NOTE: THIS STORY BELONGS TO ME, SO PLEASE DO NOT TRY TO REPOST IT IN OTHER PLACES AND UNDER YOUR NAME.
Chapter 3
I felt a sharp pain across my cheek as I placed my hand on it. I could feel tears that were slipping down my cheeks as Ma stood in front of me in pure visible anger. Her face was red as she bit her lip and stared at me.
"How could you Ishita?! Do you even know what you have done?! Ma yelled as she shook my shoulder before pushing me on to the sofa.
"Calm down, Papa said to Ma as Ma shook her head in frustration.
"Oh God! What have I done to see this?! Ma exclaimed as she slammed her purse on the dining table.
"The newsreporters were there and you Ishu! What were you doing in that man's arms?! Ma questioned as I placed my head into the palms of my hands as Ma kept on screaming and repeating her questions over and over again.
I myself do not know what I was doing in his arms. Maybe it was the moment,but I did try to stop him,but he was too controlling.He had me charmed. I could still I feel the touch of his rough lips against mine's.I closed my eyes. Oh God! I have never let anybody come so close to me,why did I just make this mistake?I thought as I wiped my tears.
"My head was always held up high in pride Ishu,but today you have really embrassed us in front of so many people. What will Mrs.Bhalla being thinking about you! You not only embrassed us,but all the Bhalla family as well! Papa exclaimed and then I felt him grab my arm as I yelped in pain. He grabbed me and threw me into my room before shutting the door and locking it.
"You will not come out of this room until we say so! Papa declared as I stuffed my face into my pillow.
This isn't me. How could have I behaved so badly? I thought as I began tearing myself up again.
Raman's House (Raman's Point of View only for this small section)
"Raman how could you do this?!You should be ashamed of what you have done! Papa yelled as I sat on the sofa and grabbed a drink out of my bottle. I raised my eyebrow at the man who stood of in front of me and is telling me what I have done is wrong as if he forgot his own deeds.
"Oh really papa? I have done wrong?! At least I was hallucinating and drunk when I kissed that girl! What about you?! You slept with my now stepmother, Mrs. Santoshi Bhalla, who I have to call "Mom in front of the world. My Ma was married to you when you cheated on her with "Mom! Ma was pregnant with Mihika when you did this Papa! You should be ashamed of yourself!How about that?! I yelled as Papa's mouth widened as he stared at me.
He walked up to me and really close as I felt his eyes staring deeply in anger into mine's. He raised his hand up until "Mom held his hand.
"Please, stop it, Mom said as she held his hand. As usual, Mom is pretending to be good. You know I wouldn't doubt it that, perhaps, she was the one who called the media or,perhaps, it could be Romi. I thought as I turned my face around and looked at Romi who quickly looked away. I am right. I thought as I raised my eyebrow and pouring myself alcohol into a small wine glass sitting on the living room table.
"Bhai, please stop it, Mihika whispered as she placed her hand on my shoulder. I looked back at her. How could she tolerate this nonsense? Mihika is too innocent, but I am not.
"Say what you want Raman,but right now. In this moment, you are the laughing stock of the world, Papa announced as I looked back at him.
"Oh really?I am? I thought as I laughed and looked at Romi.
"What about this innocent,nave Romi who impregnated Sarika before marriage? I said as Romi glared at me.
"At least nobody knows. It's behind closed doors and our status is maintained in society. Unlike you Bhai, Romi said as he smirked and took a drink from his wine glass.
"Romi, please shut up. Papa paid the media,so they wouldn't talk about your deeds. Like father like son, I announced as I smirked. Papa glared at me as his face turned red.
"Oops, did I hurt your feelings? I questioned as I walked up to him.
"You know Raman. I am ashamed to call you my son. What has happened to you? Do you even understand what is going on? This girl Shagun, who you married without even our permission, has taken over your life! I understand that a loss of a child is unbearable, so Adi is a very important part of your life, but this Shagun has taken over your life! Papa yelled. My eyes furrowed as I looked back at Papa.
"How dare you say that?! It is my choice to marry whom I want and who to love! And you have no right to question my love for Shagun!
"But, it has been a year since Shagun died. Look at yourself and your depression! Papa questioned as he looked at me and looked away in anger.
"I think it is a better idea that you should move on and with a nice girl. You shouldn't be randomly going around and kissing women because you hallucinate them to be Shagun, Mom said as she sat on the sofa.
"In fact, I think it is a good idea to talk to Ishita's family about this and think again about maybe you and Ishita Mom began.
"Oh really? Who are you to say that to me? I questioned as I looked at her.
"I will do what I want! Do you all understand?! I exclaimed and I slammed the glass across the floor before I walked away to my room.
1 week Later
"Who is Ishita? What does she have to do with Raman Kumar Bhalla? Is she his lover or only time pass?! The news reporter announced as that horrific picture of me and Ishita in eachother's arms appeared in the background. What media mockery is this? I thought as I turned around and walked towards the window.
It has been one week, but the story doesn't appear to leave the media. I grumbled as I turned towards the crystal window behind my office desk. My eyes wandered out to the skyscrapers that dazed in the clouds.
"Sir, the stocks are falling. Investors are backing out, Sushant said as I sighed as I turned towards him.
"The whole scandal is just shaking investors up. They all think that you are having mental breakdown since your wife died, then you disappeared for a week and half and now this sudden intimate pictures of you are scaring them off. They're thinking that, perhaps, the future of WakeForest Hospitals is not good and it's bleak, Sushant repeated nervously as I bit my lip in anger.
"How dare they?!Do they even know who I am?! WakeForest has been doing extremely well this year. How can they just back out?! I exclaimed as I banged my hand against the desk.
"I know sir,but investors are fearing that your personal life woes may effect the future of our hospitals. Moreover, they are beginning to invest in your young brother Romi's new hospital chain, Sushant began. My eyebrow raised in surprise.
