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Child Brides of India
By: C. Stanton
Leman
Chapter 57: Home to India (Mggg, rom, cons. No sex)
We arrived at the airport by six forty-five and went
straight to check-in. We were all checked in and had
cleared security by seven-ten and didn't have long to wait
to board at seven-twenty.
It being Priya's day, we sat together. Emmy and Leeya
sat
together with Mom behind them. I chuckled and asked Priya,
"Are you gonna be alright this time or do you need the barf bag?"
Slapping my arm, she replied sarcastically, "Don't
tease me
or I'll throw up in your lap."
"Touchy aren't we?" I asked, "Just checking."
"Seriously," she said, "I think I'll be
OK this time since
I know what to expect."
She heard the high-pitched whine of the engines as we
pulled away from the gate and added, "I think…"
We pulled to a stop at the threshold of the runway for
several moments, waiting for clearance. Then the engine
sound rose to a high-pitched scream and we shot down the
ribbon of asphalt. Priya got an ashen look on her face as
she gripped the armrests tightly. When the nose tilted up
and we lifted off she gasped, "Oh God, I lost my stomach!"
Leeya and Emmy were all giggles and fits as Leeya
exclaimed, "Yippeee! We're flying!" as we took off: they
thought it was exhilarating.
Patting her taut hand on the armrest, I chuckled and
replied, "Hold on for just a few moments longer, then we'll
be airborne and you won't feel a thing."
She simply gave a wide-eyed nod. Leveling out after
turning
eastward, she relaxed and gave a sigh of relief. We spent
the next hour or so talking of our brief stay in the
States. Priya said she really liked our home and her horse
and really hated to leave so soon. I told her that we could
return over the winter break from school, if she wanted,
and she said that she'd have to think about it. I told her
the winters could be cold, with snow sometimes, and she
said she'd like to see that.
Emmy heard part of our conversation and apologized for
being the reason we had to cut our stay short, but Priya
chided her by telling her it was ordained by God and not to
worry or feel bad about it.
Mom quipped quietly, "Yeah, you guys have got to
stop this:
every time I go to India, I'm planning a wedding. Think you
guys can take a breather after this?"
Chuckling Priya replied, "I think so, that is
unless Sean
marries Me Ma."
"THAT," Mom snickered, "I'd pay to
see!"
I got a nasty thought of Me Ma naked and replied,
"I don't
know, she's still a very attractive woman. I bet she could
teach me a few tricks."
Priya giggled, slapped my arm and replied, "Heavens
sakes
no. I couldn't imagine having Me Ma as a sister wife!"
Mom chuckled over her shoulder and replied, "Yeah,
I could
see it now! She'd really liven things up, wouldn't she Priya?"
"Yuck!" she responded, "Just the thought
of her and Sean
doing it wrinkles my skin!"
Mom, seeing an opening replied, "Why, mature ladies
need love too!"
"Yeah," Priya said, "I'm sure she get her
jollies doing it too!"
Egging her on, I replied, "She may be old she but
she sure ain't dead!"
Slapping me again, Priya replied, "Stop it you two!
You're
giving me the willies!"
Letting it go, we went on to other topics. After two
hours
of conversation, Leeya and Emmy were nodding off, so we
adults decided to get some shut-eye. I woke at noon, and
noticed we'd been in the air about four and a half hours:
another two or three hours to go. I read magazines while
everyone else slept and about thirty minutes outside
Amsterdam, I woke Priya and Mom. Mom got up and woke the
sleeping munchkins and took her seat.
Priya was much better on the landing this time as we landed
at seven-twenty: fifteen minutes ahead of schedule. After
clearing customs I flagged down our waiting limo. We got
our bags loaded and took the thirty-minute ride to the
hotel. Everyone was pleased with the accommodations I'd
made and after settling in for a night's stay and washing
up, headed downstairs to the restaurant for some breakfast.
After eating, we took a cab down to the Grand Canal and
did
a little sightseeing and bought of few souvenirs. We got
back about five, local time, and ate an early dinner.
Afterwards we went back to the room and said evening prayers.
We had adjoining rooms with Priya, Leeya and I in one
and
Mom and Emmy in the other. We'd already decided that
there'd be no hanky-panky, so we turned in early to be
rested for our eleven am flight to New Delhi.
