Sharmila’s and George’s eyes met, and they held each other’s gaze with love and tenderness. The garland exchange turned into another group hug. Then Wajid stepped in, asking George and Sharmila to sit down on the mandap and complete the wedding rituals.
The rituals completed, Alina and Emilio brought out the red pashmina shawl that Alina had ordered from the shop on the shikara on Dal Lake. The shawl, which had been embroidered with the names of everyone in Sharmila’s and George’s family—and Daneen and Vikram and so many more—was placed over the heads of the newlyweds. “Our combined love will always protect you,” Vikram’s mother blessed the couple.
“You knew about all this,” Sharmila said to George as they shared a private moment under the shawl.
“I’ve known I wanted to marry you since the day I saw you fighting with Rami on Dal Lake. I just had to know that you had forgiven me. Then the kids told me about the paintings, and that you had painted me in them. That seemed like forgiveness. But,” he added, slipping his hand into his jacket pocket, “I do have one confession to make.”
Sharmila waited, smiling.
“There wasn’t enough time to buy you a wedding gift. So for now, here you go.” And he handed her her favorite chocolate bar.
Then he leaned in, and kissed his bride.
