Virk smiled and then led her towards the car. ‘Allow me to introduce you to someone, Ma. Let me see if you can guess who she is.’

Reaching the car, Preeti looked through the window to find a beautiful and shy bride sitting on the back seat. Her gaze was down but her beautiful face and sharp, attractive features were clearly visible. She pulled open the rear door hurriedly and sat next to Bibi. She cupped her face with her hands and exclaimed with joy, ‘You’re Bibi Amrit Kaur, right?’

Bibi nodded.

She touched the red bridal bangles on her wrists and then blessed her by placing her right hand on her head. ‘Welcome to your home, my child. I have been eagerly waiting for this auspicious day.’ Bibi felt overwhelmed by her touch but didn’t respond. Her fears left her and she felt relaxed. She bent down and touched her mother-in-law’s feet.

Stepping out of the car, Preeti screamed at her son even though he was standing just at arm’s length. ‘You are so irresponsible! Why didn’t you inform us? Who made you an army officer! Now wait here till I come back.’ Then, without waiting to hear his response, she ran inside and re-emerged a few minutes later holding a steel plate with some jaggery and a bottle of mustard oil on it. A few pieces of jaggery fell on the ground as she rushed towards her son and daughter-in-law but she didn’t care. She handed the plate to the servant and poured mustard oil at the bottom of each side of the gate. Then taking the plate back, she gestured Bibi to enter the house. Bibi was aware of this ritual, having witnessed it on a few occasions at her parents’ home. But she felt elated to think that it was happening for her.

She accepted the small piece of jaggery her mother-in-law gave her while saying a quick prayer and then entered the house. She was greeted by her father-in-law, Randit Singh Virk, who was standing in the living room. His eyes were filled with joy. His welcoming smile told Bibi that he too was pleased by his son’s choice. He escorted her inside but was not followed by his wife and son.

Preeti had business to settle with her son that couldn’t wait. Switching to an angry tone, she looked at him disapprovingly. ‘You have a lot of explaining to do,’ she began.

‘Yes, Ma, let’s go inside first; I will explain everything,’ replied Virk helplessly.

She softened her tone. ‘She’s so beautiful and innocent. I am so happy for you.’

‘Yes, Ma. I agree. Now let’s go in.’

Virk’s cold response irked her, ‘But why didn’t you tell me before?’

‘Ma, as I just said, let’s go inside. I will explain.’

‘Both you and your father are beyond my understanding.’