Shaadi Ka Contract: Terms and Conditions of the Heart

"Ek baar dekh toh le beta. Kitna handsome hai, aur pagar bhi achi hai." I heard Mumma plead while holding a paper in her hand.

(At least take one look at him child. Look how handsome, and even has a good salary.)

"Mumma I have looked at hundreds of boys. I don't know why they always say no to me," I said silently looking down making a sad face. Actually, I did know, I would find information about the boys' dislikes and act exactly like that to get rejected. But we can't tell Mom that now can we?

"Aw I know bacha but this one could be different, ek aur ladke se mil le..." tried Mumma again but even I was her child.

(...meet one more boy...)

"No Mumma let him go, now I don't want to meet anymore boys for at least a few more years." Saying I left to go to my  room acting heartbroken.

Mumma was very modern in everything but when it came to marriage she thought that its better to do it at a young age then an old one. So every since my 21st everyday she finds at least one boy. But what she didn't know is Dad and I would do everything we could to get rejected. From disgusting snacks to abusive language to even pretending to be pregnant once. 

I didn't want to meet the love of my life through arrange marriage. I wanted something big, I want something that says I am here...BEYONCE! I wanted something dramatic, something I can brag about to my kids and their kids. It was stupid but a girl can dream right?

"Chal dikh maat dekh, ja zara sabzi le a market se." Mumma said entering my room.

(Fine don't meet him, go get some vegetables from the market.)

"Mumma! Knock please."

"Why its not like you have a boyfriend or any boy in your life." she argued back and left.

Wa ma wa kya single feel karadiya. Taking some money and my phone I left for the market.

(wow mom wow, you made me feel so single.)

~~~

The market ruined my day. The prices were ridiculous, I was about to legit fight with a uncle over some extra dhaniya. Like itna toh dena chahiye na. And this weird aunty was kinda following me around the whole time too. I hope she isn't a serial killer whose next target is me!

And to worsen the day Mumma made tinde ki sabzi. And because of her khof neither dad nor I could say something.

"Acha listen," Mumma started the conversation at dinner.

"Yeah?"

"How big of an age gap are you okay with?"

Mumma's sudden question caused Papa to choke on his bite.

"What are you saying Savitri?" Dad questioned after recovering.

"Arrey it's just a question...you know for the future maybe," replied Mumma innocently.

"Mumma he can't be older than 10 years." I replied to which she had this weird smile on her face as if a fly just got caught in a spider's web. I glanced over at papa to see if he knew what that was about, but he just shook his head.

I just wished she didn't have something too evil going on in her head.

Meanwhile at Rajvansh Mansion

The dining table was being set as family members began to gather around. Everyone was present except for three: Ajay, Joshna, and Viransh. Of the three, only Viransh was expected to arrive soon. Ajay was away on one of his so-called "business trips," and Joshna was "occupied" with her models. Everyone knew what the two were really up to, but no one cared—it simply meant they didn't have to deal with them.

Just as all the plates were finished being set, and echo of approaching foot steps were heard indicating Viransh's arrival. He soon entered the room with his sharp features and calm deamor that was hard to ignore. His gaze swept around the room, sweeping every piece of information in compelling the workers to double check their work in fear of messing up. His each step was both assertive and precise, the environment changed to as if even the air present would bent down to his will. 

"Agaya, jaldi se fresh hoga." Arti said acknowledging his arrival.

(You are here, quickly freshen up.)

 In response Viransh gave a slight nod and left to his room. Just as Arti has said he quickly changed into what he deemed comfortable and washed his face before heading back down and joining the rest for dinner. 

"Ma your birthday is coming up, what do you want for gifts?" asked Nidhi soon after everyone started eating. 

Arti gave a big dramatic sigh after hearing Nidhi's question before answering, "Ab ek cheez chahiye but pata nahi agar ap log de payenge."

(There is one thing that I want but I don't know if yall will be able to give it.)

Hearing this Viransh creased his eyebrows thinking what could she possibly want that he, Viransh Rajvansh couldn't get. Before he could say anything Vikram vocalized the same question. 

"Ma aisa bhi kya hai jo hum nahi la sakte?"

(Mom what is it that even we can't bring?)

"Well as you all know I went to my mayka (parent's house) and there I met someone." started narrating Arti before pausing and smiling a bit. "She was an angel on earth, she captured my attention from just a glance. But a fierce angel let me tell you." 

"Do you want her to work here?" Viransh asked confused. 

"Do I want her in this house? Yes. But as a worker? No. I want her in this house as my bahu, as this ghar's laxmi. Can you give me that?" Arti said and asked look straight into Viransh's eyes. 

"Ma" Viransh said sternly implying a no. 

"Just meet her once, something tells me she will balance you out nicely." Arti pressed on. 

"Ma even if I agree, we have no information on her." Viransh countered

"We do. I got all the necessary information on her already. Just give me a yes and I will take care of everything else. Don't forget I am asking you a birthday gift here." Arti with a huge smile on her face. 

"Just one meeting, that's it." said Viransh with a light head shake.