Cursed Bride

by Madhuri Tamse

  Preeti: Hmm. As you say. But Jeejaji. Can’t we do one thing.?? Can’t you ask him to Show his mothers Picture to you?? You can remember and understand if she is really that Maasa or not.

  Suraj: Good idea. Will do that. And I will tell you the result. Give Saale Sahab my regards. And take care. Bye.

  Saying that Suraj cut the call and Preeti saw Shravan coming to the table. She placed her phone aside and he kept the Tray .

  Shravan: Whose call? (he asked munching a Finger chip)

  Preeti: Jeejaji.

  Shravan: Ohh Okay. What did he say? All good there?

  Preeti just smiled and nodded a yes. But Shravan could easily see from her face that she wasnt in a good mood. She was thinking something very deep. But what??

  Raj Mahal - Same time (It’s Night here)

  Raaghav- Maa's picture??

  Suraj: Haan. Even Radhika should know how she is. Hai naa Radhika?

  Radhika: Yes Raaghav. You must be having her picture in your Mobile right??

  Raaghav (Thinking something): Yeah. I do. But.

  Suraj: But what?? We aren’t going to Delete the Photo Raaghav. (He said humorously and Raaghav smiled)

  Raaghav: Well. just kidding,, Hold on.

  Saying that Raaghav started searching the Pic of his Maa from the Mobile and Suraj waited desperately to see it. He just wished it wasnt that Maasa.

  Part 31

  Raj Mahal - Same time (It’s Night here)

  Raaghav- Maa's picture??

  Suraj: Haan. Even Radhika should know how she is. Hai naa Radhika?

  Radhika: Yes Raaghav. You must be having her picture in your Mobile right??

  Raaghav (Thinking something): Yeah. I do. But.

  Suraj: But what?? We aren’t going to Delete the Photo Raaghav. (He said humorously and Raaghav smiled)

  Raaghav: Well. just kidding,, Hold on.

  Saying that Raaghav started searching the Pic of his Maa from the Mobile and Suraj waited desperately to see it. He just wished it wasn’t that Maasa.

  Raaghav: Okay. Here it is.

  Saying that he showed the picture of his mother to Suraj and Radhika.

  Radhika: She is nice. I mean yeah she looks little stubborn though. (She said smiling seeing the picture whereas Suraj was completely Blank.)

  Suraj (To himself): Maasa??

  Raaghav: Did you say something Suraj?? (he asked curiously as he couldn’t understand what Suraj murmured)

  Suraj gave a fake smile and nodded a No.

  Suraj: So she is your mother.

  Raaghav: Yes. My Mom. She is everything to me. You know even after staying in US, you can see how traditional she is. She still wears only Sarees and heavy jewellery all the time. After dad passed away, she was the only support for me.

  Radhika: So to impress your Mom, I need to be a bit traditional.

  Raaghav: Bit?? No Radhika. Fully. !!! (He smiled looking at Radhika and she smiled too)

  US - Mehra House

  Shravan placed all the Shopping bags on the Couch and sat beside them. Preeti just sipped her Coffee and looked at him.

  Preeti : Exhausted. Aren’t you?

  Shravan : Who wouldn’t?? You know Preeti, I never even take Di out for shopping. I mean thats not my cup of tea.

  Preeti: I am special to you. Thats the reason you agreed Mr Khurana. (She winked at him and he couldnt help but smile )

  Shravan: Someone is totally changed to a Kid after coming to her Mayka.

  Preeti: Who wouldn’t?? I am such a free bird here.

  She got up from the Couch and twirled around once feeling happy.

  Shravan: You Seem very happy today. !!!

  Preeti: Yes. Because you made my day. First by shopping with me, then having Lunch with me, and yes not forgetting that possessive side of yours. I so loved it.!!

  Shravan was almost happy seeing her smiling. He suddenly remembered how her face was all dull while having Lunch sometime back . It was Jeejaji who had ringed her that time.

  Shravan: What did Jeejaji tell you in the last call Preeti???

  Preeti stopped smiling and looked at him. Why was he asking her this?

