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Narisa 2
By C. Stanton Leman
Chapter 9
September 10, 2000: Wedding bells
Narisa awoke at five and showered then said her morning prayers
while everyone one else rose at six. Even though there was a
detectable undercurrent of nervousness (and controlled chaos) that's
always associated with a wedding day, everyone was happy over the
day's upcoming events. The men couldn't tell who was more
anxious: the bride or her mother-in-law.
The women retired to the guest room so that Marie could put up
Narisa's hair, put on her make-up and generally help her get ready.
Josh sat and talked with his father, revealing that he had nervous
butterflies and was already antsy for the ceremony to begin.
Steve chuckled and told his son that this should be a snap. He's
all
ready married and they're just making it legal in the U.S. Steve told
Josh he just had wedding day jitters. Josh agreed, but admitted he
still couldn't help being nervous.
Being satisfied with Narisa's bridal attire, Marie joined Steve
and
Josh and started getting ready at eight while Narisa stayed
sequestered in the guest room praying. Steve wore a black suit and
red tie; Marie wore a simple, ivory semi-formal dress while Josh felt
a little funny in his penguin suit.
The photographer and the limo showed up at eight-thirty and after
the photographer had his gear set up for the pre-wedding photos,
Marie walked Narisa down the stairs. When his bride came into
view, Josh gazed in wide-eyed wonder at the virginal vision before
his eyes. Slowly descending the stairs in regal fashion, Narisa looked
like a real princess! Her doe eyes wide, bright and shining and her
exuberant smile was radiant with unrestrained joy. His eyes welled
up at seeing her and they lovingly embraced when they met at the
bottom of the stairs.
Marie retrieved Narisa's bouquet from the fridge and the photo
session began. They finished the pictures a little late and stepped out
the door at nine-ten. Josh and Narisa gasped in surprise upon seeing
the stretch limo. "Only the best for my kids!" Steve
gloated.
After everyone was situated in the limo, they pulled away from the
curb and headed for the courthouse. With a secretive word to the
driver to take the long way, they arrived at the courthouse and were
waiting in the outer office of Judge Stile's office at nine-fifty. Mehar
and Zaara were waiting when they arrived. Steve went into chambers
when they were called to give the judge the translated documents. As
arranged, the judge informed his secretary to tell the others that they
would start a few minutes late. Steve must have been able to enlist
the judge's help after all, Marie thought. The two mothers smiled
knowingly to each other. The photographer showed up a few minutes
later and took a few formal shots.
The girls were their usual bubbly selves, tittering away and
giggling
while Josh sat staring at his lovely bride holding her bouquet in
silent admiration. Finally, they were called into chambers at ten-
twenty. Once inside, Judge Stiles smiled as he started to get things
under way.
"Good Morning, everyone!" he said greeting them with a
chuckle.
"Looks like we've got us a real, full-blown wedding here!
"Although everyone is dressed to the nines, unfortunately
this will be
a simple civil ceremony. What we can do is arrange everyone like a
regular ceremony and afterwards, your photographer can take a few
shots. How's that sound to everyone?"
"Sounds like a plan to me." Marie agreed. The girls
nodded and
giggled, Steve nodded and Josh replied nervously with a polite "Yes,
your honor." Mehar stood at the back and smiled.
After getting everyone arranged in a row, going left to right,
there
stood Zaara, Narisa, Josh and his father, who was acting as best
man. Judge Stiles asked the best man and maid of honor if they had
the appropriate rings in hand. After confirming the rings were with
the appropriate person, they were ready to begin.
"Alright, kids. Ready to start?" Judge Stiles asked with
a jovial smile.
Both the bride and groom nodded "yes" and the ceremony
began.
"Good morning ladies and gentleman, we are gathered here
today to
witness the marriage of Joshua Williams and Narisa Assad-Williams.
Joshua Williams, do you accept Narisa Assad-Williams as your
lawfully wedded wife, to love, honor and cherish as an equal partner
in life?"
"I do."
"Narisa Assad-Williams, do you accept Joshua Williams as your
lawfully wedded husband, to love, honor and cherish as an equal
partner in life?"
Hearing Zaara's translation, Narisa replied, "I do."
Judge Stiles leaned over and whispered to Narisa, "Sweetie,
hand
your bouquet to your maid of honor, please and take Josh's ring."
Zaara instructed her and, as Narisa gave Zaara her bouquet, Zaara
handed her the ring. Steve removed Narisa's wedding band from his
pocket and handed it to his son.
While nodding to Josh, Judge Stiles said, "As you place the
ring on
her finger, repeat after me."
Josh nodded and began to slide the wedding band onto Narisa's
finger. Josh repeated each phrase as instructed saying, "With this
ring, I thee wed. For better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness
and in health, 'til death do us part."
Nodding to Narisa, the judge began again. "With this ring, I
thee
wed. For better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in
health, 'til death do us part."
Narisa waited for Zaara's translation and repeated the words in
Farsi
as she slid the ring onto Josh's finger.
