Child Brides of India

By: C. Stanton Leman

Chapter 57: Coming Home (Mggg, rom, cons. No sex)

We arrived at the airport by six forty-five and went straight to check-in. We were all checked in and had cleared security by seven-ten and didn’t have long to wait to board at seven-twenty.

It being Priya’s day, we sat together. Emmy and Leeya sat together with Mom behind them. I chuckled and asked Priya, “Are you gonna be alright this time or do you need the barf bag?”

Slapping my arm she replied sarcastically, “Don’t tease me or I’ll throw up in your lap.”

“Touchy aren’t we?” I asked. “Just checking.”

“Seriously,” she said, “I think I’ll be okay this time since I know what to expect.”

She heard the whine of the engines as we pulled away from the gate and added, “I think…”

We pulled to a stop at the front of the runway for several moments waiting for clearance. Then as the engines revved up to a high-pitched scream and we shot down the ribbon of asphalt. Priya got an ashen look on her face as she gripped the armrests tightly. When the nose tilted up and we lifted off she gasped, “Oh God, I lost my stomach!”

Leeya and Emmy were all giggles and fits as Leeya exclaimed, “Yippeee! We’re flying!” As we took off: they thought it was exhilarating.

Patting her taut hand on the armrest I chuckled and replied, “Hold on for just a few moments longer, then we’ll be airborne and you won’t feel a thing.”

She simply gave a wide-eyed nod. Leveling out after turning eastward, she relaxed and gave a sigh of relief. We spent the next hour or so talking of our brief stay in the States. Priya said she really liked our home, her horse and really hated to leave so soon. I told her that we could return over the winter break from school if she wanted and she said that she’d have to think about it. I told her the winters can be cold with snow sometimes and she said she’d like to see that.

Emmy heard part of our conversation and apologized for being the reason we had to cut our stay short, but Priya chided her by telling her it was ordained by God and not to worry or feel bad about it.

Mom quipped quietly, “Yeah, you guys have got to stop this. Every time I go to India, I’m planning a wedding. Think you guys can take a breather after this?”

Chuckling Priya replied, “I think so, that is unless Sean marries Me Ma.”

“That,” Mom snickered, “I’d pay to see!”

I got a nasty thought of Me Ma naked and replied, “I don’t know, she’s still a very attractive woman. I bet she could teach me a few tricks.”

Priya giggled, slapped my arm and replied, “Heaven’s sakes no. I couldn’t imagine having Me Ma as a sister wife!”

Mom chuckled over her shoulder and replied, “Yeah, I could see it now! She’d really liven things up wouldn’t she, Priya?”

“Yuck!” she responded, “just the thought of her and Sean doing it wrinkles my skin!”

Mom, seeing an opening replied, “Why, mature ladies need love too!”

“Yeah,” Priya said, “I’m sure she’d get her jollies doing it too!”

Egging her on, I replied, “She may be old she but she sure ain’t dead!”

Slapping me again, Priya replied, “Stop it you two! You’re giving me the willies!”

Letting it go, we went on to other topics. After two hours of conversation, Leeya and Emmy were nodding off, so we adults decided to get some shut-eye. I woke at noon and noticed we’d been in the air about four and a half hours: another two or three hours to go. I read magazines while everyone else slept and about thirty minutes outside Amsterdam, I woke Priya and Mom. Mom got up and woke the sleeping munchkins and took her seat.

Priya was much better on the landing this time as we landed at seven-twenty: fifteen minutes ahead of schedule. After clearing customs I flagged down our waiting limo. We got our bags loaded and took the thirty-minute ride to the hotel. Everyone was pleased with the accommodations I’d made and after settling in for a night’s stay and washing up, headed downstairs to the restaurant for some dinner.

After eating, we took a cab down to the Grand Canal and did a little sightseeing and bought of few souvenirs. Afterwards we went back to the room and said evening prayers.

We had adjoining rooms with Priya, Leeya and I in one and Mom and Emmy in the other. We’d already decided that there’d be no hanky-panky so we turned in early to be rested for our eleven am flight to New Delhi.

