I do

Do you take this man as your lawfully wedded husband, asked the priest? I do, blushed the bride. Do you take this woman as your lawfully wedded wife? I do, said the groom. He slowly put the wedding ring in her hand. The ring was 8 grams gold with a sparkling blue stone. The blue matched the eyes of the bride. She smiled happily at the ring. The ring was a symbol of a new relationship and a new life. It was more precious than all her wealth put together. She let out a deep sigh and felt a rush of joy and anticipation run through her.

Sweta Krishnan entered her new house feeling happy and tensed at the same time. Love cum Arranged Marriage. She did not know Krishnan for years. Still she felt an invisible bond between them the minute she met him. Everything else was a blur. She literally counted every second from that moment till now. She could not wait to start a life with him.  Her face turned red when she saw him staring at her. Her body shivered in anticipation. Krishnan looked at his new wife and smiled to himself. He felt his dreams come true. He could not wait to get over with the ceremonies so he can have his wife to himself. He tapped his coat pocket. He could almost imagine the joy that would fill her when he presented the first wife. 

The ceremonies were finally over and the last of the guests left wishing them a happy future. What do you like for dinner? She asked. She knew the answer too well.  You, he said. She blushed and they disappeared into the world of bliss. Morning came late. Krishnan woke up to the aroma of the coffee. He lazily stretched in bed. He frantically searched for his coat. He has forgotten the gift in the bliss of the night.  He draped a towel around his waist and went to the kitchen. She was making coffee and preparing their breakfast. He hugged her from behind and slowly put the ring in her hand. The ring was 8 grams gold with a sparkling blue stone. The minute the ring touched her finger, something changed. 

She could not remember his face. But she could not stop herself from meeting him. Thoughts invaded her memory. Hundred memories haunted her. She knew nothing about him. Still she wanted to confront him. The phone broke her thoughts. Hey darling, Thinking about me, he asked. Who else will I think about she lied? One part of her felt guilty about cheating her husband in her thoughts. Still she could not wipe him from her memories. She knew she had to get over it. She called her best friend for advice. 

They agreed to meet in the nearest mall. Krishnan dropped Sweta in the mall and rushed to the office for a meeting. She saw him as the escalator went up. She knew it was him, the minute she saw him. She was sure she had not met him before. But in the entranced state, she started to follow him. He sensed her and was surprised to see a pretty girl following him. She reminded him of her. We need to talk, she said. He followed her to the nearest coffee shop.

Why , she asked. He just stared at her as the past came back to haunt him. The first time he heard about her was through her uncle. Stephen was a struggling young man trying to find a place for him in the fashion world. The poverty he was born into was a major hindrance in his life. His good looks and charm did little to change things. He applied for an audition in one of the leading FMCG companies, Apsara group of companies. Little did he know, it was going to change his life forever? The audition was small eyewash for a major drama. The company was owned by a 22 year old girl, Apsara. Her father had died leaving her the entire family wealth. Her uncle, mother’s brother was her guardian, till she reached 25 years. Her father was a expert business man and a visionary. He had set smart clauses in the will, which stopped others from cheating her. The only way hole in the whole will was her ability to transfer her entire wealth to her husband. He was hired for the job. Target was set clear right from the beginning. The target was to get her properties transferred in her name and then hand it over to her uncle. The perks and benefit were money, shares and his career. He took up the role and was shocked to see her, a stunning girl with innocent looks. He slowly fell to her charms. Torn between love and his career, He opted for his life. He told himself that he would beg her for forgiveness once this is over. The marriage was a close family affair. Guilt eroded him when she saw her smile. He knew he has the capability to steal the smile from her. 

Apsara happily signed over the documents to him. She was too much in love with him to notice the smirk in her uncle’s face. That was the last time he saw her when she was alive. He collected his rewards and proceeded with his life. He wanted to create a safe home for her before he met her. He was ready to be patient and struggle till she forgave him.

Krishnan hurriedly parked the car in the parking lot of the mall. He wanted to surprise his wife by his attention. He froze to the place when he saw her holding a guy’s hand. He could not hear the conversation between the two but knew it was intense. Anger and sadness flowed in equal amounts in his veins. He wanted to strangle the guy for his sweet heart’s hand. He slowly walked to their table and sat opposite her. He was not prepared for what he saw. In her place was another girl. The difference and similarity between both for mind blowing. Stephen acknowledged him and did not stop talking.

The next thing he knew was about her death. She died of poison carefully added to her favorite chocolate cake. He wanted to kill her uncle. But he did not have the resources or the strength to do it. He earnestly prayed to God for forgiveness and Justice. He wanted to do more but did not know where to start. He could not stop the tears. Are you really sorry, she asked. He begged for forgiveness. Her heart melted and love started to follow. She looked at Krishnan and said ‘ Take care of her’. Do you love me, she asked. I do they both said in unison to their respective wives. The ring slowly left the body and Swati woke up with a start. She panicked seeing a hand holding her. She felt her urge to let it out and Krishnan hugged her closely.

Can I come in? Yes said the uncle. Yes Stephen Do you want more money, he mocked. I want justice he said to the confused uncle. The blue ring sparkled in Stephen’s finger.