Marriage For Convenience (completed)

Chapter 3

Chapter 3  

“Chaand baby” Oh no my mom shouted and guess where she is, adjacent room.

She doesn’t have to shout but she does and the nickname Chaand, someone tell her it’s now a part of item song and its urrggghhhh…

“Baby granny calling. Come to us.” She continued her loud banter.

Somebody tell her that her Hindi; our mother tongue is something I adore more than the English that she uses.

But nay!!! Its really cute the way she speaks and I really bite the inner of my cheeks to stop from laughing but still she is adorable.

She has been kind enough to unconditionally shower her love to me….

“Hai! So beautiful” my forever over dramatic granny was drooling over the pic of Pari “when will she come to my house?” she sighed dreamily.

Can I have some earplugs and blinders for my eyes?

I am tired of both the silly women nestled together.

“Soon, very soon” my mom added, “We’ll go to their house with some goodies and confirm the engagement.” She too sighed dreamily both the ladies making same poses as my mom leaned on my granny’s back thinking about my would be wife ooops would be fake wife.

But my granny shifted in shock “what?” she shouted ignoring that my mom who was leaning on her had fallen badly ruining her 75$ Mac lipstic.

“s**t!” what did you do “this was latest edition, I wear to my kitty party.” My mom pouted.

“What have I done?” my granny was full on scolding, “What are you doing? You are really good for nothing”

“What happened Granny” I sat besides her hugging and rubbing my hands on her arms trying to calm her down.

It’s her age pseudo bulbar, emotional liability disorder she gets emotional and worked up due to such illness.

“They are delaying your engagement to next week. Why?” my granny was complaining and got teary eyes now “you all have seen Pari once and I am the only unfortunate one not to be able to see her. And she is.” she pointed at my mom accusingly “procrastinating confirming the girl and fixing it for you for another week.”

“Mom” my mom tried to clarify “Raj’s dad busy and his uncle out town. How can we go?” my mom explained sincerely in her goofy English as if it was the biggest solution for the nuclear attack.

 “So you cannot go” my granny was back in her drama queen avatar.

“But he can go.” She swapped her position with me now rubbing my arms playfully “you go and give the goodies and say that the relationship is confirmed.

‘Oh no another four hour drive’ I was cringing mentally but also rejoicing the fact that I could meet the feisty minx again.

Though she irritates the hell out of me but her mood swings and boldness also amuses me.

“NO I am NOT attracted to her” I scolded my inner self who was pointing his finger at me playfully.

“You will do this for me please” my granny winked at my mom and I knew this was all an act between the two.

“Of course he will. I pack all the goodies and send him right away.” My mom intervened excitedly.

So this was indeed an act by the two.

They were planning to send me yet were doing it in disguise.

But why?

Raj you were fooled by the women!

Yeah whatever.

Imagine when the third one, third generation; Pari joins them how’d you survive?

Oh she’ll never join them, she’d be my fake wife and would never mingle with the two. I convinced my self but my inner self smiled sarcastically, his expression saying I am a fool to believe that.

God I should really get fool tattooed on my forehead!

Before I could think of an excuse to deny to go, my mom stood ready with for big bags full of goodies, she tried to explain what they were filled with but my brain stopped registering after chocolates, fruits, dresses and on and on…

Yeah girls and their accessories – gloss, clips, bangles, my brain gets corrupted even with their names so why bother?

I was rummaging the oxidized huge key shaped key holder debating which car to carry when my granny shouted from behind “going for a good work take the red car, red color is a good omen for such rituals”

Whoa what has color of the car to do with the omen of rituals?

But I wont argue.

You know why

Because its better to keep your mouth shut and let people think that you are a fool than to argue!

And my inner wicked self-applauded at my thought.

I was about to pick a pebble and aim at him but thought otherwise.

“Granny I’ll do one thing I will also change into a red shirt then it would be best omen” I checked on my humor.

But my sooooo sweet granny beat me to it “Hush silly you’d more of look like a potter from the Delhi railway station picking up luggage. Nonsense” she abused yes though it was verbal  “Now go. Eager much” 

My mom and granny started laughing high fiving each other confirming that I was tricked.

And my inner had nothing to say but shrug his shoulders as if it was a normal thing of me being coned by others.

