They say marriage is made in heaven but I believed Cupid, the roman god of love shoots the arrow with the couple names who actually mean to be together written on it to register their marriage in heaven. I believed true love can make God to rewrite the destiny. I believed marriage is an official announcement of love until today.
The air shimmered with the golden glow of oil lamps, the fragrance of jasmine and sandalwood weaving through the gathered crowd. Beneath a canopy of marigolds and mango leaves, the bride sat radiant, her silk saree glinting like sunlight on water. The groom stood behind her, the sacred Thali trembling slightly in his hands, as the priest's chants rose like a divine hymn, their rhythm entwined with the soulful hum of the nadaswaram and the thunderous heartbeat of the thavil. All eyes were fixed on the moment, the Muhurtham, when time itself seemed to hold its breath.
As the groom tied the Thali around the bride's neck with three firm knots, a conch shell's call split the air, and the hall erupted in joy. Women's ululations soared, grains of turmeric-stained rice rained down like blessings, and the couple intertwine their pinky finger to walk around the agni (fire) as a symbol of their promise to walk through life hand in hand.
Yes, marriage is made in heaven, so as the thunders and lightnings.
Here I am, standing right next to my girlfriend as her bridesmaid at the wedding.
Two years earlier (2022)
My parents named me, Selena Felice (aka Sam) which means peace and happiness, hoping both coexist in my life but turns out to be exactly opposite. I wish to do what people usually do, like being surrounded by people, hanging out with friends, spend time with loved one to escape from the voice of my mind, sometimes even travel to move forward and leave the memories back but these are out of my league. I almost lost my 99.9 percent hope to be seen by others. Never had real friends or a good relationship.
"Here I am, a broke introvert wishes to travel solo and take a break from
the pressures, routines, or emotional weight of my everyday life.." (without realizing that life is a circle.)
Unfortunately to an asian young girl from a middle class family, also unemployed, travelling is expensive though.
A job at a different town would help to be away from those voices. I found an opening to a language teacher 100kms away from my current city. That's quite near enough to reach by motorbike.
The interview date is set and I reached on time. The school lobby resembles a luxury hotel, with polished marble floors, elegant artwork, and sleek modern furniture. A grand chandelier hangs from a high ceiling, while a stylish reception desk greets visitors. Plush seating, soft lighting, and large windows offering serene views create an upscale, welcoming atmosphere, yet scary.
Well I am quite certain that they're not gonna take me in. Thought they might expect posh british accent and we all know how Indian accent sounds. The staff asked me if I need books to prepare for the demo session. I responded that I was fine and used that time to look around a bit.
The school has a central basketball court surrounded by two-story classrooms. The court is spacious and well-lit, with balconies on the upper floor offering views. Classrooms are designed with modern furnishings and ample natural light, creating an open, dynamic learning environment.
The staff found me roaming and got me back to the front desk, then guided me to a grade 6 classroom full of students and the recruiters at the last seats.
"Good morning students."
"Goooood moooorning mam." raising and falling of well-rehearsed chorus.
I am sam. I'm here to teach you English for a demo. Before we start our session let me ask you a question. Do you like exams?"
"Yesss maaam."
(Well that wasn't the expected answer. Liars!!!)
"That's great. So have you ever wonder who created exams?"
"Noooo maaaam"
"Why haven't you searched for him yet? He is our common enemy, right?"
(The chapter I chose was about the boy who doesn't like exams.)
That chapter was already taught to them. I was not aware of it but then that one particular hyperactive girl kept interrupting with the next scenes of the story.
I lost my patience.
"Wait, if you are gonna answer like this, my demo will be over within five minutes."
And that's the moment I knew I messed up. I am a bit short tempered.
The recruiters stopped and told me wait at the luxury lobby again. I was prepared for the worst anyway huh!
As the higher ups discussing about my selection, me flirting around with the receptionist as she is pretty though.
Then the personal interview with the principal. He was just testing my communication skill.
"Do you really need to wear that in your hand?"
I couldn't believe his first question would be about the accessory I wore.
(A kaappu is a traditional type of bracelet worn in South India, particularly men. It is typically made of metal, such as gold or silver. The kaappu is commonly worn as an ornament in various cultural and religious contexts, often symbolizing protection or a blessing.)
I mean what's wrong wearing that. Anyway I needed that job desperately. So I was like
"Not necessary Sir. I can remove it. Would you mind if I took my bike here to keep." I asked it intentionally to trigger his male ego.
"What kind? is it a scooter?"
"No sir its a sports bike." (Yeah now he knows that I can ride bikes. happy! happy! happy!)
"Yes mam, you can keep it but don't go out often."
"Sure sir." (Wait what? Is that means I got selected?!)
Indeed. Lady luck has finally paid me visit.
They wanted me to join ASAP and that's day after tomorrow. I need to move in to the school dorm by tomorrow. That's so quick but exactly what I needed right now. I packed everything and moved there.
Here comes my new roommates. There are three people. Two of them has the similar name, Nana but opposite by appearance. One is big and the other is thin. Third one, Alice can talk a little in the absence of those two. I'm not much of an talkative person. We introduced ourselves and that was the only conversation of the entire week. I was not able to connect with them.
I created an armour to protect myself from all the human connections back at home. Thought I'll no longer need if I meet new people. Nothing changed. Everywhere I go I'll be the same.
"Humans are sick and I'm sick of them."
On my first day at work, the academic coordinator, Rimma directed me to a senior. I wonder why she asked about my family background. Is it really necessary for me to work here?
My job was to assist the senior staff as the students practicing their performance. The school is preparing for an annual day celebration. For first 15 days there was no work and of course no work means no salary. I was like no salary means no work. I went to the class and found a corner where I can be peaceful without human interactions.
Days passed. One day while I was having lunch. A girl roughly around my age walked towards me. I look away knowing our eyes met for an instant to avoid interaction with her.
It didn't work. Oh no! She is coming.
"Hey! are you new here?"
Oh God! Let me be at my peace.
"Yes"
"Your good name?"
"It's Sam" (with a deep voice)
(Such a powerful voice)
"Department?"
"English."
"One word answers huh!" She looked confused that I didn't ask her back.
She asked B'Nana, the big one
"Is she always quiet?"
"She spoke more than ever before. It's actually surprising."
"Does she lives with you all?"
"She wanders in a her own world within our room."
"Oh!"
"Listen. Are you with my department?" (me to the girl)
"No!"
"Then I have zero reason to talk to you."
I left with my plate as I finished eating while they were destroying my peace.
The girl was stunned enough that she stood frozen for seconds staring at the chair I used.
"That's so rude!!!" (the others)
-"Interesting..." (She smirked)
*Text message to someone*
The first day went well except for a girl who approached me. I think I will be fine here. Don't worry about me. Take care of yourself. Call me when you are home.
End of chapter
stay tuned.
Looking forward to your comments.
So that I can know that you are actually reading.
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