Sweet Tidings

Chapter 2

"She wanted none of those days to end, and it was always with disappointment that she watched the darkness stride forward." 
 Markus Zusak, The Book Thief

"Each night, when I go to sleep, I die. And the next morning, when I wake up, I am reborn." 
 Mahatma Gandhi

Pragya watched with silent tears as she saw Bulbul walking out of the house. The dullness of Bulbul's eyes nearly killed her. Faith was her only hope. Faith in God, hope for a better future. How she wished she could open up to Arjun, lay her head on his shoulder and ask him to fulfill the responsibilities of a brother. How she wished... She turned around to leave when she heard her very caring husband offering the use of his car to her family for their return journey home. There was a look of skepticism in Sarla Ma's face. Ever since the dance (if it can be called as dance. In the name of fast dance, Abhi had pushed Pragya around and dropped her at the end), ma has had the look of question on her face. To avoid any queries, Pragya had put on a show of happiness with a zeal that made all questions fade in the background but then, she had not fooled Arjun. She knew that. Tomorrow would be the day...he'll prod out the truth from her. She was sure. Hence, his request (order??) to pick her up on his way to the university. She needs to shore up her defense system before the sun rises.  Abhi continued playing the dutiful and sweet son-in-law. Just as Pragya waved off her family, she saw Tannu walking with her alluring gait (it was more like an alley cat trying to attract the tom cat) towards Abhi. Pragya didn't have the stomach to watch the softy touchy act that would be played out by Tannu and Abhi, without giving a glance in their direction, she walked into the house.

"Abhi, how could you be so lovey dovey with Pragya? The bangle scene was so cheesy. Now, you are calling her Kismish. I'm really mad at you."

"Baby! You know I can't bear the look of the Chashmish. That's all an act. You know I love you and am doing this only for Alliya's sake." Abhi hugs Tannu just to pacify her. Unknown to them, Arjun had driven back, as he had left his mobile on the entrance table. He had called and informed Pragya to bring it out. He saw Abhi and Tannu hug. He tapped at Abhi's shoulder; the romancing couple sprang apart. If eyes could kill, both Tannu and Abhi would have been burnt to ashes with Arjun's murdering look. Abhi started to stammer "...Arjun, bhai, meh, Tannu...you see bhai..." Arjun stood there stoically waiting for Abhi to finish his line. Just then, Pragya walked towards them with Arjun's phone. "Arre Tannu, are you okay? I heard you screaming. Did you see the black Tom cat and become frightened again? Arjun, there is a black Tom Cat pandering around in our compound. The first time Tannu saw the Tom Cat, she jumped and nearly fell  on the cactus plant. Good thing, our gardener was available to save her and this time Abhishek. I need to make sure the Tom Cat is caught and sent packing, if not hire a bodyguard for Tannu." Saying that she placed her hand in Abhi's arm crook and gave him a snide smile. "Ok, just be careful, alley cats can be detrimental to our health", Arjun commented before walking back to his car. "Sunno, Arjun, wait, you forgot your mobile." Pragya ran after Arjun. "Thanks yar! You are the best sister anyone can ask for. I missed having you around. I have million things to tell you. Let's catch up tomorrow" saying that Arjun takes his mobile from Pragya and gives her a good night peck on her forehead. Pragya had a serene smile on her face when she walked off towards the house without glancing at Abhi and Tannu. "Did you just see that, she is so shameless? I can't bear this. Let's go to my house" Tannu pressurized Abhi. Abhi looked frozen, his eyes look glazed.

"...yes, I know what I'm doing Dadi. I'll take care of him. Don't worry. Tomorrow I'll be out late, after university, I'll be with Arjun." Abhi heard partial of the conversation between Pragya and Dadi. "Dadi, what are you doing. Pragya and Arjun?" "Buddhu! Of course Pragya and Arjun. Such lovely children. Anyone who has a bahu like Pragya is blessed. Don't worry she'll take care of everything." Saying this Dadi walks into her room.

