This is Harleen
I
The Stage Was Set
No undressed trees were allowed.
Feet will do the rest.
II
Nobody slept. Guess why.
Cuz danceee!!
Unscripted. Unapologetic.
At least visually pleasant.
III
Getting Ready
Her hands were steady enough for winged eyeliner. Not for the necklace clasp.
Her mother's hands hadn't stopped shaking since morning.
A quiet moment of elegance before the color begins.
The last quiet.
IV
The King
He couldn't see three feet through the sehra. Didn't stop him waving the kirpan like a Jedi.
The sky turned to roses.
Then it got quiet.
V
The Ceremony
Four lavaan. Four promises. She held the palla like it was the only thing keeping her standing.
he just for formalities
Water never tasted that good.
VI
Them Being Them
Partners in laughter, from this day forward.
VII
Beginnings
The day began to settle into dust.
He held on for one more second.