The commotion stirred by Dolly's escapade split the crowd: while some were tickled by the humour of the situation, others, notably the elders, found it unseemly. In the midst of the rising storm, a voice, unforeseen yet assured, sliced through the discord. A young man, unfamiliar to me yet striking with his boyish charm and an aura of confidence, took the stage. His voice, resonant and commanding, appealed to the assembly, 'Let's all take a deep breath and ease up, folks. Tonight, the couple pledges their vows, binding their lives together. A few stolen moments of tenderness only add a layer of enchantment to their tale—a narrative they'll one day recount with fondness to their offspring. Isn't a dash of playfulness what makes a wedding memorable? This isn't a matter of scandal, but far from any notion of treachery or infidelity.
His words, infused with both boldness and whimsy, seemed to pierce the bubble of tension, inviting the guests to see the situation in a new light.
Before the two women could turn their vexation towards the young man, our mediator, brother-in-law Anupam, intervened. With the calm of dawn, he offered, 'Grandma, the world has evolved. Why not relax a little? Today, we're gathered for a joyous event—my wedding. And truly, isn't it heartwarming to witness a hint of romance from our Ashwin?'
Caught by surprise at Anupam's interjection, I sputtered on the water Anjali Bhabhi had given me, showering the unsuspecting Dolly. Jolted from her slumber, she exclaimed in playful distress, 'Help, Help! Is it a tsunami?' A gentle prod and a guided gaze towards the amused crowd were all it took for her to leap up, as if powered by springs, her dishevelled hair and bewildered eyes adding to the mirth.
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Dolly's tousled appearance elicited a burst of laughter from the crowd, effectively cutting through the earlier tension. As laughter cascaded around us, the assembly slowly disbanded, each person returning to their duties, the remnants of mirth lingering in the air.
Later, we found solace in the serenity of our rooms, regrouping for breakfast by the poolside. Driven by curiosity, I ventured softly, "What brought you to me last night?"
Dolly's reply was tinged with a weary sweetness, "I hoped it might lift your spirits, Sir."
Her response drew a smile from me, prompting a light-hearted tease, "Are you afflicted with 'Sleeping Beauty Syndrome'?"
Her bemused expression egged me on, "It seems unjust to compare a lovely lady to Kumbhakarna, after all."
Dolly feigned offence, "Tremendously amusing. Is this a compliment or a jest?"
My inquisitive gaze sought her interpretation, and her witty comeback took me by surprise, "I'll accept it as a compliment for now, marking the first time I've been called beautiful. However, my dear, you might want to refine your courtship skills, lest our future son inherit a lifetime of solitude."
For the second time today, I was left dumbfounded by Dolly's playful candour, her words interlacing sincerity with a vision for our shared future. Gradually, Dolly was casting light on a new path in my once monotonous life.