Arranged Marriage With Love (RIANSH) – Episode 52

In the morning, all the silence, the dazzling light of the horizon on the east, warily infiltrated the light blue sky, and the new day gradually moved from afar. Sunlight streams golden through the slits of the curtains, in a glowing elaborate pronouncement of rising sun. The vigor and vitality spread across the room reminded that of a baby who wakes up after a peaceful night of sleep.

Though the ambiance was too affectionate and effervescent, it wasn’t pleasing for Ridhima as she groans candidly and stirs closer towards her source of warmth. She shuts her eyes and tries to go back into her calm nirvana; but then, her sleep was already disturbed so she had to wake up. She chafes her face with her palms and then looks around, her eyes falling on the shirt that was lying on the ground, at the very same place where it was tossed last night, during their passionate session.

A tint of blush creeps up her neck as she gazes at her husband, who was sleeping on his stomach beside her, his stripped back on her display as she gulps apprehensively. Shaking her head out of her thoughts, she gets down the bed and puts on the shirt. She walks towards the window and covers the curtains properly before going towards the washroom, to get ready for the day.

After taking a soothing and warm shower, she drapes herself with a towel and steps into the closet. She fiddles with her fingers, as she looks through her set of clothes. For some eccentric reason, she really wanted to look alluring and enticing. She then remembers how her husband just ogles at her whenever she wears an Indian saree.

Women in sarees are like orchids, conventional yet salient in their own way.

Draping the saree around her, she walks into the room and gets surprised to see Vansh, who was dressed, in a sitting position, with his legs spread straight and back resting on the headboard, while he was scrolling down his phone.

Clearing her throat, she walks towards the floor length mirror. She could feel that intense gaze on her but snubs it, for she wanted the same attention. She discards the towel aside and picks up the hairdryer laying on the table. She, from the corner of her eyes, stares at how Vansh was gawking at her. His eyes held such intensity that it made her imagine what he might be thinking at that instant, but again this was all she wanted to happen.

She deliberately tosses her hair towards the right side, her jet-black hair cascading down and resting above her waistline, as she dries her hair leisurely. She could discern how Vansh struggled in his place, while looking fixedly at the flawless skin on her back which was on the display. Her cheeks were burning with the sudden change in the milieu which seemed to be passionate and covetous.

Ok, this isn’t going well and she didn’t want her heart to rupture with intensifying ardor. So she decides to condense the tension and turns towards him, her heart startled at the way he was gazing at waist.

“You woke up?” She feigns her surprise.

“Ahh-” Vansh startles, his gaze reluctantly moving away from her waist to her face, which held a small smirk. “I- Ye- Yes, just now.”

She nods at him, before turning towards the mirror and applying a pinch of vermilion on her hairline. For some reason, it warmed Vansh’s heart as something flickers in his mind, about how beautiful she looks when gets ready with the identity of a married woman.

“You are looking very stunning.” He compliments her genuinely while she just chuckles, their eyes meeting through the mirror.

“But I still haven’t got ready yet.”

“Guess you always look lovely then.” She blushes at his praise.

“Looks like someone is in a very good mood today, what can be the reason behind that?” She holds her chin, as if thinking of some proper reason.

“Maybe because I was passionate last night.” Vansh grins like a cashier cat while Ridhima looks at him in horror, but then flushes.

“Maybe.” She repeats under her breath, with a soft smile on her face.

Vansh plops down the bed, taking supple steps towards her while she is looking at him with a gentle smile. Her heart skips a beat when he cups her face with his palms; he tenderly tucks her hair behind her ear, all the while staring at her. He then lightly traces his finger along her jaw line; the soft touch sends tingles down her skin and she bites her lip gently. He lifts her chin up, while her eyes look at the love his eyes were rendering. He leans forward and places a chaste kiss on her forehead. His lips trail kisses on her face and finally lands on her lips, lingering there for a moment he inhales her feminine fragrance. She leans in his touch and engulfs him in a hug.

“I love you.” He whispers, as he wraps his arms around her and pulls her even more closely. She moves her arms up his back as she hums in response.

“Love you too.”

“I love you” He repeats, making her grin.

“I love you.” He slightly raises his voice, making her surprised.

“I love you.” He yells, startling her. She moves back from his arms with a frown.

“What?”

“I love you.” He yells while she just glares at him.

“Go and get ready.” She warns him and he grins at her before picking up the towel and leaping towards the bathroom with long strides.

