FF: KAUN HO TUM? 26th Mar: Chap 22 on Pg 99! - Page 61

CHAPTER 20. PREET HANDA

Previously on Kaun Ho Tum?...

NT whirled around to look at Maan in shock. Dev grabbed Maan's shoulder wanting to stop him from saying anything more. But Maan's eyes was on Daarji whose reaction was the most shocking. He stumbled back and stared at Maan with wide eyes. Only one word slipped out of his mouth, "Preetto!

For few minutes, there was nothing but silence. Maan was staring at the Daarji with questioning eyes. Dev was frowning and looking at Daarji too. NT was pale and looking scared.

Daarji was pale too but looked more like he had seen a ghost. He was mildly trembling too. Maan took in his expression and realised that he knew something about this whole situation. There was something fishy about Daarji's reaction too. Why scared? Unless he was attacked by Geet in her Preet form too? But then that means Daarji knew about Geet's problem. Maan's eyes widened. I have to make him talk! Nothing is making sense to me! I can't make head or tail out of this mess and only Daarji can help me and Geet now!

"Kya kahaa aapne, Daarji?, Maan broke the silence, "Phir se boliye! Kya kahaa aapne?, he grabbed that one word that came out of Daarji's mouth, "Preetto? Preetto kahaa na aapne?

Daarji looked down and here and there but not in Maan's eyes. Maan felt this was an indication that Daarji was guilty.

"Daarji! Boliye na! Preetto hi kahaa na aapne?, Maan started to badger.

Daarji took a deep breath and then his whole posture changed. He went from proud, angry man to a broken, lost old person in few seconds. He turned around and walked to his Sofa. There he sat down and holding the top of his walking stick with both hands, he placed his head on his hands and closed his eyes.

Then he spoke, "Preet Ahluwalia! Kinna saalon baad yeh naam sunaai diya mennu!, then he sighed and opened his eyes. He looked up at Maan with a frown on his face, "Lekin Preet ka aapse aur meri Geetto se kya lena dena! Preetto ko toh mare hue kai saal hogaye! A soft smile graced his lips and serenity entered his eyes and he looked at a distance. It seemed that Daarji was lost in some old memories.

"Mar gayi? Yaani ki woh at one time zinda thi? You mean, she was a real person?, Dev asked, looking beyond confused, "Oh God! This is too confusing to understand!

Maan could relate to him. Preet was a real person? Who was also dead? Does that mean NT's theory is right and we are dealing with some ghost here? He carded his fingers through his hair roughly, feeling as uncertain as Dev. He chanced a glance at NT to see that even she looked scared. Infact she looked more scared than before. Then why wouldn't she? Maan thought. Her ghost theory had just been confirmed and NT was a firm believer in them and was terrified of them. So she had every right to be more scared than before!

Daarji didn't seem to hear Dev and was still lost in some memories. Then he blinked and looked at Maan and Dev, "Waise aap logon ko Preet ke baare mein kaise pata? Uske baare mein toh kisi ko bhi pata nahi! Jinhein pata tha woh toh kabke mar chuke hain!

Now it was Maan's turn to look away. How to explain how they knew about Preet? What am I supposed to tell him? That Geet turns into another woman, a woman who has been dead for God knows how long, every night! Or that she refuses to recognise him and threatened to kill him on their first night! Or should I tell about Geet's sleep walking abilities? Hey Babaji! What should I say? How should I reply to this question? He felt despair in his heart and looked down in anguish. Just then he felt a hand on his shoulder and he looked up to see Dev give him an encouraging smile, "Let him know!

"What?, Maan was aghast.

"He is her grandfather! He has every right to know!, Dev explained.

Maan shook his head, "No way! It will break his heart!

"Truth is always bitter, my friend. But you have always stood by the truth and now is not the time to step away from it!, Dev advised.

"Plus lets not forget..., NT butted in, "He knows Preet and her story. He might be actually be the one person who can tell us about her! Right now, it is the only way we have, to help Geet. He might be the key to this whole puzzle of Preet and Geet!

Maan sighed and then nodded.

Daarji was noticing them talking to each other and when Maan turned to look at him, there was something in Maan's face that filled him with dread. Maan walked towards him and sat beside him. He took Daarji's hands in his and Daarji had the bad urge to stop him right away and command him not to tell him anything anymore. But he kept mum and Maan started to narrate. He started with his first meeting with Preet before he came to meet Geet. Then he narrated their marriage and Geet's first change in front of him. He also told about how Geet didn't remember it the next day. He spoke about the other times they were confronted by Preet, how he had asked for Dev's help and what made them investigate Geet thoroughly.

