Cursed Bride

by Madhuri Tamse

  Shravan was little surprised to hear this from here now.

  Shravan: Preeti. Just few days back you were worried of your client and now you thinking it’s too early??

  Preeti knew this too was urgent. But without knowing the exact truth of Raj Mahal, she didn’t wished to leave India.

  Preeti: Uhh.!!! Can we leave next week?

  Shravan: Next week?? And why is that?

  Preeti: Holi. Holi. Shravan. This weekend we have Holi. And it’s First Holi of the Bride of Raj Mahal. So.

  Shravan: (Total Blank): First Holi of whom??

  Preeti: (Pointing to herself): Me. The Bride of Raj Mahal. Who else??

  Shravan: Aahhh!!! Preeti First thing. Stop addressing yourself as Bride of Raj Mahal. Please.

  Saying that he was about to walk but she stopped him.

  Preeti: Why?? Why shouldnt I address myself as Bride of Raj Mahal. I am the one. I have full rights now.

  Shravan: Yes you do Preeti. But. I dont like it. It’s too big enough to tag you with. Bye. See you later.

  Saying that he left for the Office.

  Daadi: What ?? Kishan??

  Preeti: Haan Daadi. Jeejaji was Kishan in that birth.

  Nani and daadi looked at each other in surprise.

  Nani: But Bitiya. Why didn’t Suraj tell us about it before?

  Preeti: May be he didn’t knew you both know that Past.

  Daadi: I must say. What we know is only half the truth then. If Shravan, Preeti and Suraj were linked to that Past and have taken re-birth and not just that, but they all are back to each other in this same House, Isn’t that something fishy??

  Nani: You started again Saroj. Yes I understand this Past truth is getting more and more complicated with each days passing by. But is there anything we could do now?

  Preeti: But Daadi. Why doesnt Shravan remember anything about it? I mean, like I get the flashes, Suraj knows the truth then why not Shravan?

  Nani: May be he would get it later Preeti. But You dont need to worry on that. He is already your husband and I dont think if he remembers or not even matters now.

  Preeti faked a smile. Though Nani told her that even if Shravan remembers his past life with her or not doesnt matter, she wasn’t satisfied with the answer. She wanted him to remember what intense Love he had for her that in that life. She wanted him to understand what Love is. There was a huge gap between Shravan and Yuvraj. And Preeti wanted to fill it up somehow. Thats when Suraj knocked Daadi's room and came inside. He was been called here by Preeti for discussing his knowledge of the Past life .

  Suraj sat beside Daadi and then saw Preeti's eagerness in knowing the truth.

  Suraj: Someone is very much excited to know the past.

  Preeti: Of course Jeejaji. It’s very important for my life now.

  Suraj (Smiling): I dont understand where to start from. But Okay. Let me tell you how I came to know all this first.

  Daadi and Nani were equally curious to know his Side of the truth too. They all started listening him now.

  Suraj: I remember when I was told by my Paren’ts regarding Anjum's marriage proposal. The day they told me she stays in Jodhpur in a big Palace called Raj Mahal, I could feel my pull for this place. Initially I thought the reason was Anjum. May be I was too eager to see this girl and meet her. But then it wasnt exactly so. No doubt I wanted to see her but the main reason I wanted to see her early was Raj Mahal. I felt as if Have heard this name. As if I even know how it looks like. And yes What I imagined came to be true . The day I came to this palace to see her, my mind and heart were trying to hint me in always that I knew this house. As if I have stayed here for long . But how ??Was the question. I tried clearing my mind with these thoughts but then they only multiplied when I saw Saale Saahab before me. And indeed I could feel that we had met before. That first meet of mine with this family was truly unforgettable. In my nervousness I did many things here which surely made my Paren’ts feel that this family won’t chose me for their Daamad. But Luckily they liked my simplicity and I got married to Anjum. And then one night. Remembered everything. Everything means everything regarding that birth of mine.

  Preeti , daadi and Nani looked at him. He looked lost. He walked to the Window and looked outside starting to narrate again.

