'Thinking'
"Talking"
'mere saath saath hain' monologue
'I can't believe I came here'. That was her last thought before forcing a smile on her face when Rita dragged her to the front .Rita started mindless gossiping about the wedding when she suddenly turned around and faced her causing her to become startled .
"Oh my dear, you have to tell me where you bought your lengha. They are absolutely gorgeous. You look far prettier than the bride herself."
"I would love to know who is the person who is prettier than my sister given circumstance in my sister's wedding." A voice chimed and interrupted me before I could respond to Rita . We both spun our heels and saw a beautiful young lady. She looked at me with displeasure and critically eyed my outfit. Rita started spinning nonsense in order to save herself but unfortunately for me, that means she brought me into the center point of the story . Before the woman could say anything else, a chirpy voice interrupted us.
"There you are my poppet, I missed you so much. Wow your looking absolutely kissable."
"PREM "I laughed and proceed to jump of him where he carried me and spurn in circle before releasing me. The girl now panted and raised her head and kissed his cheek before turning in front and saw the girls face has changed from bad to worst. The young lady in front of her however was now openly scowling at her. The girl quickly nudged Prem's ribs where he finally realized the situation.
"Nisha, this is my poppet. Poppet this is Nisha, bhabi's younger sister. Rajesh Bhai loves her more than me you know. "He told the girl beside him with a pout. She smiled fondly before looking in front.
"It's nice to meet you Nisha. I am Shannanya" I extend my hand however she just eyed it critically.
"I would love to say the same thing but under circumstances I would like to know why you are dressed as though you are the bride."
Shannaya felt her cheek burn with humutilation. The heart soared in jealousy at the thought of someone else in the place she always felt was hers. 'Only you thought so. Everybody else knew you are not the one for him '. She sighed and faced Nisha again.
"I am sorry. I did not know the bride would be wearing this. I would have changed if I knew. "
"That does not change a thing now does it? If Rita thought about it then everyone here surely is thinking about it. Plus the incident with Prem .People is now surely going to talk behind our backs. "
"Rita is someone you should take lightly. I know her and that's who she is. A blabber mouth. I am sorry if I offend you somehow but there is nothing I can do now. As for Prem, who are you to ask about my relationship with him. You are the bride's sister and that does not mean you have the right for anything else. I do not give a damn about anything that others talk. The society will never change and I am not changing for them. "
With that Shannaya excuses herself from both Prem and Nisha and sat the last row. She regretted coming but this was her last chance to face Rajesh before he belongs to another. She wanted so badly to go and see him in his chambers. That was one of the reason she wore this. Her selfish desire got ahead of her and her mind just wondered if Rajesh would change his mind after seeing her in this clothes . She sighed at sat up straight. It was time for Rajesh to do the puja . She saw him sitting in the altar beaming to those who attended. Prem who was bursting with energy and Kailash uncle who looked like he finally found peace, she dare not think about how her life would be with him anymore. He belongs to Nisha's sister. Finally the bride came, when she saw the bride she was further mortified.
'Now you know why he would never choose you.'Her mind told her snidely cackling while continuing' She looks so humble and pretty. It's her own wedding and he sari is simple yet elegant and yet you, a no body wearing such extravagant clothing just to attract the groom. Aren't you shame at yourself?' She willed her tears to calm down. She was so embarrassed at the thought of even doing such things. As soon the holy ceremony was over, everybody quid up to congratulate the couple. As time passed it was Shannaya's turn. As soon Rajesh saw her he hugged her. She inhaled his scent knowing after today he can never be hers even in her dreams. He smiled at her.
"You look so beautiful Shannaya. "
"You should not say that Rajesh saab when you have such a beautiful wife next to you." He laughed heartily before introducing her to his wife. Both women exchanged soft smiles.
"Poppet where is your wedding gift for bhai?" How could you."
"Prem,it is not proper.." "It's ok Rajesh saab. I have a gift but not for you. It's for Mrs ..." I held my hand and pulled out a beautiful promise ring identical to the one Rajesh wore.
"This is for you. It was not given to me but I took it out of childish behavior. It's always meant for you. I am sorry for tainting it."
"Shannaya..." Rajesh said softly. I did not look at him but continued staring at the floor. Suddenly a voice made its presence known
"Its wonderful. Thank you for giving me this. I have no words to express my gratitude."
Shannaya looked up and smiled with gratitude before hugging the bride. Prem however interrupted them.
"But that is not a real gift. It belong to Bhai . You never payed for it poppet."
" I am not that inconsiderate Prem . I got a gift for them. It is just not something I can carry. "
"What is it."
"That is for us to know and for you to hopefully never find out." Shannaya winked at Prem and left the altar.
Shannaya took a deep breath. She walked towards Kailash and got his blessings. She was introduced to Professor and Mrs Chaudhary . She took their blessings out of politeness and proceeds to walk away from the wedding hall. At the very entrance she turned behind to catch the last glimpse of her unrequited love. She saw him smiling and shed a tear of love for him before deciding to leave his life forever.
Little does she know that it is not the last time she will meet him.