Falling in love after Marriage

Chapter 17

Hi friends, This chapter would contain a recap of previous chapters in Nandhini's perception.

Happy reading!

Nandhini's POV

I have been racking my brain since I returned to Chennai after meeting Prabhu's family at Kancheepuram because I am stuck in this situation, which I never wanted.

Marriage!

Who the hell introduced those idiotic practices in this world?

Ufff....!

My father strictly told me to obey whatever his father says and he threatened me to change my attitude to avoid unnecessary consequences.

Since when he starts to control me? He must be kidding. I will find one way or another to demolish their dream castle. They didn't know what I am capable yet.

My thoughts interrupted by the sound of my phone ringing. I attended the call and answered formally as my caller ID has shown an unknown number.

"Hello Nandhini here"

After a few seconds of silence, I got the reply.

"Hi Nandhini, This is Prabhu. How are you? Can I have your few minutes of time? It's about our date." He talked casually.

'Haha... Showtime now...'

I sang in mind before replying casually to him.

"I'm fine Prabhu. How about you? I'm free now. You can talk"

"Yeah, I am good. I just wanted to check when will you be available. Can you please let me know the date and time of your availability? It would be great so I can check with my schedule and tell you the place and timing."

Fuck! He is going to ask for a date. I thought he could do better. But what can I expect from the brother of those witches?

I can't f*****g refuse to go as I already got hours of lectures to behave nicely with his family. Actually, I never misbehaved in front of elders as they might tell my parents. That's why his parents would have been agreed to this proposal. Because according to them I am a f*****g nice kid.

I have to reply to him in a f*****g cautious tone.

"My boutique will be busy on the weekends. You can arrange the date in weekdays. Just let me know it before a day so I can confirm about it."

"Okay. How about tomorrow, 5 PM, CCD at T-Nagar?"

He blurted out.

What the f**k!

First date! In CCD! He probably never been in a relationship before. Fine... Wait do I have any party tomorrow? No! Then I can go!

"Tomorrow...Hmm... Yeah... I'm in...Will be there. See you then. Bye."

"Thank you. See you tomorrow. Bye"

I disconnected the call and sighed on this 'fake good girl role'. I have to devise a plan before going there.

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I got ready to meet him in a sleeveless nice blue dress which barely covered my legs. He might reject me instantly after looking at me, that's all I want. After all, he is from a typical middle-class family where these type of dresses were considered as a sin.

My grandma used to tell during my teenage not to wear short dresses as girls should not show off their body other than her husband.

Ridiculous!

I arrived on time and entered the shop. I reached his table. I saw a little wavering in his eyes, obviously, it's about the disapproval on my dressing today. But he offered me a beautifully wrapped bouquet of white roses.

Wow..! Roses was my weakness! I love them. But that won't give him a chance to rule my life.

We took our seats and I replied with a fake smile.

"Nice flowers. Thank you very much. Have you been waiting for a long time?"

"No no. I just came before five minutes. What would you like to have?"

"Green tea. I am a little health conscious. It's difficult to maintain perfect shape without the diet"

He had a look that I could not read. But what I said him is absolutely true. I have maintained a good figure to get what I want... in more than one way. ??

"Oh. That's good. I will go with a vanilla cappuccino. Would you like to have some snacks?"

No way! I won't eat this junk food.

"Sorry, Prabhu. I am not a fan of junk foods. Just green tea is enough. "

"Hmm okay. Wait, I will place the order."

I nodded with a smile. He returned and resumed our conversation.

"So Nandhini... I knew you finished your schooling in New York and did your college in Chennai. Tell me what you think I should know about you."

I replied to him the same things which I will tell to everyone but everything is actually true.

"Hmm... I want to be an independent woman. My dream is to become one of the best fashion designers. I am working on it. As I told earlier, I am very conscious about my health and diet. More of a social type. Favourite colour is pink; Favorite actor is Tom Cruise. Not a fan of foods. New York lover. Tell me about you."

Our order number had been called. He signalled me to wait and got our order. We took a sip of our drinks. Then he told me about him.

"I am working as a TL in a leading software company. Dedicated employee. I am more of a family person. They are always my first preference. A great fan of our Indian food. Favourite colour: Black and blue; Favorite actors: Thalaivar - Superstar Rajni, Surya and Shiva Karthikeyan; Actress: Nayanthara. I love reading books and cooking. Normal middle-class man. I think that's it. "

I noticed a bright spark in his eyes while telling about his family. How f*****g sweet! I thought sarcastically.

Then we spoke some general things for a while.

I have to give him a f*****g positive thought that I am very much interested in him and all these idiotic arrangements made by our parents.

I already assessed that he would be an easy catch. After he fell for me, I will start my real game. I mentally patted myself.

"Great Prabhu. We have almost the opposite attitude and preferences. According to science, opposites attract each other. Let's see if that apply on life."

I chuckled to add an effect which actually had an impact on him. He froze for a whole minute before replying.