No wonder, how could I forget that this was all Romi's doing. He probably mixed something in my drink and probably sent the reporters to ruin my reputation by filming me drunk. But, probably Ishita came and ,hence, the scandal erupted.
"Romi appears more of a family man and respectable according to them, Sushant mumbled as I looked up and glared at him.
"Get out!Out! I pointed towards the door as Sushant walked out of the door.
I have to do something else to get my investors back. Maybe, I should talk to Ishita.Perhaps, Ishita can my key to beating Romi out of this race of investors.
I have to have the best company. I just have to.
Ishita's House (Ishita's Point of View)
I felt the plate slam in front of me as Ma walked away towards the kitchen. I felt a tear flow down my cheek as I placed a hair strand behind my lose bun. I slowly grabbed the spoon and stared at the oatmeal. I felt as if I was forcing myself to eat just to stay alive. It was all plain thought. The past week has been awful. The news has been everywhere and it is not going away. The news didn't stop, not even once.
The neighbors have been taunting my character, my values and most of all my parents. What should I do? How can I stop this embrassment?
"Look at this! Look at this Ishita! Ma exclaimed as she threw the newspaper in front of me.
I read the title that said "The CEO'S New Lover on top of it. My eyes lowered as I bit my lip nervously.
"What have you done Ishu? You have made us a laughing stock in front of our relatives and neighbors Ma announced as I wiped my tears.
"I wish I didn't have you! I really do wish that! Ma said as I looked up at her as my eyes widening.
"Ma...please try to understand. It was a mistake I whispered as Ma sighed and walked away to her room. I sighed as I grabbed the newspaper and walked towards my room.
I slammed the door behind me as I collapsed on to the floor. Tears were unbearable as I felt them pick up their speed more and more as I tried to wipe them away. What have done? My whole family today has been shamed in front of society all due to my mistake. Why couldn't I stop myself? What just happened?! I looked at the newspaper article of me and Raman in each other's arms as he cupped my face and had the title " The CEO's New Lover on top of it.
My eyes wandered to a scissor placed on top of table. I dragged my feet towards it and grabbed my scissors as I stared back at my wrist.
Raman's Point of View
"This is the place I mumbled as I looked at my window to the small scale apartments. I looked around to find a parking until I found one and parked it. I quickly locked my Mercedes and began walking towards the entrance to the apartments. The main lobby was empty as a receptionist stood in front of desk,looking extremely bored as she stared at her smartphone.
"Hi,excuse me, I am looking for Ishita. What is her apartment number, I asked as I placed my hands into my pockets. I noticed her mouth widen as she looked at me.
"You're this guy right? The receptionist asked as she showed a picture of me holding Ishita on her iPhone. I glared at her.
"Did I ask you that question?Give me the apartment number for Ishita, I firmly asked as the receptionist shook her and quickly gave me the number.
I rolled my eyes and took the elevator to the 6th floor and walked towards the front door right out of the elevator. I sighed as I looked at the doorbell.
Raman, you have to do this. You can't let Romi win. I am always the winner and I can do anything for that. My reputation matter and,perhaps, this is the only way out of it.
I sighed as I rang the doorbell three times. Until, Ishita's mom opened the door. She looked at me and then her eyebrows furrowed as I folded my hands.
"Namaste aunty. I have actually come to apologize to you and uncle, I said as uncle came behind her and looked at me. Aunty looked at me in disbelief.
"Come in before anybody see's you or else they will create more gossip, Aunty said as I shook my head and walked in as uncle closed the door.
"Sit down, do you need any water,tea,or juice, Aunty asked with an emotionless expression.
"No thanks aunty. I actually want to say sorry for what has happened since last week. It was a true misunderstanding. I am attempting to solve it, I said as aunty and uncle shook their heads as I looked up at them.
"I actually came to talk to your daughter Ishita, I said as aunty and uncle raised their eyebrows in unison.
"Why do you want to talk to her? Aunty asked as I bit my lip and tried to come with an answer.
"Um...to apologize and talk about that situation. I was actually drunk aunty and I was hallucinating,so I thought she was my wife Shagun, I said as aunty looked at me.
"Please, just once, I want to talk to her, I said and then aunty nodded as she got up and walked to a door in the hallway. I looked at her as she attempted to open the door,but she couldn't.
"Ishu, open the door! Aunty called,but no answer as she kept struggling with the door.
I got up slowly as I walked towards her. What is this new drama? I thought as I looked at aunty.
"Let me try, I said as I began struggling with the door knob,but the door couldn't open. I started banging on it,but it still wasn't opening. Aunty starting crying as I sighed as I tried banging open the door as I pushed myself against it. The door finally opened and there laid Ishita on the floor.
"Ishu! Aunty exclaimed as she ran up to Ishita. I raised my eyebrow as I realized her wrist was bleeding. I quickly kneeled down by her head as I looked at the deep cut on her wrist.
"Let me call the doctor, I said as I dialed for the doctor.
"Ishu what has happened to you? Aunty sobbed as she placed her hand on her forehead.
Ishita was completely unconscious as her wrist was bleeding nonstop. I quickly grabbed a hold of my tie as I took it off and grabbed Ishita's wrist as I wrapped my tie around her wrist. Her wrist laid limp as I stared back at her. What am I going to do, is it right? I thought as I looked at her face. I scratched the thought out of my head as uncle helped me get Ishita up and make her lay on the bed.
Ishita's Point of View
I felt a sharp pain in my wrist as I heard a voice talking.
"She is ok now. This is an antimicrobial ointment and painkillers. I will get going now
I slowly opened my eyes as I noticed Ma wiping her tears as she looked at me.My eyes slowly wandered and noticed Raman. Is that Raman?
My eyes widened as I looked around.
"Ishita, are you ok?Why did you do this?Tell me! Ma asked as I lowered my eyes and looked away from her.
"What has happened to you Ishu? You were never like this! Ma exclaimed as I bit my lip and looked up to see Raman with his crossed arms.