With a confirming nod, Judge Stiles announced, "By the power
vested in me by the Commonwealth of Virginia, I now pronounce
you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."
With tears in their eyes, Josh gently raised his bride's veil,
took her
in his arms and kissed her tenderly. When the kiss broke, the judge
announced, "I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Williams."
Zaara, with tears of joy handed her "sister" her
bouquet. The wedded
couple turned and everyone clapped and cheered. After another kiss
between the newlyweds, Narisa fell into her mother's arms and they
cried together, emotionally swept up in the moment. Zaara was still
crying as Josh rubbed his wife's back. Steve, also caught up in the
moment, misted up while Mehar tearfully looked on from the
sidelines.
While all this was going on, the judge signed the marriage license
and put it in an envelope. He handed it to Josh and said, "Now
you're official, son."
"Thank you, sir. Thank you very much."
"My pleasure, son."
Narisa gave the judge a warm, affectionate hug and a kiss on the
cheek to which he said, "Nothing like a little sugar in the morning to
make one's day, is there?"
Everyone laughingly agreed.
"All right folks," the judge said," I do have other
things to do so if
we're going to take some photos, let's do it. Some of us have to
work
for a living."
The photographer took some photos with the various family
members, after which they bade the fatherly judge good bye and left
the courthouse. While the wedding party was standing in front of the
courthouse talking, passersby honked their car horns and waved at
the newlyweds. Everyone waved back excitedly in appreciation and
acknowledgement.
Earlier, as soon as the limo pulled away from the Williams' curb,
Bob
Freeman's crew pulled up. Once the family was out of sight, they
prepared to go to work. A few minutes later, Tariq and Kamya
arrived with the keys. As the crew started unloading the vans, Tariq
escorted Bob Freeman to the back yard. Bob knew what he was
doing, but Tariq wasn't quite as familiar with a Persian wedding as
the women folk were. Once the temporary floors had been quickly
laid on in the lawn, Bob began setting up the spread with its
necessary items. Intrigued, Tariq asked Bob to explain everything to
him.
"Believe it or not," Bob began, "in modern Iran, the
wedding
ceremony is more a celebration of their ancient culture than it is
religion, even though it has been influenced by religion. A Persian
wedding, like all weddings, is in two parts. The actual ceremony itself
is called the Aghd. This word actually means ‘knot’. That's where
the
expression 'tying the knot' comes from. The celebration afterwards is
called the Jashn-e Aroosi. In ancient times, this celebration would
go
on for three days or more.
"The center piece of the celebration called the Sofreh-ye
Aghd and is
set upon this spread I'm laying down called a Temneh. This four-foot
by seven-foot spread, or cloth, is made of the world's finest cashmere
and hand stitched and decorated. I'm placing it facing east, in the
direction of the sunrise. This is so the bride and groom are facing
'the light'.
"On this spread we'll place specific items. First are the
mirror and
two, single candelabras representing the bride and groom. The
groom will enter first and be seated on the bride's right. In times of
old, the place to the right was one of respect and honor. The bride
follows after the groom, is seated and when she sits and removes her
veil, the first thing the groom sees in the mirror, or Aayeneh-ye
bakht, is his bride-to-be. Now, back to the spread. Next comes the
tray of seven multi-colored herbs and spices. They are to drive away
evil, witchcraft, shaitan, and the evil eye.
"Next we have a specially baked and decorated flatbread
called
Mobaarak-Baad, a bread with a hand-decorated blessing on it. This
is usually decorated in cinnamon. This symbolizes prosperity at the
feast and for the couple's life thereafter. A separate platter of this flat
bread, feta cheese and fresh herbs is present to be shared with the
guests after the ceremony to bring the new couple happiness and
prosperity.
"Then we have a basket of decorated eggs, and a basket of
decorated
almonds, walnuts and hazelnuts in the shell to symbolize fertility.
"Then we place a basket of pomegranates and apples.
Pomegranates
are considered a divine fruit while apples are a symbol of the divine
creation of man, followed with a cup of rose water called Gol-e
Mohaamedi, extracted from special Persian roses to perfume the air.
Next is a bowl of crystallized sugar, or Kaas-e Nabaat, to sweeten
the
life of the newlyweds and a brazier holding burning coals sprinkled
with special incense called rue. This is to bring a long life of good
health.
"A bowl of gold coins to represent wealth and prosperity and
a shawl
to be held over the bride and groom's head during the ceremony. A
threaded needle to symbolically sew the mother-in-law's lips shut to
preventing her from speaking ill to the bride. Then we have two
sugar cones to be used during the ceremony. There's a cup of honey
and both the newlyweds will dip their pinky fingers in and feed it to
each other symbolizing the sweetness of their love.
"In a Muslim wedding we place the opened Qu'ran, but in this
case,
we'll also include an open Bible to represent the two faiths and the
importance of prayer in times of good fortune and bad.
"Finishing up, we have a prayer kit, which consists of a
prayer rug, a
small cube of molded clay with prayers written on it and a strand of
prayer beads; and last, a tray of assorted pastries and sweets to be
shared with the guests."
