The others were overjoyed. Preeti's one acceptance had cleared everyone's fears. They were just very much happy for everything that was happening.
Devi: Didn’t I tell Saroj. Things would be fine after this Puja?
Saroj: Yes,. But everything still is not that calm enough Devi. We still havnt found the key.
Devi: I have told Maakhan to search. If he finds it he would inform. DOnt worry.
Night
The Dinner was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. But Shravan didn’t come down for it. He in fact denied having Dinner that night. Maakhan got his plate back when the others had finished theirs.
Anjum: Maakhan Kaka. Why did you get Shravan'splate back?
Maakhan: Shravanji denied. He said he Isn’t hungry.
Anjum: This Shravan naa. Anyways. Give me the plate. I will ask him to eat.
Anjum took the plate from Maakhan's hands and was about to leave when she thought something and then called Preeti.
Anjum: Preeti. You also join me. After all you should know now how to convince him for these things,, Come. (She said smiling.)
Preeti had no choice but to agree.
Kishore: Di. Not convince. Blackmail. A sister can always convince. But a Wife always blackmails.
Preeti gave a angry stare to Kishore for teasing her at this point of time and then left with Anjum upstairs. Anjum knocked Shravan's room and both Preeti and Anjum walked in. They saw Shravan busy on his laptop. Anjum handed the plate to Preeti and then she steped ahead towards her brother.but she was stopped by his words.
Shravan: Di. Please. I am not hungry. I have told Maakhan too. Dont force me for having it now.
Anjum: Shravan but why aren’t you hungry? Should I say hearing Preeti's marriage decisions you are already full with happiness?? (She teased him purposely.)
Shravan (Looking at Preeti): You think this decision even matters to me???
Anjum could see some angry stares exchanged between this couples in order to prove each other that they are not affected by this decision. She was about to get them out of this when Makkhan came there.
Maakhan: Anjum Bititya. Hukkum (Maakhan termed Saroj as Hukkum) is calling you.
Anjum nodded and then walked to Preeti.
Anjum: I need to leave. But I am sure you would convince your husband for having food.
Preeti: Me? Anjum. I. Can’t.,. I mean. I.
Anjum: Sshh!!! Be calm and stick to your agenda of making him eat.
Saying that Anjum left with the Food plate in Preeti's hand. She looked once at Shravan who gave her a "Get Lost" Look. So he wasn’t happy with her decision. Of course. Why would he?? He never wanted this.
Preeti: (Keeping the plate aside): Dont think I am here to make you eat. It’s not something I really am here for.
Shravan; (Continuing typing): I knew that. So just finish what you here for and leave.
Preeti: That shows how much insensitive you are to the decision I made. (She replied angrily. )
He stopped typing and looked at her.
Shravan: If you know this then why dont you deny getting into this mess ?
Preeti: Why should I Shravan?? It was you who made me fall in this. Now you do things to get me out.
Shravan: What The Hell.!!! Is that an Order Preeti?? Because that didn’t sound like a Request to me.
Preeti: Take it the way you wish. And one more thing Shravan. If I am ready for this marriage, it’s only for my Mother. If it wasn’t her, I wouldn’t have thought of marrying you in my Next birth too.
Saying that she turned to leave when she was been pulled by her wrist behind. Yeah. She had awoke the beast in him once again. Her words. Her Ego . Her Not bothered Attitude could always get the worst out of him. And today was no different. Already he was in a dilemma of how to get things back to it’s place and here she was complicating them more by her stubborn nature.
Preeti: Shravan.!!! (Her words were full of pain since his hold on her wrist was unbearable.)
Shravan : Yeah. Thats the name you have to utter your whole Life with me now on. Thats the word who would turn your life upside down for anything mess you create with it. Thats the word which would keep you tied to this house. To this family. forever. Even if you dont wish to now.
His anger was clearly justified by his hold on her. He was mad after he heard her saying something like that. He really acted wierd sometimes. He hated her at times when she decides to stick with him (Like the marriage decision) and he hated her more if she tries to get free of it. What should she do then?? They continued looking in each other's eyes and their expressions surely started changing. Her face was all Red by the nervousness and her tears that rolled down her cheeks due to the pain and that made him loosen his grip and then finally leave her. She ran from the spot back to her room . It was difficult to understand what he wanted.And it was more difficult to do what he didn’t expect.
Part 15
Next Day
Preeti had no intentions of even coming before Shravan today. She was happy being with the family but not with him. Yeah this wasn’t good for her. If she had agreed for a proper marriage, then she would need to understand her husband too. And understanding him meant understanding his Anger, his frustration, his motives behind scaring people with his rage and his future plans of being happy (if he wishes) and keeping the family happy. But would she be able to do this?? Did she have that much of courage and patience to handle him?? Only time would answer that.
She was down in the Living room when she met Kishore with a Camera in his hand. She was little surprised what he was doing with the Camera at this hour?? There wasn’t any function in the house for clicking pictures now.
Preeti: Kishore.
Kishore stopped and smiled at her.
Preeti: What are doing with that Camera??
