The resentmentPreparations for the

The resentment

Preparations for the upcoming Walima function were on in full-swing at the Mohammed household. Last minute details and arrangements were being looked into, in order to ensure that everything went smoothly. Hamida was actively involved in the organization. She and her husband sat in the living room, as they went through the menu for the evening. Jodha came and greeted both of them with a wide smile. After touching their feet, they called her to sit beside them.

Ammijaan - Jodha beta, I hope you are comfortable. If there is anything you need, please do let us know!

Abujaan - Yes Jodha, don't hesitate! We are your parents now!

Jodha - Actually, I was wondering when I should resume college. Is it okay if I begin from next week?

Abujaan - Of course beta! Start whenever you want! I am sure you must have missed a lot of your studied because of the wedding. Do you want us to hire a tutor for you?

Jodha (smiling) - Thank you so much, Abujaan but its okay. I'll manage it on my own. Moti and Sukanya will help me out

Ammijaan - Beta, we are having the Walima tomorrow. It is basically a reception party which we are keeping for friends and family

She felt a deep stab in her heart. All the atrocities in the name of tradition were just not letting her forget about the marriage which she had unwillingly been forced to enter. If the wedding and legalities were not enough, she would now be presented to the world as the wife of the man, who changed her life. She pulled herself together; there was in no way Jalal's parents could know about their disdain for each other. They were the only ones who had been kind to her, and the revelation of the harsh truth behind this marriage would surely break them.

Jodha (smiling) - Oh achcha. But Ma and Papa...

Abujaan - They are surely coming. We already spoke to them

Ammijaan - And don't you worry about your attire, I have already personally selected it

*********

She sat in her room, looking out the window, as the colour of the sky changed from light orange to dark blue. Although she had a much comfortable and relaxed life now, it was a constant reminder that she was somebody's amanat' or milkiyat'. Only resuming her college would make her feel better, but she needed to adjust in the household. As evening fell, her first day at his house came to an end. She realised that it was nearly time for Jalal to return.

After having dinner, Jalal went into his study to make some phone calls. It was well-done up, with a good collection of books. Jodha had gotten a bit bored; she had tried watching TV yet nothing seemed to interest her. She went into the study, hoping to find some soothing literature, which she could read while resting in the bedroom, and saw him sitting calmly by the desk, talking on the phone. She ignored him and went to the books shelf while he noticed the disregard from her side. It did ruffle feathers in him, and he quickly ended the phone call.

Jalal - Hey!

She heard him yell, but gave no answer and pretended to go through some titles. Her insolence angered him; he got up from his chair and walked up to her.

Jalal - Hey! Are you deaf? Didn't you hear me call out to you?

She calmly turned around to face him. She wasn't afraid of him anymore, rather she was determined to not let this man get the better of her.

Jodha - Mr Mohammed, I wasn't interested in speaking to you

He was very offended at this statement of hers. Her words were like daggers; they wounded him all the time yet he couldn't stop himself from grabbing her attention. She had her back towards the shelf; he slowly walked towards her and locked her against it, with his right hand on the shelf.

Jalal - What did you say again?

Jodha - I think you are having hearing problems. I said, I wasn't interested in speaking to you!

Jalal (smirking) - Do you feel that you can continue with your Cold War forever? You didn't even speak a word at the dinner table. I am sure that everyone has begun suspecting that things are not okay between us

Jodha - I do what I feel is right. And that was certainly not the time I wanted to even look at you

Jalal - Not even look at me? Alright, what do you have to say about the Walima then? You will have to smile and be with me all the time!

Jodha - Don't think of me as being so prudish. I have very well thought of it. And I don't want to hurt Ammijaan and Abujaan in any way. Now please, let me go. I want to read the book

He stepped away and she walked off from there, not giving him another look. A permanent smirk had descended on his face ever since she had come into his life; it never seemed to fade away.

Jalal - Aur kitna dur rahogi humse, Jodha! You yourself will come running one day, and I will take you in my arms!

*********

The next morning arrived. She lay beside her husband, who was fast asleep. It was no doubt, difficult to sleep on the same bed but the couple had somehow managed to adjust. Jalal, per se, had no issues to have her sleeping beside him. But Jodha couldn't stand the fact that she had to share her bed with the person she hated the most. It was a very natural phenomenon in case of many newly-weds, but their situation was entirely different from the rest. She carefully placed her feet on the floor and got up, making sure not to break his slumber. After finishing her bath, she was called by Ammijaan to her room.

Jodha - Good morning, Ammijaan

Ammijaan - Good morning, beta. Come sit here

Jodha sat, waiting for Ammijaan to re-appear from the closet. She soon came out, with a gift-wrapped package in her hand.

Ammijaan - Here take this, beta

Jodha - Umm... what is this?

Ammijaan - Just open it, you will find out

She began un-wrapping it, with Ammijaan waiting eagerly for her reaction. She opened the box and saw a cerulean blue coloured saree, with a matching pair of jhumkas and kangans. Her eyes widened with happiness and she looked up.

Ammijaan - Did you like it, beta?

Jodha - Yes Ammijaan! I loved it!

Ammijaan - I am so glad! I would love it if you wear this for the Walima today

Jodha - Yes surely! I am happy to oblige!

She carried the package to her room. She had never felt this happy in the past two months. So what if she had to bear with his presence, so what if she had to stand beside him all evening. She had the opportunity to look beautiful today, and wouldn't want anything to ruin it for her! Though her wedding day had gone by unhappily, she was now seriously looking forward to that evening. In order to make things extra special, she called over a beautician and pampered herself to the fullest. She got her nails done, and also got a beauty facial. By late afternoon, the stylist began working on her hair, and gave it a natural flowy look. She wore her short-sleeves blouse, and began with the saree. She had managed to learn the art of draping pretty well, and she had her mother to thank.