Once Maan finished with his narration, Daarji had sweat on his forehead and horror on his face. Maan spoke up, "Daarji! Aapki Geet raat hote hi apne aapko Preet Ahluwalia kehti hai aur apne aapko ek vidhwa bataati hai!

As Maan lapsed into silence, Daarji started to mumble into himself. Maan, being the only person sitting close to him, heard him say, "Meri Preetto waapis aagayi! Meri Preetto waapis aagayi! Maan took in a sharp breath at those words and looked at Daarji with wide eyes. He opened his mouth to question him about it but before he could do that, Dev took a step forward and Daarji turned towards him.

"Daarji! Main ek psychologist hun! Main Geet ki help karna chaahta hun, use theek karne ke liye! Lekin uske liye mujhe aapki madat chaahiye! Daarji! Preet kaun hai? Uski kahaani kya hai? Mujhe sab kuch jaanna hai! Tab hi main Geet ki help kar sakta hun! Please Daarji! Humein bataayiye! Kaun hai woh?, Dev pleaded. NT stood by his side, looking at Daarji anxiously.

Daarji nodded as he looked down, "Bataata hun! Sab bataata hun!

He took a deep breath, "Yeh kahaani bahut puraani hai, bahut! Yeh uss waqt ki baat hai, jab main koi Sarpanch nahi tha! Main toh Sukhdev Lal Handa bhi nahi tha! Main toh bas Sukki tha! Preetto aur Soni da Sukki!

A strange smile crept on his lips as his mind went back to past.

"Jhumka gira, Jhumka gira, Jhumka gira... Haaye haaye haaye! Jhumka gira re bareili ke Bazaar mein... Jhumka gira..., a girl sang as she danced in her room. She was 15 years old and dressed in old fashioned Salwar Kameez. Her moves matched the lyrics perfectly and she danced with grace and poise. Her brown eyes shined with happiness and her pink lips were graced with wide smile. Her hip length braid seemed to have a life of its own as it swayed to the rhythm of the song.

In front of the teenager sat two kids on the floor. They were clapping and cheering and the elder kid, who was a 13 year old boy, seemed to be in awe of the dancer. The moment the girl finished with her dance, the children clapped. The younger kid, who was a 10 year old girl, leapt from the floor and hugged the teenager.

"Waah! Didi! Aap kina sona naachte ho! Bada mazaa aaya!, the kid exclaimed and turned to the boy, "Haina Veerji?

The boy nodded excitedly, "Haan, haan! Preetto! Kinna wadhiya naachi hai tu? Tennu toh filmon mein heroine hona chaahiye!

"Chal hat! Mazaak mat kar, Sukki!, spoke the teenager.

"Oye Preetto! Sachn bol raha hun!, Sukki too stood up, "Tu toh inni kamaal hai ki Sadhna ko peeche chod de!

"Oye!, growled the one called Preetto, "Meri Sadhna ko kuch mat bolna! Woh toh ek dum best hegi!

"Tu aur twaddi Sadhna!, sighed Sukki, "Twaddi favourite heroine hogi woh... lekin meri favourite toh tu hai!

Preet grinned at his comment.

"Achcha! Yeh sab chaddo!, Soni looked at Preetto pleadingly, "Preetto Didi! Ek baar aur mennu nachke dikhaao na! Tussi kina wadhiya naachte ho! Mennu aur dekhna hai!

Preet sighed and opened her mouth to refuse but Sukki spoke up before her, "Chup kar, Soni! Bauji aate hi honge! Aur tennu toh pata haina, unko yeh sab pasand nahi! Unko Preetto ka naachna nahi pasand, aur filmi gaane se toh unko saqt nafrat hai! Arre! Yaad hai, kal jab Preetto ne unse minnat ki thi, Sadhna ki nayi film Mera Saaya dikhaane! Kinne naraaz hue the woh! Aur kinna jor se Preetto ko thappad bhi maara tha!

Preetto's hand subconsciously went to her cheek as she winced. But Soni refused to understand. She wanted to see her sister dance. That's it!

"Nai nai nai! Didi naachegi!, Soni stomped her foot. She dragged her elder sister and started shaking her hand, "Tennu naachna hi hoga! Twannu meri kasam hai! Tennu teri Soni ke liye naachna hi hoga!

