My Endless love

Chapter 3 : Engagement ceremony

Preeti's PoV~

"Tomorrow is mehendi ceremony oh sorry!!! engagement ceremony, you ....be ready for it!!!", I said to Arjun and went off.

I ran off like anything. I am scared. I don't know where I got that courage to speak to him like this. I am screwed. I went to my room and closed my door.

I was really crazy to do this. Where I have hide? How can I face him tomorrow? Oh my god!!! I have screwed it big this time.

I don't know what to do now? How can I manage this person? He is already starting to test my patience. How can I change him? What is the reason that he has changed this much? My mind was filled with these thoughts. I don't know what will happen in future? But I am his present. I am determined that I have to change him.

When I was immersed in my thoughts. My mom called me from downstairs, " Preeti, come down dear, Daksh uncle and anu aunty are leaving".

"Coming mom", I said and for the last time, I checked my makeup. I went down.

Daksh uncle hugged me and said, " Bye dear, Of course we will come for engagement ceremony tomorrow ".

" Okay uncle", I said.

"Well, We will invite only important guests as we are in a rush but for wedding , I will invite whole town", he chirped happily.

" Of course , we should. By this wedding, we turning from friends to relatives", my dad hugged Daksh uncle happily.

Arjun was standing with a expressionless face. He came towards me, "Bye", he said and got chills in my body. I recovered quickly. " Bye", I said .

"I will wait for tomorrow ", he said intimately by putting his hand around my waist. " Oh god!! wait till your marriage Arjun. Why are you not leaving her for one minute? ", his mom teased.

All broke into laughter but I can see his smirk in his face. He is not leaving any chance to embarrass me....

" I am going to my room", I said and went upstairs.

"She is shy. Don't mind", my mom said. All are laughing with their heart content. I was happy that they are atleast happy with my decision on our marriage.

How can I handle him tomorrow? How is it possible? I changed into my night suit and went to my bed.

I don't know when sleep will come to me. That's when my mom knocked the door and entered my room.

" What's up mom?", I asked my mom while sitting on my bed.

"Dear, Are you happy with this marraige? Don't feel pressurised. I want to know your real thought about your decision on this marriage? No one is pressuring you?", she said while placing her hand on my mine.

I think my mom can say what am I thinking by just seeing me. She kow me from inside and out.

" Mom, Why are you asking like this? I am really happy to do this marriage. Don't worry", I lied.

"Really? Then I will be rest assured", she said.

" Tomorrow is going to be a long day. So ,get some rest. I have to arrange many things for tomorrow's ceremony. I have also called some company who will handle everything regarding decoration. We have to sort out about your dress and makeup", she said happily.

"Anything will be fine mom, I have lot of dresses....", I said..." but mom can I wear your engagement dress. That blue lehenga. I have to just get matching blouse", I am looking for your approval..

"Do you want to wear it?", tears filled her eyes. Happy tears

" Yes mom, it's one of the grandma's memory. I want to wear it on my life's special day", I said with a smile.

"Of course, then tomorrow go to some mall and get a readymade blouse as engagement ceremony is evening", she said.

" Okay mom", I aid while yawning .

"Okay dear, get some rest", she said and left.

My head hit the soft pillow and I went to a deep sleep.

I woke up with the commotion that is caused downstairs. I went to the bathroom and did my business. I went downstairs to see my dad and mom are ordering around the maids and wedding planners regarding decorations etc.

" What are you doing here? You are not ready yet? Arjun will be coming soon. Get ready.", my mom asked me.

"What? Why Arjun is coming?", I asked with the most innocent eyes.

" What do you mean why? Arjun is your fiancée. You both have to select your own engagement rings", she explained. "Enough of your interrogation. Go and get ready", she said not giving any chance to speak.

I muttered yes and went upstairs to my room.

I freshened up myself and choose a simple white top and jeans to wear today.

I went down to see a unbelievable scene in front of me. Arjun who used to be bearing a frown is talking to my parents with a smile.

What is the change in his behaviour overnight? What is he upto? Is he planning something?

He walked towards me and hugged me. My mom and dad turn the other side as they thought to give us some privacy. I am embarrassed again. I was moving away from him but he made his grip tighter.

What is he up to? He has some plan? Don't know what he planned?

" Did you eat breakfast?", he asked smiling at me. I was too dazed to answer that question. As I was not answering my mom interrupted, "No dear, She didn't", she said smiling at him.

" Perfect!! I wanted to eat with you. Can I eat here aunty?", he asked with a big innocent eyes.

"Of course dear!! It is your house", she said and pulled him near the dining table.

What an actor!!! What is he up to?Really? Its irritating!!! I think he loves to irritate others, especially me!!! What I have to do?

We all went to the dining table and sat in our respective chairs. Arjun sat beside me. He is looking at me.

Why is he staring at me?

" Did you sleep well?", he asked me while placing his hand on my thigh.

