Flaming Sun Collection 1: Happily Ever Afters from India Box Set (The Malhotra Bride; Meghna; The Runaway Bridegroom)

by Sundari Venkatraman

  “Mom,” burst out Akshay. “I don’t want to marry a docile ‘yes’ woman who is completely steeped in tradition.” He controlled his shudder as he imagined his life with such a partner.

  Tanuja and Raj were smiling by now. “What kind of girl would you prefer, Akshay? Do you have a particular type in mind? Or—” his father grinned, “May be you’re thinking of someone special?”

  “Dad, please,” Akshay grinned back. “Of course I don’t. You’d have heard of her if there was someone.” Tanuja was glad to see her son back to his cheerful mood.

  “Then what’s your objection to this alliance?”

  “I’m not keen on an arranged match, Dad. Both you and mom know that.” He declared the obvious.

  “Akshay, what do you think of our marriage?”

  Akshay answered without hesitation, “I’d give it hundred percent. That’s the reason why I’d rather wait and have a similar blissful alliance.”

  “Ours was a union arranged by our parents and you just gave us cent percent,” smiled Raj, a loving expression in his eyes as he looked at his only offspring.

  “But then, Dad, you and mom are lucky to have each other. The girls are quite different nowadays. They are out to grab what they can from a man.”

  “The Rishis are already quite rich. This girl, what’s her name? Hahn, Sunita, she’ll not require any monetary support from us.”

  “She’s probably an uneducated dodo.” Akshay could not stop himself from playing devil’s advocate.

  “Akshay, trust your old man to have more sense. She’s a degree holder.”

  “Maybe frumpy and a fusspot,” continued Akshay in a light vein.

  “How do you know? Wouldn’t it be better to meet her in person before jumping to conclusions? I’ve her photo. Why don’t you have a look at it first?”

  “Raj, where’s the photo? Show it to me now. Why didn’t you tell me before?” That was Tanuja.

  Raj removed a full-length shot of Sunita wearing a salwar kameez. Tanuja drew her breath in awe. The girl looked like an angel. She passed the photo to her son without uttering a word.

  Akshay ignored it. “I’m not interested, period. I’m still not convinced that I should meet this paragon of virtue tomorrow. I’m sure it’s going to turn into a horse-circus with all her family members surrounding us and watching the whole show through a microscope. No!” Akshay was vehement in his protest.

  Raj looked at Akshay, “Look here, son. I’ve already given my word to Gokul Rishi that we’d visit them tomorrow. I’m sure you’ll understand that I can’t go back on that. What happens after the visit will entirely depend on you. I don’t plan to press you in any way.”

  Tanuja nodded her head in full agreement with her husband.

  “Okay, Dad. We’ll go. But I hope you don’t expect me to take this wedding business seriously.” With a lightning change of mood, Akshay took Sunita’s photo from his mother’s hand.

  Looking at it he said, “Hmm—not bad, not bad at all. I’m sure she’ll make some guy a decorative wife. I wonder how her upper berth functions.” He tapped his own head.

  “She’s Sunita. And she’s well qualified - holds a degree in Arts majoring in English. She’s attending computer classes nowadays. She rides a horse, drives a car, plays tennis and is an excellent cook,” said Raj.

  “Dad, that’s a thorough study. I suppose it’s like any other business deal.” Akshay was surprised.

  Going rather red in the face, Raj denied it. “No, Akshay, this is definitely no business deal. I don’t intend taking a dowry nor do I plan to exploit the Rishi family in any way.”

  “Sorry, Dad, I didn’t mean it that way,” apologised Akshay.

  “That’s okay, son.”

  “Only, tell me, where does this, umm—, Sunita go to learn computers?”

  Raj contained his curiosity and answered his son’s question “It’s the Webscan Institute at Andheri.”

  “Thanks, Dad.”

  Raj and Tanuja looked at each other but refrained from commenting.

  Three

  Morning found our handsome hero get ready for work quite early. Akshay grabbed a bite of breakfast, gulped down the coffee and rushed out of the house in hurry.

  “Bye, Mom, Dad.” He had left by the time they both looked up from the breakfast table.

  Kamat came up to him with the keys to the Audi. Akshay took the keys, got into the driver’s seat and went away like the wind.

