Chapter 24 : Marriage – A commitment or An agreement.

Chapter 24 : Marriage – A commitment or An agreement.

That day became the nightmare even before it started for Priya. A house full of relatives, many of them were unknown to her gathered to be the part of her lavish wedding. “To get clicked with celebrities and a dream to be featured in the page 3” Priya croaked to Meera, before that morning. Disallowed to lock her door, Priya spent almost much of the night without sleep and counting the shadows of the feet that moved across the loosely shut door. It was pretty late to call it night and pretty early to call it a day, Priya's eyes gave up. She drifted into a deep slumber. In sleep she finds peace rarely. Most of the days she would jump out of the sleep with the feeling of either being watched or being held filthily around her crotch. That day was an exception when she slept peacefully with no filthy feelings or dark dead dirty eyes watching her all over as if she was lying naked in her own bedroom without a piece of thread over her body. But the peace never allowed being there for a long time. Loud knocks were enough to make her head thump against the skull and force her out a scream. “Who the hell is disturbing me? Get lost!” She opened her eyes after finishing with the reply. But it was late. “God whom did I shout to?” she whispered to her. “I am sorry. Who's it?”

“It's me Neha.” A fumble reply travelled across the closed door.

With a sigh she felt calmer to know that an elder is not being harassed by her accidentally. “Come in. It's open.” Priya lied back on the bed on her back.

“Hi. Good morning.” Neha came in with a huge copper plate covered with a red veil. After she put it safely on the table, Priya asked about the content.

“It's your wedding dress, choodha and other jewelleries , that cane yesterday with us. Kapoors are here and today is a big day for you and Ram.” Neha happily said.

“I don't know about Ram. But Neha, don't take it otherwise. It is not a happy day for me. I am not so keen to marry him. Why him, I am a non believer of the institution called marriage.” Priya said pouring water for her own.

“Then why are you marrying him?”

“Huh...” Priya gulped the water after gurgling it thoroughly and spilled it on the wash basin that stood at the corner of the changing room. “Ask your friend, why he didn't back off? I am not someone to be answered.” Water being splashed all over her face, Priya walked sponging a dry towel over her face.

“Suddenly on marriage day you are sounding irritating and violent. What is the reason of your vengeance?” Neha turned to the direction of Priya.

“I want an escape.”

“What happened Priya?”

“Ram reminds me the devastation I went through. And now from today I have to go through it every single day.” Priya looked to the new sky through the French window that lead to the huge terrace that belongs to her bedroom.

Neha lost her voice stuck under the horror of the half known incident to her. “I don't know what to answer you.” She said under her whisper. Neha wished that her voice to fail before reaching Priya's ear drum and it was graciously not granted by the Almighty. 

In turn Priya grinned. “No one has the answer. Trust me sometimes not even me. But it is now happening the wedding of the year. I will be lawfully wedded wife to Ram. That's it! Only on pen and paper. Not by heart and soul.” She sighed out her worry for future waiting gloomily for her.

“Can't you give him a chance?” Neha hurried to her.

“Can you give Vikram a chance if he abandons you that time when you will need him the most? Can you Neha?” Priya looked straight into Neha's eyes. Stealing away her gaze from the innocent gaze of Priya, Neha walked out of the room.

~~

Frustrated with the make up artist, Priya sat devastated looking into her mobile when Meera came inside summoned.

“What happened Jay?” She politely asked to the make up artist who stood perplexed with his assistants at a safe distance. “What happened Priya?” she turned to her for an answer.

“I am not going to allow them to make me look like a demon under those thick layers of make-up! Sorry I am not up for it. Can't I just go and sit for the ceremonies?” Priya pushed her phone on the dresser.

“No. That's not the regular thing a bride do. Jay just give her a subtle touch, who told you to dress her so godly? She looks different and stunning under subtle blush ups and Priya stop intimidating him. I am here to instruct and both of you..” Meera looked at the bride and the make up artist, “Follow my instructions.”

In less than an hour, Priya was ready to be brought out to the mandap. Meera came infront and her eyes caressed every inch of her lovingly. “You are looking so beautiful. I must call Shipra ji.” She took out her phone.

