Shiny Hoque

Both their relatives were unhappy. So were their parents. All of them sat together and gossiped about the over smart couple. They belong to the high society of Bangalore. The bride and the groom both earned lakhs per month. They could book a nice marriage hall. The menus were to be such that people would not be able to finish tasting every item. Every corner should be festive. Bride should be the diva of the day. Cold water on all expectations. It was a court marriage. They did not even celebrate mehendi and such other customs. Selected relatives and close friends were treated with simple yet good food. Extravagant colourful weddings all around made their wedding look faded and dull. That night after everybody had left Sayan asked Payel, “ Hey do you regret the decision?” “ Which one dear?”,said the preety bride. “ I don’t mind people criticizing us for avoiding luxury lightings and drinks. But I feel bad about one thing. Nobody admired your look. Each and everyone asked why your dress isn’t costly or fashionable. I remember you had so many dreams regarding your wedding look.” “ Yes but I was young then. And you know what I am looking fabulous in this blue benarasi saree. Don’t I ?”,said Payel looking at herself in the mirror. “ Ofcourse yes, no doubt ” They stood there smiling and looking at each other in the mirror. Happiness dominated every materialistic element. Serenity prevailed the air. At the same moment that night a few kilometers away slept some people under a flyover. Unlike other days they did not sleep hungry. They slept peacefully tucking in their little children. A new clean blanket covered them. An infant inside her new mosquito net smiled in her sleep. The few other families next to them also got new blankets and other needfuls. Each and every child was enrolled to a nearby primary school. Not only that , the women were enrolled in a government organized soft skill training centre. Happiness overflowed in the small area. A handful of human beings received love and care from two angels. Blessings and prayers will surely brighten the new life of Sayan and Payel. The brightness will remain forever unlike the luxurious ones everybody expected in their wedding.