A modern wedding

by Nushka Nafeel

I had a hectic business schedule. I was tired. Jane was busy preparing dinner and she hardly smiled. I know it was my fault. I should not have forgotten our 30th wedding anniversary.

Jane and my two children, David and Anne lived together with us for long years.

Both of us could not enjoy the fact that we were alone again.

Still, I can remember the day when David left home for his higher studies. We were standing in front of the house. As soon as we had loaded the last of David's things in the car, tears poured from Jane's eyes. The first couples of minutes were tough. It was tough for us to bear. However, we overcame that moment because our daughter was with us. Today I am sitting alone here; Anne works in a big firm.

Progress

Though I cannot still figure out their progress, they are adults now. Anne will get married in a few months. My little girl is going to start her new life. It was also a big day, when she came home with her boyfriend. We were shocked, but finally we decided that he is a nice person and to give Anne in marriage to him. I am so happy that the wedding is going to be in our village. We truly miss them both. However, phone calls will not fill the gaps. I wonder how we were able to survive those situations. Jane is worried without her children around. Even I have hurt her.

My innocent neglect had made her unhappy. I know it is my turn to right my wrongs. I called for Jane, made her sit next to me with great difficulty. I slowly explained what we had gone through all these days without our children. Finally, she had to agree with what I said.

Amazement

Then suddenly we saw someone coming towards our home. To our amazement it was Anne. Jane jumped up from the steps and hugged Anne. The reason for her to show up suddenly is to talk with us something important. Then she said her fiancé wanted to have the wedding in three weeks time.

"Oh, honey!' Jane said. 'Why suddenly? When? I want to hear all about it?"

After a burst of questions, I could see my wife's face fall. You know now children are smart, too smart. Anne began "It's ok mum. We do not want to make a big deal about this." "It is going to be simple".

"Oh my God!" Jane said, but before she could say anything, Anne came closer to her, held her hand and said, 'Don't worry mum. I will take care of everything. I will not mind if you come before two days. It would be better than the wedding anniversary. We can be happy when all of us invite only our close relations. I will call you and let you know how things are happening. My wife was silent and I chose it wiser not to say anything. Anne went on explaining.

"Dad, hope you understand. I mean we want something simple and easy. We exchange the rings and may be we have dinner with family and friends. We do not want gifts or anything, dad. Would you mind?"

We just had to agree to her decisions. Nevertheless, Jane was disappointed.

Wedding

Preparing everything for a daughter's wedding is not trouble for a mother. It is her pleasure. However, Anne said she would make all arrangements and that she intended to keep the celebrations simple. Jane had many dreams about our daughter's wedding. We have discussed it several times. She wanted to take the wedding at the church and arrange a dinner for all the relations and friends.

Moreover, to have a photographer around, because photographs of the wedding day remain for generations. Jane did not expect gifts from people but she wanted Anne to get the blessings from everyone on that important day in her life. Though we often call her 'Princess", Jane wanted her to look like a real princess on her wedding day.

In this modern era, everything has changed. It is not Anne's fault. She loves us a lot. However, It is the same everywhere. Modern culture, social media, technology and society had made people draw apart from relationships. The world has become transparent but it has made the life and relationships of people shrink.

A wedding ceremony is a public display of marriage vows to let people know of the couple entering into the marital contract. I fear, may be in a few years, all this will vanish." I am getting married today" would remain to inform people around the world that he is getting married.