Page 56 - Leadership in the Indian Army

"I understand that Rasheed agha has tickets for the bus to Kabul that

leaves shortly. So, in the interest of time, we will bypass some of the

traditional steps to speed up the proceedings."

The mullah gave a few blessings, said a few words about the

importance of marriage. He asked Jalil if he had any objections to this

union, and Jalil shook his head. Then the mullah asked Rasheed if he
indeed wished to enter into a marriage contract with Mariam. Rasheed

said, "Yes." His harsh, raspy voice reminded Mariam of the sound of dry

autumn leaves crushed underfoot.

"And do you, Mariam jan, accept this man as your husband?"

Mariam stayed quiet. Throats were cleared.

"She does," a female voice said from down the table.

"Actually," the mullah said, "she herself has to answer. And she should
wait until I ask three times. The point is, he's seeking her, not the other

way around."

He asked the question two more times. When Mariam didn't answer, he
asked it once more, this time more

forcefully- Mariam could feel Jalil beside her shifting on his seat, could
sense feet crossing and uncrossing beneath the table. There was more

throat clearing. A small, white hand reached out and flicked a bit of dust

off the table.