Shravan: Di. There is something very urgent at Office . I need to handle it. I can’t delay that work and Rajeev also is not much related to that project so he won’t understand. I promise I would be back on time.
Anjum couldnt believe this. She started denying now.
Anjum: No way Shravan. I can’t let you to work tomorrow. I mean it’s your wedding. You should be preparing yourself for it rather than some official work. I dont care if you have to bear some heavy Loss for not able to reach Office tomorrow. but I won’t let you leave. And after Haldi is done, the bride and groom shouldnt be leaving out before the marriage.
Shravan tried his best to make her understand how important his meeting was and after almost half an hour of argument she agreed.
Shravan: Thanks Di. I won’t be late. But yes. Make sure you dont tell this to anyone. Or else no one would let me go.
Anjum: Shravan. Atleast Preeti should know this.
Shravan: Never Di. You know she is walking your footsteps these days.She gets scared and annoyed at every decision of mine. It’s better you dont tell her even.
Anjum: Shravan I dont know . But I am feeling a bit scared to allow you this.
Shravan: Scared?? Di. What’s so scary in it? I am going to Office. Not to fight some war that I would never come back . ok?
Anjum immediately hit his cheek lightly in anger.
Anjum: Never say you won’t be coming back. Samjhe??
Shravan nodded his head rubbing his cheeks.
Shravan: That hurts di.
Anjum (Smiled and started rubbing his cheeks): Sorry Baba. Now go and get rest. Good night.
Shravan hugged his sister and then left for his room.
That Night Suraj didn’t get any peaceful sleep. He was worried for the next day. He was worried of Shravan and Preeti's marriage . He didn’t know why but he felt something going to be seriously wrong. He looked at his wife who was sleeping peacefully beside him as if dreaming her Shravan's happiness. He couldnt let anyone know what he was feeling. All he wished was that nothing goes wrong the next day.
Next Day - Marriage
The Guests had started coming. Only 2 hours were left for the wedding to take place. Everyone from the family were already ready and were welcoming the Guests. Anjum looked worried down.She knew her Shravan was not at Home still and she had already tried calling him many a times on his number but he didn’t answer. her nervousness was clearly visible on her face and Suraj noticed that. He came to her.
Suraj: Anjum. What’s wrong??
Anjum: Suraj. Actually I am trying to ring Shravan but he is not answering.
Suraj: (Confused): Then go in his room and check.
Anjum: He is not here Suraj. I mean he is at office.
Suraj: What are you saying Anjum.?? He is getting married today what is he doing in the office?
Anjum: He had some work So he forced me to allow him to go.
Suraj (Angrily): And you allowed him. You didn’t do right Anjum.(He replied and took his mobile out.)
Anjum could read clearly see how her husband was getting worried for Shravan more than her. Suraj tried calling on Shravan's number but the same. He wasnt answering.
Suraj: Okay. I think I will go myself to his Office and get him back.
Anjum nodded a Yes and Suraj left. The moment he left, Anjum turned behind and shcoked to see Daadi and Nani standing behind her. They had heard everything. Shravan was at office?? What was that work which was so important for him than his marriage?? They too were scared now. They were having some Odd feeling that something worst is going to happen today.
Daadi: Anjum. I didn’t expect this from you. Why did you leave Shravan for work?
Anjum (Sobbing): Daadi. He promised me he would be back soon.
Nani: Nahi bitiya. You shouldnt have done this. I am so much worried now. I hope he is fine.
Daadi: Daamadji has gone to check for Shravan. I hope all is ok with him.
Someone called Anjum and she wiped her tears not letting the Guests know that she was crying. She walked from there and now Daadi and Nani were unable to think anything.
Nani: Saroj. Do you think even this time there would be some problem with him?
Saroj: Haan Devi. Everything is happening like that. Just like it had happened with Yuvraj on the day of his marriage.
Nani: But that day,. Nothing had happened to Yuvraj. Chanchan had died. Yuvraj was still safe.