Preet and Sukki begged Soni to let it go. But she refused and continued to nag Preet to dance. Finally Preet gave in, "Lekin sirf ek minute ke liye, haan! Bauji aane ka waqt ho gaya hai!, she mumbled worriedly as she snuck a look at the time and then back at her little sister. Soni eagerly nodded and went to sit in front of the bed. Preet glanced at Sukki worriedly. Sukki looked worried too. Then both looked at their sister and back at each other. Sukki and Preet sighed. She turned to look at Soni and smiled.

"Ghar ke chhat pe main khadi, gali mein mera jaani..., sang Preet as she danced, her lyrics a little warbled. She didn't know them correctly. But how would she? She only heard the song twice, when she and her siblings went to the neighbour's house to watch Chitrahaar on their TV. The Aunty, who knew about Preet's obsession with Sadhna, had fabricated some excuse about needing their help and called them over so that they could watch the songs played on Chitrahaar. She was a friend of their mother's and after her death, tried her level best to give them the affection they deserved and didn't get from their father. So Preet got the chance to watch the song twice and tried her level best to by heart as many moves and as many lyrics as possible.

"Haske bola thalle aa, ab thalle aa deewani..., sang Preet and her siblings giggled at her expression. None of them noticed that somebody had entered the house and was headed towards them.

Egged on by her siblings' cheer, Preet continued to dance, "Ya anghuti phenk apni ya challa de nishaani... ghar ke chat pe khadi khadi main hui sharam se paani, main hui sharam se paani...

"Phir kya hua?, asked Sukki and Soni giggled.

Preet grinned, "Phir? Phir Jhumka gira re tara tata tata ta tata...jhumka ...

Suddenly she was grabbed by somebody and turned around. She didn't even have the time to protect herself. She was slapped roughly and she fell onto the floor. She looked up at the towering figure of her father and her siblings gasped when they saw that her lip was bleeding.

"Nachchegi tu?, asked her father as he grabbed her hair and pulled her up.

"Ahhh..., Preet shrieked but it had no effect on her father.

"BOL!, he roared as he shook her roughly by her hair.

"Mennu maaf kar dijiye! Bauji, mennu maaf kardijiye!, pleaded Preet but her father ignored her and tightened his grip. Tears leaked through her eyes as she winced.

Suddenly he let her go and she stumbled her little. Her father didn't even give her the chance to stabilise herself. He started to slap her till her cheeks turned red but even then didn't give up, "Tawaif ki tarah naachegi tu? Haan? Bol kudiye! Kotha hai yeh kya jo aise thumak thumak kar naachegi? Manaa kiya tha na tujhe? Haan? Toh phir kyun naachi? Sarpanch ki beti hoke, ek bajaaru aurat ki tarah naachegi?, he roared as he continued to slap her.

Sukki watched this scene with horror, his little sister hugging him tightly, shivering in fever. After a while, he couldn't see it anymore and stepped forward, "Bas kijiye bauji! Bas kijiye! Preetto ki koi galti nahi hai ismein! Usko naachne maine bola tha! Chod dijiye use Bauji! He grabbed his father's hand and tried to rescue his sister. But for all his efforts, he got nothing as he was pushed away and he fell to the floor.

"Veerji!, shouted Soni as she lunged towards her brother and he hugged her tightly. Sukki turned to look at his elder sister. The area below her eyes started to swell and her other cheek had bruised totally. But their father was not at all relenting. Sukki shook his head. He had to stop his father! He had to! Or else he will kill his sister! He got up and once again ran to his father. He once again pleaded him to let his sister go. When nothing worked, he threw himself over his sister and begged his father to let her go.

His father stopped as he glared at his son and then he grabbed Sukki and threw him out of the room. He then did the same with Soni and locked both of them out. Sukki and Soni ran to the door and started to pound on it but to no avail. They heard their sister shout in pain and both the siblings hugged each other in fear. Sukki prayed that his elder sister was not killed by their father.

After what felt like hours, the door opened and Sukki stumbled back, dragging Soni with him. His father stood there, glaring at them. And then he announced, "Bas! Bahut hogaya Preet ki badtameezi! Maine soch liya hai! Maine uski shaadi kar deni hai!

Sukki's eyes widened and his father continued to speak, "Aaj hi ek rishta aaya tha jab main Panchaayat mein tha! Maine kal hi yeh rishta pakka kar dena hai! Aur iss batchalan, batdimaag kudi nu ghar se dafaa kar dena hai!