  Sunita’s photo had triggered his curiosity and he wanted to see her in person without the pressure of wedding plans and hovering humanity.

  Akshay had checked her class timings at the Webscan Institute. Akshay looked at his watch. It was 8.55 am. Good. He was on schedule.

  He reached the institute and parked his car on the opposite side of the road. He got out, locked the vehicle and casually walked to the institute’s gates.

  Akshay did not have long to wait. A group of students came out of the building. You couldn’t have missed Sunita. She appeared the brightest among the dozen or so students who stepped out.

  He caught his breath as he blinked a couple of times to clear his vision. The formal studio portrait had done her no justice. This lovely vision that was walking towards him almost knocked Akshay off his feet. She was too busy chatting and laughing with her friends to notice him. Luxuriant dark brown hair hung to her waist. Her eyes were large and expressive, framed by long lashes. He could not miss the luscious lips as she pouted at someone’s comment. It was not just the boys who were listening raptly to her words.

  Akshay’s observant eyes noticed her taut breasts covered by a plain yellow t-shirt. He moved his eyes away with great difficulty to check out the rest of her hourglass figure that was fitted into dark blue designer jeans. The idea of marrying this vision did not seem so farfetched now.

  He shook himself. Looks were not everything. He could line up a bevy of beauties at the flick of his fingers. But they were quite empty and shallow under their lovely hairstyles.

  He was definitely hooked by Sunita’s allure. He would meet her in the evening, despite a big family hanging around.

  The students passed him by the gate. Sunita didn’t even turn in his direction. A mite disappointed, Akshay shrugged his wide shoulders. Time enough for that in the evening!

  While Sunita pretended to be busy talking to her friends, she couldn’t help but notice the handsome hunk hanging out at the gate. She checked him out from the corner of her lovely eyes.

  But he was too attractive! She had met her share of good-looking men. This one was a class apart.

  He was obviously a couple of inches over six feet and broad-shouldered with a tapering waist. God seemed to have been in an extremely benevolent mood when he created this particular specimen. A very broad and intelligent forehead, dark wings for eyebrows, dark eyes, a long, sharp and prominent nose, chiselled lips, the lower one slightly thicker than the one above and a square jaw. Sunita noticed all this in a flash.

  And here she was stuck with Akshay Malhotra. She sighed in frustration. Her chin jutted out stubbornly. She had her plan and was quite confident that she would send Malhotra packing.

  Four

  By 4 pm that evening, the hall at the Rishi bungalow was teaming with people. Sandhya and her husband Raghu had arrived quite early along with their kids Shubha and Shyam. Raghu’s parents had accompanied them. Gokul’s sister, her husband, his younger brother, his wife and niece had also arrived.

  Sunita gritted her teeth as she heard them from her room. It was just the way she had feared. Her father didn’t have a single sensitive cell in his body. Her meeting with the Malhotras had turned out to be a circus instead of being private.

  Sandhya entered Sunita’s room and hugged her sister. She smiled at her exclaiming, “Sunita, what are you doing in that simple cotton sari? You look like an angel of course, but wouldn’t a silk sari be better suited for the occasion?”

  “Why Didi? I feel so comfortable in this.” The sari in que
stion was shimmering cotton and mauve shot with pink. It had a border and pallu in a deep shade of mauve, both embroidered in gold thread with exquisite taste. The colour added to Sunita’s beauty.

  Her jewellery was subtle; the earrings were of gold with a single amethyst surrounded by tiny diamonds. A thin gold chain with a matching pendant graced her slender neck. Glass bangles of mauve and pink interspersed thin gold ones, creating a tinkling sound whenever she moved.

  “But Sunita, not today. A silk sari, Hahn, the parrot green one with maroon border Mamma bought for you last Diwali, would be perfect. And where are your diamonds? You need to wear a couple of thick gold chains and diamond—”

  “Listen Didi, I’m not a mannequin. It’s an important occasion for Mamma and Pappa may be. I’m just a piece of merchandise,” said Sunita, her face turning red in anger.

  “What’s up Sunita?” Sandhya asked in a shocked voice. “What’s wrong with you? You should be in seventh heaven that Pappa got you such a wonderful proposal. The Malhotras are even better in business and finance than Raghu’s family.”