"Amazing!" Tariq marveled, shaking his head. "The
symbolism,
intricate detail and beauty of it all are simply beautiful!"
"I agree, Father." Kamya put in.
After the spread was painstakingly put together, the buffet was
set up
and chairs put in place. The DJ was almost finished his set-up then
all the vans were moved around the corner. The mullah arrived a few
minutes before eleven and Tariq and Kamya greeted him with their
salaams. Now, all there was to do was to wait for the bridal party to
arrive.
On the way home, Josh was itching to get out of his tux and
started
to take off his tie. Marie told him to leave it on and Narisa asked,
"Why? Everything is over, now we can relax."
"Not quite," Marie replied. "We want some more
pictures of you two
when we get home."
Kamya was standing watch at the back gate when she saw the limo
pull up. "They're here, Father."
Mr. Freeman set everyone in their place, waiting to surprise the
two
unsuspecting teens. When everyone had exited the limo, Josh
noticed the gate to the back yard was open and asked about it. Marie
took him by the arm and replied, "I don't know, Sweetie. Why don't
we go look?"
Mehar and Zaara followed with hand-covered smiles as Steve gently
held Narisa back. When Narisa heard all the noise, she tried to scoot
ahead to see the commotion, but Steve held her back.
"Why can't we see what's going on?"
Feigning ignorance, Steve answered, "I don't know, Sweetie.
I'm just
following orders."
Narisa giggled, pulled playfully on Steve's hand and said,
"Come on,
Papa. Let's go see!"
Still gently holding her back Steve replied, "Not yet,
Princess."
Marie stepped out into the front yard a few minutes later and told
Narisa, "Come on, Baby. Let's see what all the fuss is about, shall
we?"
When Narisa entered the gate and turned the corner, she gasped in
open-mouth wonder and fell to her knees in shock at the sight of
seeing the spread.
She was so emotional, Marie had to lift her up and they embraced, crying openly.
"Oh Momma! You knew my dream! A Persian wedding! I just can't
believe this is all true! Someone wake me: it's all a fairy-tale dream!
Praise Allah for all His special blessings! I love you,
Momma!"
"We Persian women dream alike don't we, Daughter?"
After a hanky and a few minutes of still unbelieving wonder,
Narisa
was led shivering with emotion to her seat next to Josh's left at the
wedding spread.
The mullah, being the master of ceremonies, stepped forward and
introduced himself to the newlyweds. He wanted to start the
ceremony and asked that all unmarried females retire to the house.
Zaara and Kamya looked at each other and thought the same thing.
Kamya spoke up saying "We're Iraqi: not Iranian. We can both find a
husband tomorrow - we're staying!"
Everyone laughed at her response and agreed to proceed.
Mehar and Tariq unfolded and held the shawl over the heads of the
couple. After some preliminary blessings and readings from the
Qu'ran, the mullah asked the guardians if they wished the marriage
to proceed. After gaining their consent, he then began to ascertain
the bride and groom's consent. "Joshua Williams, do you wish to
marry Narisa Assad?"
"I do."
"Narisa Assad do you wish to marry Joshua Williams?"
"The bride is surprised and is pondering your question, your
holiness," Marie responded.
"I see. To be certain, do you, Joshua Williams seek the hand
of
Narisa Assad in marriage?"
"I do seek her hand in marriage, your holiness."
"And you, Narisa Assad. Have you pondered and decided if you
wish
to marry Joshua Williams?"
"Forgive her, your holiness, she's very emotional and has
gone to
pick some flowers and ponder some more," Marie answered.
Josh had to laugh at this for the second time and looked at his
giggling wife. She sure doesn't look like she's picking any flowers to
me!
"Ah, the flighiness of a woman! Do you Joshua Williams wish
to take
Narisa Assad as your wife?"
"I do wish to marry her, your holiness."
"And you, Narisa Assad, having pondered the question and
after
picking your bouquet of flowers, do you wish to marry Joshua
Williams?"
"Yes, your holiness. I state my intentions and give my answer
freely
and of my own free will. As the only virgin daughter of Nazir Assad, I
have espoused myself to Joshua Williams," Narisa stated in Farsi.
Marie translated for the others as Narisa spoke.
"And do you, Joshua Williams, do you accept Narisa Assad as
your
wedded wife?"
"I have accepted her, your holiness."
"I now pronounce you husband and wife. What God has joined
let no
man put asunder."
During the entire ceremony, Marie was rubbing the two sugar cones
together. It sprinkled on the shawl above their heads, symbolic of
sweetening the couple's life. When the actual ceremony was concluded, Marie
took hold of one side of the shawl and Mehar picked up the needle and
thread. She then attempted to make a couple of
stitches on the edge of the shawl.
"What are you doing?" Josh asked looking up.
"I'm symbolically sewing your mother's lips together so she
can't say
naughty things to her daughter-in law, but I'm so nervous I forgot
how to sew! Looks like you'll have to hear her mouth, Narisa."
