Episode 6

*** ARCHISHA . I finished clearing the dishes and then have my bath before changing into another dress with a shawl wrapped around my neck. I take to the balcony just outside my bedroom window and sit on the mini pavement while staring outside. My eyes on the stars. My mind wanders off to the comment my aunt made this noon. How does she expect me to get married. I am barely twenty five years old and I just finished college not too long ago. I know that my culture doesn't speak against early marriage but I still feel like I have a lot to achieve and how sure am I that I'll be able to fall In love with another man? I know that Shak and I were just kids but it's more than that and I actually did feel something for him. I am still lost in thought that I didn't notice Veera existence in my room until she spoke up. "Don't tell me you're still daydreaming when it's already night time?" she asked and I almost jumped out of my skin, touching that part oy chest where my heart is located. "You scared me Veera. Goodness you are worse that Pihu and Kuhu" I exclaim releasing a deep breath that I didn't know I was holding. "How did you even get in here in the first place" I ask standing up from pavement and making my way inside the room. I turn on the light then proceed to my dresser to remove my remaining bangles. "Aunt Knows I'm here" she replies jumping on my bed like an offloaded dumpster. I chuckle before replying "Veera what's the problem?" Veera and I have been friends for the longest of time. We were practically raised like twins. Although Veera is a year older than me but we almost seem the same age. Veera comes from a well to do family and they are also influential in the society. Most times I wonder why we're still friends cause I feel like she could've done better than me. "Archi you won't believe who I saw on my way back from college" she says with dreamy eyes and I can tell that she's quite taken with this person. "What were you doing in college anyway?" I ask but she brushes off the question. "That's not the point. You're supposed to ask about who I saw not where I was coming from. Try to keep up Archi" she whines feeling frustrated. "And who did you see this time? The governor's son?" "Even better. I only caught a glimpse of him when he was driving in his car and I can assure you that this man is the one for me" she comments I roll my eyes "You say that about every guy you meet. Last time it was Tiwari's son and have you forgotten the rukus you created the one before last time about Mohit? You practically wrote a sign to ward off other girls from him" "Tch" she clicked her tongue "I know you won't believe me but I felt my heart beat right here" he pulls my hand and places it on her chest. "I think I'm in love" she adds as she twirls round the room. "I wish it was that easy" I remark "Trust me Archi, you'll fall head over heels in love with this guy if you had seen him yourself. " "At least one of us had a good afternoon" I say with a sigh "Spill. What happened?" "On my way back from the market, a car splashed me mud on my dress. And the rude owner was yelling at the driver who was apologising for his mistake" I rant on as i narrated everything that conspired. "How rude" she gawked "And the uncultured man had to ask me if that's how Indian women are raised simply because I pointed out his mistake" "Thank Goodness it didn't happen when Pihu and Kuhu were around. He won't live to tell the tale" she mused and we both laughed out loud. "So where is he now?" "Who?" "The supposed loverboy?" I ask "you're impossible to talk to. I know that I'll see him again so you don't have to worry. Anyways what will you be doing tomorrow?" She asks "I'll be dancing at the temple. There's a festival tomorrow" I reply with sheer happiness. "I'll be going for an interview tomorrow. My father has this prominent businessman who's his friend and he actually agreed to let me work in his company as a secretary to his son but I'll still have to pass the interview first" "Congratulations Veera" I comment and pull her into a bone crushing hug. "Thank you" "When you get the Job, I'll be first to give you sweets" I reply slightly pinching her cheeks. "Definitely." She admitted and quickly wore her slippers "Goodnight Archi" she kissed my cheeks before running out of my room, down the stairs to her own house. I switch off the lights immediately she leaves and go under the covers of my blanket as I drifted off to sleep. . *** SAM . I wake up from my bed and have my bath. Heaven knows I'm not cut out for this kind of life but I'm stuck here. What am I to do. Today is the second day of the so called challenge and I'm already exhausted. I just can't wait to come back from this prayer ritual so I can do what Payal says and find myself a good guru. I put on my trousers and a t-shirt and style my hair, finishing the look with a pair of ankle boots. Satisfied with the way I look, I pick up my camera and head downstairs. "Good morning Sam. Come and have breakfast" Payal tells me immediately she sees me coming down the stairs. "Thank you Payal" I say with a smile. I'm about to take my seat next to Adi when Charu beats me to it. "Here you go Adi." She places a bowl of porridge in front of him as she seats down next to him. I am already boiling with rage. "Aunt told me that you liked porridge so I made one for you. I also made this bowl of kheer. Try it" she urged on I am about to pull her out of the chair but Payal stops me just in time. "It's not worth it" she tells me "you don't need to start a fight to prove a point. Trust me." I exhale and sit down on the other chair. Soon enough, everyone comes down for breakfast and we all eat silently despite the food looking weird and tasting different from what I'm used to but I manage anyways. After eating, Adi pulls his chair backwards and gets up from the dinner table. "I'll get dressed for the prayer" he tells his mom and before she could respond, he places a kiss on my cheeks which infuriates her more but makes me blush, much to the displeasure of Charu then heads upstairs. I make eye contact with her but she averts her eyes completely ignoring me. "Payal are all the arrangements set for the ritual? "Yes mother they are" Payal replies and soon enough everyone is done eating. They carry a tray which I came to understand is an offering plate and fill it with all sorts of items then Adi joins us later in the living room. "Are you fully prepared?" He asks me and I nod "Is she coming with us?" his mother asks "Is there any problem? He interjects. "Not at all" "Fine then, let's go" he tells her and we all March outside. Mother rides with Uncle kushaan and Charu while I ride with Payal and Adi. "Don't let her get to you" "Says the person who ate the enemy's food. I hear you sire" I reply, sarcasm in my voice. "And that's because Payal made it?" He replies and I'm left gobsmacked. "But..." "That's why I said to not fight with her. She's simply trying to get Adi's attention. Mother approached me in the kitchen and told me not to say anything." "Thank you Payal" I say with a smile and she touches my cheeks affectionately. "Adi loves you. Be sure of that" she advise me "And here have this" she places a shawl on my hand. "During the ritual, you'll be required to cover your head. Just so mother doesn't create a scene at the temple" "It's beautiful" I say sincerely. "Thanks a lot Payal" Adi finally starts the engine and we pull out of the house as we make our way to the temple. . . Love With Benefits .