DHARA
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'Pooja please. I think I'm looking decent and anyways it doesn't really matter. I don't want the Chakraborties to assume things about me.' saying I simply stopped her from making me wear those gaudy earrings. They looked too heavy and I wasn't comfortable.

'Dhara yaar!!! They are going to meet you. You are going to meet your in laws for the-' but before she could complete that statement, I interrupted her saying 'They aren't my in-laws... atleast not for now. I am going to meet them because Arindam Uncle wanted to introduce me to his family and Aniruddh is travelling tonight due to some business commitments. I am just saving everyone some time. It's already been 2 weeks since I've spoken to him via phone and I'm tired of asking more time from Daarji. I'm only doing this because I'm tired of running away from things. I want to take a call' saying I wore my silver jhumkas when Pooja grabbed my forearms and made me look at her.

Shock was evident on her face as she asked 'You mean you are really considering the proposal Dhara?' and I cleared my throat and nodded. She smiled. I smiled back and began wearing my bangles when she asked

'All this is because of Daarji's deteriorating health right? Is Daarji forcing you to accept this proposal?' she asked hesitantly when I simply shook my head saying 'He can never do that Pooja. He's the best father any daughter could ever have but yes I see him worry a lot about all of us. I mean financially Shankar Jiju, Tillu are always there for 'Rab Di Mehr' but not everything is about money right? Daarji is the only parent I have Pooja and if me settling down gives him satisfaction I'd happily do that. And then Arindam Uncle has also been closely associated with 'Rab Di Mehr'. Even if I agree to this marriage, he or his family would never stop me from earning a living for myself unlike families like that of Sharath's who were only greedy for money. Like Anika, I want to support 'Rab Di Mehr'. I'd like to work even after marriage.' I confessed honestly while Pooja smiled and pulled me into a hug.

Pooja and I met at my old workplace 4 years back. She has seen it all. My happy phase when I was madly in love with the person who knew nothing about love. She has seen me preparing for my wedding. She has seen me avoiding everything once I was left heartbroken. She has seen how conveniently Sharath came back to work and was so casual like nothing happened but I couldn't gather myself. She was my support during my depression phase. She has seen it all. She was my only friend when I was left shattered and heartbroken yet was still struggling to cope up with my past who lingered every now and then infront of my eyes under the same roof. She's not only just a colleague but my confidant and a constant support quotient after Anika shifted permanently to Newyork.

When I decided to quit my job and give up yet another time. She offered me a position at her start up Pixel Interior Design Studio and that's probably the reason why I'm sane today. Pooja was my bestie, work buddy and my boss too. Although she never tried to show off unlike her father who never leaves a chance to make me feel that I'm just another employee and I am replaceable. But Pooja believes in fair deal. The reason why 2 years back she offered me equity instead of money as my bonus component. Today I have a total of 13 percent equity at Pixels which is the reason her father just waits for opportunities to pick upon me. But Pooja being Pooja would always stand for what's right. Doesn't matter if it's her father. She always stands by what's right. Last time she and her dad had a showdown in annual board meeting when she introduced me as one of board members as I held a good amount of equity in the organization and that pissed her father off. Her father picks upon my tiny mistakes and I try not to do anything such because I knew one mistake and I would be out from Pixels.

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My eyes were ready to pop out the minute my eyes fell on the huge compound walls behind which stood the magnificent and one of the richest and fanciest mansions of Kolkata. The Chakraborty Villa. The huge white walled bungalow stood far and tall amongst the green gardens of the compound which looked like a forest. I couldn't imagine so much greenery in a city like Kolkata and in one of the prime localities of the city. The age old humungous banyan, tamarind and mango trees were giving a age old different vibe. It's like I had suddenly travelled back to the 50's.

There were beautiful green grass patches, for the walking path while there were security personnel guarding the mansion. There was a man with a small battery operated van who bowed at us while Arindam Uncle asked us to climb the little van which could hold at least 5 people at a time. Daarji, Arindam Uncle and I sat in the van while the security personnel started driving towards the mansion.

The drive wasn't too long but rich people had their own comfort and no... comfort isn't wrong provided you can afford it. I would never blame Shankar Jiju for preferring an avocado milkshake without sugar over a sweet lassi. But Shankar Jiju tries to be one amongst us. He still doesn't have sugary Lassi but would never try to show off his love for avocado milkshake when he's here. He'd be happy even with a glass of watery buttermilk not because he can't afford it but even though he financially supports Rab Di Mehr he never lets anyone realise it. He just prefers to be one amongst us. Would eat like us, sleep like us but that's Shankar Jiju. I don't know if these people...if Aniruddh would be that way too? I can't expect everyone to be the same. Would he be able to understand where I come from? Would Aniruddh be able to understand me?

That's when the little van stopped and I noticed, I was in front of the humongous Villa. I couldn't help but gulp. The door was opened for me as I got down only for a woman to be introduced to me. She seemed to be in her 40's or 50's although she looked gorgeous. She sweetly smiled at me as she welcomed me there only for Arindam Uncle to introduce me to his daughter in law. I gulped nervously.

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'So what is your passion Beta. I mean what do you do for a living?' the lady... Shobha aunty asked me as she offered me a cup of tea. She was the one who welcomed me to the house. She was Aniruddh's aunt. She was the second daughter in law of Arindam Uncle. I smiled saying 'Nothing much aunty, I am just an interior designer' when Arindam Uncle jumped in saying 'Just a designer? Shobha Beta...she is such a good interior designer. I have decided if she is saying yes to our marry our Oni then I'm going to ask her to redesign this boring Chakraborty Villa. I mean look at this white white and white everywhere. Like someone's dead!' he said making a face when Aniruddh's mother Beena aunty said 'Baba please!!! You know Maa loves this decor and she had chosen it personally when we last got it redesigned' she covered up for her mother in law. She seemed to be a little strict yet soft spoken. Although I liked Shobha Aunty more, she was extremely chirpy and constantly tried to make me comfortable while with Beena aunty I felt like I was under constant surveillance. She was already giving me the mother in law vibe. Ouch.

