Preetah
I paced around the classroom, my arms crossed over my chest, ensuring that I at least looked like I was aware of everything that was going on around me. In reality, my mind was very far away, focused on one thing; the payment notification I had received this morning. With having to pay for my bus fare for the month, groceries, other utilities and my father's chronic medication, the money would not be enough. Not even close.
I let out a heavy sigh that I was not aware of until the students sitting close to me all turned to look at me. “Sorry.” I whispered, continuing my rounds. I stopped at Fatima's desk and looked down at her answers as she wrote. She had used the correct method but with the wrong numbers. Her answer was going to be wrong. The learner in front of her was only starting question 3 now and there was only 5 minutes left. These kids... I had told them to skip questions they didn't know so as to save time. I walked to the front of the class and leaned on the front of the desk, facing the students. At 11am, after the school bell rang for home time, I gave them extra 5 minutes. “Alright, pens down students.” They all placed their pens on their desks, and I could see the concern on their faces. After I collected all the scripts, I went to stand behind my desk. “Alright, remember that this is just paper 1, there is still maths paper 2 tomorrow.” I told them. “If you feel you didn't do well in this paper, study hard for tomorrow and come and do better. You may be dismissed.” “Thank you, Miss Arora.” They said incoherently. They talked amongst each other as they left; discussing questions, answers and how difficult they think tomorrow's paper will be. After the last one left, I packed the scripts in my bag and made for the door. Father was at home, waiting for me to come home and cook. We had run all out of our food for the month so I had to stop at the supermarket before going to the house. As I was locking the classroom door, Mr Jandra, the school principal was walking towards me with a beaming smile. I gave him a tight smile and proceeded to put the keys in my bag. I was going to turn away, but he called me. “Miss Arora!” “Ahg.” I groaned quietly to myself. I didn't like him and couldn't stand the fact that no one could see who he really was. I always caught him staring at the female students the wrong way. Perhaps I am the only one who could see it because I was actually the only one that really knew what he had done in the past. Despicable. Despite being a pervert, I still had to show him some respect because he was now the principal. Besides, I need this job. “Yes...” I turned back “There's someone for you in the staff room.” He told me. “A student?” I enquired, darting at my wristwatch. In 15 minutes, I would have to catch my bus otherwise the next one is only half an hour later. “No. Mr Korana.” “Who's that?” I asked as we both began walking to the staff room. “His son used to attend this school, remember?” Arjun Korana's face popped up in my head. My heart skipped a beat. I had to stop walking. “No way...” My mouth stayed opened. “You guys were in the same class, remember? He joined you guys in grade 11—” “Arjun Korana is here?” I placed a hand over my chest. I could feel my heart beating fast against it. “That's the son.” “What?” I was puzzled. “What are you saying?” “It's his father that is here.” I frowned, trying to think of reasons why he would want to see me. It's crazy how scared I feel when it's already been years. “Why does he want to see me?” I continued walking but took slower cautious steps. “I don't know. He didn't tell me. He has been waiting for almost an hour. I told him you're invigilating your class and he decided to wait.” I didn't say anything, I kept my frown on my face and continued walking. “Arjun!” I remember how he had shouted angrily at him after finding us in the closed classroom, just the two of us. “What are you two doing?” As we both trembled in fear, he lashed out and punched Arjun across the face. I screamed as he started beating up Arjun. “We were just talking, sir. Nothing happened—” I tried to explain before Arjun's father slapped me so hard, it sent me falling to the floor. I clumsily got up and ran out of the classroom. I ran so fast and crying. I didn't look back, only heard him yelling angrily and Arjun grunting and groaning in agony. I ran all the way home crying. I stared at the staff room door which was left ajar. I took a deep breath, held it in for a while and then entered the room. When he saw me, he beamed and got up from the chair. I didn't smile back. “Good morning, sir.” I lowered my eyes and kept it on the wooden floor. He was wearing a clean grey suit. His beard was all white and looked like he had just had it trimmed. I could smell his strong perfume as he walked closer to me. The perfume smelled expensive and although I had only looked at him once, it was enough to see how expensive he looked. “How are you, Preetah Arora?” He asked me. “I am fine, sir.” I responded. When he didn't respond, I looked up at him. He was watching me with a smile. I frowned even more and looked down. “So you're a