That was good for a chuckle or two. The onlookers laughed as Mehar
was finally able to sew two stitches. Kamya and Zaara held hands
and looked on as the bride and groom dipped their fingers in the
honey and fed each other. As they did, the mullah said, "Let the
words that pass your lips forever speak sweetly to each other in
love."
Narisa asked the mullah, "I have a poem I'd like to recite
that my
mother taught me. Is this permissible? It's an old Persian poem
called This Marriage."
"Yes, Child, recite your poem."
"May these vows and this marriage be blessed.
May it be sweet milk, this marriage, like wine and halvah.
May this marriage offer fruit and shade like the date palm.
May this marriage be full of laughter, our every day a day in
paradise.
May this marriage be a sign of compassion, a seal of happiness here
and hereafter.
May this marriage have a fair face and a good name, an omen as
welcome as the moon in the clear blue sky.
I am out of words to describe how spirits mingle in this marriage."
After an emotional silence, everyone applauded as Narisa gave a
blushing smile and a reverent thought in remembrance of her
mother and whispered "Thank you, Momma. I love you."
"There's one more thing – no,,, two that still need to be
done," the
mullah stated.
Turning to Marie, he asked, "Bring a bowl of water and place
it on
the threshold of the door, please?"
Marie scampered inside and returned with a plastic cereal bowl
half-
filled with water and placed it inside the patio doorway. The mullah
had Narisa walk up to the bowl and directed her. "Spill the water
across the threshold."
Putting her foot on the edge, she tipped the bowl, spilling the
water
across the doorway. "Why'd she do that?" Josh asked.
"It represents enlightenment, happiness and purification to
her new
home. Now, I want the two of you to act as if you're struggling to get
through the door at the same time. Narisa, I want you to playfully
step on his toes as if fighting to get inside first. Joshua, you are to let
her win after a playful struggle, understand?"
"Yes, but why?" Josh asked.
With a smile and a chuckle he answered, "I'll tell you
afterwards."
The crowd laughed as Josh and Narisa giggled and playfully
struggled to get into the house first with Narisa stepping on his toes.
After a few minutes of this, Narisa triumphantly stepped inside the
door, turning to face everyone victorious.
"What does it mean?" Josh asked.
"By her stepping on your toes and getting through the door
first, she
has made it known to all that she is master of her home." the
mullah
chuckled.
Everyone broke out into laughter as Josh grinned, knowing he'd
been had. Narisa, with a twinkle in her eye, said sweetly, "And don't
you forget it!"
Narisa was then led to a chair set in the center of the yard. All
the
guests started bringing the bride gifts. It being traditional to give
fine jewelry, Marie and Steve gave her a beautiful opal necklace. The
Khalids had bought gifts for their daughters to give and Narisa
received a ruby ring from Kamya and a matching set of earrings from
Zaara. Tariq and Mehar gave a box to Narisa and one to Josh. When
they opened them, they were shocked to see two new cell phones.
Tariq said, "There, Josh. There's your one gift for the day,
as is
customary. Along with the phones from Mehar is one year's free
calling as a wedding gift from me."
After Narisa had finished opening her gifts and the couple
profusely
thanked everyone. The mullah, being the master of ceremonies,
happily exhorted, "Let the feast began!"
A whole roast lamb was served with jeweled rice called Morrasah
Polo and sweet rice called Shirin Polo along with many other
traditional Persian dishes. There were a variety of baklavas,
mulberry almond paste, almond flour cookies and honey-roasted
almonds.
As they ate and chatted away, an elderly woman looking to be in
her
sixties peeked her head around the corner of the house. "Hi!"
Marie
greeted the woman. "What can we do for you?"
"Hello," she said as she surveyed the celebration.
"I'm your next door
neighbor, Betty Hodges. Looks like a wedding."
"Yes, Betty. My name is Marie Williams," Marie answered happily.
"Why don't you join us and have something to eat. I hope you like
Persian food, because this is a Persian wedding."
"Oh, how interesting!" Betty replied." May I go
back and bring my
husband?"
"Sure! The more the merrier!"
As the elderly woman was leaving, Mehar joined her friend and
asked about the visitor. Marie answered, "Darn it! I didn't think we
could keep it a secret for long."
"That's okay, Marie. She's a harmless old woman. Did you
invite her
in?"
"Yes. She's bringing her husband over."
"Excellent!"
"What?"
"Excellent, I said. This is the perfect opportunity for you
to be a real
Persian at heart and tell the world your child is getting married!"
A few minutes later the elderly woman reappeared with her husband.
After everyone was introduced to Betty and her husband, Carl, Marie
led them to the table where Kamya and Zaara gave up their seats and
sat on the deck steps. "May I get you something to drink? The food
is over there on the table. Help yourselves," Marie said politely.
"We'll both have water, please?" Carl answered as he and
his wife
rose to plate their food. When she had sat back down, Betty observed,
"My, the bride and groom look rather young."
"Oh, they're older than they look." Marie replied
tactfully as she
thought of their maturity.
