Marriage
Marriage. Bride. Groom. Wedding dress. Mandap. Vows. Love. Trust. Care.
Just the thought of these words tingles me. Yes, I am getting married. An arranged marriage.
After graduating in architecture, I got placed in a reputed MNC. I thought my life was settled, until that day. I was told that the guy and his parents are coming over. Excited? Yes, I was. Being brought up by conservative parents, I knew that love marriage was out of the equation. I love parents, no doubt. I am what I am today because of them. They gave the freedom I needed. I knew that they would always do the best for me, even with this guy. But, deep down I hoped I would love him. I can accept him but love?
After hours of struggle (for me) and enjoyment (for them), we were done getting me dressed. Cladded in a heavy silk saree, adorned with jewels and to top it all, makeup. And now, I was ready to meet my potential to-be hubby and his parents. I remember being called a nerve wreck by them. Them, as in my mom, my best friend Meera and my other friends from college, Pinky, Naina and Rajji. My mom headed down to check on the preparations for the welcome of the guests. I was left alone with my friends, who were very much amused on seeing my condition. Okay, I know I was the calm chick in our group. Me, being tensed is something they've almost never seen. But, who in their right mind could stay calm now?
"Babe, chill. You could always tell no, you know?", said Meera. I could? But what about my parents? I could never hurt them. "I don't know, meer", I choked, tears glistening my eyes. At once, all the four surrounded me, comforting me.
It seems like it happened a long time ago, when it's actually been only three years since that day. "Why the amused look?" I hear my husband ask me. "huh? Sorry?", I reply confused. "You were smiling, reading that book, wifey. May I know what amused you in a horror story?" he replied smirking. That is when I realized that I was in our bedroom, on our bed, leaning on a pillow, reading a book. "I...I...wa..I was thinking about something else" I replied. "Your blushing", he chuckled pressing his lips unto mine for a peck. Man, I love this guy.
Finally, they were here. "People, idea. Let's go see if he's worth our girl", suggested Rajji."You girls go, I'm staying with her",replied Meera. "He's H-O-T", commented Pinky. "He might be your friend's husband so, hush" replied a stern meera. I couldn't help but chuckle. "Someone seems to be happy, now", said naina , giving me a side hug. "yup and all thanks to you guys",I replied. "Come on girls, bring her down", my mom ordered.
Handing me a tray, my mom asked me to serve them the coffee. With uneven steps, I reached the living room. Seated on the sofa to my left were my dad, Mohinder and my elder brother, Aditya. I din't dare turn my head right. "This is my daughter, Geet Handa.", my dad spoke. "Well, we're here for her", I heard a man in his late fifties reply. To which, everyone in the room chuckled. I proceeded to serve the coffee while my dad introduced everyone. "That's Mr. Rajveer Khurana, his wife Mrs.Sheetal Khurana, their younger son Vikrant...", he continued. "and their eldest son Maan Khurana." Lifting my head from the tray, I saw him.
"I'm not sleepy", I whined. "It's two, woman. I have work tomorrow, unlike you", murmured my husband. "Fine, sleep tight, hubby", I croaked, tears welling my eyes. Saying so, I waddled across our bedroom to my shrine. The swing in our balcony was my place of comfort. I sat there overlooking the now calm city. "Sorry, baby", I heard his voice. Sniffing, I ignored his apology. "My wife is angry? Hmm, what do I do?" saying so he sat beside me, taking me in his embrace. "You don't love me anymore, don't you?", I spoke. "Rubbish, I vowed to love you till my last breath. And I am keen on fulfilling my vows" he replied. "I'm sorry.", I replied meekly and snuggled closer.
"Wanna dance?" he asked, offering me his hand. "What? Dance? Now?" I asked, confused. "Well, you couldn't sleep and I'm also awake now. So, lets dance?"he replied. Pulling me unto my feet, we returned to our bedroom. Playing one of our favorite songs, he pulled my closer. Swaying to the melody, I was once again brought down the memory lane.
H-O-T was not enough to describe him. Taking a cup, he murmured a soft thankyou. What happened after that, I don't know. I faintly remember answering the basic questions his parents asked me. Before I knew, everyone stood up to see his family out. Two - three days had passed since that day. And I couldn't stop thinking about him. Suddenly I got a call from an unknown number. Apprehensively, I spoke "hello?"."Hey, hi I'm Maan" was the reply. If our hearts could ever stop beating, then mine stopped for a second right at that moment. "oh, hi" I replied softly. "Well, umm, can we meet?" he asked. "Sure" I replied. "Okay then, Coffee day at six?" he asked. "No problem. I'll be there." I answered. "Thank you. Have a nice day, Bye. See you" saying so, he ended the call.
I reached coffee day by six. I found him waiting near the entrance. Together, we entered. Settling ourselves in a corner, Maan spoke up first. "I wanted to talk to you the other day but, couldn't. You are okay with this marriage, right?" he asked. "Yeah, I'm totally fine. And you?" I asked hesitantly. "Well, I was apprehensive. But when I saw you, guess I fell hard and fast." That was all that was needed for me to turn red. "you look beautiful when you blush" he chuckled. I couldn't help but blush further. And that was the first of our numerous meetings.
Slowly but steadily, I fell for him. We would talk everyday. Share our thoughts, laugh at random stuffs, discuss our future. Before I knew, we were taking our pheras. We've had our indifferences but, it seemed tiny when compared to our love. Swaying right now, I realize how much life's changed. Gone was the nerve wrecked girl, waiting to meet her husband. Here's now a wife, dancing with the love of her life, carrying the symbol of their love.
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