Child Brides of India
By: C. Stanton Leman
Chapter 90: A change of Seasons Begins (MFFfg, rom, no sex)
I woke at six with Miko cradled in my arms the same as we'd
fallen asleep. I was still cupping her small breast with
her hand holding mine in place. My three wives walked in,
saw us and quietly came to sit on the bed. Feeling the bed
move when Priya sat down, Miko awoke, smiling softly with a
sigh.
Priya asked politely, "Sleep well sister?"
"The best!" Miko replied with a smile.
She noticed my hand on her breast and embarrassed, blushed
then pulled it away with, "Ahem, sorry 'bout that."
The girls giggled and Monaavi asked jokingly, "That's quite
OK, was the letch a good boy last night?"
Miko giggled and answered, "He was a big cuddly teddy
bear."
"Cuddly teddy bear?" Priya asked in mock surprise, "That's
not the Sean WE know, is it girls?"
"I'll have you know," I extolled proudly, "I was a perfect
gentleman."
"Does a gentleman hold a girl's booby?" The little snot
asked.
"A little smart ass aren't you," I scolded.
"Uh," Miko admitted with a blush, "That was my idea."
"A PERFECT gentleman," Monaavi observed, "Would have moved
his hand."
"Alright," I admitted, "Maybe I wasn't perfect."
"Come on, you love birds," Priya ordered, "Outta bed. We've
got to say prayers."
"I don't suppose you two are gonna shower together," Leeya
smugly asked, "Are ya?"
"No," Miko replied as she looked at me out of the corner of
her eye with a cute smile, "Not yet."
We two lovebirds got up and Miko put on her robe and left
with Leeya. With Miko gone, Priya and Monaavi left to get
ready for prayers. After prayers and at the breakfast
table, things were quiet, knowing that Miko was leaving
shortly after we ate.
When breakfast was finished and we stood to leave the
table, Miko ran to my mother and began sobbing in her arms.
"Momma!" Miko cried, "I don't want to leave! This is where
I belong and going back to my old life is so painful."
"Shush," Mom comforted, "You're not going back to your old
life Sweetie, you're preparing for a new one. It won't be
long until you're here and having to help raise four girls
along with dealing with three sisters and putting up with
the letch- and work! Don't do this to yourself Miko, I know
this is the scariest part: it's just within your reach and
it's hard waiting for the dream to materialize."
"You're right Momma," Miko sniffled, "It's just that
leaving, even for a little while, is so hard."
"I know Sweetie," Mom reassured, "Fill your time with
getting things ready, and before you know it, you'll be
wearing that kimono and making your vows. Now, get your
little butt over there and spend some time with your
family. Go! Git!"
Miko sniffled a giggle as Mom scooted her away with a love
swat on the butt. She came to the girls and they embraced
in a group hug.
"Come on girls," Monaavi said, "Let's get our sister some
veils to wear. She might as well get used to them now."
"Wait," Priya asked forcefully. "Sit down Miko, there's
something you should know."
They sat at the table and Priya began to explain, "Miko,
once you put a veil on, you may have to endure stares and
some people's prejudice. Your friends at work may suddenly
back away and maybe even shun you. You need to be prepared
for this and understand that it's people's ignorance that
they shy away from and not you personally. Most Americans
are very understanding and tolerant of other faiths and
cultures but with the world as it is today, you may
encounter some hostility. This is an added pressure that
you need to be aware of and are ready to deal with. We must
always return people's fear with an understanding smile and
show people by our example that we are good people. Can you
do this?"
"Priya," Miko sighed, "My course in life has been chosen. I
never thought about what you just said but can understand
it fully. Many people are prejudiced against Asians also,
so I know exactly what you mean. Come to think of it, my
co-workers will probably see my ring because of the veil,
but no matter. I accept what is to become a part of my life
and am happy with it. Now, are you gonna teach me how to
wear a veil?"
"Ok then," Priya said with a reassuring smile, "Let's go
get you some veils."
All four went upstairs to give Miko some veils and
instructions. About an hour later, they returned giggling
and joking among themselves. Miko now wore a white veil
loosely wrapped around her head and holding about six
others in her hands, which she put in her bag. I could see
the hair on the sides of her face but none in the back. She
wore it like a fashionable scarf.