"I think they make a damn fine looking couple, Betty and
she's the
prettiest little thing I've ever seen, if I do say so myself!" Carl
said in a
heavy southern drawl.
"You old coot!" she teased slapping his arm.
"Marie, don't pay any
attention to this old codger. He's always eyeing the young
girls."
"Wrong, sweet Darlin'," Carl quipped with a coy smile to his
hostess.
"I like eyeing a pretty girl period, regardless of age; and I must
say,
Marie, you're a mighty fine looking little woman yourself."
"Why thank you, Carl!" Marie replied. "Coming from
an expert like
you, I take that as a real compliment!"
"Didn't mean it any other way!" Carl retorted with a
chuckle.
"Seriously though, these young girls look kinda exotic, where they
from?"
"Your keen eye," Marie said, " is looking at beauty
from the Middle
East. My daughter-in-law, Narisa, the bride, is from Iran and the
other two young girls, Zaara and Kamya, are sisters from Iraq."
"No wonder they keep them little fillies veiled!" Carl
exclaimed. "All
joking aside, Marie, that boy of yours seems rather familiar. He was
the one that ruffled them there Iranian's feathers a couple of weeks
back, wasn't he?"
"To borrow Betty's words, you sly old coot!" Marie
answered
cheerfully, hiding her anxiety. "Why do you think that?"
"I never forget a name. I also tinkered as an analyst for the
Company
a while back. I'm retired though. Just spend my time admiring the
beauty around me, like the little fillies here, present company
included, Ma'am."
Just my luck: a cotton-picking spy! Marie
thought in exasperation.
"Yes he was, Carl," Marie confirmed. "He stopped
that tiny girl that
he married today from being stoned to death in the street."
"I bet you got to be damn proud of that boy of yours aren't
you,
Marie?" Carl said plainly. "It took guts to be in a foreign
country and
stand up for an innocent young girl that he didn't even know."
" I'm very proud of him, Carl," Marie answered
surprised. "Where
did you hear this?"
"I have a few Company friends and we keep in touch. It also
pays to
know your neighbors… Doesn't it, Marie?"
"It sure does, Carl. Can we count on you and Betty as friends
as well
as neighbors?"
"Till the cows come home, little lady. Look at the love and
joy in that pretty
little girl's eyes. I'd say he's done better than the past three
administrations in gettin' something of value from those datblasted
hardliners."
"What's ironic, Carl," Marie revealed, "he didn't
have to steal her,
they gave her to him."
"If'n you or yours ever need any help, Marie,"
Carl said as he laid his
hand on hers with a subtle smile, "you just mosey on over and we'll
have us a nice, big cup of coffee, understand?"
"A man after my own heart, Carl," Marie replied in
relief. "I've
always appreciated a good cup of coffee."
About that time, the DJ started playing a popular Persian folk
song
and Narisa squealed in delight, jumped to her feet and headed to the
dance floor saying, "The Dance of the Virgins! Momma taught me
this when I was ten!"
As the melodic, sensual piece started, everyone watched with rapt
attention as Narisa kicked off her shoes, unpinned her hair letting
her blue-black curly tresses cascade freely and started swaying her
hips sensuously to the mysterious melody of the music as she
enticingly ran her fingers through her hair looking at Josh with a
hot, sultry gaze.
Mr. Freeman commented to the group that traditional Iranian dance
was similar to Arabic belly dancing except it was much more refined
and sensual. Narisa danced provocatively, undulating her hips, while
turning and making "come hither" motions to her husband. Josh sat
all goo-goo eyed and swallowed twice trying to retain some moisture
in his mouth.
"Close your mouth, boy, before ya swaller a ga-nat,"
Carl jokingly
drawled.
As the lovely bride danced her dance of seduction, she had the
full
attention of every male present. As the dance was ending, she danced
enticing to Josh, pulled him to his knees by his tie and half-dragged
him behind her as he followed her on his knees. She led him and
stepped victoriously having captured her suitor. When the dance was
over, she turned and took his face in her hands, and then she gently
kissed his lips.
Carl shook his head and jokingly drawled, "Yep! That boy
stole a
treasure, he did. Probably got their weapon of mass dee-struction,
but don't go tellin' anyone. That there's privileged information."
"As a retired analyst," Steven jokingly retorted fanning
his face with
his hand, "We'll take your word as fact."
The adults at the table chuckled. The females thought the dance
was
lovely and they scampered to the dance floor asking Narisa to teach
them. Once the DJ restarted the song, the men watched on in delight
to see five sets of female hips undulating to the music.
"Them there sheiks with their harems got it made, ain't they,
boy?"
Carl quipped as he nudged Josh with his elbow. "Looks like you
gotcha a good start with these three fillies here."
"Uh huh," Josh nodded mindlessly with eyes glued on the
dance
floor. It suddenly registered what Carl had said and he replied with a
snap of his head, "Huh? I mean, what'd you say?"
