Part 2:
A bachelor party where liquor would be flowing and his friends would be pestering him was the last thing that he wanted but Raman couldn't refuse Mihir and Pathak, the only two persons who knew the real Raman Kumar Bhalla and had been with him through thick and thin as he had struggled to reach where he was. While Mihir had been his partner in every professional endeavor, Pathak had been his legal advisor and had never disappoint him. Raman couldn't say no to them but he had refused to touch a single a single drop of alcohol.
"Bhai wants to be sober and remember every single moment and detail when he does it..."
"Pathak behave yourself ok! You are talking about our bhabhi!"
"Sorry Mihir! Sorry Bhai! I am stone drunk and talking rubbish. Don't mind please. But Bhai, very good decision. I remembered how drunk I was on my first night! Trisha was mad. And guys...no...forget it...it is so embarrassing to talk about..."
Pathak had stopped and was shaking his head embarrassingly."What happened Pathak? Tell na! Bhai and I should know. Did Trisha beat you up on your first night because you were drunk?"
Raman laughed aloud.
"Worse Mihir! That thing refused to work and we did NOTHING!"
"What thing?"Both Raman and Mihir asked at the same time and it was only when they followed Pathak's eyes that they understood what 'thing' he was talking about.
"You mean to say that it was too drunk too and refused to wake up? Raman and Mihir burst out laughing.
"Height of a man's humiliation I tell you." Pathak said as he gulped his whisky.
"Anyway...Bhai doesn't need it. He is already intoxicated by bhabhi's beauty and charm, aren't you Bhai?" Mihir continued as he tapped Raman's shoulder.
Raman only shook his head and smiled embarrassingly. His eyes went to the purse on the table and he smiled as he opened it.
'Here is the photograph of the Madrassan bhai. Have a look, you might like what you see. Kaafi hot hain!' Simmi had exclaimed, handing him the picture.
'I don't need it Simmi and you better move out of my bedroom before I break your teeth.' He had roared at that time.
It was a close up of her, cuddling a white and brown puppy in her arms with a broad smile on her face. She looked lovely and lively. It was a photograph which Raman would never tire to admire. It had managed to capture the glow, the innocence and oodles of love in her big expressive dark eyes. Pathak glanced over Raman's shoulder and whistled.
'Wow Bhai! You carry bhabhi's photograph with you...how romantic!'
'Of course he is, hain na Bhai. Your tips are always awesome. You know what Bhai , last time my Mihiku loved the...'
Raman switched his antenna instantly. It was futile engaging in a conversation with these two drunkards right now. They were jumping from one topic to another. He was neither interested to discuss his wife or Pathak's first night nor to listen to Mihir's boring love life. Raman muttered under his breath. He wanted to go back home...to her...to spend time with her...to know her more...
One look at his watch and Raman feigned astonishment. So late! And he immediately left the two men with a sigh of relief.
Standing in front of his bedroom...now hers too...with a strange feeling gripping him, Raman was still deliberating what to do next. Would she be awake at this time? He asked. What would she tell him if she was?
Raman raked his fingers in his hair and shook his head, a nervous chuckle escaping his lips. She was his wife and he knew nothing about her, he admitted. Within two weeks they were married and there he was, standing in front of his bedroom, his bride waiting for him inside, for their first night. They had had no time to meet and know about each other like he had wanted but...they would discover each other now.
A smile crept his lips. A new beginning was awaiting him behind that door. He gave a small, discreet knock at the door and waited. 1...2...3
Raman closed his eyes, took in a deep breath and turned on the door knob. His expressions immediately changed. A strange, 'not so reassuring and comforting' sensation gripping him this time. The door was locked! Who would lock the door on her first night? He couldn't help to ask himself and then...something dreadful crawled inside him. Raman's face drained of all colour. One look around and he heaved a sigh of relief. Everybody was in bed and sound asleep apparently. He immediately turned on his heels and moved towards the guest room before being caught.
A restlessness crawled inside him as he dropped himself in the bed, his face facing the ceiling...his mind very far away...Could it be that he misinterpreted her reaction when they went to see her?