"Before this happens. Can I talk to Ishita alone? Raman said as my heart began beating faster as I remembered our last confrontation and how it ended.
Ma got up and walked out with Papa. I gulped as I nervously gripped on to the bed sheet as I pulled myself up. I noticed Raman coming close to me as he smirked. I looked at him nervously as he came closer to me. He sat down right besides me.Real close.
"Nice drama, Ms.Ishita. This is a nice way to get sympathy. Raman whispered as he neared his face to me. I backed my face away to avoid his breath as he hissed on me.
"I was right at the party. Girls like you do find ways to get into rich homes,Raman mumbled as he laid finger on my wrist and traced it up and down as I felt a small chill down my spine.
"Y-y-you're wrong. I tried to stop you,but...I began as Raman cut me off.
"But, you just couldn't resist me.Right? Actually, to be honest, I don't care about your reasoning on why you didn't you stop me that night. Now it is time for you listen to me, Raman declared as he looked straight up into my eyes.
"I can get you the respect that you lost back, Raman said as I looked at him in curiousity. What does he mean by this?
"What do you mean? I asked as I looked up at him. He had a peculiar smile on his face as he looked at me.
"Marry me, He declared. My eyes widened in shock as I stared at him. How dare he say that and why does he want me to marry him?
"Why?! How can you say that?You love your first wife Shagun, don't you?Look, if you parents have sent you here and say this to me, then you are not forced to do... I questioned before Raman raised his hand.
"Nobody tells Raman what to do besides himself. Marrying me will benefit you too,you know.,Raman said as he got up and walked towards my bedroom window.
I felt my mind go blank as I stared at him. Wasn't he just the man who I saw in complete depression last week? Doesn't he love his wife and kid? No,something is wrong. He wants something. I thought as I slowly got up from my bed and walked towards him.
"What are your intentions? I asked as stood behind Raman.
"Smart. You are smart Ms.Ishita. You know, my stocks are going down and my investors are leaving my company. I don't want that. I like to be number one. Always, Raman said firmly as he placed his hand on the wall.
I raised my eyebrow as I looked at him. So, I was just a business deal or profit for him. I thought. But, wait Ishita. Think about your parents, your family. You might be able to get them their respect back that they lost. Think about it.
"If you marry me. You will get everything you middle-class people always want. You will get the money,the clothes, the jewelry, free vacations, and mostly status. You can still clear your image in public,Raman said as he turned towards me.
"I don't want the money. I just want my parents to not feel ashamed of me, I whispered as I felt tears slowly build up in my eyes as I bit my lip and attempted to not cry.
"Well, then get married to me, Raman hissed as I looked up at him. I felt him come closer to me as I felt the smell of his perfume get stronger as he came near me. My eyes lowered in nervousness as I felt his breath close and hot on my face. I felt his face near me as I moved my head away.
"Marry me and you will get your lost respect back, Raman whispered.
"Talk to my parents, I mumbled as I looked up at him as I felt his nose touch my nose.
"This will only stay between you and me. No one will know until we get married, Raman announced. My eyes widened. What? How can I not tell my parents?! No I cannot do this.
"Look, my parents are my everything. I'm their only child. I cannot lie to them or get married without them, I whispered as Raman sighed.
"Ok then. Then don't marry me, Raman said as he began walking off.
Think about it Ishita. Even if you get married without your parents, you will be saving them from this shame. You will get their respect back. I have to do this or else my parents were completely break down. Even if your parents will get mad at you when they find out you're married, they will still get their respect back that they lost. They can carry their heads high in public.
"Wait...I'm ready to marry you, I said as Raman stopped in his steps and turned around towards me. He smirked as I looked away to avoid eye contact.
"Wow, that was easy. Get ready then. Tonight, I will be below your apartment, in the parking lot. Tomorrow, we'll get our marriage license in court, Raman announced as he looked at me.
"Ok, I'll be ready, I said as Raman slammed the door shut.
I bit my lip as I wiped my tears away. What will Ma and Papa think when they find out that I got married without telling them? But, I have to do this or else Ma and Papa will break down and then ,moreover, have difficulties in getting me married and then they will be more worried and I don't want that.
*********************
I stared at the empty suitcase as I began stuffing my clothes into it. I bit my lip in anger as I tried to stuff my laptop and books into the bag. I sighed as I double checked my closet to make sure I had packed all my clothes.
I can't believe I'm eloping to get married. I never thought I would ever do this. I sighed as I wiped away the tears off my face. You know what Ishita. This is good. You're getting married finally,no more taunting about being single from your cousins who are married and have kids. And you know what Ishita, you're parents should have believed you when you told them that you don't have an affair with Raman and that it was not your mistake that you were kissing Raman and that your tried to stop him. Breathe Ishita. At least now, you will gain your respect back, you'll be married and you'll be back to your normal career orientated person who is a doctor and wants to help and serve society. Breathe. I closed my eyes as I put on a blue knitted sweater over my black tank top and placed a maroon scarf around my neck.
I sighed as I grabbed the photograph of me, Papa and Ma smiling. I sighed as I placed it into my suitcase. Ma and Papa had gone to Swati aunty's house ,to attend Sarika's wedding tomorrow, since the evening and won't be back until tomorrow night, so it made it easier for me to pack my suitcase and leave home. I will miss Ma and Papa, but I think this is for the better for Ma and Papa's respect and for my own respect. I will get married and then the news reporters will stop calling me Raman's mistress or lover.
I grabbed my suitcase and rolled it out of the apartment as I locked the door behind. I sighed as I walked out of the apartment building and saw a Mercedes drive up in front of me.
"Let's go, Raman said as he rolled down the window and looked at me. I dragged my suitcase and placed it into the trunk of the car. I quickly opened the door and sat into the passenger seat as Raman began driving off.
I sighed as I stared out of the window. I noticed Raman's gaze at me as I turned around and looked at him.
