Cupcakes and Heartbreaks

Chapter 4

Prakruti squeezed Dheya’s shoulders. No words were necessary. Prakruti’s eyes fell on the wall clock and she noted it was 3PM already. She told the other girls that she would call soon and visit the hospital tomorrow. She hurried back home before 4PM. Her mother was waiting for her. She asked Prakruti to wear a saree and look presentable.

“But Maa why do you want me to wear a saree? Isn’t a salwar suit enough?” Prakruti whined. She hated this practice of decking up and ‘presenting herself’ to the groom’s family. It made her feel as though she was a commodity on sale.

“I don’t have time to listen to your whining. I have lots of work to do in the kitchen. If you have anything to say go speak with your father” her mother left to the kitchen muttering that she would not put up with the father and daughter’s constant complaints.

Prakruti had no choice but to get through the process. When the first alliance had come home she had been very apprehensive and lost her sleep worrying about her future and life. After two or three such visits from the prospective groom’s family she had decided that the best way to get through this was on auto pilot. So far none of the prospects had looked promising. She wore a cream colored saree and simple jewelry to go with the saree. She did her hair and makeup and was ready by 5:30pm. She headed to the kitchen to help her mother with leftover work.

When Prakruti entered the kitchen and her mother adjusted her jewelry. She could make out that her mother was tense. Her father entered the kitchen to check if anything else was required. Her mother told her dad that everything was in place and they were ready. Prakruti saw that her father was a little nervous too and immediately felt bad about her behavior. She realized that she wasn’t the only one who was unhappy about the process and that her parents were victims of the social norms too. Her father told that the prospective groom’s parents would be visiting them that evening since the guy had some other important work.

Prakruti felt a sliver of anger rising but she managed to calm herself thinking that this was not the time to voice her opinions when her parents were already nervous. She felt that it was totally inappropriate for the initial screening being conducted by the groom’s parents. It was like being screened for a job. She decided that she didn’t want to get married to a house who considered that their son was too precious to see the girl and had sent his parents in his stead. He seemed like a pompous brat and she wanted nothing to do with him.

The 'seeing of the bride' went smoothly much to the relief of Prakruti’s parents. The boy’s parents seemed very happy with Prakruti and were gushing about how suitable the pair would be. Prakruti managed to smile and speak as little as possible. Her father was relieved and her mother seemed happy too. After the groom’s parents departed Prakruti locked herself in her room and called Shresta.

“Hello Shresta. Is Avantika awake yet?” she asked.

"Yes Prakruti. Avantika is awake now. Dheya said she would be staying back in the hospital tonight so the rest of us left after talking to her for a while"

"Did she tell you what happened?"

"She didn't speak much. She appeared to be unaware of what was happening. The doctor said that she was slipping in and out of consciousness and it would be best to not disturb her till tomorrow"

"Ok Shresta. I will go visit Avantika tomorrow"

"I am planning to go to the hospital too. I will pick you up"

"Thanks. Take care. Good night"

"You too. Good night"

That night Prakruti had a nightmare that she was admitted in the hospital and strapped down to a bed. Her parents and the prospective groom’s parents were present in the room and they looked like they were dressed to attend a wedding. Her parents were attending to them nervously and trying to make them comfortable. Her mother was telling her that she was very fortunate to be marrying such an eligible bachelor. Prakruti saw a man enter the room dressed as the bridegroom. She couldn't see his face. He approached her with a mangalsutra in his hand. Prakruti screamed but her voice was muffled by the cloth stuffed in her mouth. She struggled against her restraints. Her parents and the groom’s parents were hugging and congratulating each other. She was the only one who was afraid and struggling. Prakruti opened her eyes and was relieved that it was only a dream. She felt her body covered in cold sweat. Prakruti drank some water and went back to sleep trying to forget the nightmare.