Child Brides of India

By C. Stanton Leman

Chapter 99

Well, the much anticipated day of Monaavi’s and Miko’s double sonogram finally arrived. Everyone and I mean everyone went. It took a Ford Expedition and a Toyota Sienna van to carry everyone. It looked like a joint U.S./Indian conference as we entered the radiologist’s office. We got a few stares when we took up nearly all the seating in the waiting area.

When I signed Monaavi and Miko in, the receptionist took my insurance card and gave me a funny look. There was a bit of a conflict when both women were called and had accidentally been scheduled to have sonograms at the same time, but in different rooms with different technicians. I spoke to the office manager and discreetly told her the truth: that both women were my wives and that my family was here for the occasion. At first she just looked at me like I was trying to pull the wool over her eyes. When I assured her that every word was the truth, she looked at both Monaavi and Miko and they nodded in perfect sync. She pulled a face and said, “I’m very sorry for the mix-up. Ah excuse me, but isn’t it illegal to have two wives?”

“We’re Muslim and a Muslim man may have four wives. We were married in India, where they recognize multiple Islamic marriages.”

“Oh, well in that case, let me see what we can do to accommodate your unique challenge.”

“Challenge? Did I hear you correctly?”

“Why yes, having two pregnant wives must certainly be trying; but wait until the babies arrive, along with their post-partum mothers — that most definitely would qualify you as being presented with a serious challenge!”

I was having fun playing with Susan. I figured I’d go all out so I next turned to the audience in the waiting room and said, “Priya dear would you come here and you too, Leeya darling. Pita you come too.”

Pita’s eyes got wide and stood warily and approached with a puzzled look on her face. I put my arm around Priya and Leeya and kissed them both on the cheeks as I squeezed them to me saying to Susan with a giant grin, “No challenge at all! See, I have two other wives,” and I then grabbed Pita and kissed her right on the lips and continued saying, “and my concubine to take care of these two wives and the babies too. Right, Darlings?”

Pita eyes got all dreamy, my wives were giggling and Susan’s eyes popped out! I kissed Pita again and whispered to Susan loud enough for all to hear, “I have to treat her especially nice because tonight’s her night.”

She pointed to Leeya saying, “She’s your wife, too? She’s just a little girl — and a pregnant little girl at that!”

“Oh her? She was a stray I found on the streets of New Delhi and since she was with child, I married her to give her baby a daddy and a name.”

Susan threw her hands up looked to the heavens and turned to sort things out saying “God help me!”

I said, “Susan, I say that every day!”

Susan turned back to me and said “Well, with that many wives and lovers, you need stock in Viagra and all the help you can get!” turned and left shaking her head.

Tiya came up to her mother and pleaded “Mama, please make me a brother or sister tonight, please? Pretty, please?”

Pita turned to me slapping my arm with a slight grin and said, “All your wives are right — you are such a letch!”

“Letch, huh?” I asked teasingly as I raised an eyebrow, “If I’m a letch,” I turned to Tiya, took her hand and said, “Tiya, how about you and I make you a brother or a sister?”

She exaggeratedly batted her eyes and put her finger in her mouth and replied, “Oh mithter, you will be gentle wiff me, won’t you?”

“Yes, little girl, and I’ll give you some candy too.”

Everyone started laughing. When Susan came back, Tiya was giving me an innocent hug as a result of our joking when Susan looked at her, then me and asked, “Who is she: another pregnant orphan?”

Tiya looked up at me, then at Susan and went into a charade, “I want his baby so much, but he said I have to grow boobies first.”

Susan’s eyes got as big as dinner plates and I figured I’d better put an end to this before she called the cops. I kissed Tiya’s forehead and said, “That was slick, you little stinker.”

She giggled and sat back down. I said to Susan, “I must apologize, but we were having a little fun with you. Yes I have four wives, but Pita is our housekeeper — not my concubine — and a beloved member of the family. The little stinker there that has to grow boobies before I’ll get her pregnant, which I might add is a fictitious ruse, is Pita’s daughter.”

“Whew!” she exhaled then smiled as she wiped her brow. “I thought I was going to have to call the police and have you arrested for child abuse.”

