Cursed Bride

by Madhuri Tamse

  Aarti: Preeti (She shook her shoulders).

  Preeti was back to her sense.

  Preeti: Ji. Ji. Amma.

  Aarti: AMMA?? Since when did you start calling me Amma??

  Preeti: Amma?? No. I think I said Mumma.

  Aarti: It’s Ok. Come. Let me help you getting your clothes from the bag.

  Saying that Preeti was taken by her mother outside Shravan's room . Anjum and others were also about to leave the room when Shravan stopped all.

  Shravan: Get the proper wedding rituals started. And make sure these doesnt consume much of my time. I have much important Projects in hand. Soo.!!!

  Everyone were so much excited and thrilled to know that finally their Shravan agreed to get married. This was like a Magic for them. Only one person who wasn’t much happy was Saroj. She knew what she needed to do. She would go to the Priest the next day and tell him all about this.

  Part 12

  Aarti: What?? He . He agreed for proper marriage??

  Devi: Yes Aarti. He did. And trust me . He was very much sure on this. I can’t believe Shravan agreed. I am soo happy. Congratulations Aarti. (She said hugging her)

  Aarti was still not sure if she needed to be happy for this acceptance from Shravan or get worried on how this unwanted relationship between Shravan and her daughter would work ahead. She just smiled and hugged Naniji Back.

  Late night

  Saroj: No Devi. How can you think from only one angle?? Dont you think, that Preeti is responsible for Shravan's accident today??

  Devi: Saroj. I know that accident once again with Shravan Isn’t to be ignored. But why can’t you realize that Preeti was the one to save him from it. And she did her duty. I dont know why but I think Preeti would be always the only one to take care of my Shravan .

  Saroj: I can’t believe this so soon Devi. I cannot risk Shravan's fate with such decisions.

  Devi: Exactly Saroj. We need time to believe this. And I am sure God is always with us. She would decide Shravan's fate. And if Preeti is the one for him, we cannot change it.

  Saroj didn’t know if she needed to agree to this marriage so soon. Yes she knew that twice her God had given the entire family a proof that Preeti is the one for Shravan. Once when Shravan himself applied the Sindoor on her forehead and then today when coincidently Shravan's blood was applied on her partition while she saved him from the accident. Both these incidents only gave a hint to everyone that she was the one. The Real Bride of Raj Mahal. Saroj tried to accept this fact now and thought of skipping her current idea of visiting the Priest the next day.

  Preeti - Aarti Guest Room

  Preeti had her shower and was back inside her bedroom wiping her hair. Her mother was waiting for her to hear this news. Aarti was little nervous too. She didn’t know how Preeti would react to this. Would she agree or would she not?? She was just looking aside and still thinking on how to start this topic. Preeti noticed her mother's state and she walked to the bed and sat beside her.

  Preeti: Mumma. I know all this looks so complicated. I mean. These incidents that are happening since the time we are here, are just impossible to handle sometimes. But dont worry. I will ask Sheetal to check our next flight tickets. We will leave for US soon. (She said putting a smile on her face)

  Aarti: US?? No Preeti. We won’t go to US so soon now.

  Preeti was little surprised.

  Preeti: Not so soom?? Why MUmma?? You just wanted to reach there as soon as possible. Then why not now?

  Aarti held her hand and then looked at her face.

  Aarti: I wanted to take you back since I feared you would lose yourself if we stay here for more time. Whatever happened here in this Raj Mahal was just so hard to digest Preeti. But now everything would be fine again. I am happy for you. I am soo much happy for you. (Saying that she kissed her daughter's forehead.)

  Preeti was still Blank. What happened to her Mom?? Why was she so happy??

  Preeti: Happy?? For Me?? I didn’t get you Mumma. What do you mean?

  Aarti (Cupping her Daughter's face): Shravan is ready for the proper wedding. He has accepted this relation Preeti. He accepted you as his wife.

