Chapter 17
In Yash room he took out the small framed photo of his Aripta sat on the bed looking at his dead wife's picture "Aripta I miss you so much I need your blessing for this marriage Aarti ji is a nice lady, she has a kind, loving heart the girls get along with her. Did I mention that she is a Lawyer who also is an account Bauji don't know that his new bahu is an accomplished working woman {LOL} you know how he wants his bahus at home doing housework, and spending time with ma ji, and bua ji. Ma ji don't like Aarti well that is to be accepted considering how much she loved, and spoiled you over Vidhi Bhabhi. I always thought that was unfair but never spoke up for I believe Pankaj bhayia should of said something and he never did, also that was maji business and I never went against her after all she is the parent who is experienced with life; but that was then I am no longer that naive twenty tow year old boy, this time my voice will be heard I will not disrespect my elders but I will support what is right Aarti, and Ansh are two innocent souls joining our family they deserve respect, and acceptance. Aarti accepted to become my wife only as a mother to our daughters, and for me to be a father for Ansh. I fully intend to full fill my role of a father to our three children and I know she will be the best mother that she can be to our children. Aripta there is something about her that makes me feel safe I feel it in my heart that I can trust her I felt this special feelings the instant I met her at her friend's Mansi wedding. That does not mean that I love you less or I forgot my promise that I made to you, but I cannot deny that I feel connected to Aarti ji too"
Yash replaced her photo unconsciously in his bag, when he packed his luggage at home he took her photo with him as always this was normal behaviour because he places it on his night stand facing him so he can look at it before he falls asleep, and it is the first thing he see when he wakes up. Yash did not realize what he did, and went to sleep thinking of Ansh's prank the naughty boy locked his mom in my room, and the expression on Aarti ji's face seeing him in that towel Yash smiled and slept with happy thoughts of a better future for his kids, and himself.
In the kids room
Maya was attending to the girls since everyone else was busy with the wedding preparation to ensure that it was the talk of the town everything had to be perfect Maya smirked to herself thinking. What drama her family loves their reputation means everything to them the media were informed of course.
First Yash SP Scindhia Punar Vivah to the widow Aarti Dubey who has a son from her previous marriage. The Scindhia family is setting an example in society by allowing their second son, and heir to the family fortune to marry an orphan woman from a middle class family.
Second the traditional family is allowing their youngest so to have a love marriage to his collage days girlfriend the only daughter/child, the heiress of the Khanna family [people i just made this up for comparison of Aarti and Paridhi background } an upper class business family.
"Bua dadi ji! Bua dadi ji! Shouted the kids to get her attention "We want a story tell us a story!" demanded the girls Maya thought this is her opportunity to corrupt their little minds so she narrated a story of an evil stepmother who beat and tortured her two beautiful angelic step daughters. This is what the girls had on their minds when they fell asleep.
In Aarti's room
Aarti told Ansh a story and the little man fell asleep with a smile on his face looking forward to tomorrow to play with his sisters they had so much fun today getting to know each other, he did not like bud dadi she is mean.
Aarti thoughts were on her last wedding with Prashant the excitement, and nervousness she felt at becoming some ones wife; she had so many dreams back then for a happy family life all came crashing down a few short months later.Now this her Punaf Vivah her expectations were to be a good mother to the girls, bahu to the Scindhias, and hopefully one day a good friend to Yash, she hoped and prayed that Yash will be a good father to Ansh her son already loved his new papa.
Yash was not a bad eye candy she observed how much attention he received from the females of all ages she smiled to herself, and that strange but all so thrilling sensation she felt during the pooja never had she ever felt that with any man {well Prashant} in her life, Aarti also fell asleep thinking of Yash.
The next day was the haldi ceremony which took place outside the venue intwo large tents the brides in one tent and the grooms in the other. Yash was in the car leaving to go collect his former in laws from the airport when pankaj stoped him and told that it was taken care off and he should go and get ready for the ceremony. Yash said "Bhayia you know how important they are to me" Pankaj answered "Yes Yash they are Aripta's parents I know" Yash left to go and change his clothes for the ceremony, his self talk Aripta may be dead but I still consider them as my parents they are part of my family I hope they like Aarti and give us their blessings, and accept Ansh my naughty boy he thought with a smile he reminds me of a young Prateek so mischievous
In the tent the time for the rituals to start was approaching fast Shoba held the bowl with the turmeric paste and was about to start when G3 boldface asked her to stop and wait that they were expecting so important guest. Aarti was surprised at g3's action so was Shoba but being the kind loving person that she is did not complain.