"Uh... Good to hear that Nandhini. I think this will do for the first date. I don't want to load you with more than this. Would you like to say anything?"

Fuck! This is easy than I thought. Great going. I just need to maintain this.

"Nope. That's it. We will take small steps as of now. By the way thanks for the great evening. I really enjoyed your company."

He looked relieved.

"Thank you as well. You are so easy to talk. Will see you soon."

We walked together to the parking area. I got into my car and waved at him with a sexy grin before driving. He waved his hand back with a smile, which I thought to swipe it from his face soon. How will those witches behave after I broke his little heart? Probably they will fell to my feet begging for him. That thought itself made me so happy.

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I am very sick of playing the f*****g 'good girl' role. I won't tell that I hate meeting him or spending time with him. He is not my type but uniquely he made me comfortable with him. We met two more times in the sick name of date.

My parents had a satisfying look at the continuous positive response from Prabhu's family, which I never cared. I had my own benefits from this, which is oblivious to anyone.

Now my body and mind needed a break. That's why I came to my regular pub. I had some shots and went to the dance floor not at all bothering about touching the men dancing around me.

Suddenly a pair of strong arms snaked around my waist and I was pulled onto a hard chest. I turned to look at the owner of those hands, which happened to be my very attractive best friend, Sanjeev. He is my family friend as well as my very close friend.. with benefits. Just like me, his parents lived there till he graduated and he started his business there while his parents returned to our home country.

He will come here to visit them often and never forget to drop by my shop and turn my day great. He is much like me that's how our friendship survived this long time. He is the only person I can tell that he cares for me without expecting anything in return from me.

He started to sway our bodies in the rhythm of the music playing.

"Hey handsome, when did you come? Why haven't you told me about your arrival?"

I questioned him showing fake anger in my voice. He kissed my neck and turned me to face him.

"Do you know something called 'Surprise'?"

I smirked and walked with him to the bar counter and ordered our drinks.

"Anyways, I am so f*****g glad you are here."

I hugged him with a big smile.

"I missed you very much you know." I could sense the longing in his eyes.

I circled his shoulder with my hands and brought myself closer to him, placing my forehead on his. Our lips are almost touching. His composure totally relaxed and he placed his hands over my hips and completely reduced the distance by moving me much closer to his body.

"I missed you too. I'm always thinking about a way to get back to New York"

"I'm always asking you to come with me. Why can't you just come? I will happily take care of you, princess."

I sighed. He always offers me to go with him on his every visit from New York. But I don't want to be a burden to the only person who really cares for me.

"You already know my reply. But for Nth time, I repeat Jeev, I..."

He pressed his lips on mine before I finish my answer. I protested at his childish behaviour first but I let him take control of my mouth within a few seconds. He is a great kisser.

I already knew how this night would end, as we are already on our way to his guest house.

[A/N: Curious to see Sanjeev? I thought actor Aari will fit in this character.

Here I attached his picture.

Enjoy reading]

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I had been hanging out with Jeev in a small cafe in Nungambakkam. We had a great night as he made me see stars around my head in bed by keep on stating that he missed me a lot and filled the garbage with used 'rubbers', keeping me awake all night.

I used to pour my heart after every vacation during schooling, about my hatred towards those witches. And now I was telling him about my annoying marriage proposal.

He seemed to be hurt a little but he started laughing after hearing my struggles as he very well knew my attitude and character. I slapped his arm playfully, telling him to shut his mouth.

That's when I saw those witches entering the cafe. They noticed me. I smirked at them. Janaki flashed a small smile but the little devil Vidhya didn't even spare a glance towards me. Ah... My dear f*****g sister-in-law need to learn respect!

I stood up and started walking towards their table. Jeev didn't follow as he got some business call.

I noticed Vidhu letting out a long breath while I made my way towards them. I smirked. I can make a nice scene if I use this opportunity wisely. I sarcastically spoke to them keeping my face innocently.

"Hey girls! How have you been? Prabhu told you are staying in T-Nagar. What are you two doing in the fancy place like this? "

"Hello, Nandhini. How are you? We are fine. And we came here to submit our exam forms in ICAI. So just stopped here for refreshment. "

Ah... What an acting Janaki? I underestimated you. You are smarter than I thought. Let's see how long you can act without falling into my traps.

"Oh.. fine... fine girls."

I noticed Jeev coming to my side. He kept his hand on my waist and pressed me to his body protectively. I mentally thanked him for this intimate move as I want a good fight from them. So I can turn the plates and act innocent to his brother who already started falling for me. This would be my first step towards my victory.

Suddenly Vidhya burst out.

"We are not GIRLS! Will you.."

I smirked but Janaki cut her in mid of her statement. Sanjeev pressed my hip, I immediately turned toward him and smiled reassuringly to avoid him to speak anything.

"Hmm... Sorry for her temper Nandhini. Actually, we don't like someone calling us girls as we are grown-ups. And I think we have to go. See you soon. Bye"

Oh, smart-ass! You are acting so f*****g clever! Let's see in the future.

"Janu, you need not.."

