A relationship

Arav was a Jain and Smita was a Kshatriya. They were in love throughout their college. When Arav got a job in Mumbai as a junior architect, he decided to propose Smita. He bought the prettiest flowers on market that day and bought the most expensive ring he could. He invited Smita on a date. Smita was very happy with Arav. Everyone in college would give their best wishes when they declared their relationship. Life was good for her. Papa was a lawyer and mummy was a psychiatrist. She was well off and Arav wasn’t. But she never allowed the money to come in between their salary. When Arav invited Smita, she was delighted as it would be their last date together as Smita was placed in Hyderabad. She put her best gown on with the emerald necklace. She was looking like a queen. She called for an Uber. The cab was 5 minutes late. She was going to cancel the ride but the driver apologized multiple times when he arrived so she accepted his apology. She was late due to traffic. She opened the gate of the restaurant and Arav had worn his best tuxedo that day. She immediately knew something was up. She went to her chair and Arav displaying his chivalry pulled the chair for her. She was impressed. Then she definitely knew something was special that day. They ordered a bottle of 10 years old Sauvignon Blanc and some Thai chopsuey. Everything was going great.

They started chatting about the future of their relationship and its details. Arav insisted she should go to Bangalore but she wanted to stay with him. Arav said that the career is permanent and she should do no damage as she had put a lot of effort into learning and getting the job. They promised they would call twice a day once in the morning and once at night. They also decided they would meet once a month at least. Smita went to wash her hands and as she came, she found Arav on his knees and a ring in his hands. She totally ignored the flowers. It all seemed so magical. She ran to him and hugged him in a very awkward position. She accepted his proposal and everyone around them clapped for them. She immediately accepted his proposal and took the flowers. Arav put the ring on her middle finger. They went back to their respective chairs. Arav called for a bottle of champagne. They celebrated till late at night. They called for a cab. It came after 10 minutes. They were in the cab and holding hands just sitting in silence. Arav was thinking about their future and their marriage and was wondering what Smita was thinking. He asked the driver to put on some music as their rooms were 30 minutes away. He asked Smita if she was comfortable. She replied yes.

She invited Arav to her apartment for coffee and Arav was very happy. They changed their drop location and went to her place. Smita’s apartment was on the 12th floor. They were in the elevator when Arav kissed her. She reciprocated. They continued kissing till they reached her apartment. She unlocked the door and they went to her bedroom. Arav asked for a condom and she said that she was on contraceptive pills. They made love that night till 3. Arav made espresso for her. Arav went back to his apartment at 7. Arav came to Smita’s house for asking Smita’s hand for their marriage with his parents. Her father was asking Arav questions as if he was an interviewer. Her mother asked what he does. Everyone seemed happy. They had lunch. After 3 days, Smita’s parents called and gave their acceptance for the marriage. They decided on a destination wedding. The venue was Manali. Smita was with her parents and her relatives in Hotel Aqui. She was calling Arav to show her wedding dress. He picked up and they chatted for 1 hour. Then she asked about the finances of the venue. He told her that 75% was going to be paid by them and the remaining would her family pay if she has no issues. She accepted. They celebrated every function with great pomp and show. It was like the whole Manali was going to know about the wedding. The wedding ended.

Arav asked Smita if she had her passport. She showed it to him. She was going to Bangalore. They were at the airport. They bid adieu and he hugged her. She went for security clearance. He called Uber. While sitting in the cab, he was thinking about how it is going to work. They were in separate cities having separate life making separate life decisions. He knew it was going to be tough. But career was important to both of them. He asked his boss if he can move him to the Bangalore office. His boss replied why not with a happy face. Arav thanked him multiple times. He decided to surprise Smita. He booked a ticket to Bangalore on an indigo flight and went to Bangalore. He called an Uber and while sitting was thinking about how extremely happy she would be. And happy she was. She was shocked at first as if she couldn’t believe it but then when they kissed, she felt his presence. Smita’s good days had arrived she believed. He was his lucky charm. On the third day, she got to work for a foreign client. They were both happy, living their dream life. He became the assigned cook and she was the cleaning lady. They hadn’t time to go on honeymoon but living together was no less than a honeymoon.

Well one day, the honeymoon period was over. Smita was in the bathroom when Arav asked if she had borrowed an amount of 40 lacs from his account. She told him to wait. She came out of the bathroom and sat on the bed. He showed his laptop to her. She told him her father needed some money for an operation. He told her to inform him next time. They ate in silence. They went to the office and then came home, and ate dinner in silence again. The couple who couldn’t remain speaking to one other hadn’t talked for a whole day. He decided to break this silence by asking how was her day. She replied good. He asked whether she was angry due to the morning issue. She again replied in negation. They made love that night but something changed that day. They became the couple who hide their feelings from their spouses. And she one day hit him. Smita came from her office when she saw Arav with a dull face. She asked what happened. He replied a 50 lacs rupees had been taken from his account. He asked if she took it calmly. She replied with a high tone, yes. He asked her to calm down and speak in a low voice. And he didn’t know what came through her mind, she removed her purse from her shoulder and hit it on his face. He tried to deal with it calmly. Then she started rambling about how he doesn’t trust her. She was furious and he didn’t know the exact reason. She packed her bags and moved out of the house. The next day a letter came to his house which mentioned she alleged that he hit her since their marriage. He immediately went to the police station and tried to clarify his stance. But all was in vain. The case went to court. The ruling came in Smita’s favour. The judge ordered Arav to give 40% of his monthly salary or 5 crores at once. A beautiful marriage turned into a sad one.