Cursed Bride

by Madhuri Tamse

  Aarti got up from the bed and then looked inside the mirror to her own image.

  Aarti: There are somethings which cannot be explained Preeti, but just felt. I don’t wish you feel those things here anytime. Because if you do, then you would be losing something really special.

  Preeti: What?? (She got up from the bed and walked to Aarti again.) I would lose What Mumma?

  Aarti suddenly realized what she just said. She shouldn’t have given this Hint to her daughter. Her daughter was genius in linking the dots and finding the right answers. She turned back to her daughter and replied.

  Aarti: Nothing. It’s just a Mother's concern. You won’t understand till you become a Mother.

  Preeti: And for that I would need to Marry. Which I am not thinking of for the next 2 -3 years at least. (She said smiling and then lied on the bed for some sleep)

  Aarti: Preeti. Tell me one thing.

  Preeti (Closing her eyes): Mumma please. Not now. Tomorrow.

  Aarti: Hmm. Okay. But remember I need to ask you this. And I need an answer from you too.

  Preeti nodded in sleep .

  Same time in Shravan's room.

  Shravan : What the Hell.!!! How can you even think I can get married like that so easily? And within a Month?? Why??

  Daadi: Because we want to see you married. Look Shravan. This month is very auspicious period to choose a life partner and get settled.

  Shravan: Really??? I don’t believe in this. Firstly I am not interested in marriage and secondly so soon.??? It’s just impossible.

  Nani: But Shravan. You cannot deny us this time. We have heard a lot from you till now on this topic. But not anymore.

  Shravan: Okay. What will you do then if I continue denying? Force me to get married? Or blackmail me on something and make me get married?

  Daadi: Shravan. Please. For once understand what we mean.

  Shravan: No Daadi. This is so insane. I can’t believe what happened in a day that you all want me to see married within a month?

  Daadi: Sonia Kapoor. That’s her name. We have called her and her family tomorrow here. I want you to be decent enough when you see this family. And it’s final.

  Saying that Daadi left the room. Nani placed her hand on Shravan's shoulder but he waved it off in anger. Nani understood he wasn’t in a mood to talk so she too left .

  Shravan: (To himself): This is ridiculous. No one can force me like that to get married. I will show them what it means to mess with me and my likes.

  Next Morning

  The whole family had come to know about this new proposal for Shravan and it shocked everyone for sure. What was wrong with Nani and Daadi that they were hurrying so much for Shravan's marriage. They cannot force him to select any girl like this. Anjum was very much worried for her Shravan.

  Anjum: Nani. You both are almost forcing Shravan now. We know how he is. What if he does something wrong in all this.

  Daadi: Wrong??

  Anjum: Yes. I mean what if he leaves the house and moves out for some time?? I can’t afford this to happen. Please Daadi. Think again. Don’t force him for anything.

  Daadi: Whatever we are doing. Is only for his good.

  Anjum could see Nani and Daadi were very much firm on their decision. She just wished that Sonia Kapoor is this same girl who is destined for her Shravan. If so then everything would be fine, she thought.

  Preeti was laughing like a mad girl hearing this news. She was damm happy and excited too. Radhika was just looking at Preeti blankly and she wasn’t understanding what was making her so much happy.

  Radhika: Preeti. Here I am tensed for SHRAVAN and you are happy??

  Preeti tried to control her laugh and then replied.

  Preeti: Sorry. I am really sorry. (She said that and started laughing once again. Loudly.)

  Radhika : Ok then. When you finish your laughs then call me . I will come that time.

  Saying that Radhika was about to leave when Preeti held her hand and stopped her.

  Preeti: Okay. I am not laughing now. (She said controlling her laughs again). But Radhika. I am very happy. I can’t believe God would hear my prayers so soon. So WOULD BE MRS SONIA Shravan Singh Khurana is coming today evening then?? (She chuckled again).

  Radhika : Preeti. SHRAVAN won’t see that girl so easily. I mean he is my brother. I know him. He is so much against getting married. I don’t understand why Daadi and Naani are doing this to him.

