I was a genuine imitation of melancholy merriment.

Chaya- Playing Pratima

Mussoorie was love.
Granny was love.
Pratima's little house was love.
But, as they said, happiness doesn't last longer, the doorbell rang and an unwelcomed guest called "Nani" stood there with two bags in her hand.

"So, Rajni's warnings were not false. The witch is here." Granny whispered in my ear and I sighed.

"Come here and grab my bags girl. You don't want your old Nani to pick these bags? Do you?" Nani commented walking inside leaving her bags out. I went to pick up her bag and dropped it.
"PRI! it's got fragile stuff inside. Careful!" She scolded and I looked at granny for rescue.
She didn't say anything, strange.

I tried to pick it up again but this time Uday came from nowhere and helped me. I was relieved. He kept the bags in the guest room and washed his sticky hands.

"Don't tell me that pickle bottle broke?" Nani looked horrified and I gulped. She unzipped her bag and the sight was a disaster. Indeed the bottle broke and all things in the bag were sticky and oily. Uday and granny looked at me with pity.
Was I in danger?

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Pratima- Playing Chaya

Prince kept looking in my direction from time to time but I ignored him royally. I was hurt physically and mentally. I needed a little time to calm myself. No matter how fascinating and interesting the visit was, I was no longer interested. I was walking aimlessly lost in analysing my decisions.

Lack of concentration puts you in trouble and I tripped and fell hurting my elbow from a sharp-edged stone. It started to bleed.

My new father muttered something before deciding to help me. The Prince however acted fast and helped me get up. The blood-stained my white shirt.
"Chaya, are you fine?" The concern evident in his voice but I so wanted the name to be Pratima. It will certainly sound like music in his slight British accent.

I nodded my head to confirm I was okay, but I wanted to cry.

"I guess she can't take her eyes off your handsome face, Prince," my new father was trying so hard to impress him. Why are Indian fathers like that? Why do they want impress the prospective groom?

"If my face causes her trouble I rather cover it." The Prince took out his handkerchief and put it on his face.
That was so sweet and I couldn't stop that first genuine smile on my face with something the Prince did. If it was not for the kiss last night and he was not a royal, he would have won my heart.

My new father hated his act I could sense. He was a male chauvinist person. No pig! Any act done to woo the ladies was unacceptable to him.

The staff brought a first aid kit and the Prince requested me to walk to a tree. "Your highness, why don't you continue the tour while I take care of princess's wound."

My new father immediately walked with a bunch of assistants escorting him. I sat on the stoned platform under the tree. The afternoon breeze was so calming. "Fold your sleeve, princess." The Prince instructed. I did as told. It was hurting.

He took a cotton bud and applied antiseptic. Oh! This burns but I had to act strong. He dipped a generous amount and with shivering hands touched my wound. I bit my lower lip hard to avoid screaming. The Prince was cleaning the cut tenderly and when he blew hot air to soothe the burn my entire body was on fire.

In all honesty, his kiss last night was a total flop show. But, his breath was a sensation so strong. He put a band-aid on the cut and I finally released my lip. My poor lip suffered more than required, first, to hide the pain then to stifle a moan.

The Prince pushed my sleeve a bit up and I immediately jerked his hand. I quickly rolled my sleeve down and buttoned it.
"Thank you. I am fine." I said dusting my clothes.

"Did someone hurt you?" The Prince asked and I stiffened with his question. Does he know or did he see the mark on my upper arm? I can't tell him. What if he questioned the king, I will be dead.

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Chaya- Playing Pratima

Nani grabbed my hand tightly and dragged me to the room. "Look what you have done. Ruined all my clothes. Your mother was right you are a useless girl. Who will pay for this? Your dead grandfather?"

I was furious. Even though I didn't know the man but she had no right to curse the deceased.
"Nani, it was only accidental. I didn't do it on purpose. And do not bring my grandfather in to this. You want new clothes? I will buy them for you." Money was the last thing I was concerned about.

"Huh? Look at this girl! She is not bothered about the damage? How will you give me the money? You don't earn a penny. You are twenty and just stay at home doing nothing. Take tuitions or work part-time somewhere. 'I will get new clothes for you!'"she imitated me sarcastically.

She was such a nonsense person. I know I shouldn't be saying that for elders but she was accusing me of no reason. Why was granny silent though? Pri told me she never let anyone say anything to her.

I came out of the room and Uday smiled at me to comfort me. Granny looked so low. If Nani was the reason, I swear, I will make her life miserable.

