A Perfect Mismatch by Leena Varghese Read Free Book Online Page A

moment over what I am wearing?”
    He made a sound that indicated that he might lose his temper altogether if he didn’t move away. “God, give me patience!”
    She looked heavenward dramatically and sighed “Dear God, I need it more than him!” They glowered at each other, both unwilling to back down.
    “Are you children having a good time?” Vini poked into their conversation, noting their grim expressions.
    “Yes, thank you!” So saying, Zara rose asking sweetly, “Shall I get a bowl of
badaam kheer
for him? He needs to sweeten his tongue a bit!” She sailed away without looking back.
    “She is perfect for you, Armaan! Didn’t I tell you?” Vini beamed happily while her son choked on his food that suddenly tasted like soggy wallpaper. He chewed and swallowed with utmost care, thoroughly disgruntled with the bunch of stubborn women in his life!

3
    Two days before the wedding, her clothes were delivered complete with their accessories to a bemused Zara. She had never owned so many pretty things in all her life. Wiser with her hard earned experience, she put them away safely under lock and key this time. After the engagement, another ugly scene had erupted with Bani who had only laughed at Zara’s predicament.
    The wedding day arrived and Zara wondered where the days in between had disappeared. She was going to be Armaan’s wife. It seemed like an impossible dream. After the engagement fiasco, Armaan had called her once, to check with her for the customary jewels required for the occasion. She had simply extended her apologies saying that she could not accompany him as she had a mountain of work to do before she could apply for a week’s leave for the wedding. Zara pointed out with relish that since her aesthetic sense was below his superior standards, he mightas well choose whatever he felt was appropriate and not bother her with such trivial issues.
    “You look fabulous!” Pari was gushing. Her friends showered her with effusive compliments as she stood admiring herself in the mirror, turning this way and that to get a better look. The previous night had been nothing short of torture with the
sangeet
ceremony, singing and dancing among the relatives and friends who had gathered in the house. Her day had been even more hectic with the visit to the luxury spa and salon with Aparna who had taken over the matter into her own hands. Zara had protested strongly, but in the end she had given up since it seemed too much of an effort to convince her sister-in-law without revealing that it was not a real marriage.
    Now, standing in front of the mirror, Zara had to admit that she did feel a tingle of pleasure at the remarkable improvement in her appearance. Her friends crowded around her, arranging the sari for her. It was Armaan’s choice, Vini had informed her, when she had called to thank her mother-in-law for the gift. The lotus-pink
Banarasi
silk sari was delicately embellished with tiny Swarovski crystals and shimmering pearls, making her eyes appear stunningly luminous. She felt the first stirrings of excitement at the sight she presented in the mirror. Her long silken hair was well coiffed and spangled with specks of pearls and diamante bead hairpins.
    In the glow of the dressing table lamps, her face suddenly appeared happy as if this day was real for her. Somewhere deep inside, she wished Armaan would notice her if only for today. As quickly as it arose, she extinguished the thought.
    Zara had always been pragmatic, a quality she diligently nurtured. Now was the time to use it to her advantage. At best, they could work out an amiable relationship in the coming months. To hope for any kind of appreciation was downright suicidal.
    “Time to go!” Her aunt came in to inform them that the
baraat
had arrived. She could hear the shouting, singing, the drums and the music. Slowly she turned with a smile. She was going to enjoy her wedding.
    Armaan glanced for the umpteenth time at his brand new wife and felt