First, Harleen
I
The Stage Was Set
The trees were dressed before the guests.
Now it just needed feet.
II
It began with a song.
...and nobody remembered to sit down.
The choreography survived one song.
Even the quiet looked loud.
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.
Gold would come soon enough.
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 was only here for the formalities.
Water never tasted that good.
VI
Them Being Them
Officially married. Unofficially, unchanged.
VII
Beginnings
The day began to settle into dust.
He held on for one more second.