Cursed Bride

by Madhuri Tamse

  Preeti was shocked. This house was Maasa's?? Then why did Shravan get her here?? She wanted to ask Shravan this, but of course not before Maasa. She remained quiet.

  Maasa: Welcome home Shravan . I was waiting for you. (She then turned to see Preeti ). And hello Preeti.

  Preeti just faked a smile and then she and Shravan took a seat on the Couch opposite to Maasa.

  Shravan: So. As I said Mrs. Ahuja. I. (He was interrupted by her the same moment)

  Maasa: Mrs. Ahuja?? Don’t act so formal Shravan. We are not meeting professionally here. Call me Aunty. Like Preeti does. Hai naa Preeti??? (She laughed a little only making Preeti little more scared.)

  Shravan: Whatever. Can we just speed up the marriage process?? I don’t think we have a need to delay.

  Preeti was surprised. Her husband wish Raaghav and Radhika's marriage to speed up?? That means he wants this marriage to even happen? Why?? Doesn’t he feel anything wrong between Raaghav and this Maasa still?

  Preeti: Shravan . But. (She turned to her husband to explain him while he pressed her hand and replied back affirmately.)

  Shravan: I spoke to Radhika last night. She has confessed to Raaghav that she loves him. I think She would be happy with Raaghav Preeti. He is a nice guy.

  Preeti: It’s not the question of him being Nice or not. They have hardly met and.

  Shravan: Did you forget how quickly we had to get marry?? You forgot how circumstances tied us together in one bond when we didn’t even knew each other well???

  Preeti: Shravan. Our case was different.

  Shravan: And may be even Radhika and Raaghav's case.

  He didn’t bother to explain Preeti anything much. He looked back at Maasa and replied. She was surely enjoying this little change of opinions between the couple which was benefitting her in some way or the other.

  Shravan: We have almost finished our work here. So me and Preeti would be returning back in 2 days to India. Will expect you soon there to start with the marriage rituals.

  Maasa: Surely. I am more eager than you both. !! (She gave an evil grin and then continued staring at Preeti to see her reactions.)

  Preeti knew it was of no use talking or convincing Shravan here at this place. This Maasa won’t let her speak anything . So she remained quiet accepting what her husband decided.

  India - Raj Mahal

  So now the Whole family was surprised with the sudden decision of Shravan to get Radhika - Raaghav married soon. Specially Suraj , Nani and Daadi. They did discuss a lot on this. They knew from Suraj that Maasa has returned back just like Raaghav did. But does that even matter. They had no proofs that Raaghav and Maasa were on a Negative mission . Suraj though had some strong negative vibes for Raaghav, hearing everything from Preeti what happened in New York, like their meet with Maasa and all and Shravan's different reactions in seeing Maasa, he still wasn’t convinced. He wanted to know what was Shravan feeling?? Was he even remembering the glimpses of his Past??

  Nani and daadi were neutral. They never thought Maasa was negative in her last birth. No doubt she did wrong by separating Yuvraj and Chanchan but that doesn’t mean they should be getting scared of her in this birth. Everyone were enjoying this news of Radhika - Raaghav marriage soon on cards and so was the to be couple.

  Radhika: (Eating the Sweets stuffed by Anjum in her mouth): Di. Enough. I will be diabetic If I eat anymore.

  Anjum: We have got such a good news and you want me to Stop??

  Raaghav: Di. She is just scared of putting On her weight. That’s it.

  Kishore: Raaghav . She was always like this. Very conscious.

  Raaghav: But I don’t care even if she becomes Fat. That’s fine with me.

  Radhika kept on blushing while the others teased her. Suraj wasn’t comfortable with such topics around. He was about to leave when Raaghav called him.

  Raaghav: What happened Jeejaji??? You aren’t reacting much to this news?

  Suraj: (Faking a Smile): Nothing like that Raaghav. It’s just that things are happening pretty fast.

  Raaghav: You worried for your Saali right?? Don’t be.!! I will take care of her. She is mine now.

  Suraj: Not yet Raaghav. She isn’t yours till you both get married.

  Raaghav: Well and that day isn’t far then Jeejaji.

  Suraj: Hmm. Let’s see.

