Salt to Taste

Bride of Luck.

Pallavi's POV

I walk into my house swaying my helmet intending to blast the happy news to my family only to find the shoe rack stacked with extra pair of footwear and on entering the living area I find the coffee table converted into a full-fledged snack course with many used porcelain cups and dishes that my mother uses only at special occasions, which at this moment is a visit of an elderly couple who have made themselves home by sitting on the well-carved teak sofa along with a middle-aged woman sitting on the single sofa chair.

My mother, father and my other relatives including that masi (maternal aunt) who I have never seen before have decorated themselves in the finest way possible and are smirking towards me with an unknown expression which is making me shiver right now.

"Come in Pallavi, we were waiting for you.

How was the interview?"

Dad asks me with a cheeky smile playing on his lips that has stretched his proud moustache towards the heavens beaming with excitement.

"Yes, It was all well.

I got the job and they are asking me to join from Monday."

I say in my usual excited tone ready to be showered by tons of praises from my parents and get congratulated on my achievement of receiving the job at just the first interview!

"Marvellous, now that's my girl.

You see Mr Vardhan, she has always been so diligent and intelligent since young.

All we want is a family who could take care of her as their own family."

My excitement gradually declines as my dad's sentence procedures from 'she is' -to- 'want a family!' This is something fishy in here, better make a run to your room gubbi (Pallava's nickname *literal meaning - sparrow in Kannada)

I got that nickname from my parents after they analyzed my petite stature with a bit chubby face. Nit that I can help it. Any way red alert let's run to the room!

Flashing smile at the guest I excuse myself into my room followed by my mom. What is this?! It feels oddly dangerous. She looks at me with teary eyes and a lot of emotions playing on her face. "Is Vibha di getting married?"

I ask curiously lowering my voice and she shakes her head in negative to my worst fears.

Oh no! Not me.

"I know it's quite early, and you are still twenty-three. But..you know your granny died just three months ago and her only dream was to watch her granddaughter sit by the holy fire, wearing her wedding dress and her jewellery that she has passed to you as an heirloom.

And, I'll be lying if I say I didn't dream the same with your granny. The priest says that if we marry you off within your grannies first death anniversary then her desire will be considered as completed. So...."

She clasps my hands in her warm one with shiny glass bangles clinking in the process and lowering her eyes towards our clasped hands she says with a heavy voice,

" I would never in my life wish you give you off to another family, you are the soul of my house, from the day your tiny hands fisted my pinky finger, till today I have always been proud of you, and believe me I always wish you to be happy. But today I think I found a guy who could walk shoulder to shoulder with you, be affectionate to you, and take care of you. I know his feelings towards you might not be as strong as our's but try reciprocating them to him as far as possible.

Of course, we shall discuss the details with you, and I want you to get a sufficient time frame to get to know each other, but dont consider me as a villain of your life trying to push you away from myself. Okay?"

She says slowly bringing her teary eyes to mine. And this hazy vision of mine is not helping to keep me strong either.

I nod knowing the fact that the newly formed lump in my throat will signal my emotions to flow freely through my eyes, and I dont want this situation to turn even more melodramatic. It's like I travelled into an old daily soap! She leaves my room after patting her eyes with the end of her saree pallu, leaving me alone in my room.

A guy she said, am I even matured enough to marry? I am not sure... I should call my gurl gang for help.

.

.

Two days later

.

.

Purvi is my college friend with whom I have spent the most enjoyable times of friendship. I find her waiting near our usual cafe in a pair of jeans matched with her casual umbrella top. She waves me as soon as our eyes meet with her cheeky smile and I walk towards her in my plazo set with my open hair waving to the tunes of the breeze. I have many things to talk about with her, nervousness fills my heart and we settle at a corner table after exchanging some usual talks.

"What do you want to order?"

She asks scanning the menu with her hawk eyes, trying not to skip any newborn dish

"The regular large size dhabeli and Sevpuri. You know we will end up ordering the same thing so stop scanning the card."

I say with a smirk and a known look at after which she tosses the menu card and says interlocking her fingers with serious eyes

"So who is it?"

"Who is what?"

"The guy you are getting married to!"

"How do you know about this? I didn't even speak about it.!"

"I understand you better than you understand yourself so cut the chase and speak!"

She demands an answer from me with her usual authoritative tone and I make myself comfier ready to give her the answer.

"You know I said about a guy I met at the interview right?"

"Yeah, the hottie I remember.

What? Is it him?!, wow who talked first? Did he ask for your number, hey don't you think it's too early to decide to get married, give me a break at least date that guy first! I know he is hot and all but.."

"It's an arranged marriage.".

I say in a calm tone bringing her chattering to a sudden break.

" arranged?"

I nod in acceptance and our order arrives, but for the first time, I see Purvi concentrating on my problem even though her favourite food is in front of her.

"So..? What did you say?"

She asks carefully trying not to hurt our family sentiments.

"Well, mon explained to me about everything two days ago.

His name is Neil Vardhan, and he is a mechanical engineer and has done some designing things in the same I guess!"

"Now I understand why he is going for an arranged marriage."

"Tch! Stop joking."

"Okay, my bad continue."

"He has set his start-up just three years ago and it's going smoothly they customise automobiles for their customers so that the customer can have a vehicle of their taste which is unique than the rest."

"Oo, his job sounds cool."

"Yeah right? Even I liked that point about him.

He is twenty-eight this year and is five feet eleven. And has great visuals, so mom says I should not lose this opportunity.

Our horoscope has 30 likes in them and it's quite a good match is what everyone is saying."

"Hmm, I dont see a problem, but before getting married go on dates with him, if his behaviours are not smelly then everything is cool I guess.

Anyway, all our fate is already arranged by one person in the heavens, and it's not that we can sit and plan our lives either, so try understanding him and if you both vibe together then everything's cool."

Saying this Purvi picks a warm dabheli and takes a large bite out of it.

While I am sitting here thinking of what has to be done.

"It's not that easy Purvi."

"Whi watz the problum."

"Stop talking when you are stuffed!"

"Sozzi"

"The thing is, he will marry me no matter he likes me or not. The sole decision remains in my hands."

She raises her eyebrows asking me to explain myself and I say

"I am going to be a bride of luck for his family."

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