Priya decided not to look at the mirror, sat there looking down to her hands, the colour of the mehendi became dark over night. Aunties have teased her saying that she is going to have a loving husband. Some said that soon she will forget her parental home, hypnotized under the magic spell of her husband’s love. Nothing mattered to her, because she knew what lies there after the wedding ceremony.

“Stunning!” Shipra's voice made Priya look up. “Kisi ki nazar na lage.” She put a kala teeka behind Priya's ear. “Meera help me with the veil.”

Together they put the veil over Priya's head. Shipra stooped down and whispered. “Beta look up. I am sure you will be stunned at your beauty too.”

With a great difficulty Priya allowed her eyes to look into the mirror. Her eyes fell in the view that she and Ram together wished to come true someday before every thing torn them apart. If everything was usual, she would have blushed to see her as Ram's bride, instead she hated the view most. The thought of his hands taking the Magalsutra safely in his grip and tying it around her neck made her head spin while blood raged through her body. The touch, much needed, from Meera made her little calm. The firm grip against her shoulder made Priya calmer.

The night sky enlightened up with a cracker that was lighted in the welcome of the “Barat”

“They are here. Meera will you stay with her. I have to be there.” Shipra said before rushing out from the room without waiting for Meera's reply.

“Hmmm. So Ms. Priya Sharma.” Meera sat infront taking her hands in hers. “I can understand your dilemma. But if you really take me as a well-wisher as a sister, then will you re think about something that made me restless from last few days.”

Priya looked up with no answer.

“Priya.” Meera’s voice stiffened. “Priya I know it is next to impossible to forget what happened with you. But it is possible to forgive Ram, for a sin he never committed.”

Priya's brows furrowed while her eyes squinted. Her bad look fell over Meera. 

“I know what you are thinking. Priya, just think what would have changed if Ram took your call that day? The crime was made already. What Ram could do is to console you and may be he would have killed Rajat. What more? Could he stop that crime which was already made? Just stop cursing him for the crime; he is to be blame for leaving your hand. He could never do any such harm to you. He loves you.” Meera stopped at Priya's glance.

“Yes. He does. He loves you more than you can think. But it's on you to give him another chance.  Give your relationship another chance. I can only suggest you, as always. It will be you to take the final call. I want you to be happy. Remember what ever happens, I will be by you always in good, in bad. But not in the decisions which are harmful for you.” Meera stood up with the sound of the footsteps nearing the room. “I will wait for you and your decisions that you will take. Now surrender to your faith. Stop fighting with your destiny. Birth, Marriage and Death are all destined to be, humans are too incapable to control these three accordingly.”

“Priya.. it's time for Jai Mala.” Shipra's voice shook her into the reality. Meera's words echoed through her head at the same time. It is the time to surrender to the destiny which was already written. Like Rajat was destined to die, die a death written all over by her. “Meera you are wrong. Everything can be planned and make it look like a destiny!” under a deep sigh Priya rest her thoughts and stood up to leave.

~~

Clad in a maroon Sherwani, and a turban matching his attire Ram sat royally waiting for his bride. The gold botch was a cherry on the icing. The big diamond attired above it made it perfect fit for him. Little nervous with the large number of guest who turned up for the wedding from Mumbai and Delhi he sponge a dry tissue over his face.

“Ram. It is time for Jai Mala.” Vikram said happily.

Looking down under his sigh he gathered confidence before standing up at his place. Directed by Sudheer he walked to the podium that was designed specially for the particular ceremony and which lead to the rotating dais in the middle of the podium.

In the midst of the gathering, of the one of the most talked and sudden marriage that surprised most of the people from industry, friends and families, in his Royal attire looking not less than a king Ram waited for his queen to arrive there. It will possibly not disclosed who was the master mind to plan a surprise live band during their jai mala, but moment later Ram will be thanking that master mind for sure.