The next morning we rose at five, got cleaned up, dressed, said prayers and were eating breakfast by six. We finished eating and after getting our luggage together were at the airport again at nine-thirty. All checked in, we boarded our last leg at ten-forty and lifted off right on time at eleven-o-five. We now had a flight of just less than eight hours and scheduled to land in New Delhi at seven fifty-five pm.

About three hours into our leg home, I asked Priya if she wanted to join the mile high club. She asked me what it was and when I told her she got this devilish grin on her face but chickened out saying, “No the other girls will know what’s going on, much less anyone else wanting to use the bathroom. I couldn’t take the embarrassment. But when you think about it, it would be cool to do.”

“Suits yourself,” I replied, “it’ll be a while before you get another chance.”

She thought for a moment then shaking her head said, “Naw, it’d be too embarrassing. I’ll pass.”

We five bantered back and forth about inconsequential things for about an hour before we all decided on another nap. Not really tired, I dozed and woke about three times before waking for good about an hour from landing. With about thirty minutes of flight time left, I woke everyone to get ready to land. Priya handled this last landing much better, almost ripping only one armrest from its bolts. We landed five minutes early and cleared customs in a record thirty minutes.

We arrived home at nine forty-five to find Pita and Attiya waiting for our return. Leeya and Attiya hugged and kissed like long-lost sisters. Leeya introduced Emmy to Attiya and her mother and we settled in the living room for relaxing tea and welcoming home conversation. Pita said that Monaavi stayed until nine but had to leave and that we’d see her on Monday.

I was sitting in the armchair when Attiya came over and sat on my lap. With raised eyebrows from everyone, she laid her head on my shoulder and said, “Glad you home.”

I kissed her forehead and complimented her by saying, “Why thank you, Tiya, you said that very clearly! You must have been working hard on your lessons, tight?”

With a beaming smile she replied, “Yes, try hard.”

“Good!” Mom exclaimed, “Very good, Attiya, I’m so proud of you!”

Leeya took Emmy and Attiya upstairs to show Emmy where she’d be bunking with her while Pita, Mom, Priya and I conversed. Pita told us that Monaavi has been working very hard with Attiya and that she’s been trying very hard to make us proud when we got back.

Mom said, “I’m really impressed, Pita with her progress. How’s her other school work coming along?”

“Slow,” Pita sighed, “but she’s making progress, even if it’s slow. She can read a primer with some difficulty and her speech is, as you heard, very basic, but at least she can communicate some of what she wants to say. As far as I’m concerned, it’s a miracle. After years of silence from her, I have lived to see the day when my baby girl can actually speak!”

Mom, Priya and I heaped her with praise for her daughter’s achievements telling her it’s almost as much a joy for us as it is for her.

We rose and Pita called Attiya down to get ready to leave. I had our diver ready the car and as we were saying our goodnights, Attiya kissed all of us and said, “Nite, nite, ‘body.”

We hugged and kissed her and replied, “Goodnight to you too, see you tomorrow, okay?”

Nodding with a smile she replied, “Kay.”

With another round of hugs and kisses, we saw the little pixie and her mother wave with a smile as they departed. Mom had tears in her eyes and she said, “I’m so proud of that child! Do you know how much work Monaavi must have put in and how hard Attiya must have worked to get to a very basic level like tonight?”

I replied, “No, but from the way you talk it must be monumental.”

Mom shook her head in amazement and replied, “Monumental isn’t the word! You kids don’t realize but so many autistic kids are never able to speak a word their entire lives!”

Priya smiled and said, “Yeah, I guess it is amazing isn’t it?”

We stood to go to bed and as we walked through the first floor, Mom commented, “Boy, A lot has happened in this house the past year hasn’t it?”

“Yeah,” Priya said with a reflective giggle, “This time last year, I was a regular eleven year-old and marriage never even entered my mind. I met you, Sean, two days to the year ago. Now I’m married and so is my baby cousin: and to the same man. Go figure!”

“Hmmmm,” Mom sighed with a nod, “A lot has happened to all of us since that night in June, huh?”

“You’re right about that!” I replied.

