Cha 3: Sold
* * * *
Today was an eye opener for me. I watched Nandiri's bridal car pull out of the premises after the ceremony, she waving at us. I couldn't help but cry. She was very kind to me and now I'm left with only Mother, Papa and Tania. That, I must say, is the very definition of hell.
Papa had wanted me to get married. And fast too. He would even go as far as trading me for a business proposal, that I know. As the kameene balak, I'm not just a burden to him but also a disgrace as well to the whole family.
Ours is a small town really, everybody knows someone so news goes around quickly. There are just three prominent families here. Mine, Ajunno's and the Rajs. Nandiri's husband is from the Rajs.
Ajunno's who are the Seths are all married except Ajunno of course, who is betrothed to Shantell from a very prominent town three towns away. And that leaves only me. I'm the next target for marriage and Dad is eager to get me off his hands.
Right now, I'm in my room changing up for bed. I am deep in thoughts. Who will father make my groom? I wish Nandiri was here. Why did they have to move so far away? I had asked her if she loves him and she told me she did. They had met way back and she had kept seeing him until they were ready to be bonded.
Love.
What an alien that word is to me.
Someone knocks on the door, disrupting my thoughts. It is late. Who would be knocking by this time? I glance at my room. It is neat and the windows are open. Briskly, I walk to the door when the next knock comes. My mouth had fallen open when I opened the door and now I'm trying to close it. I can't understand why he is here by this time. This must be really serious whatever it is.
" Pa-"
" Mira I'm here to talk to you about the marriage arrangements. "
" What marriage arrangements Pa?"
" You know there have been few eligible demands to marry you and none of them have met my standards. But just recently, some who qualify all round have asked for your hand and not wanting to stall any longer, I and your mother have decided to pick a choice for you."
" Pa I don-"
" We will inform you when we come to a conclusion. Night. "
" Subha ratri Pa"
My heart aches. He had said " talk to you " but all I got were orders. He slams the door behind him and I can't help but stare at the shut door.
Why does it sound like my fate is already sealed?
* * * *
" What do we do now Bob? Shark is dead. You're in charge now. "
My blood pumps with excitement. I've been waiting for this moment for so long. Not that I'm happy about Shark's death but do I care? I've always dreamt of being in charge and now, it's finally happening.
" First, I need every information you can get me on that guy. Who is he? Where does his family live? Most importantly, what makes him tick?
" Okay, we're on it. "
Good. I like this Jim of a guy. He's smart and I can tell he will be loyal. I've been given access to the security account and all the others receive orders from me. I can't believe it. I'm more powerful than Shark himself. I love this power. And the weapons too.
" Done Boss. His name is Aeon Bakar but he goes by Deaon Rexon now. He's from the Eldor family. "
" Did you just say the Eldor family? Hmm.... We're up against a force if so. But why would he be so..... "
" Actually Sir, he has quite a record. A wayward kid I'd say. Shoplifts, fights, involved in gambling and then now drugs. He loves intoxication of many kinds, clubs heavily and everything trouble excites him. "
" Interesting. "
" He's the family's black sheep and all this information I got is through a spy. There's nothing much in his record because many things have been kept confidential by the family. "
" A spy you say, who is this spy and where is he? "
" He's a senior security guard at the family house and has been there for years. He can be trusted sir. "
" Tell him to keep us posted on the latest developments. We'll be needing the security formation too. "
" Yes sir! " Jim sets to work typing away and the room is quiet for a while. I'm thinking. Hard.
" Think my boy, where would he go after getting involved in such a mess? Come on, let's go say hi to the family. "
* * * *
Breakfast is ready... Why do I feel scared today? Papa had said they will let me know when they come to a conclusion but I feel they already have. I notice aunt Amyra watching me from the corner of my eyes. Does the worry show on my face?
" Mira dear, don't wear a long face. You're next in line to get married, shouldn't you be happy now?"
What? I knew it! I knew they had already concluded before letting me know. I pick up a tray of plates and hurry out of the kitchen before Aunt Amyra can see my teary eyes. Just as I'm done setting the table, Papa, Mom and Tania walk into the dinning. We all sit silently but I've already lost my appetite. I feel full, heavy,like I swallowed a stone or something. After a while, Dad picks up the morning paper and looks at me. His eyes are cold,dark oceans if you ask me.
" You see this?" He throws the paper at me and I lower my gaze to it. It's the local newspaper and Nandiri's story made the cover page. Why won't it? She got married to Josh Raj.
" Open it. Come on now, open it." Dad orders.
I flip to the next page and my blood freezes. There I am, a scowl on my face. The controversial heading was not even helping matters.
" Is Mira Dhar hiding something about her sister's marriage?"
"You see, you always get us all in trouble. Can you see the image you've given us?" Mom pipes in and I swallow hard, bits of sweat forming on my brow.
" Next page" Dad sneers
I turn over the next page, my heart pounding furiously.
It's a picture of me smiling sweetly, Ajuuno in front of me and another of us both walking hand in hand towards his table.
" The Next Newest Couple" screams the heading and I want to shout in frustration. What were they thinking publishing a thing like this? I don't want Shantell coming after me. They're betrothed.
" Papa, this is not true, I have nothing to do with...."
" But it would make a great union if it is." Dad cuts in, leaving me astounded. I know this is for selfish reasons but isn't it too much?
" But what about Shantell?" Mom asks feigning worry.
" Honey, we talked about this remember?" Papa says touching her hand lightly and I can imagine him stepping on her foot under the table. I know that language. They've just settled something.
" Papa I don't want to marry Ajunno."
" You are not getting married to Ajuuno Mira. In fact, your dear groom is more worthy." Tania says laughing out loud.
This is so unfair. Why would she know who my groom is when I don't even have a clue?
" Mira, Dad begins and I can see a smile twitching the sides of Tania's lips. I and your mother have come to a conclusion and we're sure he's perfect for you. The rites will be taken care of so you have nothing to worry about."
I can hear the finality in his voice. I have been sold.
Hi everyone...
I'm sorry, this chapter comes before chapter 4, Home.
I'll update CHA 5 soon.
I apologise for the confusion.
please do leave your comments...
Thank you.