8. Captive
Maan applied an ear to his door. He faintly perceived the rumble of chatter from the crowd gathered below. Propping the door slightly open, he strained harder, but couldn't distinguish his mother's distinctive voice from the others. He knew that she, along with the rest of his small family, had arrived with much fanfare ten minutes ago when Uncle Rajbir's ancient khattara Mercedes had pulled up in the driveway. Had the main purpose of their visit bypassed their minds in the excitement of meeting the rest of the clan? He didn't think so.
What should I do? I can't just hide here in my room and wait for someone to break the door down! Geet is right. I have to face the music. And if my mother tries to twist my arm into getting hooked to her beloved Renu or somebody else, I will put my foot down and say I'll remain loyal to my wife as long as I live, even if she doesn't care for me!
The thought conjured up Geet's impassioned face, and with it came a sense of emptiness immediately supplanted by fury at himself. How could he waste time thinking about her? Certainly she had no place in his life. None whatsoever.
He was jolted out of his musings by a couple of piercing, loud whistles. He rushed out onto the balcony. There, he saw standing right below him a slim girl dressed all in white who was shielding her face with a thick dupatta. She was also waving wildly at him.
"Who in hell are you?" he shouted irritably, in no mood for congeniality, particularly with a female of the species.
"Hush, you idiot! Tum toh bilkul gadhe nikle! It's me, Geet!" she said, lifting her veil while casting a wary glance around. "Who else do you think would try to attract your attention like this? So don't just stand there and stare. Give me a hand up!"
"What a weird woman you are," Maan observed with a perplexed smile, noting an immediate dissipation of his anxieties.
"Jaldi! Before I change my mind!"
Her words were enough to prompt him to propel his legs over the railing and jump down.
She inquired of him, "Don't you know of the blanket trick? Picture nahin dekhte kya?"
"No. I think lifting you up would be quicker and far more efficient. You are such a tiny thing anyway," he said smiling at her. It had escaped him until now that she was indeed quite small and delicate. Her forceful personality made her appear larger than life.
She snorted and managed to look offended.
"C'mon, we have no time to waste!" he urged, cupping his hands together and going down on his haunches.
She looked unconvinced, but without saying another word removed her flip-flops and placed a dainty foot in his hands. Then using his shoulders as a step ladder, reached up for the iron railing and attempted to haul herself up.
Without a fraction's hesitation, Maan positioned both his hands on her backside and pushed hard, hoisting her upward. Then ignoring her appalled gasp, he followed immediately behind.
"How dare you handle me so intimately?" she exclaimed, her fair complexion hot and flushed.
"There is no place for modesty right now. Besides, feminine anatomy doesn't affect me," he retorted promptly, though he had experienced quite the contrary.
But he wouldn't admit that to her, or even to himself. Instead he snapped brusquely, "Why did you come here? Did you suddenly take a liking to honesty?"
She burst into a loud laugh, not appearing in the least affronted. "I felt bad for you. At first I thought I would let your mother make a bharta of you, then..." She shrugged her shoulders. "...I felt remorseful and chose to come to your aid. Besides, I was curious to meet your tyrant mama." She smiled with a cheeky grin.
"I don't know what to say," Maan muttered. She had managed to upset his rhythm and it annoyed him.
"Don't say anything, then. Let's proceed," she smiled, as if well aware of the effect she was having on him and ambled over to the door.
"Hey, you can't go down like that!" Maan said, suddenly remembering the red box his aunt had given him. It was still lying on the floor at the exact spot where he'd flung it earlier that morning. He thrust it into her hands. "Wear whatever is in this and come down."
She took it reluctantly.
"Till then I will try to hold the fort. People might be getting restless," Maan said and turned toward the door.
And they were...
As he stood at the head of the stairs, Maan could sense a distinct undercurrent of unease. Anxiety was clearly written on many faces, while on others there was obvious bemusement. It was just a matter of time before all hell broke loose. He closed his eyes and sent up a fervent wish to be miraculously whisked away.
But his prayer remained unanswered.
"Maan!" a male voice called to him.
Schooling a pleasant smile on his face, Maan let himself be encased in a series of hugs.
"A married man at last!" his father exclaimed.
Maan couldn't believe it, either.
"My son!"
"Mom!" Grudgingly he accepted a loud smack on each cheek. His fingers rose automatically to erase the smudges left by the deep pink lipstick she wore.
"You look utterly nerve-wracked and upset! Kya hua beta?" Shobha asked, her discerning eyes sweeping over him.
"Ah...it's nothing, mom."
"Mama!" His sister, Rima, pitched in with a knowing wink, and in splendid time. "My diehard bachelor brother has just gotten married. He's still in a state of shock. What else did you expect?"
Maan smiled gratefully at her. Rima had always acted as his shield, protecting him from the brunt of his parents' wrath that he frequently appeared to kindle with his rebellious and unconventional attitude. It was fortunate for him the passage of years had watered it down into a grudging tolerance.
But Shobha wasn't convinced. Experience had fine-tuned her instincts to near perfection. She could smell a rat a mile away. "Where is my bahu? Or is she planning to remain incognito forever," she demanded, managing to shove her son aside despite her slight stature, and prepared to proceed up the stairs.