They both looked at me and I think it was a matter of who spoke first and it was Priya, “Yeah, you letch, to your delight no doubt.”

Raising my hands as I replied, “Hey, there are no complaints from me!”

Mom looked like she was going to say something but bit her tongue. We said our goodnights and went to our respective bedrooms. Priya and I took a quick shower together and called Leeya and Emmy in to say evening prayers. With prayers complete, we went to bed and snuggled in for the night.

The weekend was lazy; everyone was tired from the trip and jet lag. We pretty much just lounged around, but the down time gave Mom, Priya and I time to make up a rough schedule on how to proceed with the planning of Emmy and my wedding.

On Sunday, we agreed that on Monday I’d go to the office and check in with Prishi and get caught up to date with the plant operations while Mom and Priya were going to contact the seamstress about Emmy’s bridal garb. After arranging an initial sizing appointment, Mom would arrange for the hall and banquet facilities.

On Tuesday, I’d enroll Emmy in school and get a list of supplies and her dress code requirements.

Priya invited her family and Me Ma to dinner tonight and they were happy we were home and agreed to come over at seven. Priya talked to Salima for over an hour, informing her that we had decided to bring Emmy into our family.

When Priya got off the phone, Mom and I were right there and Mom asked, “Well, what’d she say?”

We went into the dining room and sat while Pita brought tea. Leeya, Emmy and Attiya were out back in the pool. Priya took a sip of her tea and explained, “Mom said that she was happy for us and that she hoped we’d make a good family. She was a little worried because Emmy isn’t Indian. She said that she didn’t have any first-hand knowledge, but most polygamorous marriages with white girls usually didn’t work out as well.”

Priya looked at Mom with a grin then at me and quipped, “Mom said that she and Me Ma would feel better if Sean was marrying Sarah.”

“Jesus Christ!” Mom exclaimed, “Why did she say that?”

With a hesitant smile, Priya replied, “Momma thinks that an Indian girl is more suited to this lifestyle, even if she’s younger. Mom’s scared that Emmy will attempt a power struggle and ruin the balance that we’ve worked so hard to achieve. She said that American girls are oversexed, overprotective and too self-centered, wanting to be the center of attention.”

Mom got upset and took the remark personally with Emmy being her niece and replied, “But Emma’s been trying so hard to fit in hasn’t she? I mean yeah, sure she has a very active sex drive, but she’s quelled it hasn’t she, Priya?”

Priya, knowing Mom was hurt by the remark said, “Yeah somewhat, but Momma said that a leopard doesn’t change its spots, it just hides for more camouflage.”

After a long pregnant pause Mom looked Priya in the eyes and asked, “Do you think she’ll fit in? I was so damn worried about this and thought I’d gotten over the thought, but now, Salima’s remark has brought it all back to the surface.”

“I’d like to think so,” Priya replied. “She has really tried to make an effort to change. She has asked for, and I’ve allowed her to sleep alone with Sean and has been very good at keeping her word, hasn’t she Sean?”

“Mom,” I said, “Emma and I just cuddled one night and this past Wednesday she sat in the bathroom for a half an hour until she asked me for relief. She said genuinely that she wants to fit in and be a part of our family, not just my wife. I believe her.”

“Whew,” Mom gasped in relief, “I thought we were going to call this whole thing off. How do you feel, Priya, I trust your honest opinion.”

Priya patted her hand and said, “She’ll be fine, Mom, don’t worry. Once Momma and Me Ma meet her, they’ll come around, I’m sure.”

“Okay,” Mom said with relief.

As if on a lark, Mom said, “Let me call the seamstress and see if we can come in tomorrow.”

With that, she rose and went to the study to make the call. Priya and I looked at each other and Priya said, “What? I was just being honest with her. If I didn’t tell her and Momma or Me Ma brought it up there could’ve been a scene, agree?”

“Yeah, you’re right,” I replied matter-of-factly, “It’s best to keep things open, especially at this stage of the game.”

Mom came back with a beaming smile and said, “It’s all set. She’s got a measuring tomorrow at eleven.”

