New beginnings that mark an end?

It''s a simple white card with a goldenrose embossed on it and writing in red. Yet, it announces one of the more highprofile weddings of the season. Author Salman Rushdie and his musePadmalakshmi tie the knot at a ceremony at Peter White Studios in New York onApril 17. A ceremony at 6, followed by dinner and dancing, reads the card, andputs a full stop to all wagging tales that predicted an untimely end to anunlikely romance.Sheetal Mafatlal, who has known the couple forthree years now, was expecting it. "Gauging from their last visit here a fewmonths ago, it was obvious the relationship would head towards a marriage," shesays.But wasn''t Padmalakshmi headed towards a career in Bollywoodfilms? Kaizad Gustaad, the director of her first film agrees. "I donot think the marital status of an actor should make a difference," he says."Talent would rise above such factors, and if she is a good actress, this wouldmake Padma no difference."