Sheetal: Look Preeti. Dont be so judgmental now. You need time. Take it. Let the family know this. I am sure if not SHRAVAN , they would surely understand you.
Preeti needed this advice from someone outside this family and yes she indeed had Sheetal for that. She was passing by the Lobby and was outside Saroj's room when she stopped seeing Saroj searching something in her room almost messing with it’s decor. She told Sheetal to call her back and then knocked Daadi's room. Saroj looked scared and the moment she heard the door knock she was more surprised to see Preeti there.
Preeti: Daadi. You lost something? Should I help finding it?
Saying that Preeti was about to enter her room when Daadi gestured a STOP by her hand. (Her usual Traffic Police Style) And Preeti stopped.
Saroj: I know where to find my things. I dont need help.
Preeti just faked a weak smile at this statement of Daadi and walked down from there.
Saroj: Why am I not finding that Key?? I had kept it in the Closet that day. Then where is it now? (She questioned in her mind and then continued searching)
Same afternoon
Devi: How is that possible Saroj. How can you lose such an important Key??
Saroj: I dont know Devi. Just few days back I had seen it in my Closet and now it’s not.
Devi: We should search it before someone from the family gets it and they question us.
Saying that Devi and Saroj left back to Saroj's room to search .
Devi and Saroj walked in Aarti's room with a small bag in their hand. Aarti welcomed them inside. She was alone in the room. Saroj handed the bag to Aarti.
Saroj: Aarti. This is for Preeti. We have a small pooja held tonight at Raj Mahal. Whatever things are happening here from few days, we wanted everything to be calmed down now. So our priest has suggested a Pooja tonight. And he has specially asked Preeti to wear Red. Which is nothing but the symbol of a Bride.
Aarti wasn’t much happy with the dress selection. She was about to tell them that RED is something which Isn’t good for Preeti but the same moment Devi read her mind and replied
Devi: I know RED is not allowed to Preeti. But then we had told the priest about it. And according to him, it was a problem for Preeti before. But not now. As per the rituals she belongs to Raj Mahal and RED is considered to be an blessing for all the daughters and brides of this house. So please. ( she said handing the bag to her )
Aarti couldn’t deny. She agreed to that only hoping it won’t be creating a mess in her daughter's life any longer.
Later Aarti told the same to Preeti and made her wear the Red Dress as asked.
Preeti, Radhika, Kishore , Kriti, Rajeev and Anjum were all sitting in Preeti's room playing a simple Game. The elders were all down busy chatting and were discussing on what would be Preeti's reply to the marriage proposal and also making small preparations for the evening pooja which was supposed to be performed only between the family members. No outsiders were invited. The youngsters were busy in their play. The Game was easy. Everyone would sit together to form a circle. One of them would Spin the Bottle and then the person pointed by the Bottle would be asked to either wish to "Say a Truth" or "Dare for some Fun". The game had just began. Anjum was the first one to be pointed by the bottle.
Anjum: Truth.
Radhika: Wow Di. Finally we will get some personal moments revealed by you then. (She giggled)
Kishore: Yeah. Di. We want to know who was your First Crush before Jeejaji??
Anjum 's eyes widened at this question. She thanked God that her husband was not before her to know this.
Anjum: Rohan. I mean I was Class 5 and he was my Desk Partner, Class monitor and favorite of all Teachers. He was my first crush.
Kriti: Di. Did he like you too??
Anjum: No Kriti. He already liked someone else from our Class and when I came to know this, I promised myself never to fall for someone again. Only when I met your Jeejaji, I changed that Promise. (She smiled and then blushed remembering her husband)
Preeti: Thats So sweet Anjum. I wish everyone gets a partner like Jeejaji then.!!
Teasing some more to Anjum, the rest all continued to play the game. Radhika was the next one to be chosen .
Radhika: I would dare. !!
Kishore: You sure Radhika. Think again.Raj Mahal has many spots where we can send you to dare.!
Radhika: You think I am scare Kishore? Just order me and it would be done. (She replied in a challenging tone.)
Rajeev gave Radhika a challenge to go to the Terrace of the Raj Mahal and pluck a Red Rose from the Vase and get it to them. They all knew how scared Radhika was to do such act. She was always little afraid of going alone to such isolated places. But this was question of her Ego now. She had confirmed that she would fulfil this and hence she had no option but to go. She left for Terrace.
Preeti: Guys. If she is afraid we cannot let her alone.
Kriti" Ahh!! Dont worry Preeti. She would come back. She won’t go till there. We all know her.
Preeti: But still. I think someone among us should follow her. What if she really tries this and gets scared?
Kishore: Agreed. After all she is very much delicate in these matters. Be here. I will make sure she doesnt know I am following her.
Saying that Kishore left behind Radhika. In next 15 minutes Radhika returned with a Red rose plucked and she looked very much happy to have cleared the task. Yes she was afraid but she had full faith in her brothers. Someone must have surely followed her to see if she is safe and that gave her the courage to complete this task. Kishore walked behind her.
Radhika: (Purposely): Kishore. Where had you been?
Kishore: Water. I had been to drink water he said and sat down to play again.