The live band started playing the evergreen track as there was a little glimpse of Priya. “Aap ki Nazroon ne samjha pyaar ke kaabil mujhe”  

Vikram tapped on Ram’s shoulder. He turned to the direction, to which all the guests fixed their eyes on. In a red lehenga guarded by her cousin Priya walked towards him. His eyes fell on Meera who walked by Priya and then his eyes traced to their hands which were entwined.

Ram smiled remembering his promise that he made to Priya when they were in college.

“Destination wedding.” Ram framed to Priya who smiled pleasantly. “No I am serious. Live band. You will gracefully walk towards me and I.... I will be the happiest man on the earth that day.”

“Then. What will you do? Guess I am walking slowly towards you, live band is playing a romantic number from the 80s. Obviously your wedding will be the talk of the town, glamorous guests, flashing their smiles towards us, cameras are flashing, the paps are fixing the monstrous lenses to get a glimpse of the Prince; then what will the prince do?” Priya asked enacting the complete scene to Ram. “Bolo bolo.”

“I will start walking towards you.” Ram remembered.

Though it was not a destination wedding, he wanted to live the dream they shared twelve years ago and remind Priya about it. He started walking towards his bride. Rishab and Vikram stepped aside making a clear way for him. A satisfying smile suffused all over his face. He walked  towards his queen.

“then..” Priya asked her too much excited boyfriend.

“Then..” Ram came in a leap in front. “Then I will go right down on my knees in front of the whole world to my queen to make her mine for ever and ever.”

Ram remembered and smiled. Before Priya could step to the red carpet that will lead her to the stage, he paced up and on time, he went down on his left knee and extended his right hand towards her. Meera smile and pulled out her hand from Priya’s tight grip. Priya looked immediately to her, in response Meera smiled. Not only Ram, Priya also remembered their casual conversation from the college days, when they planned their wedding theme, destination, costumes and even honey moon to Dehradun, only condition for honey moon was Ram has to buy a cottage there for her as a wedding gift. 

Smiling to Ram and cautious about the surroundings more, she not only gave her hand on his but slipped her future into his hand. His eyes fell on her hand, that were coloured bright with mehendi. He smiled taking it affirm in his and stood up.

“And then what will you do Mr. Kapoor?” Priya asked. The question that was asked twelve years ago echoed into his ears. He remembered his answer too. He stopped suddenly and averted his eyes to Priya and brought her by his side. “The Mrs. Kapoor will then walk along with me, by my side shoulder to shoulder to the dais.”

“Then your friends will lift you up making it difficult for me to get hold of you....” Priya made a puppy face.

“I promise you madam, this man will bend down to his lady forever.” Ram answered back with a smile.

As promised Ram stopped Rishab and his friends from lifting him up. He stooped down towards Priya. Not only with Ram, it was happening with Priya too. The past repeatedly hammered into her brain, those memories were sweet promises those were made and were meant to be lived. Forgetting the rage she has over him, the pain she holds deep inside her heart for a moment she was living those memories. But when the reality struck, those memories left with no meaning when the man who gave those words, made those promises thrashed her like a soda can into the bin. Stalling her thoughts Priya put the jaimala around Ram’s neck and then it was Ram’s turn. He looked Ashok dancing his eye brows towards him. “Do you think we will let you get her so easily?” Saying he along with Priya’s two other cousin lifted her up in the air.

“I can't promise you that I will do the same..” Priya giggled.

“I know you will not do the same, but if you do, this king will rise, with his head held high to conquer his queen.” Proudly Ram declared. “His ministers will rise in this occasion.”

“So hum mar gaye kya.?” Rishab and Vikram along with Ram’s Mama ji lifted him up higher than Priya. She couldn't stop herself from blushing when Ram put the jai mala around her neck comfortably. The rose petals flung out from the rotating dais which was left unused by the couple. The claps roared around. Blessings were showered on the couple.

