The same evening, I chatted with Gabi’s mother with an objective to share my intention of remarrying, and I did not know what kind of reaction to expect from her, if any. Gabi’s family and I had only occasionally shared greetings since my last detailed call to them. I did not know her or any of the remaining family members at all, and I did not know how she really took the news of my Gabi’s passing. Did she blame me for her death? I had no idea.
I was pleasantly surprised when she spoke to me in a very cordial manner. She asked for my forgiveness for her earlier rude behavior towards me and Gabi. I could not think of what to say - we were well beyond that now, weren’t we? So much water had flown under the bridge since then. I told her that there was no need to ask forgiveness for anything. She might have had her own perspective, which lead to however she behaved. But we spoke in very cordial manner. She discussed my life and told me about theirs. She also shared the news her son and his wife were expecting their first child and how it would have been an amazing life for her with both his and Gabi’s children surrounding her. That one bit really pierced my heart, but somehow, I controlled myself and did not show any pain. She then asked me if I could share some photos of me and Gabi with her, which I did - from the time of our wedding. I had all our photos in the computer, and I mailed a few with her. I could hear real emotions as she saw our photos.
She jokingly added that Gabi earlier shared my naked photo with her, and that she liked me. But she was so jealous of Gabi that she could not be happy for her and went on to deride her and then me. I assured her that there were no hard feelings in me now that her own heart was at peace, and I shared one photo from our wedding, in which Gabi was fully nude, wearing only all her jewelry and henna! She exclaimed how beautiful and happy she looked. She also said that in just a few months together with me, she became healthier and looked more beautiful. She then sheepishly asked whether I had a photo in which both of us were naked. I don’t know why, but I was in a very good mood to grant her all her wishes. I agreed and shared a few photos where both of us were stark naked.
"Oh Amar, it is pornography! But I love it because its stars my children!" she told.
I was very happy to hear her addressing me as one of her children. That was sufficient to calm my heart. I just hoped that things were different from the outset.
It was around then that I thought it to be a conducive time to broach the topic of my intentions to remarry. I told Gabi’s mother that I wanted to remarry. She hesitated for a moment, but then said that she felt happy that I told her. It made her feel like one with my family. She said that Gabi was closer to me than she was to her, so she found assurance that some part of Gabi still lived in me, and that as long as I remembered her, she believed that Gabi’s spirit would live on. She said that she was very happy that I was marrying, as Gabi herself would have wanted me to do that. She believed that it was important to be happy, raise a good family, and be a positive contributor to society.
She asked me several questions about Devy - how she was, her nature, what she did, how well we both went along, etc. and assured me that she would meet us one day for sure. On her request I shared Devyani’s photo with her, to which she returned several appreciative remarks. Towards the end of our talk, I sensed that she hesitated a bit in saying what she really wanted. When I urged her to say it, she made a request to share all our (Gabi’s and mine) photos with her. She said that in her extreme foolishness she did not value us, but it would really mean a lot to her if I did this one little thing for her, so that she could see her in our happy times together. I assured her that I would burn a CD full of our photos and videos together and post it to her! She was happy and send me kisses for a very happy future with Devyani. I made a mental note to send the Sousa family the wedding invitation.
*******************************************
I visited Devyani’s home next weekend. As expected, the entire family was present there, which was always a great sign. I met Jayanti Didi’s husband, who did not come across as a very warm person. I could see many differences in their personalities. He greeted me in a very customary manner. Her father on the other hand greeted me warmly. Both the women were wearing lehenga choli: it suited the occasion.
It showed that he was genuinely interested in pursuing our relationship and take it forward. The food was great, and quantity was a lot. There was paneer pakoda, and their own recipe of delicious noodles, which is what I loved to eat every time I went out with Devy, and then there was a crunchy, Mediterranean salad which I simply loved. So, the family wanted me to feel welcomed and at home.
“Put some imli chutney and a drop of red chilli sauce on it,” Devy’s Dad told me, “... it is that little sting... you know... you will love it!”
I did that and it was yum!
“Oh! This is so tasty! Thank you!” I said.