The car arrived and Aripta's parents came out the girls ran to them taking blessing Yash came and took his blessings from them and returned to his place in the tent. G3 asked Aripta's mother to apply haldi on Aarti first much to the shock of Aarti, Shoba and every one present, the lady applied the paste give Aaeri a pair of bangles said that they were Aripta's favourite and called Aarti Aripta to which Aarti said "my name is Aarti auntie not Aripta" " yes I know but from today you will be Aripta our daughter answered the bold face Aripta's mother Aarti looked at Shoba ma what the heck is this their eyes said to each other. G3 came and said "From today you will be called Aripta" Yash who heard everything was angry as hell no they can't do that I will not allow anyone to change her name.
The ritual was completed "Vidhi take Aarti, and Paridhi to bathe" commanded G3 one the way paridhi sympathizes with Aarti Vidhi said "Don't worry Aarti Yash is mature if you speak to him he will handle the situation."
The Dubeys were not happy with this decision and they planned on speaking with the Scindhias. Yash was in the bath he spoke to his brothers about his disgust at his parents taking such a decision about the name change of his future wife. They tried to calm him down thinking that he was upset for the use of Aripta's name, and the giving away of her bangles to a stranger because he is so damn possessive of her and her possessions Not knowing the real reason were that her respected, and was proud of Aarti and her accomplishments thus far, no one has the right to make that decision without consulting the persons involved especially since they are all adults not foolish children, and this time he was going to start his marriage right with decisions taken by both Aarti, and himself when it comes to their life, and children advise from others yes but not their puppets.
The Dubeys knocked on the Scindhias room door they were greeted and entered SP knew that the decision to change Aarti name will not go down well with them he looked at Aarti and dared her with his eyes to challenge him but Shoba intervene "Suraj ji why do you feel that it is necessary to change Aarti's name to Yash's dead wife name Aripta? " "Shoba you are questioning me ?she is not your daughter!" "I may not have given birth to her but she is in every sense our daughter>" said a calm Shoba "Bahus can never be daughters>" said G3 she continued "and your son is dead" showing her arrogance "Really G3 ji that was a long ago thinking my Aarti is my daughter the love and relationship we share is just as or even more than biological parent child." Answered Shoba " We do not accept the name change Aarti is an individual with her own identity her own dreams, she has her own life, her own accomplishments why should that be erased and replaced with some else identity" Shoba was becoming furious by these arrogant people Ariptas parents were also present in the room they were showing the Scindhias the gifts which they brought to present to them for the wedding and the kanyadaan. Aripta mother said "Aarti is taking the place of our daughter in their home and Yash's life she will be the mother of our grandchildren it is right that she will be call Aripta and be called our daughter from today, we understand that she has no parents well from today we will be her parents; and we will do her kanyadaan" The Dubeys was mad as hell at the audacity of these people but before they could give them a fitting answer Yash who heard the entire conversation came inside with Pankaj and Vidhi in tow.
Yash said" I do not agree with any of your decisions Aarti name is Aarti and she will remain as Aarti her new name will be Aarti Yash Scindhia her identity will be tied to mine as my wife she will enhance my identity as I will enhance hers Aripta is dead Aarti is alive, she is an accomplished woman, a lawyer, and business woman, a wonderful mother, daughter and friend, not some dressed up doll to be made into a puppet in some freak show. I will not accept this injustice to her from anyone!" Pankaj shouted at Yash "Yash have you completely lost your mind it that they way to speak to your elders!!" " My elders think that I am some foolish child I am not I am a grown man capable of making my own decisions and it is my decision to reject their plan!" said an angry Yash SP was livid "Yash how dare you raise your voice to us and disrespect Arpita's parents!" " Yes they are Aripta's parents not Aarti's the Dubeys are Aarti's parents I did not say anything about the disrespect you showed then at today's haldi function allowing Ariptas mom to apply paste on Aarti first. Shoba ma is Aarti's mother and no one has the right to change or suggest different." Answered a livid Yash who was unstoppable years of keeping silent and allowing things to happen in his life was having an effect on him. " So you are taking for these people outsiders instead of supporting us your family!" said G3 " These people as you call them are my family, my wife, and her parents they alone have the right to do her kanyadaan!! And you made no mention of my son Ansh only your grand daughters well that shows how important you think of him, well let me inform you I have three children one son and two daughters they are all equal in my eyes," Pankaj again shouted at Yash "Yash I am ashamed of you behaviour you have lost all your manners!" "Manners Pankaj bhayia because I dare to speak up for what is right I have lost my manners. What do you want for me to do, stay quiet like you and watch my wife be insulted and don't be man enough to support her. Never Aarti, and Ansh are my responsibility I am their support as much as they are mine. What do you want me to do be a mute spectator in my life like