Marriage For Convenience (completed)

Chapter 10

Chapter 10

````````Pari```````````

“Let me look at you.” Deya said politely for the first time as she moved my face holding my chin with her subtle tan fingers turning it left and right.

“What are you looking at?” I asked not able to comprehend her softness towards me for the first time.

“The bridal glow. They say a girl glows on her wedding day and I am looking for it.” Deya asked innocently.

Talk about the glow

“What do you want from me?” I asked, she’d never been that sweet and kind to me ever. Even if she desired something from me she was always demanding or asked mom to get it from me.

Hating to argue I’d always comply.

“Well trying to be a little palsy-walsy” she air quoted her fingers distastefully as she said, “For you are going forever”

“Forever” I repeated not sure where and how long I was going but one thing was sure I was exiting this house forever for once my father knew about my stunt of convenient marriage he’d surely disown me.

“Okay lets paint the town red” Deya said excitedly pulling me out of my tyrant thoughts as she lifted the matching red color to paint my nails in one hand and my palm in other.

I snatched my hand away from her grasp “What do you want Deya?” I asked irritated.

Too much saccharine!

“Hmm..” she smiled her goofy smile as she pulled the soft pillow on her laps and started painting her own nails

‘Good at least that’s not a pretend’ I said to myself

“The gown that you were wearing yesterday, I love it and the matching earrings too. I would love to wear it on my annual dance day and also its Natasha’s wedding this fall, the dress would be perfect. So give it,” she said demandingly extending her palm to get it from me.

“No” I shouted “Its not mine and the jewelry is real and worth a million. I cannot.”

“What! Are you crazy? Its yours, they gifted you and you can always give it to your adorable and beautiful sister.”

“Even if it is gifted to me, I am not in a position to pass on their gift and I WON’T” I stated firmly loud and clear and this tone of mine told that there was no room for arguments.

I could have given her honestly if it was mine or had I earned it but I intend to return the obnoxious richie rich each and every penny that he’d spent on me. 

Since I do not have money enough for the dress, I might take it to his home and probably Sia can use it later on.

I am not going to be a charity cause for him.

“You know that marrying that rich, arrogant prick has made you selfish. You are turning mean. Suck it up, she threw the nail paint on my bed not caring to close the lid and the color splattered everywhere.

I ignored the stains raging at my step sister “He is rich for sure but not arrogant or self-centered.

Even if she was leaving my room almost about to bang the door I shouted, “Neither is he a prick”

 I did not know why I had the need to defend Raj even though he does not stand high and mighty in the list of ones I admire.

But yes he wasn’t selfish and he cared.

Because when I was molested once again in front of others at the dance party, he realized that something was wrong and he came to help, others stayed oblivious thankfully.

He even did not find it low in his self esteem to bend in front of a girl and touch her feet, he did it nonchalantly only to help.

Probably he stirred something in my heart that had turned cold over the years of acquaintances with wrong men.

Even though I am always mean and rude to him, he still keeps up with me.

And why do I have to be mean? My thoughts were debating.

 Because he is so kind and good-looking, it should be a crime to be that handsome, he should actually be constrained for his good looks.

In fact he’d look even more handsome with the handcuffs on and those gray black eyes blinking screaming silently that I am innocent.

Handcuffs, shirtless, bed!!!

Shit! What thoughts was I having?

It is actually his looks that agonize me all the time, the forbidden fruit that he’s taken by a gori Sam and the fact that he’s is so attractive that I can barely control myself,

Even yesterday when he was so close to me, my heart was thudding so loudly that I am sure he’d notice and he did behave cockily but that wasn’t the exact reason I kicked my heels on his feet, it was the tingling that his slightest touch gave me, the butterflies that fluttered like Godzilla in my stomach for he volunteered to help when he could have easily called Sia, Deya or any of our mothers.

I couldn’t control myself, I was feeling something deep for him and I knew it was wrong, I shouldn’t..