Upon seeing her Mom quipped, "See, I told you, you weren't
leaving here unless you were ringed and veiled!"
Priya abruptly asked, "Oh! I almost forgot, are you on
birth control?"
Miko blushed and answered, "No, I've not had a reason to
be. My periods are regular and I haven't had a relationship
for a long time so it wasn't necessary."
"Well," Priya instructed, "Call Dr. Simpson. He knows about
our family lifestyle and is treating all of us."
"I'll call tomorrow and make an appointment but it'll be
strange working with him and him knowing about my
lifestyle." Miko replied.
"I'm have a feeling," Monaavi noted, "He'll be very happy
for you."
"I have an idea," I offered, "Since I don't know where you
live, why don't I follow you home and you can show me your
place?"
"Why don't we ALL go?" Leeya added, "It'll be fun to see
where Miko lives, don't cha think?"
Well?" I asked with a raised eyebrow, "Want to give us all
a tour?"
"Hai," Miko answered, "It's not fancy like here, but it's
my home and it's comfortable for me."
"How come you never spoke Japanese in the hospital?" Leeya
asked.
"I don't know," Miko replied, "I've always separated my
personal and professional lives. At work, I speak strictly
English because my job requires communication with patients
in their native tongue. In private, I'm Japanese and have
always spoken Japanese at home. I guess I feel safe enough
with all of you to be myself and express my Japanese self."
"It's almost noon," Priya observed," We'd better get going
don't you think?"
"Sean," Miko asked, "May I have a couple of photos of all
of you? I'd like one of you, one of my sisters and one of
my future children I can frame for home and one of you I
can carry in my wallet. When people see my ring, they'll
definitely want to see a photo of my fiancé."
"Sure," I joked, "Dressed, in boxers, or just my birthday
suit."
"Dressed I think," Miko teased demurely, "My sisters said
that you were phallically challenged."
"Phallically challenged?" I laughed and said, "They did,
did they? Well I guess you'll have to find the answer to
THAT one on your own"
Leeya was standing behind me shaking her head no and
extended her fingers about seven or eight inches apart.
Miko leaned a bit to look behind me at Leeya, bit her lip
and said with a smirk, "Oops!"
"Oops is right," Monaavi giggled, "Armed and dangerous is
more like it."
"Maybe I should study Bushido," Miko remarked.
"What's that?" asked Leeya.
"The warrior code of the samurai," Miko answered, "Should I
buy a katana or perhaps keep a diasho under my pillow."
"What the heck are you talking about Miko" Monaavi asked,
"I'm sorry," Miko replied, "Just some Japanese black humor.
A katana is what you call a samurai sword and a diasho is a
small version of the katana used for seppuku or hari-kiri."
"No need for all that," I remarked, "If there's going to be
any impaling done, I'll use my own katana, no need to buy
one."
"Alright everyone," Priya mediated, "Enough about swords
and impaling. I'm sure we can all agree that when the time
comes, Sean will put his katana in Miko's sheath and she'll
love him doing it. Now, are we goin' to Miko's or not?"
"Let's get the photos first," I answered, "Then we can be
on our way."
Returning inside, I printed off the photos Miko requested,
putting them in a cardboard mailer for protection. She took
the wallet photo, put it in her wallet and soon we were
ready to go. Miko tearfully bade the children goodbye one
at a time with a hug and a kiss and turned to my mother.
They embraced tearfully for several minutes, Miko not
wanting to part.
"I miss you already," Miko cried, "There's nothing more
reassuring to a girl than her mother,"
"Miko, " Mom answered, "You and your mother honor me and
I'm thankful you feel this way about me. Now go, go do what
you need to do and we'll take this journey together. If you
need anything, anything at all, call me I'll be here for
you."
Mom kissed her sweetly and said, "I love you Sweetie, now
go. You've got things to do. By the way, you look very
lovely in your veil. It adds a hint of mystery to you."
"Thank you Momma," Miko replied, "I love you too. I'll call
you, OK?"
"Sure, anytime day or night," Mom answered.
