Devi: No No Aarti. What are you saying?? THe wedding is nearing and you plan to shift to some New Bungalow taking Preeti bitiya along?? But why?
Aarti: Because this house would be Preeti's Sasuraal. And I wish my daughter to get wedded in her Mayka. In her mother's home. Not here.
Anjum: But Aunty. The Bungalow that you would buy won’t be her Mayka exactly. Her real house is In US. So what is the harm in getting the wedding done in Raj Mahal only. And as it is there in the new house, you would be all alone for the wedding preparations. That would be so unfair. Please Aunty. Please stay here .
Devi: Anjum is right. Come on Aarti. Dont be so orthodox now. Just like Saroj. She is also like that sometimes.(She said laughing. )
Saroj was almost searching someone. She had not seen Preeti since morning. Where was she??
Radhika: Nani. So the Roka would be done day after tomorrow??
Devi: Yes Radhika and we all should start the work. We already have less time.
Saying that they all dispersed for their works.
The moment she entered the room , she felt something strange. She felt as if she had entered this room before. Her head was almost guessing what would be inside the room and all her guesses were turning out to be right. She saw a huge picture of Some Lady standing with a Small Kid in her arms. The Kid was nice but the mother was very very stiff in her expressions. She just walked little more ahead and there she saw a huge Picture Painting of Shravan but in a very Traditional Outfit.In a Long Black Sherwani Kurta .
Preeti: Shravan. What is his picture doing here?? And the frame is so old.
She touched the painting picture of Shravan and thats when her head started getting the flashbacks once again.
FLASHBACKS.
"This is where we will stay after marriage." ?????
"If Maasa see's me here, she would take the whole Palace on her head. Leave me.!!!"
"Why are you so scared of Maasa??"
FLASHBACK ENDS
Preeti pressed her spinning head tight to stop showing her those moments which never happened in her life. Why the hell did she see herself in the same room and talking to Shravan all that?? And who was this Maasa?? Why did she fear that Maasa??
Preeti was totally confused. This room was not right. This place was not right for her to enter any further. She rushed outside the room and started locking the door once again but her hands were trembling. She was already sweating in fear and wasn’t able to lock the room at all. The Keys fell from her hand and there she saw Saroj standing right before the fallen keys. Preeti was more tensed. What would Daadi do now?? Would she scold her for entering that room and checking it?? Hope not.
Saroj was almost fuming seeing Preeti coming out from that Room which was restricted for others. How did she find the keys?? Why the hell did she enter in?? She bent down and picked the keys in her hand and continued looking at Preeti.
Saroj: No one is allowed in that room . I am not sure if anyone told you or not. But next time If I find you here, won’t be taken lightly by me. Understood??
Preeti was thanking her God for making Daadi handle this issue with ease. She just nodded a Yes and started walking downstairs. Saroj knew something was wrong with her. Preeti had seen something which made her shiver like that. But what??? Well. That she would bother later. What mattered was the Keys are found and that she would now need to keep it safely.
2 Days Later
Today was the Roka. The Engagement of Shravan Singh Khurana with Preeti Mehra. Though they were already been married in some way, the family still had to perform these rituals to fulfil their tradition.
Kriti was dressed in a Rich Pink Designer Saree. She stopped the young girls running around .
Kriti: Chutki. Go and see if Preeti Didi is ready. Go fast.
Kriti patted the young girl who instantly ran from there hearing the order to check. She opened the bedroom door of Preeti and came inside.
Chutki: Preeti Jiji . Kriti Jiji has asked if you are ready .
Preeti was fully dressed in a Greenish Blue Lehnga. She was still been helped by the other girls for wearing the heavy jewellery. She smiled at the young girl and replied back.
Preeti: Chutki. Tell Kriti jiji I would be ready in 20 minutes.
Chutki ran outside again and the bedroom door was closed by the girls to continue dressing Preeti.
Kishore: Shravan. Beware of the Girls today. I heard from Radhika that they are planning to make you dance. (He said laughing with Rajeev who was helping his Bhai wear the Suit.
Shravan: What The Hell.!!! I swear I would Kill Radhika if she tries that.
Rajeev: Bhai relax. We all know you can’t Dance. No one would force you. Kishore is just teasing.
Shravan: What?? Rajeev did you just say I can’t dance??
Rajeev (Just trying to hide somewhere for even telling this before Shravan himself): No. No. Bhai. I meant. We have never seen you dancing. So . You know we can’t expect you to dance like that.
Kishore: Yes Shravan. We know you are a great Dancer. And just like every Great Dancer, you dont like showing off that. We know.(He said trying to calm down the situation)
Both Kishore and Rajeev were little relieved when Anjum entered the room with a Pooja Thali. She smiled seeing her Shravan dressed for his Roka and then she walked to him.
Anjum: I can’t believe My Shravan is getting married.
Shravan: I already am married Di. I mean thats what you all think. !!! And it’s the main reason I am ready to get it done with full rituals.
Anjum: Okay Baba. Slip of tongue. I meant. I am happy to see my Shravan getting REMARRIED with proper traditions. Fine??