“Now that we have this settled what about the sonogram issue?”

Susan replied, “Monica, our senior technician, will conduct both of your wives’ ultrasounds. Let me show you to the exam room. There’s room enough for you and your wives, but that’s about it.” She chortled with a twinkle in her eye, “Oh, and since it’s her night, your housekeeper/concubine can go along also.” She said the last sentence with a smile and a twinkle in her eye.

“I see, how about my mother? Can we fit her in also?”

Susan smiled and answered, “Sure, anything for a grandmother.”

Pita and Dad stayed behind to watch the younger girls as we followed Susan to the exam room. Upon entering the exam room, Monica introduced herself and asked which wife was first. Monaavi hugged Miko and said, “You go first, Sister. This is your first and I know you’re anxious to know the results.”

Miko thanked Monaavi and climbed up onto the table. After pulling her blouse up and having the gel applied, Monica started taking all the critical measurements of the baby. Monica noted that the baby was a little large for sixteen weeks. That’s when Miko replied, “Oh no, I’m almost eighteen weeks. Monaavi and I got pregnant together so I waited until she was sixteen weeks so we could get our ultrasounds the same day.”

“Well, that explains it,” Monica answered back, “doesn’t it?”

She let Miko go relieve her bladder and then resumed the rest of the examination. During the entire time, Miko kept squeezing my hand, almost holding her breath. Every time Monica would say “This looks fine,” or “These are normal measurements for eighteen weeks,” Miko would breathe a sigh of relief.

I was sitting next to Miko opposite of Monica as all of us watched the screen. Everyone was oooh—ing and ahh—ing whenever they could make out the baby’s face or a hand or foot. After all the necessary measurements were taken, Monica patted Miko’s tummy and said, “Well, little mama, everything looks perfect. The baby is about 5.55 inches long and weighs roughly 6.7 ounces, all vital organs look good and performing normally; all-in-all, a very normal, healthy eighteen week-old baby.”

Miko was smiling, but she was crying silent tears of relief. I asked Monica, “Well Monica, is our healthy little urchin a boy or a girl?”

“Alright, let’s see what we can see, shall we? I thought I saw something earlier, but just let me recheck to make sure. Hmmm, what did you folks want?”

Miko answered, “Either one. I don’t care one way or the other as long as it’s healthy. If I had to make a real choice, I’d want a little girl.”

I followed Miko’s answer saying, “I agree, but we have four girls. A boy would be nice for a change.”

As Monica pointed to the screen, she said, “Well, Daddy, sorry to disappoint you, but this one sure isn’t shy. She has her legs wide open and as you can see, her labia are very prominent.”

“Thank you, sweet Jesus!” Miko prayed, “Thank you for answered prayers.”

She looked at me with a smile and tears running down her cheeks and asked, “Are you disappointed? I’m sorry I didn’t give you your son.”

I chuckled and tweaked her nose as I said, “Liar. You’re not sorry at all, but I forgive you. Boy, girl: it really doesn’t matter in the end as long as she’s healthy. I love you, my little lotus flower. You’ve made me very happy.”

We kissed and I helped her sit up. As soon as she slid off the table, Leeya wrapped her arms around Miko’s neck and was crying. Miko whispered in her ear, “Well, little big sister, it looks like we’re going to have our baby girls together.”

Monaavi, Priya. Mom and finally Pita came forward with the hugs and congratulations. After a few minutes of hugs, kisses and tears of joy, Monaavi climbed onto the table. Monica, I guess had heard of the discussion between Susan and me and said as she patted Monaavi’s stomach, “Well, it seems Daddy’s been a very busy boy, yes?”

Monaavi chuckled and answered “Yes, Studley did a good job. Now if you please, my bladder is about to burst on this table.”

“Sorry,” Monica replied, “Let’s see how you’re coming along.”

Seven minutes later, Monica had all the critical measurements taken and let Monaavi relieve herself. Up to this point, everything was perfectly normal. It only took another ten minutes after Monaavi returned to complete all the baby’s physical measurements. Monica told Monaavi that her baby was approximately 4.57 inches long and weighed about 3.5 ounces.