"We're going to stay at a hotel tonight and then leave for tomorrow morning to get married in court, Raman said as he looked straight ahead at the road. I raised my eyebrow as I looked at him.
"What are you benefitting from marrying me besides getting your investors back? I asked softly as I noticed Raman firmly grip his steering wheel.
"There is another benefit which you will find out later, Raman said as he took a turn and drove into the front driveway of the hotel. I looked at him curiously as he got out of the car and I followed him with my suitcase and purse.
"Why do women always carry such large purses? Are you keeping a monkey in there? Raman mocked as my cheek turned slightly pinkish in embrassment. I followed him to the receptionist desk to check in.
I noticed a few eyes on both of us as we entered the hotel. I followed Raman to desk as Raman checked in.
"Your room number is 4537 and is on the top floor , The receptionist said as I looked at Raman in curiosity. I touched his shoulder lightly as he turned around and looked at me.
"What?He asked firmly as I looked at him.
"There is only one room?Don't we sleep in different rooms?I asked as Raman grabbed my arm and dragged me away with my suitcase. I looked at him as I felt his grip on my arm tighten as we walked into the elevator. He pushed me roughly and walked up towards me as the elevator doors closed.
I stared at my feet in silence as I felt Raman's chest moving up and down as I looked down. I felt him place his hand on the elevator wall besides me. I felt his lips near my face as I moved it way.
"Don't ask me questions ever. Do you understand? You have to learn that now I am your soon to be husband and that as an Indian wife you have to listen to me and adjust to my ways, Raman said as I looked down and played with my fingers.
"Understand,Raman mumbled as he stared down at my lips and brought his face closer to me as I tried to lower my face more as Raman placed his hand on my shoulder as I felt my breath heave and shiver as Raman looked at me. I felt the elevator move slowly up to the top floor as if it was teasing me.
"What happened? Too shy? Raman mocked as I bit my lip.
"Remember last time what happened when we were this close to each other? We got photographed and put on media channels, I whispered as Raman stared down at me.
"True point. But, we're getting married tomorrow, Raman mumbled as I felt his nose touch my cheek as I shivered and grabbed on to the handle of my suitcase. I heard the elevator doors open as Raman let go of me and I sighed a breath of relief as I followed Raman out of the elevator to the large white double doors at the end of the hallway.
Raman opened the door and as I followed him inside. Raman closed the door and locked it as I looked at the set of crme brown colored sofas and a T.V. along with a small little dining table on the corner by a large window. I looked into another connecting large room where a white bed was set and a white canopy was set atop the bed. I gulped in nervousness as I set my suitcase by the door. The rooms had a nice smell of roses as I walked towards the sofa.
"Here Raman said and he threw at me a dark blue dress as I looked at in curiosity. Crap, did I make a mistake by decided to spend the night here in the hotel. I thought as I looked at the dark blue dress.
"Wear it quick, Raman said firmly as I sighed and went towards the bathroom. I can't even question Raman's intentions without him throwing a fit. I placed on the dark blue dress. I stared at myself in the mirror as the dress fit me nicely and up until my knees. The sleeves were small and short as they tightened around my shoulder. I stared at my hair as I sighed and let the waves fall down as I opened the door and noticed another man with a camera around his neck. My eyebrows raised in curiousity as Raman looked back at me.
"Your shoes.Wear them, Raman said as he pointed to a black pair of high heels. I quickly slipped into the high heels.
"I think that will be a nice place to photograph you too, The man said as he pointed to the small balcony outside of the room. Raman smiled as at me as he fixed his black suit and tie before grabbing my hand and walking out into the balcony.
"Smile and pretend you love me. I want the photographer to take nice pictures. If we post this pictures on social media, then people will think we're in love, a happy couple and the scandal is just rubbish as you're not my mistress or lover,but somebody special , Raman said as he smirked as I walked out to the balcony and stared at the beauty of the night. Our room was facing a small lake and large skyscrapers that were shining under the moon's light. Raman did have a point,but what if these pictures just embarrass Ma and Papa more,but if I don't go ahead with this marriage, then Ma and Papa will face more stress and embrassment.
Raman grabbed my right hand as I felt my small hand tingle under his rough,large hand that was holding onto to mine's.
"Perfect!Smile! The photographer said as Raman looked at me as I looked back at him. I gave a small smile as Raman smiled and looked into my eyes. I felt as if that time has set still as his dark brown eyes deeply charmed mine's. His eyes showed more pain and sadness that his face didn't. It was as if all this news and his past memories of Shagun and Adi were hurting him.
I felt Raman turn me roughly towards him as I was embraced into his chest. I felt his hot breath fall on to my face as he looked at me. He placed his hand into his black jacket before pulling out a small diamond ring. I looked at the ring in awe as the ring had a large white diamond with small little round diamond surrounding it. It was beautiful and gorgeous. His grabbed my hand slowly and brushed his lips slowly against it as I closed my eyes. I felt my cheeks redden as my heart began beating fast. He placed my hand down as his took the ring and slowly slipped it on to my finger. I got the chills as intertwined his hand into mine's as my heart began beating faster and faster. I faked a large smile as so did Raman and then I felt him place his hand on my cheek as my eyes lowered. He slowly came closer and closer and then I felt his soft lips against my hot cheek. I took a small breath as his kiss seemed to last longer on my cheek as I gave a small shy smile to the camera.
"Ok, I want a nice embrace and a large smile, The photographer said as Raman turned me around and pulled me against his chest. I felt my heart beat slightly as Raman placed his arms around my waist. I felt his chin on my shoulder as I lowered my face. I felt small butterflies under my skin where Raman had placed his hands. I smiled and so did Raman as he slowly wrapped his arms around my shoulders as I felt my heart race. I smiled again and that was it.
"Great, the pictures will ready and up on social media by tomorrow, The photographer noted as he shook hands with us and walked out of the room.
