Trials and Tribulations by Fire

This is the story of Sita, a 20-something woman who badly wants to get married. She works in a software company as some bla bla designer. Her occupation actually adds nothing to the story. The main idea is the fact that she is willing to be married and is waiting for the guy who would actually get down to it. Sita could not remember since when she wanted to get married. Actually, the very idea of leading a married life had nothing to do with her wish to get married. She simply wanted to go through the motions of getting married. Thats all.

Manju woke up to the shrill ring of the alarm and sat up, rubbing her eyes. She was not sleep-deprived today. It was a new day and she was excited about it. The Flower Manju literally ran into the kitchen and opened the window. The pot was still there. A single flower peered back at her with a startling intensity as if daring her to pluck it. Manju let the flower be and turned away, as if to respect the flower's destiny. It would dry out and fall. She was not in a mood to wear a flower on her plait that day, anyway. New Soap Manju had a streak of perfection and wanted everything in her kitchen to sparkle, always. Her husband of 20 years, Ashok, called her sick. she bothered not, because, seeing a clean sparkling shelf gave her a thrill, no other could give. She was very excited about the new washing soap she had bought from the new corner shop.  After taking bath and doing the regular activities, Manju, took out the soap from the shelf and carefully, oh so very carefully,...

The house was not small by any standards, but to Maya, it seemed cramped, almost tiny. Well, after having lived in palatial bungalows, the 1000 sq ft flat would seem small. But, for many, it would be a dream home. Some would cough up their life savings for such a house. But, not Maya. She hated the house from the day she stepped in. In fact she was not clear if she hated the house more or her cramped room more. Or was it a combination of factors that affected her deep dislike. She had never bothered to think more about it. She didnt care much either. There were other issues that fanned her hatred for the house. Maya was a woman who had grown up in sheer luxury and had no inkling what the future had in store. A small house with medium luxuries and an old couple for company, Maya felt lonely and hopeless on her first day in the house. It was a dreary feeling. After a Few Years Maya thought she heard a ring. Yes, the bloody telephone was shrieking like hell. Wonder, who had die...