Their father stormed off and the younger children ran to their elder sister. Her whole face was bruised and there were some swelling too. Her lips were split in places and there was blood freely flowing from her forehead. She was sobbing quietly but her sobs stopped the moment they reached her. She raised her arms and they jumped into them. All three siblings hugged each other tightly. Once they pulled away, Soni went to the cupboard and pulled out medicines for Preet's bleeding. Her brother pulled out some cotton and pressed it on the wound. Silently the siblings worked on Preet's wound, their movements precise and efficient as if they had done it enough times before.

Once they were done, Soni could not remain quiet, "Didi! Twaddi shaadi honewaali hai?

Preet smiled softly at her little sister and cupped her cheek.

"Toh tere chehre pe khushi kyun nahi?, asked Sukki.

Preet sighed and then asked Soni to bring her some water.

Soni ran off and Preet looked at Sukki, her expression turned uncertain and worried, "Shaadi? Meri? Mennu kuch samajh nahi aa raha! Kaise log honge woh? Kya kya riwaajein hongi wahaan par? Aur sabse waddi baat. Mere woh kaise honge?

"Arre Preetto!, Sukki spoke up, "Jaise bhi honge, bauji se toh behtar hi honge! Tennu maarenge peetenge toh nahi na? Ulta mennu lagda hai Jijaji toh tennu palka vich bithaake rakhenge! Teri bahut khayaal rakhenge! Khush ho ja, Preetto! Tu iss dard bhare duniya se ek dum door ho jaayegi! Phir kabhi tujhe dukh nahi milega! Tu humesha khush rahegi!

Preet smiled sadly, "Lekin tum dono se alag toh ho hi jaaungi na?

"Us mein ki gal hai?, Sukki shrugged, "Main le aaunga Soni ko mere saath tujhse milne! Nahi toh tu Jijaji nu bol de, ki tennu hum dono se milna! Theek hai? Ab bas udaas hona band kar! Tere udaasi ke din gaye, Preet! Tere khushi ke din aaye hain! Tu bas khush reh, Preet! Tera vyaah hoga! Aur tu bauji ke khauf se ajaad ho jaayegi!

A soft, hopeful smile graced Preet's lips and Sukki grinned. After ages, there was hope on his sister's face. Just then Soni ran into the room, "Didi! Didi! Mennu na ek sawaal dil vich aaya hai!

Preet pulled her close and made her sit on her lap, "Achcha? Ki aaya tere dil vich?

Soni looked up at her and grinned, "Kya aap Jijaji ke liye bhi naachoge?

Preet shyly looked down and Sukki grinned. He could resist from teasing her, "Bolna Preetto! Humaare Jijaji ke liye bhi naachegi?

Preet looked up and glared at him. He chuckled. She huffed and raised her chin proudly, "Haan! Main tere Jijaji ke liye bhi naachungi! Dil kholke naachungi! Jhumka gira re...

So... That was the first glimpse of an alive Preet!

What do you think of her? And what is your opinion about her story?

I deliberately wrote this chapter short because I want this chapter totally focused just on Preet and her first scene as an alive person.

Hold on to your horses, because there is more to her story than just one flashback. Though, most of the story will be narrated by Daarji, few poignant moments will be shown directly.

But don't worry, I won't drag the flashback much. Daarji can narrate only what he knows and that isn't much. After all, he was just a kid when all this happened. But what he does know is enough for Maan, Dev and NT; atleast for now. (wink wink)

Thank you, take care and have fun,

Kalpana

Oh my poor preeto..what torture just for dancing

Loved part 20.

darji shocked when maan told how he meet preet n all

Originally posted by: Kalpana_KaCy

You will get your answers in the next update, pakka promise.

waiting eagerly kalpana
update soon

CHAPTER 21. DAARJI NARRATES

Daarji sighed as he came back from the past memories. Maan sat right beside him while NT and Dev had pulled the chairs closer to him to the effect that it seemed that the four were sitting in a circle. Daarji had just let them know about how cruel his father was by narrating that one incident from Preet's life that remained embedded in his mind. It was that one moment when they all felt hope for Preet. She was getting married and any man, as far as they were concerned, was better than their tyrant father.

Daarji started to explain the backstory of his father, "Humaare Bauji bade hi saqt kism ki insaan the! Ma wahin jagah ek dum gaai thi.

