Child Brides of India

By C. Stanton Leman

Chapter 41: Haseeba Gets Married (MF, rom, no sex)

I awoke at seven with Aleeya still on top of me asleep. I felt totally drained. I stroked her back and then down to cup her tiny butt cheeks. She pushed her butt up to my kneading hands and sighed.

She lifted her head and looking at me with bloodshot eyes smiled and said, “Boy! You really spermed me good last night, didn’t you?”

Chuckling, I replied, “You sure got what you wanted! How do you feel, everything okay?”

Smiling she said, “I’m fine, but my coochie is kinda sore inside. I feel fine. In fact, it still tingles a little deep inside me.”

Shaking my head, I said to her, “You sure were hot last night”

“I don’t really remember,” she replied with a smile. “I was totally lost and doing what felt right to do at the time. I do remember when you spermed me, wow! I felt it so deep inside me I can still remember exactly where you were inside my body!”

“Well you little nympho, let’s get a shower and start the day,” I said with a love slap on her butt.

She rose up to sit on top of me and Priya walked in. She was halfway through the door, saw where Aleeya was sitting, and with an “Oops,” started to turn and leave.

I called to her and said, “We’re just getting up to take a shower, come on in.”

Priya came in, shut the door and walked over to the bed and sat down. Knowing what we did last night, Priya wanted to tease Aleeya a little. She saw both of our bloodshot eyes and giggling quipped, “Boy, it looks like you two had a long night!”

Aleeya just covered her mouth as she blushed a light pink and giggled. I chuckled and said, “Yeah, don’t tell anyone, but I got my brains fucked out by a five year-old last night!”

With raised eyebrows Priya replied, “Oh, really?”

I patted Aleeya’s thigh and told her to go get in the shower, I’d be there in a minute. She nodded, hopped from the bed and sash-shayed her tiny ass to the bathroom like she was hot shit looking over her shoulder with a shit-eating grin on her face but hung around outside the bathroom to eavesdrop.

As Priya watched her, she looked back at me and said, “She’s got that ‘just been royally fucked’ look. Did she really act the slut last night?”

Smiling I replied, “Like a mercenary on a mission!”

Gasping, Priya asked in shock, “She didn’t, did she? How’s she able to walk right now?”

Shaking my head, I replied, “Beats me, she said she’s fine this morning, but her little cunny is sore. We did it semi-missionary last night with her in an inclined sitting position.”

Pointing to the cushions on the floor, I said, “She really got debauched last night.”

Priya playfully slapped my thigh and replied, “Well, it looked like now you’ve got two bald pussy, nasty little girls now. You’d better get in there and take your shower. I’ll be back in about twenty minutes, Okay?”

“Okay,” I said, “you’re right. I’d better get in there before she wonders where I got to.”

Priya leaned over and kissed me and replied, “See you in a few,” got up and headed for the door.

After our shower and getting dressed, the three of us said morning prayers and headed downstairs to breakfast. Pita and Attiya were there waiting, and Aleeya and Attiya were back to their old antics at the table.

Pita scolded Attiya for clowning around at the table and I told Pita to just let them be saying they’d soon they’d be apart for several months. I said to Pita, “When we’re gone, I’d like it if you and Attiya stayed here. That way Monaavi can continue to work with Attiya.”

After swallowing a bite of food I continued, “This way Attiya won’t lose any progress she’s made and she can possibly bridge a little of the distance between her and Aleeya in her studies.”

From all indications, Aleeya was advanced for her age, although more than Sarah but not as advanced as Priya or me. Pita smiled and replied, “Thank you, sir; I can’t thank you enough for what you’ve done for us.”

Smiling back, Priya replied, “You don’t have to thank us, just take care of things here and keep Attiya on track with her studies. Seeing her starting to make advances makes us proud to help her.”

Priya set her fork down and turning to her began again, “I’ve set up a separate bank account for the household expenses. I’ll give you two thousand rupees to start with and if you need more for groceries and such, just go to the bank and withdraw what you need. Keep the food supply stocked so that when we return we’ll be back to normal. The household bills have been paid in advance so you’ll only need to buy the things you and Attiya use while we’re away.”

Pita blushed and replied, “Thank you, Ma’am again for all your understanding and help.”

Setting my napkin down, I told her, “You don’t have to thank us; we both benefit. Attiya continues school and we get the place looked after while we’re gone.”

Just as we were finishing breakfast, Monaavi rang the bell and let herself in. After the two little imps had quit clowning around and finished eating, Monaavi had a cup of tea with us. They then headed to the study to begin their lessons

Pita began clearing the table and Priya went upstairs to continue packing for the trip to the States. I went to my desk and called Teta, my assistant secretary to review the travel arrangements.

