Marry me tonight

“Don’t worry, it’s not your fault” 

No matter how many times she tried to console herself, and trying to accept others’ well wishes, Roshini still felt the gut tugging her heart. If she hadn’t gone out and stayed at home that day, it wouldn’t have happened to her.

Light dimmed in Roshini’d life on that day. She had left to buy groceries. Just as she stepped a few yards away entering a narrow street to get home- a masked man had grabbed her by her dupatta. The force almost choked her. She struggled to get away. The man was immune to the little tricks she tried to bust from his grip. It wasn’t his first time. He took a damp cloth installed with the intoxicating drug and muffled her mouth when she tried to scream. Her loud yells now reduced to pitiful moans, he started to play with her body. He was enjoying every touch of her virgin flesh. All the crime was happening in broad daylight. Men needn’t worry about the time of day to commit these crimes, she thought. Roshini was tired. Every time she moaned when he touched her in her sensitive areas, he would console her saying “it’s okay” with a filthy grin on his face. That night, she found herself on the bed of her house. Her parents were crying. They had found her hapless and naked on the street near a garbage bin. 

The horror of those events kept repeating in her nightmares every time she tried to get rid of them. This played a great toll in her personal life. The way she used to gingerly approach her male friends before, now became more cautious and with suspicion. 

Roshini wanted to get rid of this fear. She wanted to be normal again. Two years since the incident was too much for her. So, she turned herself into a workaholic. She was now the best employee the office she was working on couldn’t afford to loose.

Amish Malhotra was the CEO of MASTERS management and co., The office females had always posed their eagle eyes on dashing young men- and Amish was certainly on top of the list. As he walked through the corridor with a heroic stance in each of his step, females lured to his gaze- especially Suhana Das. Suhana and Amish were practically close since college times. Their families were attracted to each other’s financial strengths and agreed for a marriage alliance when the right time came.

“Hi, Amish,” Suhana was the first to greet him every day. And Amish had no choice but to sport a smile to revert the same. Yes, he wasn’t interested in her apart from being good friends.

“Hi, Suhana. How is our company’s statistics?” He immediately popped.

Suhana turned red “Oh, for love’s sake, Amish. Try to talk something personal with me- we are gonna be wedded soon!”

“Hmm- but my office status is worrying me.. I’m sorry Suhana.”

“Why don’t you ask Roshini? You allotted her didn’t you?” Suhana questioned.

“No- it isn’t her fault. She is the best workaholic here. Nothing can be blamed on her.”

“Why do you always support her?!” Suhana yelled “Every human has a flaw, Amish!”

“You are right Suhana but she works thrice the amount than rest of us combined- including me!”

“So? It is not how much work you do but how you do it!” Suhana exclaimed as she stormed out.

Suhana always had a hard corner for Roshini. Although she hadn’t sensed anything wrong from her side- the one thing that bothered her was her beauty. Roshini was the most beautiful and eternally lively of all the working females in the office. She always had a feeling of bad omens when she neared Amish even if it was work.

“Roshini Kalyan!” Suhana barged into her office cabin.

“Yes ma’am?” Roshini got up unsure.

“My fiancé complains our company is doing poor in terms of ranking. We provide you your salary, a separate cabin to work, and fees supporting medical and other personal needs apart from your salary- owing to your workaholic status. Well, dear the least you could return the favour is by putting us on top!!”

Roshini stood still “I’m sorry ma’am. I will keep trying.”

“I don’t care if you are trying. I want you to do it! If you fail to keep up your progress, you are as good as fired. I hope I’m clear.”

“Yes ma’am,” Roshini didn’t dare look into her eyes. Suhana smiled to herself as if she had achieved something nice, and left without another word.

Hassan, Roshini’s male partner in working who had been waiting outside to give her certain files, had witnessed the scene. Anger was boiling in him- but he refrained from any trouble.

“May I come in Maam?” He finally asked as Roshini quickly wiped her tears and nodded a yes.

“Y-Your files, ma’am,” he handed over.

“I wanted these yesterday,” she sternly asked him “Don’t you do one job right?”

“I was looking after my sick mother, ma’am. She was seriously unwell yesterday-“ 

“Your silly excuses is what puts my job in jeopardy! Couldn’t you have sent me a text at least! Why, it doesn’t matter because you are a male and you are in a safe spot. I am a woman and I am more vulnerable!”

“It wasn’t your fault ma’am I know but you can’t blame on me either?”

“Stop Saying that! You are just like all the others! Just get away from my sight!” Roshini shooed him away. It ached his heart but he wanted her to calm down. The anger was the cause by someone else.

