Chapter 55: Viva Las Vegas! Part 2

Well, well, well. There is a surprise guest attending and the result is pure chaos.

Niki looked out at the chapel through the two-way glass window and made the comment, "I wasn't expecting a crowd, but there are actually guests for this wedding."

Bernie's curiosity got the better of her and she joined Niki at the window, "Those people on the right must be Amanda's family. I don't recognize any of them. Her father's kind of hot, though. I can see where she got her looks."

Niki agreed, "Preach it, girl. He's cute!"

Bernie continued to spy on the wedding guests, "I recognize Raj's parents and their new spouses, but…wait. No, it's not. It couldn't be!"

Niki looked out the window again and asked her friend, "It couldn't be what? Or who?"

Bernie muttered to herself as much as anyone else, "Raj wouldn't invite his sister, would he?"

Penny's head snapped to attention and she shrieked, "THAT BITCH IS OUT THERE?"

Niki took a step back from the glass and looked over at Penny, "What? Fill me in, girls."

Bernie began to explain, "It's Priya, Raj's sister."

Niki still couldn't understand why Penny was so upset, "So what? It only seems right that he would invite his own sister to his wedding."

Bernie took her explanation one step further, "You don't understand. Priya used to date Leonard when he and Penny were broken up once. She went out of her way to make things very uncomfortable for everyone. FYI, Sheldon loathes her."

The pieces were starting to fall into place and Niki asked in a confused voice, "Wait, he chose Leonard as his Best Man and Penny as a Bridesmaid and then invited his sister to come?"

Amanda sighed and made the comment, "Sometimes Raj doesn't think."

Niki nodded, "Yeah, I can see that."

Penny eyes were like molten green glass and her fists were clenched, "I'm gonna kill her."

Niki tried to became the voice of reason, "Penny, let's not ruin their big day. Let it go. Leonard married you, not her."

Penny joined her at the window and pointed something out to her, "Look at Sheldon. Does it look like he's letting it go?"

Niki saw Sheldon staring at Raj's sister with evil intent, "Wow! I guess not. Why does he hate her?"

Bernie looked at Sheldon and clarified the issue for Niki, "She just knew how to push his buttons and went out of her way to do it all the time. Amy hated her, too. She one time suggested we throw feces at her."

Niki frowned and asked, "Wasn't that a little extreme?"

Penny chimed in, "You'd think so, but no."

Niki took a closer look at Raj's sister and almost choked. She knew exactly who Priya was and she now knew she didn't like her any better than any of the others. Much like Penny, she wanted to kill her. Metaphorically, of course, but still… Nike called her friends over and gathered them into a huddle, "Ladies, I know that girl. Don't ask me anymore, I'll tell you later. But, as far as Priya goes, flinging feces sounds pretty darn good right now. Look, I have an idea on how to handle Priya. Just go with me here, okay?"

Bernie's eyes were shining, "What do you want us to do? Shoot her dirty looks? Give her the subtle finger?"

Niki shook her head, "No. Better than that. Just trust me. Amanda, I won't ruin your big day unless she pushes it, trust me. But I know her, and she is evil. For now, ignore her. I'll tend to Miss Priya later."

The processional music began to play and Penny reminded them, "Okay, it's about time for us to get ourselves out there."

Amanda protested, "But she's Raj's sister. She can't be evil."

Niki countered that with, "Oh yeah? Ask Penny, or Sheldon, or me. Your intended is the salt of the earth. His sister is not."

Amanda pleaded with her; she knew Niki's temper, "Please keep quiet, Niki."

"Like I said, I won't make a scene unless she does." The music got louder and it was time for the ladies to join the men at the altar.

Niki turned to face the door and looked back at her friends, "Remember, ignore her. She's not important. It's Amanda and Raj's day and that's how we're going to act. No bimbo from Mumbai is going to change that. We won't let her. Here comes your father, Amanda. It's show time!"

In order, Georgia, Bernie, and Penny left the room and headed for the altar.

"Do you have the ring?" Amanda asked Niki in a nervous voice.

"Right here, Gorgeous. You two just follow after me. This ceremony is going to be beautiful."

Niki began her walk towards the altar of the chapel, intentionally ignoring Priya, who was seated on her right. Don't look at her. If you do, you'll most likely ruin the entire wedding. Whatever she did was in the past and this is the present. Focus on Sheldon. She caught his eye, then smiled and winked at him. Immediately, his frown was replaced with a warm grin that spread from one ear to the other. How the mere sight of him makes everything that is going wrong, right again. My life really is in a good place right now and I should do my best to keep it there. That means I must leave the past in the past, if that's at all possible.