"So, tomorrow morning, we'll leave around 10:00 sharp to get married in court. Just be ready before then and don't delay please, Raman said as I nodded as I began walking toward the bedroom. I felt Raman follow me as he went to the closet and pulled out a set of a plain black t-shirt and pajamas. I slowly took off my small diamond earrings as they prickled my ears.
I walked towards the front door and dragged my suitcase into the bedroom and kneeled down to take out a large t-shirt and leggings to sleep in. I quickly went to the bathroom and dressed into my clothes before walking out and noticing Raman placing a small shopping bag on the bed.
"Wear this tomorrow for the wedding, Raman mumbled as I shook my head and watched him walk out of the room and towards the sofa where he turned on the T.V. and opened up his laptop to work on.
I tied my hair back into a bun and took out my wedding wear for tomorrow. It was a dark red, anarkali suit with light embroideries on the neckline along with the design on the ends of the suit. The duptaa was long and deeply embroderied with nice golden threads. I placed the suit back into the bag and placed it on the side table. I stared down at my hands that still had mehendi from Sarika and Romi's sangeet ceremony. The mehendi was still deeply maroon colored and faded away only slightly. I remember how Ma used to tell me that the deeper the color, the more one's husband will love you. I don't know if I am destined for that love,but I do know that tomorrow my entire life is going to change. I will be married, I will be bound to someone in a relationship for the rest of my life. I looked back at Raman and bit my lip. I'm pretty sure Raman hasn't gotten over his first love and he wouldn't. I can understand why because Raman had an entire family life that all shattered. He had a loving wife, a handsome son and a loving environment to look foreward to when he came home. I probably will never be able to give Raman that family environment since I most likely will never be able to conceive, but I should at least understand Raman and respect his decision of marrying me and saving me from further shame from society.
"Damn, where is my medication?! I heard Raman grumble as he went through his suitcase and shook it all out as the papers fell over.I noticed him panicking as he began rummaging through everything as he then rushed to his suitcase and opened it. He literally through all the clothes out before finding a small bottle. He took out two pills and gulped them down with water. I crossed my arms and looked at him with a raised eyebrow.
"What is that medication for? I asked as I looked at Raman.
"This medication is antidepressants, Raman said as he stuffed his clothes back into the suitcase. So, Raman is in depression just like me? I thought as I looked at Raman.
" Those are temporary soothers according to me. I've been trying different antidepressants for the past 4 to 5 years,but none have worked so far, I said.
"This one works. By the way, geniuses also suffer from depression? Raman said in a mocking tone as I looked at his medication bottle. I rolled my eyes as I looked away.
"Yes, I am in depression ever since my wedding...I said and I stopped as I remembered my wedding day full of bitterness as Subbhu married my cousin in front of my eyes.
"What about your wedding? Raman asked curiously as he walked out of the bedroom and sat down looking back at me.
I sighed as I looked away. I guess I should tell him about Subbhu who was once part of my life.
"Subbhu and I were engaged. I have polycystic ovary syndrome,so in the future I will have difficulties becoming pregnant. Subbhu and I always wanted a family full of kids and I thought adoption will always be an option,but I guess Subbhu didn't want adoption. Due to my disease, I had mood swings and hormonal issues, so I wasn't always my usual happy self around Subbhu. Subbhu wandered his ways, ran into my cousin in a nightclub and slept with her. I guess Subbhu wandered away because I didn't want to sleep with him before marriage because it was just against my morals. That wasn't a one night mistake,but multiple night mistake. Subbhu leaves my cousin as he feels guilty about cheating on me. Then, Subbhu meets my cousin at our wedding rituals, and then sleeps with her throughout each and every ritual we had. On our wedding day, Subbhu claims he loves my cousin right at the alter. I was mad and upset at Subbhu,but I didn't have an option. I couldn't make him fall in love with me,so I let him go and let him get married to my cousin right in front of me, I said. Raman looked at me in shock as his eyes widened.
"So, you got ditched at the alter, Raman said as I felt a small like pain in my chest from hearing his blunt statement.
"Well, that is better than getting married, having a child and then one day having all of that gone due to some thieves who decided to loot your house, Raman said as he took a sip of whiskey.
"You miss her a lot don't you, I asked as I sat down next to him.
"I love her a lot and love my son Adi too. I just cannot believe that they are just not in this world anymore, Raman said. I could tell tears were filling up in his eyes and I could tell he truly loved Shagun and Adi. I wish there were more loving husbands like Raman in the world.
"Go to sleep. Tomorrow is our wedding, Raman said as I shook my head and walked towards the bedroom.
I stared at the diamond ring Raman had given to me and it was beautiful. Simple and elegant. I played with the ring on my finger as I laid down on my bed and closed my eyes. Tomorrow is a new day.
Morning
I had gotten up early in the morning and quickly took a shower. The suit was long and a little loose, but still looked beautiful and elegant. I attempted to dry my hair with my towel as I wore my heels. I quickly closed the bathroom door as I walked into the bedroom and noticed Raman wear a black suit and a black shirt. He was fixing his tie in the mirror. He really did look handsome as his suit perfectly fit his shoulders and tightened nicely across his chest. I could notice his muscle peak under from the suit as he fixed his hair.
"Why aren't you ready yet? This is Delhi traffic we're talking about, Raman said as he looked a little annoyed by me. I looked away as I placed my towel into my suitcase.
"Sorry, I was trying to fix the dori on my suit, I said as I knelt down towards my bed and picked up a small box that contained a pair of ruby and diamond earrings that looped into a round cone that had small little beads attached to it in a traditional Indian style. The earring also were given by Raman and I must say he does have good taste. I quickly placed the earrings into my ears as I looked into the mirror.
Raman sat on the bed and began talking to an business investor on his phone. I attempted to dry my hair,but it was of no use as it still limped on to my suit and was not in the mood to be dried. I took a deep breath as I placed a small red dot right on my temple between my eyebrows. I looked at my make up and sighed as I really had no keen interest in applying it,but I had to because according to Raman I have to look good for the cameras today when they take pictures of us getting married.
