Whoa, Dad. Didn’t know that following your orders would make you so generous. I quickly named an amount.
It’s quite cheap how you’re taking advantage of their happiness, Naina.
Why lose an opportunity when it’s presented, inner voice? I call it chance pe dance. Who knows when it’ll come again?
I called Rohan as soon as I landed. Thankfully he picked up.
‘Hi! I’m in Delhi,’ I informed him.
‘Oh. Wow.’ Rohan seemed taken aback. ‘I wasn’t expecting that.’
Is that a good or a bad thing?
‘I wanted to talk to you about a couple of things. What’s your plan for the day?’ I asked him. I couldn’t believe I was being so formal with my soon-to-be-husband.
‘Let me call you back in two minutes?’ Rohan said.
‘Sure, okay.’ I hung up.
Had I made a mistake by coming to Delhi? The self-doubt was slowly creeping in.
My phone rang. It was Rohan’s mother.
‘Naina, what an amazing surprise! You’ve made me so happy, beta. I’m truly blessed to have got such a sweet and beautiful bahu. Rohan is lucky to have found you, my dear,’ she said sweetly.
I laughed nervously. I really wasn’t used to so much sweetness.
‘Thank you…Mom,’ I said. I’d forced myself to say mom.
‘You have to stay at our home, Naina. You should have let us know earlier that you were coming, beta, I would have sent Rohan to pick you up!’ Future mother-in-law exclaimed.
‘Mom…please, not this visit. I’ll feel more comfortable in a hotel this time around. Promise, next time,’ I said quickly. There was no way I was staying with them!
‘Fine. I’ll let you have your way this time. Will you please come home for dinner tonight? You can finally spend some time with us in an informal manner, beta. The last time you came home it was all so chaotic,’ Rohan’s mother said.
‘Sure, that sounds good, Mom. I’ll see you in a couple of hours.’
I had wanted to spend some time with Rohan alone. Going to his house wouldn’t give me any time alone with him.
I sighed. There was no way out of this.
…
What should I wear?
What does one wear on the first official visit to one’s future house?
In the one week that had passed, I had slowly become used to the idea of marriage and in-laws, which is why I wasn’t so freaked out about going to the Agarwal residence tonight.
On my arrival at the hotel room, I found a huge bouquet of flowers and a cake waiting for me. The bouquet had a card that read:
Welcome to Delhi! Love, Mom, Dad, Rohan & Shreya.
It was a sweet gesture that made me more comfortable about being in Delhi unannounced.
I dialled Sunaina’s number. She would know what I should wear. The line was busy. Sunaina had been mysteriously absent for the past one week. She’d told me that she was staying back in Delhi to spend time with her Delhi cousins the last time I’d seen her. I wondered if she was still here.
Naina, you’ve come here to spend time with Rohan. That’s your priority.
You’re right, inner voice.
I decided on a knee-length dress. It seemed appropriate for meeting the in-laws. My Dior black clutch went perfectly with it.
I reached Aurangzeb Road before time. I didn’t want to be late.
The estate was well lit, and looked pretty against the dark backdrop of the night.
The door was already open, and I saw Rohan’s mother waiting for me at the entrance. She was dressed in pants and a flowy top. Thank God I had chosen a dress and not Indian clothes. That would have been embarrassing.
‘Welcome, Naina beta. I’m so happy to see you.’ Rohan’s mother hugged me close and gave me a kiss on the cheek.
This woman really had the ability to make me feel all warm and gooey inside. She was just so sweet and loving.
The foyer had been decorated with flowers, and there were lit candles everywhere. If this had all been done in my honour, I was feeling pretty special.
‘Come, beta. Everyone’s waiting for you inside.’
She led me to the huge drawing room, which oozed luxury.
I hadn’t had a chance to see it the last time I was here. There was a vast collection of art adorning the walls, and I could see M. F. Hussain’s masterpieces staring back at me. There were at least three Hussain paintings in one room alone.
Nice.