"Mom, please...she's getting ready."
"I don't care," Shobha said. "If I don't see her now, then I won't ever!"
At that moment a sudden hush descended over the entire room. Maan saw everybody's eyes, including those of his mother's, focus on the staircase behind him. He followed their gaze and identified the cause. An ethereal vision in jewel-encrusted gossamer was floating down to the accompaniment of the rhythmic tinkle of glass bangles, her identity concealed behind a veil of teal netting.
He wasn't sure if his heart stopped or his breath or both, but he was feeling oddly light-headed as she came to a standstill next to him.
A hard nudge in the ribs revived him, along with an urgent whisper, "Ghoonghat!"
"Wha...at...? Oh!" With rigid hands, he followed the implied instruction and stood gaping blankly, as apparently did everyone else. Even his toddler nephew's constant whimpering had died down.
Her glorious eyes bordered by shimmering lids stared meaningfully at him. He blinked.
His mother was the first to recover. "Maan, introduce us."
"Uh Mom, Dad...meet my wife, Geet...umm Rathod."
"No. Geet Maan Singh Khurana. I wouldn't want to be addressed by any other name," Geet said demurely, her flamboyant eyelashes fluttering coyly downward.
"Waah Shobha waah! It appears that your bahu not only looks like an angel, but also knows how to ensnare your son's heart," roared Uncle Rajbir, breaking the silence and sending everybody into merry laughter.
Maan looked pleasantly confused, while Geet colored deeply as she was overcome with apparent shy pleasure.
"Chalo, take the blessings of your elders. Now that my little brother's beautiful mystery has been unveiled," Rima said, gazing with admiration at Geet, then enclosed her in a warm hug.
Maan stooped down, letting out an inward sigh of relief.
"No. First I have to satisfy myself that she is indeed worthy of being my daughter-in-law," Shobha said sternly.
"Aww, c'mon Mom! I took her as my wife in front of everyone!" Maan blurted out in an incensed tone, causing Geet to throw him a startled look. She gave him a reassuring smile before mutely allowing herself to be led away.
My wife?! What the hell did I just say? Maan thought, glaring at Geet's receding back. She is certainly not my wife. At least not in the real sense. Or is she? Damnit!
***
Oh God, now what does she expect of me? Geet mused fretfully as Shobha sat her down by her side on the settee and subjected her to a minute perusal. Sasuma seems to have been watching a lot of TV soaps in anticipation of today.
"Okay, my dear, let's have a look at you! You seem to like the natural look and that's good. I'm not fond of face paint. Makes girls look like bhoots and daayans!" Shobha said. "I also see that you can talk and talk well. But can you cook?"
Geet shook her head. "Not much..."
"Mom, your daughter-in-law's being modest," Maan volunteered. "She's actually a very good cook. She made superb upma today."
"What? When? In your dreams, Maan? As far as I'm aware, bahu hasn't stepped out of your room until just now!" his mother retorted aloud, prompting a general burst of merriment that made Geet turn and direct a withering glare at him.
"It was a good try to save your wife, but you failed, beta," Shobha declared with a smug smile. Then she turned back to Geet, "It is a tradition in our family that every new bride has to make dessert for all of us without any assistance whatsoever!"
"But Mom! Geet..."
"Shut up, Maan! You've had your manmaani. Now it's my turn. What say, bahu?" Shobha said, inflicting Geet with her steely gaze. She received a dumb nod in reply.
"Good, then let's move on. Do you know any crafts?" Shobha said.
Geet shook her head again, thinking she was turning out to be a really lousy daughter-in-law.
***
"Mom, she's a photo journalist," Maan spoke up. "I've seen her work. It's fabulous!"
"Wow, seems like my bro is completely lattu over his wife. Nothing you do can change that, Ma. You lose!" Rima said with a giggle.
"As if I care! Get lost, Maan! You have no place among us women," Shobha said, banishing her son.
He left in a huff, leaving his wife looking utterly flustered. He took position in a secluded alcove, where he could monitor the goings on undisturbed. He watched silently as she was put through a thorough grilling.
"My parents? Uh...um I'm an orphan. I was brought up by my maternal uncle and his wife who were sort of obligated to adopt me. I've been on my own for the past four years. My mami hates me. She was happy to wash her hands of me. They were here for the wedding, and thereafter promptly departed for Malaysia which is where they reside now. If you contact them, you'll probably get a very poor report of me."
That came as news to Maan. But then he knew nothing about her at all. Geet was very much a mystery to him, and that included her odd behavior"one instant soft and genteel and in the next, aggressive and belligerent. He could tell she detested all the attention being heaped upon her, though she was trying very hard to appear cool. The fire in her eyes could burn the entire house down. Yet he felt no inkling of empathy. Rather, in his opinion, she deserved it. A sardonic grin flickered across his lips when her eyes flashed in his direction. She quickly looked away.
"Hey dude!" A familiar voice blared in his ear making Maan jump. "What's up? You can't take your eyes off her. They seem stuck as if by industrial quality duct tape!"
