Into the Life of Hadji Part 5


     "That is the best news I have had in a long time!"
beamed Hadji.  "Miana, we have a wedding to plan."
     "Not so fast, Mr. Singh.  It is best that she stay
nearby for a while before returning to India.  My suggestion
is any wedding plans you have wither be postponed for a time,
or held here in the States."
     "Thank you, doctor."
     "By the way, she has been asking for you."
     Hadji and Miana went back to Neela's room.
     "Mother!" cried Hadji as he rushed to her.
     "My son, thank you... I am so sorry I missed your..."
     "You have not missed anything, Mother.  The doctor says
you need to stay in the States for a while.  Would you mind
if we held the wedding on the Quest compound rather than the
palace?"
     "I would be honored to have it here.  We can always have
a formal presentation in Bangalore at a later time."
     "Thank you, Mother."
     Just then, Hadji spotted everyone else outside the door.
     "Dr. Quest!  Will you come in here please?" asked Hadji.
     "Yes, Hadji.  Neela!  You look so much better!"
     "All thanks to our son." smiled Neela.
     "Hadji, what did you want to ask me?" asked Benton.
     "Since my mother has to stay in the States for a while
and she is anxious to see Miana and me married..."
     "No need to ask, Hadji.  Of course we can have the
wedding on the compound!"
     The doctor wanted Neela to stay in the hospital another
week as a precaution, and the Quests used this time to plan
the wedding.  Arrangements were going well, especially
considering the short span of time in which they all had to
put the wedding together.
     Jessie did a marvelous job on both written invitations
and those made by phone call, while Race and Jonny worked on
how to arrange the setting on the compound.  Benton worked
with Mrs. Evans on catering, and Jessie helped Miana with
wardrobe for all involved.  Wedding roles were relatively
simple-- since Miana had no family and friends (other than
Jessie) to speak of, Jessie was going to be Miana's Matron of
Honor.  Benton was going to give Miana away, and Jonny was
going to be Hadji's best man.  Race had the important job in
making sure everything went smoothly.
     It wasn't long until Neela was released from the
hospital, and the day of the wedding arrived.  Important
people from all over the world were coming, but most of the
guests were coming from India.  Most wore traditional dress,
including Neela and Hadji.  The wedding was going to be a
blend of American and Indian, as was shown by the fact that
Miana and many of the American guests were dressed in
American style.  Miana wore a beautiful white gown and long
white veil with a diamond tiara.  Jessie wore an emerald
green taffeta gown that was elegant but simple in an off-the-
shoulder style.  Benton, Race, and Jonny all wore tuxedos, as
did most of the American guests.  Catering was a mix of
American and Eastern Indian food.  The wedding was being held
outdoors under a white trellace-style arch covered in ivy.
     Jessie and Miana were in Miana's room getting ready, and
Miana was ready to faint from the excitement.
     "Miana, you look beautiful!  In just a few minutes, you
will be a sultaness!" beamed Jessie.
     "Don't remind me!  I'm nervous enough as it is."
     Miana looked at her image in the mirror-- at the tiara
her new station reflected, her semi-low cut pearl-lined
neckline, the long, pearl studded sleeves, the long lacey
train... and best of all, the fact that she lost twenty
pounds over recent months sent her self-confidence to an all-
time high.  This was most important to her, as she had a
wedding night to look forward to.
     The music started, and knew it was time.  Jessie and
Miana looked at each other, grabbed their bouquets brought up
to them just a few minutes before, and started down the
steps.  Benton met them at the bottom, smiling happily.
     Jessie started first down the aisle toward Race (who
stood with them at Hadji's request), Jonny, and Hadji.  When
she reached the front, Benton started down the aisle with
Miana.  The guests that were standing on either of them bowed
in respect to the soon-to-be Sultaness of Bangalore.  Miana
was nervous and kept her gaze fixed up front, but all anxiety
soon melted away when she saw Hadji in his traditional
gold robe and special golden turban with the family jewel.
He was smiling widely as his bride approached him.  When they
reached the altar, Benton presented Miana to Hadji, and the
wedding began in traditional American style.  The time soon
came to exchange vows.  Hadji and Miana wrote their own, and
Hadji went first.
     "To my beloved Miana, my soon-to-be wife and sultaness.
 I could tell the first time I looked into your eyes that we
were destined for one another.  You are the most beautiful
and precious person to come into my life, and I will treasure
our life together... forever.  I love you."
     Hadji and Miana were both in tears.