Those at the table just laughed. After the racy dance lesson was
over,
there was plenty of applause for the women as everyone refilled their
drinks. After a rest and a refreshing drink, the mullah spoke up and directed everyone saying,
"Now, it's time for the knife dance."
"What's that? It isn't dangerous, is it?" Betty asked.
Marie went to her purse and pulled out a handful of one-dollar
bills
as Bob Freeman spoke up saying "We need to prepare to cut the
cake. This dance is called the knife dance and the song is titled
Sabzehaar. It is a playful tease on the bride and groom done by the
female guests at the festivities. One of the girls will playfully sneak
the knife from the table and dance with it, pretending to offer the
knife to either the bride or groom for money. After dancing and
teasing about to whom to give the knife, the dancing girl takes the
money only to hand the knife off to someone else and the tease goes
on. When the females think the couple has had enough, the knife is
relinquished and the couple is able to cut the cake. Has anyone seen
this dance performed? By the way, any money you get is yours to
keep."
"I have," Narisa replied.
"Sorry, but you don't count," Bob answered.
"I have," Marie countered.
"Good. You can start the dance."
All the females including Betty Hodges gathered at one end of the
deck hear the buffet table and waited for the dance to begin. Josh
and Narisa stood behind the cake as the music started. Marie started
stepping and dancing to the music as she approached the table and
turning, picked up the knife. As she danced, she'd move the knife,
using it as a prop in her hands as she danced. She'd teasingly offer
the knife to her son as she beckoned him to pay only to back away
and repeat the process. After several attempts to grab the knife,
Marie took the bill from his hand and danced away, giving the knife
to Betty.
Betty proved that mature women could shake their booty with the
best of them as she danced and teased as Marie had. After taking the
proffered bill, she danced over and handed the knife to Mehar.
Middle Eastern women have got the hip action down to a science and
Mehar proved that point as she teasingly offered the knife to both
Josh and Narisa as she danced. Josh would offer the bill then pull his
hand back as he reached for the knife only to be thwarted in his
efforts as Mehar spun around only to snatch the bill from Josh's
hand and saunter away, giving the knife to Kamya.
Josh? He was starting to really get into the action.
Kamya may be a little overweight, but she was light on her feet
and
knew what to do with her round, plump butt. A lot of guys would
have called her bootilicious. She playfully teased Josh, then Narisa
only to wiggle away and start her teasing all over again. After she
slowly pulled the bill from Josh's hand she shimmied towards Zaara
and gave her the knife.
Zaara, being small and petite, slithered and slunk like a sultry
little
minx as she deftly teased the groom. She beckoned for him to follow
by sensuously sliding the back of her hand down his cheek and
wiggling her fingers in a "come hither" fashion. Josh followed
her
around stepping to the music waving his arms and the bill. Zaara
spun and turned only to tease him as she offered and withdrew the
knife, while occasionally reaching for the bill. She led him back to his
spot and Narisa stepped out as she began to dance with her sister as
Zaara repeatedly teased her. Narisa reached for the knife offering the
bill, only to be denied thrice. Narisa tried to be sneaky and as the two
girls danced, slid her hand down Zaara's arm only to be denied
again. After a few minutes of this playful dance, Zaara took the bill
from Narisa's fingers as Narisa gently pulled the knife from Zaara's
hand. The dance ended with applause from the guests.
With the knife now in hand, the bride and groom took their place
behind the cake. Holding Narisa's hand in his, she cut a small sliver
of cake. She daintily removed the slice of cake placing it on a dish
then broke it in two, handing Josh a small piece. They looked
devilishly at each other for a moment pondering whether to feed
each other or smash it into each other's faces. After each one took a
bite together, Josh put a dab of frosting on her nose. She giggled and
scrunched up her nose as he leaned down and licked it off to the
applause and laughter of the guests.
Mr. Freeman then passed around glasses of apple juice and asked
Steve, as best man, to make a toast. After everyone quieted, Steve
stood silent for a few moments with his glass raised then began to
speak.
"There are many kinds of love. The love of a parent for a
child, a
sibling for a sibling, a friend for a friend and there's the love we
share for our family and our fellow man; but the love between a man
and a woman is tempered in the fiery crucible of adversity by God's
own hand and burned into their hearts to last for eternity. Josh,
Narisa, you have walked to the threshold of death only to be reborn
like the phoenix from the ashes as one heart, one soul and one life.
May you always laugh together, cry together and love together and
the children you bring forth together will carry on your legacy of
love… forever."
Narisa broke down crying upon hearing Marie's tearful translation
as
everyone looked on. Josh comforted her asking her what was wrong.
"I am just a simple girl from Iran, I don't deserve
this," she cried.
"What have I done to deserve such blessings from God? Allah has
truly forgiven me my sin. There are no words to express my joy to all
of you for what you have done for me. As a little girl, my momma
would tell me stories of ancient Persian princes and princesses that
shared a love that every girl dreams of. Today, if Momma could see
me and share in my joy, her dreams would come true too."
