The Logical (Wo)Man

Marrying the Devil

Sia packed only essentials as she didn’t want to carry much with her. Shouryajit had bought the same lehenga which she was wearing when they first met, and got it delivered to her home. It was their D Day, (can be read as “Doom’s Day”). Stacy had made all the travel arrangements as they would be leaving by the night. However, Shourya decided not to tell anything to Shouranya for now. She and Amit were enjoying their honeymoon at Mauritius and he didn’t want to disturb them. The marriage was scheduled at 11 a.m. at the Civil Court and Shourya preferred maintaining court timings stringently. So, he sent his chauffer with car to pick the bride and her family.

The Civil court was quite crowded with people that day. One could see many gloomy faces roaming around , waiting for their divorce trials, kids crying, type writers chipping, men in black with files in their hands going in and out of the area. Also, there were a few marriage couples like them , some ran away from families, few others didn’t have one may be. Shourya and his parents reached the court by 10.30. Usually pre-marital court proceedings took time, but when one is a successful lawyer and son of a retired Judge, things can speed up like light.

Mr Sathpathy, their marriage counsellor was already seated at his usual desk. As the Datta’s entered the room , he stood up greeting senior Retd. Justice Shivanjit Datta.

“Welcome Sir! Its an honour to have you here!”

“Thank you Sathpathy! How are you doing?”

“I am doing great Sir! You should have asked me to go to your place, instead of taking the trouble to come here!”

“Memories Sathpathy. I started my practice from this court. Feeling nostalgic already!” Mr. Datta said with a smile.

“Madam , what will you have? Some coffee, tea, cold drink may be?”

“Oh Sathpathy ji, don’t have to take so much trouble! Its good to see you after a long time!”

“Thank you Madam! Same here” He smiled at the beautiful Mrs Sharbani Datta and she smiled back.

Then he went over to hug Shourya and few tears rolled down his cheek. Shourya was a kid when he used to come for picking up his dad , after school. He used to be with Mr Sathpathy when his father got late. At times, they used to sneak out and have deep fried Samosa’s(Indian snack) from the nearby shop. This place had a special effect on him. Though his dad was a lawyer and he was inspired by him a lot, but his workplace intrigued the little kid more. He wanted to become just like his dad, wearing the black coat and walking through those corridors. Even he started practicing here a few months before he went to Harvard for his LLM.

“They might be very rich but their foot is still grounded.” thought Mr Sathpathy.

“I always knew you’d make a fine lawyer! So proud of you Beta!” he chimed

“Thank you uncle! And its really good to see you!”

They got seated as they waited for Sia and her family to arrive. After a few pleasantries , Mr Sathpathy handed over few legal papers to Shourya for a final check. As he was browsing through it, he heard her mother’s excited voice “There they are!“

******************************************************************************

Shouryajit’s Point Of View

As I turned around, I felt a jolt rolling down my spine. There she was, the source of electricity that gave me shocks from time to time. How can a woman look so divine? She was wearing that enchanted Lehenga, with a nose ring and a tiara. Her light makeup made her look radiant and a small portion of her naval was visible, which made my senses go damn wild. My hands wanted to wrap that sleek waist of her and my eyes wanted to explore her each and every part, closely. She was blushing at my stare but I couldn’t help it. I was in my white Panjabi with golden embroidery and blue denims.

Somehow my brain managed to bring me back on foot from the trance and after a short pause, I started introducing our families.

Our fathers shook hands and mothers hugged each other. My mom then went over to hug Sia and shower compliments on her. She gave my grandmother’s golden bangles to her as an heirloom. Then my bride to be touched both my parents feet for their blessings. I welcomed her brother Shantanu who gave me a hug. He seemed like a pretty cool guy. Unfortunately, we didn’t have time for that brother-in-law bonding.

Soon after, we started with the marriage proceedings. I know I am sounding like a lawyer at work but I guess that’s an occupational hazard.

I pulled out the chair for Sia, but she didn’t even look at me for once.

“She is mad at you for the whole thing” my mind sighed.

As we sat and browsed through the papers, Sathpathy uncle gave us a heads up on the prenup and all the marriage laws and regulations that we had to abide by even in a foreign land.  The proceedings were complete in an hour as everything was at place. Then we exchanged rings, garlands and I had to put vermilion on her forehead which was a part of the tradition. She looked damn cute with a bit of that red powder falling on her baby like nose.

“Mishti…”(sweet) I muttered.

That was the first time that day she looked at me, just for a moment and I felt like kissing her then and there. Somehow, I managed to control myself as that would be highly improper. This was a deal and not an emotional bond. Hence, I would have to put a check and be more professional.

Sia’s mother was in tears and my parents re-assured her that her daughter is in safe hands.  We were blessed by both our parents and Sathpathy uncle handed over an envelope and a box of sweets to us, as a gift. Sia thanked him and took it with a shy smile.

I had arranged for lunch at the Grand Hilton Hotel, one of my favorites, after our court marriage. Their fine dining space was booked explicitly for us and they also decked it with flower garlands and golden streamers. Both the families travelled in our SUV that my dad was driving. Me and Sia were in my Audi A1.

“You look good” it was like an auto-compliment that fell out of my mouth much similar to the auto-complete in chat applications.

“Thanks” She was all formal.

“Good? Nah, she is looking celestial! And it’ll be great to cuddle her” my mind was getting high.

“Did you say anything?” She seemed to read my mind.

“Me? No nothing at all.”

“Oh okay”

“So, packing done? I hope you don’t leave anything behind”

“Hmm. I have to leave my family, friends and a lot of memories though”

“Sia I have apologized to you for this previously and once again I am Sorry”

“It’s not needed Shourya.”

No woman don’t do that. Taking my name in your sweet seductive voice will only lessen the level of self-control in me. I coughed for distracting my mind which was jumping in excitement.

“Do you need some water?”

“No, I am good.”

Only if she knew the actual reason of my coughs.

We reached there and was greeted by the manager. We got seated at the center, with our families and I asked the waiter for the Champaign. Our families clinked glasses after my father opened the Champaign as a mark of celebration. Then everyone was engaged in small talks when Sia excused herself and went towards the restroom. I don’t know why, but I followed her after a few minutes. She entered the ladies' room I stood outside with my phone, checking work mails. After sometime I could hear the sound of muffled sobbing. She was crying. I know I was too rude yesterday and I would have to make it up to her.

“Sia could you come here once” I requested her as she came out after a while.

She walked towards me with a red nose and as soon as she was near, I pulled her into a hug. She started sobbing again.

“It’s Okay Mishti! I ll fix everything, I promise.”

“Mmm” her voice trembled.

“And no harm will come to your family!”

“Hmm. Let’s go.” She seemed a bit relaxed on hearing my words.

The Lunch buffet spread was vivid and sumptuous along with the soothing ambience. As we finished , it was almost time to leave for the airport. Both Sia and me had to change into our travel clothes before we left. It was a new beginning with the woman I hardly knew, but something inside kept on saying that she was made to perfection only for me, though I never believe in destiny. But, somewhere deep down, I was still doubtful. Wounds heal easily but scars take a long time to vanish.