The game continued. Rajeev and Kishore also got their chances to Dare And then Kriti got a chance to reveal a Truth. Last remained was Preeti. She was given the options and she too selected "DARE". Everyone wanted to give her a Dare of their own choice but then they all together thought something more daring and came to one Option.
Anjum: Okay Preeti. For you we are giving a Simple Dare.
Preeti: Simple? Looks guys. I am not scared of anything OK. So you can give a hard one too.
Radhika and Kishore chuckled at this statement. They knew the one they had selected for her is for sure a one to dare for.
Rajeev: If it’s so Preeti. Then fine. We want you to go in Bhai's room, Open his Closet and get his Bluetooth which he keeps on the right Drawer, to us.
Preeti was speechless, shocked, numb, everything altogether. But again this was the matter of her pride now. Though she wasn’t comfortable, she had to do it. Everyone gave her their Best wishes and she left for his room.
Shravan was out for some time when these youngsters played the game. Preeti knew it but still she feared to enter the Lion's den even in his absence. She composed herself when she was just outside the door of his room , to gather some courage and then she slid the door open. She could see the room was vacan’t and she could do this task of hers very easily. She walked inside and moved to the cupboard. All the others were just surrounding the room from outside to see if she would really be able to complete the task and thats when they saw Shravan walking towards his room , talking on his phone with someone. Every pair of eyes who saw him were left dumbstruck at the moment. He was coming?? What if he sees Preeti inside his room?? That wasn’t good. No one got the chance to tell Preeti to come out from the room as he was quite close. They all hided themselves behind the pillars and walls and waited to see what would happen now. Preeti who had opened the
Closet heard his Voice and for seconds she too got nervous. She didn’t knew why Fate was always making her fall in such situations where she has to face him awkwardly. What would he think if he sees her in his room?? She had no option but to hide herself from him. And the only place she felt safe at the moment was HIS CLOSET.
He opened the door and entered inside. For some fraction of second, he could feel her presence.
He remained quiet for sometime scanning his room to see if he was right. But not finding her sight, he continued talking. He took his coat off and then was about to place it on the bed when he thought of placing it properly inside the closet. He walked to the Closet, still talking to his Client and then slid it open. Preeti who was sitting inside the closet was just praying to her God to make her invisible for the moment so that he doesnt see her. And something similar happened. He had just slid the closet door half which hide her still from him. His attention was still on the phone call and without looking he tried to hang the coat inside.
Preeti was very much close to his coat now. She gulped in tension of being caught and continued praying silently but all in vain. He could feel something wrong inside the closet and he turned and looked inside, sliding the remaining door open only to be shocked to see this Lady sitting inside comfortably on the Upper half corner of his closet. The moment he opened the closet door again, she closed her face with her hands avoiding his stare.
Shravan (Shockingly): WHAT THE HELL.!!!
She moved her hands and then passed him a weak and nervous smile not understanding what she needed to do now.
Shravan: What are you doing here Preeti?? Are you Mad to sit there ? That too inside my Closet??
Part 14
Preeti gulped down her nervousness and then got down from the closet . She knew it was waste being here and answering him so she thought of running from there but he caught her hand.
Shravan: Dont mess with my anger Preeti. Are you deaf?? Can’t you hear what I asked ?? What The Hell were you doing in my Cupboard>??
Preeti was still blank. She wanted to tell him about the game that they were playing which made her come to his room but she simply couldn’t open her mouth for telling that. Thats when they both heard Anjum's voice.
Anjum: Cleaning Shravan. Cleaning.
Preeti and Shravan both looked at Anjum who just entered their room. No doubt Shravan didn’t leave Preeti yet. He was still holding her.
Shravan: Cleaning?? You think I will believe that Di?? (He said giving a angry glance to Preeti once again)
Preeti: Of course. You have to believe it. I was cleaning your Closet. I dont know how the door got locked and I was stuck inside. (She lied)
Anjum: Yes Shravan. And we are not lieing.
Shravan: Fine. I believe. But then who the hell asked her to clean My room?? My Closet? Is she my wife to do it??
For the first time he asked the right question, Anjum thought. She just nodded a Yes to that. Preeti was indeed his wife. He agrees or not is not a question here. Shravan suddenly understood what he just asked and so did Preeti. He left her hand and looked the other side and Preeti ran outside the same moment not waiting to be embarrassed here once again. Anjum also followed her in seconds.
Evening - Puja
Preeti was busy in making the Pooja items ready in the Living room. She was helped by the other youngsters like Radhika and Kishore. Anjum was already in the Living room talking to the Priest to know what else was required and all the elders had seated themselves on the mat waiting for the Puja to start. Preeti kept the Fruit’s Thali down and then was arranging the other things when the Priest told Saroj
Priest: Shravan Beta and Preeti bitiya would be sitting for the Puja together. They would be starting it.
Preeti looked surprisingly towards her Mother . And Aarti just nodded asking her to be calm. She placed the things and walked to the Kitchen. Anjum could see her reluctance in sitting with Shravan for the Puja and she could understand it very well. She followed Preeti.