you and don't support my family> Tell me bhayia how is that in any way right?" answered Yash "Your family you are not married yet but they are your family! I think I will call of this wedding!!" shouted SP "Bauji you can call of the grand wedding if you want, but my marriage to Aarti will take place either here, in a temple or the courthouse but it will happen with or without your blessing." Said a calm Yash "That will happen over my dead body!" said G3 "Maji that treat won't work with me I am not the young foolish Yash anymore I have seen and heard enough of the behaviour of the people in this family to know better." He said calmly and continued " take these bangles back, Aarti give me your hand you don't need second hand thighs" he took the bangles off her hand and give it back to Aripta's mother " Thanks but no thanks Aarti is not some second class woman keep them give it to your grand daughters in the future." "How dare you insult us like this "shouted Aripta's mother "How dare you insult these innocent people " Yash contradict pointing to the Dubeys Sp came forward to slap Yash but Yash stopped him "No bauji I am not an insolent child but a grown man thirty years of age, and it is time that I stand on my own two feet and take hold of my life, and not be some ones pawn. " he continued "I am sorry if you think that I am disrespectful but this is my life my wife, and children lives their future depends on the decision that I am taking today, and I chose Aarti Yash Scindhia, and Ansh Yash Scindhia. You ma, bauji will always be my parents I will always love you, but I will not stand by and allow you to insult my family they have feelings just like you and no one has the right to deprive them of celebrating their daughter's happiness her wedding day." And what about us our happiness" said Aripta's mother "Maji Your daughter is dead you had your chance don't deprive the Dubeys their right" "So that what it has come to now my daughter is dead we have no say in your lifr anymore?" continued Ariptas mother " When I was married to Aripta I was young, foolish I need advice because I did not have the experience of life I accepted whatever that was told to me as law but not any more now I have seen the true face of the people around me I am not easily manipulated . I am truly sorry if you don't agree with me but this is the beginning of a new chapter in both Aarti's and my life and we will start it as Mr. Yash SP Scindhia, and Mrs. Aarti Yash Scindhia. " turning to Aripta's parents he said "Your daughter died accept that and move on Aarti will not replace her in any form or fashion, she is a completely different woman from Aripta so don't try to change her I will not accept your interference in our life, like I did when Aripta was alive I belived then that it was your right as her parents, and she was your only child, She and I were young and inexperienced then and I was grateful for your advice, love, and support then. But the times has changed I still need advice, and support but I will not accept commands, I will not accept anyone trying to force their will power on me or my wife and our children. Bauji if you want me to leave your house no problem I will gladly do so and give you your happiness, if you want me to leave your employment no problem I will start over I know it will be difficult but I will survive with my family" he turned to the Dubeys " I apologise for my behaviour but I know my parents only too well they will never listen to you they only want their way. I will marry Aarti, and I have already made legal notice to adopt Ansh as my legal son and heir. Aarti will you be my wife, my life partner we will be each others support through the good and bad times do you accept me as I am Aarti ji" Aarti was shocked at the turn of events Yash's behaviour surprised her, he spoke for her and her parents against his parents, and Aripta's parents he supported them against the odds of his family. Yes the Scindhias were being arrogant, and looking down on her and her family, they did not accept Ansh that was made clear. Yash was willing to leave the family he loved so much for them because they disrespected her son and family not to mention her. Aarti answer "Yes Yash ji I will marry you and be your support through the good and bad times and be the best mother to our children."
"Of course she will you are rich, and have social status, why won't she "said Aripta's mother Aarti answered "Auntie not everyone places a high standard on money, wealth, and social status I am poor but rich in love and understanding I will support Yash ji whether he is rich or poor in sickness or in health he is my life partner we will be there together with our children. Auntie ji there is no shame in being poor and a nobody, we will have each other and we will work together to provide for our family, I have no problem in being a working wife, and mother if it means providing for my family's future and supporting my husband." Expounded a very proud Aarti she was proud of her Yash ji he was no spoilt rich brat but a kind loving understanding man, a father, son, brother, friend and after listening to him speak a good husband even if they never share a physical relationship.
Pankaj felt so touch by AarYa support for each other they have only known each other for day and met maybe three for times yet the both completely understand each other it was like they were able to read each other thoughts, and gestures he who had been in an arranged marriage with Vidhi took years before they reach this level of communicating and if memory serves him right Aripta never had this with Yash she controlled his thoughts and moves and Yash like him allowed their parents and respective in laws control their married lives.
