Rudra didn't know how long he had been sleeping. All he knew was that he was irritated that the rays of sunlight that peeped through the curtain were interrupting the best sleep of his life. He groaned and turned his back to the window and stretched his arm on the bed, only to land on the body next to him. Rudra opened his eyes and sighed as his gaze set on Paro sound asleep next to him. She was laying on her back with her head facing him. Her hand was caressing his face as he laid upon it. The white sheet covered her just above her chest, hiding her nakedness.
Memories of last night flooded his senses as his eyes locked on the mangalsuthra resting on Paro's pillow. She was his wife now, in every sense of the word. Parvati Rudra Pratap Ranawat. This feeling of waking up next to her felt so natural, as if they had been doing it for years. Rudra couldn't believe everything that had happened yesterday. Looking back, he had changed so much that it astonished him at times. He couldn't believe that his love for Paro had led him to this point. He was a married man. A happily, married man. He remembered how Tejawat had continuously stated that woman and love weakened men. Rudra felt foolish for believing him. His love for Paro only made him feel stronger, not weaker. Having her there, next to him, made him feel complete.
Rudra snapped out of his thoughts as he felt Paro move. She sighed and turned on her side, now facing him. Her eyes slowly fluttered open. She was surprised to see him awake and staring at her. She could feel her cheeks reddening as she became conscious of her bareness. She held the sheet to herself and began to sit up, only to have Rudra pull her back down onto his chest. Her mouth was agape as she looked at him and saw a mischievous smirk tug at the corner of his lips. Paro could feel her face heating up as she glanced down to find herself on his hard, bare chest. She let out a small gasp as she felt his hands snake around her waist under the sheets. In a husky, morning voice, Rudra spoke, "Where do you think you're going?"
"Woh...I," Paro flushed. "I promised to meet Pia today."
"You can go later. It's too early in the morning."
"Really?" she reached over him and grabbed his phone to look at the time, only to jolt up seeing what time it really was. "It's 11?! I promised to meet her before noon!"
Rudra wasn't paying any attention to what she was saying. As Paro had jolted up, she failed to cover herself with the sheet. He had the pleasure of seeing her bare back, which was in full view before him now. His eyes darkened as he sat up. His fingers trailed along her back, causing her to stiffen before relaxing to peer at him sitting up next to her. Rudra's hair was a complete mess, and yet it was so attractive. He was completely naked, but thankfully the sheets covered him from the waist down. If it didn't Paro knew she would've melted into a pile of goo. Even now, his eyes carried that spark of desire. It was making her forget why she had to get out of bed in the first place.
"I'm sure Pia will understand if you're late," Rudra tried to persuade her. "She wouldn't be surprised."
"Oh really?" she retorted.
"She was there when we got married yesterday. She wouldn't be surprised if you showed up late, considering-."
Rudra was interrupted by a soft pillow smacking him in the face. He sat for a moment, completely stunned by what happened. He looked at Paro with the pillow in her hand as she had the largest and cutest grin on her face, resulting in him not being angry and smile in amusement.
She laughed, "Such a jallad."
Paro grabbed her dupatta, wrapped it around her like a towel, and ran into the bathroom before Rudra was able to come up with a response. He leaned back against the headboard and crossed his arms on his chest. If this was the past, he never would've let anyone hit him like that, not even with a pillow. But this was the past. This was his present, and Paro was his future. Rudra had really changed and he knew it by what she had just called him.
Jallad. Before this word was used as a term for him to describe him as nothing less than the devil. It was a constant reminder of his inhumanity and savagery. It was a title that he wore like a second skin. It was the name of the monster that taken over and locked away the human within him. This was the first time the name was taken differently. It wasn't shouted with fear, but spoken with happiness and soaked in love. Paro had called him a jallad many times before, but in a negative light. But just now, she used it as a term of endearment. It was her way of saying he was still devilish, but in a good way, and that she loved him unconditionally. That word, which was a constant reminder of his sin, was now an endearing term that sounded melodious coming from his wife.
~
Parvati had managed to get out of the house and make her way to Pia's home. Thankfully, when she got out of the bathroom, Rudra hadn't ordered her to stay home, although he had made many attempts to get her back into bed. The fact that she was dressed in a thin, all-red, chiffon sari was most likely the cause of his naughtiness. She couldn't help but laugh when she remembered his face as she denied his every notion to persuade her to stay. He looked like a child that had just been placed in a corner for time-out. Paro leaned over on the bed and kissed his cheek softly which she knew pacified him as he tried to hide the smile creeping up on his face. Even as she headed out Rudra told her he would pick her up from Aman and Pia's. Paro smiled as she walked down the street. Her husband may be stubborn, but he couldn't stay upset with her for too long.
