Episode 7

*** SAM . We arrive at the temple and I swear that i am already exhausted. My butt aches from sitting down too long. We took a whopping 45mins to get here. I mean isn't there another temple close by that we had to come all the way out here but I dare not complain. We all climb the stairs leading to the prayer section. Just like us, most people were already here, seated with hands folded together as they spoke in words I didn't understand. Payal removes her slippers and raise a part of her saree to cover her head and I follow suit. Mother then rings the bell and we all step inside. They offer their offering plate and close their eyes to pray. Thereafter, the priest came to apply a red powder substance to Adi's head and the rest of us. Then he blesses them. "Payal please bring the materials so we can distribute them" mother instructs and Payal quickly nodded while Charu followed. "Adi I really need to check this place out." I point out He looks around then brings his eyes back to mine. "I don't know Sam. It's pretty crowded today cause I heard there's a festival happening immediately after the prayers." "But I brought my camera" I pout "I should've just stayed home" I feign sadness "One hour, that's all you have" he says with a stern voice and I salute which makes us laugh. I thank him, with a kiss on his cheeks before running off. My eyes wander around the area and I saw Adi's mother and Payal from afar giving clothes and food to the less privileged, sitting outside the temple. I turn around and continue walking, taking pictures of everything and anything that fasinates me. Some persons were pointing at me and whispering to themselves while others pretended as though I didn't exist. I don't care less. "Who is she?" I overheard a woman asking another woman but I acted as though I wasn't listening to what they were saying. "I heard some people say that she is Adi's new wife from abroad" The other woman gasps. "Baap re. (Oh my God)" I don't understand what it means though. "So Ganga allowed her only child to get married to a foreigner? What a shame. How will she uphold the family's honour and traditions? Ganga made a very big mistake, that I tell you" she concludes and I sigh, feeling flushed. "But I hear that she's from India though, only raised abroad" the first woman adds. "So what if she was raised abroad? Isn't she human like all of us?" I overheard someone chip in. "She's not like us. I hope Adi comes back to his senses and realises that he's making a very big mistake. There are lots of beautiful women here in India that he could've gotten married to if he really wanted. So I don't why he's so hell bent on marrying a foreigner. That's why you never send kids abroad. They go there and come back thinking as if they know everything." the first woman scoffed and they all walk away. I don't know what I was thinking coming here to this place. Who was I kidding anyway? The stereotype is just too much. I should've just listened to mom. Anyways what's done is done and I can't change anything. I am brought back from my reverie by intense singing and screaming. I see a crowd gathered afar and everyone is chanting while a few other girls are dancing their hearts out. I walk towards the crowd and push myself to the center . At the middle of the crowd, on a concrete ground is the most beautiful lady I've ever seen. She is singing and dancing, moving her hips, body and legs to the rhythm of the music. I quickly take my camera to my face and take a few shots of her. A group of men are beating the drums while she keeps on singing and dancing. Her hair flowing in all directions. "Archisha is such a lovely dancer" a girl compliments. "Excuse me do you know her?" I ask immediately and they nod. "She dances at the temple for different occasions. She's so pretty and well cultured and mannered too" That's when it hit me. Cultured? Mannered? I think I've finally found my guru. A placating smile crosses my lips. I join the crowd to clap to the song. I waited till she was done cause I really wanted to talk to her. As soon as the music ends, she clasps both hands together and say thanks while the crowd disperse. I take this as my cue. "Good afternoon miss" I greet and she smiles at me. "Good afternoon" she responds while packing her things. "I um...I really need to talk to you" I continue and she nods. "My name is Sam by the way" I extend my hands and she was about to take it when Adi's voice sprung through the air. "Sam" he rushes towards me and engulfs me in a hug. I notice her cheeks turn bright shades of red. "I thought something bad must've happened to you" he rants on. "Oh come on Adi. I'm not a child" I protest "But I said you could only stay an hour. Do you know how worried I was. Come on, everyone is waiting for you. Let's go" he takes my hands and pulls me towards his direction. "Adi wait, I need to talk to her" I mused trying to wriggle free "Talk to who?" He asks and I turn towards the direction of where she was but she wasn't there. She's gone. How did she move so fast? Is she some kind of ghost? I point at the place she stood "the lady" "Stop speaking gibberish Sam. What Lady?" "Don't look at me like I'm going mad, there was a lady standing there. She was dancing a while ago and I needed her help but you came and blew it up, now she's gone. I hope you're happy now. Mxxxm" I click my tongue and walk out on him but he chases after me till he caught up with me. "I'm sorry I interrupted" "Don't bother. She's already gone. Thanks to you" I say with an eye roll. "Don't be like this. I never knew you were speaking to her. Who is she anyways?" "She's a dancer and I needed her help so she could be my guru" I say with a sullen face. "Guru?" "Yes Adi, Payal insisted that I get one so that she could help me impress your mother and learn the culture" I explain as we begin to walk slowly. "You don't need to impress my mother. I'll marry you whether she approves of the relationship or not" he adds. "And that's the point. I don't want a wedding where I'll be at crossroads with my mother inlaw. Like it or not, she's your mother Adi and I want her to like me just like my mom likes you too and that's why I agreed to the challenge remember?" "Yes I do and I know you'll impress her. And I believe that you'll find someone to help you out don't worry. I could help you look if you promise not to frown anymore" he pleads and I chuckle. "I promise. Thanks Adi" I say and give him a hug. "Good. Now let's go home. They're waiting for us" "Okay" I take his hands and we walk towards the direction where the car is parked. I really hope I find a guru soon cause time is running out. . . Love With Benefits .