I applied some lightly grey-black eyeshadow mixed with a light purple eyeshadow and black eyeliner quickly. I quickly applied a darker colored pink-red lipstick that perfect matched with my lip color and did not appear too tacky. Raman was scrolling through his phone as I turned on the hair dryer and attempted to dry my hair.
I moved away as Raman stared himself in the mirror and fixed his suit. How many times does he look at himself in the mirror? I thought as I turned off the hair dryer. I went to grab my duptaa that was on the other side of the dresser. I came in front of Raman as I went to grab the duptaa as Raman furrowed his eyebrows at me.
"Sorry, I mumbled as Raman sighed. I attempted to take the duptaa but it appeared to be stuck on the edge of the dresser. I pulled on it hard and kept on pulling until I felt myself flying back as I felt my feet slip against the wooden floor.
I felt a pair of hands right around my arms as I looked up and noticed myself staring at a black tie as I closed my eyes and cursed myself. My eyes looked up and noticed myself staring at Raman's stone-hard face as he glared at me. I looked down as I felt my hands right on his chest as Raman held on to my shoulders. I felt his face really close to my cheek as I felt my heart beat increase. I felt his hands slowly trace up to my back as I looked up at him. His eyes set clearly into mine's. I didn't want to look away as I stared at his cheeks, his soft brown eyes and his light beard that settled on his face. His hand slowly reached on to my dori that I realized was loose again. I felt his hand slowly touch my upper back as I felt a slight shiver on my spine. His breath close and hot against my face as his hands touched my back again and again. His hands stopped as his hands slowly traced up to my neck that still had pearls of water drops from the shower I had taken. I looked up at him as I noticed his eyes lowering and staring at my lips. I bit my lip as I felt my heart beat fasters as I tried to take a breath of air. I felt his face come closer and closer to me as his forehead touched mine's. Raman still held on to my neck as I felt the tip of his lower lip touch my upper lip slightly. I felt my hands touching his hands slightly as I felt my mind begging him to kiss me passionately and make me forget what had happened in the past week involving all this scandal. I felt him then slowly kiss me as he deepened the kiss and placed his hand on the back of my head. He didn't let go as he nibbled on my lower lip and kissed me again deeply with more passion. My eyes closed and shut as I felt mesmerized by his touch and kiss. He let go of my lips as stared at me as his forehead touched mine's slightly. I felt him stare at me as my hands slowly went up to the lower end of his cheek as I went up on my tip toes and placed my lips on to his lips as I felt Raman's arms wrap around my waist. It has been a long time since I've ever kissed anybody. I thought as Raman held on to me. Suddenly, I heard a knock as Raman pushed me away and fixed his tie.
"Get ready fast, Raman sternly said as he walked away. My mouth widened in shock. What just happened? Wasn't he just kissing me and now he's acting so cold? I thought as I quickly placed my duptaa on my right shoulder as I wrapped the end of it on to my left arm. I quickly placed red bangles on to my hands and walked out of the room to see Raman with two other men.
"This is Mihir and Sushant. They will be out witnesses to our marriage in court. They both also are my employees, Raman said firmly as he stared at me with a plain look although I could follow his trail of eyes to my lips. I quickly looked away and shook hands with Mihir and Sushant.
"So, I guess you are getting married bhai? Mihir said as he looked at Raman. Raman rolled his eyes as he looked at Sushant.
"Yes, I am getting married and this better be publicized in the media as much as they publicized our kissing pictures and Romi's nice, traditional wedding on the news since last week, Raman said mockingly as he pointed his finger at Sushant. Sushant shook his head as he pulled out his smartphone as Raman grabbed me by the waist roughly as I looked up at him.
"Smile, Raman said smirking as I gulped and looked back at the camera giving a small smile as Sushant took a picture of us.
"Come on, let's get our suitcases and leave, Raman said as I went to bedroom and wheeled my suitcase as Raman grabbed his. I stared at Raman as I wheeled my suitcase down the hallway. Raman looked straight ahead as if nothing had happened in that bedroom a few minutes ago. He acted as if we never kissed.
The elevator doors opened as we got in and then we walked out to the parking lot towards Raman's car. Raman sat in the driver's seat as I sat in the passenger seat next to him. Mihir and Sushant got into Mihir's car and drove off as Raman placed on his glasses and reversed the car out of the parking lot.
"After we get married, we're going to leave for my own house which is in the northern part of Delhi, Raman said as I looked back at him in shock. Wow, that's far away. I thought. So, we're not going to live in southern Delhi anymore and not with Raman's family? I thought. I'm going to be far away from Ma and Papa. How are they going to live without me? I'm their only child. I thought as Raman stopped at a red light.
"What? That's far away from where I work I whispered as Raman looked back at me.
"I love that part of Delhi because that's where I began the Fresh Hill Hospital chains and that's where Fresh Hill Hospital headquarters are located. The board of directors live there, many of my employees work there and I have been living there since I graduated from college, Raman said as I looked away and straight ahead towards the road as the light turned green and Raman began driving.
"You're a doctor and you can always get a job at Fresh Hill hospitals. I mean I am the founder and the CEO, Raman said as I took a deep breath and looked away.
"Listen.You cannot argue with me because it's no use. In fact, you should be thankful to me that I'm saving you from further future embrassement by your relatives and neighbors, Raman mocked as I stared down at my hands.
I guess Raman is right. Maybe, it is better to get settle a little away from people I know and where I won't meet a lot of my relatives and here the mocking tones of my neighbors. I thought as Raman stopped and parked into the parking lot in front of the court house.
I got out of the car and followed Raman to court and then a small room where a judge was sitting. Mihir and Sushant had reached early as Mihir held too white and red rose colored garlands.
"So, you two are the couple? I've seen you too on T.V. " The judge said as Raman rolled his eyes and took out a golden colored wedding band and handed it to me.
