The Unnaturals . Book 2

Part 34 The Deadlock

                                                                        The Deadlock

Asharani came running .

Adhiraj had told her to talk to her son . He said that Duke had gone crazy and needed a doctor .

She was followed in by Shyama , who carried a tray of food with her . She entered , put the tray on the table and mother and son stopped talking, waiting for her to leave . She gave Duke a meaningful look and left . Outside the door, both Madan and Shyama stood listening .

'Ma, how can Baba fix my marriage this way .He's totally autocratic. How can he expect me to just follow his command blindly? Does he think I'm one of his villagers ?' Duke asked , slumped on his bed .

Asharani smiled , caressed Duke's head and said ... ' now see , Shona , you know how things are done in this family . And all things considered , it's not a bad match for you . Parvati is a good girl . Very pretty , maybe not as fair as you though . You got your pink complexion from me !' she smiled self-consciously and carried on , ' but she's clever , well read and smiles a lot .'

Stroking Duke's back she said , ' I'm sure you'll like her . She'll capture your heart soon with her sweet charm . At least you get to see her picture . Your Baba and I saw each other for the first time on our wedding day ! Thank God he's good looking ! Your grandma told me that, the day before my wedding . I was so scared but even more scared to ask anyone how my groom looked !'

She smiled and shrugged , ' so I had to step into the dark with that one sentence of assurance from my Ma . But I can do much better .'

'Here ! Look ! Isn't she pretty ? '

She thrust a picture in front of Duke's face .

Duke turned his face away and looked at his mother . ' Ma, did Baba tell you the reason why I refused this marriage ?'

' No .' Asharani shook her head .

Heaving a breath Duke launched into his explanation .

He was heedless of what his mother's reaction might be . ' I have a love in my life . Someone I love very much and this person loves me back . We want to spend our lives together . I cannot possibly marry anyone else .'

Asharani raised her eyebrows and smiled . 'Oh ? Is that why your Baba got angry with you ? And look at him! He locked you up ! This man ! Hmp ! '

She asked now with a smile on her face , ' So tell me, why? Is her family very poor? Or is she from a different caste? What is wrong? A mixed breed?'

Her breath hitched , ' Oh God forbid , please tell me it's not that ! She's not from a different religion is she?'

Duke gave his mother a tired look and replied , 'no Ma, it's none of those things . It's someone you know . You like . In fact, you love .'

' What?? Someone I love ! Who is it ? Now I'm confused . Can't you just tell me ? Why all the mystery ? Just tell me quickly so that I can hurry and try to convince your father .' She got up , ready to rush to her husband and persuade him to accept Duke's choice .

' It's Piku , Ma .' Duke said quietly .

Asharani sat back on the bed and stared at Duke .

After a prolonged silence Duke spoke up . This is the first time in his life that he saw his mother utterly speechless .

'Ma , please say something .'

Asharani stood up and walked to the window . She stood there staring out blankly for a long time . She was remembering her childhood days .