Welcome back home, my daughter of virtue and valour.

****

Both Devipuram and Maya had changed over the course of two eventful years. Devipuram climbed the ladder of rural modernisation, and Maya reached new feats of fame.

As Maya rode the bullock cart of Gopuram, she admired the familiar swaying trees, smelled the grass in the fresh breeze and squinted her eyes at the glaring sun. When she was last here, huts used to line both sides of the road. Now, she saw many pukka houses too, two-storeyed buildings that boasted of considerable development. On the threshold of the houses, she saw women weave baskets and the world famous tant saree of Bengal. Smiles ran over jubilant faces. Children circled around banyans and took dips in the ponds.

Devipuram had become more beautiful than before. The daughters of this land now learnt to be self-reliant, creative souls who brightened the reputation of Bengal.

Again, she was in front of the tall standing house of Aadi Basu, who had become her Aadi Babu gradually. The large green windows had grown dull over time and more paint was scrapped from the walls. Yet, it didn't matter. The house extended its arms wide, much like Aadi Babu, who waited outside the gates like a father longing for his child.

Maya threw away her luggage and ran for the embrace, tightly hugging him. Aadi Babu was swung in her mighty warm shroud, his hearty laughter echoing across. The merry sunshine hid his wrinkles and the fine lines of age.

"I am back, Aadi Babu." Maya's eyes teared up. Aadi Babu cupped her face and placed a kiss on her forehead. "I missed you, Nathu and Anandi, everyone!" she chirped. "Did you miss me?"

"There's not a day when we don't think about you. These two years were extremely long, Maya," Aadi Babu said, stroking her face lovingly. Nathu bowed his head, coming from behind. Anandi accompanied him. "How are you, memsaheb?" the couple asked in unison.

"My life has only prospered after I set feet on Devipuram. You guys have been my lucky charm!"

"Come, we need to prepare you," Anandi said, flaunting the wristwatch that Nathu had recently gifted. "We only have two hours and you don't want to miss the rituals."

Maya beamed and waved her hands in the air like a child who had just gotten the pass to skip sleep for a night. "I know this wedding would be incomplete without me."

"Of course," Aadi Babu grinned. "You are the one who made it possible."

The trio ushered Maya into the house. While Nathu and Aadi Babu decided what they would wear and what not, Anandi helped Maya get ready. She was already done with her makeup and dressing– dabbing some powder over cream, give a touch to the bewitching kohl-lined eyes, stick a vibrant red bindi between the brows and glimmer in a yellow benarasi finished with jhumkas and sitahar.

"Ah, did Nathu give you that?" Maya asked. "The sitahar goes so well with this traditional saree. You look exactly like some sexy, voluptuous Bengali beauty."

Anandi smacked her arm playfully. "He did, but guess on what occasion?"

Maya feigned to think. "Your birthday?"

"No."

"Anniversary?"

Anandi rolled her eyes. "I bet he doesn't remember. Men are stupid. But maybe not that much." She blushed. "I am pregnant."

Maya gasped. Anandi screeched and the two girls squeezed hands in excitement. "Really?" Maya couldn't believe it. "You are going to be parents!"

"Yes. We had been trying for so many years. Now finally we will be having a baby." She dreamily mused. "You know, Nathu has even decided on the names. Kaushik if it's a boy, and Kaushiki if it's a girl."

"That's basically one name." Maya laughed. "He must be so happy."

"I get to work less because of this. He doesn't let me touch anything or do heavy work. And then Aadi Babu is there to guide me. He says he is eager to get a grandkid."

"You all are a pretty family." Maya caressed her face. "God bless you. May you have a wonderful child who will light up your house."

"Thank you, Maya. Now, choose what saree will you wear– a silky red and green, or shining blue and silver?"

"I think I will go with red and green."

"And top it off with a bindi, golden bangles and a flowery hair bun. I have got some tuberose to decorate your hair."

Even though the ladies had predicted they would be over within an hour, it was only natural for them to be late. It was the universal female habit. Oh, men wouldn't understand the difficulties of finding the perfect shade of lips or just the right amount of glittery gold on the body. It was such an ordeal. Aadi Babu paced up and down in the room below, growing more stressed with time. After all, he was going to do the kanyadan, and he had to be punctual.

So after a lag of half an hour, the Basu team hurried to the marriage.

Of Sundar and Sahiba.

****

It was a truth universally acknowledged that a man couldn't ever enjoy his own wedding, even if he had all the tricks up his sleeves to turn the tables.

It just wasn't possible.