teacher here now?” I nodded. “Yes...” “I see no vermillion on your forehead. Are you not married?” If I could change my facial expression to how I was feeling, I'm sure he would stop talking. “No, sir.” “How old are you now?” I looked up at him. I was no longer 17 years old. I had to stand up for myself. Why would he just show up out of nowhere and start asking me all these random questions? “I actually have a bus to catch in about 10 minutes, sir.” I told him. “I don't understand these questions.” “Please, let's go to a nearby restaurant. I'll buy you brunch and discuss what I came for.” “Uh... I can't. Like I mentioned, I have a bus to catch in 10 minutes.” “Bus?” He chuckled softly. “Don't worry about that, my driver will drop you.” I remembered his car that he dropped Arjun in every morning and picked him up in on some days. I looked at him slowly from head to toe. Why did he look so... so... different? I looked over at Mr Jandra who also looked like he was trying to understand what was going on. “Can we just talk here?” I asked Mr Korana. “Sure.” He responded. Mr Jandra went to take a seat on another table and pretended to be going through some papers. Mr Korana and I sat down 2 tables away. I took my bag off my shoulder and placed it on my lap and then darted at my watch without making it obvious. “Firstly, I am glad you're beautiful. I couldn't remember your face. Only that you ranked second after Arjun in grade 12.” He told me. “Okay...” Was this old man trying to hit on me? “I don't know if you know, but after high school, Arjun got acceptance to a university in the states; fully funded. They wanted him so much that they even offered to bring us, his family, over too if he kept his grades as high as they were in high school.” Interesting... I always wondered what happened to Arjun, whether he managed to study further or was working retail somewhere. I wonder if I would have been offered that bursary instead, if I managed to get that 5 percent that I missed to score the same as him. Imagine that happened to me. Wow... “So he studied, produced results that impressed them, graduated the top of his class, and then started working for the company that sponsored him. He worked for 2 years and then started his own company. Like a joke, the company excelled and now it's bringing in millions.” I was really invested in Arjun's story. I was more relaxed now. That explains why Arjun's father was dressed so good. “Is the company here in India or...” “No, it's in the states.” “What's the company about?” I asked. “Commodities.” He said. I had no clue what that was, as a teacher, I was too embarrassed to ask. He probably realized that I was clueless, because he elaborated. “Raw materials.” “Oh...” “The company supplies copper and steel to various companies like vehicle companies, electricity companies etcetera.” He continued. “So, Arjun is like a broker. He has people that do the contracting but sometimes difficult customers prefer to deal directly with him. He is good at getting them.” I couldn't imagine the shy Arjun that never spoke to anybody in our class, sitting with bosses of wealthy companies and convincing them that his company was the best and that they should get their supply from him. Wow... life... “But, Arjun can tell you more. I don't want to tell you everything and then you two have nothing to speak about.” He laughed. I smiled because I didn't understand his joke. It's not like I was going to see Arjun around. He is not even in India. Was he here just to fill me in on Arjun's life or what? Because that would be so strange. Maybe he was here to apologise for slapping me. Maybe his conscience didn't allow him to rest all these years after slapping an innocent 17-year-old girl just for talking to his son. Sure, I was a little too close than socially accepted but I didn't mean anything mischievous. The most I was hoping for after confessing my feelings to him was a hug. That would have been enough to fill all the times I felt unseen by him. But yeah, you ruined it. So, if you're here to apologise... “So I came to seek you here at your high school because I didn't know how else to find you.” He told me. “I knew referencing you would be easy because you and Arjun were the top 2 graduates of 2017.” I nodded, lowering my eyes. I don't think I want him to apologise. I mean he must be around the same age as father... But if it means that he will sleep better tonight, then I guess I should allow him to do it; to find his inner peace. “I wanted to ask something of you.” “Please don't apologise, sir.” I found myself saying. “You're almost like my father—” “Apologise for what?” He looked at me with question. My mouth fell open and stayed like that. I didn't know what to say. I felt so embarrassed. Oh no, Preetah. Really now? “Apologise for what?” I shook my head quickly, scratching the back of my head. “No. Nothing...” He looked at me for a second too long without saying a word, trying to figure out what it is I was withholding. “Anyway. I am looking for a wife for my Arjun. And I want it to be you.” My eyes widening. That statement hit me like that slap he had given