—————————————————— 

“Baby which crop top suits me more?” Suhana sported two crop tops to herself looking at Amish.

But it was Amish’s fingers that were talking. He was texting on the phone as her voice left her unheard.

“AMISH!” She yelled to get his attention. He finally turned.

“Yes uh both are nice,” 

“Do you even want to be here?” She questioned “Day by day it’s like you don’t even care for me even,” 

“What? No, of course I care! I literally made myself absent today to be with you here!” He tried to convince her.

“So that feels like a pressure to you? You wanted to be at the office that’s what you are trying to foreshadow here!”

“No!”

“May I interest you in these collections Maam?” The waiter tried to avert some big argument he had usually witnessed between couples.

“Yes,” Suhana felt herself distracted again as Amish mouthed a silent Thank you to the waiter.

It was late evening when Amish returned to his office to lock it up. He went inside to find Roshini still working, engrossed in her laptop and having a side coffee.

“Burning the midnight oil, Ms. Kalyan?” He smiled.

“Oh, sir, I didn’t notice- I’m sorry i will leave in 5 minutes,” she hastily began to pack her belongings.

“Listen- I just wanted to apologise,” he started.

Roshini was surprised.

“I heard from Hassan. I’m sorry about Suhana. You aren’t the one to blame.”

Roshini felt a small smile curving up her face “No problem sir, you really shouldn’t,” 

“No I must. Can I owe it to you by taking you for a coffee tomorrow? It’s nothing personal, just my way of saying I’m sorry,” 

“It’s really fine sir, thank you for the offer,” she politely refused. Amish smiled.

… 

New Years’ was just around the corner. Suhana suggested Amish that he host a party within the office quarters and also lay out a dance floor. It would be a well needed break for all of them, she thought. Amish found the idea amusing. News spread and girls were already talking about the dresses they could wear and the saloons they could go to for a matte finish makeup. Roshini felt aghast to the idea of partying. Party meant bare revealing clothes and loud makeup. She didn’t want to show up that very moment.

‘Nada- party is not meant for us, girl!’ Roshini thought to herself.

“Roshini, you are coming to the party, right?” Hassan asked her in a voice almost like a request.

“Yes,” Roshini mentally smacked herself when she blurted out.

“Ah, it’s quite a surprise ma’am, no offence! I thought- never mind you are coming and that’s big!” Hassan chuckled “Any dress choices Maam?”

“I dunno- I have a few party wear sarees I could use,” 

“Old ones? Girls here are spending their salary money for this event and they all have planned to buy the new and latest ones! You really are different, ma’am! But might I suggest you could buy too?”

“No, I appreciate the thought but I have sarees I haven’t used much often so yes.”

“Ma’am can I ask you a question if you promise not to take it in a bad way?”

Roshini analysed the possible questions and finally nodded.

“Why do you prefer sarees? I mean women here-“ the rest of his voice went offscreen for her. Roshini’s mind flashed memories of her hard past: the masked man and her naked body. She felt herself panting heavily and her vision turned blurry.

“Ma’am? Ma’am?” Hassan’s voice finally broke her reverie. She finally broke down.

“Ma’am, why oh-“ he tried to console her “I suppose it was a wrong question I’m sorry!”

Roshini just pounced herself onto him- hugging him tight. Hassan was startled by the reaction. Unsure of what to do, he wrapped his harms around her. After a few moments she let go, wiping her tears.

“I’m sorry ma’am,” he folded his arms “I shouldn’t have,” 

Roshini just smiled “What do men find themselves attracted the most in a woman?”

“For me, personally it’s the bravery they have,” 

“That’s your thinking. Most men find themselves vulnerable to one quality of a woman: her body.”

Roshini narrated the events of her past life that stood sweet milk fresh before her eyes even now. Hassan just heard it in awe.

“You are the first male I have ever spoken about this incident to. Because I trust you. I know you would have misconceptions about me-“ 

“Misconceptions? Ma’am that fateful day wasn’t your fault at all! It is just the horrible state of our nation and its women. Mahatma Gandhi’s vision is still far-fetched and right now unreachable. That man was one of the many dogs who laid his eyes on you. You aren’t the one to blame at all! You are working here even after the incident Maam! Most women aren’t as courageous to step out of the house even. That’s what I admire in most women like you, ma’am.”

Roshini felt a strange warmth in her: no one had consoled her so deeply. Not all men are like that, she thought. She smiled.

