CHAPTER 9
MAAHI
Shyam answers my call after a few rings. Ever since Daadi told me how interested they are in proceeding with the marriage, my mood has been off. I should be happy, but I am clearly not.
“Hello, would-be Mrs. Trivedi,” Shyam says, answering my call. Mrs. Trivedi? That name doesn't suit me. At all!
“Shyam, what is this? You didn't tell me your father is hurrying for our marriage,” I say, exasperated.
“That's called a surprise,” he replies nonchalantly.
“It's clearly not a surprise,” I snap. “You know I'm still recovering from a fever.”
“We're not getting engaged tonight, Maahi. Relax. And it's just a fever. You'll be fine next week during our engagement.”
It's just a fever? Did he really say that? My subconscious mind instantly compares Shyam and Vikram. Shyam couldn't come to save me, but Vikram did. Shyam didn't even come to meet me these two days when I was burning with fever, and Vikram... he got me home, arranged a doctor, ensured I had my medicines on time, and didn't argue much, even for a TV remote. He looked concerned for me, which technically Shyam should be.
“Shyam,” I exhale. “I think we should wait for a month or two. You know my business is expanding. I may have to travel to meet some clients in Mumbai this month. I'm going to get very busy.”
“Maahi, work and personal commitments go parallel. You can get engaged and travel for work. I'm not stopping you.”
“You don't understand,” I shout.
I am not prepared to marry so soon. No way. He goes quiet for a few seconds.
“Listen, Maahi. My father and I have already decided, and your grandmother has agreed too. Unless you don't want to marry me at all, I don't see why we shouldn't be getting engaged next week.”
Do I want to marry Shyam? I... don't know.
I rub my temples, hopping on the bed.
“I... I don't know what to say, Shyam,” I reply, exhaling in disappointment.
“You're thinking too much, Maahi. Just believe in whatever is happening and give it a chance.”
We talk for a minute more before I disconnect, using the pretext of getting ready for their visit. I can clearly see that Shyam is not understanding my point. I have no plans for marriage so soon, and I had told him that clearly when his father proposed our alliance to Daadi a few months ago. Shyam and I have been good friends, but ever since the alliance has happened, I see our friendship fading. I don't know who is responsible for this? Him or me? But I don't share my heart with him as often as I used to once.
I dress up as simply as I can to be comfortable around the Trivedi family. Shyam's mother died too young. Being the only son, Shyam got all the love and attention from his father, and soon he became a responsible man, earlier than his age. That's why he is so humble and down-to-earth, but at times, I don't understand him. I feel like he is a puppet in his father's hands. He cannot deny anything his father wants, neither can he argue. I wonder if preponing the engagement was his father's idea?
I stop my brain from thinking so hard and continue dressing up. I wear a matching pair of earrings and then look at myself in the mirror. That's when I see him... Vikram. He is leaning at my bedroom door. When did he come?
“Why are you doing this?” he asks without moving his gaze away.
“What am I doing?” I question back. “If you are asking why I am dressing up, then you already know why. Shyam and his father will be here any moment.”
Whenever I talk about Shyam, a strange possession washes over his face, which I haven't deciphered yet. He walks inside, taking his own leisure time to reach me. I don't understand why he is always around me these days? Why can't he mind his own business?
“I asked ‘why you want to marry that Shyam Trivedi’?” he reiterates his question to make it more tangible to my already messed-up brain.
“He is a good man,” I reply, finding no better words to frame this. Vikram watches me with hooded eyes as if waiting for more reasons. “And,” I swallow, “he is a nice friend. He is helpful, kind, and most importantly, he has never given me tears.”
“And why does Shyam want to marry you?”
I am confused.
“I don't know. Why don't you ask him that? In fact, I don't understand your point in all this.”
“I know why he is marrying you.”
“Cool. I don't want to listen.”
I try to walk past him, but Vikram grabs my wrist and pulls me back to the same position I was earlier.
“He wants Devki Estate too.”
God! I go mad.
“Stop it, Vikram. The world doesn't revolve around Devki Estate.”
“Apparently, it does... for the Trivedis,” he snaps.
I can't believe this. Prince Pompous is screwing things up for me and my ownership of Devki Estate.
“I have read the clauses in the property transfer papers,” he adds. “It's clearly mentioned the man you marry will have fifty percent ownership of the Estate.”
“So?” I scowl.
“So, Shyam knows that too, doesn't he?”
“He does. So?”
I don't understand what he is trying to prove.
“So, open your eyes and see the truth, Cub,” he growls. “When did Daadi transfer this property to you?”
I shrug.
“You don't know? You saw the papers, didn't you? So, you tell me.”
“Eight months ago.” His eyes hold my gaze. “And that's exactly when Manohar Trivedi, Shyam's father, proposed this alliance to Daadi.”
I go cold. Is that so? I try to recollect, and he is right. Just a week after the transfer, Manohar Trivedi was here in Ratna Mahal to propose his son's alliance with me. Was there a connection? Could Vikram be right? Do the Trivedis want Devki Estate? I hope not. But I cannot mistrust their intentions because Prince Pompous thinks so.
“Keep your suspicions to yourself. Spare me,” I say, and try to walk away, but he blocks my way.
“I can prove it,” he adds.
Now I am even more worried. Can he really prove it?
“If Shyam wanted Devki Estate, I would have sensed it by now. He has never spoken to me about that place, neither has his father.”
“Could be their strategy,” he interrupts. “They are playing safe, Cub.”
“Stop,” I growl. “Stop brainwashing me and don't call me Cub before Shyam or his father.”
Now I have piqued his interest again. His smirk scares me.
“So, I have permission to call you Cub when we are alone?”
Vikram takes a step towards me, and I literally have to run away before he pins me again. I reach for the door for turning to him.
“We are not kids anymore, Vikram. Behave! I am not available for your pin, pull, and push. I am taken, and you will see that tonight when Daadi and the Trivedis discuss my marriage with Shyam.”
I don't wait to gauge his reaction to my statement, but I know he will never take my warning seriously. He never has.