Preeti held her head and tried to understand what she was telling. Yes Why was she expecting him to understand how much important her matter was. Why the hell did she even come to him in her difficult time?? She felt as if she was always like this.As if it was only HIM who had always given her the utmost importance in his life. But it wasnt so. It was never so. Then why??
Shravan on the other hand felt little bad for being so rude with her. She was his Wife. He should have been a bit polite and gentle. But she had done something which wasnt acceptable. How could she cut such an important Client call??? He walked to her and tried holding her to make her sit on the Recliner but she shrugged off his hands from her.
Preeti: Dont.!!! I dont need your Sympathy.
Saying that she was going to walk out the room when he held her hand and stopped her, closing the door from his other hand not allowing her to move out.
Shravan: Stop fussing and Now tell me what’s wrong. !!!
Preeti looked at his face for some seconds. To which Shravan asked her again in a bit of anger.
Shravan: Preeti I dont have enough time to keep you waiting here for knowing the reason. Just open your mouth and tell me what made you come here in my room at this time. Is it something even worth knowing??
Tears rolled down her cheeks as if she was still expecting him to be more kind enough to make her calm down and ask her the reason of her worries. Shravan looked at the other side and left a long breathe. He then once again saw her.
Shravan: (Politely): Is everything alright with you?? What’s the matter??
Preeti: I . I have to go .
Shravan: Go?? Where?
Preeti: US.
Shravan: Okay fine. Let these marriage get done, I will take you. Were you crying for that Preeti??
Preeti nodded a No and then herself tried to compose and wiped her tears .
Preeti : There is some problem in my US office. I need to leave immediately. Cannot wait here for the marriage to get done.
Now Shravan was surely little surprised to hear this. He simply didn’t know what he needed to answer. He thought for some seconds and then replied.
Shravan: Is there anything I can help ??
Preeti: I dont think so. I mean I need to meet the Client and sign some important papers. You cannot do anything from here.
Shravan : Hmm. Okay then. Let’s tell everyone home to keep the rituals at halt.
Preeti Nodded a Yes. Shravan walked to his phone and then dialed someone.
Shravan: (On call): Book 2 tickets to New York for the next flight.
He cut the call and she was still waiting there at the door.
Preeti: I will ask Mumma to get ready .
Shravan: Ready for what??? She Isn’t joining us.
Preeti: What?? You mean you are coming with me?
Shravan: You think I can let my Wife alone to deal with her issues at work?
Preeti was totally impressed. Since when did he start thinking about her matters . But was she OK to start with him alone to US ??? This would be the first time she would travel with him without any other person along.
She was still thinking when Shravan was opening his Closet.
Shravan: We dont have time Preeti. Get down. I will come in few minutes. We have to inform everyone about this.
Preeti smiled and then left his room.
Part 18
Aarti: US??? But what is wrong there Preeti??? I dont believe this. I just settled everything there before starting for India.
Preeti calmed her mother down and made her understand that this was just a formality that she would need to go there and sign some papers before the Client.
Anjum and the other Khurana's were all very much worried now. The marriage was on full swing and how would they let Preeti leave for sometime?
Devi: How many days would it take Bitiya??
Preeti: May be some 3 - 4 days. I am not sure Nani. All depends on the situation there. But we will try to come soon.
Devi; We?? You mean Aarti is also leaving with you?
Preeti nodded a No and then replied back.
Preeti: Shravan is coming along.
Everyone were very surprised on this. Shravan was going with her?? Some days back he wasnt even interested in getting this marriage done and today he agreed to help her ??? Why??
Saroj: Shravan won’t go anywhere.
Preeti suddenly looked at Daadi hearing this. She could easily see Daadi wasnt happy with it. She wanted to let Daadi know that she wasnt the one who asked him to help her. He himself took the initiative .
Preeti: But Daadi. He.
Daadi: (Angrily): I said. Shravan won’t go anywhere out before the marriage is done. It’s final.
Shravan was coming down when he heard Daadi denying him leaving with Preeti.
Daadi: Rajeev would go with you.
Saying that Daadi got up to leave but Shravan stopped her.
Shravan: Why Daadi? Why Rajeev?? She is my Wife. Not Rajeev's. I am responsible for everything related to her. Me and Preeti are leaving tonight. And it’s final.
Daadi saw how Shravan was not obeying her orders for his wife. No doubt she didn’t like Preeti much . Though she knew Shravan would now have Preeti's responsibilities on his head, she wasnt denying that. What she denied was for making them leave Raj Mahal before the marriage is done.
Daadi: Theek Hai. So you won’t listen to me . If you want to leave with her tonight then let us get the marriage rituals fulfiled tonight it’self. You can leave with her then.
That was yet another shock for everyone. How can the marriage rituals be completed in such a short notice?? Everyone tried to explain Daadi but she was firm enough. If Shravan wanted to leave then he won’t before getting married . Preeti was blank. She was already upset that once again the marriage would be completed in a haste like Shravan did before with her. She kept looking at everyone to know What the final result would be. The Chaos within the room was only irritating Shravan a lot to come to a conclusion.