Actually unfortunately when it comes to these two ladies it was s***h is always is.

“I tell you this girl is good for nothing, always welcoming accidents. Now you get it why the groom’s side hasn’t responded.” Her mother yelled from probably first floor and I could hear it form the car park actually not the car park but the back of the house where my car could be parked, there wasn’t any designated parking space in the house.

“Better dry the clothes before going to college Pari, Deya needs them” was another command heard by me and I laughed someone who could control the feisty bitch.’I thought as I strolled around the huge living room.

The other day I was so worked up or you may say it was jet lag that I failed to notice how basic and traditionally the house was designed with no amenities of the modern day life. 

Stick figures of a girl and boy dancing in a natural habitat were painted all over the muddy walls in red and white.

On the fair visible corner of the room were paintings of Indian deities Radha and Krishna mingled with each other in a kind of hug portraying true love and devotion.

I was mesmerized by the simplicity and yet elegance of the house when a sudden smack on my chest disoriented me and the stinging pain…

Well I am not a girl but the attack was sudden

So I couldn’t help but shout “Oh s**t!’

Oh s**t “ was echoed but it was not an actual echo Pari repeated perhaps she too was unaware of where she was banging.

Holding the bag secure she cursed ‘Oh s**t ‘ only 20 minutes for the class” and she was ignoring me ready to leave 

“Pari wait” my voice made her panic 

“You here? Why? Since when? “She started her series of interrogative words probably all of them available in a dictionary.

“Whoa what are you a questionnaire?” I said sarcastically but she was a spoilsport for she did not cringe. She was rather scared, nervous, worried or whatever the expressions were not warm.

Neither do I expect her to be warm, nasty b***h!

But still you were excited to me meet her rather eager, my inner teased.

I wish I had a tape and could strap his out spoken mouth 

But. No use.

“Sshhh… sshhh what happened. Be quiet. What happened and why are you here?” she asked, her dark chocolate pupils roaming left and right checking if there was anyone around.

I lifted my hands filled with bags “Goodies as like shagun or token for fixing the marriage.” I said calmly.

Who am I, a cucumber?

What are you talking about?” 

My d**k? I smirked

‘Shut up’ I said to my internal rambling.

“Oh no no no” she juggled her head left and right in denial “I never accepted your proposal of what was it… “ She thought for a while “umm convenient what. Whatever, convenient marriage. I never agreed.” She huffed pulling me from my arms taking me out of my house.

“Neither did you deny.” I shrugged my shoulders.

She indeed is a chameleon. Changing colors

“See I cannot do this, I cannot lie, cannot cheat elders.” She closed her eyes probably trying to formulate reasons to deny the wedding. “You please leave before anyone sees you.” She begged.

“But Pari we talked it through.” I tried to convince. There was no looking back.

And who is behind you?

I ignored my inner self, this was crisis for god’s sake and my inner takes time for humor at this hour.

Probably mouth strapping was a better idea.

“Listen I do not want to go on this forever. Enough is enough. We are into this fake marriage and we have to do it, for ourselves” this time I looked directly into her eyes.

And when I found her not budging at all I asked “Or do you have any other guy helping you out on this?’

Her expressions changed immediately and did I see fear in her eyes?

“You are a moron and I do not have time for your non sense I have to rush for college and you too” she moved her pointer from me t the exit door “leave.

She moved out of the house trailing me along.

 “Go away. I’ll call you.”  She pushed me out or you can say she tried to push the big hulk out but I was the same stubborn one.

You forgot I workout everyday. I have well toned abs for goodness sake.

“Wait.” I held hand hand and she freaked.

With strong force she pulled her hand from the grip and it was not due to pain.

 “You are bleeding” I said and for the first time I felt genuine concern for her.

“Oh no” she pouted, “ I had applied the spray but banging with you I guess the wound’s fresh again. No worries I’ll manage.”

She walked out of the house, no tried to walk out hoping for her to follow but I was a destined antagonist to her desires at the moment

.“Hey wait, you are hurt, I’ll drop you.” I offered.

