FAMILY DYNAMICS

The next few days for Jess passed in a blur. She felt as if she was being pulled in a million different directions. First there was Joe. She wanted to spend as much time with him as she could, but he had to work, and then there was her family. Her mom needed all of her help in order to get ready for the New Year's Eve party they were throwing. They threw this party every year…and while they knew what all had to be done, it was still stressful. Jess felt like she was at the market about 3 times a day. Jess also wanted to spend time with Jules…she had hardly talked to, let alone seen her friend since they landed at Heathrow. It was the same situation with Tony…she had only seen him once since she landed. And more than anything, Jess wanted to talk to her sister. It seemed that ever since Pinky got married, that they had become closer friends, and she had a lot to talk with her about.

At least New Years Eve was fast approaching. She was finally going to be able to spend time with all of the important people in her life. But then of course she knew that the extended family was going to pull her in yet a million other directions. She wasn't sure if she was ready for all of their questions. Jess knew her parents were going to announce her engagement that night. She knew that some people in attendance weren't going to approve of Joe, but then they weren't the important people in her life. If they have a problem with it, they can leave she thought to herself. It's not their life.

Her parents were terribly excited at announcing the news. They even surprised themselves on how happy they were when they saw the beautiful ring on their daughter's hand. The day they got back from Ireland, Joe didn't leave for his place until midnight because they couldn't bear for him to leave. Mr. Bhamra so enjoyed Joe's company, that the two of them could talk for hours and not know how much time had passed. Of course the gift from Joe of premium Irish whiskey didn't go unnoticed. Mr. Bhamra poured Joe and himself each a glass of the amber colored spirit, and toasted the future. Mrs. Bhamra kept feeding him, and Joe being the gentleman that he was, kept eating…which was the greatest compliment she could receive.

Early in the morning of New Year's Eve, Jess thought she heard a soft knock on her door. She tried to ignore it because she extremely tired. Even though she was on vacation, it didn't always feel like it, because she was always getting up early. She heard the knock again.

"Jess…" the voice said in a loud whisper next to her bed.

"No…I can't wake up…go away."

"Wake up…mom sent me up here to wake you up."

"P-pinky…what are you doing here so early? It's 7:30 in the morning."

"I know. Mom asked me to come over and help. I don't mind, because Teetu is at work anyway. Besides, I wanted to come and get the scoop from you myself."

Jess sat up in her bed, and made room for her sister to sit down. As Pinky sat down, Jess grabbed a hair tie from the bedside table so she could pull her hair back. Of course the movements of Jess' hands drew the attention of her older sister.

"Jesus…Jess, let me see that ring."

Jess took off her ring so that Pinky could examine it more closely than she could of if she had just kept it on her hand.

"Jess…wow, he has good taste, that's for sure. Do you have any idea what a ring like this costs? He definitely shelled out some pounds for you."

"I know…I told him that he shouldn't have. I almost feel guilty, especially since he also gave me a beautiful necklace for Christmas as well."

"Don't feel guilty Jess…you deserve it you know. Hey…there's something inscribed on the inside. I don't know what it means…do you?"

"It's in Irish…it means 'love of my heart'…pretty romantic don't you think?"

"I'd say." Pinky handed back Jess her engagement ring. "Let me see the necklace as well."

Jess got up, and retrieved the necklace from her jewelry box. Pinky was equally impressed with the necklace as well. In fact she was a bit jealous of her younger sister. Joe clearly had some money, and wasn't stingy with it when it came to Jess.

"So Jess, tell me all the juicy details. How did he propose?"

"We were on the top of Blarney Castle. It was absolutely beautiful up there. It was like the fairy tales they read to us in primary school."

"Did he get down on one knee?"

"No." Jess laughed at that notion. "He simply asked me if he could love me forever. Really, how could I say no to that? However, I didn't get the ring up there…the tour buses were showing up, and we ran down the narrow staircase before the hoards of tourists joined us. Instead he gave it to me, when we were exploring the castle grounds. It was the most romantic moment of my life."

"Jess, I'm really happy for you. I'm sorry I gave you so much grief that day about Joe. I think he's quite the catch…and mom absolutely loves him, she can't stop talking about him."