“Thank you,” 

—————————————————

It was New Years’ eve and a special occasion was in the office- they’ve heard the boss was going to propose to the woman he truly loves. Everyone knew the lucky lady was Suhana- it was clear in the attire: she wore a long pearl- pink frock with frills and designs lined at the bottom. Her makeup blossomed in her face.

All the other women had decked themselves in heavy sequinned clothes and revealing attires. Men had their eyes gawking- especially what they had wanted.

Roshini had appeared too- in a maroon saree and very light makeup: mostly just a touch of powder and lipstick. But still, she looked glamorous- it was clear when Hassan couldn’t take his eyes off of her.

It was a dance blast soon. Men invited their lady partners onto the floor. Hassan was too nervous to ask a hand to Roshini. His thoughts failed upon him when he saw Amish requesting Roshini to join him and the others. Pretty soon she was matching the steps with Amish as they danced. Roshini had to admit- Amish looked dashing in his pearl grey suit. But her reverie faded when she saw herself dancing alone and Amish had moved with Suhana. Everyone were cheering for the couple as they assured as the to- be wedded soon.

It was the lucky hours to midnight. Time for the big announcement. Amish picked the Mike.

“Good evening, fellow friends! I hope you all have heard the news- yes I’m going to propose the lady I love. It’s gonna happen (looks at his watch) now!” Amish picked a rose and fished a red velvet ring box from his pocket. Suhana was ecstatic- her legs were not on the ground and she was practically squealing! Suhana closed her eyes, imagining Amish kneeling down and asking her the priceless question and she couldn’t wait to answer!

“will you marry me?”

Suhana opened her eyes but couldn’t find Anish in the position she foresaw. She turned to the sounds of the crowd gasping in the same shock as her.

Amish had asked the question to Roshini.

She couldn’t believe her eyes. She held her mouth in awe as she saw the shining diamond solitaire ring before her. Hassan witnessed the scene and had left without anyone noticing his absence. He just sat at the end of the staircase with tears pooling in his eyes.

Roshini didn’t know how to react to him. It was the entire office and Amish waiting for an answer.

She thought hard.

“Ye-“

Something stopped her. She spotted the tattoo of two lions facing each other in his left hand.

“That tattoo,” she pointed “I’ve seen it somewhere,” 

“This? Oh this is the symbol of our family legacy. I highly doubt you would have seen it anywhere else. Anyways, Roshini, we all want an answer,” 

“No, I saw it- t remember!” Memories flashed to the time when the masked man tried to muffle her: the same tattoo in his left arm pictured vividly in her head. Her glance narrowed filled with disgust.

“That day- that was you,” she muttered.

“What day?”

“Stop acting like you are naive. You ruined me, Amish Malhotra!”

Suhana stood quizzed. “What is she talking about, Amish?”

“I don’t know either!”

“You ruined me that day. Your arms against my flesh- I remember it like a haunted dream! I was just a teenager and yet you decided to go your way. Oh how stupid I am! And yet here you are living the life like a king, as if nothing never happened. Look how fate turned!” Roshini stormed away, rage fuming in her eyes.

Suhana stepped towards him. Amish shifted his glance to her.

“Ah, Suhana-“ he felt himself slapped hard.

“You-“ Suhana wasn’t mad of the fact of his proposal- but the fact of his behaviour with women. Amish stood like a fool as she left. The office staff too were beginning to leave.

… 

“Man proposes, god disposes,” Hassan talked to himself, drinking his whiskey sitting on the staircase. That’s when he heard rushed footsteps following down. He thought of getting up to let the incoming passenger the way. But he was pretty surprised to find Roshini herself. Tears were streaming her eyes. She rushed towards him.

“Was it Suhana again, ma’am? Did she not like the way how things turned?”

“It was him,” she muttered under her breath.

Hassan realised what she tried to confess. The truth to the unanswered questions of her past was finally out.

“I’m sorry to hear- is that what ruined the moment that could have been special?”

Roshini silently nodded.

“Ma’am I would be honoured if I was given the chance to recreate that moment?” He slowly bent down on one knee, fishing out a small black box revealing a gold ring with a small diamond stone on the top.

“I’m sorry about the ring- this was the best I could afford out of my salary- it isn’t much but-“ 

“YES!”

“Wait, what?”

Within moments he found her hugging him tight. He chuckled and hugged her back.

“The ring might be small, but your heart is big. That’s all I want.” She smiled.

“HAPPY NEW YEAR!” The entire staff shouted. It was ten minutes past midnight but they were quietly anticipating the event before their eyes, waiting for the right moment to crack. Suhana was one among them, too. And she was happy for her.

Amish was watching from upstairs.

“Man proposes, god disposes,” he smiled in guilt.