Surangi, The Child Bride

Part 54

Back in the village no one had been surprised to get the news about Chandri' s wedding to Shivram. When Chandri moved to Bombay it was certain she would be hitched to the boy. Everyone knew that she was blissfully happy marrying the one she was besotted with. But what had caught people unawares was the love story that had taken shape right under their noses some years ago. And that secret romance  was about to fructify with the oncoming wedding of Rohini to Dinkar. 

Surangi sighed as she recalled that fateful afternoon when that clandestine rendezvous between Rohini and Dinkar happened. Rohini had professed her affection for Dinkar, even as she confessed to him about having been attracted to Madhav earlier! Dinkar, who had merely hoped to flirt with her had been blindsided to say the least. As Rohini unleashed her feminine charm on him Dinkar fell for her candid confession like a ton of bricks and then there was no stopping their blossoming relationship which flowed in the form of love letters. 

Rohini promptly told her mother about it and Dinkar dared to confide into his aunt Sharayu through a letter. Sharayu cautioned him about focusing on finishing his education first and Dinkar did just that, moving to Bombay like Madhav and diligently finishing his degree. As soon as he landed himself a job his parents set the date for his wedding with Rohini, who had herself moved to Bombay to live with her maternal aunt after her matriculation. On Dinkar's insistence she enrolled in the Teacher Training Center in Dadar in central Bombay and obtained a primary teacher's diploma. She was offered a job almost immediately. Some girls were really born under a lucky star, Surangi told herself.

The moment the people awaiting the steamer were visible to the eye Surangi scanned the faces to try and spot the one who she had travelled so far to be with. She easily spotted a grinning Dinkar, who had grown into a tall handsome young man. Dressed in western clothes he looked every bit a gentleman. Standing right next to him was Waman, who now stayed with Dinkar's family and studied in Bombay. Dinkar's father had moved to the city after accepting a senior teaching position in a prestigious city college. There was no sign of Madhav and Surangi's spirit sank at the realisation.

As soon as they were alongside there was a scramble to disembark. It took a few minutes for the Oak family to gather their belongings and make their way down the gangplank. Waman and Dinkar stepped forward to receive them.

"Welcome to Mumbai, Attya, Kaka and Surangi vahini! How you've grown, Madhu! Do you remember me? I am your cousin Dinkar!" Dinkar's tone was friendly and Waman hugged his younger brother who was obviously excited to land in Bombay.

"Attya, why did Kaka and Kaku not join you?" Dinkar asked Sharayu.

"Dinu, how could they leave the gardens and the cattle unattended? It was either them or us! But Surangi is here to represent them. And where is Madhav, why is he not here to meet us?" Sharayu remarked, noticing Surangi's look of disappointment at Madhav's absence.

"Madhav had to attend an important lecture, he will meet you later in the day when he is free! He is taking his studies very seriously. Surangi vahini, you have grown a head taller than I remember you!" Dinkar said, leading everyone to his parked car. 

They crammed into the comfortably spacious car and drove off. The family chatted animatedly, even as Madhu directed his stream of endless questions to Dinu and Waman. Surangi sat in silence, her eyes taking in the rolling tapestry of the buildings, trees and cars on the street as they sped past en route. 

They were welcomed by Dinkar's parents who led them into their home. After everyone was bathed and freshly clothed Dinu's mother served lunch. Surangi volunteered to help serve the meal as the two pairs of siblings, Sharayu and Vasant as well as Waman and Madhu caught up with each other. Soon the menfolk indulged themselves in a game of Carrom in the verandah, teaching the uninitiated Madhu the rules. Sharayu, Dinkar's mother Shanta and Surangi used the time to relax indoors.

"Arey wah, Surangi, you are quite accomplished in putting together a betel leaf vida. What have you added to it?" Shanta complimented Surangi.

"For the Trayodashguni vida you need to use thirteen ingredients- betel leaf, slaked lime, catechu, toasted slivers of betel nut,  nutmeg, clove, saffron and grated copra. Fennel, cardamom and menthol crystals are needed to freshen the breath and rose petal jam and dried jequirity leaves to sweeten the vida parcels." Surangi promptly shared the recipe, making Shanta and Sharayu smile at her earnestness. 

"Madhav is quite lucky to have a wife like you. I am not sure about my son's choice though! Sharayu vansa, your brother has spoilt our Dinu. Who would want their children to have this new-fangled custom of love marriage? It will surely ruin our culture! Does a mother not have a say in the matter? But Dinu and his father, they have been pampering Rohini so much I wonder what kind of a daughter-in-law she is going to make!" Shanta expressed her frustration in the privacy of her chamber. 

"Ago vahini, why worry at all!  I am sure she will be a charming addition to your family, and in any case, Dinu's happiness matters more. Rohini has grown up before our eyes. She will make a fine wife for your son. You said you wanted to show me your shopping?" Sharayu diplomatically steered the conversation away from the controversial subject of love marriage and the bride-to-be Rohini.

Shanta undid the bags and exhibited the saree, ring and other sundry gifts for the bride-to-be. The sakharpuda or formal engagement ceremony was to be held at Rohini's aunt's place that very evening. The women proceeded to freshen up and dress for the occasion. 

"'Kaku, how are we going to fit in one car?" Surangi whispered to Sharayu when Shanta was out of earshot.

"Surangi, I forgot to mention it. Vidya, Jawaibapu, Gaju and Madhav will join us in their car. Oh my, look at your face, it is blooming like a sunflower now that I mentioned your dear husband!" Sharayu smiled to see Surangi's eyes light up. 

"Issha, Kaku, as if!" Surangi blushed as she dabbed some sandalwood perfume on her wrists and her earlobes with a cotton swab, finally tucking it into her cleavage from where it would continue to exude its pleasant fragrance. The traditional Marathi nath graced her nostril while the chinchpeti, a pearl choker, and another necklace, the tanmani, nestled on her breasts with her mangalsutra in between.

"You look as pretty as a picture, I am sure our Madhav will be mesmerised. Here, let me secure this jasmine strand in your hair bun!" Sharayu left Surangi alone to assist her husband and sons dress up for the occasion. 

"Surangi vahini, your beloved Madhav is here with your extended family!" Dinkar grinned to see the serene smile on Surangi's face. 

"I am sure he will have eyes just for you tonight!" Dinu whispered to Surangi.

"As shall you have eyes just for your sweetheart Rohini!" Surangi countered, her smile reaching her eyes for the first time ever since she set foot in Bombay. In the next few moments her eyes would meet Madhav's. There were butterflies in her stomach. How would he react after meeting her after so many years?