Daarji's face got animated as he explained how his father turned from a strict father to a tyrant, "Soni ke paida hone tak sab theek tha. Bauji hum pe jaroor ghussa karte the lekin Ma unhein sambhaal leti thi aur baat jyaada badhne nahi deti thi! Bauji ko apni izzat badi pyaari thi. Uspe aanch aaye, yeh woh seh nahi paate the! Bachpan se ek hi baat bolte the, mar jaao, lekin humaari shaan pe ungli mat uthne do. Hum bachche the! Dar dar ke sunte the aur jab galti hui toh Ma ke peeche chup jaate the aur woh baat sambhaal leti thi!

Daarji chuckled as he remembered those moments when their mother used to tell their father coaxingly, Chaddo ji!' Daarji could still hear her voice saying it to their father.

Daarji shook his head to forget that voice and focus on another important person of his life; the same person whose death shaped his entire thought process and the way of leading his life. Daarji continued to narrate Preet's story, "Bauji ko ek baat bilkul pasand nahi thi. Ki unko pehle beti hui. Betiyaan bojh hai, yahi keh kar unhonein humein bada kiya. Preet ki vyaah ke liye paisa ikattha karna padega yeh keh keh kar Preet ko bahut taane dete the. Aur unki pehli aulad ladki hui, yeh baat toh unhein aur khatakti thi! Isliye Preet se kuch khaas nafrat thi unhein. Aisi nafrat toh kabhi Soni ke liye bhi nahi thi!

Daarji sighed as he remembered those moments. How could a father hate their own children, Daarji didn't know! He never felt the urge to even dislike his own son and grandchildren. Their father still baffled him.

Daarji went back to his story, " Soni ke hone ke teen saal baad Ma chal basi! Tab se Bauji ko sambhaalne waala koi nahi! Hukum chalaate aur Preet se kaam karwaate. Kehte, vyaah ki baad tennu yahi karna hai! Abhi se seekhle! Ma jab tak thi hum dono school jaate the! Ma gayi, Preet ki padhai bhi choot gayi! Aur iss baat ka use bahut dukh hua! Padh likh ke kuch banna tha use, woh sapna bhi toot gaya! Ma ke jaane ke baad Preetto, Soni aur meri Ma ban gayi! Humaari galtiyaan bilkul Ma ki tarah chupaane lagi. Aur unhein apni galtiyaan bataane lagi! Bauji ki nafrat aur badhi! Preetto par haath uthaana bhi shuru kar diya! Lekin meri Preet sab sehti rahi! Uff na kiya! Aur hasti rahi! Use jaise koi gira nahi sakta! Jitne bhi zulm kar lo, use koi jhuka nahi sakta! Kuch bhi ho jaaye, tooti kabhi nahi meri Preetto. Ladti rahi! Kabhi mere vaaste toh kabhi Soni de vaaste.

Daarji took a few minutes break and swallowed. Maan realised he was thirsty and walked off to get some water. Once Daarji wetted his lips, he continued to narrate, "Meri Preetto na ek fighter thi! Matlab sabse ladne waali nahi! Lekin zindagi ke har musibat ko paar karke aage badhne waali! Bauji uske khaane mein choti choti galtiyaan nikaalte aur use maarte, lekin uski muskurahat pe ek aanch nahi aati! Ek baar maine use poocha tha, ki bol Preetto, Bauji tenne inna maarde hain, tu muskuraati kaisi hai? Aur woh haske boli, kyunki tum dono jo mere saath ho! Tab mennu pata chala ki main aur Soni hi uski taaqat hain! Bas tab se dil mein ek chingaari uthi! Bauji se nafrat ki chingaari! Lekin haan, tab main chota tha! Bauji ke saamne kya kar sakta tha! Tabhi itni himmat bhi nahi thi! Isliye Preetto pe hota hua har zulm sehta gaya aur chup chaap andar hi andar jalta gaya!

Daarji took in a deep breath and forged ahead, "Iss beech Preetto ka sahara bani uski Sadhna! Daarji chuckled while Maan, Dev and NT shared glances, remembering NT's words about how Preet only sang Sadhna's songs.

Daarji continued, "Humaari baaju waali ghar ki chachi, amma ki bahut achchi saheli thi. Amma ke jaane ke baad kuch na kuch bahaane se Preet ko unke ghar bulaati taaki, Preet ko thodi der aaraam mile! Kab Preet ka pasandida gaajar ka halwa banaati toh kabhi uske liye Parathe! Wahin Preet ne TV pe Chitrahaar mein Sadhna ko dekha tha! Uss program mein filmi gaane lagte the! Preet ko uske gaane bade pasand aaye! Aur ghar pe aake bhi gaati thi! Dheere dheere Sadhna ke gaane use inne pasand aaye ki uspe naachne lagi! Ek din Bauji ne dekh liya aur de maara! Uske baad Preet ne Bauji ke ghar rehte hue, na kabhi gaana gaaya, na kabhi naachi! Lekin Bauji jab ghar se baahar gaye, toh humaari masti shuru! Zindagi ke sabse anmol pal the woh jab Bauji ghar pe na the! Naachna, gaana aur hasna! Bas inhin kuch palon mein humaari jaan atki thi!

