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

by Sundari Venkatraman

  “Sunita,” Akshay lost his patience, “don’t be silly. I just want to talk to you.” He bent down to lift her legs in. She was wearing a midi-skirt and his touch on her bare legs disturbed her more than she cared to admit. She pulled her legs in a hurry and sat back in her seat, her arms folded primly. Closing the door, Akshay sprinted over to the driver’s seat. Sunita was on the verge of getting out of the car as he got in.

  “Sunita,” For a minute Akshay’s hard tone reminded her of her father’s that she became still. Akshay saw the shock on her face and guessed correctly that he had caused it. He waited for her to settle in before closing the door and driving to McDonald’s in Bandra.

  Sunita didn’t utter a word as Akshay led her into the restaurant. The place was quite empty as they had just opened. He seated her at a table and bent down to whisper in her ear, “Please don’t run away, Sunita. Both of us are hungry. Yeah, I missed breakfast too,” as she looked up in query, “Let’s have something to eat and then sort out our problems.

  Sunita gave him a weak smile before nodding her head. Nothing mattered any more. Her life was doomed.

  Akshay came back with a tray holding two burgers, French fries and two paper cups of hot coffee. Sunita’s mouth watered while her stomach growled but she was too angry to eat. He placed the tray in front of her and sat down.

  “Thanks for not running away,” Akshay placed a hand on her shoulder. He could read the confusion on her face. “Let’s eat first and then talk.” Saying this he popped a potato fry into his mouth.

  “No,” Sunita turned her face away from the food, “I don’t want to eat. You can have my share too.”

  “If you aren’t eating, I won’t either.” Akshay said quietly, pushing the tray away. “But I’m very hungry,” he looked at her, his brown eyes pleading. Was there a twinkle?

  “Akshay, you’re being unreasonable. Why don’t you eat if you’re hungry? I’ve too many things on my mind. But that’s my problem. Why should you go without food?” Her voice cracked with emotion.

  “Sweetheart,” Akshay placed an arm around her shoulders, bent his head close to hers and spoke in her ear. “Humour me this once.” Sunita’s head went up at that. “I know there’s no reason you should, but please,” his breath caressed her ear and drove Sunita to distraction. “And,” he continued, “You’ll be able to better face your problems on a happy stomach.”

  Sunita pulled the tray closer. His blood sizzled as he watched her pearly teeth take a small bite of the burger. “You saved my life,” he joked. “I’ve never had breakfast so late in the morning.” The hunk obviously needed his calories to start his day, thought Sunita as she devoured the food.

  Suddenly remembering, she checked her watch to see that it was 11 am. “I need to go home,” she insisted.

  Akshay’s cool was wearing thin. “Sunita, Dadaji knows that you’re with me. There’s no need to rush.” His voice grew impatient as he continued, “You are twenty years old and it’s broad daylight. Why panic?”

  “You don’t know my parents. My mother worries too much and my father has a vicious temper. Why do you care anyway?” asked Sunita bitterly. “And what are you doing here? Don’t you have to work?” she frowned at him.

  Akshay shrugged his shoulders. “I don’t think I’ll be of much use at work in the state of mind I’m in,” he said, looking out of the corner of his eyes to check her reaction.

  “Why? Are you having trouble at home too?”

  Akshay did not deny it. Only he did not clarify that it was Sunita’s advent into his life that disturbed him.

  She was surprised. How could such a confident guy not be able to handle his problems?

  “You tell me, Sunita. Why are you upset?” There was genuine concern in Akshay’s voice.

  Sunita could read the sincerity in his question as her mind worked better on a full stomach. Looking at him, she said in a bitter voice, “Congrats!”

  Akshay heard the sarcasm. Puzzled, he asked, “For what?”

  “You’re right in guessing that my parents plan to get me married to Tom, Dick or Harry. I didn’t take you seriously when you warned me last evening. I heard my parents discussing alternate plans in case you said ‘no’. My father’s actually planning a swayamvar, no less.” Sunita grimaced, her slender body shuddering in distaste.