We were happy: for both Mom and Emmy. With Mom’s spirits piqued, she jumped up and said, “Come on, Priya, we’ve got a dinner to prepare.”

I was in the living room watching some college rowing on ESPN when I heard Emmy let out a loud “Eeeek!” and knew Mom had informed her of her fitting tomorrow. I chuckled and went back to the TV when Emmy came in, jumped in my lap and began laying kisses all over my face saying, “I go for my wedding dress fitting tomorrow, isn’t that so cool?”

Sharing her joy, I wrapped my arms around her, pulled her close and kissed her. I broke the kiss and said, “I’m so happy for you, I know you’ll make a beautiful bride!”

“Yeah,” she exclaimed, “I wanna dress as pretty as Priya’s: what color should I get?”

Looking at her pale skin, blonde ringlet curls and blue eyes, I replied, “A baby blue would really set off your eyes and features don’t you think?”

“Oh yes!” she exclaimed, “I’ll go tell the others I want baby blue!”

She was off like a shot to the kitchen. I chuckled at her enthusiasm, knowing that all brides are overjoyed at their wedding attire. I finished watching the program and went to the kitchen to check on the ladies.

They were all tittering on about the wedding, clothes, the ceremony and all and I had to laugh. I asked, “How’s dinner coming?”

The little snot replied, “See, Mom, all men think about is food and sex.”

With snickers all around, I replied quizzically, “Is there anything else in life as important?”

I got a dishcloth in the face for that and was told to leave and get cleaned up for supper. Having an IQ of 142 I know when I’m not wanted, so I turned and left with my tail between my legs to do their bidding. I guess I am a toe sucking pussy after all.

I’d just finished showering when Emmy came in and said, “It’s my night tonight, can I take a shower with you?”

I gave her a stern look and said, “You know that’s not allowed. If Priya heard that, you’d probably be grounded for a week.”

She stuck out her tongue and as she turned to leave quipped, “Just checking. A girl can try can’t she?”

“No harm in trying, I guess,” I retorted with a smile.

Having showered and changed, we said evening prayers early and were downstairs at six forty-five waiting for Priya’s family to arrive. Right on time, we saw Adib’s taxi pull up out front at seven sharp.

Priya flung open the door and ran to her parent’s arms for jubilant group hugs. Little Leeya was two steps behind as she joined the revelry. Once in the door, I exchanged salaams with my in-laws and Me Ma as we made our way to the veranda for tea.

Sarah looked especially lovely tonight wearing a pretty pink sari. I kissed her cheek and asked her if she was ready for college. She said she was chomping at the bit, as was Haseeba.

Once on the veranda, I introduced Emmy to everyone and they accepted her with welcoming hugs. I asked Sarah how Haseeba and Mahmoud liked married life and she said that Mahmoud has been testy over her going to college. I was surprised by her comment, but remembered what Mom had said and was hoping she wasn’t right.

I told Sarah that I’d have a talk with him and set things straight or else. Adib overheard the tail end of the conversation and said that he’d talk to him. I told Adib that he’d better set him straight, or I’d be pretty hard on him because he made a promise to me and to Haseeba about her college and career on their wedding day.

We had an enjoyable dinner with talk about the girls’ new horses and their trip to Washington D.C. Me Ma and Salima were making their silent assessments of Emma much to Mom’s chagrin throughout dinner. As we talked, there would be glances stolen in between banter to see Emmy’s reaction, which didn’t go unnoticed by Mom.

After a cordial meal, we moved to the living room for after dinner tea. I saw Mom, Salima and Me Ma drift off to the study for a private talk while I talked with Adib and the other girls tittered together on the sofa. Priya noticed and she looked at me and I nodded towards the study. She acknowledged me with a single nod and went back to talking amongst the girls.

The women returned from their private chat about ten minutes later. Me Ma smiled when she saw me looking at them and walked up to me, kissing me on the cheek. She gave me her little girl smile and said, “You hurt me, Sean, Here I am, ready and willing, but you go to America for another bride. Surely there’s room in your heart for a mature loving woman such as myself?”

I said to her teasingly, “Me Ma, you’re too much woman for me. I think I’d make you a widow for the third time!”

