ArShi SS : Broken Bangles (Rejected II)

Hidden Feelings

I got up from the bed and went towards her. She was still sleeping and I didn't want to disturb her at all. Yesterday's incident must that took toll on her too. It wasn't easy for her either. But the moment my friend threw the water on her I knew that her white saree would become see through and every one will be able to... damn I don't want to go there. Out of my protective instinct I covered her with my body and nothing else. But those relatives and neighbors accused Khushi when it wasn't her fault.

I looked at her few more seconds then planned to go and take a bath. I popped an aspirin for my hangover then closed the bathroom door.

Khushi

The sound of door closing woke me up. I was startled at the beginning because of the unfamiliar surrounding but then the reality sank in. I was in my husband's room. I looked towards to check him but he wasn't there in the bed. Probably he woke up before me and now he is in the washroom.

Yesterday night I couldn't sleep well. I kept on recapitulating his hurtful words and also concern towards him. He was sleeping very oddly. I wanted to help him but didn't dare to touch him after what he had said. After making sure that he will not fall from the bed I went and sat on the lounger.

I was far from sleeping. I sadly laughed at my fate. My first night with my husbands was terrible. I sadly sat on the sofa as I watched the white sheets on the bed. My life has no colors even though I am married now.

The knock in the main door made me jump. I quickly gather the duvet from the lounger and threw it on the bed. No one should know about last night.

When I saw jiji's smiling face I halved a sigh. I thank God that I got such an understanding sister in law. She is almost like a sister I never had and I am really blessed. I never hid anything from her and neither I will.

"Good morning Jiji", I happily chirped and greeted her.

"Morning devrani sahiba (sister in law)", she touched my cheeks. "The devil is up?", she said with a spark in her eyes.

I hid my smile and nodded in approval. "He just went inside the washroom".

She came inside the room and froze. I know what she must be thinking. I don't have to explain it to her. She kept whatever she was carrying and turned towards me. I couldn't hold it anymore. I ran towards her and hugged her as if my life is depended on it.

"He didn't, did he? Oh Khushi, I am so sorry".

Looked at her and smiled. Can someone be such a darling? She is feeling bad for me.

"Don't be Jiji. He is right..."

"Stop taking his side Khushi. Even you know what he is doing isn't correct. He needs to stop this and let go of his past. This way he is going to spoil both the lives".

"I beg to differ bhabs", we both realized that she came out of the washroom. "Its Khushi who has spoiled our lives not me. I am just doing what she deserves".

"Arnav, you have said a lot of things yesterday. I am not appreciating this at all. She is your wife"

"She might be my wife now but I haven't forgiven her".

"Good atleast you have accepted that she is your wife. Yesterday night you didn't even acknowledge that".

"What?", he looked surprised. Then he looked at me. I clutched my pallu to stop my tears.

"Yes. I never thought you will say something like that".

"Bhabs I was drunk and I don't remember anything", he looked confused and guilty at the same time.

So he doesn't remember what all he as said to me. Even inside this room. But people speak the truth when intoxicated.

"Coming to your drinking, you know that you are not allowed in the house like that and I am ashamed of your behavior".

"Bhabs!"

"Don't bhabs me Arnav".

"I don't want this to get repeated again. Is it clear? Get your shit together and get it fast. Enough of this drama. I want you to treat Khushi respectfully".

He looked down and nodded.

"Khushi, go and get changed. You have lot of work in the kitchen today. As a new bride you are going to prepare kheer for everyone in the house. That's the ritual. And you Mr. Raizada, I want you to select a mangalsutra for her. The jeweler will come at one and I want you to be there".

"Why do I have to choose? She can choose it herself I will give my credit to her".

"I have asked you to be there. Which means, be there. And the groom himself chooses mangalsutra. You brother chose one for me. You have to choose for your wife".

"Fine", his reply was curt.

"Khushi we are going to have a formal grihapravesh today (home coming ceremony). For that you need to leave the house for sometime. I have arranged your stay in the guesthouse for sometime from where Arnav will bring you in the house. It is important".

"Bhabs this is not required. She lives in this house what is the point going to the guest house and coming back".

"Fine but griha pravesh ceremony will be held even if she remains in this house and other rituals will be fulfilled today".

***