The moment they said this, they heard a Flower Vase dropping sound. They looked back and there they saw the Bride of Raj Mahal, Preeti with teary eyes standing behind them and understanding the link between all this. She was here since the time Anjum and Suraj were talking to each other. She heard everything. She knew now that Shravan was not at home, Suraj was in search of him, and now after hearing the names Chanchan and Yuvraj from Nani and Daadi, she surely got a clue that whatever she was dreaming and feeling from these days wasnt fake. There had to be some relation between all this and Nani and Daadi were the ones who probably knew everything. She walked to Daadi and before they could speak anything, she uttered.
Preeti: So Chanchan died on Yuvraj's marriage day?
Daadi and Nani looked at her in shock. She heard them??
Preeti: SO that means I was right. Chanchan was stabbed by a Knife which killed her in Yuvraj's arms. Hai naa?
This was yet another shock for the oldies. How did she know this? They had not told anyone about this past then how did she know??
Preeti (All teary): Was she killed by someone?? (She asked showing her suspicion and she needed answers now.)
Nani: Preeti bitiya. What are you talking?
Preeti: Dont hide it from me now Nani. I know everything . I am just trying to understand what had happened after my death in that birth?? How did I die?? Was I killed? And If Yes then who killed me??? Why would someone kill me Nani?? Please tell me this. Please.
(Saying that she sat down on the floor crying her heart out.)
Daadi and Nani were only getting shocks today. Why was she referring Chanchan as her? Was Preeti only CHanchan in that birth? Did Chanchan take a rebirth as Preeti like Yuvraj took a rebirth as Shravan? They had so many questions in mind. So many. And they knew Preeti had some answers which they needed. They made her get up and then before anyone could see thhe bride crying like this, they took her inside her room and locked the door.
After calming Preeti down they were about to ask her stuffs how she knew all this but the same moment the girls knocked Preeti's door as they wanted to dress her for the wedding.
Nani: Look Bitiya. For now. Just get ready. We will talk on this later. And we also need to find where Shravan is. So please. Dont be upset now.
Preeti: Promise me Nani. Promise me you would tell me everything tonight??
Nani nodded a Yes and then both the oldies left the room.
After an hour
Though Preeti was made to get ready by the other girls, her mind and heart was all thinking the possibilities where Shravan was and why wasnt he answering anyone's call. She herself had tried ringing him but he didn’t answer that too. She was very much worried. Anjum entered her room and asked the other girls to leave the room and they did. Nani and Daadi told Anjum that Preeti also knew Shravan wasnt present in Raj Mahal. So she was here to apologize to her for allowing Shravan to leave. Preeti got up in her Bridal Lehnga and walked to Anjum .
Preeti: Is he back?
Anjum nodded a No and hugged Preeti tight.
Anjum: I am sorry Preeti. I didn’t know this would happen. I shouldnt have left him like that.
Preeti didn’t know what she needed to do. Console Anjum or herself? She was so much afraid. She just hugged Anjum back and then started crying.
Preeti: Agar Unhe kuch hogaaya toh hum bhi nahi rahenge. (Her tears were wetting Anjum's shoulders)
The door knocked and Radhika came inside. She saw Anjum and Preeti crying and she was confused. Anjum and Preeti wiped their tears not to let anyone else know about Shravan mising. When Radhika asked
them the reason of their tears they just gave her some invalid reason and changed the topic
Radhika: Okay. Di. I was here to tell you , the Mahurat is about to start. Just check if SHRAVAN is ready and get him down. I am going down. And Preeti. Be ready. After all the day has finally come.
Saying that Radhika left down and Preeti and Anjum were only thinking how long would they be able to hide the fact that Shravan wasnt home yet. Thats when they got a call from Suraj on Anjum's number. She answered it immediately.
Anjum: Suraj. Did you meet Shravan?? Where is he?? Is Shravan fine??
