Preeti: Thank God you came.
Shravan: Thank your God later. First tell me why did you call me here?
Preeti: Shravan. I dont know where to start with, what to start with. I dont even know what would be your reactions on knowing this. But it’s just that understand what I am trying to tell.
Shravan: Preeti . I will. Now start something before I actually start dozing.
Preeti started telling the mystery of her dreams since the time she had come to Raj Mahal. She told him everything that has been happening with her from day 1 she entered this house. Right from the fact that she wasnt allowed to wear RED yet she wore a RED traditional Saree that too in a Khurana Bahu Style , her getting the knife and forcing him to marry her , the flashback of how she saw herself getting stabbed with a knife and she dying in Shravan's arms, the unknown keys that she found the other day, Shravan's picture in that room, Some Old Lady's picture beside Shravan's whom she saw again in her dreams with Shravan calling her Maasa. Shravan calling Preeti by the name Chanchan in her dream. How she saw the same bangles from the dream being gifted to her tonight by Daadi terming them to be the Khandani Kangan. Shravan being called as Yuvraj in her dreams who was getting married to some Princess Divya and that same Maasa torturing Yuvraj and Chanchan trying to separate them. Everything. Preeti told him everything and Shravan just heard her without uttering a word.
Preeti: So this is all that is happening with me here. I dont know Shravan what should I conclude with all this. I mean Isn’t it strange??
Shravan: You done?? (He asked firmly as if not affected at all)
Preeti: Yes I am done. But you dont have anything to say?
Shravan: No. Nice Story. I liked it. But then it’s nothing more than just a Wierd Dream. I guess you watch a lot of Fictional dramatic movies. All these dreams are only a result of that Preeti.
Preeti (Angrily): What?? You think it has nothing more to do with us?
Shravan: Shut up Preeti?? Are you even in your senses?? What else would all this mean??? It’s nowhere connected. And please. Stop bothering yourself with such dreams. You need rest. We are getting married in 2 days. Tomorrow is Haldi. Let’s just go to sleep now. OKay??
Preeti: Not Okay Shravan. I am so much tensed here by all this and you worried of sleeps? (She asked frustratingly and Shravan couldnt help but stop there again)
Shravan: Okay. Fine. Let me believe all this to be not a Dream. Something else. But What Preeti??? What do you want me to understand here??
Preeti: That all this is related to some past of ours,.
Shravan: Past?? Did we even meet before Preeti? Ofcourse Not. Then how can this be related?
Preeti: I dont know. May be something like in previous birth we were separated. (She told this not being so sure )
Shravan: Aahh!! Previous Birth?? In the same house?? And we were separated by whom?? Some Maasa?? (He was almost smiling now feeling all this wierd)
Preeti hit his chest almost pushing him a bit back.
Preeti: Dont laugh Shravan. I am serious.
Shravan held her hands and pinned them behind her.
Shravan: No Preeti. You aren’t serious. You are acting all Crazy. Get out of these dreamy land and come back to reality. I dont believe in rebirths. It’s too difficult for me to even think of getting married in this present birth of mine with you. Forget getting linked with you in my previous births or the next ones to come. You get that?? Now stop thinking all bulshit and get some rest. You truely need some before you go all Mad.
Preeti's eyes were all teary hearing this. Here she was trying to connect dots and he was erasing them with his harsh words. That tears in her eyes surely made him soften a bit. He left her hands and tried wiping her tears when she moved back .
Preeti: Pathetic Shravan. I knew this marriage never meant anything to you. It’s just a formality. Or may be just a Penalty you paying for doing the Sin of putting Sindoor on my forehead that night. (She wiped her own tears ). So be it then Mr Shravan Singh Khurana. I would remember this forever.
Preeti ran away from the garden before hearing anything more from Shravan now. Shravan himself didn’t know why but he felt wrong for telling her all this. But that doesnt mean he believes in the Rebirth story of hers.
