Cursed Bride

by Madhuri Tamse

  Anjum: WHat happened Shravan?? Is there still something for you to say that you weren’t wrong?

  Shravan: Di. I dont want to discuss anything now. Please. Leave me alone.

  Anjum once again walked to him and stood facing him.

  Anjum: You dont want to discuss doesnt mean I would leave this room before getting an answer from you Shravan. At least not this time.

  Shravan: (In anger): What answer do you want from me DI??

  Anjum: One simple Answer from you Shravan. (She said looking in his eyes). Would you Accept Preeti as your Wife now??

  Shravan: What The Hell.!!! Di I dont give a damm to this unwanted relationship. Accepting her as my wife is just next to impossible.

  Anjum (With her questioning eyes): Next to Impossible?? Let me remind you Shravan. You just filled Preeti's maang by Sindoor. It’s not that simple for her and the whole family to ignore that deed of yours. You believe or not, she is your wife now. I just wanted to know if you still have some pity for that girl and realize what you have done. But this is too much to expect from you.

  Giving her short lecture, Anjum walked out of her Shravan's room.

  Saroj: No Devi. I cannot accept her as the Bahu. Relationships are never built by Hate. And the way all this happened just wasn’t right. Shravan was full in rage. Preeti was in a state of Shock. It was like a Play for them both. No one can accept this relation. No one.

  Devi: Saroj. Are you forgetting something?? Didn’t you see what all happened yesterday between Shravan and Preeti?? If you dont remember then let me remind you . Preeti asked Shravan if He would marry her or not. She was wearing a RED Saree and that too in a Typical Khurana Family Bahu style.And not just that she carried a KNIFE with her. Can’t you join all these Dots and understand what all this means? All these incidents is leading us to only one conclusion. This Ought to Happen. Preeti had to be the Bride of Raj Mahal and she is now. You or I cannot ignore or change this fact.

  Saroj just blankly sat on the chair and closed her eyes.

  Aarti was in Preeti's room and she was packing the Bags. Her and Preeti's bag. She was still in a state of shock to realize what all happened last night. Preeti was still sleeping and Aarti worried how she would be handling her daughter once she gets up? Thats when Anjum walked inside their room.

  Anjum (In surprise): Aunty. What are you doing?? Why are you packing the bags?

  Aarti (Ignoring her). She didn’t respond anything but continued packing. Anjum walked to her and stopped her from zipping the bag.

  Aarti waved her hands off her and continued zipping the bag.

  Anjum: Aunty. Please,. I am really Sorry for what all happened. I apologize for what Shravan did. He was wrong. We all know that. My family accepts what wrong he did. But please. Do not leave like this. At least not until everything is sorted out.

  Aarti: Sorted out?? Really Anjum? You still think things can be sorted ?? Dont forget Anjum, your Brother did the most ill thing last night with my daughter. I know Preeti acted before the family. But she did this on Kishore's and Radhika's pleads. My daughter could never do anything like that. And in return what did she get?? An unexpected, unwanted Bond?? No way. Me and my daughter , both, dont accept that deed of your Brother. We will leave this house at once . I am taking her back to US. Today. I can’t let her wait in this house even for seconds.

  Anjum was about to reply when She and Aarti heard the silent Sobs of Preeti who had now got up and was sitting on the bed and crying once again remembering what all happened. Anjum truly felt bad for her. Aarti rushed to the bed and hugged her daughter.

  Aarti: (Caressing her back): Preeti. Dont cry beta. I am here for you. I won’t let this family ruin your life like this. Just stop crying now.

  Preeti looked at Anjum who was also weeping standing there at the bed edge, looking at Preeti. Preeti touched the Sindoor on her forehead and continued crying. Anjum had no idea what she needed to do. Should she be convincing her family or to Aarti and Preeti. ??

  Radhika and Kishore had confessed the whole thing before the Family and even Aarti. The family wasn’t sure how they needed to react to it. Should they just accept Preeti as their Bahu now and get Shravan and Preeti properly wedded or should they just ignore it still. Saroj and Devi were very much angry on Radhika and Kishore for this act.