  Suraj: Kishan . That was my name. My Father was a warrior of those times and was much close to Ratan Khurana. After my father’s death, Ratan Khurana brought me to Raj Mahal. I was quite young then . Some15 years I guess. And since then I started living in this house. Initially Yuvraj was not in Raj Mahal. But soon enough he came back and then Me ,Raaghav and Yuvraj became good friends. Yuvraj being the eldest had much responsibilities towards his family. And he was always been supported in this by his only Love. Chanchan.

  Preeti smiled hearing this. She could feel from Suraj's words, how pure her relationship with Shravan was that time. How much she cared for him, supported him. She cuddled a Pillow on her lap and continued listening.

  Suraj: Chanchan had no brother. And she always asked Yuvraj to find a good brother for him. And Yuvraj used to always give her one answer. "Raaghav ko Bhai bana le". (Make Raaghav your brother) To which she would reply" Raaghav ko Bhai bana liya toh aap bhi humare Bhai hi kehlayenge". (If I make Raaghav my brother, you also would be in turn be my brother then) And thus I suggested her to tie me a Rakhi and make me her Brother. A brother who would do anything for his sisters happiness. A brother who would get anything what his sister wished for. Yuvraj and Chanchan were the ones whom I could even die for. But I could do nothing when Maasa announced Yuvraj's wedding with Princess Divya. I tried to make her understand but she was adamant. She knew being a True warriors Son I would not let my Sister (Chanchan's) heart to break by her actions. So she sent me purposely for some work in other Kingdom making sure she fixes the marriage of Yuvraj the sametime. I was unaware of this marriage. And when I was told this, I returned back leaving everything. Every work. But I was late. By the time I reached Raj Mahal, She had left her soul. She was stabbed by someone and was dead in Yuvraj's arms on his wedding day. I couldnt save my Sister. I couldnt save her. (Suraj was truly emotional narrating this truth to everyone and so was Preeti and the others. She could feel that same brother - sister bonding between her and him after knowing this. Daadi came to Suraj and patted his back trying to calm him down and he hugged daadi .

  Suraj: I feel so sorry. I wished I was on time to save her. To save chanchan. I am sorry.

  Preeti walked to Daadi and him and then wiped his tears.

  Preeti: What you couldnt do then for Chanchan and Yuvraj, you did it in this birth for me and Shravan. You saved him from the accident on our marriage day and brought him back on time. Isn’t that enough for us to think that you fulfilled your duty. ???

  Preeti and the Oldies tried to convince Suraj that his re-birth this time was only to fulfil his task which he had left incomplete in the previous birth. After much words, he was finally stable and Preeti was happy seeing him back to normal.

  Preeti: So you too dont know who killed Chanchan?

  Suraj: Who else?? I doubt on Maasa. Only she could be the one to do this. (He replied in anger)

  Preeti felt bad. She sat on the Couch feeling helpless. She was so eager to know this but no one had a correct clue to it. May be only Shravan knew this. Because he was the last person to converse with her that day of his marriage. He must have seen who that person was. But thenShravan doesnt remember a thing of that birth. How the hell will he inform Preeti about this truth then?? She was upset . Very upset all again.

  Same night

  Shravan was back from his work and was searching Preeti again. Where the hell does she goes at night times? Does she even realize she is married now and she should be spending some time with her husband and not his family. He quickly climbed the stairs to check if she was in her mother's room and there he was right. He saw her dressed in a Green Saree and was surrounded by his whole family ladies . He entered the room .

  Shravan: What’s
going on here?

  Preeti saw him here and smiled. But he didn’t.

  Anjum: Shravan. We ladies are planning for the Holi. What else.

  Shravan: If you dont mind then can I take my Wife from here?? I have something to talk to her.

  Every lady present there started to blush hearing this.

  Radhika: SHRAVAN. You sure you just need to talk?

  Preeti on the other hand looked down and was feeling extremely shy to stand there anymore.

  Shravan: What The Hell.!! of course Radhika. What else??