She asked smiling and also in a teasing tone. She then put a small Red Tilak on his forehead using the kumkum placed in the Puja Thali. Shravan had no option but let his sister do that. Though he never liked getting involved in such rituals so much, he had to do it for his Di sometimes.
Rajeev: Di. Is Preeti Ready?
Anjum: Yes. She is. Infact she is coming down now. So you better be first Shravan,. Or else She would always be dominant between you both.
Shravan (Raising his eyebrow): What??? Only by coming early than me, she would be dominating me forever?? You guys believe that??
Kishore: Shravan. Why taking a chance. Let’s reach first. Come.
Anjum laughed heartily seeing Rajeev and Kishore almost forcing Shravan to walk with them so that he can reach first . Anjum was just teasing her brother and they all took it so seriously.
Shravan and Preeti were both down almost at the same time. For sure Shravan's eyes were only on his Wife for the first time. He couldnt believe he was actually getting married to her. It looked so difficult to get settled with a girl for a whole lifetime and bear her tantrums forever. But may be it wasnt as tough as that, he thought. They stood before each other waiting for elders to order them what they needed to do next.
Devi: Shravan and Preeti. We need you both to walk to the Main Centre of the Room which is decorated for this Roka Ceremony. The Ring Exchange would take place there.
Shravan extended his hand for Preeti to hold. For seconds he too didn’t believe he actually did that.
But yes he did. She was surprised by this act of his and considering it purely for the family happiness, she too placed her hand on his and they walked together to the Centre for starting the Ceremony.
Anjum came forward and wished them the best of their future to share love and respect among each other. Saroj was little away from the family. She was still not much happy with Preeti as the Bride of Raj Mahal but being a part of the family, she didn’t wanted the others to notice that.
Suraj was not present at the moment for this Function. After all he was a busy man and he couldnt attend the function in such a short notice. Anjum gave the ring to Shravan asking him to slide it in Preeti's finger. He turned towards Preeti and there he saw her face. She had all that mixed feelings inside her thinking about this moment.She was nervous, she was happy, she was just f
eeling everything she ever expected from this day in her life. Aarti was standing beside her and she gestured Preeti to move her hand ahead. Preeti did that and Shravan slide the ring in her finger. Preeti too did the same and then everyone started greeting them with flowers and blessings.
Aarti hugged Anjum, Devi, Saroj and others sharing her happiness with them. Everyone were happy and enjoying. Preeti was in a different world after this ritual. She continued gazing at this finger ring again and again as if she always wished for this to happen from long time. Her eyes were teary for no reason. She didn’t wanted to cry but yes she had tears rolling down her cheeks which werent unnoticed by her Husband Shravan.
He removed a White Kerchief and handed it to her to wipe her tears.
Shravan: Your make up would be affected by that salty tears. Wipe them. (He said giving the Kerchief to her)
Preeti: (Wiped the tears with her fingers): I dont need it. You better keep it with you to wipe the Sweat beads formed on your forehead for finishing this ritual.
Saying that with her attitude she was about to step ahead when he held her hand and pulled her back.
Shravan: Dont act Over smart Preeti. And dont think getting married like this, I would anytime be all a Husband material. I cannot even think all that.!!
Preeti: (Smiling): Who told you I would be a typical Wife Shravan?? I too dont wish to act like that anytime soon.
Shravan: Both showing this much of attitude Isn’t good Preeti. Let me be as I am . Change yourself.
Preeti: Nope Mr Shravan Singh Khurana. Let me remain as is. You change. !!!
Shravan: Soch Lo. (He said with a Wide Smirk on his face looking in her eyes). If I change. you would be in danger. !!!!
Preeti could understand this a bit what he meant to say. If he becomes all lovey dovey and starts acting like a typical husband, she woulnt be able to resist him for long. She tried coming out of his grip and then ran from there without answering.
Part 17
The Roka Ceremony was on full swing this evening. The entire family was dancing and enjoying. Shravan was only standing with his Di and watching everyone dance, specially his wife Preeti. She was at the centre surrounded by the family and dancing on the music. She looked happy. She was actually looking very much cheerful and enthusiastic. What was wrong with her?? Was she faking all this ? If Yes then she was a good actress , he thought.
Anjum: Shravan. See how happy you have made everyone today. Can you see the smiles on everyone's faces?? It’s only because of you today.
Shravan: Does that mean at other times I just make everyone cry?? (He asked teasingly.)
Anjum pinched Shravan for teasing her and then she too was dragged by Kriti to dance with everyone. When Preeti saw Kriti dragging Anjum for dance, she whispered something in Rajeev's ears and Rajeev smiled. He and Kishore then walked to Shravan and pulled him for the Dance too. Preeti was laughing with Anjum while dancing and seeing Shravan's expressions. He was surely wild on her for asking Rajeev and Kishore to pull him for Dance. Rajeev held his hand and made him to dance a bit. He gave a "YOU ARE GONE" looks to all the 3. RAJEEV. Kishore and his Wife PREETI for making this happen. Preeti continued giggling and then dancing.
The dance was on full swing when Preeti started getting some call on her mobile which was in her hand. She checked the caller and then moved aside. Shravan saw her leaving. Preeti walked some distance far from the music and answered the call.