  Preeti: Uhh!! Nothing much. Just about how everyone is missing us.

  Shravan still felt she was hiding something from him but he didn’t question her that. He just got up and left for the room to freshen up.

  Suraj couldn’t wait a minute to tell this Truth to Preeti that Raaghav's Mother is Maasa only. But Anjum was around and he knew he had to wait. He came out from his room and saw Raaghav and Radhika taking a Walk in the Garden. Suraj could easily see how things were building up between Radhika and Raaghav and he just prayed that Radhika doesnt get hurt because of the Past which is nowhere connected to her.

  Next Day - US

  Preeti and Shravan were already in the Office signing the important papers for which they were here. Shravan Singh Khurana was alone enough for handling his wife's little issues with her Clients. Preeti's PA was also present here and she gave all the necessary documents to Shravan for checking and signing on Preeti's behalf.

  Shravan: There you go Mrs Khurana. I have sorted everything out.

  Preeti was watching her husband sign the papers and she really admired him all lovingly. She knew whenever she will need him, he will always be there for her. Shravan was still signing the papers and he knew she was watching him.

  Shravan: Suzzane. (Turning to Preeti's PA). Does your Maam always keeps admiring everyone like this?

  Preeti had a perfect "O" Shaped on her lips and Suzzane just smiled.

  Preeti: Shravan. How can you even think So ?? I am admiring you because you are my Husband .!! And you think I see others too?? How sick.!! (She got little frustrated and got up from her chair to leave but he held her hand and then turned to Suzzane .)

  Shravan: Get these Papers Stamped. We will be out in awhile.

  Suzzane nodded a Yes and left the cabin. Shravan made her sit on the chair again and then replied back.

  Shravan: You can play prank on me anytime. Can’t I do that??(He said smirking and she then realized he too was just playing with her.)

  Preeti: But never ever say, I admired someone else other than you. I dont like it. (She commanded and he blinked his eyes gesturing a Yes)

  Shravan: Shall we leave now or you wish to Scan me further??Waise I have enough time to sit here. You have your meeting in few minutes though.

  Preeti smiled at his direct question and then got up to leave.

  Preeti: Will you join that meet?

  Shravan: Not much interested. You carry on. Till then may be I will have a walk around in your Office .

  Preeti: Okay. I will finish the meet and ring you.

  Shravan agreed and Preeti left the cabin only forgetting her Mobile there which Shravan saw only when she left. He took it with him and moved out too.

  In an Hour

  Shravan was fully utilizing his time in taking a Walk in Preeti's office when Preeti's phone started ringing and he checked the caller to be Suraj, his Jeejaji. He answered the call and was about to speak a Hello when he heard Suraj's voice saying "Maasa is back Preeti." ."Raaghav's mother is no one but Maasa."

  Shravan's couldnt understand what all this meant?? And why was his Jeejaji so much concerned to let this fact to be known to Preeti?? Who was this Maasa? He had heard this word sometime back from Preeti too who tried to tell him about their reincarnation. Was it something related to that??

  Suraj: Hello. Hello Preeti. Can you hear me?

  Shravan: Jeejaji.

  Suraj was surprised. Shravan?? Did he just told that all to Shravan??

  Shravan: Maasa?? Who Maasa Jeejaji?

  Suraj (Trying to change the topic): Arre Saale Sahab. How are you??

  Shravan: I am fine Jeejaji. But what were you trying to tell to Preeti??

  Suraj: Nothing. Just called her to inform that Raaghav's mother would be coming soon to India and then we can have the talks ahead.

  Shravan: Ohh!! When is she coming?


  Suraj: I dont know. Raaghav didn’t tell us the date. She is currently in US only. Anyways. You both must be busy. Will ring you in sometime.

  Shravan agreed and then dropped the call. Initially he was just suspicious about Preeti's worries but now he was confirmed. There is something which she is hiding from him. But what??? What is that which even his Jeejaji knows and not him being her husband? He placed the phone back when he saw Preeti coming out of the meeting room. She saw him and smiled at him .