Sheldon watched Niki approach the altar and thought; How lovely she looks! She was wearing that same dress the night I asked her to marry me. The memory of that evening caused him to grin broadly and return Niki's wink. With just one look, Niki makes my world better, no matter what is going on. I cannot wait until it is our turn to exchange vows.

Raj stood at the altar with a worried look on his face. Why did my mother have to invite Priya? She knows full well she used to date Leonard. Why stir up trouble and bad feelings? Especially today. I hope Penny behaves herself. The past should stay in the past. I'm sure Priya does not mean to cause any trouble for anyone. Priya, for Krishna's sake, stop looking so damn smug!

Amanda leaned on her father's arm as she made her way down the aisle. How handsome Raj looks! Sometimes he actually takes my breath away. I waited a long time to get married, but he was well worth the wait. I wonder why all the girls dislike Priya so much? She seems harmless enough. She's just sitting there like the rest of the guests. Whatever happened in the past should stay there. Penny and Niki should let bygones be bygones and forgive her for whatever it was she did. I sure don't want this wedding to turn into its own little mean girls club.

Penny led the procession to the altar, the entire time saying to herself; That skank! That dirty, rotten skank! She should have known better than to show up here. I wonder what Niki's beef with her is. It must have been something big; I've never seen her go white like that before. All because of that bitch!

Leonard watched Penny walk towards them and his heart sank. He knew that look on her face well. Penny was beyond angry, she was livid. He could pretty much figure out why. Penny must have spied Priya among the guests. I certainly didn't invite her, that's for sure. Priya is the past and Penny is my present and future. I hope she realizes she has nothing to worry about.

Bernie followed Penny, rage filling her small body. How dare she show up! That just shows how classless she is. I know Raj is her brother, but she's never really stayed in touch with him. If they were close, okay, I'd understand it. But they may talk once every other month or so. She's not here because she cares about her brother, I know that. I wonder what she's up to?

Howard watched Bernie make her way towards him. All he could think about was; Damn, she looks hot in that dress! She looks nothing like a room mother or soccer mom. She looks like, well, not a middle aged mother, that's for sure. He threw his wife a teasing smile and she gave him a look that seemed to say, 'Can it, Howard'. What have I done now? Sometimes Bernie is hard to understand, but that only makes her more desirable. He sighed and came to the conclusion that he would never truly understand women, especially his wife.

Priya sat quietly and watch the proceedings. A devious grin appeared on her face from time to time. Just keep calm and wait for it. It won't be much longer now. I know my brother and his geeky friends had something to do with Leonard and I breaking up. I just had some 'for old time's sake' sex with an ex. So what? Leonard acted like I had gone off and married the guy for goodness sakes! How silly. Sex is just that: sex. Love is something else entirely. I see he married that ignorant slut, Penny. That's a shame. Well, I'm not going to let my brother make the same mistake. It's almost time…

When the wedding party had all made their way up to the front of the chapel, the minister began to speak:

Dearly Beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God – and in the face of this company – to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony, which is commended to be honorable among all men; and therefore – is not by any – to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly – but reverently, discreetly, advisedly and solemnly. Into this holy estate these two persons present now come to be joined.

Marriage is the union of husband and wife in heart, body and mind. It is intended for their mutual joy – and for the help and comfort given one another in prosperity and adversity. But more importantly – it is a means through which a stable and loving environment may be attained.

A lone voice was heard to say, "I would like to speak as to why I object to the joining of these two people in marriage."

All heads turned to see Priya standing alone, a defiant look on her face.

"What are you talking about, Priya?" Raj asked incredulously.

"Our parents," she nodded to her mother and father," insisted I would be shaming the family if I did not marry a man of good standing from India. Why should those standards not be applied to you as well? I am of the opinion that you are bringing shame upon our family with this marriage, Raj."

"Do you believe that?" Raj asked his parents.

His father spoke to him in a kindly, yet firm tone of voice, "It is true, we did say that to your sister. I suppose that must apply to your marriage as well. I hadn't thought of a son bringing shame to the family, but that may be true. Unless your sister retracts her objection, this wedding will not be with our blessing, Rajesh."

Raj looked at defiantly and said, "If that's how it has to be, fine. I will marry Amanda and let the shame fall where it will."

His mother added, "Rajesh that will also mean we will have no further contact with you. I am sorry son, but unless Priya gives her blessing, we would not feel right about your marriage."

Raj stood transfixed with shock. He knew if he married Amanda he would lose his family and if he called off the wedding he would lose Amanda. He stood there quietly, a thousand voices ringing in his head, each with its own argument.