Daarji was smiling till now as he narrated those special moments of his life when there was nobody around him except his siblings. But now his countenance changed and his face looked thunderous as he mumbled out, "Meri Preet ko koi bhi nahi hila paaya, ya jhuka paaya, jab tak uski shaadi nahi hui. Lekin uss manhoos shaadi ne meri behen ko tod diya! Use zinda laash bana diya!

Daarji's announcement shocked everyone. Preet wasn't broken by her father's beatings. But her marriage broke her? Which meant what happened after marriage was more horrifying than what happened when she lived with her father. What could be worse than getting scolded and beaten at every misstep? All three shuddered to discover.

NT paled as she wondered what happened after Preet's marriage. Her overactive imagination conjured many scenarios that she had seen in movies of Bollywood. Maan took in a sharp breath as he remembered the way Preet had snarled at him at their wedding night. What had happened to her after her marriage that made her wary of men so much that she was ready to kill a man? Maan glanced at Dev in worry only to see Dev giving him the same look. Maan and NT were too scared to ask Daarji what happened to Preet after her marriage. As far as they were concerned, they didn't want to know. Whatever it was, it must have been horrifying for Daarji to be so grim and sombre about it. NT shivered while Maan closed his eyes in pain.

But Dev had no such qualms. Yes, what happened to Preet must have been very horrifying. And yes, it is better than they didn't know it. Afterall, people don't say ignorance is bliss just randomly. But before being a caring brother, a loving husband, beloved friend and an honourable human being, he was a Doctor. And right now his priority was Geet. She was not just his patient, but also the life of his brother. And he was ready to hear any horror filled story, if that meant saving Geet's life, in turn saving his brother from an empty life.

"Aisa kya hua Daarji?, Dev prompted when he realised that Daarji had lapsed into silence and needed to be prodded to continue on. NT covered her mouth with her Pallu as she looked at her husband with pain. What are you asking, Dev? Her eyes screamed. Dev ignored her. Meanwhile, Maan simply took in a shaky breath and Dev notice him straighten his spine. Dev felt relief. That was the signal that Maan had fortified himself and had made the pledge to go through Preet's story, for his Geet. Dev focused on Daarji as Daarji started to speak.

"Lathe di Chaadar

Utte Saleti Rang Mahiya

Aavo Saamne

Aavo Saamne

Kolon di Russ ke Na Lang Mahiya...

The wedding was on full swing. The neighbourhood ladies had arrived and they were singing and dancing inside the house. Outside, the bridegroom had arrived with his Baraat and was welcomed by Preet's mother's best friend. Preet's relatives from both sides filled the house while Preet's father went and welcomed the groom himself and took him towards a shade set up just for the groom right near the mandap in their compound. The wedding was to happen in the noon and then Preet was to leave with her husband right away. None of the relatives knew who the groom was as Preet's father refused to divulge, saying nazar lag jaayegi. And even now, after the bridegroom had arrived, no one knew who the groom was, because he wore sehra that totally covered his face. Moreover, nobody were able to recognise the groom through the members of his Baaraat because the baaraat comprised of people who were also strangers to the relatives. Also, the groom had no relative alive, through which they could guess his identity. But then the relatives shrugged. It was not their matter. They were not Preet's immediate relatives. Her mother was only child whose parents died before even Preet was born and her father's had younger siblings who, fed up of their tyrant like brother, left the village years ago and only came for the wedding because it was expected of them. They never met Preet before this and hence, had no affection for her. Most relatives available were far off cousins or aunts and uncles who came either to eat free food or because it was expected of them or to show that they were still alive.

"Channa Vekh ke Na Sadde Wal Has Ve

Sadde Ma Pai Karende Shak Ve

Lathe di Chaadar

Utte Saleti Rang Mahiya

Aavo Saamne

Aavo Saamne

Kolon di Russ ke Na Lang Mahiya...