"What are you doing?", I murmured and can be audible to him by removing his hand on my thigh. He again placed his hand and moving his hand constantly. I can't shout so I ate quietly. He started eating whike continuing his torture. I think, I was red by now.

" Preeti, What happended dear? Why is your face is so red? Do you have fever?", my mom who is sitting opposite to me asked me.

"I....I..I'm fine, mom", I said.

"Yeah!! Preeti, Are you not feeling well?", he asked with a smirk.

" I. am. okay", I said while glaring at him. I want to eat quickly and get out of this situation but chief maid is continuously serving me. She then, went to serve my mom and accidentally, the fork fell down. My mom bent down to take the fork and he removed his hand on my thigh but I think it's too late. She saw what happened and smiling at me teasingly.

I am again embarrassed now!! Exactly, What is he upto?

"Why are you smiling?", my dad asked mom.

Arjun coughed and I looked down, don't know what to say. I am embarrassed.

" I will tell you later. Finish your breakfast ", she said to dad and he was very curious that he kept asking mom and I was embarrassed as hell.

I glared at him. I don't know what is he up to. He smiling at me lovingly. I don't know, if it is my illusion.

We both get ready to leave and took my handbag. " Arjun, Preeti complete the shopping by 4 in evening ", she said and we both nodded.

" Okay mom, we will leave", I said and Arjun nodded and smiling at me.

We both went out and he opened his car door for me. I was dazed to see him like this. Exactly, What is he up to? He gestured me to get inside the car.

We both sat in the car and fastened our seat belts. After a certain distance, "Stop the car now!! You don't need to act anymore", I said while glaring at him.

" So you knew, I was acting. You are clever", he said and stopped the car.

"Ofcourse, How can you change overnight?", I said while glaring at him.

"Yeah!! How can I change overnight. You knew, I don't like you!! Then why you agreed to this marriage ", he asked me.

" You can fool everyone by your third grade acting but not me!!", I said.

"Why are you doing this marriage? ", He asked patiently while looking at my eyes.

Because I like you....I said to myself.

" Are you pressurised? Is anyone forcing you?", he asked.

"So why don't you answer my question? Why are you denying this marriage? If you give me a valid reason, I will deny this marriage right away", I said firmly by looking at his eyes.

He jerked. His eyes are filled with pain and with anger.

" What happened to you six months ago? Why are you changed?", I asked him. He is now fuming with anger and his face is red.

I am scared to see him like this.

He get down from the car and glaring at me. I got down from the car and placed my hand on his shoulder .

"Exactly, What are you up to? What you know about me? Why you keep asking about what happened six months ago?", he yelled at me while squeezing my wrist.

" It hurts!! It hurts leave me!! leave me Arjun please ", I pleaded him.

" Exactly, who are you to ask me about my life?", he yelled.

"Me? your fiancée!! ", I said while smiling sarcastically.

I done for. He is not going to leave me now.

" Fiancée!!! my foot!!", he was in a rage.

I was really scared now. I don't know, what is he going to do? s**t!!!

"Arjun, please let me finish. If you keep everything to yourself, you can't win anything. Everyone is worried about you. Daksh uncle is hell worried about you. How can you be so inconsiderate?", I said softly.

He was looking at me intently and finally released my wrist.

" You know Arjun, please everyone like you. Let your heart open ", I asked by placing my hands on his biceps.

He is looking no staring at me. I think, his expression got little softened.

" Please Arjun, Please !!! let your heart open. Say everything what you want to say!!", I said.

His expression got softened only for a second but his arrogant look was back again.

"Do you think you know everything about me? Don't me mistaken?", he said and pulled me against the car. Our faces are few inches away. I was too scared to look into his eyes. His hot breath was greeting my face. I was too scared. Before, I open my eyes, I felt his lips against mine. I opened my eyes, use my whole strength to move him but he didn't budged at all. He hungrily slipped his tongue into my mouth and smooched my lips.. I don't know how to react. I again used all of my strength to move him, and he moved and I slapped him.

" What are you doing? Can't you give me some respect?", I yelled with my strength and tears are rolling down my cheeks.

"If you will do it again!! I'll slap you", I said.

" I don't care", he said and tried to kiss me forcibly. I slapped him really hard this time. His cheek was red.

"Come to your senses and see what you have become? ", I yelled at him with anger.

He looked down. I think he realized his mistake. He was silent and didn't have any expression.

" Today, I am really clear that. You are not human but a beast. You can't be human. You don't have any respect to a woman", I yelled and opened the car, took my bag.

"I am going to the mall alone. I can't stand you now", I yelled and left him alone.

I walked for a while. I can't able to see a cab. I know, I have to walk more now.

Suddenly, someone is honking at me. I moved to the end but he is honking at me continuously and I was irritated," Why the hell are you hon...", to see the Arjun's car. I ignored and continued walking. The car passed near me and stopped. The window of the car was opened by him, "If you are going to walk at this pace, you will reach the mall by evening", he said sarcastically.