Marie rose and came to her daughter and knelt on one knee. Holding
Narisa's face in her hands she said, "Your momma's dreams did
come true, Baby! She raised a fine, chaste and moral Muslim woman
and you are receiving the blessings of her labor of love. She raised
you to be strong and independent and she raised you knowing you'd
leave her one day. Everything you see here and all that you've been
given is yours because your mother earned it for you.
"Your mother and I joined spirits that day in the courtroom
because
we both felt the pain at the fear of losing our child. Your mother gave
you to me to cherish and carry on for her. We've done nothing more
than what your parents would have done. You are truly my daughter
for I feel the same thoughts, feelings and joy as you feel. Remember
this day in your heart and do the same for your daughter and you
will know the joy your mother feels today. Take God's blessings and
be thankful. Honor this gift by being the woman your mother has
envisioned you to be and carry on the tradition. I guess that Allah
wanted you to experience a taste of death so that you'd appreciate
the preciousness of His blessings of life and love even more."
From that day forward, Narisa never thought or spoke of Marie as
her mother-in-law ever again. To her, she became as much her
mother as the woman who'd given her life.
Playfully tapping her cheek in a feigned slap Marie quipped,
"Now
stop all this crying and be happy or I'll send everyone home and put
you to bed with no husband!"
"Oh no! Not that!" Narisa giggled through her
sniffles.
Hearing the translation, everyone within earshot thought that was
rather funny.
"Music! Where's the music?" Steve asked.
Within moments the music was playing again and the guests picked
up their revelry right where they left off. The celebration continued
for several hours as people attempted to sing traditional folk songs
and even the men tried a hand at the dance of the virgins, but didn't
impress any of the females. Carl went into a knee slapping, foot-
stomping hoedown with a few booty shakes thrown in and hollered
out, "Eat yur hearts out fillies, this stallion is a headin' fur the
stables."
"Put a bridle and saddle on him," Marie quipped to
Betty.
"Goodness gracious no!" she chuckled her reply, "He
only gets
feistier!"
"How'd you ever tame him?" Narisa inquired.
"Cut off his water," Betty replied with smile after
hearing Marie's
translation.
Narisa didn't get it when translated and said, "Huh?"
Marie leaned over and explained it to her. Narisa giggled then
blushed. Seeing her reaction, Betty said to the bride, "Works every
time, Sweetie!"
As darkness approached, Bob Freeman and staff had sliced the cake
and made up party favors for everyone that consisted of a plate of
food, wedding cake and pastries. After everything was broken down,
Bob gave Marie the spread enclosed in an ornately decorated
cashmere bag. Marie presented it to her daughter saying, "Narisa,
this is for you. You're in a new country, starting a new life and this is
a gift to start a new tradition for your children. You can pass this on
to your daughter when she gets married."
"Oh thank you, Mom! I don't know what to say. This will be
one of
my most treasured possessions and I will pass this on with fond
memories of today."
Carl and Betty bade everyone goodnight at eight. The Khalids got
ready to leave shortly thereafter. Mehar hugged Marie in the kitchen
as the two women shared their friendship. Marie was crying tears of
appreciation as she said, "Mehar, I feel as if we are like our
daughters. You have been such a good friend in such a short time I
feel we're like sisters. I could never have pulled this off without your
help. I just can't thank you enough."
"Phooey! I'll need your help or the help of your family some
day and
it will all work out. I've been proud to be a part of Narisa's and your
dream. What you did today was truly a very beautiful thing."
In the family room, Narisa and her sister were duplicating their
mothers. "Thank you so much for being my maid of honor, Sister.
I'm so happy that you were a part of my dream. I still can't believe
that its happened, even though I experienced it."
"I'm so happy to share this with you! It's as if we really are
sisters.
Sadly, I'll never have a maid of honor at my wedding."
"Why do you say such things, Zaara? You hurt my feelings. You
know
I'll be there for you and will be your maid of honor, don't you?"
"You forget, little sister, you've just been married today
and in a little
while you'll be de-virginized." Both girls giggled. "That means
you'll
never be a maid of honor. I guess I'll have to settle for a matron
of
honor instead, you old married hag."
"You stinker, you! I'll gladly be your matron of honor! Just
don't
forget where you'll get all your secrets on how to drive your new
husband crazy, or you won't have a clue come your wedding night."
"Kiss me goodnight, Sister. I hope you can walk tomorrow and
I'll
see you in school. Remember: an hour-by-hour report."
"Well, don't hold it against me if I suffer amnesia from too
many
orgasms."
"Yeah, right! And his real name is Clark Kent. I bet he's
like all the
girls say boys are and it's over in five minutes!"
"Wouldn't you like to know? Eat your heart out because
I don't kiss
and tell."
"You'd better, girl; or else I just might accidentally lose
something in
translation in a few of your classes."
"We'll see, Zaara. All kidding aside, it'll be a special night
for me and
I'd rather keep the details private."
"Narisa! You know I'm just rattling your chain, don't you? I'd never
come between you and Josh and that especially means your intimate
life."
"Thanks, Zaara. That means a lot."