  Devi: Your one act has spoiled two lives Radhika and Kishore. How can you be so senseless?? Dont you know Shravan's anger? You should have told us about this. Infact you should have told Shravan about this. But no. You guys just plotted a plan to get rid of Sonia and see what this all has led to.

  Kishore: Nani. Please forgive us. Please. We really didn’t expected this Play to turn out like this.

  Radhika: Yes nani. And since we have done this all, we both will try to make SHRAVAN and Preeti understand . For getting married properly. Saroj was speechless. These kids are now planning to get Shravan and Preeti together forever?? How can they?? She can never accept that. She was about to say something when Aarti herself spoke.

  Aarti: No Radhika. I can never let my daughter be here and continue this relationship with your brother. The way he handled this situation last night. His anger. His words. I can never let my daughter lead a married life with him. Never.

  Devi: Aarti Beta. I understand this. But what Shravan did was purely seeing the hurt that his family got because of that Play. He cares a lot for us. He can never see his family in pain. And once Preeti is part of this family, he could also care for her.

  Saroj was still not happy with all this.She didn’t wanted this Preeti to stay there in Raj Mahal forever being the Bride . But she wasn’t getting a chance to speak.

  Anjum: Yes Aunty. And didn’t you see when Sonia asked Shravan to throw Preeti out of this house, how he responded to her?? He said that "Preeti would go nowhere. She belongs here. " I could sense a kind of unknown possessiveness in his voice that time. As if he has already started caring for her. Just give him once chance to fulfil his duty Aunty. Please.

  Aarti still thought of giving it a chance and let her ego go off , She could have told a Yes to the pleads of this family, but then she heard a Straight "NO" from HIM. Everyone turned around to see Shravan all dressed to leave for his work. He looked quite normal as if he wasn’t affected an inch from all this.

  Shravan: Even if the whole family, or Mrs Mehra or even Preeti wishes to continue this relationship, I dont wish the same. So do not even think of taking this matter ahead.

  Everyone were shocked now. Why was Shravan behaving like this? He did something wrong first and now he wasn’t even realizing it. Infact he was straightly denying his punishment too. Saroj was happy. She wanted this reply from Shravan ,. There was at least someone in the house who didn’t wanted this matter to be taken ahead.

  Anjum: Shravan. What’s wrong with you. ??? We are here trying to patch up things and you interested in still stretching it??

  Shravan: I am not stretching anything Di. I am just closing it forever. I am least interested in this relationship which I am bonded in, without my knowledge.

  Anjum: Without knowledge?? Really Shravan?? Weren’t you in your senses when you applied the Sindoor to her?? Was it just in rage that you did something like this? Tell me.

  Anjum was highly frustrated with his answers now. She wanted replies and honest ones.

  Shravan: (In anger): Yeah it was just a Rage that I did something like this. I hope this clears the air now. I dont wish to discuss this topic henceforth.

  Saying that Shravan left for his Office. Everyone were once again depressed with his reply. Only Saroj was happy. Only she could be happy. Preeti was at present not in the Living room when all these discussions took place. But she heard it all from upstairs lobby and she broke more. She simply couldn’t digest this fact what was happening with her. If this was her fate and this was Shravan's reply, then what was she waiting for in this house ???? She walked inside her room to make her mind to leave this house, to leave this family forever.

  Part 11
>
  Aarti: No Naniji. There is nothing more to talk now. Your Grandson has already confirmed many times that he doesnt wish to accept his mistakes. I dont think after hearing this, it’s even required for us to convince him any further. It’s better me and Preeti leave from here. (She said folding her hands as she surely respected Devi for even asking her to reconsider their marriage proposal once again).

  Devi: But Aarti. This is not right. We cannot let Preeti be live in this guilt that such an incident even happened with her.

  Aarti: My daughter is a strong girl Naniji. She will handle this. And I am always there with her.

