Dear Purnota
Episode: 01
Tanisha Sultana
Purnota was adorned from head to toe in jewelry by the landlord's wife, as if buried under gold. Her bright red sari and heavy ornaments made her beauty almost double. Momota Begum, the landlord's wife, watched her in awe, whispering "Mashallah" in her mind, a wide smile forming at the thought of such a girl joining their household.
Outside, the courtyard buzzed with people. Inside, there were no chairs—only mats of date palm leaves for seating. Landlord Arman had not come for his grandson's wedding. Their family was famous across ten villages, the wealthiest in the city, yet their granddaughter was marrying a girl from such a humble home. Pride and reputation clashed silently.
Ifad sat first on the mat, wearing a white Punjabi and a cap. He had come for the wedding, but for now, nothing else occupied his mind except Purnota's beauty. He had admired her from afar, and now he would see her up close—a thought that sent shivers through him.
Shiuli Begum, the eldest wife, sat beside Purnota, her veil covering her head. Secretly, she was envious of the girl's beauty. "Ah… your beauty has ruined your life," she thought. Reshma, the middle wife, chewed paan near the window, indifferent. Only Rima, the youngest, secretly rejoiced—never had she imagined her rude son would get such a bride.
Everything seemed ready for the wedding when Abhiraj, the eldest grandson, entered. Over thirty and stern, his mere presence struck fear into the household. Villagers trembled at his name.
Abhi approached Ifad. Ifad froze, swallowing hard. Abhi examined him, then asked sharply,
"Is it time for you to get married?"
Ifad stammered,
"Ah… actually, br… bro… "
Before he could finish, Abhi struck him across the jaw. Ifad staggered back. Monowar, the eldest son, stepped forward.
"Abhi, what's happening?"
"Ifad will not marry. The wedding will be with me," Abhi declared.
Momota Begum furrowed her brows, adjusting her glasses.
"You will decide?"
"Yes," Abhi said, taking Ifad's cap and placing it on his own head.
No one dared speak. Abhi pushed Ifad aside and sat, signaling the Qazi to begin. The ceremony started immediately. No one could protest. Not a single family member touched water; the tension was palpable.
When the wedding ended, Shiuli breathed a sigh of relief. Her son was hot-tempered but good-hearted. Purnota would have difficulty adjusting, yet she had no malice.
Momota Begum quickly ordered everyone to leave. Reshma and Rima followed. Purnota hesitated, worried that her parents' food would go uneaten.
"I won't leave unless you all eat," she said, lowering her head.
Abhi, hearing her, roared,
"If anyone moves without eating, I'll break their leg!"
Everyone froze, even Momota Begum. Ifad fumed quietly. Purnota trembled.
Abhi grabbed her hand, dragging her along. Her heavy sari and jewelry made it hard to keep up, and she stumbled a few times. Once, she glanced back at her siblings—but her parents were already out of sight.
To be continued…..