She told me that the only fight out to BWI in Baltimore was a flight with Northwest, with KLM flying the first leg to Amsterdam. In order to arrive at BWI at a reasonable hour, we had to leave New Delhi airport at 1:30am Thursday morning. That would put us at BWI on Friday at 3:25pm. I really didn’t like it, but what can you do? We’re at the mercy of the airlines. If we flew United, we’d have to leave at 3:30 in the morning and that was out.

I had her fax me a copy of the E tickets and confirmation number and decided to call home with our itinerary. I faxed a copy to Dad’s home office and called our home number.

With us being ten hours behind, I looked at my watch. It was 10:15am so it would be 8:15 pm there. I dialed the number and waited for the answer.

My mom answered with “Hello?”

“Hi, Mom.”

With a happy squeak, Mom answered, “Oh hi, Sean! It’s so good to hear your voice. How’s everyone?”

“Fine, Mom, just fine,” I began. “I called to fill you in on our flight info. You should have a fax in Dad’s office right now that gives all the details. We’ll arrive on Friday about 3:30 in the afternoon at gate D2.”

Excited, Mom replied, “That’s perfect, Sean, we’ll get home from the airport in time to for dinner! How are my Priya and Aleeya?”

“Everyone’s doing fine, Mom,” I replied. “Priya’s upstairs packing and Aleeya is in the study with Monaavi and Attiya doing school work. How’s everything there?”

Mom settled down and responded, “We’re okay, Sean. Dad went to bed early. I guess little Emma had taken her toll on him today. I gave Abby the night off because George wasn’t feeling well.”

She gave a sigh and continued with, “Liz is back in the hospital. It doesn’t look good. I don’t think she’ll be coming home. Probably, it will be only a matter of a week or two before the inevitable.”

Silently shaking my head at the news, I said, “Mom, I’m really sorry to hear that. How’s Emma taking it?”

Mom said, “She knows that her mommy will be leaving soon to be with her daddy. She’s really struggling right now. Sometimes she’s quiet and wants to be held, other times she’s angry and lashes out with the whole range of emotions and reactions in between.”

Mom was now crying as she spoke, “I feel so helpless! Sometimes, I don’t know what to do for her. I can’t lie to her and tell her everything’s going to be all right because she knows the truth. She’s been asking for Priya a lot lately and she’s impatient for her to arrive.”

“Where is she now?” I asked.

“She’s watching a movie quietly for a change. She’s in between moods right now.”

I asked Mom, “Do you want her to speak to Priya, or do you think it will only make matters worse?”

“No,” she answered, “I think it might be good for her to speak to Priya. Can you get her to the phone?”

“Yeah, hold on a minute.” I set the phone down and went upstairs and had Priya pick up the extension. When I got back downstairs, Priya had just finished talking to Mom and was waiting for Emma to get to the phone.

“Hello, Priya?” came a tiny voice on the other end.

“Hi, Emma,” Priya replied, “it’s me, Priya. How’s my bestest friend?”

“Okay I guess. When are you coming here to be with me?” little Emma asked.

“Soon, Baby, soon. I think we’ll get there Friday afternoon. I can’t wait to see you,” Priya told her.

Emma started to cry and pleaded, “Momma’s gonna die and I miss you so much. I want to be with you!”

Priya, trying to calm her down said, “I know, Sweetie, I’m really sorry to hear your mommy’s sick. I’ll be there on Friday and we’ll be together again. Can you hold on ‘til then?”

Sniffling, Emma replied, “I try, but I miss you so much!”

“I miss you too, Emma,” Priya responded, “but I can’t get there any sooner. Now try to be a big girl and not worry too much and I’ll see you soon, okay? I love you.”

“I love you too,” Emma sniffled. “Hurry if you can.”

“I will,” Priya assured her, “I’ll hurry as fast as I can.”

“Okay,” Emma replied. “I’ll try to be a big girl and I’ll see you soon, okay?”

“Okay,” Priya replied. “I’ll see you very soon. I love you.”

“I love you too, Priya. Bye now.” Emma said.

“Goodbye, Emma.” Priya told her, and then silence; she must have set the phone down. Mom picked the phone back up with a “Hello?”

“Yes, Mom,” I replied, “we’re still here.”

Mom said, “She’s still crying a little, but I think it did her good to talk to you, Priya.”

You could hear the tears in Priya’s voice as she said, “Oh, Mom, I feel so sad for her. I wish I was there to hold her.”

Mom replied, “Yeah, but she’s stronger than she thinks and she’ll be alright until you get here. I just hope Liz can hold out ‘til then.”

“Mom,” Priya cried, “I’ve got to go. I’m upset and gonna start crying; I can’t really talk anymore. I love you as always and I’ll see you on Friday.”