     "To my love-- Sultan Hadji Singh and my soon-to-be
husband.  From the first time our eyes locked I knew we'd be
together.  I felt the love grow between us from the
beginning-- you changed my life.  My life took another
interesting turn when I learned your station and what mine
would be.  At first, I was scared-- but then I realized we're
in this together-- that no matter what the situation, I'll
never be alone.  And through the adventures we've had and
those yet to come-- I give myself totally to you-- my mind,
body, loyalty, devotion... and most importantly-- my love.  I
love you."
     At this time, Neela came up to the altar and stood with
the minister before the young royal couple.
     "By the power vested in me by the state of Maine,"
started the minister.
     "And by the power granted me as the Sultan Mother of
Bangalore," continued Neela.
     "We now pronounce you husband and wife, Sultan and
Sultaness of Bangalore." they continued in unison.
     Hadji lifted Miana's veil and kissed her with a power
that moved all present.  Miana had been presented with a
wedding set in the American tradition, but following the
kiss, Neela motioned for Miana to approach her.  Miana knelt
before her, and Neela produced a small bowl with a reddish
paste made of Henna in it.  Neela took some, and made a small
red dot in the middle of Miana's forehead.  The kumkum wasn't
' permanent, but was a traditional symbol of marriage in
Indian culture.  Following this, all present cheered praises
to the royal couple, and bowed as they exited.  The reception
was an overwhelming success as they imbibed various drinks
and wedding cake.  Many dances of both cultures followed, and
the celebration lasted well into the night, leaving Hadji and
Miana anxious for time alone together.  Jessie and Jonny
picked up on this right away, as they could see the hungry
looks on their faces as they looked at each other.  Jonny
could feel for Hadji, so he went up to Benton and suggested a
discreet end to the festivities.
     Race called for attention, and Benton took a microphone.
     "Ladies and gentlemen-- we thank you so much for coming
here this evening, however, it is getting late and our guests
of honor have a long trip ahead of them."
     With this, the guests started dispersing, and Hadji and
Miana had to prepare for their honeymoon in Bangalore (that
Neela insisted they take while she remained on the compound
under the care of Benton and the hospital staff).  Hadji and
Miana were very anxious to consummate their marriage, but
decided to wait until their arrival as such an event would be
very unromantic on a jet.
     As they were packing, they kept looking at the bed.
     "Tempting, isn't it?" asked Miana.
     "My words cannot describe what I feel-- the hunger that
has built inside of me since we met-- especially after our
adventure in Jonny's game..." answered Hadji.
     "And we have so long to wait... almost done?"
     "Yes."
     "So am I... let's get out of here Now..."
     They grabbed their bags and ran down the steps, past the
throngs of guests lingering to see them off.  They gave
rushed good-byes to the Quests and Neela, and hopped into
Race's car, waiting for him to live up to his name and "race"
them to the airstrip.
     Race did live up to his name, and before long, the three
of them were on the Dragonfly bound for Bangalore, India.
Many hours that seemed like millennia passed, and they
finally reached Bangalore.  They said their good-byes to
Race, and they immediately rushed to the Sultan's suite,
right past the enthusiastic greetings of all the palace staff
and loyal subjects who did not attend the wedding.
     They reached the suite at last.  Miana was amazed at the
high, ornately decorated cathedral ceilings and equally
ornate double doors that stood before them.  They dwarfed
Hadji as he opened them (he demanded privacy-- even from
servants to open his door on this night), and they stepped
into an extremely large suite with a canopy bed in satin
sheets that made a king size bed look like a twin.  Miana was
floored by the luxury of the royal suite, but was quickly
distracted from that when she looked in Hadji's eyes.  They
were so anxious to leave the compound that they did not even
change out of their wedding clothes.
     It was then that they realized that they were finally
alone, and as they looked into each others eyes, they
proceeded to consummate their marriage.
     "Oh, Hadji-- I..." said Miana when all was said and
done.
     Hadji put a finger over her lips, followed by his full,
glistening lips.  He kissed her with a kiss endowed with his
love, and they fell asleep.
     Hadji and Miana slept late into the day.  The next day,
when they got up, they went downstairs and were served a
large breakfast.  The rest of the day was spent touring the
grounds at a slower, more relaxing pace that their first trip
to Bangalore didn't allow.
     Meanwhile, back on the compound, it was strangely quiet-
- too quiet.
     Jonny sat around bored, trying to entertain little
Benny, but was failing miserably.
     "Jonny, what's the matter?" asked Jessie.
     "It's so quiet with Hadji and Miana gone."