Shravan: Okay Quiiietttt!!!
The whole room in seconds stopped conversing and looked at him.
Shravan: (Seeing Preeti): Give me the details of your Client. I will try to postpone this US trip for some days. We will get the rituals done and leave.
Preeti felt this appropriate. Also she was happy that once again Shravan Singh Khurana was taking the lead for her. He was indeed acting like a True husband. For no reason. Or was there a reason for it??
In Next Few hours
Devi: Yes Saroj . I never thought of that. But then I am happy that you reminded me .
Saroj: Devi. Let’s not get the marriage delayed now. I have already asked Panditji. And in next 2 days we have a good mahurat for the marriage. Let’s finish this for once.
Devi: Okay. We will let others know. Mehndi function tomorrow and the Haldi the next day. And marriage after that.
Saroj was happy. She was been warned by the Panditji that once tha marriage is fixed, Shravan should not travel until the marriage is done or else there are chances where he could risk his life.They had already seen one example of this when after filling Preeti's Maang with Sindoor, how he had tried stopping her and Aarti from leaving back to US and how he met with an accident. Luckily Preeti saved him on time . So now she doesnt want to take any more chances.
Devi : And Saroj. In all this I forgot to ask you one thing that day. Have you kept the Keys safely now??
Saroj (Understanding which keys she was talking about): Yes. I have. After seeing Preeti coming out from that room I just couldnt take another risk of letting anyone inside.
Devi: You think Preeti must have seen something?
Saroj: I dont know Devi. But if she has. Then why Isn’t she questioning us about it??
Devi: Hmm. Leave it. Let’s not talk about this now. Let’s inform the family about the marriage date.
Same Night
Preeti was in deep sleep but then she was also dreaming something. The dream wasnt usual. She was indee
d seeing herself and Shravan dressed in a very traditional ancient attire and Shravan was chasing her. She was running in the whole room. The room was the same room in Raj Mahal were no one were allowed to enter. The same room whose keys she luckily found and then walked in to check what was inside.
DREAM STARTS
Preeti : Aap hume nahi pakad sakte. (You cant get hold of me) (She said running around the royal couch. The tinkling of the bangles that she was holding in her arms were only driving him angry.)
Shravan: Give the bangles to me. If Maasa sees them with you, she would be very angry.
Preeti: Let her be. I am not scared of her. (She said running towards the Room door and there she hit hard to a Lady dressed in a Rich Green Saree in a very Traditional Style with heavy jewellery and Big Red Bindi on her forehead. Balancing herself Preeti stood straight at the spot feeling Goosebumps on her skin seeing the person she just hit. She hide the bangles behind her and looked down nervously.
Shravan: Maasa. !! Woh. Main aur.(Maasa.. Me and ..)
Before Shravan could speak anything more, he saw Maasa holding firmly Preeti's hand and dragging her out of the room. She was been pushed out of the door angrily by Maasa and the bangles which she tried to hide were snatched from her.
Maasa: Iss dehleej ke aage kadam rakhne ki koshish kabhi mat karna . Warna mujhse bura koi nahi hoga. ( Dont try crossing this boundary or else I won’t spare you.)
Preeti's eyes were full of tears when Maasa told her this. She started walking away from that door and then she only heard Shravan calling her back in anger before his Maasa. "CHANCHAN.Wapas Aao. Abhi. Chanchan.!!!" (CHANCHAN.. Come back. Now.. Chanchan!!)
THough he had guts to call her back, she didn’t had the guts to face his Maasa for anything more.
DREAM ENDS
Preeti got up from the sleep all scared and surprised. What was that dream?? She was sweating in that AC room and was not able to understand what she saw. It wasnt a normal dream. Though she had seen herself and Shravan in that same room, who was that Maasa who scolded her?? And was she the same lady whose picture she saw in that room 2 days back?? The one who was holding a baby in her arms?? Yes. She was the one. But what had she to do between Shravan and her?? Who was she?? And the second wierd thing was Shravan calling her "CHANCHAN " and not "PREETI". Who was this Chanchan?? She was full of confusion and doubts. She walked to the side table and drank some water and then stopped at the window to take some fresh air. Her eyes were still teary. If she had cried in the dream then why was her eyes teary still?? Why was she feeling as if she was been seperated from Shravan and she didn’t like that fact?? Why did she feel like she wanted to see Shravan's face right now at this moment? At this hour?? Why ?? Should she go and check Shravan now?? Was it alright to see him at this hour of night?? She didn’t know why but she couldnt help herself from not walking towards his room. The whole palace was calm and quiet. Shravan's room was just some 2 rooms far from hers but she still felt as if it was too far for her to reach. Her Slippers were making sound in the quiet atmosphere of the palace and she feared someone would hear it and come out of their rooms. So She removed her slippers and took them in her hands and then started walking slowly towards his room. She was always scared of darkness but tonight she didn’t bother that. She just walked towards Shravan's room and finally stopped at the door. She knocked the door slightly but then to her surprise she found the door open and she walked inside slowly. The dim moon light from the French Windows was enough for her to see him Sleeping peacefully on the bed with the quilt lying aside. The curtains of his room were flying with the cool breeze that entered from the French Doors which were slightly open. She walked to the bed and then brushed her hands lightly on his head moving his locks which were tickling his forehead, aside. She pulled the quilt on him and then after some more seconds of admiring him, she left the room closing the door behind her.