  Sunita’s well-shaped eyebrows met in a scowl. “If I’m lucky, they’re equally so, wouldn’t you say?” she challenged her sister.

  Sandhya smiled as she placed her arm around her younger sibling’s shoulders. “Of course my dear! Akshay is surely a very lucky guy. Believe me when I say things will work out perfectly. Our parents know what’s best for us. Look at me now, I’m married into an affluent family, Raghu is an affectionate husband and I have two lovely kids in Shubha and Shyam. Raghu’s parents shower me with love and affection. What more can a female want?”

  “But, Didi—” Sunita cut herself short. It was no use. They were on different wavelengths. She could see her career plans going down the drain with the kind of future mapped out by her parents.

  “Didi, I’ll go meet Dadaji.” Saying this she left her room, escaping a feeling of claustrophobia.

  Grandpa Ratan’s suite was bang opposite Sunita’s room. She entered the sitting room and closed the door. Grandpa looked resplendent in a white dhoti and kurta. Looking up from the book he was reading, Grandpa’s face lit up with a smile when he saw her.

  “Sunita, my dear, come and sit here,” he invited affectionately.

  She sat on the floor placing her head on her grandpa’s lap. “Dadaji, I feel quite nervous, will you help me?” Her voice was wobbly.

  “What’s it, my child? You look so beautiful, just like your Grandma.” He hoped to calm her down saying that.

  Sunita smiled at him with a tinge of sadness. “Dadaji, I’m petrified of meeting Akshay Malhotra with the whole family hanging around. Will you arrange for a meeting in private? Please.” She did not quite meet Grandpa’s eyes as she said this. Ratan Rishi presumed his grandchild felt shy. He could see the logic in her request. He smiled, pleased that she had accepted the idea of at least meeting the boy.

  “Righto, Sunita, you wait here in my room. Leave everything to your Dada. I’ll personally bring Akshay Malhotra here, and you can get to know each other without interference.”

  Hearing the sound of a car parking on the portico, Grandpa Ratan left to greet the guests. Sunita stood there in her grandpa’s sitting room for a few minutes, quite nervous with what she was planning.

  With a determined set to her chin, she took out the small box of kohl she had hidden in her blouse and rushed into her grandpa’s bedroom. She stood in front of the mirror. She was quite indifferent to the beautiful reflection as she took out some black kohl on her index finger and smeared it in a thick line around her eyes and brows. She also blackened her front teeth for good measure, looking quite bizarre. She draped her sari pallu over her head to cover her lovely tresses. She did not want Grandpa to notice the change in her face.

  Five

  Akshay, Tanuja and Raj Malhotra stepped out of the car to an uproarious welcome. Gokul Rishi led them into the hallway along with a couple of other male relatives, and introduced them to Grandpa Ratan. They all greeted each other with a Namaste - their hands together in front of their chests.

  The atmosphere was festive—noisy and cheerful—what with such a big crowd of relatives thronging the sitting area curious to catch a glimpse of the ‘Boy’ who had come for Sunita. Benarasi silks vied with Mysore Crepes. Sparkling precious gems shone in the lamplight as women walked hither and thither, talking in hushed voices.

  Raj and Tanuja entered the melee wholeheartedly. Akshay’s feelings were mixed. He had come here to meet Sunita. Where the hell was she? What was he doing amidst this crazy crowd sitting like ware on display?

  Tradition demanded that snacks and sweets be offered to the guests. Jamuns, Rasagollas, Pedas along with kachoris and samosas were served. Then came the coffee, tea and fruit juices.

  Akshay eyed everything impatiently, but it was bad manners to refuse to partake in the refreshments. He nibbled at a couple of things and sipped his coffee. He looked around the room. Grandpa Ratan caught his eye and gestured to him to come forward.

  Glad to do something, he went to Grandpa and touched his feet out of respect. Grandpa hugged him, speaking softly in his ear, “Come with me, my boy. Utter confusion reigns here. I’ll take you to meet Sunita in private.”

  At last! Akshay smiled.

  Grandpa was impressed. Akshay’s face lit up with the smile. He was so handsome and endearing that the old man sent up a small prayer to the Almighty that this smart looking, intelligent ‘Boy’ should become his grandson-in-law.