  Anjum: Then what’s need to take Preeti from here.??Talk here. Before us.

  Preeti could see how the family was actually troubling her innocent husband. She herself replied back before Shravan could get angry. He didn’t like people teasing him like this.

  Preeti: Di. I will be back in sometime.

  Saying that she walked outside the room and she was followed by Shravan . She stopped out little away from the room and turned back.

  Preeti: Okay. What is it that you called me for?

  Shravan: What are you doing with them?

  Preeti: Chit chatting. Why?

  Shravan: Preeti. I have a news for you. And it’s really much important than this.

  Preeti was now back to her serious mode .

  Preeti: News? What news? Is all ok Shravan?

  Shravan: Come with me.

  Saying that Shravan took Preeti along with him to their room and then shut the door. She was all blank. He then opened his laptop and started searching for something on it. She sat beside him on the Recliner .

  Preeti: What are you searching??

  Shravan: Wait a minute. Relax.

  Preeti looked at his face once and then continued staring at the laptop and there he got what he wanted. He found a Picture file and he opened it showing it to Preeti.

  Shravan: How is he??

  Preeti (Looking at the picture): Nice. I Mean Handsome. Tall. Cute. Looks little possessive from his face and. (Shravan was damm angry at her description. How can she describe some other guy with such adjectives before her husband??)

  Shravan: Stop!! I meant how is he for Radhika? (he answered in a harsh voice)

  Preeti (Smiling and noticing his possessiveness cum jealousy): Ahh!! Okay. He is good. Who's he by the way?

  Shravan: He is a Young Business Tycoon from US. Belongs to a rich family background. Doesnt have a father. Just a mother .And the most important thing. I got this proposal for Radhika from their end. They contacted us. I liked the guy. No doubt I would do a check from my sources if he is that worth enough for Radhika or not. But I think he is the One for her.

  Preeti: It’s so nice seeing you caring for your Sibblings.

  Shravan: (Raising his eye brow): I always was Preeti.It’s just that you didn’t notice it.

  Preeti: How would I notice?? (She said getting up from the Recliner). You mask that Akdoo look on your face whenever you talk to us.

  Shravan: What The Hell.!! Akdoo???

  Preeti: Hmm. But anyways. Forgetting all that for a while, I must appreciate your hard work in even thinking of Radhika's wedding now. Waise what’s his name??

  Shravan (Looking at the Picture again): Raaghav Ahuja.

  Part 26

  Preeti almost hiccupped hearing this name.

  Preeti: Raaghav??

  Shravan (Seeing her): Yes. Raaghav. Why are you so lost at this name?? Hope you dont forget you are married Preeti. And he is Radhika's Suitor.

  Preeti was blank. What was happening in Raj Mahal. All the past characters were coming into the Play now. But was this just a coincidence or was there something more to it? She looked Lost and Shravan was more irritated seeing her like this thinking she was in Raaghav's thoughts. He touched her cheek lightly and made her look in his eyes.

  Shravan : Come back to reality Mrs Preeti Singh Khurana.

  She rolled her eyes to see his hand and his gestures. Was someone acting all lovey dovey ??

  Shravan: And that reality is before you.

  Preeti could feel the same warmth in his words and actions as she used to feel when she was around Yuvraj. She could see a glint of Yuvraj's love in Shravan's behavior towards her. She liked him being like this with her. Without thinking anything she hugged him and he was surprised. He didn’t know how to react to this sudden mood swings of hers. She hates him for being rude to others, she almost drools over the person's pic whom he chose for Radhika, she gets confused with that person's name and disappears in some thoughts of her own and now when he got her back to reality, she hugs him?? What’s wrong with her?? Does Marriage gets such mood swings in girls?

  Preeti (Still hugging him): When is he coming here?

  Shravan was about to hug her back but the question she just asked blew his mind again and he pulled her from the hug to face him.

  Shravan: Next week. And you better stop thinking about him dammit. What’s wrong with you??

  Preeti: Nothing !!!