Raman realized that things had went way too fast between them and within two weeks of their first meeting, they had been married. His thoughts went to the day when his mother had come with the proposal.
'A Tamil Brahmin? Maa, are you that desperate to get me married? Should I remind you that we are blue blooded Punjabis and hardcore non-vegetarians?' He had exclaimed, with a flummoxed expression on his face. Toshi Bhalla was so proud of her Punju status and would not trade her butter chicken and loaded Cola for anything and there she was talking about alliance with Tamil Brahmins! Had she officially lost it? Raman was not stuck into cultural and religious beliefs. The life he was leading left him no time to ponder on these things. He was a busy business man, giving his two hundred percent in his job to provide for his family. Life hadn't been very generous to him earlier and he had to struggle so much. Now he had nothing to complain. He was at the summit of his career but his mother was not satisfied with his personal life. In fact, to be honest, he had none.
He would drown himself in work, had some casual rendezvous from time to time but he was officially a lonely man and Toshi Bhalla was hell bent on getting him married.
"It is time for you to share your life with somebody. And I don't mind if it is, with a girl who eats only vegetarian chicken and other 'ghass phooss'. All I know is that, she is perfect for you." She had stated and Raman had only rolled his eyes and had rubbished the idea instantly.
"Son, believe me, it is an amazing feeling to come back home after a tiresome day and to know that somebody is eagerly waiting for you at the door. I think it is time that you experience it. Ishita is a lovely girl. We like her a lot but of course, the decision is yours."
Om Prakash Bhalla had always been fair and objective in life and with his children. He was a man of minimal words but Raman had never overlooked his advice and, his wisdom and life experiences had always been a guide for him.
"Ok. But why a Tamil Brahmin?" He couldn't stop from asking. His curiosity was picked. What was there in that girl that his parents so loved about, he wanted to know. Ishita Vishwathan Iyer was the daughter of Madhu Iyer, his mother's best friend. There are pictures of the two ladies during their college times hanging on the walls of their study room and every member of the Bhalla household knew about their legendary friendship and how the two were inseparable till they got married off and went to live in different states. It was enough for Raman to understand that his mother would not stop harassing him till he didn't accept, to at least, see the girl.
Raman had refused to look at the picture in front of his parents but had accepted to meet the Iyers, hopeful that he would not like her, would reject the proposal and his mother would put a stop to the torture. Later, once alone, when he had finally looked at the picture, he had admitted to himself that she was...striking but Raman also knew, with experience, that looks could be deceptive at times.
The moment he had entered the small but cosy house of the Iyer, he had felt like being at home. There was nothing pretentious about these people and they had made no effort to try to impress him. Vishwathan Iyer had reminded him so much of his own father and Madhu Iyer was, well... like his mother...crazy in their own special way! No wonder the two ladies got along like a house on fire! Raman had wondered with amusement. He was busy texting on his phone when she had entered the living room with a plate of steaming hot coffee in her hands. Their eyes had clashed right there. Raman had felt his heart skipping a beat instantly. Embarrassed, he had immediately looked away and had refused to look at her again. From there on, his attention was completely diverted from what he was doing. His senses were tuned towards her. He was curious and alert. He could hear her replying to his mother, her voice soft and soothing and Raman found himself wondering how his name would sound coming from her lips.
When he finally managed to steal a glance at her while she was busy talking to his mother, Raman realized that she was far way more attractive that in the photograph. She had a natural beauty- a flawless complexion with two bright expressive eyes which would reflect every emotion she was experiencing live through them. Raman had noticed how she had looked at him with an assessing serious look. She had delectable lips and the brightest smile which lit up her face every time they would curl...Her luscious hair was flowing down to reach her waist. How would it feel to run his fingers in them...or better... to bury his face in them? Raman wondered. Have you lost it? Raman immediately scolded himself mentally and refocused his attention to the conversation his mother was having with Miss Ishita Vishwanathan Iyer. Raman could perfectly understand why Toshi Bhalla loved her and was keen to have her as her daughter in law. She was nothing like those women he was used to be seen in parties. She was simple and homely despite being educated and ambitious.
