EVEN DEATH

Chapter 3: The Invitation

"A real conversation always contain an invitation. You are inviting another person to reveal herself or himself to you, to tell you who they are or what they want."

By- David Whyte

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“Come in”.

“A package has been delivered in your name, Ma’m!” Informed  Mr. Verma, my office assistant and an important  post bearer.

Looking over the rim of my glasses, I saw the package and gestured him to put it on the table and muttered him a thank you. I had been awfully busy at my dad’s office from the last week because of an upcoming deal. Well, it might be surprising for all that even after getting married in another businessman’s family, I am still working for my father instead of my in-laws. Before marriage, I had already had a talk about it with my in-laws; for both the families happened to live in Kolkata only.

Taking a break, I decided to open the cream colored package. On opening it, I saw an invitation card along with a letter.

It read as:

Mr. & Mrs. Kapur

It is a moment of immense honor for us to welcome you at The Charity Ball.

Kindly grace the occasion with your luminous presence

RSVP

My eyes moved to the second letter that had been delivered along with it. As soon as I opened it, I was welcomed by the sarcastically beautiful handwriting of my husband and it read as: Remember the night. Be ready dear for my heart hopes to grace you with glory.

A sweet smile or better to say a smile of pretence spread on my face remininscing the night of the same Charity Ball that happened six months ago; 

It was the same night after the first and last dinner, I had with my husband as I had thought it to be. The Charity Ball was one of the important events that took place twice a year and the money raised through the sale of the passes went to several orphanages and old homes. The prestigious families of Kolkata and the personalities of various fields be it business, arts or sports participated in it and contributed with open hearts. 

But, these fund-raising events never appealed me and being the daughter of an established family, I had to attend it. I always thought that they should do field work more rather than arranging lavish parties for the guests. This was the party that was partly responsible for converting me from being a Malhotra to a Kapur.

That night, I had come along with my family to attend the event and very formally, we encountered with the Kapurs. It is not so common over here to meet with the suitor unless the marriage is fixed or one is formally engaged to the man. Till then, the society somehow looks down upon the relation. 

In keeping up with the custom of the Ball night, he asked me for a dance and I was like cursing him as our families had found the request  quite unexpected. But, the night really turned out to be unexpected as my family smiled and my mother nodded in  a yes. I felt as if there was a sudden termination of the pretty orthodox mindset that prevailed in our families.

Mr. Kapur provided his hand asking for mine. I moved forward and placed my palm over his shoulder hesitantly and then, my other hand in his. As soon as he placed his palm over my waist, I shivered. Although, I was wearing a suit which covered me all but the warmth of his palm radiated through my skin as if it was bare. That was quite frustating.