  Preeti : Radhika. Sometimes it’s wise to go with the elder’s decision. I am sure what you have chosen for him would be the best for him.

  Radhika: No Preeti. I don’t think so. I mean if it was YOU for SHRAVAN. I would have agreed long time back. But not SONIA. Please. !!

  Preeti left her hand and stood on the floor.

  Preeti: Again you came back to this Point?? I told you Radhika. I don’t wish to marry your Brother. He is not my type.

  Radhika: Okay. I think it’s waste talking to you. You won’t help me. It’s OK.

  Radhika was about to leave again when Preeti stood before her.

  Preeti: HELP?? How can I help you Radhika??

  Radhika: Preeti only you can help me. Please. Please do something.

  Preeti: Something What??

  Radhika: Save my SHRAVAN from getting tied up with the Sonia Kapoor. Please. I would give you anything if you help me do this.

  Preeti was little confused. But then Radhika told her a MASTER PLAN to get rid of Sonia Kapoor's proposal.

  Preeti: Whaaattt?? Radhika. I can’t do this.

  Radhika: Preeti. Please. Please. (She joined her hands almost pleading to her.)

  Preeti: Radhika. This is not something right. I mean it’s not that easy for me. What if anyone comes to know about it.?

  Radhika: Don’t worry. I will handle it all. Please.

  Radhika and Preeti had bonded well in these 2 -3 days. After Sheetal, Preeti got another friend in India and she was happy for that. This family had saved her life. They were so much kind to her and her mother. She had to do something for them. Radhika told her how wicked that Sonia Kapoor is. How many affairs she already had before and she wasn’t a nice girl. All this made Preeti to think deeply and wisely. After much thoughts and conversation, Preeti agreed to do this. Radhika was happy. So the plan was set. Today evening, Preeti would be making sure she breaks the Untied bond between Sonia Kapoor's family and the Khurana's only on the request of Radhika.

  Shravan was at his Office. He so wished to come late today. But he knew doing this won’t affect anything. They would make the girl meet him the next day or may be sometime later. He had to find some other solution. He thought much on this and finally confirmed something in his mind. He would meet Sonia and then talk to her straight about this proposal.

  Raj Mahal.

  Preeti was feeling very much unusual today. She didn’t know why but she felt as if something major is going to happen this night. Something which could turn the things around her. She told this to Radhika and Kishore who in turn advised her that she is feeling this only because of that Plan which they devised to get rid of that Sonia Kapoor. It was just a small fear and nothing else.

  Kishore: Preetiji. You don’t have to worry so much Ok. Take a Chill. And we are with you. Always.

  Radhika: Yes Preeti. You just do what we have planned . And leave the rest to us. Kishore and I are good players. (She said smiling).

  Preeti then looked at the Packet which was placed on the bed.

  Preeti: What’s that??

  Kishore: That’s the Saree that you would need to wear.

  Preeti: Saree?? But why Saree?? I mean aren’t these clothes ok??

  Radhika: They are best. But a Saree would create the desired effect. What say??

  Preeti: Okay.

  She walked to the bed and opened the Packet only to see a Beautiful RED Plain Saree. She instantly threw it on bed.

  Preeti: No. I can’t wear this.

  Kishore: But why??

  Preeti: It’s Red. I can’t
wear Red.

  Radhika: Don’t tell me that now. You wore red when you fainted before the gates of this house. Then why not now?

  Preeti was lost in some thoughts. After few seconds she replied back.

  Preeti: Because Mumma is here. Look Radhika. I don’t want to disobey Mumma. I mean she doesn’t like me wearing red. And not just that She doesn’t know I was in red that night when I fainted before your house gates. I cannot wear it again. I think Mumma is right. Red is unlucky for me. That’s the reason I missed my flight that night. that’s the Reason I lost my consciousness that night. I am sorry. I can’t wear it.

  Kishore: Come on Preeti. Which generation are you living in? How can you be so much superstitious??