Rohan and his father were sitting on the sofa at the far end of the room. They got up to greet me. I noticed that Shreya was absent.
‘Welcome, Naina!’ Rohan’s father’s voice boomed. I touched his feet.
Shit. I’d forgotten to touch the mother’s feet.
Rohan said, ‘Hi, Naina. It’s good to see you.’
‘At least give her a hug, for God’s sake! She’s going to be your wife!’ His father said loudly.
Rohan awkwardly gave me a side hug.
‘Shreya had to attend her best friend’s birthday dinner which is why she couldn’t join us tonight. She was really looking forward to seeing you, Naina,’ Rohan’s mother said smilingly.
‘That’s okay. No worries,’ I said.
‘What will you drink, Naina?’ Rohan asked.
‘Uhhh…Just water is fine,’ I said. I wasn’t sure if his parents would be okay with me gulping down alcohol in front of them.
‘You can have wine if you want. It’s completely fine by us,’ his father said.
‘No thanks, Uncle. Maybe later,’ I said quickly.
Thankfully, he didn’t correct me when I said Uncle.
I sat down across them, and took a quick look at Rohan.
What was he wearing?!
He wore a pair of tight black jeans with an equally tight black t-shirt that said Hugo Boss in big letters.
He looked like a body-builder, in all honesty.
I averted my eyes and sighed in resignation.
‘Suchita! Where are the starters?’ Rohan’s father barked at his wife. ‘Why is everything always so late in this house!’
Oh, God. He was being mean to her again.
Rohan seemed oblivious to his father’s tone. This was normal for him.
‘I’ll call for it, dear.’ Future mother-in-law hurried off, leaving me with the two men.
Should I follow her? I felt extremely out of sorts in this surrounding.
Follow the mother!
‘I’ll go see what Aunty is doing,’ I said. I’d decided to listen to inner voice.
‘Rohan, show her where the kitchen is,’ the father commanded.
I picked up my clutch and followed Rohan down the winding gallery leading to the kitchen. Most of the walls had some painting or the other adorning it.
‘We love art,’ Rohan explained. ‘I’m especially fond of Raza. Do you like his work?’
‘Yes, it’s amazing,’ I lied.
I made a mental note to Google Raza.
We reached the kitchen where, along with a dozen staff members, Rohan’s mother was adding final touches to the food. Why wasn’t she letting the staff do the work?
Future mother-in-law saw me standing across the room with Rohan and said, ‘Just give me a little time, dear. Rohan’s dad likes his food in a certain way and I don’t want to disappoint him. Rohan, why don’t you show Naina around the house? Give her a proper tour.’
I wondered if Rohan was as particular about his food as his father was.
Will I have to cook for him?
I shuddered. I didn’t want to think about these things till they actually presented themselves.
‘C’mon, Naina. Let’s go. I need a smoke, anyway,’ Rohan said. He started walking.
The Agarwals were obviously very brand-conscious. I could see a sofa with a Versace print in the distance.
‘I’ll start the tour with my room. Hopefully, you’ll like it. If not, we’ll have to get it refurbished,’ Rohan stated.
Hmm. Interesting. This was the first s
ign he’d given me of us sharing something together.
Ask him, ask him, ask him!
‘Rohan, if you don’t mind me asking. Are you okay with things? You know ... me and you,’ I said quickly before I lost the courage.
Thank you, inner voice.
Rohan looked at me with alarm in his eyes. ‘Of course, Naina! I’m sorry if I’ve been so distant and aloof. I recently got out of a long-term relationship which is why it’s taking me some time getting used to things.’
So he did have a reason! I sighed with relief.
We had reached his room. There was a huge pile of clothes on his bed with tags still on them.
‘That’s okay. I just wanted to make sure you’re fine with…stuff.’
‘Oh, yes, definitely. I really like you, Naina. I’m the one who said yes to you, remember?’ Rohan said as he removed the pile of clothing from his bed.
Yes, I did remember. I didn’t care that Rohan needed time to process stuff. I needed time as well.