"Put this on my finger, Raman said as I grabbed the ring and slipped it on to Raman's ring finger as I felt a photographer take a picture of us.
"Ok, you may first exchange the garlands, The judge said as Raman grabbed a garland as Mihir handed me one. Raman took the garland and placed it around my neck. I went up on tip toes as Raman sighed in irritation as I placed the garland around his neck. He looked away at the judge.
The judge showed us the marriage licensed papers to make sure our names and identity information was correct. The judge then smiled and handed us a pen.
I bit my lip as Raman stared at the paper as he looked down. He bit his lip and gulped as he appeared a little hesitant. Well, it was correct on why he was hesitant as he was previously married and he most likely was not ready for this marriage,but he's doing it all for his reputation and to save me from some embrassment from society. He then placed the pen on the paper and signed it. The judge smiled and looked at me.
I closed my eyes and tried to remember Ma and Papa. I know they will be disappointed in me that I got married without their knowledge,but I am doing this for their honor and to end their constant tension about when will I get married and just relax in their retirement age. I stared at the paper as I felt Raman's gaze on me as I looked up at him. I looked down at the paper and signed the paper.
"Congratulations, now you're both married, The judge said in a slightly bored manner as he quickly gave us our marriage certificate.
"Bhai, you forgot this, Mihir said as he presented a small silver box that contained sindoor and a manglasutra. Raman stared at the sindoor and looked back at me as if he was still processing that we had just got married by that simple signature.
He grabbed a pinch of sindoor and then looked back at me. I stared at his finger tip that had the sindoor and then looked at me. He then came towards me slowly as he then placed his thumb on my forehead and placed it through my hair. I closed my eyes as I felt as if the applying of the sindoor had fully completed the marriage. He then grabbed the manglasutra and then came closer to my face as he wrapped his hands around me and tied the long manglasutra. I felt more complete as Raman let go of me. I stared down at my manglasutra that felt down my suit. I touched it and then looked up at Raman who stared at me.
"Congratulations, bhai and bhabi, Mihir said as he smiled and hugged Raman.
"Post the pictures all over social media and get these pictures to all news outlets. Now who's laughing and winning, Raman said as he smirked.
"So, you're both leaving for your home, Mihir asked as Raman agreed.
"Yeah, we'll be driving down back home, but before I have to tell my loving family, Raman said as he smiled and looked back at me. I looked at him curiously as if he had more of a deeper meaning to his words than it appeared on the surface.
I followed Raman to his car and sat in. Raman quietly drove the car.
"Today is Romi's wedding reception, so we'll give them a surprise, Raman said as I looked at him. I wonder why he didn't want to tell his parents about our marriage. Why so? I thought as Raman turned the car up on a small hill to a neighborhood of nice mansions. I remember going through this neighborhood on the night the kissing scandal happened. I thought as Raman drove the car into the driveway of his house. I noticed guests were lined up everywhere around the large green lawn in front of the house as everyone appeared to be partying and in the mood to celebrate. I hope our wedding doesn't create a sour taste in the guests' mouths. Who am I kidding? Everyone will overreact. Ma and Papa are present at this reception too. I thought as Raman parked the car on the side of the lawn. He looked back at me.
"Look, don't tell anyone that I asked you to marry me, so I can save you from embrassement and get my respect back. We have to act as if we're in love and don't talk a lot.I will do the talking concerning our marriage, Raman said and I just zoned out at Raman as I stared at his handsome face and seemed mystified by his Gucci perfume that filled my nasal airways. Our morning kiss appeared in front of my eyes as my eyes lowered to his lips. I suddenly felt a wave in front of me as Raman waves his hand and shook my shoulders.
"Huh? I said as I shook my head and looked at Raman.
"Just shut up and let me do the talking, Raman said as he sighed and got out of the car. He still wore the garland and so did I. I think Raman clearly wanted everyone to know that we had gotten married today.
I got out and noticed the guests standing at the lawn looking at us as I noticed Raman smirking and waving at them as I looked at him in curiousity. I fixed my duptaa on my right shoulder as Raman walked up to me and grabbed my hand. I felt a slight spark in my hands as Raman interwined his fingers into mine's.
"Smile, people are staring. I want nice pictures for tomorrow's headlines, Raman said as he looked at me. I looked away and pretended to smile and suddenly I felt a soft, sweet touch on my cheek. I looked around and noticed Raman had just kissed my cheek. My mouth widened as Raman smiled with his black glasses on.
"Raman, what is this? I heard an aunty in an orange sari question as she walked up to us and looked at us in shock.
"Can't you see aunty? Get your eyes checked. We're married. How in a week, your eyesight got so weak? Weren't you the one last week who came home and was feeling very bad on how our pictures were being portrayed in the media.You were pretending to give sympathy, but wanted more gossip from my father's wife. Right? Raman said sarcastically as I looked away. Wow, rude much. I thought as I looked back at Raman.
"Well, that is rude Raman, Aunty said as Raman rolled his eyes.
"Well, I certainly don't need your permission to get married. It's my life and my wishes and desires. Right, darling, Raman said as he smiled and looked at me. He raised his eyebrow and expected an answer from me.
"Uh, yeah, I mumbled as Raman squeezed my hand hard. Raman pulled on my hand as we began walking down the driveway. I heard whispers as I noticed people staring at us.
"Wow, Raman is truly out of control. Toshi was correct. Look, he got married without any announcement or telling anyone, Another woman said as I gulped nervously as Raman and I walked towards the entrance. I heard loud music playing inside the house as Raman held on to my hand.
Everyone seemed to be partying as dancing and music was happening everywhere. They all seemed so happy. The smell of alcohol was in the air as the entire living area was decorated in red and white curtains and noticed Romi and Sarika standings on a small stage towards the right where they were accepting gifts from guests. Maybe, we shouldn't have come so abruptly. I thought as Raman took off his shades and placed them in his pocket.
"Shut the music off, Raman told a nearby waiter as the waiter looked at him in confusion.