" Ohh!! Mr.Oberoi it's an eye opener. Thank you for your advice. I can manage", I said with the same tone.

"Ms.Malhotra... Come on!! Get in the car..We have to finish the shopping by evening ", he said.

" Sorry but I think I can manage", I said with an attitude.

"Don't give me attitude, Preeti. Okay then, I will call your mom and say that, you don't want to come with me", he said while holding his phone.

" Hey, don't you dare!!", I screamed with terror.

"I can dare, I will show you wait!!", he started to call.

" No...no... please, I will sit in the car", I said and sat down in the car.

I glared at him. He started the car. There was silence in the car. We stopped by knight's mall which is one of the famous but expensive mall in the city. We both went to the mall and stop by designer shop.

I carefully selected the blue blouse with grand embroidery. I tried it but it is loose so I decided to alter it. I ordered the designer to alter it and she took my measurements. Arjun didn't utter a word but busy with his phone. I was happy because if he utter another word then I will pissed.

I said to alter it and said we will come in a short while. We both went out. "Next, where we have to stop by?", he asked me.

" Jewellery store", I said with a indifferent expression.

"Then, Let's go to PA jewellery store", he said.

I was shocked. PA jewellery is the Alia and my jewellery store because recently, I bought some shares in PA jewellery as it would help the Alia at board meetings to be in upper hand. She suggested to buy some shares for safety so I decided to bought. That's the reason, I am broke now. I don't have any money.

We both sat on the chair and finally select the rings after a lot of debate. I don't know why he is concerned about the ring when he is not even interested in this marriage... I wondered. We stop by the designer shop, blouse was altered and I paid the money and left the mall. We both went to my home and placed the things on our sofa and had lunch lately. After that, he left to his house by greeting my parents.

Atleast he is showing respect to my parents. I sighed and went to my room.

Soon, the makeup artist came and started getting me ready for the ceremony. She has done my make up and helped me wear the lehenga. She neatly dressed me and started doing my hair. We both decided to make my hair flowy. Finally, I was ready. Alia came to see me.

"Preeti, you are looking great!!!", she exclaimed and hugged me.

"By the way, your fiancée arrived with his family", she said.

" They arrived already. What already? Everyone are waiting for you. That's why, I came", she said and was kind of scared or shy.

"Okay, take a deep breath. We will go downstairs now", she said and I nodded.

She helped to move downstairs. My eyes where stuck to the floor and I cannot lift my head and I know I was red by now.

My mom and Anu aunty came, hugged me and tears are rolling down from my eyes. They make me sit beside Arjun. I was too nervous to see him. When I looked at him, he us wearing the blue colour kurta and I was shocked to see him. He is more handsome in this kurta and his hair was well combed. I was literally staring at him with the open mouth. While he is busy with his friends.

" Close your mouth", Alia said by beating on my shoulder and I finally, regained my senses.

I diverted back my attention to Alia and chatted. It's time to share rings. My mom and Anu aunty came with the rings and stood beside us. Arjun and I are opposite to each other.

Anu aunty opened the box and gave the ring to me. Mom opened the box but there is no ring in that. Mom was shocked to see that, "Alia, where us the ring?", she whispered.

" What? Ring is not there in the box", she was shocked.

Worried lines appeared and mom went said dad about this. I know there will be an argument.

I was really worried so I decided to go to them. "Where you going?", Arjun asked me while grabbling my hand.

" You have created this mess and now you are asking me? I know, you will not change but I don't know that you would go this far to stop this engagement", I glared at him angrily.

"What are you saying?", he said but I went off.

Mom and dad are worrying how to handle this situation. I went there, said them to not worry. I went to my room and opened my cupboard. I opened the box, to see a A shaped carved ring. I remember, I designed this ring for Arjun but not gathered enough courage to give him. Now it is useful..

I went downstairs and shown this ring to my parents and they are very happy with it.

I stood in front of the Arjun. Mom stood beside me. Anu anuty gave the ring to the Arjun, he took my hand gently and put the ring to my left ring finger. He was staring at me. I somehow felt uncomfortable.

Mom gave me the ring and took the ring. Arjun passed me his right hand and was looking at me intensely. I put the A carved to his finger and he was shocked to see the ring and looked at me.

After exchanging of rings, everybody came and congratulated us. We both were smiling like that everything is okay, but we know it is not.

After a while, Alia asked everyone couple to dance. After some time, our turn came. Arjun guided me to the dance floor. I placed my one hand on his shoulder while other on his hand. His hand was warm. He placed his hand on my waist and we both moved slowly according to smooth rhythm. His eyes are hypnotic. I was lost and stared and we both are in our world. After listening claps sound, we both regained our consciousness and started to get down the stage. Arjun helped me to get down stage and I went catch some fresh air because I feeling too hot. My cheeks are warm. I don't know butterflies are erupting from my stomach. I don't know, what is going to happen in future?

"What are you doing here?", I heard a familiar voice and turned around.