Page 47 of A Kiss in Kashmir

“Ma, that looks fantastic,” Alina said. “Speaking of fantastic food—Raahat just sent over the menu. I spoke to her this morning and she said George had been over and helped her decide on the final menu.”

Sharmila just nodded.

Emilio tried to give her a look, but Alina ignored him. “And the flowers are finalized—George worked with Zarina on that too. Now all we need to do—”

“Alina,” Sharmila said gently. “Let’s talk about you and Emilio, shall we?” She nodded at Emilio’s family and lifted her glass. “After all, it’s your wedding.”

Alina and Emilio exchanged glances, hers an apology, and hisI told you so. He texted her while everyone ate dinner in silence. “Your mama is totally in love.” Alina smiled to herself, because he was right. And hopefully, if all went well, everyone else would know that, too.

Chapter 22

A Few Days Later

Qayaam Gah, Kashmir

Orange marigolds, white chrysanthemums, and deep magenta roses adorned Qayaam Gah. Zarina, the flower vendor from Dal Lake, had found tulips in what seemed every possible color and used them in varying combinations throughout the resort. Despite a light early spring chill, the resort had a warm vibe. Radiant lighting highlighted every corner. Small golden chandeliers hung all around and brought warmth to the main salon.

Sharmila had specifically asked Zarina to create centerpieces that were a reflection of the bride’s unwavering commitment and the groom’s steadfast promise. Using that as her guide, Zarina had created remarkably thoughtful centerpieces for every table. They had the rustic allure of dried wooden bark paired with the delicate charm of fresh lotus petals. “Just like the couple—so different, and yet so perfect together,” she said. The graceful silhouette of the painstakingly preserved bark signified, she told them, strength and commitment of seasons gone by. The bark was covered with delicate wisps of soft lotus petals that appeared to be dancing. The petals, she said, brought hope and joy for the present and future.

What truly set the centerpieces apart was the touch no one expected. Zarina had placed tiny crystals on top of the petals, like dewdrops. The crystals caught the soft illumination of the chandeliers, the fireplace, and the starlight, and cast a soft glow on the tables.

While Suraj and Wajid had helped Alina make the final arrangements, many details had been taken care of by the owner of the resort. Over the last few months, he had worked with Alina by phone, text, and email to ensure that she would be happy with it all. Now Alina was back in Kashmir, and yes, very pleased.

“How is the food preparation coming along?” Alina asked Suraj. He had stepped in to be Alina’s on-site assistant to help take care of the wedding preparations. He had become quite fond of his niece and was delighted to help.

“Raahat is here, and she and her staff have been cooking all day. I will check in with her in a few minutes. Don’t you think you should be going to get dressed? I can take care of all the details.”

“Yeah, yeah, I’ll go soon,” Alina said. “The makeup lady keeps calling me. But I just wanted to make sure. Emilio is outside ensuring that the paths are all clear for the guests. There was snow this morning. But I should go in before he sees me, or it’s bad luck,” Alina added, laughing.

Music filled the air as the musicians seated at the far end of the room began to test out their instruments to ensure that they would be ready for the ceremony.

Alina saw Wajid out of the corner of her eye. He was busy helping the priest set up the mandap, the main area where the wedding would take place. The mandap was covered with a red carpet that Alina had chosen earlier that week. She had seen it and instantly fallen in love, demanding they find a place to include it in the wedding. The columns that surrounded the platform were wrapped with fragrant jasmine flower garlands.

“Wajid, have you seen George?” Alina asked casually, hoping against hope that George would at least listen to reason and end this cold war with Sharmila.

“Yes, I have seen him, and I passed on your message to him. He didn’t say yes but he didn’t say no either. Keep the faith, Alina. George has always done the right thing. And I know he will this time, too.”

“I hope you are right, and he will come. That will be the right thing to do.” She sighed deeply. “NowI’m going to go get dressed. Ma has been texting nonstop—the makeup lady is driving her crazy since I’m late.”

Alina had neglected to mention that after landing in Srinagar, she and Emilio had gone to George’s houseboat to invite him personally.

Alina had all but pleaded with him. “You have to come, George. It won’t be complete without you, and it would mean so much to me.”

George was quiet. The sunny, talkative man that she had known for the past few months was gone and there was a sadness in his eyes. He ran his hands through his hair, and to Alina, he looked old and forlorn. A man who had made peace with heartbreak. Much like her mother.

“I wish you both well. My love and blessings are with you, Alina. I will try to make it. If you have time now, may I invite you both to eat with me? I would really love that.” His smile returned for a moment when they agreed.

The meal was simple, the conversation anything but.

“Ma misses you, George,” Alina said nonchalantly as they ate the rice and yogurt curry he had prepared. George kept his focus on his own plate and ate without saying a word.

Emilio added, “Alina’s right, you know. She sold three paintings at auction, and each one of them had something to do with you. I don’t understand art and even I could see that.”

“You kids are thoughtful and kind. I love you for that. She’s a remarkable woman. She’s strong, and resilient. And look at how she raised you. I feel… I just feel that I let her down.” George’s tone was gentle and filled with love.

“George,” Emilio said. “You and Alina have a great friendship—from what she’s told me and from what I’ve seen. To honor that friendship, we’re asking you to be there. It would mean a lot to us, to Alina.”

They left him with that. They told no one about the meeting.

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