JeeMan Short-Story: A Promise of Sisters Pg 6

Beeji, what are you trying to say? I don't understand.

I want you to not attend Jeevika's marriage.

"What? Beeji, she's my sister. I can't' How can I not attend her marriage? She's my sister! Beeji please."

"You've created enough problems in this alliance. I know you don't do anything on purpose, but you make mistakes anyway. And these mistakes are getting bigger and bigger. First defying the rules, then talking back to everyone, now insulting them?" Beeji was furious.

"Is this about the Sangeet? Beeji, Swamini Bua forgave me though, everything is good now. If you want, I'll apologize to Buaji. Beeji, I ' I- I'll beg Beeji but please-"

"You'll do no such thing!" Beeji exclaimed. "Swaminiji doesn't even want to see your face anymore. Her limit to you has reached its peak. You've hurt her ego, her pride in front of everyone. And the only reason she gave her blessings to Jeevika is because I agreed to keep you away from the Vadhera's and the wedding. Please Maanvi, if you love your sister you will not come to the marriage."

"Beeji I can't do this." Maanvi stuttered.

"You promised me anything. This is what I want from you. Jeevika is in love with Viren, you know that and so do I. If this rishta breaks, your sister will die, she will be ruined. Do you want that life for her? A stigma?"

"Please don't punish me like this, Please."Maanvi fell to her knees and grabbed Beeji's feet. "Please, don't say this. Please, don't make me do this."

Beeji's eyes watered. This was so difficult. How could she sacrifice the happiness of one grandchild for the other? She bent down and gently caressed Maanvi's face.

"Beta, this is for your sister's future. I'm not punishing you on purpose. This is the demand of Swaminiji. Your sister's happiness lies in her hands. I know this is painful and hard for you, but I also know that you love your sister a lot and can do anything for her. Do this for her happiness. One more thing, Jeevika must not know anything about this."

Maanvi's breath hitched and a loud sob erupted from her heart. She covered her mouth to stifle the noise, but she couldn't. Beeji just brushed a hand through her child's hair. She knew this was a horrible demand. But they were the bride's family. They couldn't just refuse. This was the way of the world. Seconds passed, Maanvi's loud cries were now only soft hiccups.

"I will not attend this marriage." She whispered out loud to Beeji. "I will not destroy my sister's happiness; anything for her."

Beeji closed her eyes as tears made their way out. She silently begged forgiveness from god for asking such a cruel promise from Maanvi.

"I'm sorry, bacha. If it was in my hands, this would never happen."

Maanvi was running towards the garden, but heard Jeevika calling her. A flash of fear ran through her blood; Di couldn't see her like this. There would be so many questions that she would have to answer and Maanvi was in no state of mind to answer these questions. Quickly, she hid herself behind the flowing curtains, holding to a piece to make her unnoticeable.

"Manu! Where is this girl gone? I hope she doesn't get into trouble again. Beeji is going to be soo mad. Maanvi!" Jeevika panicked. Maanvi had already pissed Beeji off with the Sangeet skit, and she knew that Beeji was at the point of breaking. On top of that Maanvi was hiding something from her, she was acting so strange. After the Mata ki Chowki, Maanvi's behavior was off. First her body being feverish, then her fake "unconscious" acting while getting ready for bed, then finding the medicine in her drawer, and now Maanvi was nowhere to be found. If Maanvi thought that she didn't notice anything, then Maanvi underestimated Jeevika's love. Something was wrong, very wrong; and because of that Jeevika was scared.

"Maanvi! Areh, Dabbu have you seen Maanvi?" Jeevika frantically asked Dabinder Singh Choudhary who was passing by stuffing his face with laddoo's.

"No Didi. But earlier she said that she was going to see the Mandap to make sure everything is ready for tomorrow." Dabbu, with a whole laddoo in his mouth, said.

"Acha? If you see her tell her I need to talk to her" Jeevika told him.

"Okay Didi, Maa made Pakoras. Will you eat with me for the last time?" Dabbu asked.

Jeevika's eyes filled. "Of course Dabbu. I will eat, and feed you too. Let's go" she smiled. Dabbu grinned, grabbing Jeevika's hand and disappeared with Jeevika laughing in tow.

Maanvi ran out of the house with her hand covering her mouth, stifling the sounds coming out. She ran past the garden, past the driveway, and stopped at the pond near the gates of the property. Her knees gave way, and she fell to the dark green grass with a gut wrenching cry.