     "Sweetie, one day they'll be living in Bangalore, and
we'll be back in California."
     "I know, but I got used to his company all over again.
You know, you spend your life with someone..."
     "I know what you're thinking.  You're relieved that
Neela is ok, not only for Hadji's sake, but he'll be able to
stay here." observed Jessie.
     "You're right.  I'm glad he's ok for the reasons you
just said.  I'll be so glad when things get back to normal."
     "Yeah... Hadji and Miana will be back in school, and we
would meet them after class... they'll have to repeat this
semester all over again.  I hope Hadji doesn't lose his
teaching position." replied Jessie.
     "I don't believe that would happen in a million years."
replied Jonny.
     "You're probably right," answered Jessie.  "You know, it
is quiet.  Where is everybody?"
     "I think our dads are discussing Bangalore's food
problems with Neela."
     "They have been working on that for weeks!" stated
Jessie.
     "World hunger isn't solved in a day." said Jonny
blandly.
     Three weeks passes and Hadji and Miana had yet to
return.  The doctor at Rockport General also gave Neela the
go-ahead to return to India.  The Quests figured that Hadji
and Miana had plenty of time for honeymooning, so it was time
to take Neela home and make a trip of it for themselves as
well.  Neela had plans to hold a formal celebration in honor
of Hadji's wedding.
     Neela decided that their arrival should be a surprise,
so the Quests made the arrangements and they were on their
way to Bangalore.
     Back in Bangalore, Hadji had got so caught up in the
affairs of the region that they had lost track of time.
Miana was adjusting well to life in Bangalore, and was
finding that Indian clothing was very comfortable.
     Hadji and Miana were seated at breakfast.
     "Your Highness," replied a servant as he entered the
dining hall.  "Your mother and the Quest family is here."
     Hadji and Miana both stood up and ran to meet them.
     "Mother!  You look wonderful!" beamed Hadji as he
embraced her.
     "You have been gone so long without any word, we got
worried."
     "I am sorry, mother.  We got so caught up with things
here..."
     "Ahem!" interjected Jonny.
     Hadji and Miana went and greeted the rest of the family.
Miana and Jessie were excited to see each other again and had
a lot of catching up to do.
     Hadji caught Neela up on recent events and then she took
her leave of him to make plans for the surprise celebration,
and Hadji left to take the family around the grounds.
     Over the next few days, everyone had noticed that Neela
had made herself rather scarce-- all but Hadji knew what was
going on.  One afternoon, Neela told everyone to dress
traditional for a special dinner that evening.  The Quests,
Hadji, and Miana got out the same clothes that were worn to
the engagement party.  Neela had asked Jonny to keep Hadji
and Miana occupied while the guests arrived and everything
was being set up.
     It was a hard chore, but Jonny pulled it off-- he kept
Hadji and Miana in the upper levels of the palace, until they
heard music and what sounded like a formal introduction.
Jonny and Jessie had done a wonderful job of convincing them
to dress up without giving away what was going on, but when
they went downstairs to investigate what they heard, they
were met by a palace full of guests and an entourage that
escorted them to thrones that Neela had made for them.  Miana
was amazed at all the pomp and circumstance surrounding Hadji
and herself.
     Hadji and Miana were seated, and Neela stood up front to
speak, but off to the side as to not take attention away from
the royal couple.
     "Ladies and gentlemen-- we are assembled here to pay
homage to the Sultan and his new bride, Miana Singh.  This
party is to celebrate their union, and present them to you--
the people of Bangalore."
     Cheers filled the palace, and music started playing.
Hadji look at Neela, and she nodded.  Hadji stood before
Miana, bowed, and offered her his hand.  Miana took it, and
he lead her to the floor.  After a few moments, the floor
was filled with celebrants, and later, all dined on a huge
banquet that was a variety of Indian and American foods.
     Hadji and Miana enjoyed their surprise party greatly,
but were thankful for the peace and quiet that followed.
     After another week's stay, it was time for the Quest
team to return home.  On the Quests' last night in Bangalore,
they were all spending the evening outdoors around a camp
fire in a wooded part of the palace grounds.
     "Well, Hadj-- tomorrow is the day.  Have you and Miana
decided whether or not you are going to return with us?"
asked Jonny.
     "Don't pressure him, son." prompted Benton.  "A lot of
things have changed for him.  With all things to consider, it
won't be an easy decision."
     "It is alright, Dr. Quest.  To answer your question,
Jonny-- we will be returning.  Mother's doctor has said she
can resume her responsibilities in my place, and Sukinder
will keep a close watch on things and take over if needed.