Miko bade Dad, Adib and Salima goodbye with a hug and a
kiss, got in her car. We got in the navigator and followed
her out the drive. We drove about forty minutes to an
upscale apartment complex in an area called the Willows of
Ruxton about ten minutes north of GBMC.
The area had a country setting although heavily populated
with large, expensive homes. Getting out of the cars, Miko
cheerfully said, "Well, here we are, this is where I live.
Let's go, I live on the second floor."
We followed her up the stairs to her apartment door. She
opened the door, stepped inside and removed her shoes.
Doing the same as we stepped inside, we were amazed at her
home. It looked like we were transported half a world away
to Japan.
The apartment had hardwood floors that were overlaid with
Tatami mats. Her furniture had an oriental motif with a
unique looking five-foot high, four-panel Soji screen room
divider that's popular here in the US separating the dining
room from the living room. It had a walnut finish with
white silk-screen rice paper panels but what made it unique
was a shelf about four feet off the floor with oriental
pottery in between the folded panels.
In the corner of the living room sat a sleek computer desk
with a high-end computer, flat screen monitor and
multifunction printer. On one wall hung a flat screen TV
with a small, sleek, entertainment center underneath. In
the bedroom was a Queen sized Tatami bed with oriental
spread and pillows, flanked by matching nightstands with
oriental lamps on top. Her apartment was meticulously
clean, simple yet peacefully elegant.
Setting her bag on the bed, Miko turned with a blushing
smile and with open arms said, "Well, this is home. Whatcha
think?"
"It's beautiful!" Priya remarked.
"Amazing!" Monaavi added.
"Peacefully elegant," I voiced my approval.
"I really like it," Leeya put in, "Can I stay here with
you?"
"It would be quite lonely here when I'm at work," Miko
replied, "Besides, you've got classes, remember?"
"Come on," Miko requested as she headed to the kitchen,
"Let me put on some tea."
As we sat and drank tea, Priya asked, "How do you think
you'll be received at work?"
"I'm not sure," Miko answered, "But I'll find out tonight
when I go in."
"What time to you have to be in?" I asked.
"My shift starts at eleven," Miko answered, "But I've got
to be there a half hour early for pre-shift conference."
"We'd better go soon," I said as I drank my tea, "You need
to get some rest. You've got a long night ahead of you."
"I won't be able to sleep: too excited," Miko giggled,
"I'll probably go online and start looking for my uchikake.
I'll lay down later for a while and rest."
"Give me your cell," I asked, "And I'll put our numbers in
your phone while I'm thinking about it."
She gave me her phone and talked to the girls while I
programmed her phone. I told her I'd be getting her a new
phone so she wouldn't have to pay for this one any longer.
After I'd finished, Priya said that we should be going. We
rose to leave and the girls went to the car so Miko and I
could say goodbye in private.
At the door, Miko wrapped her arms around me crying and
said, "I love you Sean, more than anything in the world! I
miss you already and I'm still in your arms."
"I know how you feel," I answered choked up a little, "I
don't want to let you go either: this is really hard."
"I'll be fine," She reassured me, "Go home to our family
and give them my love. Now kiss me you fool and let me get
on with things."
"Speaking of nature," I observed, "It feels like it's
raining."
"I know," she quietly agreed with her head against my
chest, "But the rain brings forth new life and with it, the
dawn of a new season. The spring of our life is at hand and
it will soon blossom in all its glory. The cherry blossoms
will burst forth, the water lily and lotus will bloom and
we'll revel in the fragrance of our love. You are my
strength Sean. Your love has given me the strength to come
forth from the pain of a long and cold season to burst out
awaking in full bloom. Go now, before I can't let you go."
As we both wept at parting, I kissed Miko with incredible
passion. As we kissed, I could hear the wind softly
rustling through the trees. We broke the kiss, held each
other for a moment and I felt her tiny hand slid down my
arm as I turned and left. I stopped, turned and looked
back. Miko stood in the doorway, smiled lovingly and slowly
closed the door.
The ride home was a quiet one. Everyone in the car felt a
loss not having Miko among us. It's strange how one's life
can seem complete, and then someone walks in and life is
never seems the same again. When we got home, I picked up
my tiny chocolate princess and took a walk.