  That sentences surely blew off Preeti's head. She instantly got up from the bed and looked at her mother.

  Preeti: What?? He. He said a Yes to all this drama?? I thought even if he is rude , he is sensible enough to understand the reality. How can he agree to get into a proper wedding???

  Aarti: WHat do you mean Preeti?? You take all these incidents a part of some Drama?

  Preeti: Yes I do Mumma. I know. what happened last night I was just shocked that time and I too for some period thought I am almost married to him. But after much thoughts, I could clear that from my mind. Just applying a Sindoor doesnt make me his wife. So when I dont consider that incident, why should I agree to get into a proper wedding with that Shravan Singh Khurana??

  Aarti: Preeti. I know this is all so sudden for you. But things aren’t easy as you say. In our culture applying the Sindoor is a part of Marriage ritual and completing it ties the couple in a Married relationship.

  Preeti: Mumma. . I dont mean to dishonor this fact. These rituals. It’s just that I cannot accept it like this. SO soon.

  Aarti: Look Preeti. You know I always wanted to get you married here in India and Shravan was my first choice through Mrs Chaddha. I think all this happenings are surely to indicate the same . Just think once again Preeti. I won’t force you. But I want you to think on this matter with open mind and heart.

  Preeti couldn’t understand a thing that she needed to do. She just nodded a Yes, getting some time from her mother to think what her reply needed to be.

  The Next Day

  Shravan was all set for Office. He was still not fully recovered from the accident but he wasn’t ready to miss his work, sitting at home and relaxing.

  Rajeev: Bhai. I told you. Leave everything on me. I can handle things now.

  Shravan (Adjusting his tie): You think I dont trust you Rajeev?? Of course I do. But there are somethings which you still need to learn and for that I should be with you. This meeting is very important.

  Rajeev: And I promise I will manage it well Bhai. Just give me a chance. And I wouldn’t have asked you this if you were fine. Nobody wants you to come to Office today. Please Bhai. Take some rest at home. At least today???

  The way Rajeev was pleading him to be at home, almost made Shravan suspect him and his other cousins to have a motto behind it. But what?? He just agreed for the moment and then asked Rajeev to leave for work and that He would be working from Home. Rajeev happily agreed and left Shravan's room.

  Rajeev then walked outside to Kishore , Kriti and Radhika who were waiting to get the reply of SHRAVAN through Rajeev. Rajeev just Showed a Thumbs Up to them confirming that SHRAVAN would not be going to Office and that message of his only brought smiles on everyone's faces.

  Radhika: Great. So that means SHRAVAN is home. We have some time to make Preeti and SHRAVAN talk to each other.

  Kishore: Yes. Aarti Aunty told me that Preeti didn’t decide anything yet. May be after she talks to Shravan, things get sorted.

  Kriti: So you mean we are planning a Preeti - Shravanji meet??

  Rajeev: Yes Kriti. Thats what we intend to do. But I dont come in that "WE" since Bhai has given me loads of responsibilities to do at Office. So you guys carry on and keep me posted. Ok?

  EVeryone nodded and Rajeev left saying a Bye to all.

  Aarti had informed almost everyone from the family that Preeti needed sometime to decide. Saroj surely didn’t like this but she could still understand what a girl would go through if such incidents happen to her in such a short span. So she was also ready to let Preeti take her time and decide what she wants. Preeti on the other hand couldn’t think anything right. She was pacing around in her room still not able to confirm what she needed to do . Thats when Radhika entered her room.

  Radhika: Preeti. Can I come inside?

  Preeti asked her to come
in.

  Radhika: Are you busy??

  Preeti: No. Not really. Why?

  Radhika: I have a small request. Kriti Bhabhi asked me to water the plants at the Poolside. But I am little scared of going there.

  Preeti: Scared?/ (She asked surprisingly)

  Radhika: Yes. Because it’s said that the Poolside of Raj Mahal is been guarded by a Arrogant Soul. I mean Spirit. Or whatever you call.

