Asha

20 years old

"Hum toh kisiko muh dikhane layak nahi rahe" my mother cries.

(We aren't left worthy of showing our faces to anyone.)

Today was supposed to be my wedding day. I should have been married by now. I'm in my bridal outfit, all dolled up but my groom never arrived.

Am I sad?

Yes, I am but not because I didn't get to marry that man. I only talked to him once. He was smiling very weirdly, I didn't like his smile. Something just didn't click together. So somewhere I am happy I didn't get to marry that man but I am sad for my parents.

My mother is crying on my elder sister's shoulder, cursing her fate meanwhile my father is just holding his head. He removed his pagadi a while ago. He is looking down, staring at the floor like a defeated man. He is looking like he has lost everything.

My elder brother looks distraught and angry at the same time. The guests are gone now, they started leaving as soon as they got to know my groom won't be coming today.

My house is so silent as if we are mourning the death of someone despite of all the beautiful decorations. I look at my hands, my mehandi is so dark. They say the darker your mehandi, the more your husband loves you. Is it true? I can't testify now.

When baraat got very late, my father received the message from a man who came running as if his life depended on it. He told us that groom was beaten in the middle of his own baraat because he had cat-called a girl in the morning. So her fiancé beat the shit out of him. Literally. He is in hospital right now with many fractures. I'm glad that I didn't marry him but I can't say that outloud. Bless the man who beat him.

My father gets up from the cot and everyone looks at him, waiting for his decision.

"Raj, Chalo mere saath" my father says to my elder brother.

(Raj, come with me)

"Kaha pita ji?"

(Where dad?)

"Thakur sahab ki Haveli par. Ab wahi faisla karege" my father says and moves out of the house, determined, not listening to anybody or caring if my brother followed.

(At Thakur Sahib's mansion. Now he will decide.)

My brother runs behind him and I look at my mother, who had stopped crying when father got up, had again resumed her crying now hugging my elder sister instead of using her shoulder.

I'm truly sad for my family but I control my smile. I am thankful to that man for beating him. I am grateful that I didn't marry him. It's not like I don't want to marry at all, I do want to but not to a man who catcalls other girl on the day of his wedding. How would he treat me if I had become his wife?

I look at the door, hoping whatever conclusion Thakur sahab comes to, it is in my favor. Since in this town, whatever the decision Thakur sahab takes, it is the law.

-------------------------------------------

Vijender

23 years old

I knew this would happen. I take a deep breath and look at my father, who seems to be in deep thinking. I turn my vision to my younger brother, Veer, who seems unapologetic for his actions even after seeing the bride's father crying.

"Thakur sahab hum bohot aam insaan hai. Humari aur bhi betiyan hai. Batayie kaise basaega ab hum unka ghar? Kon karega unse shaadi?" the bride's father, Harish, cries.

(Thakur Sahib, we are ordinary people. We have other daughters too. Tell me, how will we settle them down now? Who will marry them?)

His worries are understandable. Even though it's not his or his daughter's fault that the groom didn't arrive to the wedding, the people in the village will connect it to some bad omen and avoid them. Society is cruel in this way. They always find a way to blame women, they love to do it. Even if she is the victim.

"Toh tum kya apni beti ki shaadi kisi aise insaan se kardete jo apni shaadi wale din hi kisi aur ladki, humari hone wali patni ko chedne ki koshish karta hai" Veer says and I agree with him. What kind of husband would that man become.

(So would you marry your daughter to a man who tries to catcalls another girl, my future wife, on his wedding day itself?)

"Veerbhadra" our father says and Veer clenches his jaw. My brother has some anger issues but he means no harm. He just loves his fiancé, Tara.

"Nyay kariye Thakur sahab" Harish touches my father's feet. I feel pity for him. A father who is burdened by societies prejudices, is forced to beg for himself and his daughter.

(Do justice Thakur sahab)

"Harish hum tumhe vachan dete hai, tumhari beti ki shaadi hogi" my father says his keeping hand on harish's shoulder.

(Harish I promise you that your daughter's wedding will happen)

Father then looks at Veer. Veer is just 15 years old right now and very stubborn. He would never marry someone else. I know my brother and it's not even his age to marry. He got engaged 6 months back and his wedding will occur once his fiancé is 18. Everyone thinks he is possessive about Tara but he cares about her.

"Vijender" my father says looking at me "Agli Purnima tumhari shaadi hai"

(Vijender, Next full moon is your wedding)

I look in his eyes, it's not a request but a command. I take long breath and then look at my younger brother. If I don't say yes, his relationship will be jeopardized even though he did nothing. Not entirely wrong. I probably would have done the same if somebody disrespected a woman.

"Ji pita ji" I nod. I am neither disappointed nor against this proposition as my marriage was bound to happen. Sooner or later it doesn't matter.

"Harish humari taraf se rishta pakka hai. Tum apni beti se pooch lena. Agar wo haan kare tabhi yeh shaadi hogi. Kal hum shagun leke aayege." Father announces.

(Harish, the relationship is confirmed from our side. You should ask your daughter. The marriage will only take place if she agrees. We will bring the shagun tomorrow.)

Harish looks shocked and happy, wiping away his tears while constantly thanking my father.

Soon he leaves and I go to my room. I close the door and look around sighing. My room only has a bed, a closet and a side table so there's a lot of empty space. I never felt the need to have anything else. Going to the closet, I realise it is full of my stuff. I start arranging it so there's room for her stuff.

Wait what's her name? Yeah I remember.

Asha.