Black and White

THE MOST ADORABLE COUPLE WAS THAT OF HER IN-LAWS. HER FATHER-IN-LAW WAS SMART AT THE AGE OF 60, CELEBRATING LIFE WITH HIS 55YRS OLD FAIRY. AKRUTI WAS THEIR CHOICE.

Modern yet homely by nature, she was the love of their elder son.

Uncle and aunty were living a blissful life with their sons. The Elder son was an orthopaedic surgeon and was working in a government hospital. The younger was studying pharmacy. Both were careful about their parents’ wishes. And the balanced family was ready to welcome Akruti.

     “Akruti beta, try to visit our place. So that you get to know our lifestyle.” Her mother-in-law lovingly blessed her. A college mate to their elder son Abhisekh, she was comfortable to be with her in-laws.

    “Yes, she is my daughter-in-law engaged to my Abhisekh”. Akriti’s mother-in-law would often boast off in her society kitties.

Akruti started spending most of her time with her in-laws. Her frequent visit to their society was slowly leading to gossips.

And after a month or two (I don’t remember), we received an invitation card for the reception. It was like a small get together with a few family members and friends by our lovely uncle and aunty.

After all the functions, she was a confident Akruti seen in the society complexes, having an evening walk with her mother-in-law. Shopping, partying and cheering up each other, they became an inspiring duo to admire.  

Tall and gorgeous, she was admirable. Aunty was proud of her choice.

Being busy with two side job (family and teaching) I couldn’t remember when I saw the famous pair (aunty and her Akruti) together. And the news…

“Oh!

How can this happen?

And that also to this family?”

 I felt sorry for Abhisekh.

“The lie which ruined their life”

It was Sunday, I was at home. I found her roaming in the corridor alone. She gave me a silent look. And I nodded with a smile. I missed her charm and laughter.  She went inside giving me a secret smile. 

“What happened?” my maid asked me, as she entered my drawing room to work.

I told her and asked about aunt’s sad reaction. 

“Bhabi, don’t you know?” she was surprised.

“What?” I asked her. I was worried.

“Akruti left Sasural. Aunty and uncle had sent her to her parents’ place. And Abhisekh is shattered now”, she said

She was happy gossiping.

“Tell me the story. Akruti and aunty were so close to each other.” I enquired.

“Bhabi, yes they were. But Akruti….” she sat down in front of me and started the whole story. 

I was surprised and felt bad for them. They don’t deserve this.

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That night I wrote the whole incident in my diary. 

“Why Akruti did this?” Why did she enter the house?”

And Abhisekh…poor boy! He should have checked this before marrying her.

Ya, this is true. We do not go through certificates before marrying. Normal background knowledge is enough to tie the knot. And Abhisekh had never asked Akruti about her achievements.

 “Love is blind” 

Had he not asked Akruti, for her certificates for a post in his hospital, he would have stayed in the dark for few more years.

After staying with the family for a year and a half, Akruti was sent back to her parents.

The reason was her “fraud certificates” which she had somehow arranged before marriage. The hospital rejected Abhisekh’s application for Akruti’s job, after their detail enquiry. Akruti had never thought of working. But Abhisekh was interested in her freedom. 

“Sadly but luckily, the family was saved by the Almighty”.

12 Sept 2010

With a closed diary, I went to sleep. 

Next morning I met Abhisekh in the lift. He greeted me. We wished each other for a happy Monday and left.

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Photo By: David Thomaz

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