Mumbai Weds London

He did not arrive amidst manic mauj
There was no ghodi nor band baja baraat
Just him in a lone yacht, a black tailored suit and top hat,
His demeanour was dark and sulky just like his weather surrounding him like a grey cloud


As he inched closer towards me
My necklace, the Queen’s necklace, sparkled with excited anticipation
My eyes brimming over with the salty tears of the Arabian Sea
Feeling emotions that only a bride can
Of leaving behind familiar shores


His arrival was understated yet meticulously planned by the bureaucrats of Westminster orchestrating his life with boring precision
So unlike mine, where I survive with a “chalta hai” attitude and at my best am described as organised chaos


I was expecting a garland of Marigold and Jasmine, wanting to be seduced by their intoxicating fragrance
the one that welcomes you even in my smallest most crowded markets
But I was instead handed a bouquet of red English roses,
their petals still glistening with his dreams for us
”All the way from Columbia Road market“ he said softly, his stiff upper lip giving way to a shy smile.


The seagulls swirled around the Thames
And the pigeons flocked upon my Gate as we said our vows , encircling the fire burning deep within our souls .


And what do I tell you about the wedding feast?
An English roast never stood a chance before my desi platter
Pickle, papad, naan and rice
fragrant curries, tasty subzies,
salad bars, chaat counters , chocolate fountains, the works!
The unabashed abundance strangely massaging not just taste buds but also fragile egos


And when we danced our first dance as man and wife
My palm trees swayed in the gentle breeze
He pulled me closer, my head upon his shoulder
And in that moment there were no boundaries
No tall mountains nor the seven seas

Just him and me
Standing in glorious wonder