‘Okay. I’m glad we got that out of the way,’ I smiled. ‘So, did you go shopping?’
His face lit up. ‘Yes, I did. Bottega Veneta, Canali, Boss, and Burberry had their new collection come in the other day at Emporio. Would you like to see what I got?’
Rohan looked so happy while discussing his retail therapy that it almost made me laugh.
‘Sure. I would love to.’
…
That night, I slept like a baby.
At least, I didn’t have the gnawing worry that had been troubling me for the past week. Rohan and I were on the same page, and that was such a relief.
Last night’s dinner had gone off fine enough. The food had been spectacular. Rohan’s mother had ordered black dal for me from Bukhara as I’d told her that I loved that restaurant.
I’d been in food heaven.
During dinner, Rohan had informed me that he had an extremely important business meeting the next night that he couldn’t cancel. Since I’d flown in unannounced, I didn’t feel disappointed about him being busy.
I remembered that a friend of mine from Boston was working in Delhi, and made plans to have dinner with her.
While deciding what to wear for dinner, I realized that my black clutch was missing.
Shit. I’d left it behind at Rohan’s house.
So careless, Naina!
There was no way I could go out tonight without it – it had my credit card and ID.
I tried calling Rohan, but there was no answer. He must be in the middle of his meeting.
I called his mother next. She picked up on the second ring.
‘Yes, beta, I’m sure it’s at home. Unfortunately, your Dad and I had to step out to a friend’s place, Naina. I’m so sorry I won’t be there. If I had known that you were coming home, I would have dropped everything and spent time with you, my darling.’
She was so sweet.
‘It’s okay…Mom. I’ll go collect it.’
I quickly got ready and called the concierge to arrange for a car for the entire evening.
I could easily go to the Agarwal residence to collect my clutch, and still be on time to meet my friend afterwards.
Unlike the previous night, Rohan’s house wasn’t lit up when I reached the entrance. I couldn’t see any cars in the driveway except a Honda Accord. It hadn’t been there the night before.
Maybe they were simplifying their tastes a bit, I smirked to myself.
The main door was slightly ajar. I looked around, but couldn’t see anyone. There was not a single house staff around.
Maybe they’d been given the night off or something.
Either way, I just had to collect my clutch and be on my way. I was trying to remember where I’d left it.
There was a dim light on in the foyer as I let myself in. I quickly hurried to the huge drawing room and turned on the nearest light. My clutch, unfortunately, wasn’t here.
It had to be in Rohan’s room.
I turned off the light and turned towards the stairs leading to his room. Empty houses were so creepy. Especially when they were half dark.
I couldn’t wait to get out of here.
A light shone from under the door of Rohan’s room. He must have left the lights on.
As I inched closer, I could hear a sound through the door. If I wasn’t mistaken, it sounded like someone moaning.
I took a step closer. It was definitely someone moaning.
My first thought was to turn around and leave the house immediately. Maybe it was a staff member inside, taking advantage of the house being empty.
Or maybe it wasn’t a staff member.
If it was Rohan with another girl, I definitely wanted to catch him red-handed. He might be with that ex-girlfriend of his that he was talking about.
The moaning was getting louder.
I turned the door handle and prepared myself to see the worst.
It was definitely Rohan.
He was standing up with his head thrown back, eyes closed, moaning in pleasure.
He was obviously getting a blowjob.
Only it wasn’t a girl that he was getting a blowjob from. It took me a moment to process what I was seeing.
Oh, crap.
‘AAAARRRGGGHHHH!’ I screamed loudly.
‘Fuck! What…’ Rohan shouted in surprise.
The boy, who was on his knees in front of Rohan, turned around.
It was Vidur.
‘NAINA!’ Rohan exclaimed in horror.
I quickly turned and ran down the stairs.
Rohan was, without a doubt, extremely and irrevocably, gay.
How could I have been so blind?
All the signs had been there. His obsession with clothes, the way he wore his clothes, his boy-crew…and, primarily, him never making a move on me…
God! And to think I had been whipping myself for being a jerk!
