"No...It is just that... Just that," I stuttered...
"I understand, sweetheart! Don't spoil your makeover, yea?"
I smiled and nodded. All of us left our house. They locked the house while I took my place in the car with my mum, dad, Arun and Tanya.
***
We arrived at the wedding hall and I grasped my mom's hand. She kept whispering that it would all end well and that I could meet them whenever I wanted. It eased my nerves a bit.
I was taken to a room in the wedding hall which was labeled as the bride's room. It was opposite to the groom's room.
All my friends came and surrounded me. They started teasing me. I was extremely exasperated!
"Guys! Just stop it! Please!!" I cried out.
My best friend from high school, Shalini came to my rescue. "Guys!! She is having an arranged marriage, for god sake! You are making it tough for her."
I thanked Shalini silently. She acknowledged it and sat near me. "Don't worry, Shakthi! You both are going to rock together."
Has she seen him?
"Did you see him already?" I questioned
She nodded positively. "I bet you both are going to look great together." She beamed and pulled me into a tight hug.
"love you!" I told her.
"Aww! Love you too," she replied.
In a few moments, I heard a voice. "Bring the bride!! It's time already."
I suddenly felt someone touch my shoulder.
"Mom!" I sobbed when I saw her
"Shakthi, calm down, dear. Just relax!" She tried to pacify me.
"It is time. Shall we go??" she asked.
She wiped away my tears. I had a last look at myself in the mirror. Nothing was out of place.
Mom took me out of the room to the stage. There was a huge audience; my relatives and his.
Then my eyes caught Gautham. He was in a silk dhoti, an unstitched piece of cloth wrapped around the waist, and a white silk shirt. He was bright and handsome. He carried the traditional attire so well which made me jealous. His hair was neatly done with gel, his broad shoulders fit neatly into his shirt and his muscles were visible through his shirt.
He smiled at me and I smiled back.
Then I was made to stand on a small stool that was made of gold, having various mantras inscribed on it and it was only a few inches above the ground.
I stood on it, but even then I didn't match his height, he was way taller. His silvery grey eyes caught mine and it only tensed me up. All our close relatives and friends surrounded us on the stage.
Then my uncle gave me the mala and his uncle gave him his.
We were asked to exchange the mala thrice and we did it as we were told.
There were a few other rituals that were done before the clock struck Seven.
The priest shouted "Ketti melam...ketti melam,” meaning, the auspicious time has arrived. Tie the sacred thread. The words sent chills down my spine.
Gautham tied the first two knots around my neck as his sister tied the last knot. Uncontrollable tears rolled down my cheeks. I looked at my parents and their eyes were also filled with happy tears.
"You are married, Shakthi," Shalini whispered in my ears.
Reality hit me hard.
Chapter 6-First Conflict
Shakthi's pov
I didn't know why! But after that I didn't look at Gautham.
Though we were together to do all the rituals, I couldn’t.
You can call it frustration. If not for him, I wouldn't have been separated from my family.
During lunch, when Gautham was asked to feed me sweets, I was grumpy. I have spent twenty five years with family and was about to leave them. Yet he smiled as he moved sweets towards my mouth.
"Stop smiling, will you?!" I snapped
He scowled. But, I had too much on my mind to care about his feelings right now.
***
It was almost evening. It was time for me to leave my parents and go to my new house that was Gautham's; which was at his native place.
I hugged my mom. "I don't want to leave you all, Mom! Please!" I pleaded, though I knew it would be of no use.
"Shakthi, marriage is a part of every girl's life! Every girl has to leave her family one day."
"That is why I never wanted to marry!!" I cried harder.
"No, dear! You will not regret this decision ever and why are you even worrying?? We are in the same city, so you can meet us whenever you want!" She consoled me.
It made sense. I nodded and smiled at her through the tears, while I wiped her tears.
My father gave me the strength to face my life. Be it my studies, my work, anything and everything. He was my strength and would always be.
I hugged him. "Take care of your health, Dad. And don’t forget to take your tablets!" I sobbed again.
He nodded with a smile and gave me an encouraging pat on the back.
"Shakthi! Just remember one thing in life! Don't give up at any point! It is your life; live it the way you want!"
"Gautham, she is my princess. I am giving her to you, trusting you totally. Please treat her like a queen."
I cried harder listening to my father's words, not hearing Gautham’s reply.
I smiled at my dad and hugged him once more. "Love you, Dad," I whispered.
I saw my brother waiting. "Listen, Arun! I will whack you if you don't take care of our parents properly." He laughed.
"Of course, Shakthi! And don't forget that you always have a brother to talk to, when you are in need!" I chuckled at his emotional words. I didn't know that my brother had grown up so much. We hugged.
I also bid my byes to my grandparents, aunts, uncles and my dearest cousins.
After the last minute talks, we were taken to the parking lot.
The car arrived .Gautham and I sat inside with the chauffeur in front.
My luggage was loaded in the car and it came to life. It was going to be a long drive.
