Flaming Sun Collection 2: Marriages Made in India (Box Set with 5 novellas)

by Sundari Venkatraman

  Ram and his brothers drank occasionally. It was no big deal. But this was the first time he had felt the need for alcohol in the middle of the day. Anyway, it was only beer.

  He looked at Sapna who was standing in the middle of the sitting room, appearing confused, her eyes studying the beer bottle as he lifted it to his mouth again. “What, do you want some?” he asked.

  She shook her head vigorously. “No, no. I don’t drink.”

  One dark eyebrow went up mockingly. “Oh! That’s really nice of you. Well, Chanda drinks.” He wanted to shake her up. Well, since he wasn’t given to physical violence, he subconsciously decided to play with her mind.

  He was joking, of course. The Maheshwaris were such a nice family. Chanda would never drink. Her husband wouldn’t allow it. Her parents would be scandalised if that were the case. Sapna shook her head to herself. Ram was fooling her for sure.

  “You don’t believe me? Here, let me call her. You ask for yourself.” He took his cell phone out of his jeans’ pocket.

  “No, no,” protested Sapna, horrified. Was she married to a family of drunkards? She didn’t realise that she had spoken aloud.

  Ram laughed, suddenly irritated as his patience wore thin. “Even if I wasn’t one, you’d surely drive me to it,” he accused.

  Sapna turned red, her temper going up in a flash. How dared he! “For the hundredth time, I didn’t ask you to marry me,” she yelled.

  “No, you didn’t. But you didn’t deny me either.” Ram’s voice was cutting. “You had a choice. I was honest with you right from the beginning. I liked you and wanted you to be my wife. You could have told your parents that you didn’t want to marry me. I suppose it was simply irresistible to wed all this wealth.” His hands spread wide, gesturing to their cottage that was soaked in luxury.

  Sapna was terribly hurt as well as offended. She couldn’t help but notice the past tense when he said that he had wanted her to be his wife. But insisting that she had married him for his money was hitting below the belt. How could he think that of her? She turned her head away as a film of tears formed in her eyes.

  Some time ago, Ram wouldn’t have believed that of her even if someone had told him so. But what other reason could she have had for marrying him? She didn’t like him. So, it must have been his money.

  Wiping a hand across her eyes, Sapna straightened her shoulders and turned back to her husband who was removing a second bottle of beer from the fridge. “I don’t care what you say. Deep down, I’m sure you know that I didn’t marry you for your wealth. Did you ever think of the situation from my view point?”

  “What the hell for? I’m sure you are managing very well on your own.”

  “Of course I am. And you very well know I didn’t mean that,” she snarled. “My family’s poor. My father’s income is sporadic. We could have two square meals only because of my income. Then there are my brothers who are both still at school. Their education needs paying for. I’m twenty-five. There’s so much pressure from our relatives and friends that my marriage had been long overdue. I could still bear all this. Into this scenario walks in Mishraji with an alliance that no one could refuse.”

  Her voice bitter, Sapna continued. “The guy is handsome, educated and earning well. More importantly, he’s eager to marry me. His family is ready to bear all the expenses of the wedding and the trousseau. There’s no talk of dowry. I’m torn as I don’t know what I want. I dreamed of falling in love. But did I have a choice to continue dreaming?” She brushed away her angry tears.

  Ram didn’t care to be spoken about as if he wasn’t there. But he felt compelled to listen without interrupting as she spoke so passionately about her situation. Her face was crimson while her eyes shimmered with the tears she was working hard at holding back. Only they wouldn’t stop.

  “I begged the guy—you—to refuse the alliance. Did you listen? Do you really think it was possible to say ‘no’ to my parents in the face of the scenario I just described? Could I have lived with myself after that? Meeting their hurt and accusing eyes day after day? It was in my hands to get them out of the squalor. How could I say, ‘no’?” The last sentence came out in a screech.

  The grey eyes pierced him accusingly. Ram stared at her, stunned by what she had said, his beer bottle forgotten.

