Cursed Bride

by Madhuri Tamse

  Sheetal: I am not sure Preeti. I have met her for the first time.

  Preeti: I doubt if she is hiding something from me.

  Sheetal: Hiding?? Why would she hide something Preeti?? She seems to be little more "Buttering Kind" but maybe she is just happy to see you and want you to stay here for longer??

  Preeti finished her unpacking and then closed the cupboard.

  Preeti: Let’s not think about it. Whatever it is. If she is hiding something, we would find it out soon.

  Saroj and Devi were informed of the arrival of Miss Preeti Mehra in Chaddha's House. They were invited to meet this girl here in Chaddha house making sure they don’t let her know the purpose of their visit. Preeti was still unaware of anything as of now. She was with Mr Chaddha at the drawing room learning Piano when She saw Mrs Chaddha getting inside the Music room in the house.

  Mrs Chaddha: ( To her husband): The Khurana's have come to see you.

  Mr Chaddha understood why the family was here. He excused and walked out.

  Preeti also was about to walk back to her room when Mrs Chaddha stopped her.

  Mrs Chaddha: Why don’t you meet them too Preeti. I mean they are a well-known family of Jodhpur. You must have heard of Raj Mahal. The 3rd largest Palace in India. ?? They own it.

  Preeti( Showing a bit of disinterest): Me?? No. I mean. I don’t know them Aunty. I don’t get well along with new faces. So I don’t think I should meet them.

  Mrs Chaddha: Ohh Come on Preeti. If you don’t meet new faces, then how would you get along with them later and be familiar? Look. This family is really important to your Mother too.

  Preeti (Surprised): To Mom? How does she know them?

  Mrs Chaddha: Well. Not much. But she has an interest in building relationships with them.

  Preeti (Raising her eyebrow): What kind of relationships aunty?

  Mrs Chaddha: Business Relationships Beta. What else? Come. I will introduce you to them.

  Saying that Mrs Chaddha held Preeti's hand and took her along with her to the Living room where the entire Khurana Family (except Shravan) was sitting and waiting to see this girl. Preeti was in her Jeans and Top and she truly didn’t understand why it was so important for her to meet this family. She walked with Mrs Chaddha and then finally reached the Living room. Every pair of eyes were staring her and she could feel some nervousness within her which she never felt before when meeting new people.

  Mrs Chaddha: Sarojji, Deviji, She is Preeti Mehra.

  Preeti smiled and stood beside Mrs Chaddha just still unsure of what she needed to do next.

  Anjum couldn’t believe her eyes. Just today morning she was told about this Marriage proposal by her Daadi and Nani and she was ready to see this girl today for her Shravan. The moment she saw Preeti, something was constantly telling her heart that Preeti was the only one for her "Shravan" .

  Anjum: Hello Preeti. I heard you came from US just 2 days back?

  Preeti looked at her direction and replied a firm "YES" without extending her words.

  Anjum: Ohh Well. I am sure you must be feeling uneasy to meet a whole new family like this. Let me introduce you to my family. She is my Daadi, my Nani, my Manveer, My Malti, My Cousin Rajeev, his wife Kriti, My two other cousins - Kishore and Radhika and I am Anjum. The eldest Granddaughter in the family.

  Preeti just couldn’t remember all their names. But she liked the way Anjum made her known to her family.

  Preeti: Nice meeting you all. Big Family haan!! I mean I like to see such Joint Families. Wish I had one. (She said smiling at everyone)

  Anjum: If you can then this family can be yours too Preeti. (Everyone started smiling knowing what Anjum meant . )

  But Preeti smiled taking Anjum's words in a normal way.

  Preeti: So you are 4 cousins then?

  Anjum: No. We are 5. I have a Younger Brother too who is elder to these 3 here. His name is Shravan. He had some work so he couldn’t come to meet .

  The Name "SHRAVAN" almost created some extra beats in Preeti's heart which she herself realized, yet ignored.

