Arrangement - Conclusion

On the second meeting, they sat in the back of his parents’ Nissan as it drove through the bazaars, over the highways, out into the open countryside.  It stopped in front of a resort where they walked side by side on the manicured grounds.  Unaware of their surroundings, absorbed in conversation they ventured into a gated area with a small opening on its side.  Neither noticed the large sign warning everyone to keep out.  Climbing a short incline to the top of a grassy hill, they found themselves looking down to a magnificent view of the city below.  Arun suggested they sit for a while to admire the scene below and the girl happily complied as a slight blush began to appear on her delicate face.

Within a few moments of sitting there, they heard a commotion.  A few men came running towards them and demanded they leave immediately.  Confused, the two stood up and asked what was going on.  The men appeared frazzled and hurriedly herded them out of the gate and pointed the big sign.  They apologized for their mistake and assured them that they did no damage to the grounds, just sat to admire the beautiful view.  The men laughed and told them the reason for the enclosure.  Apparently, Arun had taken his new friend inside a tiger sanctuary and was so embarrassed and afraid that she might turn him down, since he was beginning to really like her.

Thankfully, the girl’s sense of humor exceeded his and her serene composure reassured him of his choice.  That evening he confirmed his feelings to his parents after talking it over with the girl.  It did not take long for the parents to get the formalities together, make the match official and set a wedding date.

While the days crawled for the official tying of the knot, Arun and his fiancé met every day. They went to the embassy for visa, to the market to shop, for long walks in the parks, making sure to see signs of no entry.

Couple of days before their wedding, as they walked along the shores on a sandy beach, he asked her what her favorite time of the day was.  Without hesitation she said morning.  He smiled and looking at her he told her that he felt the same - the sunrise so beautiful and the air clean and fresh and how he loved to see the world wake up before his eyes to a new day.  She shook her head and told him that her reason was more personal.  She loves to start her day with her full yoga routine and that’s what rejuvenates her day, her mind, her body, and her soul.  It’s not just a waking up but an awakening.

Arun smiled and proceeded to tell her about the yoga girl he used to see in the park below his parents’ apartment every morning. He stopped having his tea in the balcony so hadn’t seen her in a while, but yes he truly admired how disciplined she was.  Seeing her expression change he asked what the matter was and she asked, “You watched me?”

“That girl was you?” He cried and then went on to exclaim about the earring, “Of course!”  Apparently, his park was the closest to her home even it meant a 20 minute drive every morning.  They continued their walk, each realizing that this was meant to be, their meeting, his finding her earring and then the arrangement.  Neither knew who reached out first but their hands touched before their fingers involuntarily entwined.  Waves from the ocean rolled in to wash their feet as they walked hand in hand on the beach, two silhouettes against the backdrop of the setting sun.

The end