Raman had not led a saint life. He had had women around him, had been on page 3 very often in the company of beautiful women and Toshi Bhalla had been very clear about not bringing his "not marriageable girlfriends" at home. He was still staring at her when she had turned her face in his direction and again their eyes had met. This time Raman had held her gaze and waited to see her reaction. She had looked at him, a hint of defiance and challenge in her beautiful orbs. Raman had smirked back and a blush had instantly crept her cheeks and she had looked away. She definitely had more in her than the eyes could see and Raman found himself keen to know more about her. When his mother was talking about her Tamil friend and her daughter, Raman had imagined a docile and introvert girl and he was really not interested. Even though he was a very moody man, with his bouts of temper and could be very unreasonable when angry, he wouldn't choose a doormat-like girl as wife. He would rather have someone to keep him grounded and Miss Iyer was no doormat, he could see that.
"We love your daughter Madhu! She is our daughter in law officially as from today," Toshi had exclaimed, breaking Raman's chain of thoughts.
"Toshi, at least ask Raman about..."
"Oh what is there to ask Madhu? Look at him! He had been drooling the moment Ishita had entered this room."
Count on his mother to embarrass people without reserve! The room had filled with laughter and Raman's ears had turned a darker shade and he had found himself praying that his cheeks were not giving him away too.
"But what about Ishita? Does he like our Raman?" Mr Bhalla had asked.
"Ishita would not even be here if she had any objection." Madhu Iyer had immediately replied back. Raman had had no time to see Ishita's reaction before she turned her back and left the room.
The marriage was fixed before Raman went for his business trip and one week later, the preparations started and two complete strangers were now husband and wife. While he had liked her on the onset, could it be that she had been forced into this marriage? Or was she simply awkward...or scared like it would be for every girl on their first night with a stranger as husband? Whatever it was, locking the door was not a very good sign and Raman was left wondering if he had not committed the biggest blunder of his life by rushing into this marriage.
The next morning when Ishita woke up, she felt disoriented for a minute. Where was she? She then realized that she was in her new house, her new bedroom which she would now share with her husband. One look at the wall clock and she gasped! It was seven and it was the first time that she had slept till so late. At her place, she would wake up at five with the sound of Suprabhattam echoing in the house but here it was so silent. Her thought then went to the man who was supposed to come to her last night. Where was he? She never heard him knocking at the door. Did he come last night? How would she face him now? Ishita felt a growing tension inside her but immediately discard it. She would stick to her guns. He should deserve her. She climbed down the bed and rushed to the bathroom.
Fifteen minutes later, she was ready to meet her family downstairs. One look at her reflection and Ishita's eyes widened with disbelief. She was looking so different with that striking dark red vermilion adorning her forehead and her nuptial necklace around her neck.
"These are signs and symbols of your new identity Ishu. Always respect and safeguard it." That was her mother's words to her.
Her new identity! Mrs Raman Kumar Bhalla!
Ishita's mind went to the other man who had been an integral part of her life for so many years. Subbu! They had weaved so many dreams together. They would complete M.D.S together in Delhi and they would come back home together as specialist dentists and he would ask for her hand and they would marry and settle down in a small cozy apartment...
Stop! Ishita shook her head. It was futile thinking of the past now. She was the wife of somebody else, the daughter in law of the Bhalla family and she belonged to this house. She would not look back and would definitely not regret her decision. It was simply not her! She had always believed that people have choices in life and she had too and she had already made her choice. She accepted the alliance for her parents and she would never let them down.
She fixed her saree, a beautiful baby pink art silk with a large navy blue border to enhance the pastel colour and give it a gorgeous contrasting effect on her fair skin and ran a hand over her silky hair to smooth it again and walked out of the room towards the stairs to reach the kitchen. Simmi and Neelu were busy setting the table while Toshi Bhalla was making some stuffed parathas.
"Good morning," Ishita said in a small voice. "I am sorry...I...overslept. Can I help you?" She proposed, feeling really awkward.