Mom replied, “Priya, don’t let this get you down. It’s a fact of life we all have to deal with at some point in our lives. It’s just that some of us have to deal with it sooner. Get a hold of yourself. You have a family to think about and you need to be strong for them, especially Aleeya. Now dry your tears and do what you have to do, okay?”

“Okay, Mom,” Priya sniffled. “I just wish I could be as strong as you sometimes.”

Mom said, “Don’t let my seemingly calm tone fool you. I’m crying inside just like you, but I do my crying at night, alone in bed where I can deal with this by myself.”

Having said all that could be said on the matter Priya closed with, “You’re right, Mom. I’m gonna get back to packing so we’ll be ready to leave. Haseeba’s wedding is tomorrow and then her homecoming on Wednesday. I’ll see you on Friday.”

“Good girl,” Mom encouraged. “Give everyone our best wishes and love and I’ll see you soon. I love you, Priya.”

Priya gave a sniffled giggle and replied, “And I love you too, Mom. Bye now. May the peace of Allah rest in everyone’s heart and quiet your souls.”

Mom replied, “And with you also. Bye, Priya.”

With that, I heard the extension click off. I said, “Mom?”

“Yes, Son,” she replied.

I asked her, “Can you have Dad have me a call in the morning? I have something I need to talk to him about? It’s about the horses.”

“Sure, Son,” she replied. “He bought two horses, but that’s all I know. I’ll have him call you, all right?”

“Fine, Mom,” I said. “I’ll talk to you later. I love you. Give all our love again to Emma and tell her we’re praying for her mom.”

“I will,” she said. “Bye now, I love you all.”

“I know, Mom,” I replied, “I know. Bye, Love you.

“Love you too, Son, goodbye.” Click.

After getting off the phone with Mom, I went upstairs to help Priya pack. Returning to my home in the U.S., I was only going to take a carry-on since I had tons of clothes already there. By the end of the day, we’d just about finished packing Priya’s and Aleeya’s things for the trip. The two little ones were having a good time making cutouts when Monaavi called it quits for the day. As she was leaving, I asked to speak with her moment.

We stepped back in the study and I gave her the next week’s schedule. I told her she was invited to the wedding tomorrow and the homecoming on Wednesday if she wanted to go and she replied that she’d like to attend both.

I also told her that she’d follow her usual routine on Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday she’d off because I wanted Aleeya to rest up after the party in preparation of the flight home and that she’d be back on Friday as usual. I had typed it out and printed for her to keep things straight. She looked it over and nodded her agreement and got ready to leave.

Being Friday, the three of us slept together. Priya and I lay in bed talking about Emma as Aleeya slept cradled next to me on my left side.

I cuddled Priya as she wept for Emma and her situation and I let her have her cry. When she’d regained her composure, I told her, “I can’t imagine what it’d be like to lose one parent much less both in such a short time.”

Priya shuddered in my arms and replied, “I know what you mean. Thinking of losing one or both of my parents is an unthinkable thought. My heart just breaks over her having to deal with this at such a young age.”

Looking down at her I replied, “Well, at least she’s got Mom and Dad. She couldn’t be in better hands.”

As Aleeya slept soundly snuggled on my left, Priya and I had a fretful time getting to sleep.

The next morning after prayers and breakfast, we were scurrying around getting ready for the wedding. Aleeya became a little quiet so I took a moment to talk to her.

I asked her, “Are you all right? You seem kind of quiet today.”

“I’m okay,” she replied. “It just seems weird to be getting ready for my father’s wedding. I hope he doesn’t forget me or ignores me today like he did the other night.”

I hugged her to me and said, “He will never forget you, Aleeya. Don’t worry. And if he tries to ignore you today, I’ll punch him in the nose and then you can hand him a big, fat cobra. How’s that sound?”

She chuckled and replied, “Yeah, I’ll hand him a big, fat cobra! That’ll teach him, won’t it?”

Smiling, I replied, “Sounds like a plan to me! Now, let’s get ready, Okay?”

She stopped for a second and looked at me and asked, “Would you really punch him in the nose?”

“You bet!” I replied as I playfully touched her nose with my fist, “Right there on the ole’ schnozz!”

“Good!” she replied with an affirmative nod, “Then let’s get ready.”

Standing to get dressed I said, “Yeah, let’s get ready!”

This wedding was a little weird. Except for me (her guardian), Salima acting as mother of the bride, Sarah acting as her sister and Monaavi as a guest, there was no one else from the bride’s side of the family; everyone else was outside waiting with the groom’s entourage.

I watched as Priya entered with a quiet Aleeya and followed them with my eyes to their seats. I got a bit worried at the quiet, almost emotionless look on Aleeya’s face, but Priya smiled as if to say, “Everything will be alright.”