Giving Narisa a kiss on each cheek, Zaara said, "Goodnight,
Sister,
and I do mean good - night!"
Kissing Zaara in kind, Narisa replied, "Goodnight, Zaara.
I'll see you
in the morning… if I can walk." Both girls giggled.
Kamya approached Narisa tentatively and when Narisa smiled, she
hugged the bride saying, "I'm sorry for the way I acted at dinner the
other night. I was just being a bitch. Even a blind man can see you
two are meant for each other. I'm so happy for you and am happy
that I was able to share your special day with you."
"Thanks, Kamya. That means a lot to me. I hope we can be
friends
and if you ever need anything, just ask."
"Thanks a lot. I'll remember that. Goodnight, Narisa, I hope
all your
dreams come true tonight - really!"
"Me too. Goodnight, Kamya."
Zaara went to Josh, gave him a warm hug and said after she kissed
his cheek, "I'm happy for you two, Josh. Both of you are the best
thing for each other. Love her right, Josh. Understand? Or else
you've got her sister to deal with!"
"Will do, Zee."
"Zee? I'll be darned. I've got a new nickname! I like
it!"
"Me too. See you tomorrow, okay?"
"Gotcha! Nightie night. Don't let the bedbugs bite!"
Kamya approached Josh slowly and she could see the trepidation in
his eyes. She gave him a friendly hug and warned him saying, "You'd
better make this night special for her, Buster. If you don't, I'll cut
your balls off and shove 'em up your ass – got it?"
"Got it!"
Kamya turned to leave and Josh stopped her saying,
"Kamya?"
"Yeah?"
"If you ever need a friend, you've got one in Narisa and
me."
"Thanks. I'll remember that and you'd better mean it because
I need
a true friend… more than you know."
"I wouldn't have said it if I didn't mean it, Kamya."
"Well, thanks. It means more than you could imagine.
Goodnight,
Josh."
"Goodnight, Kamya."
After all the goodbyes and congratulations, Josh, Narisa, Steve
and
Marie gave their salaams and goodnights to the Khalid family as they
left.
Plopping down in the armchair in the living room, Marie was first
to
speak. "Phew! What a day! I don't know about the rest of you, but
I'm still keyed up. I need a hot, relaxing bath to soothe these aching
bones. Hey, Daughter, I think I may have thrown a hip learning that
virgin dance."
"Want Daddy to kiss it and make it all better?"
"Oh pweez, Mithter. I juth wuv kithes. Can I have some milk
and
cookies too?"
"Yes, my little pretty. I'll give you all kinds of
sugar!"
Everyone laughed at the exchange while Narisa still wasn't a part
of
the joke. Marie smiled and said, "I'll tell you tomorrow, dear."
Narisa rose and went to Steven, sitting on his lap and hugged him
tightly, kissed both his cheeks and tearfully said, "Papa, thank you
so
much for everything! Daddy said that I had a good family and he was
right. Thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!"
A little embarrassed, Steve replied as he kissed her temple,
"You're
more than welcome. This was all Marie's doing. I was just along for
the ride. The one you owe all the thanks to is your mom."
Narisa scooted to Marie and fell into her arms crying. Nothing was
said as the two held each other and shared their tears of joy. Narisa
slid to the floor at her mother's feet and hugged her legs. Marie
stroked the side of her face and began. "You know something,
Daughter? We both shared the same dream. When I was in graduate
school, I studied some of the Persian customs in depth and was able
to attend a Persian wedding. I was twenty-four at the time.
"It made such a lasting impression on me that I vowed to make
my
daughter's wedding as wonderful some day. You made that dream
come true for me, and I'll be eternally grateful for that. You see, we
both thought that we'd never have that chance in our lives for the
same fantasy to come true.
"Your mother may have given you life and taught you to be a
woman,
but to me, you are every bit my daughter as sure as I had borne you
myself. I never will replace your mother and I never want to try. I
just hope that I am worthy enough to share the word "Mother" with
her.
"Remember, child, when you go upstairs tonight and give
yourself to
your husband. Love is an action: not a feeling. We can profess our
love to the world, but if we do nothing to validate that love, they're
just empty words. Expect nothing less from those that profess to love
you. Not from me, your Papa… or your husband. Demand it! You're
worth it! And in return, demand no less of yourself. Your mother
lived by that rule, as do all that have the capacity to truly love.
"Now go, Daughter. Go and build that special bond between you
and
Josh. Let your every action express what's in your heart and demand
the same from him. Hold nothing back and live with no regrets and
this night will truly be special."
Marie and Narisa embraced and held each other as they shed their
tears of joy and parted with a smile and a tender kiss. Narisa rose
and walked to her husband and taking his hand whispered lovingly
to him, "Dooset daram, Joshua Williams."
Josh gently scooped her up in his arms and replied, "You are
my life,
Narisa Williams and with my dying breath will profess I love you,
Darling. More than life itself."
With that, he turned and carried his tiny Persian bride up the
stairs.
Edited by Quaestor and R
Town
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