  Oh my God! What had he done! She was absolutely right. He’d never thought from her angle. It hadn’t struck him that at the end of it all, she hadn’t had a choice but to agree to the wedding.

  All this while, he had thought that she had spoilt his life. But now it looked like he had destroyed her dreams. He turned pale, falling back on the sofa, unable to digest what he had done to her. “I’m sorry Sapna. I’m truly sorry,” he said in a whisper, burying his face in his large hands. How could he have been so stupid? He was so smitten with her that he never thought that she might not reciprocate his feelings, not one little bit.

  In his family, everyone spoke their thoughts and generally meant what they said. There was no need to hide anything. But it must have been difficult for Sapna. She had been caught between a rock and a hard place. While he had been no help at all! The magnanimity of the situation ate his insides.

  Raising his head, Ram said, “You don’t know how sorry I am, Sapna.” He patted the seat next to him. “Come and sit down.”

  She walked forward slowly, her face still wet with tears. Looking at him warily, she sat down, wondering what he would do now.

  “This is no excuse, but we can’t undo the wedding, at least not for some time. I promise you that I’ll help you learn to speak English and also get trained as a beautician or anything else that interests you. I’ll make sure that you’re able to stand on your own feet, an independent woman. If, after all that, you still want to remain my wife, let’s stay married. Otherwise, I promise to let you go the moment you tell me you want your freedom.” It hurt him terribly to utter those words, but that was the least he could offer, after the way he’d messed up her life.

  They formed a shaky truce over the next week—two people on a holiday together, though not friends—catching up with the sightseeing in Kodaikanal and making the most of the facilities their resort had to offer.

  If Sapna felt bereft at the distance her husband maintained between them, she refused to acknowledge it. Being the dreamer that she was, there were times she couldn’t help recalling the pleasure she had felt in his arms, and the way he had kissed her. Those were the times when she lost sleep, her body awake to needs that were not too familiar. But how could she bridge the gap? She shook her head to herself. It was up to the man to make the first move. She conveniently forgot that it was she who had gone to study his half-naked body as he lay asleep on that fateful day. Such an opportunity was completely lost with the two of them sleeping in separate bedrooms.

  Before long, it was time to go back home and face the music.

  It won’t be easy for Ram to fool his parents and brothers. But he had no plans to tell them the truth about the state of his marriage. He didn’t think his parents could bear the pain. It did seem as if the Maheshwari siblings’ married lives were jinxed, going by Chanda’s history and now his. Okay, Chanda’s life had got back on track. But Ram knew that his never would. He only hoped his parents wouldn’t expect him to get married a second time after Sapna left him. She was the only woman he loved and he didn’t expect to fall out of love with her, not in this life.

  16

  Ram kept his promise and got Sapna enrolled in English conversation classes, soon after they returned from Kodaikanal. Nowadays, the breakfast sessions, when the family got together, was the time set aside for talking to Sapna in English. Now that she and Ram understood each other better, it wasn’t difficult for her to get along with his family. The twins were boisterous while Lakshman was a silent rock. She got along only too well with Ram’s parents, as they treated her like their own child. Mohan uncle loved to set up rules. Only no one believed in following any of them. Not that he was bothered about all that. The p
lump Meera aunty was simply adorable.

  “Would you like to visit my shop?” asked Ram, his eyes gentle on his wife’s face. She looked so fresh and innocent as she set the table. He knew that she had no classes today.

  Her eyes lit up with a smile. She’d been dying to see his shop but had felt too awkward to ask. She felt she had no right. “Would love to,” she said, nodding her head.

  After breakfast, she rushed back to their house and got ready in a jiffy. She didn’t want Ram to be late because of her. She was thrilled to sit in the front seat of their car and enjoyed the ride to MI Road where the showroom Nakshatra Jewellery was. Her jaw dropped when she saw how big the shop was. It was set in 2000 sq feet with separate sections for gold jewellery, gems and silver ornaments. There were twelve staff members behind the counters and already a few customers were being shown the wares. Ram nodded in greeting to each and every man and woman, walking towards the cash counter.