I almost fell in my hurry to get out of the house.
‘NAINA! Hold on!’ Rohan had followed me to the front door. He had also zipped up his pants. ‘I, uh, don’t know what to say.’
‘There’s nothing to say, Rohan. I think what I saw spoke volumes.’
‘You weren’t supposed to see that.’
‘When exactly was I supposed to see that, Rohan?’ I asked calmly. ‘After we were married?’
I was surprised at how calm I was. Mostly because I knew that this nightmare was finally going to end. Apart from my initial shock, the emotion that I was feeling was, relief.
Utmost relief.
‘Well, yes. I wanted a wife who was going to be my cover to the world. And my parents,’ Rohan said in a low voice. ‘They’ve always had their suspicions. I can’t describe how happy they were when I said ‘yes’ to you.’
I kept quiet. I was processing everything he was saying.
‘Since you came across as extremely submissive, and someone who wouldn’t create much trouble, I figured you would keep my secret safe with you.’
‘You know what, Rohan? Fuck you. You had no right to mess with my life, you asshole. Your parents, especially your mother, don’t deserve this lie that you’re portraying to the world. But, in a way, thank you. You’ve made me see life more clearly.’
With him looking baffled at my last statement, I took my ring off and threw it at him.
I got into the car and left the Agarwal residence forever.
My mind was once again numb and dumbfounded.
I sent a text to Mom and Dad respectively: The boy you chose, the one you forced me to get engaged to, is gay. The engagement is obviously off. I don’t want to see either of you. I’m going to Mumbai – Your forever obedient daughter.
Chapter 21
Two months later
‘Naina didi, I’m really going to miss you.’ Neesa hugged me.
‘I’ll miss you too, Neesa. I can’t believe your summer break is over and you’re leaving for London already.’ I hugged Neesa back.
Neesa was leaving tonight for London and going back to uni
versity for her final year. Whereas, I was finally going back home to Indore.
I had spent the past two months in Mumbai with her, and Mama Mami.
‘Will you come visit?’ Neesa asked me.
‘I don’t know, Neesa. Actually, you know what? I think I will. Pretty soon,’ I told her with a smile. ‘As for now, I think it’s time I went back home and faced Mom and Dad.’
‘Have you spoken to them at all? Regarding…you know what.’ Neesa was obviously referring to the Delhi debacle.
‘No, not really. I’ve hardly spoken to them. You know that. And when I have, I’ve not mentioned my main issue with them,’ I said.
You will have to, Naina. Sooner, or later.
You’re right, inner voice. It’s time to face the music.
‘Anyway, are you excited to go back?’ I asked Neesa. We’d almost reached the airport .
‘I really am. Now that Sid is out of the picture, I think I’ll actually enjoy college much more. Earlier, I was so preoccupied with him…my life revolved around his plans,’ Neesa explained. ‘Now, I’m mentally so much more free and relaxed!’
‘I’m so proud of you, Neesa! You’re right. Boys are not worth it. Life is just too complicated,’ I sighed.
Naina, you’ve become so cynical. Should we be concerned?
No, inner voice. I don’t think so. I’m just a bit tired, that’s all.
We’d reached the domestic terminal. I got my luggage out and hugged Neesa a final time.
‘See you soon, Neesa. I’ll keep you updated,’ I smiled at her and walked into the terminal.
I checked in my luggage and went through security. I still had forty-five minutes to kill.
My phone buzzed. It was a text from Yohaan:
Can’t wait to see u. Come soon.
I smiled. Yohaan and Avishi had visited me twice while I was in Mumbai. Avishi had to leave for university, so, sadly, she wouldn’t be at home when I reached.
My siblings had tried to get me to talk about the incident, but it was as if I had clammed up. I didn’t feel like talking to anyone about it. It wasn’t that I was upset about calling off my engagement. On the contrary. I was ludicrously happy it had got called off. God knows, I didn’t even like Rohan. What really bugged me was the fact that had my parents listened to me, this entire fiasco could have been averted.
Wake up, girl! Page 11