The next morning we rose at five, got cleaned up,
dressed
and said prayers and were eating breakfast by six. We
finished eating and after getting our luggage together were
at the airport again at nine-thirty. All checked in, we
boarded our last leg at ten-forty and lifted off right on
time at eleven-o-five. We now had a flight of just under
eight hours and were scheduled to land in New Delhi at
seven fifty-five pm local time.
About three hours into our leg home, I asked Priya if
she
wanted to join the mile high club. She asked me what it was
and when I told her she got this devilish grin on her face
but chickened out by saying, "No the other girls will know
what's going on, much less anyone else wanting to use the
bathroom. I couldn't take the embarrassment. But when you
think about it, it would be cool to do."
"Suits yourself," I replied, "It'll be a
while before you
get another chance."
She thought for a moment, then shaking her head said,
"Naw,
it'd be too embarrassing. I'll pass."
We five bantered back and forth about inconsequential
things for about an hour before we all decided on another
nap. Not really tired, I dozed and woke about three times
before waking for good about an hour from landing. With
about thirty minutes of flight time left, I woke everyone
to get ready to land. Priya handled this last landing much
better, almost ripping only one armrest from its bolts. We
landed five minutes early and cleared customs in a record
thirty minutes.
We arrived home at nine forty-five to find Pita and
Attiya
waiting for our return. Leeya and Attiya hugged and kissed
like long-lost sisters. Leeya introduced Emmy to Attiya and
her mother and we settled in the living room for relaxing
tea and welcoming home conversation. Pita said that Monaavi
stayed until nine but had to leave and that we'd see her on Monday.
I was sitting in the armchair when Attiya came over and
sat
on my lap. With raised eyebrows from everyone, she laid her
head on my shoulder and said, "Glad home."
I kissed her forehead and complimented her by saying,
"Why
thank you Tiya, you said that very clear! You must have
been working hard on your lessons, tight?"
With a beaming smile she replied, "Yes, try
hard."
"Good!" Mom exclaimed, "Very good,
Attiya, I'm so proud of you!"
Leeya took Emmy and Attiya upstairs to show Emmy her
room
while Pita, Mom, Priya and I conversed. Pita told us that
Monaavi has been working very hard with Attiya and that
she's been trying very hard to make us proud when we got back.
Mom said, "I'm really impressed Pita, with her
progress.
How's her other school work coming along?"
"Slow," Pita sighed, "But she's making
some progress, even
if it's slow. She can read a primer with some difficulty
and her speech is, as you heard, very basic, but at least
she can communicate some of what she wants to say. As far
as I'm concerned, it's a miracle. After years of silence
from her, I've lived to see the day when my baby girl can
actually speak!"
Mom, Priya and I heaped her with praise for her
daughter's
achievements, telling her it's almost as much a joy for us
as it is for her.
We rose and Pita called Attiya down to get ready to
leave.
I had our diver ready the car, and as we were saying our
goodnights, Attiya kissed all of us and said, "Night, night,
'body."
We hugged and kissed her and replied, "Night to you
too,
see you tomorrow, OK?"
Nodding with a smile said replied, "Kay."
With another round of hugs and kisses, we saw the little
pixie and her mother wave with a smile as they departed.
Mom had tears in her eyes and she said, "I'm so
proud of
that child! Do you know how much work Monaavi must have put
in and how hard Attiya must have worked to get to a very
basic level like tonight?"
Priya and I not really knowing, I replied, "No, but
from
the way you talk it must be monumental."
Mom shook her head in amazement and replied,
"Monumental
isn't the word! You kids don't realize it, but nearly all
autistic kids are never able to speak a word their entire lives!"
Priya smiled and said, "Yeah, I guess it IS
amazing, isn't it?"
We stood to go to bed and as we walked through the first
floor, Mom commented, "Boy, a lot has happened in this
house this past year, hasn't it?"
"Yeah," Priya said with a reflective giggle,
"This time
last year, I was a regular eleven year-old and marriage
never even entered my mind. I met you Sean, two days to the
year ago. Now I'm married and so is my baby cousin: and to
the same man. Go figure!"
"Hmmmm," Mom sighed with a nod, "A lot
has happened to ALL
of us since that night in June, huh?"