"I never thought that would happen…but you know how mom is when people can't stop talking about her cooking. I still can't believe Joe went to dad without me even knowing. I can see the family kept some secrets from me while I was thousands of miles away."

"That's what family is for Jess."

"I suppose I should get dressed. I'll tell you all about my trip, while I get ready."

Jess went to her dresser to grab some comfortable clothes that she cold work in and not mind getting dirty. While she was putting herself together, she told her sister all about Ireland. Pinky asked lots of questions, mostly about Joe's family and friends. Of course, Pinky being the older sister knew her sister was leaving some details out.

"Jess…did you sleep with him?"

"Uh…well if falling asleep on his lap on more than one occasion counts as sleeping with him, well then yes."

Pinky knew her sister too well, to know she was trying to hide the truth. Pinky raised her eyebrows. Jess saw her reaction and blushed.

"Jess, it's okay…you're talking to me remember…not mom and dad. Like I would go and tell them. Heck, I would be a hypocrite if I did. How did you manage it, because it sounds like you two were always busy with family and friends?"

"Well because of our crazy travel times, Joe got us a private cabin on the ferry. We really only intended on sleeping…which is what we did on the way to Ireland. However, on our way back…it just happened. I have no regrets though…however if mom and dad found out, they'd go spare."

"They would…however, I think they like Joe too much to make a big deal out of it. But I highly suggest not even giving them a hint of it."

"I wouldn't…even if my life depended on it." Jess said as she laughed. "Anyway, we probably should go downstairs before mom comes up here. Thanks Pinky."

"No problem Jess. Are you ready for this insanity?"

"I don't know. I wonder how some of the family is going to take me being engaged to a goreh. At least Biji and her creepy grandson won't be here. He is so gross…you know, he was totally coming on to me at your wedding. I tried to avoid him as much as possible that weekend. I swear he had radar. And of course Biji tried to arrange our marriage the whole time. Thank goodness dad said I had to go to university first. Yuck. And like I would want to move to Kenya."

"I know exactly what you mean. However, last I heard he was engaged to one of our 'lovely' cousins. By the way, when is Joe coming over?"

"He's coming sometime after noon. He has to make sure the pub is in order for the festivities tonight. He's a bit nervous leaving it in the hands of his employees. However he told dad that he would be here to help us set up the extra tables since dad was going to be at Heathrow until 3."

When the girls got downstairs, their mom put them immediately to work. Even though Jess had cleaned the house from top to bottom yesterday, there she was cleaning it yet again…and with her mom double checking her work. Thankfully, since she did such a good job yesterday, it didn't take that much time. Eventually both Jess and Pinky were in the small kitchen helping their mom with the food. Jess had never seen so much food in her life, and they had this party every year.

"Mom…why do we have so much more food this year?"

"Well there are more people coming this year…and besides, that Joe of yours loves my food. If I made the normal amount, he would eat it all by himself." Mrs. Bhamra winked at her youngest daughter.

"I swear mom…you spoil him. You're going to feed him to death."

The three women laughed and got back to work. The hours flew, and before they knew it, the doorbell rang, and Joe was standing there with his arms full of party supplies.

"Joe…what is all this stuff?"

"Your dad is running behind, and he called and asked me to pick up some stuff for him. I'm not sure what all is here, but let's get it inside. Maybe your mom knows what this all for."

"Mom." Jess called inside. "Joe's here, and he has a bunch of stuff that dad asked him to pick up."

"Ah, Joe…good to see you. Thank you so much for picking up these supplies for Mohan. Is that everything?"

"No, I still have all the beverages out in my car…let me go unload the rest."

Joe made several more trips to and from his car. However, as he was bringing the rest of the drinks in, he realized that he hadn't thought to get some ice. He'd have to run to the market eventually if they didn't have ice already.

"Well, that's the last of it. Here…gifts for three of my favorite ladies." Out the bag that he had in his hands, he had bouquets for the three Bhamra women. Jess' mom patted his cheek, and said something about what a good boy he was. Jess kissed him on his cheek.

"Here…Jess, Pinky…let's get these flowers in water. They certainly will bring some life to this party tonight."