Preeti (Muttering to herself): Why everyone just expects me to understand all the time.
Anjum : Because you are the only one who can handle this situation with utmost ease and understanding Preeti.
Preeti instantly turned behind and seeing Anjum there who had already heard what she muttered, she was quiet again. Anjum walked to her and then raised her chin to look in her eyes. She could see tears filled in them and she was little surprised.
Preeti: Anjum . I am blank. I am truly in a dilemma what I need to do and what not. Sometimes I think I should just accept things as it is and be ready for the actual marriage but then the moment I see HIM , I feel it would be the biggest mistake of my life to have a partner like him. He is so Stone hearted. His words, his attitude, his arrogance just makes me hate him to the core.
Anjum: Preeti. I understand what you are going through. But I believe you are more mature enough to handle a guy like Shravan. I think it’s only you who would make things right now. Only you who can change Shravan for good. I believe in you. But still if you aren’t sure then I respect your decision. After all, every person has a right to choose their life partnership cannot force my Brother on you for his benefit.
Anjum (wiped Preeti's tears): Now forget everything for a while and sit for the Pooja. I am sure only God would help you take a decision.
Preeti: (Nodding a Yes): I will come in 5 minutes.
Anjum (Smiled) : Okay. And dont cry again.
Saying that Anjum left the Kitchen and Preeti continued thinking some more on the same decision of hers. Yes it was time she takes a Stand. Either a Yes or a No for this marriage. She remembered how he asked her to close her eyes and listen to what her Mind says. She would do that. She closed her eyes and then there she started waiting for her Mind to Hint something. And there she could see flashes of her and Shravan . The scenes which never took place between them yet it looked as if she had lived those moments.
She could see herself in a Red Saree , her palms full of blood which was oozing out due to the Knife stabbed in her stomach and there she saw him holding her . She saw herself almost dying in his arms. His eyes full of concern. His hands cupping her face asking her to stay with him. He was calling for some help to save her. And there she took her last breathe uttering a few words. "Kaash. Hum. Aapse. Shaadi. Kar . Paate. " ("Wish I could have married you")
Preeti instantly opened her eyes in fear. She saw her own death. How could she see something like this?? What was wrong with her??And that too in his arms?? What did all this mean?? What was her mind and heart trying to indicate her. She had never even dreamt of anything like this. And what she saw now was like dreaming with her eyes open. It looked so real yet so fake. She splashed some water on her face to erase those thoughts from her mind when she heard the family calling her. She knew she had to leave now. She had to sit for the Puja with him. She wiped her face and then walked out.
Anjum had forced Shravan to come for this Puja and be a part of it. She knew her brother won’t deny her. Though he too was little reluctant to sit with Preeti and perform this ritual, he had to for his Di. Preeti came out, saw him and then sat beside him for the Puje to get started. Everyone were little happy seeing them together like this. Preeti closed her eyes and joined her hands to pray. So did the others. Shravan just continued staring at the Holy fire and waited for this ritual to get over. He least expected himself to perform this. But he had no choice. Aarti was happy seeing her daughter sitting beside Shravan and performing this ritual. It almost looked like they are together. Though she too waited desperately for her daughter's decision. Saroj and Devi wanted everything to be right from now on and according to them this Puja would help things get sorted out. Anjum and the rest of the youngsters just prayed things to get settled between Shravan and Preeti and they think about their proper marriage soon. Everyone had their own wishes, their own demands. Only God knew what she would be fulfilling and why??
The Pooja got over. The families started distributing the Prasad to everyone and Preeti took hers and left for the Living room. She wanted to just be alone for a while. She was tired of all these things. The family pressure, Shravan's not required stubbornness, her mother's pleas and much more. Everything was just making her feel so out of place . Since the time she had come to Raj Mahal, everything happening to her was just Not in her Wish list. She had the Prasad and was waiting at the Couch when the family started getting gather
ing there where she was. Anjum had asked Maakhan to get the Food served on the table and till then they all sat on the Couch. Shravan was instructing some of his Employee on the next days schedule of his,. Probably he was going out . Where? She didn’t knew. She saw him once. And in fact observed him very carefully. He didn’t see her looking at him. He continued his talk over the phone and was about to leave when he heard her.
Preeti (Facing towards the family): I have taken my decision.
Everyone sitting there were almost shocked to hear this. So Preeti took the decision??? What would it be?? Would be it a YES? or a NO?? Aarti was almost keeping her fingers crossed to hear the right answer from her daughter and there she replied.
Preeti: I am ready for the Proper marriage.
That answer was a shock for everyone. Specially Shravan. Did she agree? So easily?? Yes he wanted her to decide soon so that his family can be out of worries. But that ddint mean he expected her to say a YES for their relationship. How can she agree to it ?? She stayed so many years outside India. SHe wasn’t a typical Indian mentality girl who could give a ear to these things . He expected her to deny and leave . But no. There she was with his family almost deciding to get married to Shravan Singh Khurana with full rituals. Was it that easy??? No way. And even if it was. He has that capability to make it difficult, he thought and left upstairs in his room.
Cursed Bride Page 9