"You're right about that!" I replied.
They both looked at me and I think it was a matter of
who
spoke first and it was Priya, "Yeah, you letch, to your
delight no doubt."
Raising my hands as I replied, "Hey, no complaints
from me!"
Mom looked like she was going to say something but bit
her
tongue. We said our goodnights and went to our respective
bedrooms. Priya and I took a quick shower together and
called Leeya and Emmy in to say evening prayers. With
prayers complete, we went to bed and snuggled in for the night.
The weekend was lazy; everyone was tired from the trip
and
jet lag. We pretty much just lounged around, but the down
time gave Mom, Priya and I time to make up a rough schedule
on how to proceed with the planning of Emmy's and my wedding.
On Sunday, we agreed that on Monday, I'd go to the
office,
check in with Prishi and get caught up to date with the
plant operations, while Mom and Priya were going to contact
the seamstress about Emmy's wedding clothes. After
arranging an initial sizing appointment, Mom would arrange
for the hall and banquet facilities.
On Tuesday, I'd enroll Emmy in school and get a list of
supplies and her dress code requirements.
Priya invited her family and Me Ma to dinner tonight and
they were happy we were home and agreed to come over at
seven. Priya talked to Salima for over an hour, informing
her that we had decided to bring Emmy into our family.
When Priya got off the phone, Mom and I were right there
and Mom asked, "Well, what'd she say?"
We went into the dining room and sat while Pita brought
tea. Leeya, Emmy and Attiya were out back in the pool.
Priya took a sip of her tea and explained, "Mom said that
she was happy for us and that she hoped we'd make a good
family. She was a little worried because Emmy isn't Indian.
She said that she didn't have any first hand knowledge, but
most polygamist marriages with white girls didn't work out too well."
Priya looked at Mom with a grin then at me and quipped,
"Mom said that she and Me Ma would feel better if Sean was
marrying Sarah."
"Jesus Christ!" Mom exclaimed, "Why would
she say that?"
With a hesitant smile, Priya replied, "Momma thinks
that an
Indian girl is more suited to this lifestyle. Mom's scared
that Emmy will attempt a power struggle and ruin the
balance that we've worked so hard to achieve. She said that
American girls are oversexed, overprotective and too self-
centered, wanting to be the center of attention."
Mom got upset and took the remark personally, with Emmy
being her niece, and replied, "But Emma's been trying so
hard to fit in, hasn't she? I mean yeah, sure she has a
very active sex drive, but she's quelled it hasn't she Priya?"
Priya, knowing Mom was hurt by the remark said,
"Yeah
somewhat, but Momma said that a leopard doesn't change its
spots, it just hides for more camouflage."
After a long pregnant pause, Mom looked Priya in the
eyes
and asked, "Do YOU think she'll fit in? I was so damn
worried about this and thought I'd gotten over the thought,
but now, Salima's remarks has brought it all back to the surface."
"I'd like to think so," Priya replied,
"She has really
tried to make an effort to change. She has asked for, and
I've allowed her to sleep alone with Sean, and has been
very good at keeping her word, hasn't she Sean?"
"Mom," I said, "Emma and I just cuddled
one night and this
past Wednesday she sat in the bathroom for a half an hour
until she asked me for relief. She said genuinely that she
wants to fit in and be a part of our family, not just my
wife. I believe her."
"Whew," Mom gasped in relief, "I though
we were going to
call this whole thing off. How do you feel Priya, I trust
your honest opinion."
Priya patted her hand and said, "She'll be fine
Mom, don't
worry. Once Momma and Me Ma meet her, they'll come around,
I'm sure."
"Ok," Mom said with relief.
As if on a lark, Mom said, "Let me call the
seamstress and
see if we can come in tomorrow."
With that, she rose and went to the study to make the
call.
Priya and I looked at each other and Priya said, "What? I
was just being honest with her. If I didn't tell her and
Momma or Me Ma brought it up there could've been a scene, agree?"
"Yeah, you're right," I replied
matter-of-factly, "It's
best to keep things open, especially at this stage of the game."
Mom came back with a beaming smile and said, "It's
all set.
She's got a measuring tomorrow at 11 am."