  “Good morning sir, Namaste madam,” greeted Ratanlal, his manager.

  “Good morning Ratanji,” replied Ram, a smile on his face. He felt proud of his wife.

  “Namasteji,” said Sapna, a shy smile on her face. Being addressed as “madam” was a first.

  “You manage the counter today, Ratanji. We’re going to check out the goldsmiths at work,” said Ram, guiding Sapna towards the back of the showroom. A large, single door opened into another room that was half the size of the showroom. Sapna gaped as she saw eight men working at separate stations. Each man had another one assisting him. They walked from counter to counter, standing and staring at each work of art. Ram explained everything that was being made. One was creating a bangle of fine filigree work. Another was fashioning a chain. A third one was setting emeralds and diamonds in a necklace. The delicate work needed a lot of concentration.

  “What lovely designs!” exclaimed Sapna.

  Colour ran up Ram’s cheeks at her fulsome compliment. That’s when it dawned on Sapna that all the designs had probably been created by him. If that was the case, then he was truly a genius.

  “Are they all yours?” she asked, her eyes wide with astonishment.

  “Yeah,” said Ram, turning to a worker and saying, “Rao, we’re going to my cabin. Get some water and two cups of coffee.”

  He took Sapna’s hand to go back through the same door and walked towards the corner of the showroom where there was another door. They walked in to see an office room that was enclosed in glass on three sides. An easel held a piece of artwork, while a number of framed jewellery designs were mounted on the fourth wall, forming a mosaic. There was also a large desk where sat a computer.

  “Take a seat,” invited Ram.

  Ignoring him, Sapna walked to the wall, studying the designs. They were intricately and tastefully done. She recognised the necklaces she wore for her wedding. She turned when there was a knock on the door and went to sit on one of the two visitor’s chairs. She drank the water in a few gulps, feeling thirsty. She lifted the cup of coffee when she saw Ram doing the same.

  “You have an awesome set up here. How long have you been in this business?” she asked, eager to know more.

  “I trained under a famous jeweller during the years I was at college—to design as well as to recognise gems and grading them. Later, I worked with a showroom for three years, to learn the trade and gain experience with designing. This place is five years old.” He had come a long way. It had been a lot of hard work. But he had enjoyed every bit of it.

  It was Sapna’s turn to feel proud of her husband. Now that the pressure was all gone, she was beginning to genuinely like the man. But was that enough for a happy married life spanning many decades? Wasn’t love necessary?

  That evening, after dinner, she called Ritu. They chatted for a while before Sapna asked, “How did you know that Yash was the man for you? And tell me what you really mean when you say you are in love with him.”

  “Huh? Why the sudden questions?” asked Ritu, laughing. “Why don’t you ask your adoring husband that? He’s so obviously in love with you.”

  Was he? Sapna didn’t think so. If Ram was in love with her, he wouldn’t have promised to let go of her after she became independent. He would have surely told her that he couldn’t live without her and insisted that she become his wife, in all aspects. Wouldn’t he?

  She chatted for a few minutes longer before disconnecting the call. There was no help from that direction.

  At that same time, Lakshman cornered Ram in the garden. “Well, bro, are things better between you and Sapna now?” he asked.

  Ram frowned at him blackly. “What do you mean by that?” His voice came out in a growl.

  Lakshman raised both his hands in a gesture of peace. “Chill man, just asking. You didn’t look too happy on the day you guys left on your honeymoon. You remember, at breakfast?”

  Ram’s scowl grew darker. Of course he remembered that morning. “So?”

  “Ram,” Lakshman placed an arm around the other man’s shoulder. “This is Lakshman, your best pal. Or have you forgotten?”

  “Back off, will you? Unless you want your face smashed,” threatened Ram, feeling cornered.

  “Go on, hit me all you want. It doesn’t matter. Tell me what the problem is,” said Lakshman, his voice soft. He hurt with his brother’s pain and could feel it deep down in his soul. What could have happened? Ram had been crazy about Sapna from the first time he met her.