I was now settled and my tears also dried up.
Fifteen minutes had gone by since the car came to life, but not a single word was exchanged. He didn't even bother to console me. How insensitive can a person be??
I looked at him. He grimaced at his phone. It wasn't he who left his family. It was me who had to bear such pain. Why was he annoyed? If someone should be annoyed, it should be me!
Oh wait!!
I snapped at him during lunch and that was why he didn't utter a single word.
Should I apologize? It was not his mistake for not understanding me. We hardly knew each other. So I really can't expect him to know my feelings.
"Gautham??" I called him as softly as possible.
I had never been so soft, ever.
He didn't reply. He pretended I didn't exist!
I repeated, "Gautham??" this time a bit louder.
"What??" he barked.
Shit! What was that?
"Excuse me?" My anger boiled.
He looked at me questioningly.
"It was your mistake! You couldn't even understand what a girl had to undergo when she leaves her parents and all the while you kept smiling and when I was trying to apologize since I thought I was rude, you are shouting at me??"
His expression changed after my outburst. It softened, like he realized something.
"Shakthi, I am totally sorry! I really am! I totally misunderstood!" His tone was sincere.
"It is fine, Gautham! And let me make it very clear!! If I am wrong I will apologize, if I am not, I will stand up for myself and I will not compromise at all!!"
He chuckled... I was serious and he was laughing!
"I am serious! Why are you laughing??"
"You can turn into a lioness anytime!!" he stated.
"Oh yes! Don't underestimate me!" I joined him, laughing hard.
"So, do you want to work further??" he asked
"Of course, out of question! Why??" his question was ridiculous
I was amused. I wouldn't choose such a difficult profe
ssion if I were to sit at home and hatch eggs.
"I was just curious, because many girls will want to enjoy their married lives without work pressure."
"Do you think it would be wise of me to quit my job?? And wait, whatever answer you give won't change my decision of me continuing."
He smirked
"No! It is not about you quitting your job. I was just thinking, you know, maybe we can start a firm together??"
That was really unexpected.
"Gautham, I am totally fine with the firm idea. But, I think we need more experience, say at least five more years?" I suggested.
"You are right, that will do and it looks like you are thoroughly planned."
I laughed. "Sure thing!!" I rolled my eyes.
Soon we started receiving calls from our friends, congratulating us. His friends spoke to mine and mine to his.
The time flew as we reached his house.
Chapter 7-The Talk
Shakthi's pov
When we reached his house, we were asked to do certain rituals. Every ritual had a meaning behind it. I never knew the meaning until today.
His house was as big as mine. But, my house was more traditional and his was totally modern.
It was four in the evening when my sister- in- law took me to a room.
I was guessing it was her room. It was vast and luxurious. I was famished and requested her to get me something to eat. She made me sit and gave me some food. It was really sweet of her.
She became more than a friend to me. She was a beautiful person. She filled the place of a caring sister. She was with me from the moment I was married, helping me and getting me things I wanted.
"Sri!!!" someone called her.
"Shakthi, you just finish the food while I look into what is needed.”
I nodded, smiling at her. I was done with the food and used the washroom and when I stepped out of the restroom, Sri was already waiting for me with a gorgeous saree in her hand.
"Wear this and get dressed, Shakthi! People from your house might come any time!"
"Okay!" I shrieked, taking the silk saree from her.
It was just too beautiful for words. It was an ink blue saree with a beautiful and an elegant peacock on the pallu. It was just marvellous. I couldn't ask for better.
I quickly changed and draped the saree neatly around my body. I braided my hair and touched up my makeup. Just when I was done, there was a knock on the door.
I opened it to find Sri waiting for me. "Shakthi, you look gorgeous! Simply wow!" she shouted.
"Shh!! People are there!" I silenced her, not wanting to attract attention.
Sri was followed by my mother-in-law. "Shakthi, dear! Shall we go?? Your relatives have arrived!"
This ritual was that the groom's family invited the bride's family for dinner so that the bride's family can be assured of how well their girl was being taken care of.
***
I was talking with my friends and cousins and out of nowhere they pulled Gautham into the conversation which soon turned into a photo session.
It was really awkward when my friends were pushing me closer to Gautham, making me embarrassed. It was getting onto my nerves but I tried my best to stay calm.
Just this day, and no more teasing! I kept telling myself.
We then had our dinner and soon the time arrived for my family, relatives and friends to leave.
My mom suddenly wanted to talk to me. "Shakthi…erm..Actually"
"What is it, mom??" I was concerned
"Be careful, Shakthi! This relationship is the most delicate relationship. Be very careful with your words!"
"Mom! Get to the point!" I was curious to know what she was trying to say.
"Shakthi..Today is your wedding night! Do you know what you are-"
I started laughing and she stopped. She was trying to give me a sex talk! She still thought I was her little innocent daughter!
She looked at me confused.
"Why are you laughing??" she was clueless.
"Mom, I understand what you are trying to hint at! I get it! You don't worry!"