She knew there was something attracting her towards her husband. Just few days back she hated him for his rudeness, she hated him for his Attitude , she hated his strong and stubborn nature and now it seemed all opposite. It was as if her heart was changing for him. Her mind was acting little considerate towards his behavior. Why?? What was wrong with her?? This wasnt her. She felt as if she was been made to react this way. What was wrong with her?? And what was all that short flashbacks regarding her and Shravan which she kept getting these days?? What was it all?? She had to find out. Was there something in this house that was making her react all this?? She started thinking everything that had happened with her since the time she was got here in Raj Mahal.
" How She was accidently fallen unconscious before the Raj Mahal in that rainy night."
" How she was been carried by Shravan inside the house by almost fulfilling one Khurana Ritual of carrying the Bride. "
" How she was made to eat Shravan's Tasted Sandwich by Radhika "
" How she dressed herself in the Red Saree in a Traditional Way just like every Khurana Bahu"
" How she acted wierd with Shravan by proposing him for marriage with a Knife in her hand and spoiled the play that she, Kishore and Radhika had plotted to get rid of Sonia Kapoor?"
"How Shravan without even keeping control on his anger had filled her Maang with Sindoor without even thinking twice?"
"How She was been stopped from leaving Raj Mahal by Shravan's accident."
"How she sang an unknown Song while watering the plants at the Poolside. She didn’t even know which Song was that and how she knew it."
"How She got a Flashback on the Puja night in Raj Mahal where she saw herself being stabbed by a Knife and she was in Shravan's arms uttering her last words "Kaash. Hum. Aapse. Shaadi. Kar . Paate."
"How she found the unknown keys of some Room in Raj Mahal and she always got the guts to enter inside and check"
"How she felt as if she had been to that room before too. How she felt herself saying to Shravan in that room "This is where we will stay after marriage." ?????"
"How she felt heavenly blessed and happy when Shravan slid the engagement ring in her finger. She had felt as if she had got the most cherished gift of her life that night??"
"And lastly how she saw the dream today which connected her and Shravan to that room. And not just that. It also connected that lady in picture whom Shravan called MAASA. Who was she??"
Preeti had reached her room now thinking all this and was lying on the bed. Yes there was something strange in this house which made her feel and react so different. She would find it out for sure.
Part 19
Mehndi Function - Next Day
Aarti knocked Preeti's bedroom door. Everyone were waiting down for Preeti so that the Mehndi function can be started.
Aarti : Preeti . Beta are you done??? Everyone is waiting for you down.
Preeti (From inside): Mumma just 2 minutes.
Aarti (To herself): Hey Bhagwan. This girl is dressing as if she is getting married today.
Aarti walked towards the Stairs to leave and Shravan came there all dressed in his Maroon Brown Sherwani. He was for the first time wearing such Traditional Outfit. He wasnt ready to wear this but then his sister forced him and he had no choice. He wasnt understanding what Guys had to do in the Bride's Mehndi function. He knocked Preeti's door for some important reason and she opened it thinking it’s her mother still knocking the door. She opened the door and without seeing the person standing, she turned back and walked inside wearing her earrings.
Preeti : Mumma. Would Shravan also be down?? Is he ready?? What is he wearing today? I hope not his 3 piece suit again. (She said chuckling)
The moment Shravan saw her in that Yellow Red Lehnga surely for some seconds he was all lost admiring her. Somewhere a Music was played at the background and He himself forgot for what he had come here . He was holding Preeti's Slippers in his hand.
Finding her mother not answering her, she turned back to see and her jaws dropped all of a sudden seeing her husband Shravan Singh Khurana.
Preeti
: Aap?
That question and expression from her was enough for Shravan to come back to his senses.
Preeti: Shravan?? My Slippers?? What are they doing in your hands?(She said seeing her Slippers in his hands )
Shravan: Exactly. Your Slippers. What The Hell were they doing in my room Preeti?
Preeti then understood how her slippers reached Shravan's room. How last night she had been to his room to see him and there she left the slippers inside his room behind the door so that she doesnt have to carry them in her hands inside .
Preeti: Ohh yes. I guess. I .
Shravan: Had you come in my room last night??
That was a direct question for her and she didn’t know what she needed to reply. The truth or something false??
Shravan: What happened? No answer? Did they just came walking like that in my room??
Preeti: No. They didn’t come alone. They carried me too with them. I had come to your room last night.
Shravan dropped her slippers down and then raised his eyebrow in surprise.
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