Chand and Fiza

As marriages go, this was made in heaven. In 2010, Haryana's deputy chief minister Chandramohan, eldest son of Bhajan Lal, long standing former state chief minister, one fine day decided to marry Anuradha Bali.

So profoundly were the couple in love that Chandramohan decided not just to give up his powerful post for the sake of his beloved, but even changed his religion. In the line of great Indian romantics, when love triumphs over the mundane, Chandramohan became Chand and Anuradha Bali became Fiza. Caste, religion and even a high political status in life be dammed. But just when the dust was settling down on a marriage which made headlines like few marriages have, the two called it quits.

Why did it happen? While many theories have been forwarded, the two lovers have decided not to tell their parts of the story. Was it the Congress party which came in the way? Some would say yes because Chandramohan stands ousted from the inner circles of the party which is now not willing to give him a second chance. Nor is it clear whether he will get his ticket from Hissar, the family constituency, because he is kind of persona non grata.

Chandramohan now divides his time between Hissar and Panchkula, his once legion of supporters nowhere in sight. His house is a picture of neglect and he has wholly been ostracised from his powerful Bishnoi community. And, since he is considered a bad omen, "Chand" never gets wedding invitations. But he makes it a point to visit all funerals – at least he would not be stopped there. And what about Anuradha Bali? She is decidedly better off. From accounts of people who know her, Fiza is no longer in love with Chand. She has formed her own party in Punjab and hopes to make some headway in the state assembly. 

Moving on has its merits...