Malina was sleeping and as I held her on my shoulder, I
cupped her tiny foot in my hand as I'd done years ago with
Tina and like then, my baby rewarded me by wiggling her
tiny little toes on my palm. I immediately began to weep at
the multitude of my blessings. Despite my predilection, my
torment over lusting for something that was wrong, God had
forgiven me as He'd forgiven Miko, had showered His love on
me with more love than I deserved.
I thought about how much alike the people of the world are…
American, Indian and Japanese. We longed for the same
things in our hearts and endured the same pains and longing
for love. We all felt the effects of mistakes made and
their consequences. We sought the love and forgiveness of
our God and His grace to carry us during times of trial and
pain. If we're all so much alike, why can't we get along?
Why is there prejudice, hate and war? Why can't we see the
beauty in our differences? Each of my wives (and I included
Miko) whether brown, honey or yellow and white display a
beauty uniquely their own. God has surrounded Himself with
the beauty of variety of His creatures and He's allowed me
to see a glimpse of that.
I knew, as if by premonition, that Miko was probably lying
on her bed crying, pining to be with me, in my arms, safe
from the reminders of loneliness that surrounded her in her
apartment. I pined with her, as did her sisters, for the
time when we'd be together again.
I was surrounded by life, having four daughters that would
one day issue forth their own children and continue the
renewing of the seasons. Miko's explanation of the dance of
love as a mirror of nature seemed so soothing, as if that's
the way it was meant to be: not bars, word games and lust,
but a soft, gentle dance like the trees bowing to the wind.
I again thought of my mother… direct, abrasive and bawdy at
times, but always gentle, loving and wise; and above all, a
lover of God. I felt so blessed to have her. All the wisdom
she's imparted to me in my six years of marriage could fill
a library on the precepts of life. She gave her love to all
that needed it and it seemed she had an endless supply to
give. I felt so proud that so many have called her mother.
Returning to the house, I put Malina to bed, sat with my
family and talked. It seemed we all felt an emptiness in
not having our little lotus blossom with us: she had stolen
our hearts.
After dinner and prayers, Monaavi and I settled into bed.
Monaavi, as reflective as I, talked as we cuddled of our
new family and Miko. The past two days made her reflect
upon the time when our love was new with the anticipation
of consummating our love. She said that seeing Miko unfold
like a rose spreading it petals was like reliving her own
life before her very eyes.
A little after midnight, my cell phone rang. I flipped it
open with a hello.
"Sean?" I heard Miko say, "Can you talk a moment? I mean,
it's not too late is it?"
"No Sweetheart," I assured, "What's up?"
"Oh Sean," Miko exclaimed, "They saw my ring! Everyone's so
happy for me! As soon as they saw me come in with my veil
on, Cathy saw my ring and blurted out "You're engaged!"
Now, the whole ward knows! I'm just so happy I could bust!"
I laughed at her little girl excitement and replied, "I'm
happy that you're happy! What's they say?"
"OHMYGOD!" Miko hyperventilated, "Where to start! First,
they asked why I was wearing a veil and I told them you
were Muslim. They didn't even flinch! When they saw my
ring, their eyes just bugged out! Now, I'm getting a
million questions about everything. I showed them your
picture and they practically creamed, saying you're such a
hunk! Half the nurses are standing here listening. They
wanna know how much the ring cost but I wouldn't say. Wait
a minute: here, Cindy wants to talk to you."
"Sean?" Cindy said, "This Cindy."
"Hi Cindy," I answered politely, "What's up?"
"Oh hi," she answered, "Uh, can I ask you a silly
question?"
"Shoot," I replied.
"Miko's ring is absolutely stunning," She said excitedly,
"And we were wondering, um how much was it?"
"If you girls must know," I answered, "It was in the
neighborhood of seventeen three."
"Oh… My… God!" I heard her gasp, "Hey girls, Miko's got a
fortune on her hand: seventeen thousand dollars worth!"
"Uh," Cindy stuttered, "One last question: what do you do
for a living?"
"I'm CEO," I revealed, "Of an international software firm."
"EEEEEEEK!" Cindy shrieked into the phone, "A hunk AND
rich! I can't stand it, here Miko you talk!"