"Speaking of party…uh, Mrs. Bhamra, do you have ice, or should I drive to the market and get some?"

"Oh, yes…I completely forgot about ice. If you could that would be wonderful. Jess, go with him so he doesn't have to carry it all by himself."

The minute the two got outside, Jess was in Joe's arms. This was the first time they'd seen each other since they got back from Ireland. Jess had been busy with family, and Joe had several meetings with the club chairman, as well as stacked up work at the pub.

"Come, let's go."

Joe quickly drove to the market. Since they knew exactly what they needed, it was a quick trip. Their conversation was very business like, as they were there on a mission. It took them longer to figure out how much ice they needed to buy than to actually purchase the many bags of ice. Once they had the ice loaded in Joe's car, they headed back to Jess' house.

"How have you been Jess?"

"Not too bad…mom's been keeping me busy. She freaks out every year over this party, sometimes I wonder why she does it. How about you Joe?"

"I swear I've been in meetings ever since we got back. Between the club chairman and the owner of the pub, I've barely been home. I know it sounds silly, and it's only been a few days, but I've missed you Jess."

"I've missed you too Joe. Are you sure you're ready for the insanity of this party? I don't think I am."

"I guess we'll find out, won't we. Uh, Jess…I don't want to be rude, but where is your ring?"

"It's in my room. I took it off, because I've been cleaning and cooking. Don't worry…I could never lose it."

"Come on, let's get this ice unloaded. I hope your mom has room for it."

"She cleared out the freezer, so all it will have in it is the ice."

Once the ice was all unloaded Joe was put to the task of setting up the extra tables. Jess and Pinky were put on decorating detail. Everyone was surprised how fast the time went. Before they knew it, it was 4pm and Mr. Bhamra walked in the front door.

"Hello everyone." called Mr. Bhamra. "Everything looks good."

Mr. Bhamra went over to his wife, and gave her a quick kiss on her cheek. And went into the living room to read a bit of the paper before he needed to get ready. Just as he sat down, he was joined by his two daughters and Joe. They sort of plopped down on the couch in unison. Joe put his arm around Jess' shoulders, who in turn closed her eyes.

"It looks like you've been working hard."

"Ugh…mom had Pinky wake me up at 7:30 this morning, and I've been working ever since. I don't care what happens, I'm sleeping in tomorrow…no alarm clock, and I'm locking the door so know one can wake me up."

"Jess…but I was planning on being on your doorstep at 6 in the morning to take you out for breakfast."

"Joe, you better be joking…because absolutely nothing is getting me out of my bed until I am good and ready to get out of it." Jess didn't even open her eyes as she said this.

"Oh Jess…you do know how to torture a man, don't you." Joe teased Jess and pulled her closer to him.

"I promise you, I'm not trying to torture you…I'm just being serious. I don't think I've beaten the jet lag yet, then we've been traveling at weird times of the day, and then you woke me up at 6am on Christmas Day when we were up well after midnight. So don't even think about coming here bright and early tomorrow."

"Don't worry…I'll most likely be dead to the world myself."

"Pinky, where is Teetu?" Mr. Bhamra asked. "I thought he would be here by now."

"No, he got stuck at the shop…he should be here in about an hour." Pinky answered her father.

"Well everyone, I'd love to sit here and talk, but we all should probably get ourselves ready now that the house is in order." Mr. Bhamra said to the young people. "Joe, you can use our guest room to put your stuff. And if this party goes into all hours of the morning, you're more than welcome to sleep here tonight."

"Thanks. I might just take you up on that offer. That way I can wake Jess at 6 in the morning for breakfast."

"Don't even think about it." Jess said through her teeth.

"Okay, everyone up." Mr. Bhamra ordered the small group. "People will be here before we know it."

"Pinky…I'm going to need your help." Jess said to her sister as they went up the stairs.

"Sure…let me get my stuff from my old room, and I'll be right there."

Jess took a quick shower. When she got back to her room Pinky was laying out her stuff. Since Jess was finished with her shower, she took advantage of the open bathroom herself. Jess was sitting on her bed brushing out her hair when Pinky came in. Jess was wearing a somewhat absent look on her face, and Pinky had an idea of the thoughts going through her little sister's head.