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Pratima- Playing Chaya

"God!" The Prince let out a frustrated sigh. He stood in front of me and questioned looking straight into my eyes, "What is it? Why do you behave so strangely? Look, I know we both don't want this marriage but this how it's supposed to be. I am trying to make you comfortable, make efforts to make it at least acceptable. But, you leave no chance to be rude and arrogant or snap at me or hit me even. I am as trapped as you are. So stop looking like a victim. If anything, you will be the one at loss here. I have many proposals but I chose you since you are Ragini's friend. Else, your father is just a leech who wants me for money. You are his best article available. I don't disagree. A painted face with blank soul."

"Stop the trade then. Don't BUY me." That was all I could say at the moment. I was not the person I was playing. Yes, I did behave how he accused me but I didn't know him.

I guess sometimes the circumstance you meet the people are so wrong that people appear the way they are not.

"I am not BUYING you! For heaven's sake, it's marriage. I am an old school and believe love finds it's way. Though, if you continue to display this ignorance, indifference and develop hatred against me for no reason, I think we part our ways before the elders get any more serious." Prince left me and walked in anger.

I was angry too. It was just two days I was here, not even adapted to the place and I was being thrown with such challenges. 'LOVE?' The word I always fantasised about but never experienced. I never saw my parents love for each other or me. How could I possibly know how it works. Besides, he was to marry Chaya, not me.
Oh!
The thought pained my heart.
But, Chaya also loved someone. I should try my best to get this marriage cancelled. The Prince hated my current behaviour, he will hate me more from now. As for my new father, the situation was tough there but I will try my best to handle him. Maybe this sacred thread given to me with love will help me fight the monster.

I didn't go for a further tour and headed in a different direction. I was sitting under a tree in the parking lot making plans for the coming days. My mobile buzzed.

"Hi!" I greeted Chaya in my best lively tone.

"Pri," Chaya broke down after addressing me.

"Chaya, why are you crying? Is everything alright? Granny... Granny? Is she fine? Are you in trouble?" Her soft sobs were troubling me.

"Pri, your Nani is here. She is a witch. She is scolding me since the time she has entered and now she is threatening to confiscate my phone. She is forcing me to clean the entire house from top to ground. Granny is also not saying anything to her. What should I do? I mean... If you permit me, I can murder her and no one will know." Chaya shared her plan and I shouted...

"NO! Don't do anything foolish Chaya. My mother has sent her to tame me and she is very good at it. Granny won't say anything to her. Nani has something against her and blackmails her for that. I don't know what but Nani is bad news, Chaya. I don't think you can survive her torture. If you want we can come back to our original lives. I will handle Nani and you can handle the "love" the prince wishes to develop between you two." I didn't know what to do. Two days were enough for us to back out of the game.

"Handle his love? Why would he want that?" Chaya questioned and I narrated our entire conversation.

"Pri, did you not question if you were such a bad deal why was he choosing you? Ragini cannot be the only reason. It's something else. I hope he has not fallen in love with the beauty of the hills already?" Chaya teased me.

"Why should I question him or defend myself? What he thinks, he thinks of Chaya and if my behaviour irritates him it's good he will cancel the marriage then you are free to marry the one you love?" I cleared my intentions.

"Under any circumstances, I cannot marry the one I love. So, the Prince is my best option, if ever I marry. Just, don't get the marriage cancelled Pri. It's important." I could not understand Chaya's situation and intention.

"Chaya, won't that mean, deceiving the Prince? You love someone but since you can't marry him you are using the Prince as your option. He is looking for love and you cannot give him that. That's cheating Chaya." I tried to explain to her. I didn't like her selfish motive.

"My entire existence has been a big lie Pri. Don't worry the Prince won't get hurt in the process. Just play along. If I can't marry the one I love, I won't marry anyone at least till then I prefer playing games like these. Alternatively, if you and the Prince grow a bond, feel free and happy to marry him. You are perfect for him. He loves nature and you are a nature's delight." Chaya was back to her normal mood. But, her words were ringing bells in my head.
"By the way, I won't kill your Nani but won't let her live in peace. I will not let her blackmail our granny. And, the switch is still on. Take care Pri, can I say, I love you." Chaya could make anyone smile. 'Our granny' didn't sound so bad and the plan to torture nani made me happy.

"Haha! I love you too." I hung up the phone and took a deep breath. Chaya was indeed lovely. I got up from the bench but I sensed someone was behind me. Shivers ran down and Crossing my fingers I turned back and went pale. His eyes were red. He looked furious. My time from earth was over.

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Dear Readers
Nani - mother's mother.
The switch is throwing new tasks for the girls. While Pratima is fighting her feelings for prince and her monstrous new father, Chaya will have to deal with a new grandmother. How they deal you shall know soon but someone has heard their secret. Who?
Find out!

Stay hooked!
Lots of love