Madhu stood nervously beside Rishabh as she glanced up the imposing building that is his home. Clad in a simple white and gold, long anarkali suit, she is a vision of demure elegance. Though the outfit is not what she had ever envisioned as her wedding dress, it was perfect for their out of the ordinary, private wedding. She cast a sly glance at Rishabh and silently approved that he opted to wear a black suit with a blue tie for their wedding. Temporary though their wedding may be, they still have to act like a happily married, newly-wed couple. And part of that means, dressing appropriately to outwardly show they cared about their private wedding ceremony that tied them together.
With the vermalas around their respective necks, Madhu chuckled inwardly. She can't believe that she is about to make a very dramatic, Hindi serial worthy entrance and shock her in-laws with the unexpected news of their wedding. She flipped her hair back and one side of lips upturned into a half-smile. Unlike those weepy heroines, Madhu has no intention of crying buckets loads of tears and be subservient to her in-laws. She does not owe them any explanation. If they have an issue, they can take it up with the man of the hour, their brother and her husband.
Rishabh glanced down at Madhu's calm face and he smiled slightly in approval. He knows beyond a shadow of a doubt that his family will have a cow when they walk in and announce that he and Madhu tied the knot without their knowledge. He hopes she won't become upset and start crying as he has no endurance to deal with such drama after the stink they are about to get. It would be better if she just remained quiet and let him do the talking so he can set his family members succinctly into their rightful places.
He grabbed hold of her hand in a tight yet gentle grip. "Ready?" He asked. Madhu nodded her head to Rishabh's approval. He opened the door and they both entered, subconsciously, with their right foot into the light, airy marbled foyer. Holding her hand, he guided them to the family room, knowing his family members will be gathered there after dinner. Standing in front of the closed door, Rishabh gave Madhu another sidelong glance to make sure she hasn't developed a sudden onslaught of nervousness. He proudly noted with satisfaction that she remained serene with her head tilted up and shoulders straight, regal like a queen.
He gave her a reassuring smile as she smiled softly back at him. Rishabh put his hand on the door knob and opened it with authority. He wrapped his right arm round Madhu's shoulders as her eyes widened imperceptibly in surprise. He sauntered in, pulling her along with him. Rishabh coughed to gain their attention. His arms still wrapped around Madhu, he stood patiently, waiting for his shocked family members to gain usage of their tongue and start demanding for an explanation.
Having heard enough, Rishabh interrupted in a quiet, authoritative tone, "That's enough! It's done. We got married because we like and care about each other but mostly we are compatible. Neither of us wanted to deal further with the media chasing after us, exposing our private moments. So we decided to get married in court. It's over and done with and both Madhu and I are happy with our decision."
He smiled coldly and continued, "I hope that you all will accept our marriage and welcome my new wife with the respect that she deserves."
Roma wiped away her tears and said, "You're a beast Rishabh for not even telling us, your family, that you are getting married let alone let us be a part of your wedding." She smiled tremulously and continued, "However, now that the deed is done and you are already married, congratulations little brother."
She opened her arms wide and ran up to Rishabh as he smiled affectionately and enveloped his big sister in a hug. Roma pulled away from the hug and smiled widely at Madhu who returned it with a smile of her own. Roma caressed Madhu's cheek and said clearly, "Welcome to the family Madhu. Sorry that I am not prepared to welcome you properly as a bride." She pointed archly at Rishabh, "I lay the blame on this beastly brother of mine for not informing me so I could have prepared for your welcoming."
YOU ARE READING
Games of Deception
RomanceA relationship borne out of necessity, Rishabh and Madhubala come to mutual understanding and enter into a marriage of convenience. They come up with a set of rules for their marriage and all seems well. But is it really? Read to find out!
