The Marriage

Episode 1

Talks were on. Horoscopes were matched. Saanchi was happy. She had met Kushal couple of times. Best part was Kushal’s education, job, family background, and most importantly, caste and creed matched perfectly. It was quite some time since the Pandit family was looking for a good match for Saanchi. Saanchi had been a bright student through out. She was working as a lecturer of history in a reputed college. She was 27. It was high time for her to get married. Not that the family did not get any proposal, it was just that, most of the time something would not match. Sometimes, it was cast, sometimes, it was the horoscope, sometimes, it was the boy’s job and so on and so forth. Saanchi was dark skinned with bright eyes and silky straight long hair and a sharp pointed nose. She was slim, she had a marvelous personality and she was certainly beautiful. Only problem was her height. She felt she was short. She was 4 feet 8 inches tall. That was also one more reason, that, she was not getting the right alliance. A lot of proposals were rejected because of her height.

Kushal Sharma, son of Gyandev Sharma, happened after a lot of search. Kushal was a dentist. He was 32 year old, and was around 5 feet 4 inches tall, somewhat plump with curly hair. He did not have sharp features. All the same, he was very polite. Best part was, he liked Saanchi. Saanchi admired the way he showered respect on her. Kushal had three elder sisters, Krutika, Sonika, Vithika. Krutika and Sonika were married. Vithika was yet to get married. Kushal’s mom’s name was Shyamala Devi. The Sharma Family also had a school for the poor and needy girls. Vithika and Shyamala devi used to take care of that school.

Kushal’s family never demanded any dowry. However, Saanchi’s parents, Purshottam Pandit and Parvati Pandit, wanted to gift their only daughter lots of things on her wedding, right from a nice car to furniture, to cutlery, to washing machine, dishwasher and so on and so forth.

Saanchi’s phone rang. It was Kushal. Blushing, she received the phone. Kushal said, ‘Missing me?’. Saanchi blushed again and said, ‘ Umm, not really!’. Kushal said, ‘ Just couple of days more.’ Saanchi said softly, ‘ Hmm’. Kushal then said, ‘ By the way, I made our honeymoon plans.’ Saanchi blushed again. Kushal said, ‘ I know you are blushing.’ Saanchi was quiet. Kushal said, ‘ I won’t tell you more about our honeymoon. Let it be a beautiful surprise.’ Saanchi blushed again. Kushal said, ‘ Are you going to say something, or am I going to talk non stop.’ Saanchi said softly, ‘ What do I say?’ Kushal then said, ‘ Fine! Don’t say anything. Be there and let me feel your breathing.’ Saanchi blushed again. Saanchi said, ‘ I have to go now. Maa is calling me.’ Kushal said, ‘ Please don’t go.’ Saanchi said softly, ‘ I have to go’. Kushal smiled and said, ‘ Fine. Just a few days more and you will be all mine.’ Saanchi blushed and smiled and said, ‘ Bye now.’ Kushal said, ‘ Bye. See you soon.’

The d-day arrived. The marriage was a grandiose affair. Right from the venue, to food, to all the arrangements, it was more like a royal wedding. Saanchi looked like a princess. Her beautiful smile and bright eyes made her look jaw dropping gorgeous. The beautiful peach and golden saree with all the latest gold jewellery and super subtle yet beautiful make up, made Saanchi look so pretty that Kushal could not take his eyes off her. Kushal’s eyes were all dreamy with Saanchi’s love in them.

After the wedding, at Kushal’s home too, Saanchi was welcomed with love. The entire day was so busy that Saanchi and Kushal barely got time to be with each other. But that never mattered because anyway they were going for their honeymoon the next day.

On their way to the airport, Saanchi asked shyly, ‘Where are we going by the way?’ Kushal said, ‘ Surprise dear wife, surprise.’ The car went ahead. There were no turns. Saanchi said, ‘ Is the airport that far in your city?’ Kushal caressed Saanchi’s cheeks and said, ‘ Who is going to the airport?’ Saanchi looked at Kushal surprised and said, ‘ What do you mean? Where are we going then?’ Kushal put his index finger on Saanchi’s lips and said, ‘ Hush! Just enjoy. It’s about you and me.’ Saanchi blushed again.

It was a long drive. Around 7 hours or so. They stopped on the way for food. However, the driver took some roads where there were no people, no traffic. He ensured the couple had full privacy. Saanchi could barely see any signboards. Kushal had planned a beautiful surprise for her.

Finally they reached. It was an alluring cottage with lush greenery, trees, flowers blooming in luxury. A tiny little stream flowing adjacent to the cottage with crystal clear transparent water. Leading the way, Kushal said, ‘ Come my lady. This is our honeymoon abode.’ Saanchi kept gazing at the beauty of the cottage. The beautiful chandelier, the luxurious sofas, the stylish tables, grandiose curtains, and not to forget the super elegant, luxurious bed room. The fluffy mattress, peach and white floral bed sheets and bedcovers with matching pillow covers was appealing. Saanchi looked at Kushal and said coyly, ‘This is beautiful.’ Kushal looked and Saanchi with Utopian eyes and said, ‘ There is more.’ Saanchi coyly said, ‘ I will take a quick shower and come. Kushal said with his enticing voice, ‘ Come soon.’

Saanchi went to the bathroom. It was a lavish bathroom. Jacuzzi, bath tub, standing shower, music, it had all. Saanchi was tired. She soaked herself in the warm water and the fragrant rose soap in the bath tub. She felt all the tiredness vanishing from her body. In an hour, she was out of the bathroom in her spaghetti strapped white body hugging satin gown with a tiny glimpse of her soft bosom and the curves of her body. She shyly stepped out. She smelled something. It was some smoky smell. There was a thick curtain at the rear end of the bedroom and behind that was a huge luxurious space with beautiful windows and super comfy beige coloured sofas, elegant chandeliers, and graceful flower vases. Saanchi drew the thick curtain. The room was dark. She could see curls of smoke going up in the air. She went closer. She froze there.

Kushal was smoking a thick cigar. He had draped a red saree, he had kohl in his eyes and he was adorning a big red bindi on his forehead. He had put a veil on his head and with his eyes closed he was smoking. She saw a tiny white pouch with some powdery substance on the table beside him.