Kishore: (Seeing the Camera.): Ohh This.!! Actually. I am very much interested in Art Photography. Taking pictures of some ancient Artistic places and Things, I just love it.
Preeti: Thats cool Kishore. I think you should plan your career in it then.
Kishore: (Started Laughing): Career. In this?? Are you kidding me?
Preeti: No I am not. I mean people should select their Profession based on their interest. Thats what I wish.
Kishore: Okay. I agree. But the family here doesnt think the same. For them this is waste of time .!! After all I have a Huge Business Empire to handle. Shravan is doing all this alone. Rajeev Bhai is there for help. But still I have to join them soon. So can’t think of this hobby of mine except on Weekends.
Preeti: Hmm. I understand. But then where are you going now?
Kishore: The last floor of Raj Mahal. I mean there I get much artistic Antique stuffs for taking Pictures.
Preeti: Last Floor. I have never been there yet.
Kishore: Then come with me. Let me guide you that Floor.
Preeti readily agreed for this. She and Kishore both started for the last floor.
Anjum and Radhika were sitting with Aarti and asking her Preeti's choice of Sarees so that they can buy some dress / Saree accordingly for the ROKA (Engagement) Ceremony.
Aarti: Green Colored Dress or may be Pink. Thats her favorite colors.
Radhika noted down in a Book.
Radhika: And Aunty. We also need to buy some traditional Sarees for Preeti. I mean After getting married properly, she would need them.
Anjum: Traditional Sarees?? No Radhika. I dont want Preeti to be all restricted to wear only Sarees after marriage. I have already told this to Nani and Daadi. Even they are fine with her choice of clothes. She can wear anything that she is comfortable in.
Aarti: (Smiling): I see my Daughter really has got married to a Good family. The family that understands her and respects her wishes too.
Anjum: Aunty. It’s our fate that we are getting a Bahu like her. Just wait and watch. She would be the most loved person in this house. More than our Shravan too . !! (SHe giggled).
All the 3 started laughing when they heard Shr
avan calling for Kishore. He was searching him almost everywhere.
Shravan: Kishore. Kishore. !!!
Anjum: Shravan. What happened?? Why are you screaming so much?
Shravan: Di. Where is Kishore?
Anjum: He must be here somewhere. But why what happened?
Shravan: Di. How can he be so careless? I had told him to make a Project Report and email me. Since 5 days I am asking him to do this and he still has'nt. Finally yesterday he said he would be sending today morning but no. I didn’t get it yet. What is wrong with him. Why can’t he understand the seriousness of business.
Anjum: Shravan. It’s Ok. He is still small to understand this.
Radhika: Small??? And Kishore?? Come on Di. Only you support him so much. Wait. Let me search him . I know where he must be.
Shravan: Where?
Radhika: Last floor. It’s weekend SHRAVAN. He must be clicking Pictures there.
Shravan: Ohh yes.He has much time for that. I will find him.
Saying that he left for the Last floor.
Last Floor - Raj Mahal
Preeti: Wow. This is something nice. (She said holding an ancient antique Blank Photo Frame.
Kishore: Photo Frame? Come on Preeti. It’s just a Frame. I need something more nice. May be some Painting or stuff. Know what?? Can you see that door there?? (He pointed at a Room)
Preeti: Yes. Which Room is that?
Kishore: It’s a Secret Room. I mean Daadi said it belonged to one of our Ancestor.
Preeti: Ancestor?? Your Grandpa?
Kishore: No No. Grandpa's Grandpa may be.!! (He wasn’t still sure of this )
Preeti: So why is it locked?
Kishore: Thats because Daadi doesnt want us to go in.(He said chuckling and clicking some other pictures of the Ancient Flower Vases here)
Preeti: Daadi doesnt want ?? But why Kishore? It’s your house. ANd you have a right to see what’s inside.
Kishore: But Daadi says this room Isn’t worth it. I mean she told me there are some ancient belongings inside. And no one except Her and Nani is allowed to check them. I had told them once. I want to see if there is anything good that I can click for and they both denied.
Preeti: Thats Unfair.
Saying that Preeti walked to that door and started checking the Lock. It was such an ancient Lock. So ancient, so beautiful. If the Lock was so good then how would be the Key to this?? May be more artistic than the Lock.
She was still checking the lock when she heard Shravan calling Kishore. She turned back only to see him walking towards her and Kishore.
Shravan: Kishore.!! Where is the Project Report?
Kishore (Remembered it now): Ohh No Shravan. I forgot. I will. I will send in few minutes. I Promise.
Shravan: You better.
He then looked at Preeti who was trying to avoid his gaze.
Shravan: And You.!! (He said looking at her) Better do something productive. I dont want my wife to waste time in admiring places where she cannot reach.
Preeti: What?? What do you mean??
Shravan: No one is allowed to go in that room.So stop wishing that and walk down.
Preeti: I didn’t mean about the door Shravan. I asked what do you mean by WIFE??
Shravan: Are you suffering from Amnesia, Preeti??
Kishore was about to laugh at this but he controlled.
