my reply. I holded her shoulders to assure her. And she moved out. A minute later, I moved back to the hall where the dinner was being served. Aisha had a call from Srinivasa. He apologized for his busy schedule. Mahima took leave to her apartment. The Crowne Plaza was completely booked for three days for her wedding. There were his other relatives and friends staying in the plaza.
The next day, it was Mayra when the maternal uncles and mother's maternal uncles of respective bride and groom brought presents to both of them signifying their attendance in the holy occasion. Everyone enjoyed the function. Achyut approached towards me to introduce with Dakshit and Dikshita.
Achyut: Are you enjoying Master? See, here are brother Dakshit and 'bhabhi' Dikshita who were keen to meet you. And he is the one Master Agastya.
Dakshit: Hello Agastya. Aisha keeps talking about you. I didn't believe someone could befriend Aisha so soon." (He complimented my amorous nature.)
Dikshita: I have heard that when Srinivasa asked Aisha to call only one of her friends, she called him.
Me: I bow down to both of you. I am grateful to her. I am grateful to everyone who sees a friend in me. And this is all I know.
Uncle Sarvanand (Aisha's dad): Friendships, weddings, birth, death and any other events are all god-created my dear child. We are fortuitous to live them. Ain't I right little master Agastya?
Me: I bow down to you uncle. You are absolutely correct, uncle. Every event is destined to happen and every individual according to his ordination and will, takes part in the event.
Everyone seriously stood to have a clear analysis of what I uttered. Uncle Sarvanand smiled and then, laughed.
Uncle Sarvanand: (satire) You are exactly the same what Aisha described about you. But, little boy, there's a lot more for you to experience how will is governed.
Mr. Srinivasa: Hello Agastya! How do you do? I wondered about Aisha's best friend. I can see the charm you have spelt here now. You truly deserve to be Aisha's friend.
Me: Hello sir. It's just these lovely people's affection towards me. Anyway, thank you! And, congratulations on your wedding ceremony.
The meeting dispersed and everyone got busy meeting and talking to others in the function. I met Mr. Srinivasa's mom. When I asked about his dad, they said I shall meet him on the wedding day. He was seldom taken out of his room. I had a call from Bhanu. She was unknown of my attendance at Aisha's wedding.
Srinivasa called all the attendees at night for an undisclosed program. When we all gathered in the hall, he and Aisha both wished to know some tips for a happy married life. They wished to know the experienced opinions and the bachelor's visions on married life.
Srinivasa's mom, Sachi Devi Bana: My husband has been the perfect partner for me. However, he got paralysed but gave me a caring, loyal and lovely son to lead our life. I promised my belief on him would never shake. Aisha, it's the duty of wife to have faith on her husband.
Uncle Sarvanand: He, who is in content with what he has and keeps adoring them, lives a happy married life. (Everyone giggled on his saying.)
Aisha's mom: I do so!
Dakshit: One should be curious to know about any fact of the other and get romanticized with it. By the end of the day, any one can have a story to celebrate. It's all about being all ears to the partner.
Dikshita was impressed by him.
Dikshita: Both of the partners have a past that has built them to be eachother's consort. There must be respect for the past and the future dreamt together.
Aisha: (turning towards me) Agastya, you are a true lover in any relationship. What's your view on married life? (Everyone patiently looked at me.)
Me: You just gave the answer, Aisha. An individual, before the nuptials, is partially voiced of his existence and if s/he dwells in a dualistic world, s/he is not eligible to get married. I believe marriage provides a complete and singular mode of expression to each individual. The couple manifest their life under the principle of singularity.
The get-together quietly dissolved into the starry night.
*The Wedding Day*
The final preparations of the wedding ceremony at the Mandapa involved numerous materials and their own rules of installation at respective corners. The Mandapa is a holy place where the priest reads the mantras for each rite to perform and the couple is tied a sacred knot to formally declare their marriage.
At 1:15 p.m., when I reached the venue, the bride was not called yet. Mahima called me from behind. The youngsters were yearning to dance on high heels. As soon as Dakshit arrived with his wife, the mashup music started in the background and we started dancing. Mahima was enthralled by my dance steps and she joined in too. Few minutes later, Srinivasa's dad, Mr. Vaisvarak, was driven on his wheelchair to the Mandapa. Aunt Sachi called me to meet him.
Me: God has ironically managed to prove the worth of his name. May time heal his impairment!
The bride was called at 1:30 p.m. The wedding rituals were initiated on her arrival. Some discussed about the beautiful lehenga worn by Aisha. I quietly noticed the whole ceremony. It rained blossoms each time when Srinivasa applied sindoor to Aisha, wore her the Mangalsutra and the seven-vows taking ritual. By half-past three, the wedding was concluded.
*The Reception*
It was organized at Roopasthali Co.'s building. There was a furnished yet unoccupied flat in between the company's space and the Bana's house where the reception program was orchestrated. I reached the address on time. Mr.Srinivasa had invited his business counterparts, the directors of the company, bank officials and financing partners, government officials in his reception party. Aisha saw me on the entrance and closed in with her husband.
Aisha: (admiring my appearance) Agastya, you're looking fabulous in this royal blue three piece blazer. You are gonna captivate all of us today!
Me: That is what I am here for.
(I blinked to Srinivasa and slipped to the center to groove. The music track was changed to Bollywood style. A lady pushed herself to groove with me. Everyone was charged high looking me and the lady dance. Within minutes, most of the attendees were out of their senses while dancing. After more ten minutes, they were tired but Mahima urged to dance on a romantic song. I didn't know when the performance turned sensuous.)
Aisha: Have you gone mad Agastya? Or are you in love with her? The act was too voluptuous.
(She pulled me towards a corner and schooled me on the act.)
Oh my god! Today, I have seen a completely different part of you. I can't say what's going on everyone's mind after this act.
Me: What about the task that I told you to do?
Aisha assured me on the completion of the secret operation and urged me to return back soon.