Reason Unknown

Preetam PoV:

Asking Roopa to stay in the spare bedroom, I came to my room. I locked the door to let out the feelings of my heart. I never dreamt of love or marriage until I saw Roopa. Roopa, the girl who took away my heart. She made me fall for her completely. I didn't love her seeing her beauty. She is just a girl with natural beauty, but with a good heart. I loved her kind heart.

I informed this to my parents, and they contacted her parents. They agreed to the marriage instantly. My happiness knew no bounds as I am going to tie the knot to my beloved Roopa. However, I felt to know her opinion before making arrangements for the marriage. I called her to know what her opinion about this marriage. We met in a restaurant.

Roopa was exquisite in a bright magenta coloured dress. Her loose wavy hair, fell on her forehead as a curl enhancing her beauty. Her deep purple eyes showed her confidence. Though she is from a village, her composure and behaviour resemble the highly educated woman from a city. She looked around for a minute before taking her seat.

"Hello!" she said without swivelling at me as she fixed her looks on the ground.

"Ms Roopa, I think you should bend your head only twice. One, when I am going to tie a knot to you and the other, when you do wrong," I said to her.

She eyed at me.

"Roopa, I don't know what your thoughts about me and this marriage are. I want to know your opinion, after all, you are the one who is going to share my life," I said.

"I have no objection for this wedding," Roopa said.

"Thank you," I said to her and dropped her at her home.

I became busy in making the arrangements for the marriage. After two months Roopa called me.

"Hi, this is Roopa."

"Tell me, Roopa,” I said, surprised by her call. She never called me at least once until now.

"Can you please postpone marriage for two years?" Roopa asked me leaving me in confusion.

"What?" I said as we were engaged and within a week we are going to get married.

I am happy to hold her hand. I am eager to marry her because I love her so much. Now, I don’t understand how to react.

"I got the seat for Masters in the US. It's my dream to do Masters there. I know you might have already distributed wedding cards, but please, " she said slowly.

I thought for a moment. Why should Roopa stop going ahead in her career? Postponing the marriage is easy, but getting the Masters seat again in the desired University is tough. If a husband loves the wife truly, he should support her to climb the ladder of the success.

"It's ok, Roopa. I understand. I will postpone the marriage," I said and convinced my family after much struggle.

I tried calling her many times in those two years, but she never received my call. I missed her like hell. I controlled my feelings for her progress. After two years, she returned to India. As per the plan, we got married within a month. That moment was the best in my life. I can't compare my happiness with any other achievement. With many dreams, I planned endless surprises for her after the marriage.

As it’s our first night, Roopa came to the room with milk glass. She is beautiful in the red sari. She wiped away the sweat from her forehead. I noticed her nervousness seeing her face.

“ Roopa, please sit here," I said, and she sat beside me.

"Roopa, I want to ask you one thing. Are you comfortable?" I asked.

"Wh.. What?" She asked me.

"Roopa, you are educated. You may have many dreams regarding your life and career. I don't want this marriage to ruin your dreams. So, until we are comfortable with one another, let's stay as good friends. If you want to do the job or any higher studies, you can proceed," I said to her.

She looked at me amazed.

"Thank you, Preetam," she said with a heart melting smile.

"So, sleep now," I said, and we both dozed off on the same bed, but I didn't touch her.

In the morning, I woke up with a smile, but I didn't find Roopa beside me. I turned towards the washroom only to see it open. I didn’t find any clue about her.

I got up from the bed and looked around for her. Suddenly I found a piece of paper, stuck to the dressing mirror. I read it.

"Preetam, I am sorry. I don't love you or this marriage. While studying in the US, I loved someone. I am going to marry him. I am leaving, bye."

I got shocked by her letter. I can't believe this bullshit. But her parents, siblings, relatives, friends, everyone thought that note was real. I filed a police complaint disregarding that piece of paper. But they couldn't find her. I too searched for her, but of no use. Six months she was away from everyone. Now she is back. I got dismayed when her father threw her on my feet. It hurts. It hurts a lot to see the one whom I love in such a miserable state. His words too hurt me. He said to me to give her any punishment.

But, why should I punish her? How can I punish her? I don't know the reason behind her leaving the house. But, she is so happy on that day when I married her. Even when she came to the room on the first night, I saw the happiness on her face when I said she could work.

Why did she leave me? I want to talk to her. I have been hankering for the reasons. But what if that note was genuine? I can't bear if she says she doesn't love me and in love with someone else. Should I accept her as my wife or leave her? Anyways, who am I to accept or reject her when she already denied me as her husband. I heard a door knocking sound. I opened the door and saw Roopa in front of me in a sari. My heart skipped a bit seeing her in that sari. That sari was my first gift to her after the engagement.

"I am going out tonight, Preetam," she said.

I didn’t understand anything for a second.

"Are you leaving now?” I asked puzzled.

"I will be back in the morning," Roopa said without considering my question.

When she decided not to answer me, why did she inform me? I was frustrated with her behaviour.

"Look Roopa; you can go anywhere at any time. It's up to you. I care the least for those people who are not related to me, " I said closing the door rashly.

Why is she going out at this time? Where does she want to go? Why is she so mysterious and suspicious? How can I make her understand how much I love her and the fact that my heart still trusts her?