me in the past, but without the pain. What? No way, that's what he just said. “Excuse me?” “I think that it's time Arjun gets married, and I don't want him to marry someone from the states. I want him to marry an Indian girl with our values.” He explained. “I could only think about you, the girl who ranked after him. You must be very smart. You've got our values, I can already see that you're very decent. And you're beautiful, he will love you!” Mr Korana looked happy to be giving me this news. I was still surprised and had no words. “Since you two had something in the past, I'm sure you'll both be happy together.” “Something in the past?” “You're the girl I caught him with.” He laughed. “You want me to marry Arjun Korana?” When I said it, I found myself beaming. It was still hard to believe. There was no way Arjun's father was asking me this. Just no way. It was too good to be true. “I know I should be asking your father, but I wanted to find out first if you were not married and then I just couldn't keep the news to myself after seeing you. You're so beautiful.” Now I couldn't stop smiling. This was really real. He wanted me to marry his son; my high school crush. Arjun! No way, Preetah, this can't be true. No way. “If your father accepts, Arjun will come to India, and then the marriage can happen here and then you two can go over to the states.” “To the states?” I asked. I placed the tips of my fingers against my temples, trying to calm myself down. I know I am saying this a lot, but that's just because there is no way this is happening right now. This felt like those nice dreams that you wake up from and realize it was only a dream. “Did Arjun really send you for me?” His face reflected the joy I showed. “Oh my god.” I said, and then suddenly feeling disorientated. That unsettling feeling you get when you're too happy after a long time and get that guilty feeling that asks you why you're so happy. I looked at my watch. “Oh my god, my father. I need to get home, Mr Korana.” I stood up, and he got up too. “What's wrong with your father?” “I take care of him. He is alone at the house and is waiting for me to come home to cook him food to eat.” “Is he sick?” “He has diabetes and got both legs amputated recently. So ...” “That's really sad.” He said with a little frown. “You know health care services in America is 10 times better than here in India, right?” I listened. “In the states you can get him the proper care he needs. Even get him prosthetic legs.” He shrugged. “We have the money.” I took a deep breath in and continued to look at Mr Korana. How did he come out of nowhere and bring me so much hope? The last 10 years of my life had been hell; father being diagnosed with diabetes and hypertension and needing refills of his medication regularly, me having to move from job to job and even working multiple jobs at once just to try and make ends meet, me not being able to go to college because of all these things and no funds... And here Mr Korana was, out of nowhere and coming to change my life.Preetah I had never been in a car like this before. It was so spacious inside it looked like one could live in here! The seats were all brown leather and felt smooth to touch. There was even a small screen facing my seat, highlighting the news. Mr Korana and I were sitting at the back. “Do you drink?” He asked me when the car started moving. “Alcohol?” “Yes.” “No, sir.” I shook my head. “Good. Neither do I.” He answered. “People in America drink a lot.” “Oh...” “I don't understand what they like about alcohol. All it does is make you lose yourself and act like a complete fool.” He added. I nodded. For the rest of the way, Mr Korana looked out of the window at the country he had left behind. The country had only gotten worse. There was more litter, the streets got busier and with nepotism, jobs were scarce. As Mr Korana looked upon the transformation of streets he walked and drove in, I thought about Arjun. A smile stole over my face. His long eyelashes, his cute pink lips
Artha I watched Dean's smile fade a little when the rose trail led us to his bedroom. He took in the decoration: red ballons hugging the ceilings, their coiled strings hanging over us. He stepped to his side table and picked up the bottle of champagne, reading the label. “Nice...” He grinned. He picked up the gift bag from the bed and looked back at me, giving me a warm smile. “Can I open it?” I laughed at his politeness. “Yes, you may.” He pulled out the football jersey, smiling ear to ear. “Aw, man.” He walked to me and drew me into his arms. “I love you so much, man.” I just smiled, hugging him back tightly. Nothing brought me more joy than seeing how happy Dean looked at this very moment. I would go out of my way each time if it meant seeing this joy on his face. He kissed my temple and then hugged me again. “I love you, Artha-bear.” He said softly at the side of my face. His warm breath against my ear, made me feel fuzzy inside. He then placed his hands in my hair and mad