Suraj: Anjum. Relax. Yes . Saale Sahab is fine now. We are almost reaching. Be calm. We will reach on time.
Anjum was finally relieved. She cut the call and informed Preeti too. Both the ladies prayed to God thanking her and then Anjum left Preeti in her room.
Part 23
Preeti was fully ready in her Bridal Lehnga and was waiting for some news on Shravan's arrival when she got a call on her number. She was alone in the room now and she expected her mother and the other girls to come and take her down anytime. She checked the caller name and was surprised to see it was Shravan's call. She immediately answered the call and her voice was only reflecting how much pain she was going through within even when she wasnt hurt but him,.
Preeti : Shravan. Did you reach?? And what had happened to you?? Why didn’t you answer my call?
Shravan (In a Low voice): Open the door.
Preeti: What??? (She asked surprisingly)
Shravan: Preeti. I said Open the damm door of your room .
Preeti didn’t cut the call. She just walked to the door and opened it. No doubt she was shocked to see Shravan himself standing before her and his forehead had a wide cut making him bleed continuously. She dropped her phone down and then tried touching his forehead but he held her hand and didn’t let her to. He looked little tired. For few seconds he just kept on staring his Bride in the Bridal Dress. It’s said that a girl looks the best on her marriage day in her Bridal wear. But for him, she always looked best in anything she wore. His thoughts were interrupted by her words.
Preeti: Shravan. Yehh Chot?? (This Wound?)
Shravan walked inside and she closed the door not wishing anyone else to see him in her room like this. She then turned behind only to see him wiping his blood from cotton before the mirror. She rushed to him and took the cotton ball away.
Preeti: What are you doing?? We need to clean this wound with Water first. Come with me.
Saying that she took him with her in the bathroom and then splashed cold water slowly on his wound and then wiped it with a soft Towel. She made him sit on the Chair and she rushed to fetch the Antiseptic lotion for applying it on the wound and preventing it from getting more sore.He could feel her tears dropping on his cheeks while she applied the lotion on his forehead, clearly showing how much she was worried for him. He closed his eyes and she continued bandaging his wound. She then sat before him and started her blabbering.
Preeti: Were you even in your senses to leave for Office on your marriage day? What was so important to you than our marriage Shravan?? And how did you get this wound? Did you meet with an Accident??? Where else did you get hurt ?? (She said scanning his hands)
Shravan was only looking in her eyes and no matter what she asked him, he had no ears at her. This angered her more.
Preeti: I am talking to you Shravan. Speak up. I won’t let you be quiet now.
Shravan: Sshhh. Preeti relax. I am fine now. Thats important right??
Preeti then took a deep breath and tried to relax herself.
Shravan: I was returning back from Office and I met with some accident.
Preeti: Accident?? Shravan. Why can’t you drive properly? You always seem to end up in some accident these days.
Shravan: I guess you talk first. I will wait for you to finish to answer you. (He replied in a bit angry tone)
Preeti then understood she should be giving some time for him to speak. So she became quiet now.
Preeti: Sorry. I won’t speak till you finish now.
Shravan: You better dont.
Preeti continued looking at him and he started telling her how the accident happened and how he fainted after that. And then how his Jeejaji came there at the right time to save him.
Preeti heard this and she was once again lost in what happened few hours ago between her, Daadi and Nani. How she heard that it was Chanchan who died on Yuvraj's marriage day. But then if it was so, then why did Shravan end up in this accident today? She was surely revlieved with the fact that Shravan wasnt much hurt and was still trying to accept the fact that whatever was happening with her wasnt some imagination of hers. Things were true. She had a past in this house. A past related to Shravan and Raj Mahal. A past where she was been snatched away by death from Shravan.
Shravan: Preeti. Are you listening?
Preeti nodded a Yes and smiled at him. The door knocked and Preeti was tensed. She walked to the door asking from inside who the person was. Hearing Anjum;s voice she opened the door and Anjum and Suraj walked inside.