“Well Mama,” Monica said to Monaavi, “would you like to know what you’re having? We know what Daddy wants, how about you?”

“Yes please,” Monaavi replied, “I have twin girls and a son would be nice.”

“Okay,” Monica said, “let’s see if we can find you a boy in there. Hmmm, I’m going to have to try and shift our little bundle of joy. It’s lying on its side and I can’t see anything.”

She put the probe down and started pressing and moving the baby around. She picked the probe back up and after looking for a moment said, “Well folks, I hate to disappoint everyone but this one’s a girl too. There, see her labia? They’re plain as day.”

“Praise Allah,” Monaavi said, “He has given me another girl to bring forth followers for Him.”

I kissed my proud teacher saying, “I love you, Darling. Are you happy?”

“Joyous!” she replied. “I am just so humbled to be blessed to bear healthy children for you and for our God.”

I just shook my head and said, “Wow! Seven girls… I’ll be the father of seven girls! Unbelievable!”

After Monaavi wiped her stomach and got herself off the table, the hugs, kisses and congratulations started all over again. We thanked Monica for her expertise and her patience with our large crowd. When we returned to the waiting room, both of my pregnant wives shuffled to my father and embraced him in a group hug.

Miko stood on her tiptoes as Dad leaned down and she kissed his cheek and said to him, “Dad, I’m going to give you a tiny lotus blossom.”

Monaavi did the same on the opposite side and said, “Dad, and I’ll present you with another little Indian princess.”

My father pulled them both to himself and hugging them said, “My life is filled with little flowers of joy! Thank you, Sweeties, thank you very much!”

He grabbed Leeya and giving her a squeeze said, “You too, Munchkin. You’ll give me my little Emmy back, won’t you?”

“Yes, Poppy,” Leeya replied as she squeezed him around the waist. “I vowed it and it shall come to pass.”

“Hey,” Priya cut in, “that’s my line!

“Oh, yeah?” Leeya retorted as she stuck her chin out, “Well, it’s true. Allah told me eight years ago and you know it!”

“She’s got you there, Priya,” Dad said.

Priya just smiled and nodded. Dad turned to everyone and said, “Come on ladies and gent, let’s go to dinner, Poppy’s buying!”

Dad was driving the Expedition and I followed him driving the van and we left GBMC for Pierce’s Plantation. With all the chatter between my wives, Tina and Tiya, it seemed like we’d made the thirty minute drive in a matter of minutes.

When Dad told the Maître ď that we needed seating for eleven and a high chair for Malina, he raised an eyebrow. Dad passed him a Mr. Grant and we soon had tables pushed together to accommodate our entourage.

After everyone was seated, we obtained Cinny’s and Lizzy’s orders and Priya decided on Malina’s plate. Tina and Tiya ordered for themselves along with the adults. Once the food was ordered, Mom started things off by asking “Okay Miko, now that we know you’re going to have a girl, do you have any idea as to what her name will be?”

“Hai, Mama. I will name her Fumiko Marie Michaels. Fumiko means ‘child of treasured beauty.’”

“That’s beautiful, Sweetie. I like it. Sean, what do you think?”

“She will surely be treasured and probably every bit as beautiful as her mother.”

Miko blushed and said, “Sean, I am so very happy. I remember my first day’s visit to our home. While driving there to meet with you and your family, I had such hopes and dreams for the future. I knew that if I could become a part of this family, I would gain so much more than I would give up in a conventional marriage.

“I could never have imagined or dreamt of the love I feel at this moment for you, for my sisters, our children and family; but to have all my dreams come true and to also be carrying life inside me is… well it’s beyond words. I named our daughter to reflect the love that’s been given me. I know she will be treasured as I’ve been.”

There wasn’t a dry eye at the table. Mom rose from her seat and Miko stood and they embraced. Miko said to Mom, “You have been a great inspiration and pillar of support for me and I love you dearly.”

“Domo arigato, Daughter. You have brought a beauty and serenity to our family that is priceless. I feel truly blessed to call you daughter.”

Once the tears were dried and Miko and Mom had retaken their seats, Priya asked Monaavi, “Well, Teach, have you given daughter number seven a name yet?”

