She Goes with Her Father - 26

Ozo had arrived. He was accompanied by the rest of his extended family. There was quite a crowd gathering to celebrate the wedding. A large sleeping tent had been erected next to Rampa and Denar's house to accommodate them all. The elders would be welcome to sleep in the house but the children and the younger adults expected to spend their nights in the tent, not that anyone would be sleeping all that much once the wedding got underway.

Rampa had gone all out for his first daughter. He had done himself proud. There were two feted animals slaughtered, a lamb and a goat. There were delicacies that he had been keeping for trade that no one could justify or afford to buy. He brought forth treats that amazed everyone there. He was delighted for Aruna. He felt that she was making a good match with Ozo. He really liked the youth.

Her father's bride gifts for her were extraordinary. Rampa was in a very generous mood. His wife had told him that morning that she suspected that she was with child but that she did not want to steal Aruna's stage. She wanted him to know. She would wait until she was certain before making an announcement to the rest of the family. Rampa was feeling on top of the world.

The ceremony was beginning. Rampa, as the father of the bride and the eldest member of her family, presided over the wedding. Ozo walked Aruna to the free standing canopy where Rampa waited. Rampa stood in full regale with his finest cloths on. The vows were exchanged, the tokens were given, the ceremony was complete. Reta and Rena were in rare form, their voices sounded amazing as they sang. They had been practicing, they did not want to let Aruna down, and it showed. Aruna had a teary moment when she turned to her father at the end of the ceremony. It was customary for the bride's parents to kiss and congratulate the couple first. Aruna saw only her father. Than her eyes focused and Denar was standing there grabbing her by the shoulders in strong hands planting a firm kiss on her cheek and congratulating her. The tears that had threatened were thwarted by Denar's firm action. Aruna had a huge and grateful smile for her before she turned with Ozo to face the rest of their guests still wearing that same smile. The formal part of the wedding was over. Pockets were filled to overflowing with the tiny beans again just as was done with Rampa. There was good-natured teasing and bawdy advice given to the blushing bride and groom.

The twins scrambled to help Denar and Peta serve the feast to the assemblage. Denar was trying to keep an eye on the youngsters too so they would not find too much trouble. Sarah and Boc were playing a childish game of tag like hide and seek. Boc ran under the table ducking skillfully while Sarah chassed him into his hiding place. She forgot to duck, she caught the corner of the table with her forehead. She sat down immediately and let out a siren like scream. Her forehead grew remarkably fast into a unicorn's horn. She was inconsolable. Boc had done it to her, in her eyes he was her hero and he hurt her. How could he have hurt her? Not only did her head hurt but her feelings were injured too. She sobbed and could not catch her breath, she was crying so hard. She kept calling for Boc but he had vanished. He was certain that he would be blamed for the injury. He was hiding in the stable. It was pretty much pandemonium with Sarah screaming and Boc gone missing so suddenly. After a while even the bridal couple got involved in the search.