october 20th, very early morning Who: Nalini & Ashok What: Arriving, newly married. When: October 20th, very early morning Where: The Village Rating: TBD
The wedding had taken three days – a 'traditional' ceremony had been insisted upon by both sets of parents, and Nali hadn't had the heart to argue too much. She was already going to be leaving her parents and everything familiar to her; what was the harm in letting them send her off as they wished? So for three days, Nali had been pampered and draped in rich, brightly-colored costumes. She had been painstakingly made up and dressed with gold jewelry. Ashok seemed to get much the same treatment, with less makeup.
For three days, family and friends engaged in the celebrations with them. There was food and drink, blessings and toasts, and so many well-wishes that Nali couldn't keep track of them all. By the end, Nalini was exhausted. They retired to a bridal suite in one of London's finest hotels, but it was hardly a romantic first night together – Nali had managed to change clothes, but was asleep before her head hit the pillow regardless of her honeymoon anxiety.
It was still dark when she woke – still in the wee hours of the morning. But the pull she felt was unmistakable; it demanded that she rise from the large bed, pulled her toward the balcony. From there, she could see new lights twinkling in the city where there should have been darkness. A brightly-colored wheel rising above the stone wall of the Tower of London, and black-and-white tents dotting the grounds.
"Ashok... Ashok." Her tone was gentle, as good manners demanded, but firm. It was time to wake up. "The circus is here."