Parvati had reached the Singh residence just before noon. She stood in the front entryway and rang the doorbell. She could hear the sound of light footsteps getting louder and closer to the door. As the steps stopped, the door opened to reveal Pia. She was wearing a purple sari with a green and white polka dot blouse. Her hair was half-pinned back, unlike Paro's which was flowing openly. Paro looked at her in confusion as Pia stared at her in shock.
"Pia," she said. "Are you okay?"
"You're here?" Pia said skeptically. "So soon?"
"So soon meaning? It's almost noon. Isn't that when we were suppose to meet?"
"Yes that was...but I didn't think you would be here this early."
"Why?"
"Because you were just married yesterday...and last night was technically your wedding night...so I just assumed you would be late."
When Paro understood what Pia was trying to say, she turned beet red. The inability to make eye contact kicked in as she found herself to flustered to respond. Parvati felt like a deer caught in headlights. Pia, on the other hand, took in her friend's nervous expression and burst into laughter. She wasn't trying to pry into their relationship or make her feel embarrassed. Pia was just surprised to see Parvati there so early. Knowing from personal experience, she would've assumed that she would show up much later in the afternoon, assuming she would come at all!
Pia placed a hand of Paro's shoulder and said, "Forget it. I'm glad you're here. I have a surprise for you."
"For me?" Paro asked as she looked up.
Pia nodded and pulled her inside. Parvati had been to the Singh residence once before, and was in love with the coziness of the place. Like her, Pia wasn't fond of large mansions or vast displays of wealth. She preferred to live the simple life, and Aman was all too ready to please his wife. They made their way through the hall and were about to enter the kitchen when they were greeted by Aman coming out of it. Dressed in a black suit and red tie, he was the poster image of a high-class business man. At least, that's what Paro thought he was. He never spoke of his work because it apparently upset Pia greatly. So, Parvati didn't bother rocking the boat by asking.
Aman smiled as he looked up from the mobile in his hand, "Parvati! It's nice to see you again."
The cheerfulness and genuine tone in his voice couldn't help but make Paro smile, "It's good to see you again too."
"Is Rudra with you?"
"No, he's actually at home. He said that he had some work to do today, but he will be stopping by later."
"It looks like I will have to meet him at your place."
"Meaning?"
"I'm introducing him to a friend of mine to handle some work."
"Rudra asked you for a job?"
"No, I asked him if he knew anyone looking for a job and he offered. I'm sorry. I would talk more but I have to go meet with your husband."
Parvati nodded. Aman smiled as he took in Parvati's new appearance. The glow of marriage was prominent on her, and Aman smiled remembering how Pia had the same glow after they had gotten married.
"One more thing, and please don't find my comment awkward. Marriage really suits you well." Aman looked over at Pia, "I will see you tonight."
With that, Aman left the two women to go about their business. Pia went back to leading Paro into the kitchen, where a familiar aroma filled her senses. The scent made Paro's mouth water. The plate of the delicious content lay on the countertop, in full view upon entering the kitchen.
"Imli!" Paro squealed. "You remembered?!"
"Of course," Pia replied. "How could I not? When we went to the market you ate the one I bought for myself! I figured since you had loved it so much you would want to try the ones I make. The salt is next to the plate. Give it a try."
Parvati positioned herself in front of the plate of imli. She took a piece, dipped it in salt, and then sucked on it. The tanginess made her closes her eyes and scrunch her nose. It was delicious. It tasted just like the ones she would eat in Birpur. Once the flavor disappeared, she opened her eyes and looked at Pia, who was waiting expectantly for a response.
"This reminds me of my village," Paro answered as she continued to eat the imli.
Pia laughed, "I will take that as a compliment. Hurry up and finish. I have many places to take you today before our husbands arrive."
Paro finished her imli before she and Pia headed out to explore Lucknow. Being a local, Pia was the perfect travel guide. She knew the best sights to see, the best markets to shop at, and the best people to talk to. The beauty of the architecture around Lucknow took Paro's breath away. Parvati was amazed that Pia not only knew locations, but also the vast history behind many of the areas they went to. In the last few hours, Parvati felt as much of a local as Pia. It was comforting knowing that she had a friend who was willing to take her everywhere and show her around. For the first time in a long time, she found herself speaking openly and honestly with a friend, something she hadn't done with anyone else other than Rudra.