  Preeti: Kishore. I am not superstitious. But Mumma is here. I can’t wear Red before her.

  Kishore: Okay. That’s the problem right. Fine. I will take the responsibility of taking her Out when the Kapoor's come here. Fine? Now can you wear it?

  Preeti thought again. She loved wearing Red Right from her childhood. It was her favourite colour. But due to the restrictions that her mother had put on her, she never wore it. But after coming to India and in the absence of her mother, she thought of giving it a try. And that’s the reason she shopped a Red Chudidar and wore it that night when she fainted. But today. Does she really need to wear it again?? She wasn’t sure.

  Radhika: Okay Preeti. We won’t force you. It’s ok if you wear anything. Just come down on time ok??

  Saying that Radhika and Kishore left her room and Preeti was in a deep dilemma if she needed to wear this Red Saree or not.

  Part 8

  Raj Mahal

  It was evening 07:00 and everyone in the house was waiting for the Kapoor's to come here for meeting them. Shravan just entered the house from his office and saw his Daadi coming towards him. He looked at her but continued walking towards his room showing his disinterest.

  Daadi: Shravan. Wait.!! He stopped at the stairs and then turned back.

  Daadi: Get ready soon . The Kapoor's can be here any moment. I don’t want them to wait for you.

  Shravan: (Raising his eyebrow): They deserve that. !!! Daadi knew he wasn’t happy with this. But there was nothing she could do.

  Daadi: Do not create a scene when they are here Shravan. If not for me. Then at least for the Guests who are here. What would they think about us?

  The word Guests reminded him of the other 2 people who were staying with them since past 2 days. He had to see that Sonia Kapoor before That girl PREETI who was his Family's first choice for him? How insane?? What was wrong with everyone?? He left the place leaving his Daadi still confused if everything would go fine or not.

  Radhika knocked Preeti's room door.

  Radhika: Preeti. Preeti. She heard Preeti replying back from inside.

  Preeti: Radhika. Has Kishore left with Mumma?

  Radhika: Yes he did. He said he wanted to buy something and since everyone is busy to meet the Kapoor's he took your mumma along to assist him. Now open this door. Are you ready?

  Preeti walked and opened the door. Radhika stood there at the door speechless. She just couldn’t believe what she saw. Preeti was wearing the RED Saree that Kishore and Radhika got for her and wanted her to wear. This was still understandable. But what surprised her was the way she had draped it. She had draped the saree in exactly a way how a Khurana Bahu should be draping. The Pallu of the Saree was taken on her head and pinned there. She had worn some Jewellery which was very well going with that Saree.

  Preeti: Radhika. How am I looking??

  Radhika: Preeti. How did you wear the saree like this? I mean who taught you?

  Preeti: Nobody taught me. It’s just that I started draping and when I saw myself in the mirror, this is how it was. I never thought I knew how to wear a perfect Saree in a Royal Fashion. (She said looking inside the mirror once again) Radhika: SHRAVAN's mom used to wear Sarees of this fashion. I mean. My mother wore it normally without taking the Pallu on her head. But SHRAVAN's mother was much traditional. She always liked taking the Pallu on her head. Covering herself from her elders.

  Preeti was lost in some thoughts. What thoughts, she herself didn’t know. But those words of Radhika surely took her mind to a different world. Radhika shook her from her state and she was back to normal.

  Radhika: Preeti. You Ok? Preeti nodded a Yes and then replied back.

  Preeti: Radhika I don’t know. But I am getting some weird feeling again. As if this is not right. I mean what would be the consequences of this play of mine?? Don’t you think the elders would be angry after they come to know this? And what’s the need to even play this act when we can convey these things to Sonia in a simpler way.

  Radhika: Preeti. I understand. But I know Sonia. She won’t believe us that easily, until she sees from her own eyes.

  Preeti: And your SHRAVAN? I mean won’t he be angry seeing this act?