"Ahem ahem! It is ok bhabhi! We understand." Simmi exclaimed making Ishita blushed profusely. She was too naughty to handle and Ishita rushed to the stove to pick the plate of steaming hot pharattas. "By the way, I think I'll call you Ishita only. You are younger than name and besides that I think we will be more friends than sister in laws." She continued making Ishita smiled and nodded."Cool! You call me Simmi ok!"
From there on, Ishita felt completely at home. She was pleasantly surprised when her father in law came back from the market with a paper bag of steaming hot idlis and vadas.
"Neelu made some chutneys for you Ishita. You won't miss your South Indian breakfast here."
The family was a bunch of lovely people and Ishita was really touched by their sweet gestures.
"By the way, you must be famished!" Simmi added, the double entendre very evident. That girl would give her a heart arrest anytime, Ishita thought and found her breath hitched when Simmi finally asked the dreaded question. The question which had been in Ishita's mind since the moment she had woke up.
"Where is my brother? Too drained to stand on his two feet?"
Just then, the front door opened and Ishita lifted her face to stare at his. She turned all pale and her heartbeat turned erratic but strangely he was the least bothered by her presence. He was wearing a track pant and t-shirt and he looked flushed. Work-outs! Ishita exclaimed inwardly. She had no idea that Mr Raman Kumar Bhalla was a health freak.
"Is there any special occasion today Simmi? Aaj kuch zyada hi bakwas kar rahi ho!"
He walked towards the dining table, giving Simmi a harsh look before opening the fridge to take a bottle of water.
"Mein to roz bakwas karti houn! But yes special occasion toh hain! Last night was your first night so I thought..." She continued unfazed.
"I told you so many times. Do not bother Simmi. You need a brain to do that." Raman replied back."Will I get my breakfast or should I fill myself up with your nonsense today."
As Ishita sat quietly at the table, a small smile started manifesting itself from time to time as she listened to the siblings. They both seemed to be their usual self. She was chirpy and naughty and him, all serious and grumpy. Nothing in his expression or body language seemed to indicate that he was upset with her. In fact he had not even acknowledged her and Ishita found herself more disappointed than relieved for being ignored totally by him. She stole a glance at him.
"Sorry Bhai! You must be starving! I am surprised you still had it in you to jog this morning after last night !"
"Simmi!" Raman roared, his patience clearly depleting now. Ishita looked away as he stared at his sister with a furious expression.
"Oye! Simmi! Stop it ok! And you! Why are you asking Simmi? Ishita will serve you as from now. Biwi hain teri!" Toshi intervened, putting a halt to that mind boggling conversation Simmi was hell bent on having with her brother. Toshi Bhalla then shifted her attention on Ishita.
"Don't hesitate to pull his ear if he forgets that he is married, you have my full permission. Now give him his breakfast."
Ishita finally stood up and moved to where he was sitting to pour coffee in his cup. When she finally lifted her eyes, she felt her cheeks burning. His eyes lingered on her for several seconds before he stood up.
"Maa, I will have my breakfast in my room...An important business deal to finalize. Neelu! Get me a cup of tea first." He left the dining table, with Toshi shaking her head in disbelief while Simmi giggled. "Unbelievable! Wasn't that boy supposed to be off today?"
It was then that Ishita learnt that her husband drank tea only and...there she was... serving him coffee like an idiot. She knew nothing about him and for some unknown reasons, she felt like crying."Ishita! It's ok. Mein houn na! I will tell you everything about him." Simmi told her.
When Ishita entered the bedroom an hour later, with a plate of food, she felt her knees wobbling. He was sitting on the couch, absorbed in his laptop and only looked up when she put the plate on the small table beside him only to shift his attention on his screen immediately.
What the hell was wrong with that man? She found herself shouting inwardly. He was the most annoying, baffling individual she had met. Would she be sharing the room with that zombie all her life?
"Hamare yahan, naukar ke aadat nahin but yes... we are used to say thank you."
He lifted his face to stare at her.