 So I kicked him hard instead trying to kick all the wayward thoughts and feelings out of my mind.

Again the cocky prick winked at me.

He surely deserved a kick!

I sighed at my own self; I knew this wasn’t true.

And then I busted, I cried like a kid in front of him.

I shouldn’t have turned on him. Actually it was the f##king b@stard that had ruined my life since years and the other day too he chose to scare me or threaten me 

“Drop the wedding, say you don’t want to marry him.” He said, each and every word a threat to me.

“I cant” I tried to show fearlessness but my breathing was heavy now.

He towered over me pulling my hair tightly “b***h you cant or you don’t want to. More interested in warming the bed of that Richie rich you slut” his face millimeters close to me.

“You have done enough damage stop.” I said loud and firm while I was squirming inside, his each word a dagger piercing my soul.

“Within the flicker of second” he clicked his fingers “I’ll tell them the truth what w***e you are and you’ll be doomed. Your father would probably commit suicide” he tightened his grip

“No don’t’.. please” I begged.

“I like you begging” he was moving his hands on my bare arm wherein his other hand holding my chin so tight that it hurt.

And then the infamous night in shining armor ‘The Raj’ appeared

And I would never ever be thankful to anyone else.

Sometimes it is like marrying him would be like a fairytale fantasy except the ending which did not have a happily ever after.

He was taken

And I had been a nerd, stupid, crazy to speak it all to him, all my heart out.

Damn what was I thinking?

I thought he’d laugh and mock at me; instead he stood rather sat besides me lending me an ear and listened to me patiently.

Once he’s alone at home I am sure he’d been having a time of his life laughing at a small town girl’s orthodox thoughts on tradition and religion.

He’d probably rolling on the floor-laughing jerk!

‘Pari’ I cautioned myself ‘you are cursing him even in your thoughts. Bad girl’

The knock on my window made me jump on my bed.

What! I was packing ummm.. my undies.

I have to take them with me technically.

The knock took my attention to the window and I stood to finally check on the bugger.

When I looked through the glass two pair of silver gray eyes looked at me and I flinched.

Probably he was here to call off the wedding

He finally realized that the strong Pari who appears in front of others is a chicken

Oh s**t it is my lack of social skills with his friends; he thinks I am not worth his society

“I know I am good-looking but gawking when someone is hanging between life and death is rude.” He pulled me out of my inner rambling of negative thoughts.

“What are you doing here?” I asked angrily.

“Can we keep the discrepancies for later I am hanging on a very thin pane, I might fall and would limp while taking the wedding wows.” He said trying to show how much difficult it was for him.

“Why didn’t you take the main door?” I asked as 

I opened the window door to let him in.

“Yeah and your mom would let me in.” he made a snide face as he tried to mimic my mom, “It’s a bad omen to meet your bride on wedding day”

 I smiled at the fact he was stating and helped him in from the small square of my window, he did get his arms scratched slightly with the rusty panes but scrubbed them easily eyeing my room.

 Once he stood comfortably his eyes scanning the pale blue and white furniture and the tiny desk which was also my study table lined with books that I was yet to pack “Nice room he said” and then his yes landed on the pink and blue mattress on my bed and my cheeks flamed with embarrassment.

Not that the room was filled with nude pictures of Theo James or our Bollywood’s hottie Hritik Roshan, it was the stuff that was spread all over the cot

If you remember I was packing.

 I quickly picked the stuff in one swift go and dumped it throwing them carelessly in my cupboard knocking it shut quickly as if it would explode within seconds.

“You forgot this,” he said as he lifted my faded pink bra from besides the pillow that he’d adjusted for himself to sit comfortably.

I pulled it from him immediately hiding it behind my back and sliding backward and pushing it in the drawers of my study desk with all my stationery; yet to be packed.

What could I do?

“No need to be embarrassed I know it is an important apparel for girls” he winked again

“Cocky b@stard” I cursed him mentally, the after-meal desert-sweet smile was intact on my face as I gritted my teeth.