"Don't worry. I am the groom's brother, so go and turn off the music, Raman said as he handed him a tip and sent him off. I suddenly heard the music shut off as there was sudden quietness.
"Who shut the music off? Doesn't anybody know that this is Toshi's son's wedding?! Toshi aunty exclaimed as she got up from a nearby table and got up.
"I did, Raman said loudly as he smirked and looked at her. I felt everyone's gaze at us as Raman began walking. I felt the tapping sound of our shoes as the guests moved out of our way as their mouths widened. I heard whispers as I realized that everyone recognized us as that kissing couple from T.V.
Raman started clapping slowly as I looked at him in confusion. He definitely was in the mood of being his normal mocking and rude personality. What happened to that gentle Raman who was kissing me in the bedroom with passion? I thought as I heard a gasp as Raman's sisters stared at us in shock.
"Raman! What is this?! Uncle said as he began walking towards us in anger. I was pretty sure that he was going to slap Raman in anger.
"Well, Dad as you can see. I am holding my dear wife's hand. She is wearing a sindoor, a manglasutra and I'm wearing my wedding ring, Raman said as he smirked.
"Ishu! Ishu is that you?! Papa said as he walked up to me in anger. He furrowed his eyebrow as he looked at me.
"Papa...actually, I said and suddenly I felt a slap on my cheek. I felt a sting as I felt my cheek warm and felt it become pink. I looked at Ma who had just slapped me as she looked at me anger.
"How could you do this?! Do you even know what you have done?! Ma said as she began shaking my shoulders as I looked down as I felt slight tears rolling down my cheeks.
"Aunty, look we're sorry,but what can we do? We love each other, Raman said as he wrapped his arm around my shoulder. I looked up at him in confusion as he gave a fake sympathetic look and squeezed my shoulder.
"I know it is hard to digest,but I love your daughter. She loves me and that's it. So, we got married, Raman said as he looked at Uncle and smiled.
" You did this on purpose, right? You wanted to ruin my reputation, Uncle said as he looked at Raman. Raman smirked as he crossed his arms and looked at him.
"Well, aren't you funny? Don't find yourself too important Papa. It's not only,but your lovely wife, your son, whose reputation I wanted to downgrade, Raman said as my eyes widened in shock at Raman's words. What? Why did Raman wanted to ruin his own family's reputation? I thought as I looked at Raman.
"You wanted to ruin my reputation in the market and get your son's company on top. Well, I won't let that happen, Raman said firmly as he grabbed my hand and walked up the stage towards Romi and Sarika.
"Hey, guess I won. You can never defeat Raman Kumar Bhalla and his reputation. I always win and always will, Raman said as he snapped his fingers in front of Romi.
So, this marriage was all a game of winning for Raman. I thought.
"Look around you.It's your wedding reception,but I'm getting all the attention. So sad. Look at the cameras flashing at me and my wife. I always win Romi. I always will win, Raman said proudly as he flashed a smile to the camera.
Uncle grabbed Raman's arm roughly and raised his hand before Raman held it. My mouth widened in shock as Raman held his hand firmly.
"Please don't make that mistake. Your reputation will be the one that will be diminished, Raman said.
"I never thought that you would go to such limits to ruin my reputation, Uncle said.
"Actually, your reputation is already ruined. Remember, when you left my mother for this woman. You left her all alone to cry and didn't once care for her reputation, so why should I care if I ruin your reputation more, Raman said proudly. Wait, Toshi aunty is Raman's stepmother.
"I told you that you should have controlled Raman in his youth, Toshi aunty said as she looked at Raman.
"Look at how he married a girl like her! A girl who cannot have children and who goes to men's rooms... Toshi aunty began. I felt my body numb as I felt my tears increase. It felt as if she stabbed an old wound.
"Don't you dare say anything to my wife! Raman exclaimed as he cut off Toshi aunty.
"I don't want a family and my only family was Shagun and Adi. I just wanted to spend my life at least with someone and not alone, so I got married to Ishita. I love Ishita and she loves me. That's what the media was claiming last week too right? Raman said as I felt my heartbeat increase.
"Ishu, how could you do this? I thought that the news will go away and we will be normal again,but you ruined our reputation for life, Papa said as he walked up to me.
"Look Papa, you and Ma were always worried about me getting married... I began and Ma cut me off.
"So you decided why not find a groom for yourself and get married without our permission. Right?! I cannot believe I gave birth to you! I was always by your side and brought you up with my own hard work and you decided to get married without telling us! Ma exclaimed.
"Ma and Papa please try to understand, I began as I touched Ma's arm.
"From now on, you're not our daughter. Go Mrs. Raman Kumar Bhalla and live your life. Don't ever come back and step into our house, Ma announced as she looked at me.
"What? Ma, please... I began.
"Look Mrs. Raman Kumar Bhalla, we do not know you and we wish to not talk to strangers. Please leave us at our condition, Ma said and she began walking away.
"Ma and Papa, I know that I shouldn't have gotten married without your permission,but this marriage has saved your reputation and kept our respect, I said as I walked towards them.
"Well, you have ruined our reputation by marrying without our permission.So, please do not talk to us from now on as we are not your parents,but strangers, Papa said and soon he grabbed Ma's hand and walked away.
I bit my lip as I felt tears flowing down my cheeks. Raman's hand grabbed mine's and he squeezed my hand as I stared at Ma and Papa walking away.
"Well, I guess it is time for us to leave too and enjoy our marriage. By the way, congratulations Romi and Sarika on your wedding, Raman said smirking as he grabbed my hand and we began walking away through the crowd of guests who stared at us.
I felt my mind go blank as Raman grabbed my hand and we began walking away. I knew that from now on, my identity was Mrs. Ishita Bhalla and that now I was only Raman's wife. I had lost my relationship with Ma and Papa, and gained a relationship as a wife.
Edited by Jasmine457 - 7 years ago
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