"Oh! Mujhe laga aap gungi hain."
"Excuse me?"
"By the look you keep sporting around me, I thought that you were dumb, you know, people who cannot talk...
"I know what being dumb means."
Ishita was flabbergasted. What a rude maccho man he was! Ishita's conscience was now clear about the previous night. Would serve him good, she told herself as she stormed out of the room.
Ishita was going to prepare dinner for the family and Simmi proposed to help. As promised, Simmi told her a lot about her brother as they spent time together in the kitchen. Ishita found out that her husband was a successful businessman and was awarded the CEO of the year too. She was impressed.
By listening to Simmi praising her elder brother, Ishita could gather that, besides being a dedicated and hardworking man, he was a good son and a reliable brother. She was now curious about the man. Would he be a good husband too, she wondered and as if on cue, Simmi exclaimed," Ishita, you are very lucky to have my brother as husband. Raam karegi, I swear!"
"But Simmi, don't mind but tumhara bhai, bahut akdu dikta hain!" Ishita replied back with a sheepish smile.
Laughter filled the kitchen as Ishita, feeling very comfortable with her sister-in-law now, continued,"Looks like his smile is taxable to me!"
"Ishita! You are quite naughty too Han! But don't go by the look. He is a possessive, passionate man, like most Punjabi men!" Simmi whispered with a wink. And then closing in, she asked,"how was your night, by the way?"
She couldn't lie to her but chose to mask the truth."I was tired and fell asleep before he came."
"No wonder my Bhai opted to run a track in the morning!"
Ishita had to laugh despite herself but the sound instantly died in her throat when she turned around to set the table and came face to face with Raman. They were so engrossed in their talk that they didn't hear him coming.
Had he heard... Ishita brushed away the thought.
Dinner was a pleasant affair with the whole family praising her food with the exception of Mr Akdu who chose to have his food without a word. Back in their room, Ishita found him busy taking his blanket and pillow out of the closet and looked on as he laid on the couch, his back to her. Wordlessly she imitated his action and put her pillow on the bed, feeling very awkward to lie down.
"Turn off the light when you are done. I am sorry I can't sleep in the guest room every night. You will have to bear with me."
He still had his back turned to her and for a reason that she couldn't explain, Ishita felt angry.
"Will you bother to look at me when you talk to me please?"
She bit her tongue as soon as she had uttered the words and waited with baited breath as he turned around and sat up to look at her.
"I said, I can't sleep in the..."
"I heard you."
"I hope you don't mind the sleeping arrangement." She looked at him and he nodded and uttered a good night to her.
Impossible! What was that man made up of?
"Won't you ask me about...about last night?" Ishita asked, acutely embarrassed as he looked at her
"Should I? I think you were very clear. I would like to think that you are still uncomfortable with me and need time. Is there any other reason?"
She shook her head and looked away. "Good. Take all your time. Good night."
And he turned off the main switch and laid on the couch, his heart beating faster than usual.
Raman was grateful that the dim light was camouflaging the expression on his face. He had faced her very calmly while his heart was pounding all the time and when he had asked her the question, he had prayed in his heart...if she had told him what he was dreading? Raman closed his eyes tight. He wouldn't be able to bear it if she had said that she was forced into that marriage. She hadn't and he had heaved a sigh of relief but still...he was restless.
To be continued...
Are you asking me out? She queried with a blatant lack of guile.
"Yes!" He nodded, with all dry mockery. And Ishita had a feeling that he found her lack of sophistication highly amusing. She flushed heatedly, wishing the world would just open up and swallow her rather than continue to put her through the purgatory. Nothing she could do, it seemed, would ever make her anything more that a silly, gauche fool in front of him.
"Yes Ishita. I am asking you if you would like to dine out with me tonight." He repeated more gently, as though reading her discomfort and suddenly sorry causing it.
"Oh! No! I mean...I...I was just trying on my new set of clothes...I don't want to go out." She stuttered uncomfortably, knowing that he had only asked her because he felt obliged to, may be after seeing her desperation to get his attention...
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