Silently Falling in Love: Again (Edited)

Chapter 11 - Wedding Party

Alex – 1997

"Mom, I'm heading to the airport to pick up Chris I'll be back within a couple of hours. Do you need me to pick anything up on my way home?"

"Nothing darling. Just bring your lovely wife home safely and don't drive like a maniac."

My mom walked me to the car. "I wish Christina had taken more time off and come earlier with you. I barely know my first daughter-in-law and now I'm about to get a second one. I'm looking forward to getting to know her. Drive safely."

"Thanks," I kissed her on the cheek as I ran out the door. I was excited to see Christina. It had only been five days, but I hated being away from her.

Racing up Highway 101 to get to SFO (San Francisco airport), I pulled into the United terminal forty-five minutes early and parked my dad's car. Waiting at the gate for the final few minutes before she emerged was torture. As soon as she was out, I ran up to her and pulled her into my arms.

"I missed you. I'm glad you're home."

Christina stood on her tippy toes and kissed me. "I missed you too."

"Are you hungry? We don't have to go straight home we can grab a bite to eat first."

"No, I'm not. I'd prefer to get home and relax. Plus, I'm sure your mom has a good bottle of wine waiting to be opened."

"I'm sure she does, and she'd love the company," I said a little disappointed as we collected her luggage.

"What's the plan for the next few days?" she asked.

"This evening is the mehndi party for Kavita, which is a women's only event, so they invited you and Mom. Tomorrow night is the Sangeet (music) party, Saturday morning is the Sikh wedding ceremony followed by the Hindu ceremony in the late afternoon, followed by an evening reception, and on Sunday there's a brunch for family and out-of-town guests. After the wedding is over, we can take a few days to explore Monterrey, Napa and whatever else your heart desires."

"I can't believe the wedding is a four-day affair. Can't they shorten it? It seems so unnecessary."

"Christina, the wedding rituals are not negotiable. Plus, it's a wonderful excuse for family and friends to get together, consider it a mini vacation. We have plenty of time to roam around the Bay area after the wedding."

"Alex, I had to change my tickets. I'm leaving Sunday night; the deal I'm working on is absolutely hot. You can take me around the Bay area on our next trip." She dropped this news on me as I paid for the parking.

"You didn't tell me you changed your ticket."

"I'm so sorry, it just happened, and it's been super crazy."

"Yeah sure, we'll explore next time."

She reached her hand over and placed it on my lap. "I'm so sorry, Alex. I realize you were looking forward to showing me the Bay area. I promise next time we'll come and do nothing but visit all of the places you have in mind."

"Yeah, sure, not a problem. Until then, let's enjoy the wedding festivities." The rest of the drive was relatively quiet and the air between us was stiff. I was relieved when I finally pulled up into my parent's driveway.

As I pulled out Chris's luggage from the trunk, both my parents came through the garage and greeted us with huge smiles.

"Hello, Christina, it's so nice to see you," my mom gushed as she gave Chris a big hug.

"Yes, it's wonderful to see you. How was your flight?" my father asked.

"It was uneventful."

"Welcome to your California home! A glass of wine is waiting for you," my mom stated as she ushered Christina into the house with my father following.