  Saying that Suraj left for his room and Raaghav could sense something going on in Suraj's mind. Was he suspecting him to ditch Radhika in future?? He thought on this for a second or two and then returned back to the Radhika - Anjum - Kishore group.

  Mehra House - New York.

  Preeti was packing her bags not caring that her husband Shravan Singh Khurana was trying to talk to her since an hour, but she wasn’t responding.

  Shravan: Preeti come on now. It’s really wrong what you doing. I fixed Radhika and Raaghav's marriage because I could see a Need of it to happen. And I don’t think I did something wrong.

  Preeti: (Stopped packing and looked at him): If you think it’s right then why are you explaining me ?? You don’t owe an answer to me Shravan. Radhika is your sister. You have a right to take decision for her. But that doesn’t mean you ignore things going around you.

  She was about to walk back to the Closet to get her things when he stopped her holding her hand.

  Shravan: I am not ignoring things going around me. I am sensing things better than you.

  Preeti: Better than me?? Really Shravan? You don’t even remember a bit of our past and you can sense these things better than me? How ironical is that???

  She tried to get off his grip but he only made it tough for her .

  Preeti: Leave me.!!

  Shravan: I won’t.!!! (he said in a very romantic way and his smile was actually driving Preeti more mad)

  Preeti (In anger): Shravan. Don’t act smart. Leave me before I actually push you back.

  Shravan: You will push me back Preeti? (He asked in a very husky voice and Preeti was sensing he was acting little light hearted now)

  Preeti (Still being firm): Want a demo ??

  Shravan smiled and was about to say something nice when they both heard a Car Horn and knowing it’s her Mum's car, she pushed him screaming. "Mumma is back". "Mumma is back home" . left down. Shravan could just smile at her innocence. He was seeing the same "CHANCHAN" in her which he never knew even existed inside her. How did he miss all her cuteness all these days. His Chanchan was before him, as his wife and he didn’t know . In fact even if he knew, he didn’t believe.

  YES. Shravan Singh Khurana did get some flashbacks of his past a night before and he thanked Mrs. Khushboo Ahuja for this. If it was not her, he would never have realized what it was to get your Love in your life. Only after her saw Mrs. Khusboo Ahuja, he could realize that there was some connection between him and her. And there he started hunting his past birth by fighting his mind. Nevertheless he couldnt remember much. Just some glimpses of his Maasa and him and some with his Love Chanchan too. Especially the ones during Diwali.

  FLASHBACK STARTS

  PAST BIRTH - Raj Mahal - Diwali

  The Whole Raj Mahal was covered with lights and Diya's. The Occasion of diwali was always celebrated with much enthusiasm in this Palace. It was a double occasion for Yuvraj specially to celebrate it. Chanchan's birthday and Diwali were on the same day . He was searching for his Chanchan in the whole house but he didn’t find her anywhere. He asked some other Maids if they have seen her but to no use. Nobody knew where she was. Finally he came to the backside area of the Raj Mahal and found her planting a small seed in the ground. He was surprised to see her doing this. Making sure she doesn’t know he is behind her, he just whispered in her ears slowly "Janam din Mubaarak ho. " (Happy Birthday).

  She got up instantly getting scared by the closeness he shared with her and moved back.

  Chanchan: Aap? Aap yahan kyon aaye?? Kuch chahiye tha kya?? (You??? Why did you come here? You needed something??)

  Yuvraj nodded a Yes smirking and she already knew
why he smirked like that.

  Chanchan (Teasingly): Accha. Toh Karuna se keh dijiye. Woh aapko de degi. (Okay. So tell karuna. She will give it to you.)

  Yuvraj: Humme joh chahiye woh Karuna nahi de sakti.!! (What I want, Karuna can’t give me that)

  Chanchan: (Again Teasing him): Toh phir Raadha se kahiye. Woh aapko manaa nahi karegi. (Then ask Raadha. She won’t deny you. )

  Yuvraj (Taking a Step towards her): Karuna, Raadha yeah iss duniya ki koi bhi ladki humme woh nahi de sakti jo humme tumse chahiye. (Karuna. Raadha. Or any other girl in this world can never give me That which I want from you. )

  Chanchan : Accha. Aisi kya khwaaish hai aapki?? (Okay but what is that demand of yours?)