And I guess she turned red

“Pari who are you talking to?” he mom shouted from above and the sound seemed louder for she walked towards us. “Pari who are you talking to?” her mother repeated as she tied her long salt and pepper hair half dyed with artificial hair color into a knot letting the remaining flow to her mid waist

“Oh no. Please stay quiet” Pari almost begged.

“Greetings ma’am, these are little goodies [shagun] my mom sent for you and it’s a yes.” I said calmly.

Now the shot had been fired and I had to wait for the 

consequences.

Finally there was no longing back and I patted on my back for the brave act.

Her mom eyed between the bags of goodies, her gaze then followed me and later her.

“Pari you were getting late.” her mom suggested and Pari cringed and that was a new because she doesn’t seem to get intimidated by anyone

“Umm.. Yes” she turned to leave, fear etched on her face.

But for what?

Moving her rubber band to retie her pony into a bun and failing miserably for her hand was still bleeding, she left and I too sprinted out of the house to try and make it.

But her mom stopped me on the tracks

“You should have called before coming dear.” her mom’s sweetened voice fell into my ears and I was praying for a miracle. I wanted to catch up with Pari

“I did but uncle’s phone was switched of and Pari was not picking up the phone.” I said respectively

Well I lied!

But it was with respect…

DON’T judge

What did you expect me to say, two girls no grown up women in my life are crazy and they did not think of calling before sending me here.

For damage control I bent on her feet extending my right hand pretending to touch her toes with no intentions of actually doing the same to get her blessings and she complied with a ‘long live’ blessing.

I guess all elders in India are used to for it is a ritual to let the younger feel smaller in front of them.

Why am I being negative?

I huffed for mostly this is a piece of respect and bending in front of elders can never be a bad thing and it creates an impression.

But why am I interested?

Coz you are supposed to marry her daughter dumbo. My inner active again 

‘Fake marry’ I reminded myself

“Son have some refreshments, you had driven such a long distance. Its hot too.” Her mom offered but I was in a rush I had to catch up with Pari.

“I am good, the car was conditioned and I have some important work too.” I said politely.

“Some refreshments at the least” she insisted

”I have some work around.” I finally excused myself from her mother’s judgmental eyes ”My mom will talk to you personally later in the evening. I guess I need to leave”

 “Take care dear,” her mom said sweetly.

Once out of the house I could finally breath

Thank God! The ordeal was over. Too much pretending for a future son-in-law

######

“I said” I was loud and bossy this time “I’ll drop you.” And Pari turned around disinterested yet she waited silently.   

“Where is your car?” she asked as if she was doing a favor riding with me to her college.

May I use her tag “Nasty b***h”

I clicked the remote of the keys and the red car, Audi A4 series came to life..

“This is YOUR car?” she asked even though the answer was obvious.

And did I see her drooling?

Wow shame on you” my inner mocked “your car impresses her more than you can”

What do I do?

I simply imaginarily hung my head and agree to him

He was right.

She liked my car more than the hot muscles that I had struggled hard to get.

She was amazed at the looks of the car, I could see it imprinted on her glowing face that she was impressed when I initiated to open the passenger door for me ‘what a gentleman you are!” look plastered on her face

But I, being the i***t that I am bent to the dashboard displaying my perfect set of butts right on her face.

She noticed?

Of course she did

Why wont she? And why wouldn’t she?

Okay stop I am not a boaster yet when toned worked out ass right slapped on your face you are supposed to admire.

And mind it I did see her staring at my assets on the side glass mirror

Consequently I was purposely procrastinating my task.

Aren’t you guys judging now?

Well whatever I know I am a jerk so I’ll pass.

But when I stood with a box of first aid, she was speechless with an awww! Expression on her face

“I am okay. I don’t need this,” she said pushing the box away from her.

“Why the big girl is scared of burning antiseptic?” I teased.

“Pain doesn’t bother me.” she mumbled irritated.

“What?” I appeared shocked and shook my head dismissively.

“Raj” she said “I am seriously getting late. Shall we leave?”

“Not before you are bandaged.” I insisted.

“I said I am okay” she was irritated “why do you want to show that you care?”

God I want to pull my hair out in frustration

Damn this woman.

I feel like running to the drivers seat and accelerating the car past her and let her walk to her college

But I cant

Why?

 s**t the bleeding.