  Preeti : Spirit?? Arrogant Soul?? Radhika. Which century are you living in? You think such things exists??

  Radhika: Yes Preeti. I do think it exists. But I know you dont believe in it. So would you accompany me there??

  Preeti was spell bound seeing how much Radhika was scared to go at this Poolside . How can someone even believe all this she thought? But she agreed to go with Radhika and help her water the plants. They both were walking on the stairs when Kishore came there.

  Kishore: Radhika. You took my Car keys??

  Radhika: Car Keys??? Why would I take it Kishore???

  Kishore: Come on Radhika. Dont lie. I know you Ok.?? You only have taken it from my room so that I dont go out . I know very well.

  Radhika: Kishore. You cannot blame me all right. I didn’t take it. You can check my room if you suspect.

  Preeti was seeing how these siblings fought with each other. She didn’t interrupt them.

  Kishore: Why should I search your room?? You search it and I will search mine.

  Radhika : (To Preeti): Preeti.I will search his keys and be back. The poolside is at the Corner left of the Lobby.

  Preeti : Okay fine. Dont worry about me. I will water the plants.

  Saying that Preeti left and Kishore and Radhika gave a Hi Five to each other as their Plan of making Preeti go in SHRAVAN's room premises was successful. Preeti wasn’t aware that The Poolside was adjacent to Shravan's bedroom. Raj Mahal was so big that she herself had not seen many rooms and floors yet. And she didn’t fear anything or anyone so she walked ahead in search of the Poolside.

  Shravan was in his bedroom talking on his Bluetooth. He was on an important international call and he had informed Rajeev and Maakhan not to disturb him by knocking his door or creating noise by watering the Plants of his Poolside that time. But he could now hear the water sound from the Poolside corner as if Maakhan had ignored his orders. He hated this. How can they ignore his words. Dont they know how important this official call was?? He continued speaking on the Bluetooth and slid the curtains open of the Poolside door. For minutes he stood blank there inside his room seeing the person watering HIS PLANTS.

  Shravan (To himself): PREETI?? (He whispered in a soft tone)

  Preeti was busy in her job and she had no idea she was been watched by someone. She just continued her work and that too humming some song for her own entertainment. What surprised Shravan was the Song that she sung. It wasn’t any normal Bollywood or Hollywood song of these days. It was some old Song which he had never heard of but still felt he knew those lines.

  The lines in the Song almost made Shravan cut the call the same instant and open the French Windows to walk to her. He was almost in a different world now. As if this song was dragging him towards her. He walked outside and the sound of his footsteps made Preeti Stop humming the song. She for once was little scared to hear someone nearing her. All the thoughts of that Arrogant Soul/Spirit about whom , Radhika just told her minutes back, came in her mind.,. She didn’t believe it before but she had no courage to turn back and see who it is. She thought something and then gulped down her fear. The next moment she turned back with the Water pipe making sure whoever that Spirit is , is been welcomed by this water shower from the Pipe.

  The water splashed continuously on Shravan making him come out of the Stance. Preeti's eyes were widened seeing Shravan before her but she didn’t think of moving the water pipe aside . Both kept looking at each other. One in surprise to understand the prank played by Radhika about the Arrogant Soul/Spirt. Now she realized who this Arrogant Soul was and the Other person who by now was completely drenched in water head to toe was looking at her in Anger for spoiling his Clothes and his Mood, Both.

  Part 13:

  The water splashed continuously on Shravan making him come out of the Stance. Preeti's eyes were widened seeing Shravan before her but she didn’t think of moving the water pipe aside . Both kept looking at each other. One in surprise to understand the prank played by Radhika about the Arrogant Soul/Spirt. Now she realized who this Arrogant Soul was and the Other person who by now was completely drenched in water head to toe and was looking at her in Anger for spoiling his Clothes and his Mood, Both.

