The Love Quartet

Sonali and Pritam were just married. Their families had united them under the social arranged marriage process. But both had their own lovers. Due to being shy and having more dominant parents they could not reveal their lovers. So they both had to be content with the partners arranged for them. At the first night together they did a lot of talking amongst themselves and both finally opened up about their individual love story. Sonali was daring and came out first with her story. She was in a relationship with her school heartthrob Bipul and although her family was aware of it still they superseded her wish to marry the boy of their choice. Whereas Pritam was a shy and reserved type of person. In college he had seen a girl named Prity whom he had liked very much. Slowly, Pritam had fallen in love with Prity without her knowing anything about it. Neither did he have the courage to speak to her and let her know his feeling.

Sonali was very amused to hear Pritam's story.

'' You all boys are of the same type, '' she said smilingly to Pritam. Her beau, Bipul had however expressed his love for her. But, Sonali was expecting more from him that kept her wanting. She was expecting that Bipul should propose to her and she would have accepted his offer. '' I could have made the proposal but generally it is an accepted norm that boys make the first move,'' authoritatively concluded Sonali. '' As he didn't propose to me, I also kept the relationship open, '' said Sonali. '' So, when my family went ahead with my marriage, I didn't protest, said Sonali somewhat in disgust.

Sonali started her new life with Pritam like two friends instead of as a couple. She found that Pritam was still obsessed with Prity. Sonali being the stronger of the two in their marriage decided that she must let Pritam get a chance to go ahead with his love story. She tried to get a feel of Bipul's mind in between and found that he was also very strong on the thought of continuing with their relationship.

So Sonali told Pritam that she would do all she can do to reignite the love between Pritam and Prity.

Pritam's father Satish was a very strict man and Pritam knew that if his dad came to know of his love for Prity even after his marriage he would definitely have him 'killed'. But as Sonali was a dominating woman her father-in-law and all others in the household soon became very obedient towards her. 

Incidentally, Prity's marriage was fixed elsewhere and Pritam was depressed but left his worries to Sonali to sort it out. But before any step Sonali could take, Prity was back home rejected by the groom's family. Due to unsorted dowry issues, Prity was not accepted. Then began a period of depression for Prity. Her father also fell ill.

One day Sonali accidentally met Prity. Sonali had deliberately crossed tracks with Prity who had come to buy medicines for her father. Sonali introduced herself and got friendly with her and exchanged contact numbers. Over the next two three meetings with her Sonali got to read Prity's mind. Then one day Sonali let Prity know Pritam's feeling for her. Meanwhile, Sonali gave Pritam a crash course on building a love relationship. Prity was surprised that Sonali a married woman was orchestrating a love relationship of her own husband with another woman. Sonali seeing Prity's amazement and doubt marked on her face, then narrated her own love story and how she had been forced in a marriage against her wishes. Prity was slowly won over by Sonali and removed all prejudices from her heart. She now adoringly looked forward to meet Pritam. Then Pritam met Prity at a spot decided by Sonali and poured out his heart and mind to Prity with the words put in his mouth by Sonali. Now tuning the chemistry between Pritam and Prity right, Sonali spoke to Bipul to set her own love life. 

Few weeks passed and the new love couples settled down with their new partners. Sonali then planned a get away holiday where the new partners would meet and exchange marriage vows in a private ceremony attended by them only . This would be the boldest move ever because no elderly person and guardians would be informed and no permission would be sought from them. 

Then one fine day all four of them met at a sea side tourist spot to move ahead in their new lives. All had gone there stealthily without informing anyone nor seeking permission. It was the result of a hastily taken decision. 

All had assembled to settle their future lives with their selected partners and exchange marital vows amongst each other. By this they would collectively send the message to the world that they have now settled down in life and none should worry about their future. So at a temple near the sea shore they took an oath, exchanged vows and garlanded each other. Then little later they went to the sea to bathe and swim. This would be the most misfortune moment for them. Because none knew swimming and were helpless if a tide did strike. Alas, strike it did for one big killer wave struck on the shore raising the sea level to a great height and as a result sucking everyone and everything in its wake while going back to the sea. The four got separated so much that they could never come together again. A week later four bodies were recovered at four different seaside spots. The tragic end of the love quartet.