Chapter 5 Charu

LOVE WITH BENEFITS

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Episode 5

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The driver drove to a halt in a very big compound.

"wait here. I'll be back soon" I tell him as I stepped out of the car and he replied by shaking his head.

I quickly adjusted my Saree as I walked to the front porch.

when I got there, My subconscious kept telling me if I was doing the right thing but I replied by knocking on the door.

Few minutes later, it was opened by the help of the house.

She clasped her hands together.

"Namaste" she greeted and I did same.

"Where is your madam"

"Madam is inside her room. come inside and I will go and call her" she said opening up the door wider so I can step inside.

I sat on the couch and waited.

"Ganga is that you?" she asked coming down the stairs to embrace me.

"Yes Durga it really is me" I said pulling away from the hug.

"Aditi please bring some tea and sweets" she said to her help and then turned to me "to whom do I owe this visit. you never came to see me even when I heard that Adi returned from the states. I heard the news from other women in the village" she told me and I couldn't help but feel bad

"I'm sorry Durga. it slipped my mind"

"Anyways it's okay"

Her help came with a tray of tea and biscuits.

"so.. " she started and I stopped halfway through my tea "I heard that you have a new daughter in law" she added and I almost choked on my tea

"No I don't" I said as a matter of fact "She got engaged to Adi in London and came with him to seek my blessings. you know I can never let a foreigner get married to my son. that will be the death of me" I said putting the tea cup back on the tray.

"That is exactly why I told you not to send Adi to London. Now look at the outcome of everything. he fell in love and brought home a stranger as a wife. just thinking about it makes me sick" she comments

"Yes. I can't even shake off the fact that she wanted to order meat in my house."I tell her and she shrugs

" No. you have to get rid of her Ganga otherwise she will destroy the peace and sanctity of your household " she tells me

"That is why am I here Durga. I'm here to form an alliance between your household and mine" I tell her and she looks at me in a surprising manner

"You mean...?"

"I want your daughter to get married to my son."

"Charu? but will Adi agree to this. you know how stubborn he can be"

"I do but I won't tell him that he'll marry Charu. I want her to come and stay in my house and get familiar with everyone especially Adi then slowly work her magic on him. I know that it won't take long for Adi to realize that Samaria is not the one for him and he was just making a fool of himself" I explain and she slowly nods.

"That'll be a great idea Ganga. And I didn't want to tell you but Charu actually has a soft spot for Adi"

"That's perfect. it's wonderful news. if she's in love with him then she will do the needful to make him hers" I comment

"Fine but I will have to ask her if she's okay with it" she tells me and I nod.

"Aditi please call me Charu from her room" she told her help and she rushed upstairs to Charu's Room.

About five minutes later, Charu is seen walking down the stairs behind Aditi.

"Charu my child" I call and she came to where I sat to touch my feet. I quickly stopped her.

"Bless you my child"

"Ma you called for me" she said facing her mother while I took my time to study her. She appears calm, Sweet and Overall very beautiful.

I know that Adi will fall in love with her. he's just like me and I know he has great taste as well.

"Actually Charu, This is Adi's mother" her mother told her and suddenly her face lit up. it was obvious that she has a soft spot for him.

"Aunt forgive me, I didn't recognize you" she apologized

"It's okay my darling. You were still a kid when we last met. you are truly beautiful and I'm sure my Adi will definitely like you" I told her and she gave a bright smile

"Am I getting married to Adi?" she asked

"Soon my dear. very soon if only you can do me a favor"

"Anything Aunt. As long as it's for Adi" she tells me and I gave her a smile.

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I sat down on my bed as I let the tears fall freely.

I was alone in my room. I didn't want to talk to anyone so I locked up the door.

"Sam" I heard Someone call me and it sounded like Payal's voice so I quickly rushed to open up the door.

she hugged me and shushed me till I calmed down.

"I can't do this anymore payal. I'm tired of everything" I tell her

"So you're giving up on Adi? It's just the first day"

"what's the point anyway. she'll never accept me. it's only you and Adi that's on my side.

everyone in this house clearly doesn't like the fact that I am with Adi."