Everyone turned to look at first Raj, then Amanda, and finally Priya and her parents. I've got them all now! Priya thought to herself. If I couldn't marry Leonard, Raj will not be allowed to marry this woman.

Tears formed in Amanda's eyes. She couldn't allow Raj to lose his family, but she also didn't want to lose him, herself. No one knew what to do about the situation, and then another voice spoke up. It was Niki's. "According to what Raj has told me, you are an attorney. Is that correct?"

"Yes, I am. I work for a worldwide shipping company."

Niki nodded calmly and then proceeded, "Then you are well acquainted with what a sidebar is, correct?"

Priya nodded her head and smiled, "Of course. But why do I need to know that?"

Niki calmly replied, "Because I am asking you for one, that's why." Sheldon looked at Niki quizzically. What was she up to now? He knew one thing; he was going to let her talk. He knew now how to tell when his lover had something up her sleeve.

Priya puffed up and replied, "If you have something to say to me, say it here, in front of all of these people. Who are you, anyway?"

"That isn't important…yet. I think I should tell you that my words are NOT something you want the general public listening in on."

Priya gave Niki the evil eye and stubbornly told her, "I do not know who you are, but there is nothing you can say that will change my mind."

Niki threw one of her best smirks at her, "Are you sure of that?"

Priya had the feeling she was being baited, but she stood firm, "I am very sure."

Niki nodded her head slightly, "Very well. Is the name Paul Rosselli familiar to you?"

Priya hesitated and then answered, "He was an attorney I worked with in the past. Why is that important?"

Niki dropped her bomb, "Because my name is Niki Horner, but my married name was Rosselli. I was Paul Rosselli's wife. Now do you see where I'm going with this?"

Priya's mouth opened wide but no sound came forth. When she found her tongue she managed to say, "Maybe we could talk briefly alone."

Niki grinned and addressed first Priya and then the group in the chapel, "I thought you'd say that. Everyone, this won't take long. We'll be back shortly."

When Niki had guided Priya to the back room where the bridesmaids and bride had readied themselves, she offered Priya a seat and began to talk.

"The newspaper article on the investigation into Paul's death called you Priya Mehta. Mehta must be your married name. Am I correct?"

Priya stared at Niki, eyes wide with fright, "Yes, but my husband must never know about this."

Niki looked at her not unkindly, "That depends entirely on you, my dear. So, Priya Mehta. Do you know I've been looking for you for years?'

"Why is that?"

Niki's eyes suddenly narrowed and she stopped playing nice, "I have just one question to ask you. When Paul was having his heart attack, why did you leave him to die? Why didn't you call for help?"

Priya challenged her, "That's two questions."

Niki had had enough and she raised her voice and gave a command, "Quiet! I'll ask as many damn questions as I want. Now, answer those two if you don't mind."

Priya hung her head and answered her, "If I had been found there, it would have destroyed my marriage."

Niki nodded and then attacked, "Ah, I see. So you fucked Paul for a sizeable amount of money and then left him there to die. Real class, lady. And you were caught, weren't you? You left your wallet in the hotel room in your rush to leave. Poor Priya. So scared that people would find out just what kind of low life cunt you really are. Well, sweetie, your secret's safe with me. As long as you give your okay to this wedding."

Priya was not about to give in, "Never. Raj has no right to marry for love when I was not allowed that."

Niki stayed on the attack, "Bullshit. You were a grown woman with a career. You damn well had a choice, and being in love wasn't the one you chose, was it?"

Priya confessed, "I needed money to get out of my marriage. My husband controls all that I make."

"So side money would have bought you your freedom. I see. Did you ever stop to think of the people your actions hurt along the way? Like me?"

Priya was not about to play nice, she shot Niki with, "Paul cheated on you with more women than me. Did you know that?"

She stood over Priya where she was sitting and spat out, "I know that. But you're the one who left him to die."

"I refuse to okay the marriage."

Niki shrugged nonchalantly, "Fine with me. I guess I'll take your parents back here next and fill them in on some of the little escapades their daughter has been on."

"You wouldn't!"

Niki gave a sarcastic laugh, "You don't know me very well or you wouldn't have made such an ignorant statement. Of course I would. With great pleasure."

Priya challenged her, "They will never believe you."

Niki backed away from her with a smirk on her lips, "They will when I show them the newspaper clipping I had laminated and have kept with me all these years. Your driver's license photo from back then was a very good likeness of you. They will know it was you, all right."

"You kept my picture?"

Niki broke out into a triumphant grin, "Yep. That's all they had to go on to find you, so it was placed in several newspapers. They did find you, eventually. I love how you bought your way out of that one. Very slick. Unfortunately, I don't need money that badly so you can't buy your way out of this one. I'm sure Daddy will be very proud of his little girl."

