Can Love Happens Twice

Haldi/Marriage

Morning it's haldi ritual. Mom said they do same ritual to Jo too. Bride and groom are not supposed to meet before wedding.

Initially elders applied yellow paste on my cheeks, hands and legs. Then youngsters caked my face with the paste. It was fun. Then mom poured water on my head through sieve. Then everyone started throwing water on each other running behind everyone. It was fun. Jason and Judson enjoyed too. It's been months there is heartfelt smile on our faces.

Evening it was wedding. I felt nervous suddenly, maybe wedding jitters. 

I wore gold color designer Indian dress mom gave and turban. 

Jo is dressed in red color Indian dress. She looked like  goddess. She too looked nervous. Priest was chanting something and translated in English. 

We took 7 rounds around holy fire, then priest asked to put chain around Jo's neck and red powder on her hairline.

Then the priest announced " marriage is complete and you both are wife and husband"

Jo's family had tears in their eyes. Mom was sobbing, dad and pa were consoling her.

"Mom, don't worry about Jo, I will keep her happy till my last breath" I said 

Mom hugged me and cried harder

Then we had dinner and reached home.

At the door step we were stopped. Karan and Cherry held plate filled with red water and fire and put red water on our forehead.

Mom gave me gifts and asked to give to Karan and Cherry. I gave

"I'm sorry Cherry, Karan. I have no idea about gifts. These are from mom. I removed my limited edition Rolex watch and platinum chain to Karan and Cherry. I will get something for you both personally, sorry" I apologized 

They refused but took after I insisted 

Mom asked me to carry Jo in bridal style inside the house. I carried and took her inside.

Then Jo lit diya in front of god.

Mom made me and Jo sit and put bowl filled with milk and flowers in the middle 

"I put ring inside, you have to find. It is said whoever find it will have upper hand in their married life"

We both put hands inside the bowl.

Everyone were shouting, few on my side and few on Jo's side encouraging to find ring

I found the ring, Jo is searching, I held her hand. She looked at me as if asking to leave. I nodded no. 

"Mom, is there ring inside? Why can't they find it?" My very innocent friend Jason asked 

"Are you seriously from America or coming from Ashram Jason?" Karan asked 

Everyone laughed while Jason looked puzzled 

"They both are romancing inside" Cherry said laughing 

"No, I didn't find yet" Jo shouted blushing taking her hand out

Everyone clapped 

"Poor Henry, my sister is going to dominate you" Cherry acted sympathize 

Jo looked at me puzzled. I pointed to the ring on her right hand finger

"Obviously Henry found the ring and put on Jo's finger" Dad said

Jo blushed

"How do you know uncle" Karan asked 

"That's what he did right Nandu" Pa teased. Mom blushed

Mom took Jo inside while I sat with everyone in living room. After sometime everyone left teasing me about first night. I was left with Pa, dad, Jason and Judson. Then Pa went to bed

"Henry, come with me" dad said after sometime 

I followed him to his room 

He hugged me and cried 

"Dad, I promise to keep Jo safe and happy. Don't worry" I consoled him

"I know Henry. Thank you for everything" he said 

"I should thank you dad for accepting me into this wonderful family" I thanked sincerely 

"I heard your conversation with Nandu the next day after you came at dining table. I forgot the brochure, I came to get it" dad said 

I was speechless 

"You saved Jo, our family honor. You love Jo and I trust you with Jo. What else a father can ask for. I'm forever indebted to you. I owe my like to you Henry" dad said emotionally 

"Dad please don't say such big words, you accepted me into your family. I got my love and lost family. What else I want. I feel blessed" I said 

"Don't let others know that I knew the truth for now. Let's go" dad said going inside. I followed him

Mom took me to Jo's room. 

"Henry, whatever the situation, promise me that you both sleep in same room. Speak your heart, don't hide things between each other. I know you love Jo but let her know your love. She feels you married her out of pity. When she realize you truly love, she will accept you wholeheartedly. For that you both need to stay together. I told Jo. She promised to sleep in Same room with you" mom said 

"Thank you mom. I will woo Jo. I will bring out her feelings for me" I said 

Mom left me outside the door

I entered inside. It's beautifully decorated with jasmine and rose flowers. It's smell is exotic

Jo is acting to be sleeping. She is still wearing heavy bridal dress and jewelry laying in fetal position. Her breathing is accelerated. She is bad at acting 

"I know you are not sleeping, get up" I said 

She didn't move. She held her breath

"If you don't wake up, I'm going to kiss you" I said 

Immediately she got up from bed

"Go change, wear something comfortable" I said 

She ran to bathroom

My suitcase is here. I changed into shorts and T-shirt 

Jo didn't come even after half an hour. I knocked on the door

"You ok, do you need help"I asked 

I didn't get any response. But heard the door unlock