"Hey Sweetheart," I asked, "Think you girls will deliver
any babies tonight or just swoon over your ring and my
job?"
"Both!" she exclaimed, "It's a slow night: only three
deliveries. I love you so much I can't stand it!"
"What," I joked, "Does that mean you're breaking it off?"
"Oh silly!" she retorted, "You know what I mean."
Cupping the phone, Miko whispered, "Could you come by
tomorrow morning and kiss me on your way to work, they
don't believe you're as good looking as your picture."
"You girls like to strut don't you?" I asked jokingly,
"Priya did the same thing. Sure, I'll come by early: what
time, about eight?"
"Uh huh," She confirmed, "Bye, gotta go and check Mrs.
Gilbert."
"Bye now," I concluded, "See you at eight. Love ya."
"Love ya more!" Miko squealed. Click.
"Miko right?" Monaavi guessed with a giggle, "She sounded a
little excited, I guess everyone knows."
"In spades," I confirmed, "My presence is requested at
eight am tomorrow for display."
"Girls will be girls," Monaavi chuckled, "Let her strut a
little: good for the ego."
"Yeah I guess," I agreed, "Women: just don't understand
'em."
"Don't have to," Monaavi quipped with a kiss on the cheek,
"Just enjoy 'em."
"Hmmmm," I thought out loud, "Pluck her little lotus
flower…"
"Down letch," Monaavi scolded, "Come on. Hold your leaking
cow to sleep."
With that, we cuddled up and went to sleep. I arose early
and readied myself for inspection, putting on a navy blue
pin striped suit. We said prayers early and after a cup of
coffee and some toast I was off. I arrived at the hospital
at seven forty-five and parked in the temporary parking.
Evidently, I was expected because when I went to the
admitting desk, I got a coy smile and after calling the
nurse's station, was told to go on back, they were
expecting me.
I walked in and around the corner to the nurse's station
and the whole crew was there waiting, standing behind my
little lotus blossom. Wanting to make a lasting impression,
I walked up to Miko with a loving smile and wrapped my arms
around her and laid a whopper on her.
As I kissed her, her legs about melted from under her as
her co-workers gasped and swooned.
Breaking the kiss, I asked sexily, "Wanna become a patient
here?"
"Mission control" Miko replied blushing, reliving our
seduction, "All systems are go."
"Well," I replied with a grin as I kissed her nose, "I'd
better get to work before my flight suit develops a leak."
(Giggles).
"Bye now, love ya." I said as I turned and waved goodbye.
"Bye," Miko waved, "Call me later. Love ya more."
"I'm at your beck and call," I replied as I walked away
with another wave.
Who said hospitals weren't little Peyton Places? Wondering
if I'd helped or hindered Miko's cause, I figured that she
asked for it so she can deal with it. At least they'd have
something to talk about for a while.
Miko was the center of attention for a few days and then
things settled back to real life. Miko told me that Dr.
Simpson was surprised to learn that she was joining our
family but was happy for her, saying he felt we were a
loving family.
Miko spent two days with us when her weekend came up and
was narrowing down her kimono selections. She finally made
a decision and ordered the one she wanted. All of the girls
said it was stunning but wouldn't give me a hint as to what
it looked like. I Googled a few sites and got an idea of
what an uchikake looked like. As they said: stunning!
Dad had called the builder and had a set of preliminary
plans for the addition and was deciding on the final floor
plan. It was estimated that they'd be completed some time
in September.
I got together with Dad and the builder to create a wedding
surprise for Miko. None of my other wives were into flowers
or gardens and things but Miko loved such things because of
her culture. On the other side of the barn, cradled within
some pines, they would design and install a Japanese garden
complete with bonsai trees, cherry blossom trees, flowers
and a Japanese style pagoda-like open gazebo jutting out
over a koi pond with a trickling waterfall: just a place
for her to go and experience again a piece of Japan. The
builder gulped when I told him he had three weeks to
complete it: cost wasn't an issue. He subcontracted a firm
from Minnesota that specialized in Japanese garden design
to get the job done on time.