'So...What are your plans post marriage? Would you prefer to be a housewife or a working professional?' asked a lady almost my age group, maybe a few years older I suppose. I cleared my throat as I took a sip of the tea served in my cup as I replied 'I love designing homes and working gives me my independence. Both personal and financial. Personal for my own mental health and financial independence because I would like to support myself and my family even after marriage!' I said as I saw her sharp gaze on me.

I didn't care if she or anyone here was judging me. I was very clear that this time I am not changing myself for anyone. Adapting and Changing were two different things. I was ready to adapt but never ready to be someone I wasn't. I had done it once, not again, never again. Adjusting in a household was different from changing your personality for somebody's acceptance. If I pretend to be someone else only to please them, they may like me today or tomorrow. A few months, a few years but eventually I would break out of that mould once I get fed up with that pretense which will anyway make everyone unhappy. Why do that? Instead I wanted to be as real as I could from day one and even after that if they don't like me I can't help it. This is me. Like it or not. I didn't want to be a TV serial-wali perfect Bahurani (daughter in law). Not here for that.

Suddenly there was a bright smile on the lady's face as she whispered something into her mother's ears. Beena aunty was her mother. Nivedita Didi was the eldest daughter of the Chakraborty household. She was older than Aniruddh. She was married and also had a cute daughter named Pihu. Beena aunty nodded at her daughter when Nivedita Didi said 'There were so many girls who answered this question very diplomatically, could it be their desperation to marry Oni or to please everyone in the house. You were the first one who answered honestly and fearlessly. I really appreciate it a lot Dhara. I myself am a working professional. Although my husband owns a business empire, I still prefer working as a part of the Chakraborty empire because I love my individuality and independence. I don't know if you'll be Oni's bride or not, but we can definitely be great friends.' she said with a wide smile.

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In no time I was introduced to Aniruddh's younger sister Mishka, who also happened to be the youngest of Arindam Uncle's grandchildren who happened to be here as it was her semester vacation and she probably was also here for the upcoming Durga Pujo which happens to be the biggest festival for Bengalis. Being here in Kolkata, all I know is this city decks up like a bride for this season. I was also introduced to Taapsi who seemed to be Shobha aunty's daughter and was handling their business affairs in the Middle East. Both the girls were extremely warm and chirpy.

I was asked to stay for dinner where I was introduced to the men of the household. Mr Sanjoy Chakraborty was Aniruddh's father and a world renowned businessman. A man of few words to be precise. He was strict but his younger brother Subroto Chakroborty was just like his wife Shobha aunty. The star of the evening. He was cracking constant jokes and kept the environment extremely light and happy. The couple tried to make me extremely comfortable and so did Nivedita Didi, Taapsi and Mishka who were nice to me unlike the rest who were judging my every move.

I also got to see a glimpse of Aniruddh's cousin seeing whom my jaw almost dropped. The famous music sensation, country's biggest rockstar and rap artist - Krish was also a Chakraborty. Wow!!! If Pooja knew that I saw 'The Krish' and didn't ask for his autograph nor a selfie, she would probably bury me alive. The man didn't even bother to join us for dinner and simply asked the house help to serve his meal in his room. He seemed to be too cold and quiet unlike his chirpy sister Taapsi or his witty parents Shobha aunty and Subroto uncle. Krish seemed to be living in his own bubble and didn't care if the house has guests, although Shobha aunty tried calling him out for dinner, but he buried his ears under those expensive noise cancellation headphones and simply walked away like we were non existent.

Amongst all this what shocked me was, I had met almost everyone except the person whom I was here to meet. My eyes kept looking here and there when suddenly Mishka teasingly asked 'Dhara Di...whom are your eyes looking for?' and I was caught agape as I fumbled but I managed to say 'Arindam Uncle's wife...I mean he had promised to introduce me to her' I managed when Arindam Uncle smiled saying 'Shayantani is in her room. She recently met with an accident and is recovering from it. She mostly is on a bedrest. Once you finish your dinner, we can go see her' I nodded as I continued playing with food when Nivedita Didi whispered into my ears saying

'Oni had an urgent meeting to attend, so he rushed to the office. But don't worry, he postponed his travel for tomorrow evening. He will come home. You can meet him at breakfast!' and my eyes widened as I asked 'Breakfast???' and she nodded. They expect me to stay there? But how can I?

Before I could say anything, Arindam Uncle said 'Listen Balraj. Sanjoy told me that there was an urgent meeting due to which Aniruddh had to excuse himself from this dinner. But maybe you guys could stay here tonight. Oni promised to join you folks for breakfast!' when Daarji immediately denied saying 'That is not possible Arindam. I don't think it's right for us to-' but before he could complete the statement Arindam Uncle said 'Oh come on Ballu!!! This is not yet your daughter's Sasuraal. And I wouldn't care even if it would be one in the near future. It's still your bestie's home and friends stay at each other's homes. I mean I've stayed at your home for days-weeks together. I don't know anything. You both are staying and that's final!'. Daarji tried to refuse but Arindam Uncle was adamant and we decided to stay at the Chakraborty Villa tonight.