Preeti: This is the last time I am asking you. Would you marry me or not??
Shravan was just shocked. Did she ask him this? And what does she mean by LAST TIME?? Had she asked her this before too? When?
Radhika had planned to get Sonia at this location to show her this ACT of SHRAVAN and Preeti. They were planning to devise this act in a way that would make Sonia feel that SHRAVAN and Preeti are in a relationship from long. And much more. They had even planned their dialogues. But the dialogue. "This is the last time I am asking you ." Wasn’t planned. Then why did Preeti utter this? ? Sonia on the other hand was shocked seeing an unknown girl in Raj Mahal who was actually talking to her SHRAVAN like that. And why was this girl wearing a Saree she thought.
Preeti: I want a reply . Would you marry me or not?? (She said this with a Rage rising in her) Radhika (To herself): Why is Preeti showing her Anger?? This wasnt planned.
Shravan: What The Hell Preeti.!! How can you even ask me this dammit.?? Are you in your senses? Preeti: Fine. So you won’t marry me right?? Okay then. After loving each other so much, you have left me with nothing Shravan. I cannot see you marrying anyone else. You get that?? I will kill myself before I see you becoming someone else's.
Saying that Preeti removed the knife which she had hided in her Pallu. Radhika was hell scared. Preeti was doing nothing as planned. She was doing something else which they never even thought of. Seeing the Knife, Sonia immediately screamed.
Sonia: Enough. !!! This is just enough now. !!!
That scream was so loud enough that Preeti was back to her senses. Shravan was shocked to see Sonia there and not just her. The entire family was watching this from the other end which even Radhika didn’t know. Radhika was too much shocked and then nervous too. How did the family reach here?? They only had planned to trap Sonia and no one else.
And Preeti. Preeti was just back to normal now. YES. SHE WASNT IN A NORMAL SENSE WHEN SHE UTTERED THOSE DIALOGUES. She was little shook seeing the whole family looking at her angrily. What had happened? What did she just do?? But the major shock she got when she saw her mother too there with the family. Kishore had a wierd expression too as if he too didn’t imagine things would change like this.
Sonia walked forward towards Preeti and Shravan.
Sonia: How could you SHRAVAN? You called us here at your place to show us this drama? Wow. Such a royal mess it is. ( She then looked at Preeti who wasn’t understanding anything at that moment) and you . Whatever your name is. What an acting? Such a real one. No one could even guess that you faked all this. ( She said looking at the knife)
Preeti saw the knife in her hand and she almost threw it aside instantly. Knife? What made her get this knife with her? She was already in tears and she couldn’t hold them anymore in her eyes.
Shravan: Look Sonia. I have no idea about what just happened here. Ok?
Sonia: Ohh really SHRAVAN? You too act well then. I saw how this girl got you here , holding your hand. You could have not allowed her this , if you weren’t acting. But you didn’t. Which is enough for us to understand.
Shravan looked angry now. Not for the words that Sonia chose, but at Preeti who was responsible for all this drama.
Sonia's mother: This is just not done Sarojji. You were the one to get SHRAVAN's proposal for us. We never begged for it. And in return what have you called us to show here? Your grandson's fake affair? Or a real one?
Devi: Look Mrs kapoor, there is surely some misunderstanding here. We can sort this out.
Shravan was in deep rage. He and his family was listening these invalid comments on them only because of this unknown guest. His mind wasn’t concentrating on the fact, that he needed to know first why Preeti did this. What he knew was only this. That his family was hurt, she was responsible for the tears in his Di's eyes. He could never forget that. She had no right to hurt anyone here. And since she did this, she would have to pay for it.
Part 9
Sonia: No Naaniji. There is nothing more to talk now. If this is all a misunderstanding then who is this girl? What is she doing here? In Raj Mahal? How is she related to this house?
