Page:Tales of Bengal (Sita and Santa Chattopadhyay).djvu/120

Tales of Bengal grievance I had of appearing in an ordinary dress before a certain person was likely to be soon remedied.

On the day of the "maiden's feast" in our house a large number of presents arrived from the bridegroom's house. My sister-in-law, while praising their taste and liberality, remarked aside to me, "You are lucky, my dear, your husband's family does not seem to be any poorer than your father's family."

A large number of friends and relations soon arrived and I was scarcely left to myself even for a moment. Then, too, I had to go about every day, as I was constantly being invited by others.

The day arrived at last. A woman never loses the memory of her wedding day however old she might be; neither have I.

From the morning I had been sitting on a seat of sandal wood, which was covered all over with leaves and flowers of alpana. Of that numerous gathering, I alone was silent that day. Now and then one of my sisters-in-law or cousins would peep in, and go off smiling. Nearly all the relations we had in every part of the world had arrived, but fresh ones still poured in. At the sound of approaching footsteps I looked up and saw my mother entering accompanied by an old lady. Mother came near and said, "Vidyut, this is my aunt, bow down to her." I did as I was bid; the old lady blessed me fervently, then turning to my mother, asked her, "The bride is truly called Vidyut, my dear, but how is the bridegroom? I hope they will be a well-matched pair?" I laughed in my heart. How should that old lady know how supremely handsome the bridegroom was?

My mother answered, "What does outward beauty matter, dear aunt? My son-in-law Prasanna is not much Rh