Banwarilal Chowkhani attended the wedding with his entire family and so did the constables and the sub-inspector of the outpost. Everyone from Makum was there. Special arrangements were made to receive guests like the Officer-in-Charge of Tinsukia police station in a separate room at the Chinese Club. For all of Cheenapatti, this wedding became a festive occasion. No one remembered the border. At the wedding venue, only the hostel boarders were sitting sadly. Pulok was still at home looking after the guests wearing a white dhoti and kurta. His bright young face glowed with utmost happiness. All his friends were here. They would all go together to Mei Lin’s house with him.

‘Hey Haranath!’ Rameswar called out, seeing Lee Chang as he entered. His friends rolled in laughter and delight.

Lee Chang walked up to Rameswar and held him tightly in mock anger. Minaram Baruah was furious, seeing their happiness. Unable to control himself, he vented his anger at a neighbour who was sitting near him.

‘Look at the Chinese. Look at their joy. It is obvious that they will make merry. It is their day after all.’

The guest was surprised and asked, ‘What do you mean by that?’

‘Don’t you know what is happening at the border?’

‘What is happening?’ asked the man who usually came to listen to the news in Minaram’s house.

‘There is a war going on between India and China at the NEFA border, don’t you know?’

‘No, I don’t. How did you find out?’

‘From the news, of course! The Chinese were silent for eleven days. Suddenly they have started attacking. The fighting is going on in the Dhola area inside the Indian border. China has said that our soldiers had attacked their troops! Wait, let me get the newspaper.’ Leaving his guests, Minaram Baruah went inside to look for the paper.

‘Something is really wrong with Baruah. Even on his son’s wedding day, all he talks about is the border scuffle. I think his only son marrying a Chinese girl has hit him hard.’