  Those who saw the two of them going up the staircase did not offer to comment since nobody questioned Grandpa’s actions. Sandhya and Leela were glad of the breathing space since they couldn’t find Sunita.

  “I hope the silly girl has not taken it into her head to go out of the house. I’m so worried what your father will say, Sandhya.”

  “Don’t worry, Mamma. I’m sure Sunita will not let us down. Maybe she’s in the bathroom. Or—” Sandhya brightened up, “maybe she finally saw some sense and decided to change into her silk sari and diamond jewellery.”

  Both were relieved to see Grandpa Ratan leaving the room with Akshay in tow. They were glad of the respite—little knowing what Grandpa was up to.

  When they reached the first floor, Grandpa took Akshay aside and spoke to him about Sunita. “My dear boy, I don’t quite know how to put this to you. Sunita is extremely nervous and fidgety about this arrangement. Do treat her with patience. I hope you understand.”

  Akshay nodded his head vigorously. He recognised a kindred spirit in Sunita. “Don’t worry, Dadaji, I’ll be gentle with her.” He also got the impression that the woman he was going to meet was timid by nature.

  Grandpa entered his sitting room with Akshay and saw Sunita standing at the window, her back to the entrance.

  “Sunita,” he called out. “Come here, my dear.” Sunita panicked. How to show her face to Dadaji? She pulled her sari pallu down over her eyes, clamped her lips tightly shut and went forward.

  “Akshay, this is my grandchild, Sunita. She is very dear to me and Sunita, this is Akshay.”

  Akshay could not take his eyes off Sunita. Seeing her in the morning had not prepared him for the lovely vision in front of him. She looked gorgeous in the sari. In a dazed voice, he said, “Hello, Sunita.”

  Sunita gritted her teeth in frustration. What kind of man was he, she wondered, that he was ready to view a strange woman with the idea of wedding her? She gritted her teeth when she realised that Grandpa planned to leave her alone with this monster. Yeah, monster! Who else will want to enter a marriage with a stranger as if it was one more business deal?

  Grandpa turned towards the door. “I’ll leave you children to get acquainted.”

  Sunita clutched his arm in a vice-like grip and spoke urgently, “Please don’t leave me alone, Dadaji.” What a soft, sexy purr! Akshay’s skin broke out in goose pimples.

  “You won’t be alone, Sunita. Akshay’s here with you.”

  Sunita couldn’t even gaze
at Grandpa in the eyes and plead, thanks to her garish make up. Grandpa left, closing the door quietly behind him.

  Sunita refused to glance in Akshay’s direction. She was suddenly struck by a bout of shyness and felt unusually tongue-tied.

  “Come Sunita, let’s sit down.” Akshay walked to the sofa and waited for Sunita to take a seat.

  She sat on the edge of a sofa. He put out a hand, saying again, “Hello Sunita, pleased to meet you.”

  Sunita pushed her sari pallu away from her head and looked at him.

  Wham! You couldn’t make out who was the more startled of the two.

  Sunita recognised the young man she had seen outside her computer institute that very morning. She couldn’t believe it had been Akshay Malhotra waiting to catch a glimpse of her. Instead of feeling flattered, her temper flared at the sneaky way he had gone there to see her.

  Akshay burst out laughing. Under the circumstances, his sense of humour made Sunita angrier. She glared at him, “I don’t see anything funny.”

  “Your expression was priceless when you recognised me,” said Akshay. His face turned smug on knowing that she had noticed him that morning.

  The thought flashed in Sunita’s mind that it was not fair that such a face and body should come along with that deep baritone. She shook herself to get rid of that. Her hair shimmered and danced in the evening light coming through the windows, catching Akshay’s scrutiny. He was floored by her beauty! Was it possible to fall in love at second sight?

  If he had not seen her in the morning, chances were high that he would have been put off by the horrid make-up—childish but effective. Smart girl!

  While she felt foolish about what she had done, Sunita was still determined to get rid of him.

  She sat up straight to look at him defiantly. He could see the light of battle in her sparkling eyes. “Mr. Malhotra, I—”

  “Let’s not be so formal. Call me Akshay. I’d rather call you Sunita—what a lovely name!” he exclaimed, much to her disgust.