“How can I help you?” I asked uninterested while my inner was doing saki naka dance.

Well even I don’t know what saki naka dance it but it is a weird dance and saki naka seems to be weird word so I jumbled up in my thoughts. 

Again it’s a secret between me and my thoughts so suck it up. 

I was that jittery

 “I need to talk.” He said easily.

“You drove here all the way to talk to me. I guess I’d be coming to your house after wedding; we could talk there. What’s the rush?” I raised my eyebrow eying him accusingly “Eager much or you plan to bury me in the woods midway to your home?” I looked squarely into his eyes not showing how much his talk was bothering me.

Yes this wedding seemed to be better escape since my life had been a roller coaster of untoward events haunting me.

He simply laughed as he shrugged his shoulders “Well I have no intentions of getting arrested on my wedding day especially with the accuse of murdering an insane.” He mocked.

My eyes bulged out in annoyance “Insane?” I put my hands on my hips trying to intimidate him.

Did it work?

What do you expect?

The jerk laughed harder.

“This is important ma’am, I’ll be quick” he said in a no nonsense accent walking towards the door and locked it securely after making sure that there wasn’t anyone around.

“This is a small wedding gift for you” he offered me some stack of papers, the excitement in him could be compared to a child let loose to have infinite numbers of ride in a fun n fair.

I was beyond shocked to read the title of the first paper “Marriage contract”, my eyes might have turned red and the ground beneath my feet was shaking.

“What the f##k is this?” I asked; mentally cringing myself for the loud use of profanity.

See I do not call him obnoxious jerk for nothing.

“What?” he was surprised at my burst out “I thought it is for your own good, a legal contract for our security.” He stated as if discussing the price of rising onions.

He is indeed a MORON in capital

I folded my hands around my waist. I don’t know why he’s attentive when I do that and therefore I do take it as advantage “you studied in America right?” I asked.

With a pride lift of his head he agreed, “Yes”

I made a serious face pissed that I was. 

Why? This paper work was the live proof of my sins.

Well it is not a crime, its only fake wedding but still I believe it’s a moral sin that I am doing and I’d never forgive myself for lying to my elders.

I am sure I am being dramatic.

But seeing those papers the reality of our fake marriage hit like a slap on my face while he is carrying a permanent goofy smile etched on his face.

I am sure a cartoonist can use his face as an inspiration to design a new character.

“There are no reservations in colleges in America right?” I asked again though I knew the answer “But I am sure the university you applied and accepted was the one that surely had a FOOL’s reservation quota and you got full scholarship”

“Yes I was offered 100% scholarship on mer..” he paused when he realized what I was talking.

“ONLY FOOLS can think of a marriage contract and carry it to their bride’s house on the day of their wedding” I tried to stop shouting trying to keep our conversation a little discreet while the jerk standing in front of me was getting the worst out of me.

Talking about the bridal glow huh!

“Relax, breathe in breathe out “ he counted for me “1, 2, 3..”

“I do not have water that I’ll spill on you. Now pick these papers and get out of the house” I lifted the papers rolling them into a rod and was really tempted to hit him with the same but I controlled.

This could not harm his thick brains and thick skin.

“Before you manhandle me at least read these papers’ he pushed the papers towards me and pouted with a begging face.

How can one say no to that?

Sitting crossed leg Indian style on my bed I snatched the papers rather harshly from him and was about to read when he gave his trade mark smirk and sat besides me extending his arm around me trying to be comfortable, a bit too close for my liking.

A threatening glare from me and he scooped himself shifting a bit away and giving me space.

I did find it adorable cute but I had to maintain my mask on so I made a straight face and remarked, “That’s better”

“r******w, I do not have whole day, it’s my wedding today.” He suggested.

“Oh really! Because I am completely free today planning to read a novel since I am on a holiday.” I made a duh face.