Sonia could have extended this conversation as long as she wished. She was a fighter cock when it came to her matters. And this was her matter. She was been proposed for marrying THE SHRAVAN SINGH KHURANA. And She just couldn’t bear some unknown girl to come in her way. But Shravan was done with this. He screamed at Sonia in anger.
Shravan: Shut up Sonia.!!! Shuuuutt. Up. (He said gritting his teeth, fisting his fingers and almost showing his complete form of anger towards this girl before him.)
Sonia was quiet. She looked at SHRAVAN with angry eyes and still expecting things to sort.
Sonia: I would shut my mouth SHRAVAN.For sure. But for that you would need to do something. (Everyone at this place were waiting to know what she meant by do something,,). You say you dont know anything what this girl was talking about right?? Fine. I will believe you. Provided. You just throw her out of this house. Now. Before everyone.
Aarti was not at all in a position to do anything. She was just leaning at the side wall and seeing how ill her daughter had done for no reason. Firstly she was wearing a RED colored Saree which she wasn’t allowed to and secondly she was playing a Drama with the family here. No doubt this couldn’t be her Plan. Someone from the family must have told her to help. But still she took a wrong decision and hence the family was all against her for sure. But this Lady before her. Miss Sonia Kapoor had no right to talk to her daughter in this tone with so much of disrespect. After all they too were no less in terms of power and money before these Kapoor and Khurana families. She was about to defend her daughter when Shravan said something which was truly unexpected.
Shravan: You believing me or not on this scene doesnt matter to me Sonia. And the most important fact. Preeti would go nowhere. She belongs here. She would stay here. So you and your family can get out of this house right now before you are thrown out. You understand that??
The whole Kapoor Family and The Khurana's couldn’t believe what he just said. He was so much disrespectful towards them. How can he say something like that?? Instead of clarifying the misunderstanding and handling the situation, he was complicating it more.
Saroj: Shravan. What kind of language is this??
Shravan: Not a word from anyone Daadi. I want them out of my house.
The Kapoor's threw a frustrated look at this family, especially Shravan and then walked outside. They had taken much insult today and they were in no mood to continue with this. They left the place at once. Anjum could only shed tears standing at the corner of this Poolside. Never ever this family had witnessed such a big drama in this house. Radhika and Kishore wanted to speak up to the family that what Preeti did was on their telling. She shouldn’t be taking all this alone. They were more responsible than her. But seeing SHRAVAN's anger and the situation, they were unable to open their mouths. Radhika still gathered some courage .
Radhika: SHRAVAN. Preeti did this because. (She was going to continue but the Raj Mahal had planned something else at this point. Radhika could only see her SHRAVAN gesturing his hand towards her to STOP her talks, and while all this he continued looking angrily to Preeti. Radhika sealed her lips. )
Kishore: Shravan. Look. We.
Kishore was also interrupted by Shravan's next words to Preeti.
Shravan: You have crossed all limit’s today Preeti. All Limit’s.!!!! You have hurt the same family who helped you, Who saved you from a mishappening. I can’t believe this. !!
Preeti was weeping continuously. Her inner thoughts were still not able to find out what made her get the Knife with her, what made her play an act which though was devised by her and the other youngsters, but not in this way. She was still confused why she said such heavy dialogues which were not planned by them at all.
Shravan: You think by shedding these fake tears, you can ever be forgiven?? No Preeti. Even if the family forgives you for this, I can never be a part of that.
You wanted to know my answer right?? You wanted to know if I would marry you or not right? Fine. Let me give you my answer then.
Saying that he held her hand in his and almost dragged her from this place , downwards. The whole family was shocked to know what he was doing. Anjum was the first person to run behind Shravan and Preeti to stop her brother from doing any more mess.
Anjum (Running behind Shravan and Preeti): Shravan. Shravan what are you doing?? Leave Preeti at once Shravan. !!!