  Thats when Aarti and Naniji saw Preeti coming down. Though her eyes were swollen due to crying, she was still showing others as if she was perfectly fine now and she too didn’t bothered of anything. She walked to her mother and then replied.

  Preeti: I have asked Sheetal to book our flight tickets of tonight. She would confirm the booking within an hour.

  Aarti was happy that her daughter was at least trying to get back to normal. On the other hand the family members were sad to know that Aarti and Preeti had finally confirmed of leaving the Raj Mahal and move back to US. Radhika and Kishore once again asked forgiveness to Preeti for what all happened and she surely forgave them. It wasn’t their fault fully. They had left the option on her that night if she wanted to wear the Red Sareee or not. SHe could have wore something else, but she wore RED. That was HER FAULT. She had practiced some other dialogues with them for that Act but unluckily she said something which she shouldn’t have and that too with full anger which was again not planned. She scared everyone by bringing a KNIFE with her which she herself didn’t know WHY?? So all in all, it was HER FAULT more and not the others.

  Except Saroj no one was happy with this decision of Preeti. Anjum was very much angry on her Shravan. It was all because of him that this was happening. How can’t he see what mistake he did. She was talking to her husband on Phone and telling him about all this.

  Surah: Anjum. The more you think on this, the more you would get upset. Whatever happens is just God's wish. Dont be sad for Preeti leaving. She must have decided that for her own good. Dont you wish to see her happy?

  Anjum: I do Surajji. But I still expect Shravan to soften and understand the criticality of this subject.

  Surah: It is not that easy. He is a hard Rock. No Heat, water or air can break him.

  Anjum: You are praising him Surajji?? Here I am depressed on what he did and you are not bothered for that. You are a lawyer. You should give me some ideas on how I need to win this Case.

  Surah: IDea??? And on this matter??? Well. if you see I have some. But then for that at least one of them among Preeti or Saale Sahab must be willing to accept this relation. And I can see here that both are not willing for it to be progressed. So here I suggest you to be calm and let things go as they need to .

  Anjum had no option but to listen to her husband's advice and agree to situations that were before her.

  Evening - Raj Mahal

  Shravan just returned back from his Office . He knew everyone would be waiting for him to again start the only topic they had to discuss - His and Preeti's proper marriage which he was purely against of. Without giving a thought to it, he was walking towards his room when he heard a crying sound from his Di's room. He opened the bedroom door of his Sister slowly and saw his sister sitting on the bed with his Mother's photo and talking to her.

  Anjum : I am sorry Mumma. I couldn’t do anything. I cannot handle Shravan anymore Mumma. He doesnt care for anyone these days. (Saying that she started crying again. ) I am not complaining to Mumma. I am just sharing my views. (She said sobbing ). I know what importance I carry in his life. It’s just that sometimes his behavior scares me. I dont have that much of stamina to make him understand his duties towards the family. I have tried it many a times Mumma. But every time I did it, his anger failed me. I dont think I am ever capable enough now to advise him on the right things.Come back to us Mumma. Come back to us.

  Shravan could never see this. He adored his sister like his mother. She meant everything to him. And today she was here in this condition , only because of him. He wanted to walk inside towards her bed and hug his sister tight making her feel comfortable. He knew his sister never wanted him to see her tears and feel responsible for it. She would advise him to take a decision but she would never force for it. He knew on what context her sister was depressed and only he could get the smile back on her face. He moved out and then walked straight to the Guest room. He banged the door open but didn’t find Preeti or her mother inside. The room was empty. He walked outside the room towards the Living room where Maakhan was supervising the maids cleaning the house.

  Shravan: Where is Preeti??

  Maakhan (Bowing his head down and replying): Shravanji. They have left for the Airport.

  Shravan : Airport??

  Maakhan: Yes Shravavji. They are leaving by the late night flight back to US. Kishore Beta and Rajeev Beta have gone to drop them till the airport.