10h09Preetah The atmosphere buzzed with laughter, chatter and warmth as the mehndi artist carefully applied the henna to my hands. My cousins and aunts were all around me, talking, making jokes, and often teasing me about becoming married. Although they had all disappeared when father had started falling ill, it was good to have all of them here today. It felt good having so many people that all just wanted to see me happy. For the first time in a long time, I felt like I was part of a big happy family again. “Preetah, we heard females in the USA all work and forsake their duties as wives, please don't become like them.” Aisha, my youngest cousin said. She was the most talkative of her siblings, taking after aunt. She was also the most beautiful. She was short and chubby, with long curly hair that fell past her bum. She had a sharp nose and wore a nose ring. “My brother did not raise our Preetah like that, don't worry” Aunt told her. Our big family was all from aunt’s side, I was t
ArthaSince it had been last minute, brother could only get two empty seats next to each other, the other seat was right at the back. The loner seat was mine. “I can't even remember if I locked my door.” Dean was telling Arjun as we walked down the aisle, looking for our seats. “This is a one-way ticket, how long are we gonna stay for?” I was following behind them.“I don't know, D. Indian weddings are so complicated.” “I hope I switched off my stove.” D continued. Arjun groaned. “If you're going to complain all the way then go sit on Artha's seat.” “Or you go sit on Artha's seat.” He responded. “I don't want to have to hear you complain about how much you don't want to get married for 19 hours.” “Oh, my friend, I do want to get married now actually.” He answered as he moved into his seat. “Is that why you sent us last minute invitations?”“Would you have rather not been invited?”“They say that when someone invites you last minute, you shouldn’t accept the invitation because it
Arjun Loud drums pounced the air, accompanied by cheering and singing all the way to the wedding venue. If I had gotten at least 4 hours of sleep last night, all of this going on wouldn't have seemed like a commotion. But right now, I had a major headache, and I was feeling weak. Dean had woken me up so early this morning, passing me Dad's call. We then met up with Dad and shopped for everything we needed and made the arrangements that we did not know we needed to make until this morning. Everything felt so rushed and stressful. I felt like someone out of my own body, just being dragged everywhere and being told what to do and where to stand.As I rode the white horse to the wedding hall, the others followed, walking beside me. It was scorching hot, and I felt like a fish hung to dry up here. When we arrived, I got off the horse and dad and my other uncles prompted me to walk in front of the group. I was to lead when I had no clue what was going on. It was like attending someone else'
Arjun I woke up by the sting of a mosquito. I hissed in pain, watching it fly away. How the hell is there mosquitos in a hotel room? And this is supposed to be a five-star hotel? Unbelievable. I had to squint because of the bright light. I was going to cover my eyes with my hand, but my hand stopped halfway to my face when I realized that I was laying on Preetah's chest. I frowned, did she watch me fall asleep or did she sleep before me? I lifted my body up a little and then looked down at her. She was fast asleep, her hair forming a silky layer over her pillow. Clearly, she was used to mosquitos. I looked from her hair to her inviting lips. I couldn't resist the temptation to kiss them. She stayed asleep after the kiss, just turned her head to the other side, as if disturbed. I stayed looking at the side of her face, but only for a few seconds because she turned her whole body away. I stared at her bare back, which looked smooth and had the colour of caramel. She had a mole on the
ArjunWe arrived in New York around 8 in the morning. It was a chilly morning.“Welcome to America.” I said, as we made our way through the airbridge.Preetah smiled up at me, her eyes widening, showing her excitement.“I think this is better than going to China!” She answered. “I don't think China—” She was stopped short when a lady in a rush bumped into her.“Can you walk?” The lady turned and snarled at her.“Sorry.” Preetah apologised instead of the lady that had come from behind us.“Why are you apologizing to her?” I cut in. “She's the one that...” I trailed off when the lady stopped in front of us to hear what I was about to say. She looked like she was ready for an argument and was just waiting for me to finish my statement.She looked angry but cute. She was wearing very short blue shorts and a black and white vest, exposing her cleavage. Hmm...“Finish your sentence.” Her menacing voice brought me back.“You should apologise to her, not the other way around.” I told her, but