“Suit yourself,” she replied as she went back with Mom and Salima giving me her devilish look before joining their conversation.

By ten O’clock everyone felt it was a night. We offered our salaams as the Haaseems walked to the car. We parted with familial hugs and kisses then went back inside as our driver pulled away.

I told Leeya and Emmy that Priya and I needed to talk to Mom and for them to go upstairs and wait for us. As we were sitting at the table I asked Mom, “What’d you women talk about in the study?”

Mom sat, scooted in her chair and replied, “From our conversation, they feel Emma might very well be suited for your family and that she’s very beautiful, friendly and is very cordial. They liked the way she got along with Sarah so easily. I was very pleased when they told me that they were impressed by her.”

“That’s a relief,” I replied. “I would have thought the opposite by the way they were looking at her during dinner.”

Priya defended her mother and grandmother by saying, “They only want what’s best for us, that’s all. It isn’t about whether they like her or not, it’s more about her temperament and whether they feel she’ll fit in. I told you two not to worry. As soon as they met her I knew they’d like her a lot. I told you to trust me, it’s ordained and it’ll come to pass.”

I sadly told them what Sarah had told me about Mahmoud and Mom shot back, “I told you he was a snake in the grass. He’s jealous that if she gets an education, she’ll find herself a doctor and will divorce him. Men are such fools sometimes thinking they can put a strangle hold on a woman and keep her when all it does is drive her away.”

I added, “Adib said he would give him a good talking to. I told him that if he didn’t, I’d take a bite out of Mahmoud’s ass because he made promises: to her and to me.”

Priya shook her head saying, “I didn’t think Uncle Mahmoud would be like that.”

Mom leaned over and said to Priya, “Remember what you said about a leopard not changing its spots? He ignored Leeya’s abuse and even though his wife wasn’t worth much, he didn’t lose any sleep after he divorced her. It didn’t take him long to set his sights on Haseeba did it? And when he did, he practically ignored poor Leeya. He’s a snake alright, you can bet on that!”

Wanting some sleep, I rose and said, “Well, we’ll see how the worm turns. I’ll give him just enough rope to hang himself before I tighten the noose.”

“Well said, Sean,” Mom’s replied.

We kissed and said our good nights and went upstairs to bed. Entering the bedroom, Emmy was laid out seductively on the bed in a pair of powder blue panties and training bra. I knew she wanted to fool around but I wasn’t in the mood so I told her, “Not tonight, Honey, Too much going on. Let’s get some sleep: you’ve got a big day ahead of you tomorrow.”

Her bottom lip pouted out her little girl displeasure and acquiesced and said “Oh alright.”

I went in the bathroom and unloaded a quart of tea, stripped and climbed in behind her in a spoon. I cupped her cotton-covered nipple in my hand, giving it a gently squeeze consoled her by saying, “It won’t be long, Sweetie until we can be together as husband and wife. Everything is going to start happening so fast you’ll look back on it and say to yourself, ‘My Gosh, I’m getting married today!’”

Emmy spun around and embraced me tightly and gave me with a toe-curling kiss. She broke the kiss and exclaimed, “Oh, Sean, I love you so much, I can’t wait to be your wife! It can’t come soon enough; I’m just aching inside for you!”

I kissed her cute, freckled button nose and replied, “Soon, Baby, real soon!”

She turned around and spooned against me. I again took her puffy breast bud in my hand and held her to sleep.

I had Haseeba on my mind all night as I fought to get to sleep. I was seething inside and feeling betrayed — not that he’d betrayed me, but that I blindly had let myself be betrayed concerning someone I cared deeply about. That was what had me seething. Haseeba had worked her ass off getting her life back together and I was the one who put the two together. I don’t know if I could forgive myself if their marriage didn’t work out and she was hurt by my being deceived. She trusted me to protect her and it appeared that I’d failed her.

I was damn sure gonna call Adib first thing in the morning. If I didn’t like what I heard, I might just fire Mahmoud’s ass and remove Haseeba from her house. I tossed and turned over this for half the night, finally falling asleep around two.