  Shravan: Dammit. (He said banging his fist on the side table)

  He walked hurriedly outside towards his Car making sure he tries calling Rajeev or Kishore asking them to Stop Preeti and her mother from leaving to US.

  IN Car towards Airport

  Shravan could finally dial Rajeev's number and talk to him,.

  Shravan: Rajeev. Where are you?

  Rajeev: Bhai. Me and Kishore are at the Airport. We are waiting for Preeti to come here so that we can see them off and be back.

  Shravan (Little confused): What do you mean?? Where is Preeti??

  Rajeev: Bhai. Preeti wanted to meet Sheetal . So she said she would join us soon. And now we are trying to call her but her number is not reachable.

  Shravan was surprised. Why does this girl always leave alone for such work?? Why couldn’t she take someone along??

  Shravan: Okay. Pass me her number. I will try.

  Rajeev: Why Bhai? I mean why are you asking this now??

  Shravan: Rajeev. Just pass me her damm number. (He said in anger and then cut the call. )

  In next few seconds, Rajeev texted Preeti's number and Shravan dialed her. No doubt it was switched off. He then tried calling Sheetal on her Number. She answered.

  Shravan: Sheetal . Is Preeti with you?

  Sheetal: SHRAVAN???

  Shravan: Stopped getting surprised and tell me if she is with you?

  Sheetal: No. She is not. She just left 15 minutes back. But. why??

  Sheetal was about to continue her set of questions but he cut the call and drove in the direction of Sheetal's house to Airport. SHe had to be on that way only.

  Preeti was trying to switch on her Phone but she wasn’t able to as the battery was down. She couldn’t contact anyone. Her car was damaged at a lonely place once again and she had no means of transportation from that place to reach airport. She had serviced her car just the same day then it was impossible for it to get damaged again. She was not sure what she needed to do. Thats when she saw a White SUV coming in that direction and she thought of taking a lift. The moment she waved her hands for Lift, she realized that the person driving lost the Balance of the vehicle and with full speed the Car hit a Huge Tree at the left corner of the road. She was highly scared to see this accident happening before her eyes. She rushed to the Car which was hit and then opened the Front door and to her surprise she saw none other than Shravan Singh Khurana inside the Car. She was so much shocked. His eyes were closed and he had hurt his wrists and forearm badly. She wanted to seek help from someone but there wasn’t anybody else on that road. She rushed to her Car and got the bottle of water and sprinkled some water on Shravan's face. He opened his eyes slowly. Preeti held his hand and tried getting him off the Car. He took her support to get off the Car and walked till her car. He was still not fully conscious but he could understand that Preeti was with him. She was taking him to her Car which meant he FOUND her.

  Preeti made Shravan sit inside
the Car and she then started her Car to drive back to Raj Mahal. Preeti herself didn’t know how the Car started?? Just few minutes back she had tried like hell to get it started but it didn’t. And now?? Well she shouldn’t be thinking this. She drove as fast as she could towards Raj Mahal.

  Raj Mahal

  Almost an hour passed Preeti had got Shravan back to Raj Mahal in that wounded State. Everyone were shocked to see Preeti back and specially with Shravan. Saroj and Devi had no time to guess anything that was happening. They were in Shravan's room to confirm if he was Ok. Kriti had called up Rajeev and told him everything, thus asking him to get Aarti back to Raj Mahal. Preeti was still standing beside Shravan's bed. He was back to proper consciousness now and the Dr had bandaged his wrists. Everyone were in his room waiting to talk to him. Aarti was standing beside Preeti . In all this no one had noticed one thing which only Shravan did at the moment. His blood was all over her partition, marking her as his Wife once again. Preeti saw her seeing her forehead and she instantly touched her partition only to understand why he saw her there. Everyone else in the room looked at her.

  Anjum: Preeti. You get fresh now.

  Aarti: Yes Preeti. You need a shower. Your dress and your forehead is all covered with blood stains.

  Preeti and Shravan were still looking at each other as if they were still in some other world. Aarti And Anjum realize that look on their faces and Aarti shook Preeti.