Asha Darzi's page

"It's fine. We have plenty of leftovers."

"Good morning, Rajni," Asha responds. "Did you have a good night?"

Rajni sees Asha unpacking some boxes in the shop.

Asha nods. "Have a good night, Rajni."

Asha, Toni and Priya are still moving tables around in the main room.

"You as well," Asha replies. "If you need us, we'll be here for you."

"You're quite welcome," Asha says. "Thank you for coming."

Asha and Priya finish serving the rest of the guests before getting their own food and finally sitting down.

Asha discreetly holds up a finger toward Rajni before addressing the guests. "Now that the brides are here, I want to extend gratitude on their behalf for you all coming this evening. We are more than your neighbors in Valwick, we are your family. We are all blessed to be in such a place where we do not live in fear of being judged for our differences and where we can all find a fresh start. Tonight, we celebrate Kama and Elena's fresh start with joyful hearts and, hopefully, some delicious food. So, eat and drink to your heart's content."

She nods at Rajni. "Elena's sister would like to say some words."

Asha puts a hand on Elena's shoulder, noticing her daughter slightly bouncing with excitement.

Asha nods. "As much as we can be. Give me two minutes."

She turns and heads inside the temple.

Asha then turns her attention to Arista, Alethiro and Celine. "Good evening, please sit towards the front."

Asha stands at the temple doors, greeting guests and gesturing toward their seats. She smiles as her family approaches. "You three look very beautiful tonight."

To be clear, Priya and I have been doing the planning, set up and sewing for the wedding. Getting a little help from Elena isn't asking too much, is it?

"We're almost done decorating and then we'll get you into your dress," Asha says. "You'll have the whole night afterward to relax and have your day."

Asha laughs. "You cannot reap anything you do not sow, Elena. Isn't Kama worth this effort? Isn't your family worth this effort as well?"

"We've been doing everything for this wedding, Elena," Asha chides. "Should Priya and I stand at the altar and get married for you two as well?"

Asha looks up from the dress she is working on. "I think we have everything in order, unless you want one last-minute fitting to make sure that your dresses are comfortable."

Asha gives Rajni and Juhi each a kiss on the forehead before walking out of the kitchen.

Asha looks at Juhi, then to Rajni. She sighs. "I guess accidents happen. Please try to be more careful."

Asha walks into the kitchen. "I thought I just heard some yelling."

"Just be careful while you're out. The roads seem pretty slick," Asha says, putting the kettle on.

Asha smiles. "If he isn't open, don't stay out in this weather too long. I don't want you to get sick. Priya makes some home remedies which are worse than the illness."

Asha serves Rajni her breakfast. "Eat up and I hope it'll keep you while you're out. I can't see Halfpocket having the shop open today..."

"That's all I ask," Asha says, heating up some bread and making some wheat cereal.

"You're old enough to talk however you please," Asha says. "I just don't want Juhi to pick up on it and little children are like assassins. They can sneak up on you when you least expect it."

Asha raises an eyebrow. "Where did you learn such an expression?"

Asha nods. "I don't blame anyone for sleeping in on a day like this."

She starts cooking some eggs on the stove, seasoning them lightly.

Asha walks into the kitchen. "Good morning, Rajni. Do you need a warm breakfast?"

"Thank you, Rajni," Asha says. "I'm always glad to hear that my cooking is appreciated."

"Thank you," Asha says to Kama.

Asha brings out bowls of rice pudding for everyone, except Priya and Elena.

"I made a little dessert," Asha says. "Anyone feel like some?"

Asha nods understandingly as she serves everyone their food. "It would take a man beyond my imagination to consider remarrying."

"Would you like some of them?"

Asha escorts everyone into the kitchen. "I don't know why gathering for dinner has to be such a production."

Asha walks into the living room. "Dinner is ready. Hello, Dillon."

Asha shakes her head. "No, I think I'm fine."

Asha goes to the dressing room and passes the clothing to Theon. "Let me know if they fit."

Asha gathers some men's wear in green and gold as well as some underthings. "Don't worry about paying for this. I hate to see a naked man...I mean, a person in need."

"I see," Asha says before turning to Theon. "Fortunately, this is an easy fix. Please go to the dressing room and I will bring you some clothing in a moment."

Asha smiles as Sadhana and Theon enter the shop. The smile fades as she realizes that Theon isn't wearing much else besides the cloak. "Err...I'm guessing he needs clothes."

"That looks like it'll be twenty gold," Asha tells Derika.

"Ready?" Asha asks Derika.

"It's your bag, you can do what you want, Rajni," Asha says. "If you want me to make you some snacks for your trip, let me know."

Asha waits for the group of new people to finish up their shopping and takes a seat on the couch. She notices Rajni approaching. "You still seem excited, so I'm assuming Juhi agreed."

Asha thinks for a moment. "Since there are so many of you going, it should be fine. Just be careful while you are out there and make sure Juhi doesn't get sick."

Asha sees her daughter trying to approach her. "What is it, Rajni?"

"That seems to be a popular story these days," Asha says with a smile. "I have a few outfits that will work. Take your time and look around."

She leads the group to her winter outfits. "Here you are."

Asha walks out of the kitchen and greets the newcomers. "Good afternoon. How may I help you?"