"Why Di why? Why am I like this? Why did god make me like this?" Maanvi bawled. There was no one but the clouds covering the sunlight to witness this injustice. The healthy grass only absorbed the tears falling from Maanvi's eyes. She just wept and wept. She wept until her wails turned into soft sobs, until her sobs turned into whimper, and then into sniffles.

"If Di isn't happy, how will I be happy? If my absence from the wedding will bring happiness to Di's future then I will do it. For Di, even my life is nothing" Maanvi softly spoke to herself, determined with this decision. She took out a coin from the pocket that Jeevika had sown in her Kameez, closed her eyes and spoke to the water.

"Di always says that no matter where you make a true wish Ganga Maiyya will listen. Today I'm making my wish with this pond. My wish is the same as every time: May Jeevika Di have all the happiness in the world. Even if it is without me. May this marriage happen without any mistakes" she kissed the coin and flicked it into the pond as fresh tears blurred her vision.

"Maanvi, I finally found you"

She jumped when she heard Jeevika calling her. Quickly, she rubbed the tears away and turned to face her sister with a smile. But the attempt was forgotten when Maanvi saw Jeevika's face.

"Di, what's wrong?"

"Something that needs to be fixed immediately" Jeevika said and grabbed Maanvi's wrist and began to walk toward the car waiting in the driveway.

"Di where are we going?" Maanvi asked, with hesitation.

Originally posted by: Brklyn_gal

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Me

Originally posted by: shaimah

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Originally posted by: lemy

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Part 2: Bitter Retaliation

The driver parked in front of Vadhera Mansion and Maanvi grew apprehensive. Jeevika was still holding Maanvi's hand.

"Come on" and Jeevika pulled Maanvi out of the car.

Maanvi was about to get out of the car when she remembered Beeji's words. Swaminiji doesn't even want to see your face anymore. Her limit to you has reached its peak. You've hurt her ego, her pride in front of everyone. And the only reason she gave her blessings to Jeevika is because I agreed to keep you away from the Vadhera's.

"Di, you go I'm not feeling well. I'll just wait in the car." Maanvi hesitated.

"Manu, be quiet. Come" Jeevika spoke and pulled Maanvi's entire form out of the car and dragged her to the front door and rang the bell. A servant opened the door.

"Kaka, where is the family? Do they have guests?" Jeevika asked. Maanvi's eyes flashed to her sister. Whats happening? I can't break my promise.

"Di you go. I have to do some stuff" Maanvi lied.

"No. come on, you need to be here" Jeevika stated and dragged her to the sitting lounge with a firm grasp on her wrist. All Maanvi could do was follow in defeat.

"Jeevika beta, is there something you need" Vanshika asked. Jeevika just moved her gaze from person to person until she reached Swamini Bua.

"Yes Maaji. I wanted to talk to Buaji alone, but since everyone is here I would like to talk to all of you" Jeevika stated. These people, her Fiancs family needed to know that she too had a say in her marriage.

"Please sit down."

The Vadhera's sat down. Swamini gestured a servant to come close and whispered him to call Beeji and the family immediately.

"Jeevika, take a sit as well. Maanvi, why are you hiding?" Dadaji asked.

Maanvi's body was tensed, her body was facing the exit and she was ready to run, if only Jeevika would let her go. Jeevika's grip was firm and from that Maanvi could sense Jeevika's anger. What was going on?

"Standing is fine. Thank you though," Jeevika respectfully responded. There was a silence that lasted for minutes as tea was served to the Vadhera Family. Jeevika respectfully refused a cup while Maanvi declined as well.

"I am here today because of the injustice done to my sister. I am here to ask for justice, will I receive it?" Jeevika asked looking at each and every persons face. Maanvi eyes flashed to Jeevika's face. She knows. Maanvi thought in terror. But how?

"Jeevikaji what are you saying. How has Maanvi suffered injustice?" Viren voiced a question that everyone had in their minds.

"Jeevika?" Everyone turned to the person who spoke and saw that the whole Choudhary family was here. Beeji came forward and glared at Maanvi who cringed in fear at the gaze and after the formal hello's, everyone turned to Jeevika when she spoke again.

"Why did my sister get such a punishment when she has already been forgiven?" She questioned.

"Di, come on leave it" Maanvi frantically said.

"Quiet Manu, I'm talking" Jeevika shut her sister up.