"JI Listen to this woman she is trying to separate our son from us shame on her pretending to be descent and better than my Aripta bahu how dare you compare yourself with excellence you are nothing!" she went forward to slap Aarti but Yash stopped her "No ma you are wrong Aarti is not comparing he self to anyone she stands alone, she achieved what she has through hard work no one give her anything on a silver platter. I am Proud of her and she is not influencing me, like you people did when I was younger this is me the new Yash the fully grown man, independently thinking Yash Scindhia. Don't raise your hand on my wife with a good cause." Yash calmly expounded
"Yash how dare you stop me your mother for this woman!!" shouted G3 "I dare ma just as bauji takes for you and insults all people, I am supporting Aarti against the world" was his simple answer.
Aripta's mother said "you never disrespected your elders for my daughter she never encouraged you in this bad behaviour" Yash replied "Yes you are correct because I always did what was asked of me no questions asked , Aripta demanded and I filled all her demands because that is what I was told a good husband does to keep his wife happy, I was told in a joint family I have to do what my parents demanded because it is their house and we the children cannot survive without their love, and support because we are not mature enough we don't have any experience in life. Maji you know nothing about Aarti so please do not judge her, and do not compare her to your standards. I have full faith that Aarti is the best choice for me and my daughters."
Pankaj got the courage to speak up things were going to change in the Schindhia family with AarYa leading the way "Bauji Yash is correct we know nothing about Aarti to judge her, and she has her son Ansh who you seems to have forgotten or maybe don't care to accept, but you want her to accept Yash's daughters how can a mother neglect her child in favour of someone else children what will that say about her character and ours to allow her to abandon Ansh he is an innocent child." "Pankaj you are speaking against your father, answering him back!" demanded G3 Pankaj reply "Ma I am forty Years old I have been married for eighteen years with two teenage children. Yash is correct it is time that I started supporting my family especially my wife Vjdhi . I am sorry if you also think that I am disrespectful but what Yash said made sense bauji you never listen to your children you never encouraged us to grow on our own never were we allowed to express our fears, wants, needs we always did what you and ma wanted never questioned your decision but enough bauji I have had enough my eyes are open today because of the four of you, your bad treatment of the Dubeys are unforgiveable you disrespected them their relationship based on love and acceptance not blood, your hate for that innocent baby boy Ansh no bauji I will not support your decision to force Aarti to change her name her identity or to replace the Dubeys as her parents. Yash and Aarti will get married right here, there will be a double wedding on that day as planned you can either be a part of it or not the choice is yours" It felt good to be out of his father's shadow, to think for himself and make decisions for the family a new beginning awaits. Vidhi was shocked at her husband's behaviour he who never raised his voice against his father give his parents an ultimatum. Vidhi felt a sense of pride for her husband but also felt guilty because she loved her in laws and respected them, she tolerated her sasuma daily insults because that is what a good bahu does, she never allowed jealousy to overtake her against Aripta because she is the eldest bahu, and decorum dictates that she overlook G3's preference of the younger Aripta.
The Scindhias elders were shocked by the behaviour of their two sons never had they before dared to speak to them in this manner, and Pankaj give them an ultimatum how dare he, and Yash is going to marry that woman how dare he I will cancel everything no more wedding. SP pride was hurt he felt so embarrassed that his sons spoke against him in the presence of strangers. Yash stooped both G3 and himself from slapping himself and that woman he cannot be my son he disrespected Aripta's parents for those nobodies he all but clearly said that he prefers Aarti over Aripta how dare he insult her memory like that. My son has changed in a matter of days and Pankaj in a matter of minutes. What the hell is going on here I have lost control of my family. I will cancel the wedding let me see what they will do.
"Bauji if you are thinking of cancelling the wedding think again because they will get married maybe not in this grand way but the marriages will take place; think about the embarrassment to you, you have informed the media think about their response and what it will do to your reputation." Said a confident Pankaj.
"Ji we cannot accept this woman into our family!" said G3 pointing to Aarti.
"G3 just shut up keep quiet this mess is your doing so keep quiet!" shouted SP "I will make the decision that is best for all concerned " he looked at Pankaj challenging him but Pankaj accept it he never backed down from his father's stern glare yes things are going to change from now SP realised that just by the determine look Pankaj give him, and Yash clearly was not going to change his decision, he knew his son would walk out of his home and job and start his life from scratch with Aarti and their kids.
Book Talk
