Meera
18 years old
I look pretty in this pink saree. Ma gave it to me for this occasion. I finally put my small red bindi on and I am ready. I feel jittery.
"Meera taiyyar huyi kya?" Ma shouted from kitchen.
(Meera did you get ready?)
"Haan Ma bas hogyi"
(Almost done Ma )
"Jaldi kar aur rasoi mei aake Chai banade. Ladke wale aate hi hoge"
(Do it fast and then come to the kitchen to make tea. Groom's family members are about to reach)
"Ji"
(Ok)
Going to kitchen, I started making tea as Ma is still busy making other dishes. People are coming to see me. I feel so nervous. My father started looking for a groom when I turned 15 only but my brother-in-law stopped him, made me complete my education till 12th grade as my sister was married to him at a very young age. I still know many of my friends who got married early. I miss them.
I hear noices outside and know that the people have arrived. My father handles everything. Ma only goes outside to offer them some sweets. Soon I am asked to bring Chai in front of the guests. This is so weird. Keeping pallu on my head, I go outside. People are sitting in verandah, mostly men in white kurtas. I keep my eyes down and start giving them the tea.
"Khush raho" (Stay happy) everyone says this as I hand them the tea except the last person. I slightly look up to see who it is. All I get to see are hazel eyes. So pretty. I quickly look down again as i realize my heart is beating too loud. As soon as I am done, I head inside.
The elders talk for an hour and soon my happy mother comes inside and hugs me.
"Unhone Haan boldi hai. Tujhe pata hai tu kitni bhagyawaan hai. Raani ki Tarah rahegi unki Haveli mei"
(They said yes. Do you know how lucky you are? They will keep you like a queen in their mansion)
"Ma karte kya hai wo log?"
(Ma what do they do for living?)
"Bohot bade zamindar hai. Aur ladke ki toh khudki factory bhi hai. Haye bhagya khul gye humare"
(They are landlords. And the groom has a factory of his own. We are literally so blessed)
"Ma naam kya hai unka?" I hesitantly I asked my ma.
(Ma what is his name?)
Bhairav
24 years old
Chacha (uncle) finalized my rishta today. He doesn't live with us but after ma-baba's death it has been his responsibility to find a bride for me. I have been denying him for long, just focusing on my work and factory. But it had to be done. My siblings are small. They need someone who can take care of them. So I said yes. The girl is from decent background that is enough for me. Sakshi and Aarambh are so excited about the wedding and new clothes. Well they are kids after all.
"Bhaiya bhabhi kaisi hai?" Sakshi asked.
(Brother, how is sister in law?)
"Jab aayegi khud dekh lena" I say while walking towards our temple.
(See that yourself once she comes here)
"Bhaiyaaaa"
(Brotherrrrr)
"Sakshi abhi nhi. Meri Pooja ka waqt ho raha hai" I say in stern voice and she understands.
(Not now Sakshi. It's time for my prayer)
"Ji bhaiya"
(Ok brother)
I walk inside the temple hoping no more misfortune comes to my family. Well if they do, they have to face me first.
||न कुछ कहा न कुछ सुना
पर फिर भी आपकी आँखों में हमे
कुछ अपना सा लगा||
YOU ARE READING
Tumhari Preyasi
RomanceThe story is set in late 1980s. A woman who has full faith in her husband and loves him to core and a man who'll do anything to protect his family but finds it hard to express his emotions. Will there story be like every other couple in that era or...