Preeti (Widening her eyes ): Amnesia?? And me?? I guess you have that problem. Because till yesterday you even denied wanting any relationship with me. And now you are calling me YOUR WIFE??
Shravan hated when somebody back answered him. And Especially her. He cooled himself down understanding he won’t be able to react much as Kishore was here between them. He just walked a step towards her and replied.
Shravan: I changed my mind. After your consent for a proper marriage, I too think No one Else but you Fit in my Wife's position.
Kishore was surprised to hear that. Was he getting little romantic now?? Preeti too was thinking the same,.
Shravan: Same Attitude, Same Ego, Same Anger, Same RAge. We are almost equal Preeti. So you fit to be my Wife.
Preeti: What do you mean by Almost Equal?? What is it in you that I dont match yours??
Shravan (Sighing): Brains. Thats the one you can never match. (He then looked at Kishore and ordered him again). Just 30 minutes Kishore and if the Report doesnt hit my Inbox. This camera would be donated to some ART GALLERY.
Kishore rushed down hearing this holding his Camera securely while Preeti and Shravan still stood there looking at each other.
Saroj: Maakhan. Did you search the Last floor for the Key??
Maakhan: No Hukum. I will check that now.
Devi: Fine. But before that call Anjum Bitiya and the others here. We need to fix something for the marriage.
Maakhan nodded and left the room.
Saroj: Devi. I just hope we get the key somehow.
Devi: And if we dont ??
Saroj and Devi looked at each other in confusion.
Yes they needed this Key . After all every secret of Raj Mahal was behind the Doors of this Key. It had to be found. And that too only by them. They couldn’t afford the other family members finding it. That would create a mess between the families. Which these elders wanted to avoid.
Preeti: Why do you scare your Siblings so much? Just show mercy to them sometimes at least.
Shravan: You dont need to bother about them. They are my family.
Preeti: And mine too now. (She said rightfully). (Shravan was little surprised seeing how much she cares for his family now).
Shravan: I dont scare them. I try to teach them to do things on time. I want them to understand the importance of time and money Preeti. And I dont think it’s wrong.
Preeti: Fine. Let’s agree on one thing at least. You teach them what you think is right. And let me teach them what I think is good .
Shravan: And what good is that?
Preeti: Love and Peace. Thats needed in every family to be together.
Shravan: You think I dont love them?
Preeti: If you term your Restrictions as "YOUR LOVE to Them" then I am sorry, I guess I am following a Wrong Dictionary.
She said that and was about to leave when he stopped her by coming in between her path.
Shravan:One day. You too would have to Accept these terms which I teach them. Because I dont want my Wife to go against my Wishes.
Preeti: Okay. Let’s see who changes first. You adopt mine or I adopt yours.
Shravan looked at her confident face for some more seconds and then replied.
Shravan: We will Definitely See.
Saying that he left from this place in anger. He didn’t like People teaching him the right or wrong. He was always a Bad Student in terms of learning Life Philosophy. Preeti took a sigh of relief for finally having a Matured level conversation with him and that too without a Major fight for the first time and started walking towards the exit door when she felt something shinning at her right. She looked at the right side of hers. She could see this thing was shining below the Sofa . She was surely little attracted to it and wanted to know what it was. She walked there, bent down only to find an Ancient 3 inch sized Key lying there . She took it in her hand and then got up.
Preeti (To herself): KEY?? Which key is this??
She started admiring it . It was so artistic. It had a BIG "C" carved on it.
Preeti: C?? What does this C mean??
She thought something for a while and then her mind clicked.
Preeti: Is this the Key of that Door?? (She was asking this to herself and was fully excited if this is True) Should I try checking?? (She was in full mood to know what this Key was. And if by any chance this Key was the one of that room she wished to see, then she would be happy to check what made this room "NO ENTERING" Zone to the Youngsters of this Palace.
Part 16
The KEY was in Preeti's hand and she was still in a dilemma what she needed to do. SHe finally made up her mind. She woul
d be checking what’s in store for the family and her in this locked room. But was she allowed to do so?? Legally she still wasn’t a Member of this family to try something like this. But the curiosity within her to know things was much overpowering her at the moment. She checked if anyone is coming upstairs and when she didn’t find anyone, she rushed to the door and started opening the Lock with that Key. The Lock Opened and there she was left to check the Room on her own. She slid the door open and a Big Spacious Room was welcoming her to come inside. She was still standing outside the Room door. This Room was very very big and it wasn’t some Spare room for old Furnitures to be kept , as told by Kishore. The room was very much tidy and clean unexpectedly as if this room was cleaned on a daily basis. But if no one is allowed inside here and who does the cleaning?? Was it Maakhan Kaka?? Yes it might be him. After all he is such a Loyal Servant to this house, she thought and finally she stepped her one leg inside to walk in.
Aarti: Sarojji. You all are thinking so much for me and my daughter. But trust me. This point Isn’t right. I mean We have already stayed for long in this house. And now since the wedding preparations have started, I would take your leave.
Cursed Bride Page 10
