The Groom

  * * * *

  Mira

When aunt Amyra had told me I was ready, I believed it.

She had carefully led me to a wall mirror and made me look. I don't think I've seen anyone look so stunning, I had to look behind to be sure it was really me. I looked so beautiful some one would think I'm a princess who has been pampered her whole life.

I hope I still look that beautiful because now, I'm not so sure. I can feel cold sweat forming on my brow and my palms are clammy.

Aunt Amyra had led me out here to sit on the mat and perform my marriage rites. I had seen raw rage in mother's eyes and hatred in Tania's. Then, I didn't care. I was sure their plans were foiled.

Maybe I shouldn't have been so decisive.

" What is happening? Why isn't the groom here yet? "

" Are you asking me? We've been waiting for half an hour."

" Is there any chance that he might have developed.... Cold feet?"

" That's impossible! He's marrying a Das, he should be out for the money."

" Hmph, we can't be so sure. He's very rich himself. I heard he's from the Seth's family."

The gossip finds it's way to my ears and I can't help feeling ashamed. Mother must be feeling quite smug now. And there are so many people here I'm having a panic attack.

" Come on everyone, don't let Ajunno Seth hear you. We can't really blame the groom if he doesn't show up. Nobody wants to marry a curse anyway."

That voice is particularly loud and familiar I can't help looking up. My heart lurches. Miss Selene is here too?

My face burns with embarrassment as the crowd murmur in agreement. Tears cloud my vision as I hear various vicious remarks.

" That's true. What if he backed out at the last moment? "

" No family would want a jinx."

" Hmph, I wonder why he wanted to marry her at first. "

" Who knows? Maybe she bewitched him with her spells."

" Urghh, disgusting."

" Good thing she's been stood up at the alter."

Tears threaten to spill over my lashes as I shut my eyes. The people said these loud enough for me to hear.

I swallow hard.

So my unknown groom abandoned me on the alter!

I hear the crowd stir but I don't open my eyes to see why. Maybe they're all leaving after coming to this conclusion. Maybe it's the reporters coming to question me.

" Here's the groom priest, we're sorry he took so long."

I look up, not believing it at all! When we had waited for 20minutes, the Priest had threatened to leave if the groom didn't show up in 30minutes!

That was when Father and few relatives had left to check on him.

Now my heart is in my mouth, beating so fast I think I'll faint.

My groom is really here!

He has the Sehra on so I can't really see his face but he looks so princely in his clothes. The man and woman who brought him in leave once they direct him to sit.

My heart is going haywire.

Where did he fall from?

* * * * 

  Unknown Pov

This night is a cold one, like that night many years ago I'll never forget.

I've always been living in their shadows. In her shadows. And now that she's gone, I've had to live under their shadows for over a decade.

They never asked me if I wanted it, I pretended not to. But the time has come.

I stare out at the black starless sky, a great swelling in my chest. I know.

The Seal will forever be mine!

* * * *

  Bob

That silly Butler was right. He is here.

At least he was, but he just vanished without a trace. Although I'm optimistic this time, I must admit he had a good planner ahead of this.

Who would imagine such a wastrel would choose a popular marriage to crash as a means of escape?

" Jim, search all the rooms. Scan every face. Have you positioned our men outside? "

" Yes boss, we've surrounded the area. There is no way he can leave here. "

" Good. Search every nook and cranny. I want him found today!"

  * * * * 

  Mira

We've begun the rites and my hands keep trembling.

Every rite brings me a step closer to being married to this complete stranger. I had heard the gossips say he is from the Seth's family. Could it be....No, No. It can't be Ajunno.

But why then does he seem so familiar?

We're being knotted together to perform the " Saathe Phere." We go around the alter, flowers showering on us. Nandiri smiles radiantly at me as we make our last round. I can't believe it.

I'm married.

  * * * * 

  Mira

Aunt Amyra has tears in her eyes as she kisses me congrats.

I stand with my groom while pleasantries float in from every corner.

" The groom must be rich! See how he carries himself so Princely."

" They look so good together. "

" Pftt! She isn't worthy of him. I would make a better bride."

" Shhh young girl, don't spout such nonsense. What if they hear you?"

I overhear some people chatter and I can't help giggling. Weren't they the same people who mocked me just now? The universe isn't so against me after all.

" Stop!"

I look up to see Papa running in all sweaty and disgruntled.

" Stop! " He pushes forward, Mother, Tania, Kush and Shamar behind him.

Where were they? Why didn't I see them till now?

" Th- They can't get married. " Papa adds panting heavily.

Bang!

My head thrums heavily. Did I just hear correctly?

" The rites have already been completed Dhar, they're man and wife now." Aunt Amyra says with a frown.

" No, they can't be."

" Why?" I ask.

I have an ominous feeling about this.

" What is this? "

" Is this some sort of staged play? "

" I think we're in for a good show."

The crowd start to murmur and knots fill my belly.

Just then, my groom starts walking away.

" Stop him!" Papa commands shaking with fury.

What is going on?

* * * * 

  Ajunno

I can't believe this. What is all this?

We had been settling the issue with me gaining the upper hand when someone rushed in and told us that the rites were already complete!

Could this be a setup?

I wade through the speculating crowd just in time to hear someone saying " Ajunno got into a fight with Sharma over who would marry you. They wouldn't stop fighting. "

" And I had just won when we heard the rites were over so who the hell is that?" I growl, anger burning up my chest.

How can I fight for a woman only for another man to marry her? Impossible!

Mira's face is as pale as a sheet and her legs buckle beneath her. Could it be that she doesn't know this person?

" Who are you?" I ask, striding forward to meet them.

The arrogant fool! How dare he ignore me? I garb his shirt violently. I want to shake his brains out.

" I asked who the f*ck you are punk!"

He scoffs. I hate this guy.

In a swift motion, I rip off his Sehra, half expecting the gasp as it comes.

Now I have a deep seated hate for this guy.

The man before me is a total stranger. A very handsome one at that. And definitely not one of us.

" Hey, I know this guy! He's Mira Dhar's shameless lover. "

Josh Raj's sister steps forward with a sinister smile.

" Mira has been having an affair with this guy all this time."

" Yes, that's right! We saw them together at Ma Ona's. He even paid a lot of money for her. "

Another young girl supports. She must be from the Raj family too.

" Selene! How dare you slander my sister? You know Mira only met this young man that day. " Nandiri counters angrily. She was never one to take an insult lieing down.

" Hah, don't be ridiculous Nandiri, we all know you're just trying to save your sister the shame. If you say they have nothing to do with each other, how come they're married now?" Pinky refutes indignantly.

Indeed, the situation is truly messy. Even if I want to believe Mira doesn't know him, everything proves she does.

Nandiri can only huff angrily without retorting.

Dammit!

The thought of this punk laying hands on Mira makes me want to severe his limbs bit by bit and skin him alive.

How dare he?

I squeeze my palm into a fist and punch him. Although I have him in my grip, the punk manages to dodge the punch and shrug me off.

" Get your hands off me."

His voice is cold. I'm no coward, I can be equally gruff myself but what if he's some murderer?

I want to question him further but he doesn't wait. He starts running.

What the hell just happened here?