  Saying that she walked to the Bed and then started arranging the Duet on it. Shravan didn’t understand what made her behave so. He sat back on the Recliner and continued working while Preeti went off to sleep on the bed.

  Next Day

  Suraj: Raaghav Ahuja??

  Preeti: Yes. Shravan told me last night about him.

  Suraj: I am so much confused now. What’s happening to our family. ??

  Preeti: I dont know Jeejaji. But I am surely not getting positive Vibes knowing that this Person Raaghav is coming to Raj Mahal Next week.

  Suraj: Dont worry. If he is a part of this Reincarnation, he would behave suspiciously here. Let’s see what’s in store for us next week.

  Saying that Suraj surely tried to erase the bad thoughts from Preeti's mind and she was happy to get a friend cum brother cum Jeejaji like him.

  Some days Later - Holi

  It had been almost a week that Preeti and Shravan married. There was nothing much change in their relationship. They behaved like a normal couple but not the ones who are recently married, but like they were married some 5 - 8 years back and were much matured enough to maintain distance from each other. Anjum and Radhika could feel this distance between the two and they thought it was only because this wedding was very much like an arranged marriage for both and may be they needed some time to accept things. Also staying in a Joint family, it was merely impossible to even think of expressing their Love for each other . But since today was Holi, they had planned something for this couple and they just hoped that their plan doesn’t fail.

  That morning Shravan was the last to get up . He rubbed his eyes hearing some screaming sounds of his Sisters. He opened his eyes and sat on the bed only to see his wife Preeti in a While Yellow Chudidaar getting ready before the mirror.

  Preeti (Looking at him): Good morning. !!! (She said smiling)

  Shravan: Morning.! (He almost yawned saying that.). Where are you going so early morning??

  Preeti: In the Garden. Where else. ?? And you too get fresh and come down soon. It’s ok if you dont take a bath. As it is , that won’t help.

  Shravan: Kya?? (He rubbed his eyes and looked at her again trying to know what she meant)

  She came to the bed and started arranging the quilt.

  Preeti: You forgot what day it is ??

  Shravan: (Remembering): Sunday.

  Preeti: (Little angry): And??

  Shravan: And. It’s a holiday today.

  Preeti: And??? (She said leaving the quilt aside waiting to know the right answer from him)

  Shravan: And what Preeti? (he got up from the bed). Dont irritate me early morning.

  Saying that he was about to walk to bathroom when he heard his sisters and now also Kishore and Rajeev screaming outside. He rushed and opened the door only to find Anjum all covered with colors on her and is running behind Suraj to apply him some. He saw Radhika, Kriti, Rajeev and Kishore also in similar situations and there he remembered what Day was today. He closed the door and turned behind.

&nbs
p; Shravan: It’s Holi.

  Preeti: Finally. Someone remembers.

  Saying that she walked back to the mirror and to check herself and was going to turn around when out of nowhere she found her husband holding her and stopping her from turning back. She saw him in the mirror .He was behind her and was looking in her eyes. She already had started getting Goosebumps now.

  Shravan took a pinch of sindoor and then filled it in her partition wishing her their First Holi. There was a deep blush on her face for being wished by her husband. Her Yuvraj .She was already on Cloud 9 by now. Before she could react their door was pushed open as Shravan had forgot to lock it and there Anjum and Radhika froze at the Spot seeing them. Preeti immediately came out of his arms and stood aside looking down.

  Radhika: Di. We came at the wrong time. It’s ok SHRAVAN. Continue. Will come later.

  Saying that they turned and Preeti rushed to them.

  Preeti: I am also coming.

  Anjum (Stopping her): Ohh no no Preeti Bhabhi. You are more required here than down. We will manage without you . Dont worry. (She giggled)

  Preeti took the Color from Anjum's hand and immediately applied it on Anjum's cheeks.

  Preeti: Not even now?? (Saying that Preeti ran outside the door and Anjum and Radhika ran behind her. )

  Shravan couldnt believe what he just did. Did he just get a bit hubby type with her?? Unexpectedly. He thought and walked to the bathroom.