." Confirmed. I'm keying in my final clearance... Congratulations sir! You have married! I hope you have many years of good use from her!"It was a tra...ditional blessing. I gave the traditional reply. "Thank you Nikahaldi, for a fine marriage ceremony. I hope so too."I withdrew my ID card from the console and was now permitted to meet my bride. I walked a short path of corridors and stepped into her holding pen.She stood trembling under her burqa and hood. I could only imagine her turmoil, and. " I told the guards. They untied him and let him stand. I said, "You'll be first. You will follow me and go in that room. In there, you will give me truthful answers to every question I ask. Now, I know how you idiots operated. So, I offer you fools an option. If you can beat me in a hand-to-hand fight, we'll let you go." I paused for a moment. "Which will it be?"He grinned and said, "Pretty girlie, you'll be easy. Now, you're faced with a real man." I doubt it. Come on, Wimp." I teased.He. This was my daily routine for a year. His wife used to serve me with some toffees and and tea some times . she rarely looked at me and used to do her work. One day I was going to my college with one of my friend who is a Marawadi . Auntie called me for some work and talked to me in a harsh voice for some reason . My Marwari friend who doesn’t know Telugu properly asked me whether she is a bitch (lanja munda ) she is talking harshly with you . This was listened by my aunt Shama and she got. I would be embarrassed if you had said anything else." But Jacob, your aunt Jean is like a second mom to you, I'm sure she would be very concerned and want to see you get well. Of course, I haven't gone into any detail -- certainly not about...you know...our extra little activities, and what we are doing now."I decided to let the subject drop, although I wasn't quite sure how much mom had told auntie Jean.I finished the coffee whilst we had been speaking and placed the cup on the bedside table,.