Sundar ran from one end of Devipuram to another. Either the cook was in need of more meat or someone forgot the banana or mango leaves. Then there were people who knew nothing but to disturb him. And they took pleasure in it.

He swore if it wasn't his marriage day he would have cracked open their foolish skulls.

After some time, Sundar couldn't take it at all. He stopped listening to what people around him had to say. He was running too much. They could find things on their own and didn't need the help of the groom. Oh Shiva, he was here to relax on his wedding day, and not run errands like a street urchin! They reduced him to such a worthless position.

So he just flopped on a chair in front of the stand fan and cooled his sweaty skin. The people around eyed him curiously, but he didn't care. They had made the groom miserable themselves. Just because there was no clear groom's side or bride's side didn't mean that everyone would very cleverly switch themselves to the bride's side and make the groom tirelessly work.

"Hah, she is to blame." He smirked. "I will take my sweet revenge when I get the chance."

"What are you talking to yourself about?"

He jerked back. "Maya?"

"Yes." She crossed her arms. "I expected you to welcome me with more pomp and grandeur."

"But no one lets me sit and take a good breath for a moment!" he complained. "I am sorry–"

Maya patted his arms. "I was joking, you pea brain! Have you lost it all? Ah, it's usual for boys to be nervous on this day. I am sure you will be on the verge of fainting when you see Sahiba."

He flushed scarlet. "I don't know how they are adorning Sahiba, but I am sure any embellishment will match her. She is naturally gorgeous."

"I did get to see her, and there's a surprise for you."

His eyes sparkled. "I see..."

"Pardon me, I couldn't come to Sahiba's priestess ceremony. I was stuck in Khatra with a case. I missed it, but I hope you had got my letter?"

"Don't be sorry, Maya. I understand work can interfere with our life sometimes. I am glad that you came to our marriage." He smiled. "Let me get you some refreshments–"

"The groom has been called. The lagna has commenced." Nathu came running with a topor– an intricately designed white headgear made with sholapith. "Wear this and let me adjust the creases on your dhoti. You need to look presentable."

Maya quickly went and joined Anandi, standing closest to the yagna spot so that they could watch everything unfold from the nearest distance.

Sundar was flanked by several men and brought to the spot. With quivering hands he touched his sliding topor then and now. His heartbeats reached a feverish pitch. He didn't know what to expect, what to do. The women whispered and giggled, watching his jittery frown. "Keep a smile on this day, Sundar," they said. He couldn't make them understand the tides of his throbbing heart– what if his smile was too sheepish and childish? What if he looked gross? What if...what if he wasn't the best companion?

No, this isn't the time to overthink. Focus Sundar, focus.

At once, the ululation began, making goosebumps crawl on Sundar's arms. He stood frozen on the spot like a statue cursed to never move. Out from the corner of his vision, a bunch of burly men carried Sahiba on a pidhi. She kept her face veiled behind a pair of betel leaves. Her little palms were dyed red and bejeweled with ruby rings.

But what made his heart topple and hop was her saree.

It was what his mother had worn on her wedding day– a red and golden benarasi woven with utmost care and dedication, a symbol of love and memories. It was as if his mother had handpicked Sahiba for him, telling him that this was the woman he had to look out for. Sundar wiped the lone tear that trickled down his cheek, wishing that no one saw it. He never saw his mother, but he would love this woman who was dressed in her skin.

The men carrying Sahiba circled Sundar. Each time he tried to take a peek of how Sahiba looked like, but everytime she got cautious and hid her face even more passionately. The women laughed at his impatience. If only they would place themselves in his shoes.

Finally, the time to remove the leaves came. The priest, who was none other than Manas, asked Sahiba to show her face to Sundar. But she wasn't just going to.

"She is shy," the men carrying her said. "Ladies, encourage her to not be!"

"Come on, Sahiba, he is waiting."

"Just look at poor Sundar, looking so forlorn as if waiting for centuries!"

"Sahiba, remove the leaves gracefully and smile like a good girl. You can do it!"

And she did. Slowly, she lifted up the panpata and her eyes, full and round like the glowing moon, gazed at Sundar. The groom, mouth agape, tilted his head and inspected Sahiba like she was a diamond in a rubble. The young bride again looked away, unable to handle the mesmerising attention.

"Give the groom and bride each a garland."

Sahiba was put on the ground. The couple was given two garlands. Yet, it would be wise to note that the usual Bengali ceremony of exchanging garlands wasn't simple. It was supposed to be chaotic, full of screams and curses and irritating chortles.

