Universe: PU-D-31:

Nobody knows what fate had planned for me. After the Global Economic Tragedy ended, the whole world was trying to cope up and so was I. I, along with my fellow associates, joined Cybermates Co.Ltd seven years ago. A dream that we once saw and later lived. But this short lived dream faded away as The Gobal Economic Tragedy struck. The economic competition had turned into a lethal war.

Whenever I see my robotic hands and legs (down the knees), I remember the terrible blast that occured in the laboratory while working on a more elaborated robotic model. My ambitions and the wish to survive made me work day and night. But a small fault made my life worse. I was the only one to survive. It was such a dreadful accident that my life couldn't be the same as before.

The technology helped me to stand up on my feet and do my job but being a cyborg, in this Dystopian Era, is something different.

Cybermates Co.Ltd was in the hands of Mr. Sumit Bhardwaj, nephew of the former CEO, Mrs. Yamini Bhardwaj. He and his genius sons, Neel Bhardwaj and Amit Bhardwaj had overcome the loss that happened 6 years ago. After I got the Cybernetic transplant, according to policy of the Company, I had to work for them or if not I would've to surrender the robotic arms and legs to the Company as they had afforded the whole cost of that Cybernetic transplant surgery. I never wanted to face a legal action. As I was one of those few people who were turned into cyborgs using the latest technology, I became a centre of attraction. I never wanted to become so popular just because I had powerful mechanical arms and legs. It was true that the bio-robotic system I was fitted with became the most powerful model as later I enhanced it.

But later my popularity among people was not because of my research or my work. It was because I was engaged to Neel Bhardwaj. It was though a legal contract based marriage. After several discussions and signing of agreements, this marriage was confirmed. I wanted to bring my family to this rich city Mumbai but faced some issues of permanent residence. I did this all for my family. And even Neel did this for his family.

But as I think about my past, it seems so twisted and depressing.

If I say something about my present...Now I'm sitting in my own room, writing my thoughts in my daily journal. It's almost 11 PM. Just few minutes ago I took off my bridal nauvari saree and all the jewelries. I washed all the makeup that was brushed on my face. I wore my loose night clothes. Yes, today was my marriage.

According to my condition, our official marriage ceremony was performed in accordance with Marathi customs. My parents were so happy. They never knew the truth behind the marriage. After I and Neel pretended to date for an year, so that the press media and the world would think that we're in a relationship. With all the things being shown in media, I lied to my family.

The Bhardwaj family had known this little secret of ours. However, they had arranged the official engagement and wedding in pompous way. I still remember when Neel's mother told me, "I don't care about the contracts. But yes... as a woman I know how important your family and your ambitions are for you. I just want to say: All the best to you." The family knew that they had an idealistic son to sacrifice. Anybody could be an idealist with all those luxuries. He had no idea what world looked like from my point-of-view. My realistic mindset did contradict with him. However he wasn't so insensitive to not understand my feelings...

When I tried to remove the artificial skin gloves that covered my cybernetic arms, I spontaneously wore them again. I had planned to wear new ones as because these ones had special mehndi (henna) designs on it, specially made for a cyborg bride. I loved to wear them. They even smelled like mehndi. As I touched the patterns with my mechanical fingers, I traced the name 'Neel' that was written.

Besides all my ambitions, I always dreamt of marrying in a very simple yet joyful way with all my family. But the situation gave me neutral feelings when I thought it to be a contract wedding. Being married to your boss's son, a professional competitor and a simply ethical frenemy.... that's really not romantic. But yes... an ethical frenemy...

Being with Neel in all this real life drama, I came to know that life is neither a melodrama nor a classic tragedy. Neel and I had several conflicts and debates in these two years. But I must say he is a responsible, protective person and of course, a good friend. Hmmm...he is sleeping in the guest room. He courteously offered me to use his own bedroom, while sleeping in guestroom. That's quite cute gesture, isn't it?