“I do not want to soil the seats of my expensive sedan with your blood. Got it. Now keep going” I was angry without par but my concern about car made her change her decision and I smiled inertly

Fruitfully she did not argue over this perhaps she was judging 

Whatever puts her to sleep!

“I wonder how your mom let you go while you were bleeding.”

 “Oh she is an Indian mother-in-law who gets worked up whenever their son-in-laws are visiting. So she might have not noticed.” she finished trying to be convincing enough but her words did not match her tone

I wonder why?

I started to attend to my wound with the cotton swab trying to hold her hand.

But she snatched the thing from me and worked on her own rubbing the antiseptic on her wound as if it did not burn at all. Expressionlessly she applied the lotion before strapping it.

“Happy’ she showed her palm or rubbed it on my face “now can we go?’ she asked irritated.

I smiled but didn’t say anything except pushing the keys in and putting the royal chariot into life.

“How?” I asked and she paled all of a sudden

“Clumsy with the glass utensils” she stated grimly, her voice not matching her erect demeanor stating that there was more to it.

My feisty okay not mine but THE feisty girl was lost and I was missing her so I changed the topic.

“You are very fond of studies?” I asked, my eyes glued to the bumpy roads.

“Nay! I hate studies.” She said easily.

“Then why are you so keen in going to college? Hmm…. Some boyfriend?” I asked.

“I never had a boyfriend, never will, it’s only my destination to become an efficient doctor that drives me through.,” she explained.

 I don’t know why but I seemed to be a good listener.

For the moment! Don’t get your hopes up.

“Left and here we are.” She took a deep sigh as if holding her breath after I pressed the brake pedal,

Probably I drove too fast.

Actually she was fiddling with her hands, opening and closing her mouth to say something and I knew it was declining the proposal so I took this way out rather shut her out with the speed.

And she did enjoy the ride, I could see.

I looked around assessing her college. It was a narrow concrete lane surrounded by trees from both the sides. If it was a bright sunny day one wouldn’t notice because of the flush green leaves filled with yellow and orange flowers all around

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“This is your college?” I asked with my brows furrowed in confusion. There wasn’t any building nor  any students mulling around.

It was strange

“No its another left from here.” she was about to get down when I pressed the race pedal.

“Why can’t I drop you to the college?” I asked confused.

“Your car.” She answered closing her eyes and pressing her forehead, migraine was invited. I could say because her face was pale and eyes slightly red.

“My car. What’s wrong with it, the roads are good too at least here?” I asked perplexed.

“Its your car that is a problem. Lord of the rings!” she gestured the whole car widening the gaps between two hands showing how big it is.

Lord of the rings I was trying to figure out what she meant

And I finally realized that she was commenting on the monogram AUDI with the four-ring emblem smart ass!

Yes I actually complimented her.

You can shower flowers on me for the achievement

 “The girls in my college are sure as hell going to get sick of drooling. And that’s scary” she continued commenting as if it was my fault that I could own a big sedan.

Ignoring her ramble I raced again and parked rightin front of her college.

 I waited for her to leave but she stood still.

“We are here,” I stated as I eased on my seat.

“Oh I thought you’d drive me to my class.’ she sarcastically stated.

“Sorry cant.” I said casually before adding “funny though”

“So laugh,” she said snidely before leaving.

I know she is baptizing me as a show off 

If this is what it is going to be marrying this feisty brat, I think I am in a big trouble’ I sank into my seat with that thought.

If you are wondering that she’d be paying attention to what the professor is saying then don’t worry she and professor are good.

 She’s least concentrating and is ignoring the rabbit teeth, wide glass monster of a teacher who cannot speak without yelling.

So where are her train of thoughts?

“On you” my inner remarked.

I was sure she was planning to outright deny the wedding when I was riding all the way to Mathura to confirm the same with her

Convincing her to fake marry me is going to be one hell of a trouble.

Would I get into a bigger trouble than I am with this marriage?

Yeah marriage corrections fake marriage.

What have I put myself into?

But marrying any other girl or denying the marriage and asking them to let me marry Sam is going to be nothing less than planting a Hiroshima bomb on my family.

So I think I am ready for this.

Soon I have to convince her for the same

Bring it on!

Marriage for convenience….

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