  Akshay could relate to her anguish and wished to God that he hadn’t been proved right. He had planned to court Sunita over a few months and make her fall for him. But it looked like he had no time.

  “Sunita,” she turned around and glared at him. “Come on, Sunita, you don’t blame me for this? Don’t give me dirty looks. I’m doing my best to help you out of an impossible situation.”

  “I don’t like your solution.”

  Akshay shrugged. “I can’t think of an alternative. I s’pose you must lead your life the way you want. Excuse me.” He got up to get some mineral water, giving her time to think about it.

  Sunita realised she was depending on him to come up with a way out. She felt so alone in the world.

  Akshay stood near the sale counter for a while before returning to their table. She waited in vain for him to say something as he sat there quietly.

  “Akshay,” he turned to look at Sunita, an eyebrow raised in query. The words stuck in Sunita’s throat. He was a stranger but she needed his help, desperately. Why was he so quiet? Sunita looked at him pleadingly.

  “What’s it?” Akshay asked.

  “Tell me what to do, please,” Sunita placed a hand on his arm. Akshay put his right hand on hers to reassure her.

  “Listen to me, little one. I can promise you freedom from your parents. But for that you’ll have to marry me. I can’t just take you away from them—”

  “Hey,” Sunita’s eyes lit up, “I can always run away.”

  “Where to?” asked Akshay reasonably, “and do what?”

  Sunita’s face fell. “Sorry I interrupted. Please continue.”

  “Just that one condition,” Akshay took off from where he left off, “the wedding ceremony, a change in your name, status and address. After that you are free to choose the kind of life you want to live, your time will be your own, no interference from either me or my parents.” His voice was hypnotic, painting an attractive picture of her future.

  “But won’t it be risky—?” asked Sunita.

  “Of course there’ll be some risk involved. You’ll have an altogether different way of life. One thing I promise is to protect you from hurt. It’s up to you now.” The ball was in her court.

  Sunita desperately tried to think of another option. Nothing came to mind. The restaurant started crowding and the two of them got up by mutual consent to leave. They got into the car without talking, Akshay waiting patiently for her decision.

  Sunita looked pathetic. “Akshay, I’m scared,” her voice was hoarse.

  “Do you need more time?” asked Akshay gently.

  “No,” Sunita cleared her throat. “No, I don’t. Let’s get married,” she gave him a nervous half smile.

  “I promise you that you’ll never regret this decision,” said Akshay solemnly, holding her hand in his. “I’ll let my lawyer make a pre-nuptial contract for three years.”

  Sunita sighed softly as she straightened her shoulders, bracing herself for the future. She had the look of one who has burned her boats.

  Seven

  While the rest of the world slept, Sunita lay wide awake in bed thinking about her impending marriage to Akshay. The thought had been with her through the day, extremely disturbing. She could neither concentrate on her yoga nor the books she loved. She shut her kindle reader and put it away before going to stand at her window. Faint moonlight shone over the lawns in the still of the night. The light breeze blowing through the window could do nothing to soothe her nerves.

  She was too angry with her father to say it in words. And Akshay—she was sure he was taking advantage of a bad situation. Her mind oscillated to and fro, weighing his personality. The nex
t minute she thought ‘Akshay’s not like that. He wouldn’t take advantage of her.’

  What in case he had been bad looking or uncouth or both? Should she thank her lucky stars?

  Akshay was a perfect catch as far as the society was concerned. He was tall, dark and handsome. He was an MBA, heading a successful business. He was rich and an only child. More than all these he had one special quality that Sunita appreciated. He was chivalrous. A rarity indeed! Then there was the charm that oozed from every pore in his body.

  Sunita finally came to the conclusion that she probably had the better deal. A light colour ran up her cheeks when she recalled his heartbreaking smile while he gave her his complete attention. A woman could feel cherished. She would probably be the envy of all girls her age when their betrothal was announced.

  Being the positive soul she was, Sunita began looking at the whole issue constructively. It slowly dawned on her that her future just might be an interesting adventure just as Akshay suggested. Her face relaxed into a smile for the first time since morning.

