Foundation of Marriage

Part 1 - Engagement

Arnav: "Kaise hua yeh sab? Tumne mujhe kuch bataya kyun nahi?" Arnav's voice was firm, tinged with frustration. His eyes were filled with concern as he watched Khushi, her posture was tense and her face averted.

("How did all this happen? Why didn't you tell me anything?")

Khushi (avoiding his gaze): "Humein iss baare mein koi baat nahi karni."

("I don't want to talk about it")

But before she could turn away, Arnav swiftly stepped in front of her, blocking her path. His eyes searched her face for answers.

Arnav: "What happened, Khushi? Why don't you want to talk about it? What happened that you don't even want to talk?"

Khushi was retreating backwards with each of his steps, their regular dance of footsteps had started.

Khushi: "Bas nahi karni," she whispered, turning her face away from him.

("Just, I don't want to")

The desperation in Arnav's voice grew and his concerns were now deepening.

Arnav: "Khushi, did he hurt you? Did your fiancé try to hurt you?"

Khushi's composure crumbled as tears began streaming down her face. She backed away until she felt the cold, unyielding wall behind her. She was now trapped therefore could no longer run from the truth. Arnav caged her in with his arms, placing his hands on the wall beside her. His voice softened as he leaned in closer.

Arnav: "Khushi, please tell me. Did he hurt you?"

The dam of her emotions broke, and Khushi collapsed into herself, tears flowing freely as she spoke in broken, tear-choked sentences.

Khushi: "Woh.. woh pehle se shaadi shuda they, Arnavji! Unhone humein aur humaare pariwaar ko dhokhe mein rakha ki vo shaadi shuda nahi h. Humne kitni baar Buaji ko mana kiya tha iss rishte ke liye, par unhone humaari baat nahi maani. Hum darr jaate h.. darr jaate hai soch ke bhi ki agar uss din humein unki sachai nahi pata chali hoti toh kya hota. Hum kabhi soch bhi nahi sakte the ki kisi insaan ki itni ghatiya soch ho sakti hai, ki vo humse aisa rishta jodna chahta tha! Humein apne aap se nafrat hone lagi hai, ghinn aati h yeh soch kar ki humaari wajah se kisi ka ghar toot jaata.."

("He... he was already married, Arnavji! He deceived me and my family, making us believe that he wasn't married. I tried so many times to convince Buaji to say no to this alliance, but she didn't listen to me. I get scared... scared even thinking about what would have happened if I hadn't found out the truth that day. I could never have imagined that someone could have such a vile mindset, that they wanted to form such a relationship with me! I've started hating myself, disgusted at the thought that, because of me, someone's home could have been ruined...")

Arnav didn't wait for her to say more. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her tightly against him. Khushi sobbed into his chest, clutching his shirt as if it was the only thing anchoring her in this moment of overwhelming despair. Arnav gently caressed her hair, his voice a soothing whisper.

Arnav: "It's okay.. stop crying, Khushi. I'm here.. I'm right here."

After what felt like an eternity, Khushi pulled back slightly, her tear-streaked face looking up at him. He didn't say anything but instead took her hand in his, guiding her to the couch in his room. He handed her a glass of water and watched as she drank, her breathing was slowly returning to normal.

Arnav (tenderly): "Ab theek ho tum?"

("Feeling better now?")

Khushi nodded, but her eyes were still haunted.