Miana and I have things to finish up before we can be totally
ready to take over here."
     "Finish up?"
     "Nothing to be concerned about, Jonny.  It will take a
number of years to finish our educations."
     "So you are returning to class?" asked Benton.  "Will
you be able to resume teaching?"
     "I have been in touch with the Dean-- it took some
negotiations, convincing, and as you would say-- 'sucking
up', but I managed to straighten things out."
     "You? Sucking up?" asked Jonny, in shock.
     "Yes-- in my own way, of course."
     "Of course." smiled Jonny.
     Everybody laughed.
     Soon after, all went to bed, and were up early the next
morning to head back to the States.  Race was up early
preparing the Dragonfly, and Hadji was giving his good-byes
to his mother and wrapping up loose ends.  Miana and the rest
of the Quest family were packing.
     "The last month here has been wonderful, but I am so
looking forward to returning to the compound," replied Miana.
"It will be wonderful when things return to normal."
     "Are you looking forward to starting classes again?"
asked Jessie.
     "Oh, definitely!  I especially can't wait to see the
looks on the faces of the bubbleheads in Hadji's classes when
they find out we're married!"
     Jessie and Miana busted out in hysterics.
     Jonny stuck his head in.
     "We're outta here, girls!  Race is ready to head out."
     Jonny grabbed their bags with the help of some palace
servants, and left for the Dragonfly.
     Hadji and Miana went to say their final good-byes to
Neela.
     "Well, mother-- I guess this is good-bye."
     "Hadji, thank you so much for all your help-- please
give further thanks to your family on my behalf."
     "I will, mother.  I love you." said Hadji as he embraced
his mother a final time.
     "If you need me..."
     Neela nodded.
     "Miana-- this is good-bye.  Welcome to the family,
daughter." replied Neela as she took Miana in her arms.
     "Thank you, Neela." smiled Miana.  "Good-bye."
     "Good-bye."
     Neela waved to them as they were the last ones on the
Dragonfly.  The long trip back passed rather quickly, and
all were glad to be back home.
     Hadji picked Miana up, carried her up the steps, and
into his room.
     "Carrying me over the threshold?" asked Miana.
     "Of course, love," he answered as he set her on the bed.
"Now that we're married, there is no need for your room.  Is
my room ok for you?  Or would you prefer us to choose a
different one?"
     "This room is fine, love."
     Hadji nodded and left to get their bags.
     Everyone else settled in, and then gathered downstairs
around the fireplace.  Mrs. Evans served them all hot cocoa.
     "It is so good to be back!" exclaimed Jonny.
     "Agreed, my friend.  I am looking forward to things
returning to normal." answered Hadji.
     "You are the third person to say that." quipped Jonny.
     "When do classes start?" asked Benton.
     "Next week." answered Hadji.
     In the days that followed, things did indeed return to
normal.  Benton resumed his work, and Hadji assisted him and
prepared for class, as did Miana.  Race and Jonny spent time
adventuring, while Miana and Jessie spent time with little
Benny.
     The first day of class, Hadji went into the philosophy
class, dressed in his usual style of clothes for teaching,
namely dark pants and his button-down shirt (complete with
turban, of course).  As usual, most of the students in class
were the same admirers he had the previous semester, and
still stared at him blankly.  Miana walked in, but went
straight to her seat without letting on her relationship to
Hadji.  She did, however, get strange looks as they noticed
the red dot on her forehead (that she applied purposely that
morning from the paste Neela showed her how to make).
     Hadji have a subtle look to the back of the room at
Miana as he started calling off the role.
     "Cindy Simmons... Bradley Simpson... Miana Singh..."
     People's heads started turning and whispers went around
the room.
     "Now, Mr. Singh-- you know it is unprofessional to pull
jokes in the classroom," winked the Dean, sticking his head
into the classroom.  "Mrs. Singh, now that you and Mr. Singh
are married, I'm afraid you will need to attend another
class.  Regulations, you know."
     Miana grabbed her books, walked up front, and Hadji
embraced her and kissed her deeply as she left the room.
Miana and the Dean (who was sympathetic to Hadji's cause)
savored the looks on the students' faces as they left the
room.
     Hadji smiled and continued with his lesson.
     That evening, Hadji and Miana shared their story with
the rest of the family who burst out in laughter after having
heard it.  After the funny events of this first day,
everybody on the Quest team agreed that things indeed, did
return to normal.

                           THE END