Part 21
Next Day - Haldi
Preeti was not seen by Shravan since morning. Everytime he asked someone where she is, they would guide him and then when he came at that place she wouldn’t be there anymore. That was so unfair. Was she purposely doing this? Was she hiding from him for his behavior of last night?? Was she angry on him?? Well he could answer all this only after he meets her. But where was she now, he thought.
He came in the Living room and saw his Daadi and Nani sitting and discussing something.
Shravan: Daadi. Have you seen Preeti??
Nani and Daadi looked at each other and then back at Shravan.
Nani: Shravan. You are not supposed to meet her alone.
Shravan: I know that. I am just asking have you seen her?
Daadi: She is in Radhika's room.
Shravan heard it and then walked hurridly towards Radhika's room.
Nani: Shravan has changed so much. He was never like this. Hai naa Saroj?
Daadi: Yes. And thats what I am worried of now. I dont understand how can he change so easily.
Nani: Pyaar sab kuch sikhavat hai Saroj. Love teaches everything. And it’s a good change. I can see he is becoming little caring and responsible for Preeti bitiya.
Daadi nodded in agreement and saw Anjum walking with her Phone from there and She instantly asked.
Daadi: Anjum bitiya. Are you talking to Daamadji??
Anjum smiled and nodded a Yes.
Daadi: Good. pass the phone to me.
Anjum passed the phone to Daadi and waited to hear their talks.
Daadi: Daamadji. When would you come back?? It’s Shravan's marriage and we need you here on this occassion.
Suraj (On call): Daadiji. You think I can skip such an important occasion? Ofcourse not. I am coming tonight. Infact I am at the Airport now. Have my flight in an hour. Will reach home by night.
Daadi: Ohh Thank God. So that means you won’t be able to see Shravan's Dulhan today.
Suraj: SO what Daadiji. I will see her directly on the marriage. (He said chuckling)
Daadi: Ofcourse and yes dont forget we have a special rasam which we would need to do between you and Shravan's Dulhan, Preeti.
Suraj: Yes. I will do it all. Let me reach atleast.
Daadi: Okay Daamadji. We are waiting for you. Come soon.
Saying that Daadi passed the phone to Anjum and she left talking to her husband.
Radhika's Room
Radhika: This one looks more fresh. (She said looking herself in the mirror holding the Red Saree on her and checking herself)
Preeti: May be. (She said looking at the other side still lost in some thoughts.)
Radhika: Preeti. What’s wrong? I am seeing you from past one hour. You seemed to be quite disturbed. Is it because of this marriage?? I mean I had heard that as the marriage day nears, the brides always get tensed and nervous. Is this because of that??
Preeti: May be.
Radhika hit Preeti lightly on her shoulder.
Radhika: What may be may be. From past one hour I am hearing only this Phrase from you. Speak something.
Shravan: She won’t speak so easily Radhika. You need to do something for her to change her mood.(He said standing at the door and leaning on it.)
Preeti and Radhika saw him and Preeti instantly got up from the bed.
Radhika: Really SHRAVAN?? What would I need to do for her then?
Shravan (Seeing Preeti): Simple. Just leave the room for us to speak.!!
Preeti and Radhika both were shocked to hear this. Radhika took it in a different way as to how her Bhai would change her Bhabhi's mood while Preeti was still not ready to accept his apology if he even asks for his last night words.
Radhika: No way SHRAV
AN. I am strictly been warned not to let you guys be alone.
Preeti: Radhika. I will go down. I have some work.
Saying that she walked towards the door which was already guarded by him making sure she doesnt look at him. He stopped her when she tried to open it.
Shravan: I need to talk Preeti. Dont leave.
Preeti (Still looking down): Radhika. Just ask him to move.
Radhika was confused. Her guess was correct. There was some fight between Preeti and SHRAVAN and thats the reason for Preeti's changed mood. She felt she should give them some time to sort this out. She walked to the door and then stopped there.
Radhika: Okay SHRAVAN. I think I should really give you guys time alone.