Payal takes my hands in hers.

"I really like you Sam and that's because you remind me a lot about myself when I was younger but the thing is that you can't fight this battle alone" she tells me

"Adi's mother has a good heart. beneath that anger is a very nice person you'll love to call your mother in law very soon" she assures me

"Now promise that you won't cry anymore?" she tells me whilst cleaning my face and I nod

she stands up and walks to the door but turns to face me almost immediately.

"Oh and Sam, have you thought of having a guru" she tells me and I looked at her in a confusing Manner.

"Oh sorry, you weren't raised in India so I forget that you won't understand. A guru is like a teacher or person who teaches the Indian tradition and values. Maybe you should find someone from the village to help you" she tells me and for the first time in forever I gave a genuine smile.

"Payal thank you so much. I will go sight seeing of the village tomorrow then maybe I will find someone."

"No please don't go tomorrow. We Are going on a trip to Sultan Pur Majra for a prayer ritual and it won't be nice if you don't come along" Payal explains

"fine then. I will go after the ritual. thanks for helping me payal. you are one of a kind. Adi is very lucky to have a sister in law like you" I tell her

"OK now go see Adi before mother gets back"

"Yes bye" I said running out of my room to Adi's but stopped halfway when I noticed mom walk in with a girl about my age. She was holding a suitcase so I was wondering what she's here for.

I gently walk down the stairs to the living room to take a closer look.

Mother ignored and walked past me whilst holding her hand.

"Ma you're home" Adi said from the stairs and walked down to meet her. I noticed the girl smiling sheepishly at Adi.

something fishy is going on here.

I don't know what games mother is about to play but I don't think it's to anyone's favour.

"Ma I really wanted to apologize for Sam's mistake. please don't get mad at her" he said but she touched his cheeks and smile.

"And why should I get mad? I'm completely over it son trust me and trust me you will too"

"I don't understand"

"Forget about that. Adi you remember Charu right?. Durga's Daughter. you used to be friends before you left for London" Mom explained while Adi nodded his head

"Yes I remember her. How are you Charu?" he asked and she tucked her hair behind her ears and gave a bright smile

"I'm fine Adi. mother told me that you just got back"

"Yes I did and this is my fiancee Sam" Adi said as he snaked his arms around my waist and brought me closer to him.

I noticed her eyes darted she gave me a closer look from my head down to my toes.

"She's beautiful Adi" she compliments but I'm sure that she doesn't mean it.

"Um Adi, Charu will be staying with us for a few days. I brought her to help Payal around the house since clearly Sam is of no use"

"Ma" Adi cautioned her

Ignoring him, she continued "So Charu will stay in this house for a few days understand?" she asked but her eyes were on me the entire time.

I looked to the other side.

"I guess we all agree. Payal please show her to the guest room" mother instructed and payal quickly did as she was told

"I know why you're doing this ma" Adi quickly said to his mother as soon as she was out of sight

"You do. please remind me then" she said as she sat down on one of the couches.

"you're trying to break my relationship with Sam. oh come on mother. how long are you going to keep playing these games. how could you stoop so low as to destroy your son's happiness for your own benefits" he yelled but she quickly placed her hands on his face signalling him to stop.

"You were the one who stooped so low as to bring a foreigner as your wife. you think because I allowed her to stay in this house, then I'll learn to really like her and will approve of your relationship? No Adi. I did it cause you are my son and not because of anything else. She should better start preparing her plane tickets cause I will never accept her. not in this life or next" she yelled and Sam quickly rushed up to her room ignoring my calls.

"I don't know why Sam keeps saying she wants to stay in this house cause I'm tired and fed up with all of you. You had better tell Charu to go back home cause I will never accept her talk more of love her. you should know your son that when he makes a decision he stands by it and I promise you mother that you Will be the one to organize my marriage to Sam because sooner or later, you'll have to accept her as my wife and your daughter in law " I snapped and walked up to my room.

"Aditya... please Aditya listen to me" she called but I ignored.

I wonder how a mother could be so heartless to her child all in the name of reputation.