I contacted a Mosque, the Baltimore Masjid, and spoke to
the Imaam there and gave him a history of our family. He
agreed to perform the ceremony according to Islamic law
three weeks hence. Miko and I would be married the last
week in June. I asked him about her wanting to wear
Japanese wedding attire and he said that was fine, as long
as it was modest. When he found out it was basically a
fancy kimono, he was fine with it. It's also permissible
for a Muslim man to marry a Christian because Islam
considers them to be a member of "The Book:" each faith
believing in the God of Abraham.
Miko, as with all brides, was giddy with anticipation of
her wedding day and was spending every free moment she
could with her sisters. What in the world do girls do for
hours anyway, besides titter and giggle?
She also took time from her plans to make sure she spent
time with each of her soon-to-be daughters. She'd help Tina
and Tiya study, play tag or hide-n-seek with the twins and
either bath or feed Malina. She worked hard to earn her way
into the hearts of my children with her time and attention.
Because of both the difficulty and complexity of putting on
a kimono correctly, Miko enlisted the aid of her Japanese
girlfriend Keiko. Keiko would help her get dressed, and
because the wedding kimono is so long, assist her in
walking.
When we went through the various parts of the ceremony,
Miko was worried that being bound in a kimono, she might
have problems sitting on the floor for the pillow ceremony
portion but said she would manage if she sat with her legs
folded to one side.
Ours would be a very small, private ceremony, with only my
family present from my side and Miko invited the only three
people she knew that she trusted enough to keep her
confidence, Keiko being one of them. Having said that, she
was happy to have a simple wedding.
Miko had been calling her mother once a week and her mother
expressed extreme sorrow at not being able to attend. Miko
told her that we'd hired a professional photographer to
tape the entire ceremony and that she would send her a tape
secretly through one of her mother's friends. Over the
course of her conversations, Miko revealed the true nature
of our family, and although her mother at first seemed
skeptical, after continued communication she came to
understand why Miko had chosen this path in life and was
happy for her.
My mother and all my wives had spoken to Miko's mom, whom
we found out was named Jun, and she was reassured of Miko's
happiness. Jun did think it a little funny that Miko would
suddenly become a mother to four young girls and an aunt to
another.
Jun became endeared with Leeya because of her age. She told
of years ago, in ancient Japan, where very young girls were
married off because their families could no longer afford
to feed them. To this day, there is a "Lolita" genre in
Japanese culture, art and comics with regards to sexuality.
She was greatly impressed with Leeya's maturity and
sensitivity and sense of devotion to her married life and
the love she carried for me. Me, I was happy that Miko had
re-established her relationship with her mother and that
Jun knew the whole truth. It saddened us deeply that their
newfound relationship had to remain secret because of an
unyielding and unloving father.
The week before the wedding, Miko presented me with my
wedding attire: a black kimono, a five-crested black shirt–
type garment called a haori, and a long grey pleated skirt-
type garment called a hakama with white socks and wooden
sandals. When the women saw I'd be wearing a skirt, they
giggled at the fact and reminded me to wear clean
underwear. Of course I had to model the outfit and learn
how to put it on, which was good for a laugh in itself.
Several nights a week I would leave work and have dinner
with Miko at the hospital when she worked and several times
at her apartment where she'd fix simple Japanese dishes
such as sushi or raumen noodle or miso soup. Miko was a
very meticulous cook where presentation meant as much to
her as taste.
Sometimes she would dazzle me while sitting together
playfully as I watched her make origami flowers or birds.
She said her grandmother taught her as a child. I was
amazed and in awe that her culture had, through the
centuries, been the creator of such beauty from a simple
piece of paper and the rich customs such as the complicated
teas ceremony. Every aspect of life had a protocol and
ritual to follow, from the length of a single girl's
sleeves in public to the way she walked and moved. It was
fascinating.
On Saturday, three days before the wedding, two things
happened. First, the contractor installing the Japanese
garden almost gave it away when he knocked on the door as
we were beginning to eat lunch, while Miko was with us, to
tell me the garden was finished and wanted me to inspect
his work.
Then, as we were finishing lunch, there came a knock on the
door and what happened next brought Miko to her knees in
tears…
Continued in Chapter 91…
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