  Mrs Chaddha: Preeti. Why don’t you just sit with everyone and talk?? I will arrange some snacks till then.

  Preeti had no idea what she was getting into. She agreed and started talking to the youngsters of the Khurana Family. Kishore, Radhika, Rajeev, Kriti , Anjum everyone were busy shooting questions at her and she felt as if she was been interviewed. Saroj and Devi were calmly noticing Preeti from their places. Was She the one who was destined for their grandson? Would she truly be a good wife and a caring bahu??

  Malti: ( To Devi): Sasuma . Why don’t you ask something to her??

  Devi turned to Saroj and nodded a Yes. They needed to talk to her to know this girl properly.

  Saroj: Preeti. Have you anytime planned to get married soon?

  There was a pin drop silence after this question from Daadi. This was such a direct question and everyone knew it was difficult for a girl to answer to some unknown, unfamiliar family. Preeti wasn’t expecting this but then she was somewhat realizing what was going around her. Everything was now falling in place. How her mother forced her to meet Chaddha family, how she was forced to see this Khurana family even when she wasn’t interested to get familiar to them, the way these siblings questioned her and now the Direct Shot from the head of family. So this was her mother’s plan?? To send her to India and make her meet the Marriage Proposal?? She never expected this from her mother.

  Seeing Preeti all lost in some thoughts and Devi asked the same question to Preeti again but being more gentle and polite.

  Devi: Preeti Bitiya. We just want to know if you have any plans of getting married soon. Where are you lost??

  That sentence made Preeti come back to her sense. She looked at the Two elderly ladies of the family and firmly answered without showing many expressions on her face.

  Preeti: I have no plans to get married for another 3 - 4 years. I have joined my Father's business recently and till I assist my mother in getting this business stable, I have no plans of committing myself for marriage. Moreover, being the only child, I do not wish to keep my Mother so far from me. If I marry, it would be to someone who can settle with me in New York with my Mother. In brief, I have no plans to get settled in India. Excuse me.

  Saying that she got up from her seat and walked upstairs to her room leaving the entire Khurana family in a state of shock. That answer was very much direct and straight enough. They could easily see she had realized what this family was here for. Even Mrs Chadda who was just getting the snacks for the family heard this reply and wasn’t understanding how she needed to handle the situation now?

  Part 3

  Chaddha House - Evening

  Sheetal: What??? You mean the Khurana Family had come with a Marriage proposal for you today?

  Preeti was busy packing her bag. She couldn’t stay in this house any longer. Her mother and her mother's friend Mrs Chaddha, both cheated on her which she didn’t like .

  Preeti: Yes Sheetal. Thank God I realized this on time or else I wouldn’t have known till Mom would fix this marriage.

  Sheetal: That’s really strange. I mean they were really the Khurana family Preeti?? You sure??

  Preeti was confused. Sheetal wasn’t reacting to her talks much but was really excited to know if the marriage proposal was from THE KHURANA Family or not!!! She stopped packing and looked at her.

  Preeti: Sheetal. What’s wrong with you?? How many times should I tell that YES they were the Khurana Family only. Why is it so hard for you to believe??

  Sheetal: (Trying to control her giggles): Did SHRAVAN SINGH KHURANA come here?

  Preeti: Shravan?? Ohh you mean the groom?? No. !! He didn’t. I wished he would have come. That would have made my statement clear to him too.

  Sheetal started laughing loudly at Preeti's words leaving Preeti once again surprised.

  Sheetal: I think you are the first and the last girl who declined SHRAVAN's marriage proposal. Trust me.!!! (She continued
laughing)

  Preeti: Well. Everything has to happen for the first time once Sheetal. I don’t care who that guy is. It’s just that I don’t want to marry anyone as of now.

  Saying that Preeti continued packing her bag while Sheetal continued thinking on the same matter.

  Raj Mahal

  Anjum: But Daadi. It’s not her fault. She wasn’t been told by her family about this marriage proposal and may be in shock she reacted like that.

