I was still standing on the stage, smiling like a robot.
"Congratulations!"
"Happy married life!"
"Such a nice couple!"
People kept coming one by one. My cheeks started hurting from smiling.
Beside me, my bride stood quietly. Everything had happened too fast.
Marriage… in one day… without warning.
I leaned slightly toward her and whispered, "Do you know what's happening?"
She glanced at me. "You don't?"
I shook my head. "No."
She almost smiled.
Another relative came and shook my hand very hard. "You're lucky!"
Yes… but I don't even know why, I thought.
After a long time, we finally stepped down from the stage. I looked for my father.
He was trying to walk away quietly.
"Dad," I called.
He froze and turned around. "Yes?"
"You forgot to tell me something."
"Did I?"
"Yes. Like… my own wedding."
He coughed. "Surprise?"
"This is not a birthday party."
He patted my shoulder. "You look good in wedding clothes."
"We will talk at home," I said.
He nodded quickly. "Yes… after food."
Even now, he was thinking about food.
After that, I stepped aside. She walked toward me.
"Hi," I said.
"Hi," she replied.
"So… we are married."
"Yes."
"That was fast."
"Very fast."
Silence.
"Do you want to eat?" I asked.
She smiled slightly. "You're thinking about food?"
"I'm thinking clearly now."
"Okay."
We walked to the food area together. People stared at us.
"They look shy," someone whispered.
"Newly married," another replied.
Yes… newly confused.
I handed her a plate. "Here."
"Thanks."
We filled our plates quietly.
"I feel like I've seen you before," I said.
"You have."
"School?"
She shook her head.
"Then where?"
"Childhood… village."
I looked closer. Suddenly, I remembered a small girl running around, stealing mangoes.
"No way… you?"
She nodded.
"You're my childhood friend?!"
She laughed. "Finally."
"You used to say you would marry me," she added.
"I said that?"
"Yes. Under the mango tree."
"That was childhood nonsense!"
"Too late," she said.
I sighed. "I should never talk near trees."
She laughed softly.
"Sumi…?" I said.
"Yes."
"You changed a lot."
"You're still slow," she replied.
"That's rude."
We both became quiet.
After the ceremony, people started leaving. Soon, we went home.
Inside, my parents were sitting.
"I came for summer vacation," I said, "but you married me on the first day."
Dad raised his hand. "There is a reason. Long ago, my friend and I promised to marry our children."
"So… you booked my wedding in advance?"
He nodded proudly. "Yes."
"I didn't even know I was reserved."
Mom laughed.
"You upgraded me to husband," I said.
"Free upgrade," Dad replied.
"This is not a hotel."
"No cancellation allowed."
I sighed. "But… she is a good wife."
Dad grinned. "See? Perfect planning."
Suddenly my sister came in.
"Sorry, I missed the wedding. Exams."
"You missed my wedding," I said.
She blinked. "I left you single. I came back, you're married."
"You knew?"
"Yes."
"Everyone knew except me?"
She nodded.
"Nice," I said.
Later, it was 10:09 PM. Everyone was tired and went to sleep.
I stood outside my room.
Wait… we have to sleep in the same room?
I panicked.
Should I sleep on the floor?
Should I sleep on the bed?
"This is harder than an exam," I whispered.
I slowly opened the door.
Sumi was sitting on the bed.
"You're not sleeping?" I asked.
"I was waiting for you," she said.
My heart skipped.
"Oh… okay."
"Why are you standing near the door?" she asked.
"I like doors," I replied.
She blinked.
"I mean… I just came."
She smiled.
I sat on the chair. We both felt shy.
Suddenly, my phone vibrated. It was a message from Dad.
"Check your pant pocket."
I frowned and checked. There was a small box.
I opened it… then quickly closed it.
Inside was a contraceptive.
My face turned red. Sumi also understood. She looked down.
"Dad…" I whispered.
"This is too much planning."
Neither of us spoke.
"I… I'm tired. Let's sleep," I said quickly.
I put the box aside and lay on one side of the bed. She lay on the other side. There was a small gap between us.
"Good night," I said softly.
"Good night," she replied.
Both of us stayed still… awkward but calm.
Within minutes, I fell asleep.
Sumi smiled slightly in the dark… then closed her eyes.