Arjun Preetah looked like she was on the verge of tears. I didn't understand why she would think we would fly her father over – was it because of the court wedding? Court weddings weren't even that serious. And here she was, about to cry as if somebody had just died. “Babuji,” She turned to face dad. “You told me that father would be coming with us.” She then turned to me and that's when tears fell down her cheeks. I turned my heard away. I didn't have the patience for this."Are you really crying?" I asked, ignoring the stares of the other people in the room. Gosh, this was so embarrassing. "Why are you crying?"“Arjun, you said that father would be coming after us, remember? I asked you about it at the hotel and you said that he will be coming with—” “I was talking about my father.” I answered, my voice clear that I wasn't liking this one bit. “Why would your father come here? This is just a court wedding, exchange vows and sign some papers, done.” “Babuji told me that he would b
Artha When I looked back, Dean was galloping down his stairs. It didn't take him long to get right behind me. Shit, didn't know he could run so fast. I started running faster when his voice sounded closer. “Will you just listen to me? Just one minute, Artha. Stop, please.” Dean begged. I felt him suddenly grab me and slam my back against his chest. He had my arms in a cross against my chest. “Dean, I am warning you to let me go.” The words came out through clenched teeth. “No.” He sounded sorry. “Bear, please.” “Dean, I said to let me go, otherwise I am going to call my brother right now.” “I won't let you go. Just– please, Artha. I'm– I'm sorry, okay?” He murmured as I tried with all my might to escape his grip. The only part of me I could move were my legs. “I'm gonna call my brother.” I sobbed, feeling overpowered. “I love you so much Artha and I never wanna lose you. If I let you go, I am gonna lose you and I know that. Please forgive me, I was wrong. I really was and I
ArthaI was kinda glad Dean didn't call me back. This way, he wouldn't scold me for being in an Uber at this time, to his place. I looked at the time on my phone – midnight.I was scared. I had never sneaked out of the house before, and if I got caught... I wasn't really afraid of what dad would do; he was very passive when it came to me. As I grew up, he got less strict and stricter. It was as if he had transferred it all to Arjun.As if they had traded places. Arjun acted more like him and he just... just faded. Faded in every aspect. We spoke
Preetah As soon as Steve stopped in the driveway, Arjun got out and closed the car with a loud bang. “Thank you, Steve.” I said and got out of the car. “Preetah, wait.” Elza called, stepping out too. “Arjun said that Steve must drop you—” “I know. It's not about that.” She said, walking up to me. “Uh... just wanted to say that I am sorry if I offended you.” “Oh, when?” I responded, sarcastically. “When you kept touching my husband or when you asked me to act like a rich man's wife?” “I didn't mean any of it like that.” Why was she apologizing now? Acting different all of a sudden? “Sister to sister, Arjun is married now, I don't do married men.” I frowned at the comment. Not only because she used the word 'sister' but also because she said the word 'now'. With using the word 'now' and how comfortable she was, laying her hands on him, I could read between the lines. “Bye, Elza.” I said, not having anything good to tell her. She called my name again, but I ignored
Artha Me: Come on, they won't be back until really late D: stop Artha. Me: but I really miss you... D: If your brother gets home and doesn't find you, he'll freak. Stay home. Me: Arjun said they will stay for Dinner with Trevor Noah. Please let me come. D: you don't listen, I said no. I rolled my eyes and threw myself back on the bed. Such an uptight boyfriend. I called Bianca to vent but she didn't pick up, she wasn't responding to any of my texts the whole day although she was online. Me: talk to me, please. Dean is being a daddy as usual. Thinking of just showing up to his place. Arjun and P are out. Should I do it? I stared at the message, wondering whether just showing up was a good idea. Bianca was typing, so I waited. This was the first time she was responding to my messages in 24 hours. B: yes, do it. Hurry before they get back. I tried calling Dean, but it told me that he was busy on another call. Dean “Don't come, Bianca, I am not playing with you.” “Well,
Preetah “And no giving out private information about us or what happens in our home.” Arjun added. Each time he kept saying 'and' as if it would be the last rule. He was nervous about tonight. I could see it. It was more about me, making sure I didn't mess anything up. “Don't tell them anything they don't already know about me or my family. Whatever you say, make sure it makes me, and my company look good.” He added. Did he even realize that his family was now mine too? Why would I want to say something that could make the family look bad? “Any questions?” “Uh... I don't think so.” I said, feeling my dress get tighter as if it was shrinking. I placed my palms on my belly and looked down at the black designer dress that revealed my calves. “If they ask you an uncomfortable question that you don't know how to answer, just laugh and look at me, I'll take over.” He went on. “Okay.” “I doubt Trevor would ask a question that could damage my reputation. But still, just stay alert.