“You are trying to be funny?” he crunched his eyebrows acting to fail to get my humor but I did see him smile secretively.

“Well you know screw it. I’ll read it for you.” He snatched the papers from me and I was relieved for I did not like the very concept of legalizing the fakeness of our wedding. 

It scares the hell out of me.

He read “Parijat Thakur” from Mathura UP, India born on 1stApril, 1983 and Raichand Malhotra from Delhi, India born on 25thDecemeber 1980” and he started giggling hilariously.

What? I wanted to ask but I made a seriously bugged expression and he continued laughing.

“What?” I asked finally.

“You were” he laughed uncontrollably “born on fools day.” His laughter continued while I snatched the papers from him 

Corrections tried to, jerk had a steel grip on them.  

I stood off the bed trying to walk away and he got the clue and said “okay okay” he tried to stop laughing and I tried honestly tried to keep a straight face.

Honestly why was I born on that day?

Fate, destiny or whatever…

“Lets get over with it” he controlled himself finally and continued “being sworn state that following statements are true and correct and that except as otherwise stated in the agreement, this agreement serves as a full and final settlement of all the parties….”

“Pari” my mom called and I stood alert scared of what may come next.

“Raj this is .. this is not a right thing to do.” I stopped his rant and tried to hush him away, my heart beating wildly inside my chest.

“Sanya what do you want its her wedding let her be.” My father said something that went unheard and I relaxed.

“Raj can you cut the details and its okay I as it is do not want any agreement.” I said really worried and scared 

What if either of my parents turns up here? Probably Deya must have complained about my lack of cooperation regarding the gown

“They are gone. Relax and I ‘ll hide in the washroom or don’t worry I am always ready with bundle of excuses” he stated with his cool like cucumber look plastered on his face

Cucumber huh?

Don’t even go near his d ***, you know what!

“See I’ll translate the list in easy language, not in legal terms that I have stated,

 Number 1. Marriage is contractual and only valid for two year.

No 2. It is my responsibility to enroll you to medical school arrears to which I am liable to fine upto 5 lacs

No.3 Make sure that the wife is respected and is  not physically violated or abused in the house.” He added “it’s a promise I won’t ever touch you without your permission”

I looked at him with a combination of awe and shock, mouth hanging open.

He did put an effort to push it close with his hand but I beat him to it.

“ No 3.” he continued “I am liable to pay you your monthly allowance of 50000/- every month; its half the amount I withdraw for my personal use and sorry I cannot exceed the amount. I too have needs,” he said blushing slyly.

Did I think he looked cute?

I gave an angry glare to my Hayward thoughts and tried to focus on what he was saying rather than how he was saying.

“Pari are you even listening?” He waved his hand in front of me “or are you fantasizing about me naked in your thoughts?” he wriggled his eyebrows playfully.

“Do you ever get tired of self boasting you self obsessed prick or you only think with your d!ck?” I folded my hands and his gaze went below my neck

I actually saw him swallowing the lump in his throat as he stared at the deep neck of my nightgown.

Don’t judge I was tired and DID not know he was coming. I was only trying to be comfortable.

“My eyes are here and ears on you so continue.” I raised my two fingers directing towards my eyes and then tapped them on the stack of papers.

“No 4.  It is the sole responsibility of the husband to make sure that all the basic needs like food, shelter, clothing and medical facilities are properly provided for the in term wife for the duration.

No 5. Husband  promises to provide all the amenities and luxuries that you deserve  as my time for the term you are with me and make sure you get all the travelling allowance or vehicle including the diver expenses and fuel expenditure covering his economical status.”

“I do not need all this. I’ll be fine.” I interrupted.

“Let me finish and then you can add your terms, I wouldn’t mind.” He said with a no-nonsense rare tone.

“No 6.  I agree to make sure that you are under no pressure physically and emotionally and have the right to express your views and do follow what you deem right without any opposition or controversy.” He took a deep breath as he closed the file neatly like it was the most prestigious thing “You can read whenever you feel like in the legal language.”