Shravan didn’t give an ear to his sister's words. IN anger he heard nothing, he felt nothing, he realized nothing. He continued dragging Preeti down the stairs. Now the whole family was following them. Everyone asking Shravan to stop. Aarti was very much feared by this act of Shravan before her. She could sense the fear of something ill going to take place in her daughter's life. This was the same fear which made her restrict her daughter from wearing anything RED. But today her daughter herself had welcomed this unfortunate event and probably nothing could stop it now.
Shravan entered the Small Mandir inside their House and there he left her hand , almost making her move back some 2 steps forcefully. She was only looking in his eyes.His eyes were red with anger. The Pallu of the Saree that Preeti had taken on her head for covering it, had fallen aside now. Her hair all messed up. Her eyes filled with tears, her wrist almost paining by the forceful pull of Shravan while dragging her down, her heart thumping fast guessing what was next.Shravan bent and took a pinch of Sindoor in his fingers and looked at her.
Shravan : THis is my answer then . (Saying that he filled Preeti's Maang with that Red Sindoor marking her as his Wife forever. Making her THE BRIDE OF RAJ MAHAL for Lifetime. )
The Whole Khurana family were rooted at the Spot seeing this sight. They almost held their breathes for some seconds unable to believe What they just saw. Their Shravan filled Preeti's maaang with Sindoor??? Aarti was also shocked to see this. How can someone be so rude enough to give a punishment like that. Her daughter didn’t kill anyone. THough she had hurt the family, she must have had a reason for that. But was this the only way to punish her?? Preeti's heartbeats just started dripping feeling this Sindoor on her partition. Her tears almost dried. Her weeping stopped. She was in a state of shock. The rain which was pouring heavily now calmed down and the cool wind breeze started blowing outside. Everything just became so much smooth and calm suddenly. The Breeze which blowed inside the house from the window of the Mandir room almost started ringing the small Mandir bells hung at the top. Shravan was still in his rage, looking at her face to see her reactions. Preeti was closing her eyes slowly very slowly. She didn’t understanding what was happening inside her. She was feeling weak. She felt numb. Shravan walked outside leaving her there . He left the House at this late hour to get peace of mind.The minute he left the house, Preeti couldn’t stand any longer. Her feet trembled and she collapsed on the floor, hurting herself . The family rushed there to pick her. Rajeev picked Preeti from the floor and then carried her to the Guest room. Kriti followed him. Kishore made quick calls to Dr to come once again. Radhika held Aarti and tried to calm her down. Anjum was still in the Pooja room looking at the God Idol trying to know why she did this with her Shravan?? Saroj and Devi looking at each other's faces blankly. Malti and her husband standing beside the bed where Preeti was made to lay down.
The whole Family was Shattered with this happening but the Raj Mahal was glowing with the Joy of seeing the REAL BRIDE OF RAJ MAHAL back to it’s Place. TO hold it’s Position.
Few Hours Later
It was late night now. Almost 02:00 pm . The whole family had still not slept. How could they get any sleep after witnessing so much of Mess since past few hours. Dr Suman had visited Raj Mahal and she had injected Preeti to get some sleep. She could know what had happened in this house by Radhika and based on that she understood what made Preeti faint all of a sudden when she was perfectly fine. The driver was asked to drop Dr Suman. Anjum was still in the Pooja room sitting down on floor when Radhika came and sat beside her. She held Anjum's cold hand and leaned her head on her shoulder.
Radhika: DI. Di. I am sorry. It was mine and Kishore's mistake. We made Preeti to act a little to show Sonia and make her feel that there is something between SHRAVAN and Preeti. It is not Preeti's fault DI. I am sorry. I am very sorry .(She started crying on her shoulders and similar tears rolled down Anjum's cheeks too.)
Anjum: You and Kishore bhaiyaa did a huge mistake Radhika. And now. Preeti has to bear it’s punishment forever.
Radhika: No Di. Please dont say like that. I can’t let Preeti to be punished like this. We all know SHRAVAN doesnt think when he is angry. He cannot do something like that . This is so wrong. This is so wrong DI.