  Radhika: Ohh!! Dont worry of him. He would be the happiest person among us if this proposal doesnt work. (She said smiling and adjusting the Pallu on Preeti's head)

  Shravan was ready in his Suit to meet the Kapoor's. He knew what he had to do. He just had to tell the everyone that he was not intersted in this Proposal. It was as simple as that. He could still feel something unusal around him. As if something major would happen in some time today. But what?? He brushed off his thoughts when he heard a knock at his door. He asked the person to come in.

  Anjum: Shravan.!! Shravan turned behind to see his Di. She looked little nervous. She looked little tensed. He walked to her and held her hand making her sit on the recliner.He then kneeled down.

  Shravan: Di. What’s the matter? Why are you looking so upset?

  Anjum: Shravan. I dont know If I have the right to ask you this. But . But please. Do not break this proposal. Shravan was stunned. Just a day back his sister was defending for him with his Nani and Daadi and today she was just so opposite.

  Shravan: Di. You know why I am doing this. I dont wish to get married. Thats it. It’s that simple. Then.

  Anjum cupped Shravan's face and replied back.

  Shravan: Shravan. Nani explained me why this is all necessary. I mean she told me there is no other good mahurat for getting you married for the next 3 years after this. It would be too long Shravan.

  Shravan: And you believed Nani??

  Anjum: I had no option. I myself spoke to the Guru and he too suggested the same. Sonia's and your Kundali almost match to an extent. She is the right one for you.

  Shravan was blank. He knew his Di was also little orthodox specially when the matter came of him. He could do anything for her. But not marriage. He never liked getting tied in a relationship like that. He can never bear all the Nakras and Nautanki of a Wife. He cannot tolerate any random girl to be part of his life and change his routine. Seeing his sister's over nervous face, he thought something. He would agree for getting married. And then take some time to get Sonia's real colours out before the family.So that before marriage day , he can break this relation. He agreed to accept the proposal tonight. And that only made Anjum happy.

  Daadi and Naani who were hearing all this from outside the room were overjoyed. So their plan was successful. They just had to scare Anjum a bit. And so they lied to her that there was no other Shubh Mahurat for Shravan's marriage for next 3 years. And here the result was before their eyes,. Their Shravan was ready to get married to Sonia.

  The Kapoor Family had come down. And everyone were busy entertaining them. Malti was busy talking to Mrs Kapoor and Anjum was busy with Sonia. She wanted to see what Sonia's likes and dislikes are so that she can help her Shravan get adjusted to her. Anjum was really sweet sometimes. She thought a lot for her brother. Shravan was still upstairs. He still had not come down. Kishore and Aarti also were not present. They were out. It started raining again outside and that too heavily. In a similar way like it did the other night when Preeti had fainted at their gates.

  Nani: Maakhan. Where is Radhika? Call her outside
? Wouldn’t she be meeting the Kapoor family??

  Maakhan nodded a Yes and walked towards Radhika's room to call her.

  Shravan was walking from the Lobby when he saw her. He stopped at the spot seeing her before his eyes that too in a Saree. And that once again in his favorite color. Red. She was looking different. He could easily find out who she was resembling in this Saree. His mother. A typical Khurana bahu. But why was she wearing a Saree? And why was she staring at him?? He didn’t know what he needed to do at that moment. Should he just cross her not noticing her anymore.?? Or should he ask her what made her dress up like that?? He was about to walk when he saw her walking towards him. She had a different expression on her face as if she wanted to confess something. But what?? She stopped when they were 2 feet away and she looked in his eyes.

  Preeti: I need to talk to you something very important.

  Shravan (Raising his eye brow): Talk?? (He asked surprisingly).

  Preeti just held his hand and turned towards the Poolside of this House. She took him along with her. He was still not believing what she meant by all this. ? Her unusual dressing, her different tone of talking, her holding his hand and taking him along. Everything looked so Wrong. Yet so right.

  In next 5 minutes both Shravan and Preeti were at the Poolside and Preeti stopped. She left her hand and then turned back to face him.