Maan was taken by surprise. "Rudy? You're here?"
"After I heard that you'd found someone, I couldn't control my curiosity. I had to see her," Rudy replied. "And let me tell you this. You've made an excellent choice. Kya cheez hai yaar! If only I didn't have Shirin on my back..." He looked longingly at Geet.
"Watch it now," Maan spluttered with anger. "She's not like Renu, nor is she for sale. She's off bounds!"
His friend appraised him in wonder. "I'll be damned. You are smitten, absolutely besotted. Must say she is some eye candy. Girls like her can be really distracting. They aren't for the likes of you. Whatever made you choose her?"
"What the hell do you mean?" Maan countered. "She doesn't affect me at all. I...she just happened to fit my requirements to the T."
"If you say so," Rudy said, with a knowing smile in his hooded eyes. "But a girl like that needs attention. If you go about your business as usual, she may get bored and start looking elsewhere."
"Whatever she does, you have no business getting any ideas about her. She's my wife and I want to make sure you get that fact crystal clear!"
His friend grinned. "We shall see about that. No woman is immune to Rudy's charms."
"Rudy!" Maan blistered, his hands bunching into fists, ready to shatter his friend's impertinent jaw. But his honorable intentions were laid asunder by a small group of females who suddenly manifested in front of him.
His giggling sister pushed Geet to the fore. She was holding a small bowl with something in it. "Here!" Rima said. "Since you chose her, you get to be the guinea pig."
***
Geet's hands trembled as she held up a spoonful of kheer. Please say it's okay. Please! Her dark eyes implored silently.
Maan's face twisted into an expression of disgust. "You better taste your handiwork, too!" He reproved before placing a loaded spoon into her mouth.
Her eyes widened in surprise. "But it's fine!"
"Did I say it wasn't?" He grinned, teasing her.
"Wow! Kya baat hai! Dulhe miyan bahut ishmart ho gaye hain! Look how he makes our bahu blush!" Rashmi chachi laughed, as Geet's gaze sought the ground.
Shobha pulled her into a bear hug. "Bahu, I was just playing with you. I knew you were perfect for my Maan as soon as I laid eyes upon you. But what can I do, aadat se majboor hoon!" Then looking at her bewildered son, Shobha said, "Now what are you waiting for, won't you touch my feet?"
The rest of the evening went by in a rush"meeting and greeting relatives, receiving gifts and seeking innumerable blessings with Geet bearing the brunt of it all.
It was close to midnight when the last of the guests had finally taken their leave. Geet was ready to collapse under her own weight.
***
Maan relented. "My wife needs to sleep." He announced to no one in particular. Poor girl, she has come to help me after all.
There was an outburst of laughter. Everyone seemed to find them terribly amusing as a couple.
Geet glanced at him clearly confused, then her cheeks caught on fire. No one complained when they excused themselves and hurried upstairs.
***
"OMG... What a family you have!" Geet exclaimed as soon as he shut the door behind them and she began peeling off her sari.
He stared rapt.
"Turn around! This isn't a striptease," she said pushing him against the wall. "And no peeking!" she warned when she saw him glancing at the mirror.
He grinned, reluctantly obeying her instruction. "Yes, they are a bit crazy and overwhelming. My mother is the worst. Your pic must be all over the net by now."
"So you never shared Deepika's photograph with her?"
"No, I wanted to keep it a surprise." Thank Heavens I did.
"Here...take your amanat," she said, handing him the jewelry she had discarded.
"Don't you want to keep any of these?" he asked separating the dainty anklets. Their tiny bells made a pleasant tinkling sound.
"Why? Do you think I'm doing this for some kind of payment?"
"No, I just felt..." He was chagrined.
"Keep your feelings to yourself. I don't want anything that wasn't meant for me. Maybe you'll find use for it in the future, when you consider having a relationship with someone other than your work." She headed over to the balcony.
"You are leaving?"
She looked back. "I'd better, I think. Before it is too late." Her eyes filled with a deep melancholy. But it seemed like a momentary illusion when she smiled brightly. "Besides I have a job and students who depend on me. I can't afford to go on a vacation."
He didn't hear a word she said. Her face absorbing all his attention. She looked like a dream. Perhaps that was exactly what she was"an impossible dream.
He followed her to the railing, automatically repeating the act of the night before. It was becoming a routine. "But what will I say when they ask me about your whereabouts in the morning?"
Rudy was right. A girl like Geet was not for the likes of him. But somehow the notion riled him.
***
She peered up at him. He was holding on tight to her arms and did not seem to want to let her go. A lump formed in her throat. She swallowed before replying, "Think of something. You're brainy enough, aren't you?"
He didn't respond to her question. "Please, Maan, let me go..."
His grip grew tighter as she began to struggle to free herself. He then let go, making sure she was safely on the ground, before briskly turning away and disappearing inside his room.
"Maan, please understand," Geet called after him, her eyes filling up with involuntary moisture. But when he didn't respond, she steeled herself, and headed out onto the street where her scooter was parked. It's better this way. We were never meant to be.
At the gates, she looked back and waved to the empty balcony. "Good bye for the last time."
tbc
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