"Are you nervous?"

"Yeah…I'm extremely nervous. You know me…I don't like people fussing over me, and you know how our aunts are. I'm afraid there are going to be many people who don't approve."

"Well, it's not their place to approve now is it? Joe asked dad's permission, and he gave it. So if our parents approve, well that's all you need."

"I don't think Joe is ready for the insanity of our family…"

"Hey, if he survives through tonight and is still talking to you in the morning…well, then I'd say you've got yourself quite the catch, eh? Come here…let me fix your hair."

Pinky took the brush, and brushed Jess' hair until is shined like polished ebony. With her deft fingers, Pinky braided it into a thick single braid. "There…you hair is done. What are you planning on wearing?"

"All I really have, is the sari that was made for your wedding. It's the only full Indian outfit I have."

"I like that sari…the pink color looks good on you. Of course now that you're engaged, you know mom will insist on taking you shopping and getting more saris made."

"I know. I definitely don't want to go shopping. And why am I going to need more saris?"

"Who knows…just pacify her Jess. It makes her happy. Come…let's get you dressed."

Pinky stood up, and helped her sister into her sari. Once all the yards of beautiful fabric were properly arranged, Pinky stood back and admired her work. She had never seen Jess look so beautiful in her life…but it's amazing what being in love can do for a person. Now that her sister was put together, she quickly dressed herself. When Pinky was satisfied with both of their appearances, she grabbed her sister's hand and out the room they went. Just as they were to head down the stairs, their mother was coming out of her room, ready for the party herself. The three women went downstairs.

While they had been upstairs, Pinky's husband had arrived. Mr. Bhamra had poured drinks for himself, Teetu, and Joe, and they sat there chatting waiting for the women in their lives to join them. However, none of them were really prepared to see the laughing beautiful women.

"Ah." said Mr. Bhamra. "I am a lucky man. I have a beautiful wife and two beautiful daughters. May you two be as lucky as I am some day."

"Oh, papa, you spoil us." Mrs. Bhamra said laughing.

Pinky and Jess went over and kissed their father's cheek. They always liked his compliments. Jess took the open spot on the couch next to Joe. Pinky sat on the arm of the couch next to Teetu. She didn't mind, because she was going to be back in the kitchen with her mom soon. Mrs. Bhamra simply stood next to her husband. They chatted a little, however, they were interrupted by the clock chiming 6pm.

"Oh, it is 6 o'clock. People will be here soon. I have to finish the food…Pinky, Jess come help me." exclaimed their nervous mother. Pinky and Jess reluctantly left their seats, as they were both tired from the day's events. Of course Jess didn't realize that once the festivities began, she wasn't going to be allowed to do anything except mingle with the guests. It was Pinky's turn to do the work tonight.

"Teetu" called Pinky from the kitchen. "Can you come here and help us with this box?"

Teetu left his place on the couch, to assist his wife. This left Joe and Mr. Bhamra alone in the living room. They made small talk, but the conversation of course turned to the party.

"Joe…you're very quiet tonight."

"Sorry…I guess I just have a lot of things going through my mind. By the time everyone arrives, I'll have my head screwed on tight, I promise."

"It's nerves…trust me. I still remember the night that my engagement was announced. I was a bit of a nervous wreck myself. You'll be fine."

Joe didn't say anything, he just fiddled with the drink glass in his hands.

"I won't lie to you Joe, but there will be some people that won't approve of you being white. However, they won't say anything because in our culture, if the parents announce an engagement, no one has the right to question it."

Joe still didn't say anything.

"Come…let's go check on the ladies…maybe we can even sneak a bite or two of the food."

The thought of Mrs. Bhamra's cooking managed to bring a smile to Joe's face. Joe and his future father in law managed to snag some bites of food while Mrs. Bhamra had her back turned. However, when she turned back around, she caught the two of them snacking. "Oh you two…can't you wait for everyone to get here before you start eating. Jess…get Joe out of here before he eats all of the food." Mrs. Bhamra squealed in laughter.