  Preeti: Arre. You here? I was going to ring you but then I guess I left my Phone in the other Cabin .

  Shravan showed her the phone and she was surprised.

  Preeti: Thank God you took it with you. (Saying that she started checking her phone)

  Shravan: Jeejaji had called. Just now.!!

  Preeti (Looking at him): Jeejaji.?? Okay. What did he say?

  Shravan: About Maasa.!!! (He replied firmly looking at her changing expressions)

  Sweat beads had already formed on Preeti's forehead hearing this and Shravan knew what he had to do.

  Shravan: I think there is a lot to talk between us. let’s get back home,.

  Saying that he started walking towards the Exit and Preeti too had to follow him thinking there was nothing she could hide from him anytime. She had to tell him everything.

  US - Mehra House

  Shravan: Crap.!! Utter Crap!! (He said rubbing his forehead). What is wrong with you Preeti?? How can you even create so many links with the present and the past Preeti?

  Preeti: I didn’t create any links. Everything is already been linked with each other Shravan. Me, you, Jeejaji, Raaghav and now even Raaghav's mother.

  Shravan threw the phone he carried in his hand on the bed angrily taking a step towards her.

  Shravan: Enough Preeti. Stop involving Jeejaji and Raaghav in this. I think you need some Psychic treatment. Do you even know what you doing? Preeti I dont say I dont believe in Reincarnation. It’s just that It seems little impossible in our case.

  Preeti: Fine. Dont believe in me. But you believe in your Daadi and Nani at least. Dont you?? Ask them what this is all about and may be then you will get a perfect picture.

  Shravan: Wait a minute. Now Daadi and Nani are also involved?? It’s like my Whole family is involved and I dont know about it.

  Preeti looked down and tried to suppress her feelings. Yes she was wrong that she didn’t inform all this things to him. Infact she had tried before their wedding but he had not believed in her even then and had asked her to stop all this nonsense. And today was no different. He still didn’t believe it.

  Preeti: Well. If you can’t believe in all this. Dont. I am not forcing you. But you not believing it won’t change the Truth.

  Saying that she walked to the Closet to pick her dress and Shravan stood there watching her blankly. It wasnt easy for him to digest this.If even Nani and Daadi are involved in it then there had to be some point to this story. But does everyone who were part of that birth remembers everything?? Or was it just Preeti and Suraj now?? Does Raaghav knows he was Shravan's younger brother in that birth?

  There were so many questions running in Shravan's mind and head no answers for them.

  Raj Mahal

  Daadi (On Phone): Preeti dont cry Bitiya. You know Shravan would react this way. Thats the reason we didn’t tell him anything.

  Preeti (Sobbing): Daadi. But why can’t he understand no one would frame so much right?? And Specially me.!!

  Daadi: Whatever it is. Just come back soon and that may help him to understand all this from our point of view too.

  Preeti: Daadi. Did Suraj tell you anything about Raaghav??

  Daadi: Yes. He did. But Preeti I dont think we should doubt on Raaghav. We feel he is nice guy. And moreover. Even Radhika likes him.

  Preeti: I dont know Daadi. If he is as nice as you guess then I would be most happiest person. But I cannot take risk with Radhika's future. Without having a full knowledge on him and his mother, I cannot be happy with these future talks on their marriage.

  Daadi: Okay. I will make sure I will wait till you comeback. Only then the proposal would be fixed .Fine?/ Now calm down and have good time with Shravan. You need to understand his Point too Preeti.

  Preeti: (Wiping her tears): Yes Daadi. Will call you back. Let me check where he is.

  Saying that Preeti dropped the call and started looking for her husband

  Part 32

  Raj Mahal

  Devi: Saroj. I am really worried now. Does Raaghav and his mother really have a connection with us?

  Saroj: May be Devi. But I didn’t find Raaghav knowing all this. Or else he would have told us.

  Devi: May be he is waiting for us to reveal.

  Saroj: Why would we reveal. We aren’t 100 % Sure. Are we??