Vidhya almost shouted but again cut it off by Janaki.

"Vidhuuu. Let's go"

She practically dragged her from the cafe. I smirked at their retreating figures.

Jeev looked at me with furrowed eyebrows in confusion. He looked damn f*****g cute. I explained to him everything and who they are. He nodded distantly. I think he is processing these things in his mind.

We spent our time there and went to his guest house to spend the night with him.

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Prabhu messaged me after his parent's started from Kancheepuram as they are leaving in two days to the Andaman Islands for vacation.

As I am playing a good girl role. I have to show off him that I care about his family.

But not really in my lifetime.

I knew he is supposed to pick up them. My mind flashed an idea. I succeeded in distracting him and he totally forgot to pick up his parents.

Next day, I spoke to his parents over the phone. They seemed very happy and I faked my apology for keeping their son busy. They waved off my apology and told me that they understood our situation.

I planned to pull some problem at the airport as I learnt about those witches presence. But Jeev didn't allow me to get out of his bed as he is going back to New York, the next day. I weighed the options and decided to stay with him.

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Prabhu told me that we have to make a final decision about marriage in today's dinner. This is getting very hectic, also that old man came to my house to torment me. He compelled me to wear saree as this is a special day.

It may be special for him.

Not for me.

I went to the restaurant and found him looking at me in awe. I smirked internally but gave him my signature smile all the way walking gracefully. He was still looking at me. So I greeted him. He shook his head and gave me my favourite roses. Aweeeee.....

He then spoke.

"You are so gorgeous in saree. You must wear it often you know"

I suppressed my annoyance and grinned. I can use this opportunity.

"I am flattered, Prabhu. But saree is not my type. Today I wore it only for you. I am so happy all my hard work to drape this thing paid off. And sorry for not meeting your parents. I had to sign an important deal with my supplier."

"Hey, it's okay Nandhini. Don't worry. My parents are so understanding."

I just nodded. Our silence is broken by the waiter. We placed our order. I watched his pathetic nervous reactions before asking me out.

"Uh... Hmmm... Nandhini... We already discussed it. Have you made your... decision....?"

I wanted to see his reaction in case of my negative response. So I turned my face into a serious expression before taking a deep breath. I happily observed his restlessness.

I smirked internally. I didn't want to say that word from my mouth. So I decided to tell him indirectly. He might think I am feeling shy if I looked away from him after replying. Thanks for his brought up.

"I thought that you would be knowing what is in my mind already as I always exposing my emotions to you. Hope you made your decision as well! "

I looked at my lap. I heard him let out a loud breath. I move my gaze towards his face to see an appreciative admiring look with a bright smile. The sincerity on his face made me feel a little guilty.

Apart from Jeev, no one really cared about me including my own family. Everyone uses me and I will do the same, so it didn't affect me till now. I thought I would be happy to know that he has fallen for me. But this is not working the way.

Fuck! What has gotten into me?

I have to clear my mind. I can't show any f*****g weakness here. Then those witches will win as always they do.

"Thank you Nandhini, I am feeling so happy and lucky to know you joining my family. (pause) I don't know what else to say. Thank you very much Nandhini"

Why he is behaving like this?

Fuck! f**k! f**k!

I should not get emotional. Remember your goal Nandhini. Stay strong!

"Hey, no need to thank me. I should be the one to thank you for everything."

He looked at my hand for a minute that I was caressing the roses he gave me a moment ago.

"Shall I hold your hand for a minute? Sorry. If you don't want, no problem. I just..."

I can easily manage a cocky behaviour from men but not this! He is making me feel special. I encountered such things a lot. But I felt this different. So before he finishing his sentence and making me feel more uncomfortable, I place my hand on his hand and squeezed gently.

Fuck! He is blushing. Hadn't he touched a woman? Wait! That means he should be a VIRGIN! God! I don't know what I feel now or what should I feel!

He took my hand in his, running his thumb over my knuckles in a circular motion. He stopped for a second bringing his mouth to my knuckles and kissing it.

How sweet he is!

I felt him getting tensed and then looked at me hesitantly. Then only I realized he got frightened as he kissed me without my permission.

Fuck! Why he has to be so f*****g innocent?

I smiled reassuringly to let him know he didn't do anything wrong. He relaxed visibly, sighed and smiled sheepishly.

We then finished our dinner in comfortable silence. I loved when he served me the dishes, when it got over in my plate, with a questioning look to ensure whether I want it more or not.

He offered me to drive along with me to accompany me. But I politely refused him and bid my goodbye with a hug. That little hurt feels in his eyes when I refused his offer, disappeared as soon as I hugged and a bright red shade spreading to his chubby cheeks which urged me to kiss them.

Fuck! Oh, my f*****g mind! Why the f**k I am getting these thoughts!

I should not think of him as cute. I must distract my mind. I need some help. I need to talk to Jeev about this distressing distraction from Prabhu's behaviour. Jeev is always my saviour. He might help me to clarify my mind. I hopped into my car and drove my way.