The summer heat was way too much for the couple to handle. Sitting next to an older gentleman in the van, Kishore thought of the first thing he had promised Sheela before they got married. It was to book their honeymoon in Rohet Garh fort in Jodhpur. Sheela had recently heard from a friend that one can book a stay at an actual fort. This made her yearn to spend a night at such a palace ever since. Little did know what awaits her there.

An Indian woman not being married at 30 was just unacceptable by the bourgeois Indian society. Her friends from school had daughters and sons who were going to the 10th grade while she was still single. She spent the last few years making chai and samosas for every potential groom visiting her. Most grooms before Kishore did not even convey why they didn’t want to bring her home as a bride. Her ailing mother would take her side each time, and crack a joke at the man’s balding spot or paunch.

Starting as an attendee in the company, Kishore had today grown up to be a manager. He had spent the last 16 years at the very factory. He never cursed his fate for not finishing school, and never felt bad for the bad cards he got in life. Kishore only saw the bright side of things and started with a mere Rs 500 salary. Today, he was heading the production plant and ensured hundreds of workers get the job done every day. He never smoked or drank or even gambled. He always saved money and took care of his mother till her death.

The day Kishore visited Sheela for the first time went something like this: Kishore came with a friend, and he greeted her with the biggest smile. He offered them sweets and fruits. As he snacked on the chai and samosas, he conveyed that he genuinely liked Sheela. He was in Chennai only for a few days. He was very clear that he wants to have a small wedding ceremony in the next few days and take her back to Palakad, where he lived. Sheela also liked the way he spoke to her and the idea of a simple wedding.

It was a quick and simple wedding at a temple in Chennai. Kishore came with his friends and family. His sister and her husband were the closest family he had. They joined the wedding from Kozhikode. On the evening of the wedding, Kishore and Sheela boarded the night train to Rajasthan. Upon her request, he had promised her that he will book their honeymoon at the palace she chose.

After over 30 hours on the train, they reached their destination. They stopped at a local shop and drank a cold lassi. As Kishore offered her his handkerchief, he started speaking about his career. He had discontinued college and spent time with a bad set of friends. But once he met Mr Nambodari, the owner of the factory where he currently works, his life changed. Kishore became serious about his career. He was just happy that Mr Nambodari offered him a job to work at the factory. The money he received monthly was only an add-on as he had almost given up on a career.

Once reaching Jodhpur, they chose to take a local van that ferries passengers. Sitting in the cramped van, both of them started observing other people. The summer heat was way too much for the couple to handle. It was over 44 degrees celsius. The desert was hot and humid. It was their first time visiting Rajasthan. They had bought a couple of water bottles at the railway station. Sheela got one out and offered it to Kishore.

Sheela searched for something to eat in her handbag. She found a raw mango that she had brought from Chennai. She took it out, broke it into pieces and kept searching for salt and chilly powder. Indian women carry an entire box of spices, food and hydrants in their handbags when they travel. She did not find it. Strange, as she had kept the mango, salt and chilly powder in a paper bag together. She looked at Kishore with disappointment.

Kishore took a piece of the mango from her hand. He smiled and said, “You are the spice to my life, my lovely bride.” This was when Sheela knew, the wait was worth it!