Monaavi sighed and replied, “Yes, I think I have. This may very well be my last child. I have been blessed beyond measure with two beautiful little girls and God has chosen to give me one more. I will name her Adiya Michelle Michaels. Adiya is a Hindu name that means ‘God’s treasure.’ Mom, she’ll carry your middle name. Our faith in God, our love for family and a gift for nurturing will unite us forever.”

Needless to say, the water works started all over again. After things has settled down, Tina tinkled the side of her glass with her spoon and asked for our attention. Once everyone’s eyes were on her, she said, “I wish to make an announcement. As everyone knows, for the past six months, I have been saying morning and evening prayers with Pita and Tiya. Well, today on the way here, Tiya told me that she and Pita want to convert to Islam.”

All my wives sprang to their feet and went to Pita and Tiya embracing them in a group hug. When everything settled down — again — Pita said, “Mr. John and Miss Joan, Tiya and I believe that Allah has brought me to work for your family so that in due time, Tiya and I would see the blessings of God.

“Mr. Sean, it was you who threatened me to either bring Tiya to work or I was fired. From the day I brought her to your care, we have been blessed beyond measure. Because of you, your wives and your parents, Tiya now is a normal thirteen year-old girl with a promising future. What is the price of a life I ask? We feel that our devotion to Him is a small price to pay for our blessings. Because of you, Tiya has a life now and I, a lower caste maid, am going to one of the most prestigious colleges in the world. Oh how great is our God! Praise Allah!”

I started to tear as I heard Pita’s words. I swallowed hard to maintain control and said, “Tina, I’m so very proud that you have helped lead two souls on their journey to find spiritual peace and happiness. Pita, I am thrilled that you wish to convert to Islam. If my actions have been a contributing factor, then I feel humbled.

“Everything I did for Tiya, any person that cared about their fellow man would have done. If my mother or father would have known, they would have done the same thing — and they’re are both Christians. I believe that the person that deserves all the credit is Monaavi. It was Monaavi that found the key that unlocked Tiya’s mind to the world through music.

“At this very moment, I feel so honored and privileged. I’m humbled by the fact that God has blessed our family with wealth. I believe that God gives wealth for us to give back and help our fellow man. Paying for the education of all the kids in all of our families; Mom has started a foundation for autistic kids like Tiya so that those that don’t have the money can get treatment for their children. Funding Sarah’s clinic to give badly needed medical care to poor children. To buy a piano for a little girl… they’re all examples of how we’ve been privileged to help others.

“It has been the second greatest achievement in my life to see Tiya blossom into a vibrant, expressive young woman, but again, Monaavi should take center stage. All I did was buy a piano; she’s the one that recognized and discovered the key to unlocking Tiya’s doors. My greatest achievement has been to see my daughter, Faatina grow to be the kind of young woman that can foster the spiritual life of those she’s close to. In both cases, my family and I have been at the right place at the right time to make a different in some peoples’ lives.

“Mom taught me that many of the greatest trials and hardships bring the greatest blessings. Leeya was living a life of verbal and physical abuse. Tiya was a normal little girl, trapped inside her mind and dying to get out. Tina was faced with being starved to death because her father didn’t want to devote the love and care necessary for her to relearn to grow to be what she can be. It has been a real privilege to be a part of the solution that has affected not only their lives, but also mine and Mom and Dad’s.

“And tonight, we celebrate the coming of new life and the addition of three more beautiful Michaels women to our family. I am so blessed and truly happy. I believe that God has given me only girls because I have seen the injustice and hatred for girls and women simply because they are female. I believe boys and girls are equal and deserve the same nurturing love, affection and attention to grow and become all they can be. Thanks to my mother, she gave me the example of how a strong woman of faith can move mountains and be the glue that binds a family together.

“Pita, Tiya, I believe that we are all blessed beyond measure.”

“Amen to that, Son,” Mom added.

There was much praise, adoration and thanks given to God that night at evening prayers. Later in bed, I began to recall all the major events on my life, both good and bad. I came to the conclusion that I have been blessed beyond measure and that celebrating life — the life I’ve been blessed to live and the life I’ve left to live and the life yet to be born is well worth the heartache.