 “And last not the least no. 7 after the end of two year term when the contract is over, husband or wife neither of them can force each other to continue or extend the contract whatever the consequences and husband should make sure that she has a permanent residence to stay after the term is over.

These are my seven wows, seven promises to you as I take seven rounds of that sacred fire.”

He looked at me expectantly waiting for a reaction, probably an acknowledgement of thanks or a hug probably since he’s studied from America but I am speechless and if I look at the mirror right now my mouth would be hanging open, jaw falling on the floor almost.

Gray black eyes looked at me giving me time and my dark eyes reciprocated his stare, I had no answer, no come back or anything to say so I simply stared back.

The staring contest was interrupted by shrill of bell ring.

Yes it is a shrilling noise because the house is so big, my father wanted to make sure the sound reaches every corner of the house 

“You don’t have to do this” I return him the papers. “I don’t need any other favors from you except my admission, rest I promise I’ll pay you back.”

“I know I don’t have to do that” he said arrogantly and then instantaneously turning into a very soft hearted person he closed the little difference between us pushing the papers towards me “I want to do this, make sure that you smile when you leave this house of yours.”

“Raj the pandit would be chanting holy mantras and speaking about wows in Sanskrit and he’d make us repeat those.” I objected, he is really an educated illiterate.

“Pari Usted es la persona más estúpida que jamás haya encontrado” he said looking into my eyes directly.

“What?’ I seem to ask that question a lot.

I wonder how he handles his business; he’s an i***t?

“That was Spanish.” He said and continued, “It means you are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen”

My face might have been flushing pink.

You cannot blame me, I am not used to compliments.

“So you got it?” he tried to explain his stupid logistics “when you do not know the language, its what you understand and reciprocate; that is important” he explained and I was really trying to process his logic when another bell rang and now I was worried “You need to leave. Where did you park your car?” I asked my voice panicked.

“Don’t worry no body can see my car?” he tried to convince.

“You mean your Lord of the rings is not visible. Or you have parked it inside the secret basement.” I mocked.

He ignored me and pushed his pen for me to sign “Hurry up before my car is located and today I haven’t brought the BIIIIIGGGG car” he mimicked me.

“Tell me which one of yours is small BMW, AUDI or Mercedes.”

He scratched the back of his neck smiling uncomfortably “It is mini cooper but its really small car. Now sign” he dragged the papers in front of me as the bell was ringing continuously as if the house was on fire.

Probably everybody expects me to open the door.

I literary throw Raj out of the window who was mumbling some profanities about using the main door at least while leaving but I ignore him.

“Go” I shouted and he complied but returned back soon “It actually meant, you are most stupid person I have ever met in Spanish” and winked at me before taking the huge leap for the ground.

Now it was my time for the profanities “i***t, jerk, cocky b@stard, arrogant, prick…” 

I had to stop not because I had ended up with my quota of swearing rather I could have manhandled him if he was here I would rather would have banged his head again and again with a hammer till he gets a pout of swelling on his head just like they show it in Tom & Jerry cartoon series. Bloody… but I had to open the door.

So that can wait

Fortunately my father beat me to it.

Curiosity got over me to see who was knocking with such urgency like the world was on fire and I was not surprised to see my uncle standing on the doorframe “We need to talk” he said and my dad followed him inside.

So you guys know me by now. Though the fellow creeps me out still I am not gonna skip eavesdropping.

Kudos to me!

By the time I managed to reach trying to be as discreet and as quite as possible with the glass red and green bangles that a North Indian bride is compulsorily supposed to wear before her wedding I could hear my uncle narrating something and the hushed silence apart from his voice said my parents were listening attentively.

I too joined them “Then the groom took the bride to Australia after wedding and treated her like a servant, he married her only because he wanted a servant. I tell you, you should stop this wedding.”

“Raj is not the right groom for Pari………