Anjum had already met Shravan some minutes back and finding no place to hide Shravan from his wounds, she had asked him to go to Preeti;s room and get fresh as there were chances of others seeing him in his room . Anjum came inside and saw his wound already been bandaged and she knew it had to be Preeti only. She smiled and hugged Shravan.
Anjum: This is the worst mistake I could ever do to send you to work on your marriage day.
Shravan tried to calm his nervous sister and then replied back.
Shravan: Di. Please. I am fine now. And all thanks to Jeejaji for saving me at the right time.
Suraj (Smiling): You dont need to thank me Saale Sahab. I did this all for Preeti.
Anjum and Preeti confused.
Anjum: Matlab??
Suraj : Uhh!! I mean. After all Preeti and Shravan are made for each other. How can I let anything happen to Shravan at this time??
Preeti: Thanks Jeejaji. I dont understand how can I ever thank you for what you did for me today.
Suraj: Come on Preeti. It was my duty. Sometimes people dont get fair chances fulfil their responsibilities. And when they do get, they dont think of anything except completing it On time.
Shravan and Anjum also thanked Suraj for this and then Suraj and Shravan left for the Mandap down and Anjum stayed with Preeti .
The Marriage rituals started and since Preeti didn’t had a brother, Daadi and Nani had chose Suraj to perform some rituals from the Bride's Brother's side. He readily agreed. Preeti was at top of the world today. She could herself feel that she was missing this moment of getting married to Shravan from lifetime and here today finally the day had come. Shravan was Okay with all these things. He wasnt much sure but yes he didn’t hate things going around him . He liked to see his family happy and thats what everyone looked today. Happy and contented to see their Shravan Khurana Finally tying his Knot with Preeti. He filled her Maang with Sindoor and tied the Mangal Sutra on her neck . The moment was blissful for them. Preeti wasnt able to meet her eyes to him feeling totally shy and her blushing was kept constant by Radhika and Anjum's small teases from behind her. Shravan and Preeti finally stood up for the Pheras and they completed taking their 7 Vows of marriage finally getting bonded to each other like a True couple.
The newlywed couple took the blessings of all the elders. Aarti was happy to see her daughter finally bonded to this family. She knew Shravan was a nice Guy and he would always take care of his Wife no matter what happens. Daadi and Nani were also equally happy . Though they were little upset for the small accident that their Grandson Shravan had to face again today but somewhere they believed now that if Preeti only had to be Chanchan then nothing would happen to their Shravan until he has Preeti beside him. They too blessed the couple and then finally the other family relatives were given a chance to meet this new couple and wish them . The Media was also given a chance to take a Snap of Shravan And his wife. The
Evening passed quickly and then came the night.
The Guests were gone and Anjum also had made Preeti get settled in Shravan's room and she was finally down to take her Brother too along with her to his room.
Shravan was busy talking to his Manager asking him to book the flight tickets for him and Preeti to US. He had already delayed handling her Office Issues till their marriage and now it was time to look after his responsibilities towards her. Anjum snatched the phone from him and cut the call
Shravan: Di. What was that?? I was talking something important.
Anjum (Smiling): I know Shravan. But nothing is more important than tonight. You are married now and Preeti is waiting for you
Shravan: (Sighing): Okay. One last call and I am off to my room,. (He said trying to get his Phone from his sister but she didn’t let him take it.)
Anjum: No Way. Your Phone would remain with me tonight. Now just go to your room. Go.!!!
Saying that she started pushing Shravan to leave for his room and he had no choice left but to agree to her. He walked to his room and opened the door . He entered inside only to find the room vaccan’t. She wasnt inside.
Shravan : What The Hell.!! Where the hell is Preeti now??
Daadi's Room
Nani: You shouldnt have been here Preeti. It’s your first night and Shravan must be waiting for you.
Cursed Bride Page 15