“I love you.” He yells again and closes the door before she could respond. She smiles stupidly.

****

“Just send the plans on my device; I will not be coming to the firm today.” Ishani informs on her phone before disconnecting it. She walks through the hallway and towards her sister’s room.

Her steps falter, when she hears some chuckles from inside the room. She wonders about who might be inside the room with her but then unlocks the door.

“….and then he was like-” Siya stops on seeing Ishani stand at the door. Her laughter immediately fades away as her eyes then shift towards Sanjana who was looking at her sudden change of expression.

“Why were you laughing-

Ishani breaks her rant, her eyes immediately darting towards the person sitting in front of Siya, who was having her back towards the door. She knew it was her. Her heart felt some bizarre emotion as she saw her sister after two extensive weeks, after their worst squabble and after their most dreadful disintegration.

She felt guilty and emotional and kept looking at that frozen back of her sister. She knew that her sister knew about her presence but still didn’t turn towards her, to wish her and hug her like she always does. Maybe, this is what she deserves, she thought.

“Di, anything important?” Siya sputters sulkily and Ishani feels her heart ache. She knew her sisters are not ready to accept her back but still she didn’t want to be left alone.

“Come down, Bhai called you.” Ishani responds meekly.

“Yeah we will.” Siya’s replies blankly. Ishani felt as if Siya’s tone clearly asked her to get out and leave them alone.

“Ok” She closes the door and leaves from there.

****

“What do you think is the most sensible method to address this issue?” Vansh asks, to the family lawyer who was sitting in front of him.

“Vansh, as we already know, when Pratap had stepped down from the company’s chairman position and disappeared, the company received some hefty amount from his insurance policy. Though there was no mention of his death, we have applied for the splintering of his then policy as the company faces huge losses. Now, after his appearance and also the fact that all the properties are still on his name legally as he is still alive, he can be a subject for constant criticism from the power houses. So, we better transfer all the properties of your father to people who he wishes to transmit.” The older man says, his voice held kindliness and comprehension.

Vansh nods at him before turning towards Sampath, who was sitting beside him. Sampath stands up and shakes his hands with the lawyer, further accompanying him towards the exit of the house.

The house fell silent after his departure as everyone was looking at each other for some primary response. Sampath walks back and slumps down on the settee, looking at everyone who was gawky silent.

“I think what he was saying was sensible and then it isn’t very vital to be done. I mean, if Papa wants to decide it himself then he has that choice.” Sampath begins as he looks at Anupriya who holds a blank expression.

“Dadi, did Papa tell you whether he will come or not?” Vansh asks Indrani, who nodded her head in denial. She tried to bring his son back into the house and his family but he wasn’t ready to witness his children’s hatred.

“If he even decided to come, are you people ready to accept him back?” Indrani questions, her voice held pain and resentment.

There was absolute silence as nobody answered her question. They were silent but nobody was calm internally.

Indrani’s heart breaks at the lack of response. Did they really have to think about allowing a person to stay in their home? But he is their father, isn’t he?

How dysfunctional their family had become? They had everything, which is required for a family to lead a peaceful and happy life according to the society’s presumption; they had wealth, authority and reputation. Then what else was missing? What makes a family strong and secure?

“House is where our anecdote begins. It stands up as a shelter from storms- all kinds of storms. The same house turns into a home when it is cherished with love, the love with which a precious family dwells with. And staying in a family means no one gets left behind or forgotten. My son has suffered for the past twenty years, falling down into the abyss of remorse and pain. He had suffered more than what he deserved. If not as your father, just accept him as a member of this family. My heart will stay in harmony knowing my son is no more alone and drained. I want to spend my last days with my son. Think it as my last wish and please accept him.” The aged woman shatters into an emotional sob, as she appeals to her grandchildren to fulfill her longing.

“Maa” Anupriya holds the lady beside her, as she lets out a painful cry. Unable to see her like this, Anupriya turns towards Vansh after wiping her tears. “Bring him. Bring your father back.” Her gaze then moves towards Ishani to find out any retort from her, but Ishani was just anesthetized.

“You people really are angry with us, right? It’s fine then. It’s time I tell you all what happened years ago and how your father and I destroyed everything we had in between us. At least then, you all will not have a problem with him right?” Anupriya implores vulnerably, hoping for at least a small response.