Preeti: No Need. I am not interested to talk to anyone.
Shravan: Right. Anyone BUT me.
He moved aside and Radhika opened the door quickly and rushed out locking the door from out. Preeti banged the door asking Radhika to open it.
Radhika: This door won’t open for next 10 mins. SHRAVAN. Make it quick.
Preeti continued banging the door and Shravan knew if she continues this then someone from out would surely come to know they are inside. He stopped her by holding her hands and then made her turn to face him.
Shravan: Preeti. Listen to me.
Preeti (Pushing him back): No. I dont want to listen anything Shravan. Not after what happened last night.
Shravan: What is wrong Dammit?? DO you think I am all here to apologize and all? (He replied back angrily )
Preeti: No Shravan. Who said I expect an apology from you. I know Shravan Singh Khurana can never say a Sorry to anyone. Even if he was wrong. He would never accept his fault. I know all this. And so I am least expecting that "SORRY".
Shravan: Then why the hell aren’t you talking to me properly??
Preeti: Why??? Does it affect you ?? Does my silence, my ignorance affect you in any way Shravan??
Shravan nose surely flared in anger. He wished she stopped asking him this. But she continued.
Preeti: Tell me Shravan. I want to know. You said you are marrying me only to fulfil your Family's wish then why do you bother if I am talking to you or ignoring you?
Shravan took a step towards her pinning her to the door making sure he doesnt touch her.
Shravan: I dont need to answer all Preeti. But Yes.I do get affected when People ignore me. And specially my wife. It’s our marriage tomorrow. The whole family was waiting for that day to come from years. Dont ruin their happiness by revealing your anger for me. I dont care if you need to fake your Love to me before them. Do that since I would do the same.
Shravan's words only pierced her heart more . He was faking being good to her till now before the family??? She couldnt believe this. If by any chance the dreams that she was getting of Yuvraj and Chanchan were nothing but her previous birth with Shravan, then there was such a vast difference between that Yuvraj and THis Shravan.
"If Yuvraj couldnt see tears in Chanchan's eyes, Shravan was himself the reason of all the pain in Preeti's life."
"If Yuvraj had the Guts to express his True love before his Maasa, then Shravan had the guts to fake his Love before his family"
They were opposites. If by any chance this was Chanchan's next birth to get married to her Yuvraj then she truly had to undergo much more pain and sufferings than she got in her previous birth. Because in this birth, SHE WASNT FIGHTING FOR HER LOVE. Here SHE WAS FIGHTING WITH HER LOVE.
Shravan moved Preeti aside not to get hurt when the door was unlocked by Radhika and she came inside.Preeti immediately wiped her tears making sure Radhika doesnt see them.
Radhika: Is all ok now?
Shravan looked at Preeti and replied back.
Shravan: Hopefully.
Saying that he left the room.
Evening - Haldi Ceremony
Preeti and Shravan were siting opposites to each other with a White Semi Transparen’t Cloth in between them separating them from seeing each other clearly. The function was completely in a Khurana Style. After all Shravan belonged to the Khurana family.
The entire Ceremony of Haldi , Shravan could see Preeti's changed expressions. She was showing a bit of happiness on her face again. Probably his words in Radhika's room were taken seriously by her. Thats what he wanted. The Haldi continued and everyone started teasing the couple reminding them of the next days wedding and the rituals of the Post wedding.
The youngsters of this house Kishore and Radhika were in full mood to tease Preeti tonight as they still feared Shravan a bit. The Haldi was almost done and Preeti was back in her room to get changed and there the family welcomed their Daamad Suraj Mohan Kapadia.
Suraj met his wife Anjum who hugged him before everyone showing him how much she missed him these days here in Raj Mahal. Daadi and Nani were also happy seeing their Daamad back and that too for their Shravan's marriage. Suraj took the blessings of everyone and then finally came to Shravan.
Suraj: Congratulations Saale Saahab. So finally you are getting married. (He said smiling)
Shravan: Yeah Jeejaji. Had to do this. After all your wife was all behind me to see this day.