Priya stood up from the chair, "Damn you! Okay, I'll give the marriage my blessing. But you have to promise to tell no one."

Niki shook her head and pretended to look sad, "Can't do that. I do promise not to tell your parents, but that's as far as I'll go."

"What about my brother?"

"Raj? I won't tell him unless I have to. I'll tell Amanda and she can decide. Girl, you can't go whoring around, leave people to die, and then beg for mercy. I'm flat out of that. I do, however, want to see Raj marry that lovely lady out there, who is pure class. For that, your parents will never hear a word of this. So, you're still going to give the blessing to their marriage?"

Priya admitted defeat, "Yes, I suppose so. You drive a hard bargain."

Niki looked up to the ceiling, "I was married to an amazing negotiator. He taught me well."

As they began to walk towards the door, Priya asked her, "Tell me something. Are you really engaged to Sheldon Cooper?"

"Why do you need to know? You planning on sabotaging my wedding, too?

"Not at all. I'm just curious. He's a very different, difficult, person to deal with."

Niki stared her down, "Says the married whore. Look, I love him. He's great. We're happy. That's all you need to know. Now, let's go back out there and have us a wedding."

Raj's sister suddenly looked worried, "How are you going to explain us being gone to my parents?"

Niki waved her off, "Oh that. I'll just tell them that I used the friendship that existed between you and my late husband to convince you to change your mind."

Priya warily agreed, "Okay, but not a word about the other thing."

Niki shook her head sadly, "Not a word. Imagine, Paul's death being reduced to 'the other thing'. Life is strange."

They walked back out to the chapel and Priya announced that she had reconsidered the matter and that the wedding could proceed. Her parents looked over at Niki with a confused look on both of their faces, but all she gave them was a smile. The minister took up where he had left off.

"I do."

Do you Amanda Lyn Sawyer take Rajesh Koothrappali to be your husband – to live together after God's ordinance – in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer, for better, for worse, in sadness and in joy, to cherish and continually bestow upon him your heart's deepest devotion, forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto him as long as you both shall live?

"I do."

Do we have the rings?

"We do." Howard and Niki handed them the rings.

Rajesh, repeat after me, "With this ring, I wed thee."

'With this ring, I wed thee."

Amanda, repeat after me, "With this ring, I wed thee."

"With this ring, I wed thee."

By the power invested in me by the state of Nevada, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may now kiss your bride.

Raj took Amanda in his arms and kissed her tenderly. "You know," he whispered to his bride, "Niki must have great powers of persuasion."

Amanda kissed him back and said, "Let's just be glad she's on our side, okay?"

"Okay." He responded and pulled her in closer for a second kiss.

Sheldon looked over at Niki and raised an eyebrow as if to say, "What happened back there?" Niki just answered back with a smile, a wink, and a nod to Heaven.

Later, at the reception, Sheldon pulled Niki aside and asked her, "You must tell me, where did you know Priya from and how did you get her to agree to the marriage?"

Niki wrapped her arms loving around his neck and answered him, "Sheldon, remember when I told you about Paul's death, how his last evening had been spent with one of his mistresses?"

"Of course I do. Wait, Priya was that woman?" His eyes went wide.

Niki nodded, "Yes. But I didn't tell you everything. When he had his heart attack she ran off and left him there. If she had called for help he might have lived."

Sheldon had to ask, "How did the investigators know it was her?

Niki explained that to him with a sad smile on her face, "She left some personal belongings behind, including a photo id."

"So what on earth did you say to her?"

Niki's facial expression turned into a snarky grin, "I told her to give the marriage her blessing or her parents and brother were going to hear something about her they wouldn't like at all."

"And she went along with that? How unusual."

Niki's arms dropped from around his neck and she made her way to the door, "Sheldon, she really had no choice. Her entire life is built on lies. But don't tell anyone this. I don't want her parents getting wind of it and I certainly don't want to hurt Raj."

He thought for a moment and asked her, "How are you going to explain this to everyone else?"

"That part is simple. I'll just say I called on a favor she owed me and Paul, which isn't far from the truth when you think about it."

Sheldon had one last question for her, "So, what do we do now?"

Niki's face lit up with a happy smile, "I do believe I hear music playing and I promised the girls that you and I would dance at the reception. Shall we?"

He took her hand and together they returned to the reception and had a wonderful time dancing with each other and some of their friends. As for Priya? Niki never heard from her again, which made her very happy. A sad act had been turned around and used for something good. Niki was satisfied with that and felt a certain peace every time she saw Raj and Amanda working to build their lives together.

Sheldon's birthday celebrations are over, Raj is safely married, so what's next? Road trip!