Haunted By Unknown

24. The marriage

Samyuktha sat in the chair while her relatives spoke with her mother. Her marriage is on next day but either her mother or herself were happy. At least her mother had a reason to cover her worries.

"Your daughter is not leaving you rupa. She would be in jyothi's home and you can meet her at anytime. You don't have to worry about her" geeta comforted rupa. She wasn't worried to send her daughter to that house. It actually would give her more chance to meet her best friend regularly. And also she doesn't have to worry about Samyuktha being tortured by her mother in law. Jyothi is a very good woman and she liked Samyuktha a lot.

But the problem was....the injuries on Samyuktha. Right now she covered them with her long sleeves. They can't be covered next day in her wedding saree. Then everybody will know about the ghost. Many stayed away from her family for the experiences few faced on her birthday. They stopped cursing her daughter just a few years ago. Now if they knew about the ghost there are lots of chances her daughter's marriage will be cancelled. It worried her badly.

Samyuktha is also in fear. Fear of being rejected by Arjun. The wounds on her back inflicted by the ghost after her birthday has healed without scars. But she doubted the wounds on her left arm can heal without scars. It was a small one compared to what she has on her right leg. But it is not as deep as this smaller one. It scared her he will reject her.

She wasn't sleeping since three days and the effect is clearly seen on her face which anyone can notice. She has covered it with makeup but she can't fool every one. So she is worried he will know it before she even told him what happened.

The next day had been the day samyuktha dreaded for few days. Now all she wants is to go away. Rupa did her best to conceal the wounds as much as possible but was like impossible to her and it only tensed her more. All the relatives in the room were shocked to see them. Luckily rupa covered it up....

"...... The dog nealy bit her few days back. By God's grace she escaped it" it made them feel sorry for her and understand why she was so sad since few days. They still don't know the truth......

" Wear the saree and call us. We will be just outside....." geeta told her. Samyuktha nodded her head and closed the door after others left her room. She inhaled deeply and started with the saree. She looked at her reflection which appeared lifeless. She has nothing except fear.....fear of being rejected by the one she likes a lot...

" what are you thinking about yuktha? " a sweet whisper reached Samyuktha's ears. She turned around to find the source but the room is silent and too cool if she noticed properly. The room is also getting darker which she still did not acknowledge.

"Are you worried about me?" The whisper asked her. Samyuktha instantly realised whose voice it is. Her hands started to shiver remembering her last dream.

"My yuktha is getting married in an hour" Vinamra spoke in motherly voice. Samyuktha knew something will happen soon as she believes she's in the dream again.

"My daughter needs my blessing. ..." Saying that vinamra came out of the closet. Samyuktha saw the ghost through the mirror who is walking with her wicked smile plastered on her face. Samyuktha closed her eyes, praying silently to wake up from the dream.

Vinamra walked towards her daughter who has closed her eyes in fear. She stood behind yuktha forcing her to sit on the stool  placed before the mirror. Vinamra watched their reflections in the mirror. Their faces are round unlike gopal whose face is oval. They both have long black hair reaching the waist. Both are of same height and both are in love with men who behave similarly. Isn't it enough to call Samyuktha as her daughter?

" My beautiful daughter......" Vinamra admired her daughter.  She placed her right hand on Samyuktha's sensitive neck. Poor girl....she feared she is going to be choked which brought tears in her eyes and they travelled across her pale cheeks reaching Vinamra's hand. Vinamra turned the girl who is silently crying, waiting to get out of the dream as soon as possible.