Rishbala SS: Balika Bodhu_Chap14..Pg 69 - Page 18

"Omaa Padimini bon, tomar jamai to ekkebare rajputtur (Padmini sister, your son-in-law looks like a prince)!!" exclaimed an elderly lady, while blessing both the bride and groom. Padmini was standing at the corner of the mandap, her eyes protruding out in shock, her limbs felt numb. "Your daughter is too restless and uncouth. I cannot accept her as my Rishu's bride," were the words of Radha, and they kept on ringing in her ears. She could visualize her daughter's fate in the Mukhopadhyay household. But how did this happen? She had to ask Rishu, before anyone else spilled the beans in front of the villagers.

The newly-weds were led to the living room after the elders blessed them and busied themselves with food. Madhu was befuddled with the turn of events. She stealthily looked at Rishabh from under her veil. Rishabh smiled warmly and whispered, "Aren't you really happy to see me?" Madhu blushed and lowered her eyes, unable to meet his naughty eyes. After most of the guests left, Rishabh's friends who had accompanied him to the wedding all surrounded the bride and the groom for the bashor.' Padmini tiptoed inside and called Rishabh hesitantly. "Ha Mashima," replied Rishabh. "Arrey, she is your Ma now, no more Mashima," interjected one of Madhu's aunt. "Ha Ma," said Rishabh shyly and followed Padmini in the adjoining room.

Padmini hesitated before speaking, and then finally managed to blurt out, "What are you doing here Rishu? What happened to Mukund? And what about Radha didi? How did she agree to all these?" Rishabh's smile vanished from his face, and he lowered his head. "Rishu? Tell me the truth. I need to know everything," said Padmini panicked, grabbing Rishabh's hands. "I told Ma that I want to marry Madhu. She was a bit upset, but then she agreed." "And Bipin babu, Mukund?" "I explained them that I had already decided to marry Madhu, so they did not raise any question," replied Rishabh, without meeting her eyes. Radha was out of her wits, seeing her son's adamancy for Madhu. She cried for two days, without having a morsel of food. Rishabh had not left for Kolkata, but he refused to come in front of her. Finally she summoned Bipin babu. "I do not know how to divulge this to you Bipin babu," faltered Radha. "Ma Thakuran, tell me without any hesitation. What is bothering you?" asked Bipin babu, concerned. "This wedding cannot happen," blurted Radha. "Why Ma Thakuran? Is there any problem?" "Rishu, *sniff* my Rishu wants to marry Madhu now. I did not know he liked her after meeting her," cried Radha. Bipin's face blanched. After some moments of silence, he said, "Please don't cry Ma Thakuran. If Chhoto babu has decided to marry that girl, let it be. Don't feel bad. This kind of misunderstandings can happen." He sighed relieved once he came out of Radha's sight. Thank god, this thing came up before the wedding; else his family would be scandalized, with the Chhoto babu eyeing his daughter-in-law!! Rishabh was too happy to know about the scenario. In one day he made all arrangements, summoned his classmates and set sail for the wedding.

Something was not right, thought Padmini, but seeing Rishabh's resolution she felt better. "My daughter is not refined enough. Will you be able to accept her as your partner Rishu?" asked Padmini, her voice choking with emotion. "Trust me Ma. I will keep her happy and she will grow up as a perfect grahini. She is my wife, she will get all the respect and adoration she deserves," replied Rishabh, this time looking straight in Padmini's eyes.

When Rishabh returned to the bashor' he could not see Madhu. "She was feeling sleepy, so she went to her mother's room," said one of her friends. Rishabh frowned a little; he had thought after their wedding Madhu would open up a bit more to him. Reluctantly he joined his friends and spent the night with them.

Next morning the relatives gathered at Padmini's home to bid farewell to the groom. Madhu was supposed to stay with her mother for the next two months, as Rishabh's examinations were due that time. After his exams, he would take his bride to Kolkata. By that time, Padmini hoped to teach her daughter some lady-like ways.

Rishabh wanted to meet his wife in privacy, once before leaving. But it was Madhu who was still too shy to come in front of him. Already he had spent the most boring bashor of his life without his bride with him last night. After waiting for some time, he decided to look for her himself, feeling empowered as a husband already. He sneaked in Padmini's room and saw Madhu getting ready for the rituals before his departure. She did not notice him coming inside. As she tried to wind the saree around her, two hands encircled her waist from behind and turned her back. "You?" gasped Madhu. "Yes, me, your husband. I am going back to Kolkata. Don't you feel like meeting me once before I leave?" asked Rishabh, while leaning over her slowly. Madhu blushed red, but did not reply. "If you do not want to see me, I will never come back here to take you with me," said Rishabh with a stern face. "No!!" said Madhu panicked. Rishabh smirked seeing her flummoxed face. Before she could react, Rishabh planted soft kisses on her cheeks and forehead. Then leaving her blushing more, he went out of the room.

P.S.: This was a short update...but I promise the next one will be longer...and very soon...