Suraj: That all is fine. But where is your Would be Wife?? (He said searching the Dulhan)
Shravan: She is upstairs. You freshen up. I will get her in your Room for introduction.
Suraj : Anytime.
Suraj was then introduced to Aarti and he was pleased meeting her. They all had a wonderful time together down and then Shravan walked to Preeti's room to call her down to meet his Jeejaji.
Preeti's Room
After almost 4 to 5 knocks the door opened and he saw her . She was in a Simple Suit and was waiting at the door to know what made him come here at this time.
Shravan: Umm. Jeejaji is down. He wants to see you.
Preeti came out wearing her slippers and then walked with him down the stairs to meet yet another member of his family. Someone whom she had not even seen in a photo yet. She only knew this person Suraj by name. And the most important fact she knew about him was that Anjum and Suraj were madly in Love with each other.
Part 22
Anjum: Suraj. You know Shravan is so lucky to get a wife like Preeti. She is really a very nice and sweet girl. Did I tell you how much possessive Shravan becomes for her sometimes?? If this is his case before actual marriage , I am worried what he would be after she becomes Legally his??
Suraj (Smiling): After this happens , you forget being Cared like before by your brother. Preeti would be stealing your place Anjum. (Teasing her everyone started laughing with Suraj and Anjum made a puppy face and hugged her husband. )
Anjum: Aap bhi naa. !!
Suraj: But you dont have to fear. Until I am with you. You would never be scarce of Love.
Radhika and Kishore started teasing Suraj and Anjum hearing this Romantic dialogue from their Jeejaji and Anjum was totally blushing. Thats when they all saw Shravan and Preeti coming down. Suraj was facing his back towards them and he didn’t know they were coming .
Anjum: Suraj. There she is. Shravan's Would be Wife, Preeti.
Smiling Suraj turned to see her and there his smile vanished in instant. "CHANCHAN"??? That was the only word his Mind could speak to him. Preeti saw him and she passed a Sweet smile .
Shravan: Preeti. My Jeejaji Suraj and Jeejaji. She is my Wife. Preeti.
Suraj was still in a state of shock. He couldnt believe how destiny was playing with him. His Chanchan was before him but named as Preeti. Preeti Mehra. Did she remember anything?? Was she feeling something seeing him here?? Well her expressions were not revealing anything of that sort. She was calm and happy seeing Suraj here and this meant she doesnt remember a thing of her previous birth and how she was related to Suraj too??
Anjum: (Patting Suraj): Kahan kho gaye?? Preeti is waiting to hear something from her Jeejaji now.!!
Suraj came back to his normal sense and then faked a smile at his wife.
Suraj (Seeing Preeti.): Nice meeting yo
u Preeti.
Thats the only thing he said to her and then excused himself from the rest of the family on the excuse of making an Urgent call and moved aside.Preeti could feel this different behaviour of his towards her. Was something wrong?? Didn’t he like her to be Shravan's Wife?? Well whatever it was, she liked Anjum's husband. Truly they looked like made for each other only.
Daadi: Preeti. Tomorrow is the wedding. You should go and rest now. And so should we . Radhika. Take Preeti back to her room.
Preeti and Radhika left the Living room and Shravan stopped his Di to talk to her. The other family members also dispersed one by one.
Anjum: What happened Shravan?
Shravan: Di. Woh. I wanted to ask you something.
Anjum: Ask me?? What is it?
Shravan: I just need an approval from your end.
Anjum: Approval?? For what Shravan?
Shravan: Promise me you won’t deny
Anjum (Happily): My Shravan is getting married as per my wish. How can I deny him for his needs. Tell me what approval??
Shravan: Di. Tomorrow is the wedding right. ?
Anjum: Yeah .
Shravan: I mean the main Mahurat is at evening 05:00pm . I would be back before that.
Anjum: Back before that? Where are you going? (She asked nervously)
Cursed Bride Page 14