Preeti: Hello. Sheetal. (She said closing her other ear to stop the music sound from disturbing her)
Sheetal (On call): Preeti. Many wishes on the Engagement.
Sheetal was in Delhi. There was some urgent issues in the Mehra Industries which made her leave for Delhi Office soon. SO she could not attend the Engagement Party of her Boss cum Friend Preeti.
Preeti: Sheetal. I can’t hear you properly. can you speak little louder?
Sheetal: Okay. I will drop you a message then.
Preeti: Okay.
Saying that she kept the call and waited for the message to beep. Thats when Shravan walked towards her.
Shravan: Whose call??
Preeti turned back and she surely wasnt expecting him behind her .
Preeti: Why?? Why should I tell you?
Shravan: (Giving a Perfect What The Hell Expressions to her): Because I am your husband Dammit.!!!
Preeti: Now someone is being all Husband material haan. Wants to know every details about his wife. (She teased)
Shravan: Can’t you answer anything straight??
Preeti: I always reply straight. It’s you who always understand it in a twisted way.
Shravan was about to comment on that when Kriti came there.
Kriti: Enough of spending some time alone like this on the pretext of Phone call. Everyone is waiting for you both. Come.
Preeti smiled and Kriti took her back to the Main hall and they were followed by Shravan too.
The Roka ceremony was finished as expected. Everyone were happy. Preeti was still down with the last few guests who were leaving. They were the Chadda and Family who were her Mother's friends.
Mrs Chaddha: See. I told you Aarti. Preeti would be married to this family only.
Malti: Marriage is between a Girl and a Boy Mrs Chaddha. Not between a girl and the guy's family. (She said purposely pulling her leg)
Malti always disliked Mrs Chaddha as she felt Mrs Chaddha always sticks to Manveerji more. Which she hates.
Mrs Chaddha and other started laughing loudly on Malti's kiddish comment and so did Manveerji too. Malti held her husband's hand and whispered lightly.
Malti: You dont need to laugh . Samjhe???
Manveer( Trying to control): Malti. You are too much sometimes.
Preeti: (To Mrs Chaddha): Aunty. I am really sorry for behaving rude sometimes. You know I never wanted to see all the marriage proposals and hence. I .
Mrs Chaddha: (Interrupting): No No Preeti. You dont need to be sorry. I understand. And you are like my daughter. So never say Sorry to me. Alright??
Mrs Chaddha hugged Preeti and then looked at Shravan.
Mrs Chaddha: And Shravan Munda. Remember one thing. My daughter is a Sherni . Dont underestimate her. !! (Saying that everyone started laughing again )
Shravan held Preeti's hand and made her stand next to him so that he could speak to her. She was little surprised to this act once again by him.
Shravan:(In her ears ): What a big misunderstanding She has towards you. I guess she has some eye sight problem. She termed a Cat to be a Tigress. (He said faking a smile)
Preeti tried to come out of his hands grip.
Preeti: Not she. You have a big Misunderstanding to clear. You won’t even know when this Wild Cat would turn out to be a Tigress and run behind you.!!!
Shravan: Aahhh!! RUN behind me? Nothing new.!! Every girl does that. They can’t avoid my charm.
Preeti finally could take her hand off his.
Preeti: Charm?? Are you kidding?? A serious person like you can never be charming. All those girls are Blind to run behind you. I am not among them.
Shravan: Will See. !!
Preeti: Ofcourse Will see. If I run behind you. Or you Run behind me.!!!
Saying that she stood straight and then walked off from there after the Chaddha family left.
Preeti was changing in her room when she suddenly remembered her call with Sheetal.
Preeti (To herself): Ohh Yes. Sheetal told me she would message.
She walked to the bed and checked her phone. She had indeed received one message from SHeetal. She opened the message to read. She read the whole message and she was already tensed. There were some problems with a Project in their US Office too and she had to leave for US very soon to get it fixed. She didn’t know what she needed to do. Here everyone were preparing for their proper marriage and she couldnt delay her trip to US for obvious reasons. She would be in much Loss if she delays. She had no answer to this query. She thought something for a while and then walked to Shravan's
room. She knocked his room and she heard him asking to come in. She pushed the door open and saw him already on a call on his famous Bluetooth.
Preeti (Didn’t care to wait): Shravan. I.
Shravan: (Gesturing her to be quiet): SShhh!!!
Preeti couldnt wait. She just took his Phone from him and cut that call. This was all so instant that Shravan couldnt even understand. He took out his bluetooth seeing her so impatient.
Preeti: I come first. Everything else can wait for you.!!! (She commanded.)
She herself didn’t know what made her do so and what made her say something like this. Since when did she start showing her dominance on him like that?? He was surely not in a good mood after this.
Shravan: No you are not Preeti. Work comes first to me and rest all can wait. So you better dont repeat what you did today. !!!(He answered angrily)
Preeti: Since when did you start ignoring me?? You were never like this before.!!!
Shravan: BEFORE?? Preeti I was always like this. And what’s wrong with you?? Are you out of your senses?? You talking as if I always gave you a Priority in my life. !!!
Cursed Bride Page 11