Haseeba (probably with some financial help from Priya) wore a beautiful red Lengha and short choli that was beautifully embroidered and covered in stones and sequins. She wore a dupatta of crepe red with a border that matched her Lengha.

She wore simple jewelry with a pair of pretty deep red sequined slippers on her feet. She looked lovely and radiant as a bride. She wore a bright and beautiful smile that was clearly visible through her dupatta.

When everyone had arrived, the staff ushered everyone in as Sarah, for the second time in a year, playfully teased, poked and prodded everyone with her flowered baton. Salima placed the wreath of flowers on both the heads of Haseeba and Mahmoud.

After everyone was separated and ready for the ceremony, the Imam began the ceremony. After a litany of prayers and readings from the Koran, Imaam looked at me and said, “Today we will witness a solemn pledge between Haseeba Radj and Mahmoud Haaseem. I ask you now in the presence of God and this congregation to declare your intent.”

I began, “Acting as guardian for her, I have given my ward, Haseeba Radj in marriage to Mahmoud Haaseem.”

Imam turned to Haseeba and asked, “Do accept Sean Michaels as your guardian and allow him to act in your behalf?”

Haseeba replied, “I do, Imam, accept Sean Michaels as my guardian and allow him to speak on my behalf.

Imam to Haseeba, “Good. Do you accept Mahmoud Haaseem as your husband with the dower that you have agreed upon?”

Haseeba replied, “I have accepted and espoused myself to him.”

Imam to Mahmoud, “Do you accept Haseeba Radj as your wife?”

Mahmoud replied, “I have accepted her.”

Haseeba then stepped forward with me, followed by Salima’s brother-in-law and signed her dower/prenuptial agreement, then Mahmoud signed, the witnesses signed and Mahmoud returning it folded and in the envelope to her. Then, Mahmoud signed the Nikaahnama, then me, followed by our witnesses (Salima’s brother-in-laws), and finally by Haseeba.

Imam said some more readings and the blessing of the rings. The bride and groom exchanged rings and when the ceremony was finished, we all sat for the lavish meal.

When most people were finishing up their meal, Mahmoud asked me if he could speak to Aleeya. I asked her if she wanted to talk to her father, and she replied yes.

Mahmoud took Aleeya aside to talk to her. I was turning to leave and give them some privacy, but Mahmoud requested that I stay. He started with, “Aleeya, you are my daughter and I have sinned against you. I didn’t cherish you like a father should, and for that, I am truly sorry.”

Aleeya began to cry and Mahmoud continued, “I have tried to atone for my sin by giving you your freedom to marry Sean. I hope that you’ve found the happiness that I couldn’t provide, but know this my child: whether Haseeba and I have children or not, boy or girl, you won’t be forgotten — either by my actions or in my heart.

Pulling back to look into her tearful eyes he asked, “In giving you your freedom. In your heart can you grant me mine and let me find happiness also?”

Aleeya flung her arms around her father and said, “I have my happiness, Daddy, and you deserve yours! I was afraid that you’d stop loving me when you married Haseeba and she gave you a boy baby. I believe now that you won’t forget or stop loving me. Be happy, Daddy, I am now!”

Nodding to Mahmoud as if to tell him, “You said the right thing at the right time,” we three returned to the reception.

After the mirror ceremony and Salaams, I held Haseeba’s hand as we approached Mahmoud. I said to him, “Remember your promise to me and to your bride. The past is dead and buried. Now go, take Haseeba and make her happy.”

With tears on his cheeks he looked at Haseeba and replied, “Our past is the past. Our future awaits us and the happiness we will make together.”

Smiling with a nod, I gave her to her new husband and they readied themselves to begin their new lives. Salima had left to perform her duties as Haseeba’s mother and welcome her to her new home. Priya was crying as they left and I put my arm around her and asked, “Are you alright?”

Smiling, she looked in my eyes and replied, “We have done a wonderful thing in giving her back her life. She may not be rich in coin, but the richness in her heart will repay itself for a lifetime!”

I couldn’t kiss her in public so I squeezed her shoulder and replied, “You taught me a lot about the value of a soul when you redeemed her, and for that, I’ll be forever grateful.”

As the tears of joy rolled down her cheeks, she smiled and said, “Praise Allah for His wonderful forgiveness!”

With a nod all I could respond was, “Amen.”

Priya and I returned to our table, and Priya, Aleeya and I reminisced about our weddings and the near tumble that Mom, Priya and I nearly took getting into the house. The fun the girls had while I searched for our names in each of their hands and the joy all newlyweds share on their wedding night.

The night ended as all weddings should: with happiness and joy for everyone as we looked to the future to find each of our own happiness and joy.