It was late evening; she sat by the

It was late evening; she sat by the window, admiring the dark sky. She looked truly stunning; her doe-shaped eyes and her bow-shaped lips being prominent. The saree was no doubt, beautiful, and had been embroidered as per her traditions. Even though Ammijaan did not have much idea about her culture, she was ensuring that she felt comfortable and at home. All the efforts from her side really pleased Jodha; she felt special. Suddenly, her chain of thoughts was broken by the sound of footsteps; which soon grew louder. She turned around to see the cause; it was none other than her husband, who walked in wearing a black-coloured bandhgala jacket. After making eye contact with her, he went straight into the bathroom. His overpowering presence left her slightly awed; though she hated him, it had not escaped her notice that he was indeed a very well-dressed man and managed to carry off the most unconventional of outfits.

He stepped out; his hair gelled and the scent of a strong perfume emanating from him. A grin graced his handsome face, and he walked up to her. She regretted giving him eye contact earlier, noticing his sly smirk.

Jalal - So, you're ready!

Jodha - I hope you can see, Mr Mohammed. Or is it that your eyesight is also getting affected along with your hearing? Of course, I will be ready. But what surprises me is that you found time to dress, in spite of your disappearance

Jalal - Hmm...so you think my eyesight is getting weak! Why don't you recommend an ophthalmologist and schedule an appointment? As for my disappearance, I have work and meetings. I picked up my clothes from the designer's and wore it there itself. I don't have the pleasure of free time, unlike a collegian.

Jodha - I don't want to say anything to you, since it's a waste of time and energy. And frankly, I really don't give a damn about what you do or what even happens to you for that matter

Jalal - You know Jodha, you should learn to chill like people your age do. And you can begin by lowering your ever-flaring temper

Jodha - Wow! I don't believe this! The person, because of whom I am in this situation in the first place is asking me to calm down!

Jalal - Cut the sarcasm, Jodha. Its nearly 7.30 pm. We need to leave

Jodha - Oh alright. Let me just wear my sandals

Jalal - I can't believe you roam about in the house without any footwear

Jodha - Mr Mohammed, I absolutely detest wearing outside footwear at home, since it dirties the house. Oh God! Why am I even telling you all this!

Jalal - Please hurry up, we don't have all the time in the world

*********

"Is the length alright, beta?" the mother asked her girl, who was anxiously waiting for her saree to be fixed. While in the car, the pleats had opened up. She was obviously panicking, but her husband took charge of the situation and escorted her quickly to the dressing room.

Jalal - You wait inside, I will go call Ammijaan and...

Jodha - Umm...could you please tell Ma to come? I really want to meet her

He left without saying a word to her. She knew then, that he would never do as she had asked. She patiently waited, when she heard a knock.

"Jodha beta?"

Mainavati entered and began crying on seeing her. She ran to her daughter and gave her a tight hug, while Jodha consoled her. It was a tearful reunion, with the mother asking her about her sasuraal.

Jodha - Ma, you don't worry about me; I don't have any sort of problem there...Ammijaan and Abujaan are very nice...and its too soon, but I guess I am adjusting slowly and...

Mainavati - What about Jalal? Did you do as I say?

Annoyance rushed to her face on hearing his name; it took away the beautiful smile she had on.

Jodha - Ma, I don't want to talk about him please

Mainavati - But he is your husband!

Jodha - But I don't consider him! He is nothing but selfish and cruel

Mainavati - Then why did he tell me to urgently attend to you? He rushed to me and said that you needed help with your saree

Jodha was obviously surprised. She was trying her best to understand the inner-works of this man, yet couldn't figure it out. His actions towards her till now had been far from negative; rather he had complied with all her requests. Her refusal to bed with him, apart from allowing her to retain her maiden name.

Jodha - What did he say?

Mainavati - He told me that I had urgently called for you. Tum bhi na, where are you lost? Now come, let me fix this mess of pleats

*********

She nervously stood beside him, while the sea of guests thronged to them. Everyone was eager to bless the newly-weds and shower them with gifts. Onlookers couldn't help but notice how the two looked like the perfect couple. Little did they know that this marriage had a dark beginning, not to mention that the supposed couple' had animosity. She put on a petite smile, as numerous relatives of Jalal were introduced to her. After the numerous rounds of photographs, it was time for the both of them to proceed for dinner.

There was a lavish spread, ranging from Indian to the Oriental cuisine. Jalal and Jodha sat beside each other on the table, while their plates were served.

Jalal - I hope you like the food. Please have some of the drink as well

Jodha (wiping her mouth) - Umm...yes

She took a sip, and felt refreshed. She slowly emptied the glass. Jalal finished eating, and washed his hands in the finger-bowl.

Jalal - Shall we go and meet the others? I presume you are done eating

Jodha - Umm...okay

They interacted with the guests, with everyone curious to know more about the new bahu. She spoke eloquently, answering all their queries smartly, which obviously left him impressed. All his relatives loved her; not only was she strikingly beautiful, she was intelligent as well. Many of them slowly murmured to Jalal that he was very lucky to have gotten a wife like Jodha. More so, they couldn't stop praising her, and she felt a little shy. After a while, she felt her head getting heavy. She closed her eyes and placed her hand on her forehead. "Are you alright, beta?" a worried guest enquired. He got a bit worried, "Is something wrong? Do you want to go home?" She slowly whispered to him, "Listen, my head is spinning. I am just going to the washroom." "What makes you think I will let you go alone?" "Mr Mohammed, please let me go. I'll be back soon."

She began moving towards the corner of the hall, feeling completely disoriented. Her head was getting heavier, and she bumped against a pillar. She clutched her head tight, while a shooting pain passed through her head.

Jodha - Oh God! What is happening? I am getting really drowsy...

"Hey!"

Just as she was about to fall, Jalal caught her by the arm. In spite of her insistence on not following her, he decided not to leave her alone. After excusing himself, he slowly walked behind her, being shocked at the way she wasn't even able to balance herself.

Jalal - Are you okay? What happened to you?

Jodha - Oh Surya! I am having such a headache! Please take me home!

He got slightly livid and surprise on hearing that name while wondering what had gotten into her.

Jalal (to himself) - Is she okay? Why is she calling me by his name? Could it be that...no its not possible. She wouldn't drink anything

"It's me, Jalal. Are you not feeling well?"

Jodha - Surya! Stop joking! Why do you keep teasing me with him?

"Teasing?"

Jodha - Aur nahi toh kya? Ever since that slapping incident, you keep teasing that he will marry me!