"Saar, this ees Ant-o-nee calling from the o-fees of your preferred credit card company. Will yourself become interesting in exglusive o-fer for hour latest value-added blatinum card?". The writing was on the wall - "Don't Very, Be Hippy". It never failed to bring a smile on Vasudha's face. She found plenty of amusement in the use of "non-Oxford English dictionary" words around her. It was one reason she'd opted to become a "language trainer" at the call center she worked for. Rows upon rows of desks were occupied by young guys and gals just a few years out of college, like her, and she loved what we she did for a living. The pay was great and the perks were even better. So, what if she had to forego her nights - her afternoons and evenings were spent shopping leisurely, enjoying crowd free malls and happy hour discounts. Ah, the bliss of shopping at Forum. But, not now. It was time to talk to Ant-o-nee!

 

The hiss of steam escaping from the cooker woke up Vaishali. No wonder, her dream had been filled with hissing snakes for a few minutes now! Rubbing away the sleep from her eyes, she walked-waded into the kitchen. "Mom, what are you doing so early in the morning?" "Get ready, dear. It's going to be a long day ahead. The groom's family is coming in the evening." "Who's groom?" "Our" "Our?" "Remember the photo I showed you the other day?" "What photo?" "The one I kept inside your laptop on Friday. That evening, I also saw you using the laptop and seeing the photo album of that same guy. But, I'm not sure what he had to do with the cartoon images of farms and animals that you were clicking on that page" "Mom, I was checking my facebook account! But, what does it have to do with this groom guy who is coming home today?" "We want to see you married soon" "MOM! WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME ABOUT THIS BEFORE?". The shrill whistle of the cooker pierced the silence of the dawn.

 

Marriage. Made in heaven, executed on earth - bride first, groom next.