  Shravan (Gritting his teeth in anger): Move.. the... Water.. pipe. aside.!!!!

  Hearing this Preeti also got some courage to speak.

  Preeti: You are coming in between my Plants and the water pipe. You move aside.!!! (She said with equal attitude)

  THis was it. She always could get the worst out of him in fraction of seconds. He snatched the water pipe from her hand and threw it aside. She was shocked to see this level of anger from him. Why did he lose his patience so quickly, she thought.

  Shravan: (Pointing a finger at her): Next time. Dont back answer me.

  Preeti didn’t reply anything to him. She just remained quiet. But the moment he turned she spoke again.

  Preeti: Dont think I am quiet because I am afraid of you. It’s just that I am respecting this new relationship between us.

  She herself was surprised to utter that last sentence. NEW RELATIONSHIP?? She agrees that they both have some relationship?? She was confused. She just looked the other side and started fiddling with her Dupatta. Shravan who had already turned the other side stopped and tried to analyze her words. Her words reminded him what was about to happen in the coming days. He was going to get married to her with proper rituals.

  He was marrying the same girl whose first meet with him was just a Clash of Ego's.

  He was marrying the same girl who was responsible for hurting his family image before the Kapoor' s.

  He was marrying the same girl who was the first choice of his family for him.

  He was marrying the same girl who had saved him from an accident.

  He was still in these thoughts when he heard her speaking to him.

  Preeti: I need some time to think about this relation of ours. This is just too early for me to decide anything.

  Shravan couldn’t believe she just said that. Now this was almost like insulting him. He took the decision to get married to this girl with proper traditions and now she is still thinking if she has to do it or not? Is She Insane?? He turned back and asked her .

  Shravan: You think I am waiting for your answer Preeti?? I dont care what you need to prove yourself and the others by taking time in deciding. (She instantly turned back at his reply. What did he mean by this? ). I dont have a problem even if you deny this relation. I would be the happiest person Not to marry you. But dont waste my family's time running behind you for this answer. Take a deep breath, close your eyes, and listen to your mind. SAY either A YES or a Clear cut NO. It’s that simple.

  Preeti: Simple?? You think deciding about getting married to an unknown person is THat SImple Shravan?? Do you even realize how difficult it is for me to even think about this? I wasn’t ready to get married so soon. I wanted to stable my Dad's business, help mumma in getting our Business transferred to India and get settled here. But since the day I met you, everything is out of track in my life.

  Shravan: Thats none of my business Preeti. Choose your priorities and take a decision.

  Saying that he left the poolside back to his bedroom and closed the french doors . She was surprised by these words of his. He would be the Happiest Person not to Marry her. Wow. Why was she even thinking of needing time to decide. He is not even worth that. She closed the tap connected to the pipe and walked down . Radhika, Kriti, Kishore and Anjum who were witnessing all these conversation of the couple only hit hands on their forehead thinking how their Plan floppe
d. They expected to get some positive results from this conversation of theirs but here they fought again only to increase the distance between them.

  In next few hours

  Preeti was on a call with Sheetal related to some business but then she also didn’t forget to inform her about the current happenings here.

  Preeti: It’s simple Sheetal. I dont think I can get married to him. His arrogance kills my patience.

  Sheetal: Then you kill his arrogance by something else.

  Preeti stopped to understand what she meant.

  Preeti: Sheetal. You know I hate him. I mean he is not the man I ever dreamt about.

  Sheetal: Preeti. Sometimes we fail to dream about the right man. (She replied almost chuckling.)

  Surely that made Preeti smile and she continued walking,,

  Preeti: Know what. You wouldn’t have thought the same if you were Me.

  Sheetal: Wrong. !! If I were you. I would have married him with proper rituals the same day he applied Sindoor to me.

  Preeti: Sheetal. Dont say that. It’s really very difficult for me to even decide . And here he is not even giving me time to think.