  Devi: What about his mother?? She at least is the same Maasa from past. We have her Photo in Yuvraj's room on the last floor. And According to Suraj , The photo which Raaghav showed to him, of his mother, showed the same lady.!!

  Saroj: I am blank Devi. This past is just making me go blank . First Preeti coming to Raj Mahal. And then all those strange things that happened one after the other. Some accidents, Shravan marrying Preeti forcefully, Preeti trying her best to leave this place yet returning back here by some or the other reason, everything just points out to only thing .

  Devi: And what is that??

  Saroj: Things are repeating Devi. Things are repeating from past to present.

  Devi: But we shouldnt worry much . Shravan and Preeti are already married. No one can separate them.

  Saroj: What if Raaghav's mother does the same with Raaghav and Radhika?? (She looked at Devi in fear who was also blank at this guess of Saroj)

  New York , USA

  Preeti was busy in Slicing the Onions for making Shravan's favourite Lunch when she heard her husband calling for her from their room. She asked her maid to continue while she rushed upstairs to check What the matter was. She opened the door and saw Shravan getting ready . Her mood was still off since last night as her husband didn’t reciprocate much to her believes on their past. She made sure she doesnt show him she was hurt.

  Preeti: Kya Hua??

  Shravan ( Putting his Waist coat):I am taking you out for a Lunch. Get ready.

  Preeti: Shravan. It’s okay. You dont need to make up for my Lost mood.

  Saying that she was about to turn back and leave when he pinned her to the wall and she couldn’t do anything to get off.

  Shravan: I am not making up for your lost mood. I wish to spend time with my Wife here before her mother comes here. And I dont think it’s wrong.!!! Stop fussing and get changed. I am waiting down.

  She was so confused. What did it mean? He was showing his possessiveness was still Okay. But what was that sentence saying he wishes to spend some time with her before her mother comes here? Does it even matter to him? She kept looking in his eyes trying to find some genuine answers but he looked at her cheeks and there was smile on his lips.

  Shravan: Were you planning to make Jalebi's??

  Preeti : Yeah. Why??

  Shravan touched his finger on her cheek and then showed her the batter that was stuck. She immediately wiped her cheeks from her napkin that she carried with her in hand and could believe her eyes when she saw Shravan actually tasting that batter which was stuck even to his finger now.

  Shravan: Dont add more sweet. This is perfect.!!!

  Saying that he walked out of the room leaving a Blushing Preeti inside. She was happy seeing her husband trying his ways to get smile back on her face.

  Restaurant

  Shravan: Thats nice. I tasted it for the first time here.

  Preeti: Really? I used to hang around here with my College friends and this was the most liked Dish by everyone.

  Shravan (Continued eating): What else you liked doing in your past?

  Preeti: Painting. !!

  Shravan: Wow. So have you ever tried drawing your Dream Man??

&n
bsp; Preeti smiled. She could feel he was interested in knowing more about her. Why??? Though she liked him doing this.

  Preeti: Many times. But then , I couldn’t draw a complete picture. Sometimes I drew his eyes, sometimes his nose and so on.

  Shravan: HIS?? Wasnt that Dream Man ME??

  Preeti: Ummm.!! If Dream Man are like you Mr Khurana then Girls would stop dreaming.!! (She said almost pulling his leg by her words.)

  Shravan had a perfect What The Hell Expressions formed on his face hearing that she doesnt consider him to be her Dream Man.

  Shravan: I see. And That Yuvraj? Was he a Dream Man type or even he wasnt in the list?

  Preeti was surprised when he asked her this. Yuvraj?? He wanted to know about him?? Wow. That was a miracle for her.

  Preeti: (Almost dreaming): Hayeee. What should I tell Shravan. He was just perfect. He had all the qualities in him which you dont have. (She started laughing and he held her hand on the table.)

  Shravan: Dont forget. According to your Theory, Yuvraj and Shravan are one and the same .

  Preeti: Only Looks Mr Khurana. Otherwise he was totally someone which you aren’t.!! (She replied confidently and he left her hand)

  Shravan: So that means Yuvraj was just unlike me? Opposite tome? (He asked gulping his drink )