Joe let Jess drag him out of the kitchen, as he welcomed the quiet time with her. He didn't say anything to her, but pulled her into his arms and held her close. Joe had been wanting to hold her like this all day. Just holding her put him at peace. They didn't say anything, just held each other for what seemed an eternity. Their solitude was broken by the doorbell. Before anyone could answer it, Joe gave Jess a quick kiss.

Jess went to the door. It was Tony and his mom…which immediately put Jess at ease, because these were good friends of theirs. Jess was afraid it would be some busybody in the family. Jess greeted them in the traditional Punjabi manner. Tony saw that his dear friend was absolutely beaming…so much so that she seemed to outshine the engagement ring on her finger. While Jess and his mother were talking, Tony went over to Joe.

"I see it's all settled then." Tony said as he shook Joe's hand.

"Yeah…and if I can make through tonight, I think I'll be set."

Tony and Joe went to go find Teetu and Mr. Bhamra. Now the doorbell seemed to never stop ringing, so Jess took it upon herself to welcome everyone as they came in the door. Everyone saw the ring, however decided to wait to see if her father would make any sort of announcement. Most figured that Tony had finally gotten up the nerve to ask her. They all noticed the goreh that was there, but figured it was a friend of someone. Jess squealed in delight, when Jules arrived.

"Jules! I'm so glad you're here."

"I wouldn't miss this for the life of me. Let me see the ring."

"Oh, Jess…it's absolutely gorgeous. I can only imagine what he paid for it. You lucky vixen."

"I know. Here, look…it's even engraved."

"What does it say?"

"Love of my heart…pretty romantic, eh?"

"Yeah…speaking of Mr. Romantic, where is he?"

"I think he's in the kitchen trying to steal more of my mom's cooking. I have to stay here and answer the door, so why don't you go find him…he should be with Tony."

Eventually everyone had arrived, and it was time for Mr. Bhamra to announce that dinner was served.

"I'd like to welcome everyone to our home…family, old friends, and new friends. Before we start to serve, Suprinda and I have an announcement to make. It is our happiest pleasure to announce the engagement of our youngest daughter Jesminder. Jess…Joe, please come up here."

Jess and Joe made their way to where Mr. Bhamra and his wife were standing. There were many confused looks on the faces in the room, but who were they to question. If Mohan and Surpinda gave their blessing, then it was a match they approved of…however a strange match to say the least. "To the happy couple…may happiness always follow you." Mr. Bhamra kissed his daughter's forehead and shook Joe's hand. Mrs. Bhamra kissed both of the young people. "Come, let's eat." announced Mr. Bhamra.

While everyone filed in to get food, they stopped and congratulated the happy couple. Many people now remembered this goreh from the get together Jess' parents had after she left for America. He seemed very polite, so maybe this match wasn't so bad after all.

The party continued to well after one in the morning. Jess never knew, as she fell asleep while watching a movie with a bunch of the younger people. Jules had left a couple of hours after dinner, as she also had plans with her family. Because there was limited seating in the house that night, Jess simply sat on Joe's lap. And most likely that is one reason she fell asleep. When her parents were attempting to bring some order to their house after everyone left, they discovered Jess and Joe sound asleep.

"Shhh….let them sleep." Mohan said to his wife. "Just get them a blanket."

Neither of them stirred when Mrs. Bhamra wrapped a blanket around them. She thought of how good they looked together. True happiness, she thought to herself. God had picked well for their youngest daughter. Mohan had been right. God had a plan for this goreh. She smiled at her husband, as she turned off the television and turned out the light.

Joe was awakened at 7am by sunlight streaming in the window. He was pleasantly surprised to find Jess still in his arms. He lightly kissed her forehead. "Happy New Year, love" he whispered into her ear.

Jess awoke. "Did we actually sleep down here all night? I must have really been tired."

"Yeah, I would say so. However, it looks like someone gave us a blanket. Why don't you go upstairs, get changed, and then you and I can go out and spend the day together? I'd like to spend some time with just you for a change."

"Okay…be right down. You might as well change yourself…unless you like going out in a wrinkled dress shirt and pants."

"If you don't mind, I'll change back at my place. I have to check on the pub before we go out."

Jess went up and changed. When she came back down, she had her coat and purse and was ready to go. Since everyone was still sound asleep, she left a note for her parents…and they were out the door.