Preetah Arjun said bye this morning. He told me that we were invited to a show called Trevor's Ark and I had to be ready by 6pm. He said that he would come home, shower and then we would leave. He also told me that I have homework: to stream as many episodes of it as I could to know how it worked and how people behaved there. For that, he showed me how the TV in the room worked. He then left after I gave him his coffee and then I stayed in bed the whole morning, with no motivation to start my day. I only had one thing on my mind. Later I left the room and went back to the laundry basket. I took the white shirt and examined it for more red lipstick marks but there were just the ones on the collar. After looking at it for so long, as if it would answer my questions, I smelt it. It smelt purely of one of Arjun's many expensive colognes. Am I going crazy? Was I over-analyzing this situation? I hated this feeling of fighting myself internally, one part of me saying it could be anyt
Arjun I got off the bed and pulled on my shorts. Preetah was still in the bathroom and had left the door ajar. When I opened the door, she was standing in the bathroom, holding one of my shirts. She looked so sexy standing there barefoot in my t-shirt, with her hair falling over her shoulders. At least she was beautiful. I lifted the toilet seat and began urinating. “What are you doing?” I asked, without really looking back at her. “Nothing.” She responded and then left the bathroom. When I came back from the bathroom, I switched off the lights and snuck under the covers, wishing I could pull her body towards mine, but I didn't want her to think I was needy for affection, so I didn't. After treating her like I didn't like her all week, well I thought I didn't like her, I found myself almost telling her what happened to my mom. I had never even thought about speaking about it before, but I almost did with her. Not that Dean or dad was right, but I couldn't deny the fact th
DeanIt was Steve. His eyes widened just for about 2 seconds before he wiped all the expression from his face. “Uhm... Madam Preetah said that she would leave a plate of food for me in the microwave.” He said nervously, avoiding both our eyes. “Oh.” Both Artha and I said simultaneously and surprisingly almost bumped into each other, trying to go for the microwave.“You can go...” I told her, moving away to let her pass.She took the plate out of the microwave and passed it to Steve. He thanked us awkwardly and then left quickly.Artha and I exchanged looks. I shook my head.“I think this is a sign.” She told me.“What sign?” I frowned. “Don't be sentimental. There is no sign. We are not telling Arjun anything.”She began filling the takeaway with more food from the pot. “It's only a matter of time before Preetah tells Arjun.”
Preetah Arjun came home around 2pm with Dean, I was writing when I heard him and Dean's voice coming from the living room. They were loud and speaking over each other. I frowned, abandoning my book and running out of the room, my heart racing. I stopped at the top of the stairs and looked down, only to see them laughing and then Arjun playfully shoving Dean. Was this really Arjun? Smiling, talking, and having fun like this? I saw Artha come out from her room, tuck her hair behind her ears and approach them both. “Afternoon guys.” She greeted them as they took a seat. She sat on the one end of the same couch as Dean. “Afternoon.” They responded. “So you decided to come visit today?” Artha asked Dean. “This is my house.” Dean answered jovially. “I gave Arjun a one-week break because he had just gotten married. Didn't want to take all the attention from Preetah.” “This guy...” Arjun said and then laughed. “I'm gonna go make me some coffee, this guy doesn't even have coffee in