Page 64

Story: Tainted Bride

As soon as Prakram's car enters the premises of his mansion, Armaan and he start looking around very carefully. The wholehouse is decorated like a bride, and they are very surprised to see all this.

"Armaan…"

"No one has informed me of anything; I am really surprised to see all this, sir.”

"Now what does dad want to do? He has not made preparations for my marriage, but you did not send him the video.”

Avishka looks at Prakram in surprise, and he is aware that she is staring at him because, up until now, he hasn't revealed to her the reason for his unexpected marriage.

"Sir, I had also sent the video to Sir, and he had also confirmed that he had watched the video very well, and you know that he is also talking to Aashi every day. And Aashi tells him everything: I had gone here with Mumma and Papa for a visit; today I did this. Sir, I have no idea."

The car stops at the main gate. Prakram looks outside, but nobody can look inside because of special glasses. Sandhya is standing with many women from the family, holding the puja plate.

"What is all this? Avishka, there is no need to come out unless I ask you to take you out."

Seeing so many women there, Avishka starts looking around. Avishka notices that there are numerous people present. When Prakram does not get any answers, he looks towards Avishka, who is looking all around.

"Relax… All of these are my mom and dad's relatives; many of my cousins are also here."

He comes out holding Aashi in his arms, due to which drums start playing there immediately, and Aashi starts dancing in his arms. He looks towards Digvijay, who is standing with a slight smile on his face, like a forced smile. His eyes go to his uncle and his family, and he immediately turns to look at his father. As soon as Aashi sees her grandfather, she screams loudly.

"Grandpa…”

Prakram leaves her, and she runs to her grandfather, who loves her deeply. Prakram comes to him and bends down, touches his feet, and stands in front of him.

"Bring your bride up front; the whole family has come to meet her.”

"What are you doing?"

"I am the one who is not doing anything; that's the problem because what I didn't want is happening."

"Means…"

"Bring your bride out."

Prakram cannot ask anything right now, but seeing the atmosphere here, he understands that everyone has come to know about his marriage. He had not planned anything special, but he also wants to know what is happening here, which is very important. Prakram sits inside and says to Avishka:

"Keep a veil on your face because all the elders of the house are here. It is the rule of these people that the bride should not show her face until the face-revealing ceremony is done."

Avishka covers her face with a veil, while Prakram observes her intently.

"There's something about to happen that shouldn't happen, so be a little careful while these guests are here."

She just nods her head. Prakram suddenly holds her hand, and she tries to move away due to the sudden touch, but he holds her hand tightly and tells her.

"As I mentioned earlier, there are numerous tasks at hand that require attention. Be smart and stop all this."

He comes out of the room, holding her hand. Sandhya performs the aarti, and both of them touch her feet as they enter the house. Prakram, noticing the smile on Sandhya's face, was taken aback. He had assumed that Sandhya would be angry with him due to her deep affection for Avishka, and the way he had married Avishka had made it natural for her to be angry. However, everything was unfolding in a way that defied his expectations. Everyone welcomes them very well, and Prakram is constantly feeling his uncle's eyes on him. Simultaneously, he senses Aunty's desire to meet Avishka, prompting him to place his hand on Avishka's shoulder. She shakes all of a sudden. He conveys this to Sandhya as he draws her closer to him.

"You people had not told me that you were going to give us such a wonderful welcome."

Prakram senses the sudden shivering in Avishka's body. His uncle, who had been listening to him with great ease, approached him with a smile on his face and informed him, all the while keeping his gaze fixed on the bride.

"I had to welcome you; after all, you were bringing your new bride. I had assumed that you were not interested in marriage, but you unexpectedly surprised me by getting married, so it was crucial to share this news with everyone. Your father didn't tellanyone, but I told everyone... Didn't you like our surprise, my dear nephew?"

Prakram looks at his father and understands the meaning of his words to some extent, but he cannot say anything here because many elders of the family are present in front. Sandhya notices the anger on Prakram's face, prompting her to intervene immediately.

"Both of them have come from a long journey, and Aashi too must be tired. You both take Aashi to your room. There is a ritual of face-showing in the evening. There is no need for Avi to arrive before that. I am sending you to the room for lunch."