Arranged Marriage Drama: A Tragic Twist of Fate
In this moving story by Rhituparna Chakraborty, twenty-year-old Rani sacrifices young love for a secure arranged marriage. Just as genuine happiness blooms, an unforeseen twist of fate shatters her world, proving how fragile our most cherished plans truly are.
Savitri said, “You are 20 now. It’s time we get you married. Your “Mausi”(Maternal aunty) has found a very good alliance for you. One and only son of his parents. Works is a jewellery store. Earns well. He is 25. Age also matches. They have a home in our ancestral village and they also has a home near his work place. His parents are also employed.”
Rani said , “Maa, I don’t want to get married now. I am working as an assistant in this event management company. I am learning so much. Also Maa, you know I love to sleep, waking up late. After marriage these things don’t happen. Don’t get me married so soon.”
Savitri said, “You know my situation. I have been working as a househelp for years now. Your dad left this world when you were all young. I managed to get both your sisters married. Yet, your elder sister’s husband left her and now she is fending for herself and her child and I am supporting her. Thankfully your other sister is happily married. And your brother completed his diploma in engineering. Once you are married off , I will be at peace. Majority of my responsibilities are done then. ”
Rani said, “But Maa, I don’t want to get married. Don’t force me.”
Priya said, “Rani, I am your eldest sister. You have seen my struggles. It’s not easy living without a husband. Meet this guy. You may like him. He is doing well in life.”
Rani said, “Didi, I am also working. I am also earning. If I get married to him I will have to leave my job and move with him. And you also got married. Your husband left you, right? How can you say that just because the guy is doing well in life, my life is secured.”
Priya said persuasively, “At least meet the guy..”
Rani said with tears in her years, “Didi, you know everything and still you want me to get married to this new alliance..”
Savitri looked sternly at Priya and asked, “What’s the matter…. what are you girls hiding from me?”
Priya took a deep breath and said , “Rani and Shikhar have been going around for some time. They love each other..”
Savitri (Alarmed): “What!!!! Shikhar???? That guy who does not even have a stable job…. I just see him roaming around doing nothing..”
Rani exclaimed, “That’s not true. Shikhar is trying for a job. He will get it. More so, he is studying now. Let him complete his education. Matter of two years. You cannot expect him to get a job without completing his graduation. Will you get Tushar, our little brother married off without completing his education and without getting him a job? No, right? So give Shikhar some time please..”
Savitri said sternly, “Rani, you don’t know anything about life. You cannot live only with love.”
Rani said, “Maa, even didi is working. You are also working. Marriage doesn’t change the fact that we have to be financially independent anyway. Say no to that alliance and please let me wait for Shikhar. By then, my career will also grow.”
Priya said, ” Meet the boy atleast. Come I will take you to have ice cream. Think coolly about it. ”
Rani sobbed…
Savitri said , “Forget Shikhar and move on.”
Rani said with a shattered voice, ” Maa he will be shattered, I will be shattered. Don’t do this..”
Priya said, ” I will talk to Shikhar. He will understand. He can’t marry you now and we cannot let go such a good alliance..”
Rani went quiet..
Shikhar was shocked when Rani told him about Savitri’s decision. Shikhar pleaded, “You know I need time. I promise I will marry you.” Priya came and said “See Shikhar, you are very young. You will need time. You know our family background. Getting an alliance like this is not easy for us. If you love Rani, let her live in peace. After all, you would want only happiness for her, isn’t it?”
Shikhar couldn’t say anything. He was a gentle and calm guy. He felt tears touching his face. He didn’t say anything and walked away.
After reaching home, Priya took Rani’s phone and reset the phone deleting Shikhar’s contact details and made Rani understand life is about living a better life. “Meet this new guy. You may like him”, she said.
A month went by and Rani finally agreed to meet the guy her family had chosen for her. The guy was around 5 feet 3 inches tall, same as Rani’s height, fair with a good structure and sharp features. And he fell head over heels in love with Rani the moment he saw her. Rani told Priya, ” The guy is short.” Priya said, “So what! One and only son. And look at his eyes, he is unable to take his eyes off you. Spend some time with him and you will like him..”
True to Priya’s words, Rani started liking Vipin. For Vipin, it was love at first sight . He loved Rani. And in a span of 15 days Rani also realised Vipin cared for her.
After 3 months, their wedding took place with great pomp and show and Vipin and Rani started living happily. Vipin’s parents also lived with them.
Three months after their wedding, Rani felt unwell. When the doctors checked, they found out Rani is expecting. Vipin and Vipin’s family’s joy knew no bounds. Vipin’s mom said warmly” Rani should spend some time at her mother’s home. She will feel good. And you can bring her back in two weeks or so. But at this stage, girls love to be with their mom.” Rani was elated.
Vipin dropped Rani at Savitri’s home. Savitri and Priya were immensely happy. Vipin did not have time to stay back because he had to report to work.
Vipin hugged Rani and went back. He was regular in his office work. His mom and dad ensured their son Vipin was happy and healthy, after all, he was to become a daddy. More responsibilities on him. So he would need their support always. One week went by. And one day, when he went to work, Vipin felt little uneasy. He told his manager, “I am not feeling good. I am going home.” Saying that, he left. He then boarded the lift.
As the lift reached the ground floor, the door automatically opened. People waiting to board the lift were shocked to see Vipin unconscious on the floor.
He was rushed to the hospital. Doctors could not revive him.
Cctv footage showed clearly, Vipin seemed to have a massive cardiac arrest that day. Vipin left the world.
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