Soni and Sukki giggled as they snaked through the crowd of villagers standing in their house, heading towards the mandap outside. They continued to giggle as they slipped through the throngs of the people keen on their destination when one Chachi grabbed their arms and pulled them to the side.

"Arre arre! Kitthe chale! Shaadi da ghar hai! Preet da vyaah hai! Twaadi behen ke vaaste nachoge nahi?, questioned the neighbourhood chachis as they surrounded them. Soni, who was always eager to dance, nodded excitedly and started to dance right away to the rhythm of dholak, trying to imitate her sister. Sukki shook his head and then grabbing Soni, he pulled her back.

"Assi Jijjaji nu vekhne jaa rahe hain!, Sukki announced.

Another Chachi cupped his cheeks with her hand, "Jijjaji nu vekhan vaaste jaa rahe ho? All the ladies started to laugh and the siblings frowned. What was the laughing matter here? They didn't understand. All they wanted was to see the man who was about to take their mom-like sister away from their horrible father and give her the life she deserved! That's all! What was wrong with their request?

"Tum log Jijjaji ko dekhne jaa rahe ho, ya dekh kar apni Didi ko bataane jaa rahe ho?, teased another Chachi and all the Chachis again started to laugh. Sukki was still confused. Why are they laughing?

"Nahi! Preetto nu kuch vi nai pata!, Sukki protested.

The first Chachi shook her head, "Chal jhoota! Mennu pata hai, Preet ke dil mein kya kya laddu phoot rahe hain! Lekin tu usse keh de! Ab toh woh apne unka mooh siddha suhaag raat pe dekhegi!

The ladies started laughing again.

Sukki huffed. Now what was funny? These grown ups were so ridiculous! He grabbed his sister's hand while the ladies were busy laughing and sneaked away. What was wrong with seeing the bridegroom? He wondered. And what if his Preetto wanted to see her husband before marriage? What was wrong with that? But Sukki knew the rules of the village. Bride and Bridegroom met each other for the first time only during the wedding. But then he didn't want to see the groom to tell his sister about him! No, he was not searching his Jijaji for that. He just wanted to see and verify himself if this man deserved his Preetto. What was wrong with that?

As Sukki pushed through the people surrounding him, he managed to reach outside but something felt wrong. He turned to his left to look at Soni only to see no one there. He looked down at his hand stupidly and then behind at the group of people and then groaned. In all the pulling and pushing he managed to lose his sister. Ab mennu phir se in sab ke beech se jaana hoga, Soni ko dhoondhne! Uff! He sighed as he decided to turn around. But something caught his eye. Outside the whole yard was covered by clothed roof hoisted by strategically placed wooden beams. The mandap was at one side and the rest of the ground had chairs facing the mandap.

What had caught Sukki's eyes were his father and a man dressed in groom talking something and then his father looking around furtively and nudging the groom away from the mandap. They were headed towards the side of the building. Sukki frowned. What was wrong? Why was his father so agitated? May be he could help. Sukki shrugged and followed them. Madat nahi kar paaya toh ki, dulhe se mil toh lunga!

Sukki sneaked across the whole area and leaned towards the side of the building. His father and the groom were still arguing. Sukki tried to focus and what he heard astonished him.

"Mennu kuch nahi pata!, announced Sukki's father, "Aap ne kahaa tha, Preet de naal jis din vyaah hoga, us din aap mennu paise de doge! Kidhar hai mera paisa? Mennu abhi chayida!

Paisa? What paisa? Sukki frowned. And wasn't the bride's family who gave the money normally? Dahej da riwaaj yai honda hai!

"Arre! Handa Paaji! Pehle shaadi toh ho jaane deejiye! Main aapko turant paise de dunga!, said the groom. But the Handa patriarch refused to give up. The argument continued back and forth and Sukki simply watched, too confused to walk away. Suddenly the groom got angry and said something that chilled Sukki's body.

"Dekhiye Handa Paaji!, the groom snarled, "Humaare beech sauda hua tha! Paise ke badle twaddi beti! Aapne apni beti mennu bechne ka waada kiya tha! Lekin shaadi ab tak hui kahaan? Saude ka usool hai Paaji, ek haath de, ek haath le! Kudi ke badle paisa! Kudi na sahi toh paisa bhi nahi!

Sukki couldn't believe what he was hearing. His sister was sold! Sold to this man! Just then something else happened that horrified Sukki.

