Twenty minutes later, she calls me in to the mansion.
"Clear the house", she speaks as she sees me walking in the room.
"I want everything in my name. All your assets, liquid or otherwise, authorized to me.
I want a nuptial agreement that makes me the rightful owner of all your income henceforth and should we choose to separate, my child.
I want full custody and the right to move anywhere in the world without your say so.
I want you ten feet away from me at all times unless I otherwise specify.
You will sleep in the guest bedroom or the couch.
You will cancel all your commitments and stay at home during course of the pregnancy.
I expect the fridge to be stocked with organic groceries and my meals ready by the scheduled time.
The details are on the fridge. I want no interaction with the film fraternity, Bittuji excluded.
If by the time of my delivery I see a future together, I will let you know. Otherwise, we never meet again.
I will not keep you away from the child in any case. The choice is yours.
Should you disagree with these terms, you are free to leave anytime.
Oh, and nothing in the house stays. Not even your awards".
I sign the documents she passes my way without a second look. For all I know, she might hold the rights to my vital organs. But, I couldn't care less. I want my family back in one piece.
"I want a Hindu wedding. The early morning ones in a temple with the holy fire and people and pandits and bells. Can we please change the venue?"
She had been running after me all week trying to convince me against the court marriage.
"Madhu, I am an atheist. This is against my beliefs", I asserted and the conversation was over. Much like the other times, my word was the last say. I didn't give a second look to her vivid plans of a divine occasion. All I wanted was to sign off those wedding papers and fly of the Caribbean for our honeymoon.
"Can I atleast get a sindoor box for the day? I promise I wouldn't wear it otherwise. I just, it doesn't feel like a wedding without …. Please".
"Okay, only because you said so", I had pulled her in for an embrace thinking she had gotten everything she wanted but, had she?
Had she gotten anything from this lavish life?
Has she gained power or happiness or satisfaction from me moving in? Or, is it just more hurt?
That night must flash before eyes every second I encounter her. I am sorry for being an ass. I am sorry Madhu.