  Her mobile vibrated as if on cue. It was Akshay, of course. He was surprised to hear the soft and breathless “Hello.” He thought that he might have to work hard at pacifying her. She had been so upset that morning.

  “Hi, sweetheart,” he called out cheerfully. “Miss me?”

  “Well, er—, I was just going to sleep.” Sunita bit her tongue. What a stupid thing to say.

  “Oh, did I disturb you? Lemme apologise. I’ll call you tomorrow.”

  “No, it’s okay.”

  Akshay grinned to himself. “If you’re sure! Do you have a clue about our engagement? There’s no sense waiting. What say?”

  She was startled. Why the rush? She uttered the words aloud without meaning to.

  He was quick to reply, “I thought you want your freedom. The sooner we get married, the faster you get to pursue your dreams.”

  “Hahn—Yeah, but—”

  “You meant it when you said ‘yes’ this morning, right?”

  “Of course—”

  “Leave everything to me. Lemme handle the arrangements.”

  “Akshay, you don’t know Pappa—”

  “Sweetheart, you don’t know me.”

  “My name is not Sweetheart.”

  “Don’t you like it?” His voice dripped honey across the phone. “I find you a sweet heart. Are you annoyed that I haven’t taken your permission? Lemme set that right. Please Sunita, may I call you Sweetheart?”

  No answer from Sunita. She was not even sure whether to laugh it off or be angry. It just struck her that the man she was going to marry was flirting with her. Was that allowed? They had agreed to sign a contract. But then, how could she stop him? Or was he just being friendly?

  “Sunita—” Akshay was still waiting for her reply.

  Which sounded sexier, Sunita or Sweetheart? ‘I suppose it depended on the voice’, she thought. What was it about his voice that when he uttered her name every nerve in her body leaped in response? Was she singing a different tune now that she had accepted that they were getting married? Was such a thing possible? He was a natural flirt. Should she fall for that?

  But she was young and had never had a boyfriend. Maybe she could have some fun?

  “Are you there?” The sexy baritone crooned in her ear.

  “Hmm.”

  “Sleepy?”

  “Nope.”

  “What’re you doing tomorrow?”

  “Nothing special—I have my classes in the morning. I don’t have an agenda after that.” She thought for a few seconds before continuing, “I should’ve joined the Interior Design course back in June. But as you can see, I’m doing nothing,” she ended bitterly.

  “Sunita,” his voice softened to calm her nerves. “Look at this year as a well-earned holiday. You must’ve worked hard for your degree. You can get back to the Interior Design course next June.”

  “Do you think so?” She sounded like a child who wasn’t sure of getting the joy ride she’d been promised.

  “I know so. This year we’ll get to know one another and travel whenever possible. Would you like that?”

  She nodded, forgetting that he could not see her.

  “Sweetheart?”

  “Oh yes! I’d love that.” She didn’t sound too sure. She feared that her dreams may fall apart yet again, as they had done so many times before.

  “Hmm—you aren’t too sure. Just wait and watch! I’ll pick you up at 6.30 tomorrow evening. Do be ready to go out.”

  “Are you crazy?” Sunita was shocked. “We aren’t even officially engaged.”

  “I don’t plan to get engaged,” he said firmly. “Let’s get married directly.”

  Sunita had the feeling of having stepped on a roller coaster and not knowing when it will stop. He just didn’t know her father or his bull-dozing tactics. If it was not her life that was involved, she would have been quite excited to watch this battle of wills.

  When she didn’t speak, Akshay said, “Leave your Pappa to me. I can handle him.” Had he read her mind?

  “You don’t know Pappa. He’s very strict. My sister Sandhya had not met my Jeeja even once before they got married.”

  “Do you want to go out with me?”

  A frown puckered Sunita’s forehead, “Why should we go out?” she asked innocently.

  “How else can we get to know each other?”

  “But this is not a regular wedding. We plan to part ways after three years.” Sunita was genuinely confused.