She seemed convinced and enveloped me in a hug as we had our last moments together.
Soon they left.
***
Everyone had left and the noise slowly settled down.
It was only Gautham's family and his very close relatives with us.
They were all talking, while Sri ushered me into her room.
"Sri! What the hell are you doing" I was confounded.
"Quiet!" she ordered, locking the door behind her.
"Time to make some changes," she said, eyeing me from head to toe.
Out of nowhere, she pulled my saree inches below my navel.
"What are you doing?" I yelled.
"Getting you dressed for your wedding night."
What?
"You are slim and you have nice curves, you know!" she commented, which I ignored.
She was married and as far as she told me, she had an arranged marriage as well.
Does she expect me to have sex with Gautham tonight?? As if what she thought was going to change my decision. But, I was shocked at her actions.
"Sri! You think that I will do this tonight!"
She laughed. "Of course, not!"
"Then, why are you doing all this?"
"I just want my brother to know, what he has and what he wanted and we have to make him realize that you are more precious than any other girl!"
There she goes. He was definitely in love with another girl. I should talk to Gautham about it.
He was not going to cheat on me, right? I was hoping.
When I was about to ask Sri of whom the girl was, a giggle erupted from, I guess Gautham's cousins who were standing outside the locked door.
Sri gave me a last look. "Perfect!" she breathed out and went to open the door.
Her cousins barged into the room.
One of them commented, "wedding night preparations are going on!" She winked
"Can't wait to meet your hubby, can you?" A few chorused.
Duh! NO.
I just smiled at them and they assumed I was blushing.
Soon, a few of his relatives took me to what I assumed to be his room.
They pushed me in and shut the door behind me.
I looked around the extravagant room for Gautham. He was nowhere to be found. Where was he?
I saw my suitcase lying on the table.
I opened it and took out some of my night clothes.
I zipped it up and went to washroom to change but wait, it was locked.
Oh!! Perfect!!
Gautham was actually in the washroom.
I waited patiently. But, still there was no sign of him. He takes more time than a girl! What the hell was he doing inside? This saree was also becoming uncomfortable to stay in.
I switched on the television to pass the time until he was ready.
I started flipping the channels when the president finally decided to come out! He had changed into his casuals and looked dangerously handsome.
"I thought you literally slept inside!"
"Very funny!" he snarled. He looked pissed off.
I wanted to talk to him about what Sri told me. But, I decided to ask him about it after going back to Chennai and once when everything settled.
Suddenly, his eyes roamed over my body. I was suddenly becoming diffident. I was never stared at like this.
I ignored him and got into the washroom to escape his heated gaze.
I undraped my saree and had a quick, hot shower.
I got into my regular night clothes and put my hair in a messy bun.
Now I felt refreshed without any makeup.
When I was done, I joined Gautham in the room. He was watching news.
Without wasting any more time, I laid on the bed, enjoying the feel of it.
By the time I settled, he had switched off the television.
I became anxious due to the silence.
I was just staring at the ceiling.
I finally heard him. "Shakthi?"
"Hmm??" I said, not trusting my voice.
Suddenly my phone went off. It was Shalini. I put it on silent and continued.
"Yea, you were saying something??"
"Erm..yea, actually.." he started to stammer. I knew what he was coming to.
"I understand. We cannot consummate our marriage without even knowing each other."
He seemed to relax. Was he thinking that I actually wanted to have sex?
"Thank god, Shakthi!! I was thinking if this would upset you," he sounded relieved.
He really did think that? Did I seem so desperate?
"I am not upset at all! I just can't have sex with a man I hardly know, right?"
He smiled in agreement.
"Yea! I can't believe that the fourth real conversation that we are having is, about sex." I rolled my eyes and we laughed.
"And yea, tomorrow we are leaving for Chennai at four in the morning and by evening we can see our new house. My parents will also be coming with us."
"Okay, sounds like a plan and for now I am going to sleep! Goodnight, Gautham!!" I yawned, letting sleep consume me.
Chapter 8-My Life's New Turn
Shakthi's pov
I woke up the moment my alarm rang!
It was already two. I should have a shower and get dressed!
As I got up, I heard Gautham questioning me sleepily. "What is the time?"
"It's two," I answered and took my clothes from the neatly packed suitcase.
He sprang up from the bed. Maybe he was tense about leaving on time or something. I went for my shower.
After having a nice hot shower, I slipped into a black jean with a simple V-neck t shirt.
As I was changing into my clothes, I heard Gautham's voice. He clearly wasn't asking me for something! It was evident that he was on the phone. Who was he talking to this early??
When I was done dressing, I unlocked bathroom door and entered.
"I love you too," Gautham hushed softly into his phone
Whom was he talking to? I wasn't in a single relationship, but look at this man! I fumed. If I were pure he had to be.
I banged the restroom door close to observe his reaction.
"Okay, will talk to you later" he murmured into his phone when he saw me coming out and hung up quickly.
I'm All Yours Page 3