"Jeevika beta, what are you saying" Beeji asked, pretending not to know a thing. Swamini was grim and her anger was slowly building high, while everyone was watching the scene playing out.

"Beeji Please. I am not stupid. I heard your conversation with Buaji. How could you? And Buaji? How could you demand such a thing?" Jeevika questioned.

"Jeevika, what demand are you speaking of?" Dadaji demanded.

"Beeji will you tell or should I? Never mind, I will tell everyone. When Buaji left the Sangeet after Maanvi's performance, Beeji went to apologize. Apparently, in return of blessing Virenji and I, Buaji demanded that Maanvi would not attend my marriage." Jeevika angrily revealed.

A gasp came out of every woman other than Swamini, who sat there furious; the men just stood there astonished. Dabbu eyes watered as he came closer to his sisters.

"Di stop. Please" Maanvi pleaded. Jeevika let go of Maanvi's wrist and held her shoulders instead. They were standing side by side. Jeevika looked at Beeji.

"Beeji, I've always followed everything you've said. Every decision you've made. But this is too much. How could you?"

"Jeevika listen to me" Beeji was shattered.

"No Beeji, not this time. How could you even think that I would get married without Maanvi at my side? If Virenji is my life then Maanvi is my heartbeat. By agreeing to this you've not only punished Manu, but you've punished me. You took an oath from her in my name knowing that Maanvi would do anything for me. You took advantage of that. How could you?" Jeevika asked, tearing up.

"Stop Di"

"No Manu, enough. Every time something has gone wrong you have been blamed. Everything! You were blamed for ruining Karvachauth, you kept quiet; You were blamed for lighting fireworks when in truth Virat was provoking you, you told no one; You were blamed for wanting me to wear the dress that Beeji bought, you swallowed your pride for me and apologized; You were blamed for ruining the Mata ki Chowki, you kept quiet; Then the Mehendi, for making Virat sing, even when it was not your fault you said sorry. Now, the Sangeet issue? Manu, how many times are you going to say sorry for me?" Jeevika counted and gently tilted Maanvi's face up.

"Maanvi, every time you apologize for something you didn't do, it kills me inside. I know the Sangeet skit was bad, but that is no reason to punish you like this. I won't stand for it" Jeevika softly said.

Enough. Everyone, I am sorry if this hurts you. Especially you Virenji. But I would like to make one thing clear: Maanvi is my sister and if my sister cannot be a part of my happiness, then I would rather be unmarried." Jeevika declared, in a loud voice.

A stunned silence engulfed the room as everyone stared at Jeevika; Some in shock, some in anger, and some in pain.

"JEEVIKA!" Swamini's voice boomed, echoing in the large room. "How dare you speak to us like this? Beeji, I have forgiven every mistake this girl has made. I thought you taught Jeevika manners, is this what you have taught? Insulting my family like this? I will not stand for this. Enough is enough. This marriage will not happen!"

Maanvi stared at Swamini stunned at what was happening. She fell to Swamini's feet and begged for her sister's happiness.

"Buaji, P-Please" This is my fault, don't do this to my sister. I won't attend this marriage, I-I-I'll keep away from E-everything. But please. Don't do this. Di loves jiju, a-and jiju loves Di. They won't be happy - Don't punish them for my mistake. Please" Maanvi cried out loud, tears raining down her cheeks. Both families had tears in their eyes watching Maanvi beg for her sister's happiness. Jeevika walked to Maanvi and lifted her from the floor. Maanvi folded her hands in front of Swamini and continued to sob. Jeevika gently wiped Maanvi's tears and shook her head.

"Di, Di don't do this. Not because of me '" Maanvi was cut off by Jeevika.

"Maanvi, what makes you think that I would be unhappy because of you. I won't sacrifice your happiness for my own. If Virenji loves me, he has to understand that you that part of my life that cannot be compromised. I love both of you equally. Stop crying." Jeevika smiled with tears in her eyes. Maanvi just sobbed louder and ran out of the room. Jeevika started to go after her, when Dabbu stopped her,

"Didi, I will go. I know how to make her stop crying" and off Dabbu went.

Jeevika watched as Dabbu disappeared and turned back to the Vadhera Family. Swamini just huffed and left the room. Jeevika turned and went to Dadaji first.

"Dadaji, from you I've gotten the love of a grandfather. My own died long before I could remember. I'm sorry" Jeevika said as tears sprung out of her eyes, clouding her vision. Dadaji tearfully smiled and caressed her face.