  Ram turned away, his fists clenched. He’d never had a secret from his brother.

  “Want to go for a drink?” asked Lakshman.

  Ram turned back to look at his brother and nodded. “Let’s go.” He sent a WhatsApp message to Sapna that he was going out and would be late while Lakshman booked an OLA cab. He planned to get his brother sloshed if need be.

  After three pegs of whiskey and soda, the whole story came tumbling out—from when he met Sapna for the first time, till her outburst in Kodaikanal.

  Lakshman listened to Ram, not interrupting once. His brother was so obviously in love with his wife. Somehow, Lakshman refused to believe that she had no feelings for Ram. Something was not in sync here.

  17

  Ram knocked on his in-laws’ door at 3 pm that Wednesday. He knew that they must be up from their siesta by now.

  A surprised Suraj opened the door, “Hello jiju,” he said, smiling widely. “Where’s Sapna di?” he asked, not seeing his sister.

  Ram patted his young brother-in-law on his shoulder and gave a gift parcel to him. “I came alone, on business. I’ll get Sapna soon.”

  Suraj placed the stool in the centre of the room, calling out to his mother who was at the stove, making tea, “Maa, see who’s come.”

  Purnima had already heard Ram’s voice answering her son. She smiled at her son-in-law. “Aao beta. How are you?

  Shyam came running from outside where he had been playing with his friends. “Hello Ram jiju,” he greeted, hugging the older man.

  “Hello Shyam.” Ram hugged him back. “And aunty, how are you? Where’s uncle?”

  Purnima nodded her head. “He just stepped out to buy sugar, should be here any moment.”

  Chittaranjan walked in even as she spoke. “Arre, Ram! Welcome, welcome.” He held Ram’s hand in delight while his eyes ran around the small room. “Where’s Sapna?”

  Ram smiled at his wife’s father. “I promise to get her next time. I had to come on business and thought to meet you all.”

  “Of course, of course. Purnima, you are serving tea nah?” called out Chittaranjan.

  “Hahnji,” she replied, pouring the tea into five cups.

  The boys had ripped open the gift packet to find a cricket bat and ball. They hooted in glee and couldn’t thank Ram enough as they sat down to drink the tea.

  After finishing his, Ram said, “I’d like to take you all out for a while.”

  While the boys scrambled to get ready immediately, Chittaranjan looked at his wife, hesitant. They had already taken too much from their son
-in-law and his family. “Err…”

  “I won’t take ‘no’ for an answer, uncle,” said Ram firmly. “Suraj, Shyam, come along. We’ll wait for you on the main road where the car’s parked. Please come as soon as you are ready.” He walked out with the jubilant boys.

  He drove for about ten minutes before they reached an area where the houses were well maintained. On the way, Sapna’s parents had a lot of questions to ask about their daughter. Ram answered them patiently while navigating with his GPS on. He drove through a pair of iron gates and parked the car near the entrance. It was a colony of row houses. This is where they were to meet the house broker. A man walked up to them, asking, “Ram Maheshwari?”

  Ram raised a hand to acknowledge him and said, “Sameer?” When the man nodded, he turned to his father-in-law and said, “Sameer is a house broker. He’s going to show us a row house that’s for sale.”

  Chittaranjan wondered if his son-in-law was planning to buy a property in Pushkar. Without saying anything, he nodded his head as all of them followed Sameer. The colony was lovely, with a lot of trees and plants. There was a large garden, covered with grass, where they could see children playing. Sameer opened a corner home that had an extra patch of garden on one side. Climbing four steps, they went into a living room that connected to an open kitchen. The house was furnished, with sofas and a dining table between the living area and the kitchen. The platform was made of polished granite while the storage units were made of wood and glass. Beyond the kitchen was a back door that opened into the garden. There was a bathroom at the back.

  There was also a bedroom on one side that had its own attached bathroom. The boys rushed around here and there, pulling open the wardrobe to check it out.