  Yuvraj stood some inches before her and then replied in a confident tone.

  Yuvraj: Humme tumhe Apni Dulhan ke roop mein Dekhna hai Chanchan. Shaadi Karogi mujhse?? ( I wish to see you as my future wife Chanchan. Will you marry me?)

  Chanchan was totally red blushing hard and he could easily notice that. She rushed away from him smiling, holding her Lehnga so as to increase the speed of her run.

  Yuvraj : Arre Chanchan Jawab toh deti jaao? (Chanchan atleast give me some reply. )

  Chanchan: (Stopping and turning behind) : Abhi nahi Yuvraj. Pehle Maasa se baat kijiye. Tab Jawab dungi. (Not now Yuvraj. First talk to Maasa about this and only then I will reply. ).

  FLASHBACK ENDS.

  There were tears of happiness in Shravan's eyes remembering these moments. How deeply Yuvraj had fallen in love with Chanchan. What if he couldnt marry her in his last birth?? He did that in this birth. Yet there was so much Space between the two. In the last birth, they loved each other and couldnt get married. And in the present birth, they got married and were still searching the LOVE factor between them and hopefully now since he remembers a bit of their past, he would find this LOVE Factor soon, completing their relationship in every way.

  Part 35

  Aarti Mehra was finally in US, back to her Daughter and SOn in Law. Preeti was the happiest person as she missed her mother truly in all these days. Not that she didn’t enjoy with her husband here, she did. But missing her Mumma was also a part of it. She and Aarti were in the Kitchen making the final Salad as per Shravan's taste for the Lunch when Aarti asked Preeti.

  Aarti: So you really had a good time with Shravan then?

  Preeti (Munching a Cucumber): Hmm.

  Aarti: You don’t sound so baby.!!! Nothing can be hidden from your mother. Remember that.

  Preeti: Mumma. (She said hugging Aarti from the side.) He sometimes really amuses me. I don’t understand what goes in the back of his mind. His decisions, his thoughts are so complicated to understand.

  Aarti: So that’s the problem?? (She said looking at her daughter.).Okay tell me one thing Preeti. (She made Preeti look at her now). Do you trust Shravan?? I mean do you think he is capable of managing his family and business in his way??

  Preeti: Of course Mumma. No one can beat him in that. He might have unusual ways to manage them, but he can never fail in his job.

  Aarti: See. That’s the answer. Just leave it to him. If he has decided something then there must be something behind it.

  Preeti could see there was a point in her mother’s words. Yes, if Shravan had speeded up with Radhika - Raaghav's marriage even after knowing his past, then there had to be some valid reason. She agreed to her mother’s advice. She will need to just sit back and watch. Her husband would do it all for her.

  India - Raj Mahal

  Raaghav(On call): Maaa. You don’t know how much the family is happy here. All are just waiting for you to come.

  Maasa: (On call): Let them wait for some more time Raaghav. Let them live some days peacefully. Because once I am there, no one from that family would ever be happy.

  Raaghav: Maa. But what have you planned ??

  Maasa: Your marriage. What else. ?

  Raaghav: Marriage??

  Maasa: Yes and that too with the right girl.

  Raaghav: How is that possible Maa?? Preeti is married.

  Maasa: And you very well know how many ways I have to separate them?? Just wait for some days and watch Raaghav. Preeti would be soon yours.

  Raaghav was about to continue when he saw Radhika in his room with his Juice.

  Raaghav: Maa. I will call you later. Woh.!!! Radhika has got my juice. Let me drink this and call you back.

  Maasa: Radhika?? Well Pass the phone to her then. Let me read her voice at least.

  Raaghav was little hesitating to pass the phone to Radhika , but he couldnt deny his Maa. He passed the Phone to Radhika who was really scared to talk to is mother.

  Radhika: Hello Aunty.

  Maasa: Hi Radhika. Such a cute voice you have. Shows how much gentle and soft you are. My Son is really lucky to have you.

  Radhika just blushed and continued.

  Radhika: Aunty. I heard You met SHRAVAN and Preeti there.