With smiles, we were happy: both for Mom and Emmy. With
Mom's spirits piqued, she jumped up and said, "Come on
Priya, we've got a dinner to prepare."
I was in the living room watching some college rowing on
ESPN when I heard Emmy let out a loud, excited "Eeeek!" and
I knew Mom had informed her of her fitting tomorrow. I
chuckled and went back to the TV when Emmy came in, jumped
in my lap and began laying kisses all over my face saying,
"I go for my wedding dress fitting tomorrow, isn't that so cool?"
Sharing her joy, I wrapped my arms around her, pulled
her
close and kissed her. I broke the kiss and said, "I'm so
happy for you, I know you'll make a beautiful bride!"
"Yeah," she exclaimed, "I wanna dress as
pretty as Priya's:
what color should I get?"
Looking at her pale skin, blonde ringlet curls and blue
eyes, I replied, "A baby blue would really set off your
eyes and features don't you think?"
"Oh yes!" She exclaimed, "I'll go tell
the others I want baby blue!"
She was off like a shot to the kitchen. I chuckled at her
enthusiasm, knowing that all brides are overjoyed at their
wedding attire. I finished watching the program and went to
the kitchen to check on the ladies.
They were all tittering on about the wedding, clothes,
the
ceremony and all and I had to laugh. I asked, "How's dinner coming?"
The little snot replied, "See Mom, all men think
about is food and sex."
With snickers all around I replied quizzically, "Is
there
anything else in life as important?"
I got a dishcloth in the face for that and was told to
leave and get cleaned up for supper. Having an IQ of 142, I
know when I'm not wanted, so I turned and left with my tail
between my legs to do their bidding. I guess I am a toe
sucking pussy after all.
I'd just finished showering when Emmy came in and said,
"It's my night tonight, can I take a shower with you?"
I gave her a stern look and said, "You know that's
not
allowed. If Priya heard that, you'd probably be grounded for a week."
She stuck out her tongue and as she turned to leave
quipped, "Just checking. A girl can try can't she?"
"No harm in trying, I guess," I retorted with
a smile.
Having showered and changed, we said evening prayers
early
and were downstairs at six forty-five waiting for Priya's
family to arrive. Right on tome, we saw Adib's taxi pull up
out front at seven sharp.
Priya flung open the door and ran to her parent's arms
for
jubilant group hugs. Little Leeya was two steps behind as
she joined the revelry. Once in the door, I exchanged
salaams with my in-laws and Me Ma as we made our way to the
veranda for tea.
Sarah looked especially lovely tonight, wearing a pretty
pink sari. She looked like she'd also lost a little weight.
I kissed her cheek and asked her if she was ready for
college. She said she was chomping at the bit, as was Haseeba.
Once on the veranda, I introduced Emmy to everyone and
they
accepted her with welcoming hugs. I asked Sarah how Haseeba
and Mahmoud liked married life and she said that Mahmoud
has been testy over her going to college. I was surprised
by her comment, but remembered what Mom had said and was
hoping she wasn't right.
I told Sarah that I'd have a talk with him and set
things
straight or else. Adib overheard the tail end of the
conversation and said that he'd talk to him. I told Adib
that he'd better set him straight, or I'd be pretty hard on
him because he'd made a promise to me and to Haseeba about
her college and career on their wedding day.
We had an enjoyable dinner with talk about the girl's
new
horses and their trip to Washington DC. Me Ma and Salima
were making their silent assessments of Emma, much to Mom's
chagrin, throughout dinner. As we talked, there would be
glances stolen in between banter to see Emmy's reaction,
which didn't go unnoticed by Mom.
After a cordial meal, we moved to the living room for
after
dinner tea. I saw Mom, Salima and Me Ma drift off to the
study for a private talk while I talked with Adib and the
other girls tittered together on the sofa. Priya noticed
and she looked at me. I nodded towards the study. She
acknowledged me with a single nod and went back to talking
amongst the girls.
The women returned from their private chat about ten
minutes later. Me Ma smiled when she saw me looking at them
and walked up to me, kissing me on the cheek. She gave me
her little girl smile and said, "You hurt me Sean, Here I
am, ready and willing, but you go to America for another
bride. Surely there's room in your heart for a mature
loving woman such as myself?"