Fuming with anger, Abhi walked to the bar and downed 2 large pecks of whisky. Pragya had called him Tom Cat; he needs to teach her a lesson.  No, Arjun had kissed Pragya, in front of Abhi. How can Arjun kiss chasmish? He was feeling tipsy as he had not eaten through out the day; just too busy...really Abhi? He smiled thinking he had won the game, when Pragya had to do the ceremonies for Purab. The agony in her eyes, she deserved it for all the pain she had caused Alia. Alia's happiness meant the world to him. Thinking about her eyes, why do they always pierce his soul? The way she pursues her lips, those lush lips, slightly coated in lip gloss, glistening... here he goes again. Why is he fantasising about Chasmish? Hypnotism, that's why. He needs to be careful. He walks into his room, ready to make Pragya's life a living hell, just to come to stop in the middle of the room, gaping at Pragya. She was standing on top of the bed in just her saree blouse and petticoat. It was Allah Waariyan moment. Pragya in all her woman's glory. Her tiny pearly waist. Her top, wow! Abhi's eyes were glued to the twin orbs. For someone so slim, Pragya was tastefully built. Her dressing did injustice to her. His fingers were aching, he needed to touch her. He could feel his heart slamming into him. He walked towards the bed and just grabbed her. Pragya was shouting at him but he didn't hear anything. He was mesmerized in her beauty. He was about to touch her lush lips when Pragya's shouting penetrated his concentration. "What are you doing? Put me down!" When Abhi put her down (on her feet this time), she ran immediately to her dressing room and closed the door. Pragya came out a few minutes later dressed in her night salwar kameez. "What was all the hungama, just now? Were you trying to seduce me?" Abhi asked. "Seduce you? Are you crazy? A cockroach was in my saree. I'm scared of cockroaches, so I climbed on your bed. You could have closed your eyes when you come in. Gentlemanly behavior." "I never claimed to be a gentleman. I'm a rock star baby!" saying that Abhi just flopped on the bed and went to sleep immediately.

Another sunrise. Rays of hope... Gayatri mantra could be heard in Pragya's room. The 3 dadi (Abhi's Dadi and her cousin sisters) were so happy with the religious chanting in Mehra mansion. At least now, some sanskar would come into the lives of their family members. The 3 old ladies were enjoying gossiping when they saw Pragya dressed in red and pink anarkali walking out with the aarti plate. Abhi was also behind Pragya. He had decided to follow Pragya to the university to check out the situation with Arjun. He just didn't want Arjun to be cheated by Pragya. After all he was doing a favour to Arjun by protecting him. His inner mind laughed at Abhi - really Abhi, you are protecting Arjuna? Joke of the year! He saw the Dadis looking at them. He decided to play a loving husband. So, he grabbed Pragya from the back and brushed his face on her shoulders and face. His unshaven bristles caused red marks on Pragya's smooth skin. Pragya squirmed and tried to evade, in the process Abhi's dog tags (the chain and locket he wears all the time) gets tangled with Pragya's dori. Without realizing it, Abhi moves and in the process opens up Pragya's anarkali dori. He is shocked and so is Pragya. He couldn't leave her in that condition. Moreover, the oldies were staring at him. Pragya had the aarti plate on her hands and his Dadi was staring blue murder at him. So, he went to tie the dori. Chasmish had a smooth, blemish free skin. Her pearl white skin had a tinge of blush when he touches her. He remembers yesterday's scene in the bedroom. They were both frozen in time. It took him forever to tie the dori. Once he finished, he was about to leave but was called by his Dadi. "Take the Aarti and Prasad from bahu. Then, apply the kumkum on her maang." The 3 daddi musketeers were looking indulgently at Abhi and Pragya. While applying the kumkum, Abhi and Pragya have an eye lock. Gosh! Her eyes are really mesmerizing. Pragya thinks, he has such kind eyes, but why is he so irritating and tormenting.  

All this was observed by Tanu from the stairs. She had come in early to talk to Abhi at the pretext of helping Alia. She is burning with anger and jealousy. She stomps and leaves the MM.