Scene 2: MuskaanA disclaimer from my side...what I'm going to tell you does not reflect on the kind of person I am. Believe me. I am genuinely sweet and obedient. But sometimes you never know what kind of twists life brings you.
I'm Muskaan. Muskaan Malhotra. Yes, I am a Punjabi girl...that too brought up in Punjab all my life. Now, there are usually two types of Punjabi girls.
Type 1: The shy, traditional ones who obey whatever the family says.
Type 2: The loud, talkative ones who obey family, but at the same time aren't afraid to speak their minds.
I'm type one. I know what you may be thinking. I'm the one that wears typical Patiala salwars and makes excellent chapatis. Yes, that's me. I was raised as such. Mama had been training me since I was a kid to be the ideal Punjabi girl so that I'd be the perfect bahu the day I would get married. From making round chapatis to ironing clothes, I've done it all...and learned it all.
Even papa wanted the same from me. But I still was allowed to go to school and even college. I got my degree in chemistry, my favorite subject. After I finished college, papa began seeking rishtas for me. But none of them worked out. All rejected me. Why? The boys would claim that I'm not modern enough.
Two years later, we went to Mumbai. Papa wanted me to get married to a nice Punjabi businessman whose family he knew for a while. His name was Rahul Arora. He was what any girl would want. A smart, well educated, and handsome guy. Even Rahul had liked me. So the rishta was set.
How did I feel about this? I was fine with whatever my parents wanted for me. Ever since I was a kid, I did whatever made my family happy. After all, how can one not be happy if your family is happy?
Preparations for the wedding took several months. From engagement to sangeet to even more ceremonies, I became more excited inside for my wedding. It was going to be a new life with my to be husband. Rahul.
August 1st: My wedding day had come. The preparations were in full swing and everything was looking beautiful. The wedding was supposed to be after midnight. The panditji claimed it was an auspicious time. I sat in my room around midnight, decked in my bridal dress, smiling shyly.
I was all set. I was going to be a married woman in an hour. I wanted to go to the bathroom real quick. I left my room, heading down the hall near the bathroom. That's when I heard a voice. It was coming from Rahul's room. I stood near his room door, listening to what he was saying.
"Arrey don't worry, darling!" Rahul said on the phone. "I know you're upset! But what could I do?!"
Darling?! Now who could he be talking to! And at this time! I continued to eavesdrop on the conversation.
"Sweetheart, you got it all wrong!" Rahul continued on the phone. "I don't like Muskaan! She's so old fashioned! I'm only marrying her because her family has a lot of money. It'll look good for me in the business world. You're still my only jaan-e-maan."
My mouth dropped open. I left from the door, walking down the hall as tears rolled down my face. I went inside my room, locking the door. I fell to the floor, shattered. How could he do this to me?! The one time I thought things would work out,..it blows up in my face! It wasn't just the fact that he was marrying me only for money! But he was cheating on me as well with another girl! My face felt red as tears continued to pour down my face. That's when there was a knock on the door. "Muskaan!"
I was startled. I immediately wiped the tears off of my face. I opened the door to see my mama standing there. "There you are!" she said. "You're looking so beautiful! Now come! We have to begin the ceremony!"
Without saying a word, I went along with my mama. I plastered a shy smile on my face, but inside I knew how I was feeling. After all I heard, how could I still marry?!
Mama took me to my place at the altar where Rahul was sitting next to me. The panditji, my family, and all the guests had all gathered around. Sweat dripped down my face. I was scared. I didn't want to do this anymore!
The panditji began the rituals. Thoughts began to spin in my head. What to do?! I didn't want to marry Rahul! But if I left from the ceremony now, my parents would be humiliated! I've always been the good, obedient daughter. But this was a situation where I couldn't make up my mind! For the first time...I was actually thinking of going against my parents.
As the rituals proceeded, it was almost time for the saat phere. I would almost be married! I closed my eyes! It was now or never! In my head, two choices played out! Either free yourself from the bond of a marriage of lies or play it safe and go with what has been decided for me...marry! I opened my eyes. And with a heavy heart, I stood up from the altar. Rahul, my parents, and all the other guests stood confused and shocked. "I'm sorry papa and mama!" I said, crying. Right there...at that very moment...I ran!
I ran away from the altar, sprinting for my life. Everyone was left shocked and angry. Rahul stood up, in fury. He sent his friends to go after me. I ran into the streets of Mumbai as I was being chased by Rahul's friends. It was hard to run in this heavy bridal outfit, but I somehow managed. I kept going as fast as I could! I had to create a diversion so those guys would get off my tail! As I got further, they weren't as close to me anymore. But I turned towards a dark alley, hoping they wouldn't see me there. Right in that alley was a disowned car! Luckily it was open!
I went inside the back of the car, hiding. I sat there for about twenty minutes and realized that those guys were gone and had went in another direction. I let out a deep breath, feeling relieved for a moment. And just then, a man with a ski mask came inside the front of the car. My heart raced in fear, seeing this man inside. He took off his ski mask and turned. That's when I thought that maybe he didn't notice me. But I was wrong.
He turned around to me, looking into my eyes. I looked back, confused and scared at the same time. But he didn't take his eyes away from me. But all of a sudden...a girl stepped inside the car, sitting in the seat next to the guy.
Edited by -Meryl- - 11 years ago
Shiv Shakti
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
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