  Kishore: Yeah I too think like Di. Just like we didn’t inform Shravan , even Preeti was clueless. That’s why we felt her rude at the end.

  Radhika: But I liked her. She is cute.

  Malti: Radhika Bitiya. Don’t go by her face. Who knows what past she carries in New York? She must have some boyfriend. I think Mrs Mehra doesn’t like him and so she wants to get her daughter married here.

  Manveer: Come on Malti. It’s not a movie story here. Preeti looked simple to me. The way she expressed her thoughts about the marriage makes it clear enough that she likes being transparen’t in her behaviour. She or Mrs Mehra aren’t hiding anything for sure. What do you say Amma??

  Devi and Saroj's mind wasn’t working. They were still confused of What should they be thinking of this meeting with Preeti? Should they just forget it and try searching some other bride? Or should they wait and get a proper denial from Mrs Chaddha or Mrs Mehra?

  Devi: I too liked her. But then maybe she is not the one for Shravan. I don’t think she would ever agree for marrying even if Shravan is ready.

  Saroj: Let’s stop this now. (She said frustratingly) Preeti Preeti. Preeti. Since the time we have returned back from Chaddha House everyone is only talking about her.

  There was a pin drop silence in the Living room hearing this.

  Saroj: Forget this proposal. I don’t think this girl can ever match our needs of becoming Shravan's Wife.

  Saying that Saroj walked towards her room and everyone else dispersed too.

  Mrs Chaddha explained everything that happened today between Preeti and the Khurana family to Aarti and she was shocked to know all this. She immediately gave a call to Preeti to talk to her and sort the matter. But Preeti wasn’t getting convinced at all.

  Aarti (On Phone): Preeti Please. Don’t do this. I mean what has Chaddha Aunty done to you? You cannot leave her house like this. Stay for a day more. Please.

  Preeti : No Mom. You should have thought this earlier.

  Aarti: Preeti. What’s wrong in me planning to fetch a groom for you. You know if your dad would have been alive, he would have done this long back. (She said with tears filled in her eyes and a change in her pitch.)

  Preeti easily understood the state of her mother. She melted down.

  Preeti: Mom. It’s ok. Now please don’t remember what dad would have done for me . You mean a lot to me Mom. You have left nothing undone that only dad could do for me. I am sorry for arguing with you. It’s just that I need some time. I am not ready for marriage. And even if I do, you know my conditions. I can’t leave you alone there in US.

  Aarti: But every girl has to leave her Paren’ts house and move to her husband's life Preeti. This is nothing abnormal.

  Preeti: I don’t care . For me you are my priority. Nothing else. I am staying for a day more here. But that won’t mean I am going to see some set of grooms shown by Chaddha Aunty and think of getting settled .

  Aarti knew it was difficult to convince Preeti on this matter. She had to agree for this.

  Next Day

  Sheetal and Preeti were leaving tonight back to Delhi but before that they planned to shop some things from the Jodhpur Market. Preeti very rarely visited India. The last time she was in India was some 5 years back. She always loved the handicraft work sold by the Local people and she was out with Sheetal for buying some handmade artistic Flower Vases. No doubt she could get the best Flower Vase in US, but not the handmade ones like she could get here.

  The market was small and crowded. She was still excited to shop things here. She never thought of class, standard or other things. What she believed was in HUMANITY. No matter rich or poor, every person has a right to live life as per his wish and she never treated anyone inferior before her. She was bargaining for a small Flower Vase and Sheetal was in a store at the side lane to buy some things when Preeti heard the noise of forced brakes been applied by a Car to Stop. The noise was too loud enough to grab the attention of the crowd towards it. Preeti turned immediately and saw a White SUV which just hit a small hand cart loaded with Mud Vases. The person drawing the Cart had parked his Cart to get something from the roadside for a minute when this happened. All the mud vases were broken and scattered on the road. The owner of the Cart rushed at the spot and was looking at his shattered efforts with teary eyes. The Crowd surrounded the Car and started murmuring against this person who drove the Vehicle rashly . But these murmurs were completely Stopped when the person driving got down from the Car. He was a Tall Young Man in a Black Suit wearing Black Glasses. He removed the Glasses and then looked at the Cart Owner. The rest of the Crowd continued being spectators. Preeti also walked towards this crowd to see if the Cart Owner is been given justice or not. She was surprised to see the Cart Owner folding his hands and asking his forgiveness to the same person who just destroyed his means of Daily wages.