His father was not impressed by the groom and the argument heated again. Sukki was so in shock that he didn't hear what they were arguing about. In annoyance, the groom said something and removed the sehra and threw it down. Sukki stumbled backwards as his eyes widened in horror. The groom was an old above 50 year old man! Sukki couldn't believe it! His 15 year old sister was to marry this guy! No! Sukki couldn't let this happen! Never! He turned around and ran. He ran as if his own life was at risk. He reached Preet's room and slammed the door open.

"PREET!, Sukki roared as he stared at his sister who was all decked up and ready for the marriage, giggling as the girls of her age surrounded her and teased her. She looked up shocked at Sukki's entrance and noticing how petrified he looked, she asked everyone to leave the siblings alone. The moment the ladies left, Sukki closed the door shut and leaned on the door with his eyes closed. A tear snaked down his cheek at the fate his sister had been dealt with.

"Ki hoya Sukki?, Preet asked lovingly. When Sukki didn't reply, Preet stepped ahead and cupped his face, "Bol na Sukki! Ki hoya? Her tender voice broke Sukki and he started sobbing. Preet was alarmed at this reaction and taking her brother by his shoulder she took him to the bed and made him sit on it. She sat beside him and murmured words of comfort while patting his back.

Once Sukki calmed down, Preet questioned him. And out came the story in between the sobs. Preet looked at her little brother stupefied. She was being sold to an old man to be his wife! What?

Silence reigned in the room as Maan, Dev and NT tried to absorb what they just have been told. They were so lost in the story that it stopped being a backstory of Geet's other identity and a story of a poor girl for whom all wished that she had happy ending. But something told them, that this story did not have a happy ending.

"Bechaari Preet!, NT broke the silence as tear slipped down her cheek, "Kya kya guzra uss bechaari par! Maan and Dev nodded feeling sad for the poor girl. Daarji remained silent still thinking about those harrowing moments of his life.

After few minutes, NT tentatively asked, "Phir kya hua? Preetji ne uss insaan se shaadi karli, yeh jaante hue ki woh old hai?

Daarji chuckled, "Woh meri Preet nahi, jo chup chaap apni zindagi ko barbaad hote dekh le! Na! Meri Preetto toh lad padi! Pehli baar Bauji ke khilaaf aawaaz uthaaya! Aapka har zulm sar aankhon par! Lekin ek buddhe se shaadi, kabhi nahi!

"Nahi! Nahi! Nahi! Main aise aadmi de naal vyaah bilkul nai karangi!

The words echoed in the room as Preet stood on the one side with her siblings standing by her in support while her father stood facing them. They were in her room where Sukki had asked his father to come. The father was glaring at his daughter and the said daughter glared back.

"Mere naal jabaan ladaayegi? Mere naal? Teri himmat kaise hui? Tu yeh vyaah karegi!, their father snarled.

"Mennu yeh vyaah nahi karni!, Preet shouted back.

And back and forth the fight went. The only reason their father didn't raise his hand was because then the guests would notice the bruises and he didn't want that. But if he couldn't control her through his beating, he would do it emotionally, the father decided.

Suddenly he stepped back and took a deep breath, "Toh tu yeh vyaah nahi karegi?, he asked calmly.

Preet straightened her back, "Nahi!

"Theek hai!, her father looked solemn, "Mat kar! Koi gal nahi! Tu nahi toh teri Soni hi sahi! Teri jagah woh aaj vyaah karegi!

Before anyone could react, the man grabbed his youngest daughter by her arm and started to drag her away.

"BAUJI!, screamed Preet in horror.

"Bauji! Aap yeh kya kar rahe ho?, Sukki ran and grabbed his father's arm. His father simply pushed him away and he fell down.

"THEHRIYE!, Preet roared as she stood in front of her father, her hands thrown sideways.

The father smirked, "Tu mennu nahi rok sakti! Baap hun tum teeno ka! Main karanga wahi jo mennu theek lage! Bol! Mandap pe kaun baithega? Tu ya Soni?

Preet took in a deep breath and glanced at the crying face of her little sister. The child's eye pleaded to her older sister who was more like mother to her to save her. Preet schooled her expression to blankness and then nodded, "Theek hai! Main karungi uss munde naal vyaah!

"...aur meri Preetto da vyaah uss aadmi de naal hogaya! Aur woh aadmi tha Sikandar Ahluwalia, uss Singh Lodge ka asli malik!, Daarji said and again pin drop silence reigned in the house.

Ok! I have to admit, I had goosebumps when I reread this chapter while editing.

Did you feel the same?

Do let me know!

Thanks, take care and have fun,

Kalpana