Her Dad nodded in appreciation. He liked the fact that I immediately agreed to what he proposed to. I guess, fathers are like that… especially the traditional ones. We had a little chit chat – those so called ‘ice-breakers’ leading to the real talk. And finally, it came.
“So how are you two love-birds doing?” he asked. “How long you two have been together?”
“It will be around six months now.” I said, looking in Devy’s direction. She smiled.
“That has been some time. But looks like your relationship is on a fast track to nowhere?” her dad asked, or rather, commented.
It was a little joke, with a touch of irony.
“Don’t worry. That is why we are here. Aren’t we? Without me, it won’t go anywhere, anyway… right? So, today we need to sort the wedding business out.” he added magnanimously.
This is not usually the case in India, when the parents of a girl are actively looking for a partner for her, and that too for a while. In these cases, the girl side is a bit defensive. But I am not a sucker for who has an upper hand, so long as I am able to get married to Devyani. It is important to get the right life-partner, and not be a stickler for such idiocy.
“Sir,” I started, “I am hoping that...”
“Easy young man,” her Dad broke in. “Relax. It is about time that you two,” he pointed his finger at me and then Devyani, “… be together... for life, that is!”
“Oh Daddy!” Devyani exclaimed in sheer happiness and jumped from her seat, hugging him.
“Really!” her Dad said. “You two should enjoy each other while you are young. Yes. Take it from this old man. I know what I am talking about.”
“We... umm..” I could not think of anything to say.
“So, young man, I want to meet your parents so that we can finalize the wedding arrangements.”
“Oh sir!”
“Oh, don’t sir me, son. Start calling me Daddy.” he seemed in a very jolly mood. Really, he was nothing like how the two women had described him to be… and it was a very good thing, really.
Both Jayanti and Devyani hinted at their father’s desire to have a son. The fact that both his daughters liked me, really strengthened my case in his eyes. The elder son-in-law had a good reputation - he was well behaved and looked after Jayanti and loved her. I on the other hand had better education and I was better settled for my age. I too loved his daughter. So, overall, I was getting preference. It might also have something to do with my age - me being the youngest there!
“You know…”, he continued, “one of my friends, an ex-colleague really, has this beautiful farmhouse, nearly two- or three-hours’ drive from here. He is always after me to spend a weekend down there. To enjoy nature, peace, solitude... away from all this... noise… traffic… people… I am certain that he would not mind if you two went there…, yes, in my stead, and enjoyed his hospitality. Not that there is much to do… I think you will have the entire farmhouse to yourself, you can have food there, which is cooked from the vegetables grown in the farm. I understand that the farmhouse is a bit old, but my friend says the scenery is terrific… rustic!”
The idea was interesting, and more so because it was coming from Devy’s dad. So, was he suggesting that I can take her daughter and spend a couple of nights with her, before even being married! Wow! That was bold for a man who has been painted as a strict traditionalist!
“Daddy?” exclaimed Jayanti in sheer disbelief.
“Yeah yeah! I know. I know. But don’t think that your Daddy going senile. What’s the harm? I want them to get married as soon as possible. If their marriage is inevitable, then why should I be a prude?” he seemed very comfortable with what he said. He then clarified his position,
“It is not that I want you two to have sex without marriage. It is just that I want you to get married fast.”
“Oooohhh Daddy Daddy!” shouted Devy and gave him a very tight hug! “I love you so much, Daddy!”
“Are you happy, my dear?”
“Very happy, Daddy! Very happy… this is the happiest day of my life!”
“I wish way more happier days than today for you, honey!” then he looked at me, “So young man, please let your parents and I meet… as soon as possible. Tell us a time, and I can go and meet them. I also gather that you have an extended weekend next week. So, why not make a plan and take Pinky to the farmhouse?”
“Yessir!”
“Huh?”
“Oh, I mean, Daddy!”
“That’s my boy! … and stay here for the night.”
“No sir… that won’t be a problem. I don’t live too far.”
“Still… it is about 11pm. So, I insist. Stay. Leave in the morning, after breakfast. Good night!” he winked and bid us adieu for the night.
“I think, you can sleep in Pinky’s room.” Jayanti Didi too winked at me and took her husband’s hand and proceeded towards her bedroom. He too had a smirk on his face.