"I've always wanted a granddaughter. Beta, you gave me the respect and love that my own give me. Don't apologize; even I wouldn't be able to live with the ghost of Maanvi's unhappiness. God bless you beta" and he blessed her as she bent and touched his feet.

Vanshika Maa just kissed her forehead and asked her to be happy.

Virat was ashamed of what happening and took his sister-in-laws blessing.

"I considered you my bhabhi the minute the Roka began. You will always have this brother with you."

Chacha held Chachi as she cried. They both blessed her for happiness and Chachaji took Chachiji away, their shoulders defeated.

Last she slowly walked to Viren.

"Virenji, I'm sorry. Ever since I've met you, my feelings for you have grown to the point where I can say that I love you. But if I marry you tomorrow, I will never be able to face my sister again, nor my parents. I hope you will forgive me" Fresh tears marked her face.

"Jeevikaji, you did the right thing. Now it's my turn: You will come into this house as my wife, I promise you." He smiled and wiped her tears and left the room.

Jeevika stared after him, hoping her dream of becoming his wife could come true, slowly turned back to the remaining Vadheras': Dadaji, Virat, and Vanshika along with her own family. She folded her hands in a Namaste and walked to the exit, but stopped at the doorstep and turned back taking one last glance at her lost dream and left.

Dabbu had found Maanvi and had tried various attempts to make her stop crying but all of them failed. He even told her all the stuff he did that would usually make her really mad and smack him, but even that failed. This was the last option he had. Dancing. Whenever Maanvi saw Dabbu dance she would start laughing, mainly because Dabbu had 2 left feet. He could not dance and Maanvi always bugged him about it and tortured him. Dabbu would always end up depressed but today, for his sister he would do anything to make her smile. But even this wasn't working.

"Maanvi Didi, please stop crying or else you're going to make me cry too" Dabbu sniffed as tears began coming out and then suddenly he was crying along with her.

"Why is my third sister crying?" Maanvi sobbed, trying to make him stop crying but alas the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

"Because your crying!" and both of them cried harder holding one another.

"Dabbu, this is my entire fault. Di loves jiju and I ruined her life. Now she can't marry him" Maanvi wept.

"No Didi. This is that old Swamini's fault. If she didn't have that stick up her butt everything would have been fine."

Maanvi laughed while tears came out. She looked at Dabbu and laughed more. Snot was leaking out of his flat red nose; big crocodile tears were rolling down his rosy cheeks.

Dabbu looked at Maanvi and laughed too.

"Didi, your makeup is ruined. You look like a clown from hell," and got a smack on the back of his head.

Soon both siblings calmed down and now there was only an occasional sniff. Dabbu wiped Maanvi's remaining tears and said, "Let's go home Didi. Back to Rishikesh. I don't like it here."

"I have to say sorry to Di first." She wiped his tears too.

"Let's go." He said

Both walked hand in hand to the guest house where everyone was waiting for them.

"Bua"

Swamini opened her eyes and saw Viren standing kneeling beside her.

"You have always been my role model. Whenever I had a job or a challenge, I would look up to you for inspiration. Anything you've said I've always blindly trusted you. You have always been my strength Bua. But today, that trust is wavering." Viren sadly said.

"You've always said 'no matter what happens, always listen to both your heart and mind with equality. They will always direct you to the right path'. Do you know what my heart and mind is saying today Bua?"

Swamini just looked at Viren with expectancy of support. Viren was the one person who trusted her judgment and never went against her. She was hoping that today Viren would do the same.

"Bua, you are in the wrong. I know Maanvi made a mistake, but I thought you forgave her. And even if you didn't, neither you nor I have any right to stop her from attending her sister's wedding. How would you react if Virat was in Maanvi's position and he was not allowed to attend my marriage?" Viren asked.

Swamini was silent, considering his words.

"See Bua, it doesn't feel right. You would be furious if that happened to us. I know I would be. He is my brother and no one has the right to stop him from attending my marriage. So how could you think that you could stop Maanvi?

Bua, I love Jeevika and today I'm going to follow what you've taught me. I'm following both my heart and mind. I will marry Jeevika tomorrow at the same venue in the same Mandap. I love you Bua, you've always been my second mother. I hope you will come tomorrow and bless your son for his future." Viren said and quietly got up and slowly left the room, leaving Swamini to think in the darkness of her own room.