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.
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