THE WEDDING FEAST

Sharma-ji looked at Shyamala, his lovely wife of 14 years. Even after 2 children she looked young and lovely.

The diamond necklace and matching earrings he bought for her glistened in the bright lights of Ceremonial Hall.

‘Mom shall we head to the Chat counter?’ Asked 10 year old Rohit as his little sister Dimple clinged to his sleeve. Clearly both children wanted to have ‘chat’ and Shymala nodded with affection.

‘Don’t go far, find us we will be near the Lebanese section’. Sharma-ji pointed to the Lebanese counter as he said this.

‘The bride looks so beautiful ‘,said Shyamala as she looked at the bride and the groom on the extravagant stage. Payal Weds Amit was written in Rubies and Sapphires behind a large white velvety canvass. It must have costed the girl’s parents a bomb to host this wedding, thought Shyamala. At least a 1000 guests seemed to be in attendance.

‘Not prettier than you my darling, let’s go and have food. I am very hungry. The lovely couple moved towards the food counter smiling at several other guests on their way. Sharma-ji occassionaly kept talking on his expensive i-phone. “ I will be in Hongkong for a day Mr. Wang, after which I will be on a 15 day tour of Europe. So it would be better if you can make it there while I am in Hongkong.”

The Sharmas had the thinnest Pizza crust they had ever had. Later on they went to taste the Pasta and then moved to the Sweets section. They could see the children run all over the place but in a well-mannered way. They were enjoying the feast. Finally, they gathered near the Dessert section. Rohit had the biggest chunk of chocolate ice cream he could hold in his plate. Sharma-ji got Orange ice cream for his little girl and a ‘rabdi’ for his sweetheart. He himself preferred to have buttermilk as he was afraid of catching a cold.

Very soon, they made their way out through the massive gates of Ceremonial Hall and headed towards the main road. Staying longer was not in the agenda. ‘Dad, call Ramlal and tell him to bring the car here, my feet is killing me’, moaned Rohit. ‘Oh you little brat, don’t make up excuses. The only reason you can’t walk is you overate! said Sharma-ji in mock anger. All four burst out in laughter as they heard this.

‘How much?’ asked Sharma-ji to the auto driver. ‘ Twenty two saab’ said the auto driver. Shyamala opened the door to their one room small flat in MHADA colony in Mira Road. Mani their grey cat mewed as they entered home and started rubbing himself against Shyamala's leg. Shyamala poured her a cup of milk and the cat purred in content. The entire family had a look of content on their face. Did you enjoy your day, my little ones? asked Sharma-ji as he tucked the children in their beds. 

‘Yes daddy’ screamed Dimple  and Rohit.

‘Next Sunday we have to go to the Guptas wedding at Worli’. Sharma-ji told Shyamala as he looked at the bunch of wedding invites he got from the printing press where he worked as a paper setter.

With his paltry income of 5000 rupees per month, he could never provide a luxurious meal to his family. Seeing the amount people spent on wedding cards, Sharma-ji made a wise investment. He bought expensive clothes for all four of them and some imitation diamond jewellery for Shyamala. His Shyamala looked pretty in a simple cotton saree but she would look out of place in a high end wedding.  He bought  a defunct iphone from chor bazaar’. The Sharmas have been attending weddings since the past 2 years. He made certain rules that everyone had to follow to the ‘T’. For the children, it went as under:

• In case, there is commotion near mum and dad, leave the venue immediately and head towards nearest railway station.
• Check with a police inspector and tell them you got separated from parents.
• Give your home address and reach home safely.

He had certain rules for himself and Shyamala but he never had to use it till now. The happy family of four has never been caught as they gate crashed into several high end wedding. After all they had the wedding invite in hand....