  Cart Owner: Pardon me Shravanji. I should have parked the Cart little aside.

  Preeti couldn’t believe this. The Cart was not at all blocking the Road, this person could have easily drove his Car from the side. Then why was this Cart owner being so gentle and polite to this Man?? Only because he was Rich and had power? She had to do something. Little did she knew the person whom she was against at this moment was the same person whom destiny had planned for her.

  The people watching, left back from that spot to mind their own work. Shravan took his wallet out and then grabbed some notes of 1000's and handed it over to the Cart Owner.

  Shravan: This much money is not your daily but your Monthly Wages. Next time make sure you or your Cart don’t cross my paths.

  That’s when Shravan and the Cart Owner both heard an Angry Voice from behind.

  Preeti: EXCUSE ME.????

  They both turned to see a beautiful lady dressed in a Chudidar and looking at them angrily. For first few seconds Shravan's Heart almost skipped some beats seeing this girl before him. But the moment this girl started walking towards them, he came back to his senses. Preeti stood before Shravan , still looking at him angrily as if she was ready in all ways to fight with him.

  Preeti: Do you think you own this road ?? How can someone be blind enough to see how much loss he did to this poor person? Instead of apologising , you are in turn insulting him. ??

  Shravan was only looking in her eyes all the time she spoke to him this. This girl had the guts to talk to him like that. For sure she didn’t belong to this same place. Or else she would have known before whom she was daring to stand.

  Cart Owner: Please Madam. Do not extend this conversation. Shravanji is not at fault. I apologise for all this mess here. (He said bending his head towards Shravan once again and feeling sorry)

  Preeti (Surprised at this act of his): No Chachaji. Why are you asking forgiveness. You don’t need to be sorry for this. He should be asking forgiveness to you.

  Shravan kept looking at the way she was teaching the Cart Owner against him.

  Cart Owner: No Madam. I do not need any forgiveness from Shravan Khurana. I am sorry. I am really sorry for all this.

  Saying that the Cart owner walked back to his Cart and then drove it from that place quietly. Preeti was speechless. Why was that person so much in fear to get justice for himself? She turned back to Shravan seeing him angrily and before she could speak anything to him, he started walking back to his Car. She was surprised. He didn’t had anything to tell after all this?? Was she a fool to interrupt in between this fight? NO>. She wasn’t. She once again angrily yelled at him.

  Preeti: I haven’t seen such a Stubborn Personalit
y ever like you.

  Shravan was about to open his Car door but hearing this, he stopped. She just called him "STUBBORN". He fisted his fingers and turned behind to see her.

  Shravan: Yeah.!! You are right. There cannot be anyone like me here . So now if you have realized this, just walk your path and never cross mine.

  Saying that he opened the car door, entered inside and without even giving a last look at this girl, he drove the car with full speed towards his destination.

  Part 4

  Aarti (On Call) : No way. Preeti how can you poke your nose in between other's matters like this? You shouldn’t have got involved in this fight.

  Preeti : Mumma. You are telling me this. ?? I can’t believe. You taught me what is right and what is wrong. How can I just ignore some poor man getting insulted before a rich stubborn guy?

  Aarti: Preeti. I know that. But you are alone there. I can’t let you get hurt by all this. And please. It’s an unknown place for you. So stop being so kind enough to help others. Is that clear?

  Preeti wasn’t agreeing to this preaching of her mumma but she didn’t wanted to make her mother feel bad by neglecting her words.

  Preeti: I miss you Mumma. I wish you were here. with me.