  Maasa: Ohh yes. That’s how we fixed the marriage of yours and Raaghav. I must say your SHRAVAN loves you very much. Even if Preeti didn’t show much interest in this marriage so soon, he went against her and fixed it.

  Radhika was little confused. Why didn’t Preeti want this marriage to happen soon. ?? She didn’t question anything else. She just talked casually to Maasa and then gave the phone back to Raaghav to speak and left the room.

  Raaghav: So. Did you read Radhika's voice? How is she?

  Maasa: Very sweet. I could see she really loves you.

  Raaghav was all quiet for a moment. Hearing from his Maasa that Radhika truly loves him, he felt little uneasy. But he couldnt go against his Maasa in anything.

  US - Mehra House

  Shravan: Lovely Salad Aunty. You really have magic in your hands. (He said munching his salad and Preeti frowned at him)

  Aarti (Smiling): Thanks Shravan. I will make some more for you at tonight's dinner.

  Preeti had a perfect "O" Shaped on her lips. She immediately poked her nose in between this conversation.

  Preeti: Haww. Mumma. I made it for Shravan. He is praising you for that and you accepting??

  Shravan and Aarti both started laughing seeing Preeti's uneasiness and there she understood it was just a Play. They both were purposely doing this.

  Aarti: Saw Shravan. My daughter is even jealous of her mother if her husband praises his Mother in law.

  Shravan (Smirking seeing Preeti): She's turned out to be a Possessive Wife

  Preeti blushed and continued having her dinner.

  Aarti: Ohh yes. She always had that trait in her. But I guess making you two stay alone here for some days brought it out of her. I so repent coming here in US. You guys couldnt spend much time here. And now I am back and you both planning to leave for India.

  Shravan: Aunty. What do you mean leave? You won’t join us? It’s Radhika and Raaghav's marriage.

  Aarti: I will join Shravan. But may be in some days. I have lots to finish here.

  Preeti: I will miss you Mumma.

  Aarti: You won’t. Your In laws are better than Mumma. They will always keep you happy. More than me.

  Preeti had tears in her eyes. She left her Dinner and hugged her Mother going to her chair and Shravan too felt bad for her.

  Preeti: Promise me you will come soon.

  Aarti: Promise baby. I will.!!

  Preeti kissed her mother's cheeks and then sat back for having her Dinner.

  Shravan: She always kisses like this when she is happy?

  Aarti (Smiling): Yeah why?

  Shravan just smirked and nodded a NO. Preeti was already shy hearing Shravan asking this to her mother. They all quietly continued their Dinner and then were off to their respective rooms.

  India - Jodhpur

  Radhika and Raaghav were out for some shopping. Actually Shravan and Preeti were coming back in two days and hence it was Raaghav's plan to shop something for them and surprise them. Since the two were now going to get married, the family allowed them to go for Shopping toget
her.

  Radhika: How is this Raaghav? (She said showing him a Wall Clock)

  Raaghav: (Laughing): Radhika every room of Raj Mahal has more than 2 wall clocks I guess. Choose something else.

  Radhika frowned and started looking something else. She finally found a Wall Hanging and she showed it to him.

  Raaghav: Wall Hanging?? You know your brother right? He just doesn’t like all these stuffs. He need a Grey white room with minimum interiors.

  Radhika: Ohh God. Whatever I chose till now, you have a reason to reject them all. Now you search . I am done.

  Saying that she walked to the Accessories section to check some earrings for her and he started fetching something for Shravan and Preeti. Finally he thought something and then asked the Sales person to pack it and then came to Radhika.

  Raaghav: Done??

  Radhika: How is this earing?

  She said getting those earrings near her ear and showing it to him. Raaghav was already admiring Radhika in those.

  Raaghav: Cute (Saying that he took them in his hands). But it will look nice only after you wear them.

  Saying that he made Radhika wear those earrings and she absolutely stunned seeing him like this.

  Radhika: You finalized their gift?

  Raaghav: Yes. And packed it too.

  Radhika: What is it?

  Raaghav: Surprise.

  Saying that he just winked at Radhika and then walked to the Bill counter to make the payment.