That was exactly what Nathu and his male friends intended to do. Sahiba, who was a shortie, was lifted up in the air, much to her shock. She now was above Sundar in height, floating in the air like a scared kitten.

"Put her down, she is frightened! Sundar shouted. "You will hurt her!"

"We eat enough to carry your little wife," Nathu said. "Let's see how you make her wear the garland."

Sundar stood on his toes and jumped, trying to swing the garland around Sahiba's neck.

In vain.

Whenever he attempted to tie the bond, the men would pull Sahiba away and tease him, call him names to rile him up. Sahiba, who was initially yellow with fear, now began smiling, sometimes bending forward to catch the garland. "Can you please let him do it? I don't want him to get angry," she requested. "Please?"

"She is already taking his side. I wish we all had such obedient wives." Nathu raised a brow and glanced at Anandi, who just twisted her lips.

At the wish of Sahiba, she was brought down to the ground and the garland exchange took place without any more mischief. Sundar glared at Nathu who was least bit affected. "It happened during my marriage too," he told Sundar. "You will have to go through more torturous rituals, so brace yourself."

The rest of the ceremony went without interruptions. Aadi Babu did the kanyadan and the fire of the yagna danced in happiness. Promises were made during the saptapadi, hymns sung and rice offered to the holy fire. The ambience was sacred and of new beginnings, welcoming in fortune and everlasting love.

Then, Manas gave Sundar his ring coated with the sindur.

The crowd waited with bated breath. The moment had arrived.

Sundar clasped Sahiba's palm. "May I?"

She nodded and closed her eyes. "Only and only you, Sundar."

Sundar called upon the name of Shiva and Shakti, and then filled her forehead with crimson, sprinkling the powder on her nose too. Conch shells blew, uludhwani reverberated around. An orange saree, the creation of Sundar's own business, was brought and placed over Sahiba's head.

The marriage was completed.

Sundar leaned in to whisper in her ears. "I promise to keep you fulfilled. I will not disappoint you."

"Neither will I. Thank you for giving me time to accept you."

"Take lives if you want, but always return to me."

Sahiba gulped and looked around to ensure no one was listening to their quiet conversation. "I love you."

"Huh?"

"I love you, Sundar. I love you."

Without another thought, reckless Sundar embraced his newly wedded wife in front of everyone. "I love you so much," he trumpeted, loud enough for everyone to hear. "I don't know what I will be doing when I get you all to me. I will kiss–"

Sundar bit his lower lip. Oh no...

Silence. Dreaded silence surrounded the couple. Sundar hiccuped.

Shameless, I am so shameless! I have no control.

"I announce them bride and groom," Manas declared, "and please give them a room after this. I think it's obvious what will happen if we don't. I am sure no one wants to behold the secret moments of a couple who have lost all patience." Manas chuckled. "Two mannerless kids."

The crowd clapped in joy and whistled uncontrollably. Sundar and Sahiba blushed like a blooming hibiscus, adoringly gazing into each other's souls.

Two lovebirds were finally one.

****

Sundar was congratulated by the men for his bold move and Sahiba's lap was filled with gifts and blessings. The guests relished the feast and talked amongst themselves. It was then that a very odd looking man came along with Aadi Babu.

"Maya, I want you to meet someone."

The detective was busy drinking a glass of lassi. She stood up and scrutinised the young man beside Aadi Babu. Contrasting everyone, he was wearing a dazzling black tunic paired with a silvery dhoti. His eyes resembled that of Aadi Babu, and his hair was slicked back with gel.

"I am his son, Arun Basu. I have heard a lot about you." He shook hands with Maya. "I wanted to personally thank you for avenging the death of my dear friend Catherine. I know this is not the best time to bring her up, but know that my whole family is grateful to you."

"Ah, it's alright." Maya was a little creeped out by the rebellious way he was dressed. "Did you come back from the West?"

"I did. I was staying at a hotel in the nearby town. I came back home to find you all having left already. I guess I am late."

"That you are, the ceremony is over. You can go and enjoy the food."

"Actually, I need to talk to you in private."

Aadi Babu allowed them some space and excused himself away. Maya and Arun went to a corner. "I have, uh, a new case for you."

Maya's eyes widened. "Oh, another mystery?"

"Yes."

Maya cleared her throat and lowered her voice. Arun lend her a ear. "I will talk to you about it after the marriage is over, but tell me, whom does it involve?"

Arun pulled his collar loose and exhaled. His eyes scanned the room for possible spies. When sure no one was hearing them, he said, "The royal family of Krishnanagar."

And so, it continues...