Pia took Parvati to one of her favorite shops. Upon entering, Paro's jaw hit the floor. There were so many bangles! The rows upon rows were neatly displayed and wrapped around the entire shop. Every color and every style imaginable was right before her. The sparkling and tinkling sound was all too familiar to her. Pia watched her friend's expressions which sheer amusement. She somehow knew Parvati would love the bangle shop. Being a simple girl from a simple village, the little things tended to give Parvati more happiness than Pia believed was possible.
Pia introduced her to the store owner, an elderly man with a large, white mustache and a gentle heart. Upon learning the Parvati was recently married, the man congratulated her and told her to select as many bangles as she wanted, for today, there would be no charge for her. Parvati was stunned by the sweet gesture, but didn't take advantage of it. Her eyes perused through the various bangles, and after a few minutes of persuading, Pia finally managed to get her to select a set consisting of red, white, and gold bangles. At least a dozen for each hand. With a big thank you and a promise to return, Pia and Parvati left the bangle shop.
As they stood in the street trying to hail a rickshaw Parvati noticed a pair of young men staring and snickering at her and Pia. She didn't think much of it at first, but then she saw them beginning to slowly make their way to the crowds towards them. She nudged Pia, who was looking in the other direction, and signaled her to look at the two men. Parvati had expected Pia to be nervous just like her. After all, the men looked like they could both lift them up and drag them away. From her experiences, the mere thought sent a chill down her spine. Back in her village, if men pestered women, other men would step in protecting the women because everyone knew everyone. But here, it was just her and Pia. She wondered if Pia would tell her to run. Parvati braced herself for the command. However, she never expected Pia's response.
The men, who were now standing a few feet from them, stopped as they saw Pia stride forward, tugging Parvati behind her. Pia stopped in front of them and gave them the deadliest glare Parvati had ever seen. It was just like Rudra's, enough to reduce someone to ashes. She glanced at the two men, who were dumbstruck by the forwardness of the woman before them.
"What do you want?" Pia asked bluntly.
"Oh well," one man answered nervously. "We were wondering if you two needed a ride."
"No."
"But you have been trying to hail a rickshaw for the last five minutes."
"Oh? So you've been watching me and my friend for the last five minutes."
The man gulped at having been caught oogling. His companion, who seemed just as nervous as him now, spoke, "We couldn't help but worry, seeing how two beautiful women were here...alone."
"Please forget your 18th century mentality. My friend and I are perfectly capable of handling ourselves."
"Are you sure you don't-."
Pia glared, "If you do so much as utter another syllable, I promise that you will regret it."
The deep threatening tone in her voice made the men understand that this woman was not one to mess with. They didn't even glance up at Parvati as they turned on their heels and scurried off. Parvati, however, stood with eyes as big as saucers. She couldn't believe that Pia stood up to those men. They were twice as big as her, and so tall that she was craning her neck to talk to them. And yet, they became intimidated by her and ran off like mice. Pia turned and saw the stunned look of Paro's face.
She quickly relaxed and shook her head, "Don't worry Parvati. There are men like that everywhere. You just have to learn how to handle them. Come on. We should get a rickshaw and head back."
Parvati nodded. She was still too stunned by Pia's quick change in avatar. Was there something in the water here in Lucknow?!
On their way back to the Singh residence, Pia made a quick stop at a shop to pick up something that she wouldn't tell Parvati about. She came out of the store with a small plastic bag, but she refused to give it to Parvati in fear that the surprise would be ruined. When they went back to the Singh household, Pia practically dragged Parvati into the living room and forced her to sit down. Paro was really puzzled by the gentle forcefulness with which her friend was taking care of her. Pia sat down and pulled out the contents within the black plastic bags.
"Mehendi cones?" Paro asked observantly.
Pia nodded, "I know that a bride is suppose to adorn her hands before she gets married. However, with the quickness with which the wedding took place, there wasn't much time to follow all rituals and customs. But even though you're already married, we can at least adorn your hands with mehendi, showing that you are a newlywed. I can tell that you love the idea of marriage and all the rituals that go with it. This is something I wanted to do for you."
"You...want to do this...for me?"
"Of course. We're friends aren't we?"
Parvati was choked up with emotions. Even though they had just recently met, she felt like she had known Pia for years. She never asked Pia to put mehendi on her hands, but her friend knew her desires better than herself. She felt blessed to have received such a new friend in her new life in Lucknow. With a happy heart, Parvati extended her hands to Pia, who began working intently on adorning her hands like a new bride. The mehendi covered her hands and arms, stopping just below her elbow. Paro was amazed at how quickly she went about creating patterns and intricate details. She had done well in hiding Rudra's name, so much so that if Parvati didn't know where it was, then she probably never would've found it. When Pia finished one hand completely and began working on the other, Paro finally decided to speak.