Saying that Radhika started crying once again and Anjum just kept looking down.
Malti somehow convinced Devi and Saroj to leave to their respective rooms and get sleep. It wasn’t good for these two old ladies to be awake for so long time. They didn’t even speak a word after what happened today. They were still in shock. Kriti stayed with Aarti in Preeti's room to see if they both needed anything. Preeti was still unconscious. But they needed someone to be with Aarti too. So Kriti stayed with Aarti that night in the other room. Radhika and Anjum spent the whole night in the Pooja room. Kishore and Rajeev ringed Shravan many a times but he didn’t answer even a single call. They knew this is what happens when their Bhai gets angry and leaves with his Car keys. He never answers anyone's call and makes sure he spends his time out trying to analyze the situations and happenings. But today what happened was too much to digest and hence they were still worried for him.
Shravan was in his Car driving harshly on the silent roads of Jodhpur. Today was heights of his anger. He did something which he had never expected ever to do. How could he just fill Preeti's Maang with Sindoor?? Why couldn’t he control his fingers and mind when he thought of doing that?? The flashes of that incident pricked his eyes at every turn on the road. Was the Drama that she played so wrong that he punished her like this?? He pulled the brakes at a lonely corner and banged his fist on the steering. He closed his eyes and leaned back once again the memories of this incident flashed in his mind. The Traditional Red Saree she wore just like his Mother did. The way she held his hands and walked to the Poolside. The expressions on her face when she asked him if He would Marry her or not. Nothing looked Fake. Nothing felt like a Drama for him. He didn’t feel anything new too. It was like he had faced it before. Something like this. Someone like her. No.!! This aint be true. He got down from the Car in anger and leaned on the door. Her nervous face, her teary eyes, her numbness when he filled her Maang, everything just made him more wild.
The Storm had surely calmed down only to rise another one in the Heart of Shravan Singh Khurana. After all there can be only One Storm to rule at a time. And currently it was with him. Inside him. Waiting to destroy everything he ever cared for. Waiting to destroy everything he ever liked. Waiting to destroy everything he ever felt.
Part 10
The rays of the morning Sunlight brightened the Raj Mahal. Today was a special morning. Today was the first day of the New Bride of Raj Mahal. It was her first day with this family and her Husband. However it looked impossible everyone in the house to accept this fact, it couldn’t be changed. Shravan was back home early morning and was in his room. No doubt he had no repentance of what he just did last night. He was very stubborn enough to even think he too was at fault. Without meeting anyone at home, he had directly entered his bedroom to give himself some time to think what should be done the next day. The morning rays hit his eyes too but he couldn’t get up as usual. He was still on bed when the door knocked. Rubbing his eyes and stretching his hands, he opened the door to see his Sister Anjum standing out. Thats when he remembered the last nights acts and he looked at her with some softness.
Anjum: Can I come in?
Shravan: (Little surprised): DI?? Since when did you started asking permission for entering my room?
&nbs
p; Anjum: Since the time you started taking your own decisions without even thinking about it’s impact Shravan.
Shravan knew what she meant to tell here. He just gave Anjum a side and she walked inside. He closed the door and turned to see his sister.
Anjum: I dont know if you have even realized your mistake Shravan. But if you have then I am here to help you correct it.
Shravan: MISTAKE?? Really Di. You could see what I did. But couldn’t you see how much harm she did to our family?
Anjum was truly pissed hearing this from Shravan. He still thinks he havnt done anything wrong. She walked towards him and held his upper arm in anger. She made him turn towards the Photo Frame of his Paren’ts and then replied back.
Anjum: Shravan look at Mumma and Paapa and tell me do you still think you have not done anything wrong. ??? (Anjum's eyes were already teary but she waited for her Shravan's reply. If he still could reply something wrong, then she surely wouldn’t be able to control her tears from rolling down. )
Shravan looked at his Paren’t's [picture] and then looked aside leaving the grip of his sister's hand.
Cursed Bride Page 6