~~

On the Mandap, Priya sat on the right side of Ram after which Panditji started the rituals. The elders including Ram's family and Priya's stood encircling the Mandap. After a long pooja and hawan he asked the bride's parents to come forwards for the kanyadan. Sudheer and Shipra walked up to the mandap with Jayesh by their side. Under the chants of the mantras the ritual took place. Sudheer looked at Ram, “Ram my daughter knows to take care of herself, so I will not ask you to take care of her but promise me one thing.” He looked straight into his son’s in law eyes. “Give her every happiness which we failed to give her. Keep her happy. Keep her smile secured.” Ram smiled and kept his hand firmly over his. Looking to every elder including Jayesh he smiled before replying. “I will never let her to be sad. I know smile is the best thing she wears. I will make sure she never forgets to wear it. Will it be this second or the next second after the previous one. Always.” Sudheer smiled after his son in law. Blessing them he stood up. Jayesh could see spots in front of his eyes. The faces in front blurred under the thick layer of tears that jacketed his eyes. Keeping his hand over their heads he couldn't speak much. “Kush raho...” he stepped down.

The Priest asked the sister to make the gath bandhan which was done by Meera happily. The couple were then asked to raise on their feet.

The seven vows were described to the couple by the priest before each round they took around the sacred fire. After the last round and last vow, they took their seats, now, Priya seats to Ram's left. Pandit ji, extended the decorated silver plate to Ram and asked to tie the Mangalsutra around Priya's neck. Shipra stood by Priya. After the priest said, Ram took the pinch of vermilion from the little gold plated container and looked at Priya before his hand reached for her forehead. He anointed her forehead and filled her hair parting with vermilion. Priya closed her eyes allowing the contained tears make their way down along her cheeks. Shipra kissed Priya's forehead and wiped her tears.

Krishna stepped to the Mandap and handed a ring to Ram. “Beta bahu ko yeh pehna do. Put it on her ring finger. Priya keep this always with you. It is a part of our customs. Shipra ji please give Priya the ring too.” Shipra gave Priya a ring at the same time.

“And Priya put this on Ram's ring finger. Ram keep this always with you.” Krishna repeated the same instructions to Ram.

With her instructions Ram and Priya exchanged the rings showered with rose petals.

~~

After taking blessings from the elders, Jayesh asked Meera to take them to the designated separate suites after dinner.

“Separate?” Rishab was unable to supress his astonishment. “Sorry.” He registered his apologises to his father, whose angry gaze fell on him.

“But they are married right?” Rishab asked again.

“Rishab!!!” scolded Sarojani. “Everything has a time. And right now we should leave for the airport. Our flight is scheduled tonight. Neha Vikram and Amarnath will stay back only. We have a long list of rituals left to do which needs us to be at Mumbai for preparations.” She smiled to younger Kapoor.

Priya took blessings from Sarojani and Krishna before they left for the airport direct from the venue after dinner.

~~

 Meera sat on the couch while Priya changed into a saree and came out of the washroom. Sitting by Meera she looked down to her wedding ring. “Meera I need to speak to Ram. Take me to his suite.”

“Are you mad? Now? You have flight tomorrow only after 5 hours. Have some rest. It's too late.” Meera turned down the request.

“Please Meera.” Priya made a last try looking the most helpless that time. “I need to. Please help me. Else I will not be able to give this a healthy start. I feel for his family.”

“God bless me. Come. Put the pallu around your head covering the face. Please.” Meera stood up after instructions. “But what is the matter? Why you want to meet him this late? Can't wait for the first night?” she teased Priya under her ear to ear grin.

“Shut up!” Priya scolded.

“Then!” Meera asked looking around while walking through the concourse which lead them to the hallway to Ram's suite.

There was no reply from the newly wedded bride, when they reached the suite. “Here it is.” Meera said. Averting she gave Priya space to step ahead. Priya knocked at the door which was opened by Vikram in turn.

“Priya Tum. I mean today you are not allowed here.” Vikram said.

“Vikram you just excuse me. Your wife is waiting for you. Don't you think you should help her with the kids?” Said Priya with a smile.

“But..” Vikram stopped under Ram's voice. Who immediately lit off the cigarette which he held in one hand.

“Priya tum.. this time. Is everything fine?” he asked.

“I need to talk. In private.” Priya declared surprising the other two present around.

Until we meet

Love

NB.