"Pia, where did you learn to do such beautiful mehendi?" she asked.
"It was something I did ever since I was little. The women at the orphanage would let me practice on them, and I got so good that they let me go to functions to earn money for doing it."
"Orphanage? Pia...you were an orphan?"
Pia nodded without looking up at Parvati, "It wasn't bad. The orphanage in Delhi was filled with children, and I never got lonely."
"Rudra lost his family when he was young. My maa-sa and bapu-sa died when I was little, and I recently lost my mami-sa. So I suppose in a way we are like you, except after their deaths I didn't have anyone."
"I'm sorry. At least you have Rudra."
" And you have Aman. You must've gotten your family after you married Aman. His family must adore you."
Pia stopped working on the mehendi. Her smile completely vanished as she looked up at Paro. Pain and sadness was evident in her friend's eyes, but Parvati couldn't understand why except that she must've brought up a sensitive topic.
"Aman's family isn't a part of our lives," Pia answered softly.
"Oh, I'm so sorry," Parvati replied. "I didn't know they had passed away. I-."
"No, Parvati. They're still alive. They just aren't a part of our lives. You see..." Pia took a deep breath. "Aman and I didn't have an arranged marriage. It was a love marriage. His parents didn't like the fact that I was an orphan. They wanted a daughter-in-law with a title and status. Aman and his family got into a huge argument, and they gave him an ultimatum: me or them."
Parvati listened intently.
"When he told me about the ultimatum, I told him to choose his family. I tried to force him to let me go. I did a lot to get him to leave. I even told him I didn't love him anymore, but Aman didn't believe me. He chose me over his family. He even said that he would always choose me. With this decision, his family severed all ties with him. We got married and shifted to Lucknow."
"I never would've expected such a story from you," Parvati tried to lighten the mood. "In the week that I've known you and Aman, I never would've believed that love came before marriage. You two are so dissimilar."
Pia smiled, "Aman is quiet. He doesn't say much and he's shy at times. There are times when he enjoys teasing me so much that I just stop talking to him for a few hours. You're right. He is the complete opposite of me. However, at the end of the day...he's the man I love, and without him there's no reason for my existence."
Parvati smiled as she saw Pia's eyes fill with love upon speaking of Aman. The fact that he had chosen her over his entire family was astounding to Parvati, but it showed her that Aman really did love Pia more than anything else in the world. Despite not having a family, Aman and Pia made a life for themselves in Lucknow, creating a small little world for themselves within the larger world. It reminded her of her and Rudra.
Pia interrupted Parvati's thoughts as she spoke, "Aman and I are no different than you and Rudra."
"What do you mean?" Paro asked.
"You and Rudra are very different. You are so gentle and free-spirited and happy. And Rudra is...well...Rudra."
Parvati giggled.
"Despite that, you both seem to love each other a great deal. How did all of this come about?"
"To be honest, I didn't realize when it happened. It just did," a smile came upon Paro's face. "I fell in love with Rudra the way a person falls asleep...very slowly...then all at once."
Pia let out a loud awe, causing Parvati to blush profusely.
"He's all I have left in this world," Parvati stated. "And I love him. So much sometimes that it surprises me."
As Pia finished up the mehendi, she looked at her friend and corrected her, "He isn't all you have left in this world. Now that you've met me, consider yourself apart of mine and Aman's family. We may not be a large family, but we have a lot of love to give."
The idea of a family warmed Parvati's heart. For Pia to invite her into her world, and give her a place in her life, was more than enough for her. But the fact that she wanted her to considered herself a part of their family was overwhelming. If her hands weren't covered in mehendi, Parvati would've embraced Pia like a sister. She didn't have to say it though, because the small tear that escaped the corner of her eye was enough for Pia to understand how she felt about the gesture. Pia shook her head and wiped the tear away. The two women were so preoccupied in their family bonding moment that they failed to realize that their husbands had arrived and were standing in the doorway.
And they would never know that Aman and Rudra, who had heard the entire conversation between them, were overcome with emotions as they had never seen their wives so happy.
**********
Wasn't that sweet? Let me know by leaving your comments and feedback below.
Next update: Moments with the two couples.
Thanks for reading!
Channel V Dil Dosti Dance
Arjun
