Pranati looked around and absorbed the happiness in the environment. Wherever she gazed, she could only find happy faces. All were enjoying and having a good time. Vibe was positive. One of the main reasons, she agreed to attend the function. Marriages are usually a fun filled affair.
"Pranati, come to dance floor", Riya, the bride called her. She shook her head pleasingly and refused. Riya's family are really close to her in-laws. Besides, she had always treated Pranati like a sister. Riya was not ready to give up and insisted her to come. "Go ahead, Pranati. Don't be shy" Anjana Khurana, her mother-in-law insisted still she remained indecisive. "I will take her, Mom", Vardhan, her brother-in-law initiated to take her to dance floor. He gently pushed Pranati's wheel chair and brought her into the dance floor. Riya came beside and they both started to enjoy the music.
Riya reminisced day when Pranati got married to Reyansh. They both danced a lot that day and she had admired Pranati's dancing skills. Today also, she managed to moved her upper body rhythmically to the music. Riya was happy that Pranati accepted her request and graced her wedding with her presence. Once the song was over, Riya heard a charming voice, "Can I steal my wife for next song?". "Reyansh Bro", Riya hugged him. "Congratulations, Princess", Reyansh wished her, "may you have a happy married life". "I wish my marriage will be like yours", she spoked softly. As if sensing an ill-omen, Pranati deterred, "It will be better". Riya praised him, "None can be better than Reyansh Khurana. My brother is the best". "That I am", he boasted. Pranati tried to be cheerful while battling to blink back a lone tear.
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Pranati and Reyansh were college sweet hearts. Many believed that he will be over her once they complete their education. Reyansh belonged to a wealthy family while Pranati was typical middle class girl. Soon Reyansh join his family business and she joined for post-graduation, yet their love bloomed. Soon Reyansh's parents came to her home, asking for her hand in marriage. The rest was history. A big fat Indian wedding, followed by a blissful honeymoon. Their joy would have been long lived if not the unfortunate accident. Pranati's parents passed away and she was left with grave injuries. Even when she escaped with her life, she was left invalid for life time.
Reyansh was heart broken but he didn't sit idle cursing his ill luck. He did everything in his power for Pranati. Loss of parents and her limbs were blow to her. But with time and medical treatment, she tried to get better. Khuranas took care of Pranati just like a daughter. Anjana became her mother and did her best for Pranati to come back to life. Their home was modified to accommodate her inability and provide at most comfortable mobility to her. Above all, they tried not to treat her like an invalid but encouraged her to live normally. Pranati could only thank Almighty for giving such a nice in-laws and husband.
Yet life was not a cake walk for Pranati. In Khurana house, a perfect life was maintained for her. But outside world, often looked down on her. The looks she got were either pitiful or disgusting. Over the time, more and more people started to comment that she won't be able to good wife. Suggestions were poured from relatives and friends that perhaps Reyansh should think about a second marriage. He was too young to be chained to a woman in wheel chair. Pranati soon preferred to stay indoors of her house where she was surrounded by her loved ones. She rarely went out and Riya's wedding was one of those occasions.
Pranati looked onto Reyansh who was now performing with his cousins. In spite of having many youngsters, he was till center of the attraction. As time passed, he has become more and more handsome. It added to Pranati's inferiority that she was not enough for him. She loved him so much to let him go. After her parent's demise, Reyansh was her sole support. He always professed that he has eyes only for her. She knew that he is no longer the lover boy whom she fell in love in college. She could only pray that Reyansh will not separated from her.
Once Pranati asked her mother-in-law why she never considered her a misfit for her perfect son despite many suggesting to get rid of her. Anjana laughed out loud, "Because my son is madly in love with you", then she added softly, "I was also crazy for your late father-in-law. Madness runs in our family". Pranati smiled enjoying her humour.
Anyways, Pranati tried her best to live happily. Her near death experience has taught her that life is too short. A time may come when Reyansh is tired of her. Until then she will enjoy her happily ever after. "How was my performance, Wifey?". Reyansh fanned himself. "You rocked, Hubby", she praised him. "Can I have this dance?", a beautiful lady walked beside them and asked him. He remained unsure but she turned to Pranati, "If it is okay with you, Mrs Khurana?". Being in a function, it was normal for guests to socialize with one another. It would be awkward, if Pranati refused. Besides, it's just a dance. "Ofcourse", Pranati agreed and Reyash took her to the dance floor. That dance was just a beginning. Soon Pranati started to regret her decision to let her dance with Reyansh.
The woman who later introduced herself as Mallika was trying hard to get Reyansh's attention. He tried his best to avoid her but she was determined. Soon Pranati found Reyansh growing restless and confused while facing her. She could clearly read the expression on his face. As if he is going to make a mistake and feeling guilty while looking into her eyes. An emotion that she had seen many times before. At times, it could a new employee or an old class mate or a random stranger. All those females evoked same reaction from him. It was one of main reasons, Pranati has decided to withdrew into the four walls of Khurana house. Ignorance is bliss.
When reality hits you hard, humans tend to react despite their condition. Pranati wanted to stop Reyansh before it is too late but she failed. He was long gone. So was Mallika. None noticed as they both slipped out of the crowded wedding event except for Pranati.
