DELAYED REALISATION

“Madam, white wine or red?” The waiter approached their table “White, thank you. Make that two” Samaira offered the one to her mother “It’s Whisky on the rocks for me.” Her father went to the open bar “Mom, did you read the bride and grooms’ name on the invitation card?” “Shehnaz and Malcolm. The wall behind the bride and groom hold the same initials, S and M.” The mother looked at where the bride and groom sat “How did your father manage to forget the invitation card? It took us a good forty minutes to find the venue.” “Where’s Adil.” The father placed his drink on the table. “Adil?” Samaira asked “The bride’s father. I’ve written his name on the envelope – Adil Framroz.” “I have no clue about my relatives.” Samaira looked around “How does he look?” “I can give him the envelope and skip our meet with the bride and groom.” Said the father “How much did you put in dad?” “500 bucks” Glamour glittered on every dress. The DJ deafened the oldies with loud music. The men stomped around in their black suits and shoes. Red and black Parsi caps floated on men dressed in white attire. Crowd thickened the dance floor with American beats. Samaira and her parents joined in. “New faces here, I still can’t find Adil.” The father shook his hands and feet to the music, “Different people everywhere” “Forget it dad. Let’s dance and enjoy.” Samaira tapped her high-heeled silver shoes The party youngsters danced to the drop. Dinner called out after two hours to the sweat-soaked skin tight party dresses. “The fish is good.” Samaira restored the energy she spent on the dance floor “Take more.” Said the father The waiter offered a second serve of every one of the ten and more dishes. “The ice cream at the end makes the best desert.” Said the mother “I’m done; can’t eat anymore than this.” Samaira touched her stomach Dinner spanned through the night until thirty minutes passed on. “Samaira, hand me the envelope.” Said the mother “Oh yes, the envelope” Samaira took it out from her purse They stood in line to wish the bride and groom. The lot of unfamiliar faces didn’t daunt them anymore. Their turn had arrived. “Congratulations Shehnaz” Said the mother. she handed over the envelope “Thank you aunty” The bride smiled but peered and stared at the unfamiliar family “Thank you for coming.” “Congratulations my dear” The father wished “Where’s your dad?” “Thank you uncle. You missed him a minute ago. He’s out to receive a guest.” The bride smiled Wishes exchanged hands. The family posed with the bride and groom for the camera. Hands shook at the end. No one knew any one. The awkward photo session ordeal ended. On their way home in the car, the father drove through deep thought. “I didn’t see Adil throughout the reception.” “Give him a call tomorrow.” Samaira suggested “We better inform him that we attended the wedding.” Said the mother “Or gossips don’t take time to spread.” The drive back home ended on a smooth road without traffic. The enjoyment tired them to a hot shower and a cozy bed. “Here it is. I left the invitation card on the table.” The father opened the card. A final check before he could lend it to the dust bin. “Shamaug hall?” The father caught his head “Shit” “No, not Shamaug.” The mother corrected “We entered into Rustom Hall” “Dad?” Samaira widened her eyes and burst into laughter “Wow. We should do this more often.” Said the mother, “First wedding I enjoyed in years. Change your relatives.”