“Maa, no need-

“Not now.” She interrupts Vansh while he sighs heavily, knowing she is right. “I have never thought I would be sharing this again, but destiny had some other plans.” She chuckles blankly. Everyone stares at her in empathy.

“I was born and brought up in Nasik. My parents Nimesh Khatri and Surekha Khatri had an arranged marriage. I was their only child. I was pampered and loved dotingly. I was 18, when I got the news that my parents had an accident and were spot dead. I was left alone with no support and strength. Can you people believe, I didn’t cry.” Anupriya snickers devastatingly.

“That was when I met my hero, Mr.Pratap Rai Singhania, the nascent businessman. He was present at my parent’s funeral, looking gloomy and sad. While everyone was feeling pity and sympathy for me, he was daunted with how composed I was. It wasn’t even a few days after my parent’s death, when my mother’s brother, my uncle came to me and informed me that I was getting married and that too with a person whom I didn’t meet twice. Again my reaction was the same, blank and void. I was married shortly and moved in with him, who was still a stranger to me. He told me that he was a dear person to my father.” Anupriya halts, as if remembering those moments.

“Even if I didn’t know him completely, he was the only support I was having. I felt very feeble and fragile, who couldn’t defy getting married at a young age. He truly became a knight in shining armor; he was enduring, kind, caring and affectionate. He thrived in bringing my lost soul back; he stood by me in my susceptible moments, he soothed me when I was suffering with atrocious nightmares, he supported me in my career and academics, he embraced me with my flaws and imperfections. I started sensing emotions again; I started laughing with my heart, I started enjoying my life again, I started to move on in my life and most importantly, I fell in love with him as he became my everything. He made me feel important.”Anupriya smiles weekly, as she saw the way her children were looking at her.

“He took care of me without expecting anything in return. He respected my solitude and always maintained a comforting space around me. He used to travel places for some important business meetings and I used to stay with Surekha.” Sampath smiles artlessly at the mention of his mother while Sanjana leans on his shoulder.

“Surekha and Abhimanyu were the only family I had beside my husband. Their small and striking child was the cutest teddy.” She says to which Sampath blushes.

“I almost completed my studies when I got to know that I was pregnant with my first child. Even though Pratap had a great inconvenience, I was adamant on the birth of my first child. My Vansh came into this world with a dazzling hope of becoming the sole happiness of our world. I became a mother for the first time. Pratap took great care of you while he forced me to complete my studies.” Anupriya says while looking at Vansh, who had a feeble smile on his face.

“I was finally relieved from my degree, when I found out that I was pregnant for a second time. This time, it was a blessing that came true as my Ishani was born. She was her father’s little superstar.” Her gaze moved towards Ishani, who immediately smiled.

“I was selected in my campus interview. Pratap wanted me to start my career to become a self dependent woman, but I wasn’t ready as I had to look after my children. I chose to delay my professional life for a few years or until my children were of school going age. He proposed to appoint a nanny for them but still I refused it, as it wasn’t a very usual choice back then and women were expected to take care of their children and the household, the famous social stereotype. And finally when my both children were going to school, I was pregnant with my third child-“

Siya chuckles loudly, unable to control herself even after knowing that it was the least doable thing at that moment.

“Sorry” She apologizes genuinely.

“I lost all my hopes after that as I knew my age wasn’t going to stay the same and also my career options were almost nil. It wasn’t like I was despondent and dejected because for me my career was never a worry. Maybe because I was content in looking after my family without any additional deviation, because all they had was Pratap and me after Surekha’s death.” Anupriya says, while everyone listens to her carefully waiting for the actual reason behind their separation.

“We both had 10 years of love, trust and respect. I was always behind him; whenever he needed me because all I knew was he didn’t have anyone other than me. For me, my life always revolved around my husband and children. My life was simple and pleasant-” She pauses, taking a deep breath.

“Until I learnt the truth about him that; he wasn’t what I thought he was but a liar, a brutal impostor. All the years, while I devoted myself and loved him, he was misleading me with implausible lies and deceits. The man who was my world has turned my world upside down. My husband played an incredible game, without letting a single moment of suspicion, with me for 10 long years. While I was trusting him completely, he was busy keeping his secrets secretly.”

I actually planned to reveal the past story of Anu and Pratap in this chapter. But then few of you wanted RiAnsh moments, so I had trim down some part.

Next part will reveal their past.

Hope you all liked the chapter.