  An exasperated Akshay frowned at his cell phone. She was Gokul Rishi’s daughter, after all. “Sunita, all said and done, we’ll be sharing a home for that period. Doesn’t it make sense getting to know each other before taking such a big step?” he asked, hoping to beat her with his logic.

  Sunita was torn between his reasoning and her father’s strict upbringing. Gokul Rishi will never agree to their outing. And here was Akshay, insistent that they go out together. What was a woman to do?

  “Sunita,” Akshay’s voice shivered into her ear, sending goose bumps up her body.

  Her voice shook lightly when she replied, “Yeah?”

  “Will you be ready at 6.30 tomorrow?”

  Sunita felt a tad irritated with his persistence. She wondered why her life was surrounded by dominant men.

  Was that fair to Akshay?

  He got impatient. What the hell was her problem? Can’t she just treat it as a date? What was the fuss about? He little knew that Sunita had never been on one before.

  “Okay,” was the squeaky response.

  “Huh?” said Akshay, not sure he’d heard right.

  “I’ll see you at 6.30,” she replied firmly. “And don’t tell me I didn’t warn you about my father,” she added for good measure.

  Akshay couldn’t stop smiling at her words. “No worries. You sleep tight. I’ll see you tomorrow evening,” he said before hanging up.

  A dreamy smile appeared on Sunita’s face as she got ready for bed. Some of her modern friends had boyfriends and they were all excited about it. She’d never paid attention as she knew her parents were too strict. But it looked like there might be some thrill in her life too. Will Akshay be able to convince her father? The smile never left her lips while she slept.

  Eight

  Akshay was in high spirits when he landed at the breakfast table at eight in the morning.

  “Morning, Mom,” he kissed her cheek.

  “Good Morning, Akshay. Did you sleep well?”

  “And how! How about you? And where’s Dad?” He looked at the clock on the wall. It was 8.05. That was late for Raj Malhotra.

  “Very well,” said Tanuja, answering his first question. “Your dad’s on the phone with Sunita’s father. Tell me something,” Tanuja asked him eagerly, “Do you like her? Are you ready to get married?”

  “Mom, I’m truly caught, hook, line and sinker,” he grinned at her. “Sunita’s the girl of my dreams, although—” a frown marred his perfect features.<
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  “Although what, Akshay?”

  “Sunita doesn’t seem keen on getting married. It was quite a job getting her to agree. She’s still a kid, actually. She’s scared of the responsibilities that come with marriage—you know housekeeping and all that.”

  “But we have enough people to run our home.” Tanuja stated the obvious.

  “Exactly what I told her, Mom. She also wants to be a career woman—quite unheard of in the Rishi family.”

  “I hope you made it clear we’re different?”

  “You bet. I think she needs us. By the way, I’m planning to take her out today. She’s had a raw deal with too many restrictions at home, I feel. She’s worried her father will not let her go with me as we aren’t even engaged yet.”

  “What kind of nonsense is this? How else will you get to know each other? Should I ask Dad to talk to Mr. Rishi?”

  “No, Mom. I’ll handle that. I need a favour from you.”

  “What favour, Akshay?” That was Raj Malhotra. He came and sat beside his son at the table. “Good Morning,” he smiled. “How do you like the idea of marrying Sunita?”

  “Love it Dad. Am I glad that you insisted that I meet her! I’m in love.” Akshay’s face turned red as he said this.

  Raj threw back his head and laughed. He clapped his son on his back and congratulated him.

  “This is great. Tanuja, pass me the sweets.” Raj took a peda from the tray his wife offered and fed it to his son.

  “Now tell me, what do you want done?”

  “Dad, let’s forget the engagement and directly have the wedding—as soon as it’s possible. And Sunita brings nothing with her when she comes to our house. I’ll provide all her needs as she’s my wife.”

  Raj heard the possessive note in his son’s voice and smiled. “By all means, Son. I’m proud of you. But we need to have a betrothal function, Akshay.”

  Tanuja smiled, “Like father, like son.” She hailed from a poor family and Raj had provided everything for her at the time of their wedding and borne all the cost of the ceremony as well.

  “Okay then. I’ll see you guys in the evening.” Akshay got up to leave.