I chided her and replied, "Me Ma, you're too much
woman for
me, I think I'd make you a widow for the fourth time!"
"Suit yourself," She replied as she went back
with Mom and
Salima, giving me her devilish look before joining their conversation.
By ten O'clock everyone felt it was a night. We said our
salaams as the Haaseem's walked to the car. We parted with
familial hugs and kisses, then went back inside as our
driver pulled away.
I told Leeya and Emmy that Priya and I needed to talk to
Mom and for them to go upstairs and wait for us. As we were
sitting at the table, I asked Mom, "What'd you women talk
about in the study?"
Mom sat, scooted in her chair and replied, "Emma.
From
their conversation, they feel Emma might very well be
suited for your family and that she's very beautiful,
friendly and is very cordial. They liked the way she got
along with Sarah so easily. I was very pleased when they
told me that they were impressed by her."
"That's a relief," I replied, "I would
have thought the
opposite by the way they were looking at her during dinner."
Priya defended her mother and grandmother by saying,
"They
only want what's best for us that's all. It isn't about
whether they like her or not, it's more about her
temperament and whether they feel she'll fit in. I told you
two not to worry; as soon as they met her I knew they'd
like her a lot. I told you to trust me, it's ordained and
it'll come to pass."
I sadly told them what Sarah had told me about Mahmoud
and
Mom shot back, "I told you he was a snake in the grass,
he's jealous that if she gets an education, she'll find
herself a doctor and will divorce him. Men are such fools
sometimes, thinking they can put a strangle hold on a woman
and keep her when all it does is drive her away."
I added, "Adib said he would give him a good
talking to. I
told him that if he didn't, I'd take a bite out of his ass
because he made promises… to her and to me."
Priya shook her head saying, " I didn't think Uncle
Mahmoud
would be like that."
Mom leaned over and said to Priya, "Remember what
you said
about a leopard not changing its spots? He ignored Leeya's
abuse, and even though his wife wasn't worth much, he
didn't lose any sleep after he divorced her. It didn't take
him long to set his sights on Haseeba, did it, and when he
did, he practically ignored poor Leeya. He's a snake
alright, you can bet on that!"
Wanting some sleep, I rose and said, "Well, we see
how the
worm turns. I'll give him just enough rope to hang himself
before I tighten the noose."
"Well said Sean," came Mom's reply.
We kissed and said our good nights and went upstairs to
bed. Entering the bedroom, Emmy was laid out seductively on
the bed in a pair of powder blue panties and training bra.
I knew she wanted to fool around but I wasn't in the mood
so I told her, "Not tonight Honey, Too much going on. Let's
get some sleep. You've got a big day ahead of you tomorrow."
Her bottom lip pouted out her little girl displeasure
but
acquiesced and said, "Oh, alright."
I went in the bathroom and unloaded a quart of tea,
stripped and climbed in behind her in a spoon. I cupped her
cotton-covered nipple in my hand, giving it a gentle
squeeze consoled her by saying, "It won't be long Sweetie
until we can be together as husband and wife. Everything is
going to start happening so fast you'll look back on it and
ask yourself, "My Gosh, I'm getting married today!"
Emmy spun around and embraced me tightly and kissed me
with
a toe-curling kiss. She broke the kiss and exclaimed, "Oh
Sean, I love you so much, I can't wait to be your wife! It
can't come soon enough for me, I'm just aching inside for you!"
I kissed her cute, freckled button nose and replied,
"Soon
Baby, real soon!"
She turned around and spooned against me. I again took
her
puffy breast bud in my hand and held her until she dropped
off to sleep.
I had Haseeba on my mind all night as I fought to get to
sleep. I was seething inside and feeling betrayed- not that
he’d betrayed me, but that he'd betrayed someone I cared
deeply about. THAT was what had me seething. Haseeba had
worked her ass off getting her life back together and I was
the one who put the two of them together. I don't know if I
could forgive myself if their marriage didn't work out and
she was hurt by it.
I was damn sure gonna call Adib first thing in the
morning.
If I didn't like what I heard, I might just fire his ass
and remove Haseeba from his house.
I tossed and turned over this for half the night,
finally
falling asleep around two am.
Continued in Chapter 58…
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