Replaced groom

Riya's POV~ Finally, we are going to be married. I don't know when I started to like him. Is it when he always come book store to return books? or When he used to invite me to his house for the help of his studies? or When we used to listen to our class together? My heart flutters when I think about it? Yesterday when my dad said we are going to be married. I was on cloud nine. I have called him excitedly, "Hello Ricky ", I said. " Yes..", he said with a low voice. I ignored his low voice...may be he is shocked hearing the news. "Did you get the news from your parents?", I asked him. " Yes..", he said. "I am so happy to her that. Are you? ", I asked. " Ha?", he said absent-mindedly. "Are you happy?", I asked him again. " Yes..I am happy..Ok bye...Talk to you later", he said abruptly and cut the phone "But..", I was cut mid sentence. "This guy...Always cuts me off", I said and rolled my eyes. I was really excited that..I can't able to sleep as well. I slept with a smile on my face. ************************************ "Riya..Baby..get up", my mom shouted while calling me. " Mom..why do you have to wake me up early?", I asked groggily. "Get up...your brother-in-law is here to take you to Singh mansion", my mom said while moving the curtains so the sunlight is falling on my face. " What?!", I said while getting up with wide eyes. "But why?", I asked while getting up from the bed. " Actually...we wanted to do this wedding as soon as possible..because..Your brother..Rahul is going abroad for his job", my mom said. "Yes..baby..your wedding is in one week.. So your mother-in-law is hurrying to select engagement rings for you and Ricky", she said. " But mom...in one week? Isn't it too fast?", I asked. "Baby..understand us..", she said while caressing my hair. "What about my studies?", I asked. " You can continue after marriage.. They have no problem with that...Your dad took care all of this..besides..your dad and Vicky's dad are friends for a long time..So don't worry ", she said. " Now..let's stop talking...Get ready..I am going downstairs ", she said. I sighed. " I don't know..but I am feeling nervous..about something..Is it because I am getting married in a week?", I questioned myself. "Get back to your senses..Stop thinking negative ", I said to myself and went to restroom. I brushed my teeth and showered myself. I wore jeans and tshirt with a jacket. I tied my hair into a bun. I let some hair strands to fall on my face. I tried to call Ricky but his phone is not reachable. I huffed and went downstairs to see Vicky. " Hi Vicky", I said while going near him. He looked up to me. "Oh Hii Riya", he said while smiling. " He is your brother-in-law..Don't address him by his name", my mom scolded me. "No..no aunty..we know each other for many years..It's not an issue..she can call me by my name", Vicky said and I smiled. After eating my breakfast with him. "Okay aunty..We will go..Mom is waiting for Riya", he said. " Okay mom..bye", I said. "Okay take care you both", my mom said. We both smiled and went to the car. Actually Ricky, Vicky and I know each other for many years. Vicky doesn't join us..As he is a professor of some university. As always my attention is always on Ricky. We just met in some parties and Vicky is a matured guy. He always treats me nice. " So...Are you excited to select your engagement rings?", he asked. "Actually...I don't know..the marriage is arranged in one week..I don't know how to react as well...It's just too fast", I said while looking at him. " Don't worry..everything will be alright", he assured me. "Does Ricky know that wedding is one week?", I asked him. " He knows", he said. "What was his reaction?", I asked curiously.. " Honestly..I don't want to lie..but not so good", he said with a confused smile... "I understand..I don't blame him for that", I said and he smiled. When we reached the Singh mansion. We both get out of the car and went towards the front door. " Riya..my dear..you came", Ricky's mom hugged me. I smiled while hugging her. Vicky excused himself and went inside the mansion. "Riya..dear..engagement is tomorrow... Let's select some rings today", she said excitedly and nodded but my eyes are searching for Ricky. " Aunty...but Ricky..", I trailed while looking down. "He had some urgent work..which he can't postpone...He will join us at jewellery store...So let's go..", she said. When we went outside and saw that there are no cars at all. As uncle car is in trouble he took the car which always stays at home. So aunty called Vicky to drive us. " Vicky...there are no cars dear..Can you drop us?", she asked. "Yeah okay mom", he said and we both went. " Aunty..Don't you think one week is too fast...let's.. post..", I was cut off mid sentence by Aunty. "No dear..it's not at all a issue..Don't think like that", Aunty said and I stopped talking. We went to a famous jewellery store. " Aunty..let's wait for Ricky", I said while we are out at the jewellery store. Vicky came after parking the car... Aunty called him again. "Mom..Im busy..leave me alone..Select the rings..it's not a big issue", Ricky yelled and I was looking down as he is not even interested in selecting a ring for our engagement. I excused myself for washroom. Tears started flowing from my eyes. May be he couldn't digest that he is getting married in week. He will change soon. I washed my face and my eyes are red. " Dear...I'm sorry", she said while cupping my face. "Aunty..Don't say sorry..Let's select the rings", I said while going in . I gave a small smile to Aunty and Vicky. We both sat and started looking at various rings. We both selected my ring but the question is how to select the groom ring as Ricky is not there. " Let's try it on Vicky", Aunty suggested. "But...", we both said at the same time. " Don't be like this..it's just that we will check", she said and started trying different rings on Vicky ring finger. I don't know what to tell as well. What the hell is going on? Why he is there in the place of Ricky?  Ah? What is this? My mind was in a turmoil..I don't really know..what to do? Vicky just give me a weak smile as I know..he is just embarrassed as I am.. Finally after ring selection, Vicky dropped me and they went towards there mansion..I can't think straight..I don't know..what to do..Ricky is not answering me..Oh god!! "Hey...You came...How is the ring selection? You and Ricky liked it?", my mom asked. When he is not there what I can say? " Yes..It went fine", I said. "I'm tired..I going to my room", I said. "Okay", she said. **********Engagement day********* "Riya..You have to get ready..", my mom said when was still rolling on the bed with my phone while contacting Ricky. " Mom...Ricky is not answering my phone", I said nervously. "May be he is busy...Dont worry ", she assured me. After some time, stylists and a makeup artist came and they started preparing me for my engagement. I selected a pink and light blue lehenga which is simple yet good. I looked at myself. I was amazed to see that..I look really nice. Soon Ricky's family came to my house for the engagement. As we both merge our companies too..So they are many business partners in our engagement. Soon I came downstairs. My eyes are searching for Ricky. Finally I saw him. Smile crept on my face. My mom make me stood in front of Ricky who is standing with a expressionless face. I don't what to comprehend from his behaviours. "Ricky..smile..why are looking that?! Who hit you?", Vicky made fun of Ricky. He smiled a little. I was really nervous. " Okay...it's time to exchange rings", Ricky's dad announced and my mom and his mom stood with rings on our either side. Ricky took a ring from his mom and took my left hand and shoved it painfully. I winced in pain. Vicky who is observing slightly punched Ricky's back. I took the ring and Ricky didn't extend his hand for me. "Ricky.. extend your hand", Vicky whispered and I looked down. Is he not happy? Why is he doing is this ?.. Vicky made him extend his hand and without seeing anything I put the ring on his finger. " What the hell?", Vicky spoke in a low at dominant voice and I raised my head to see that I put the engagement ring on his hand. I put ring on Vicky's hand!! What the hell?! "what the heck did I do?", I said and Vicky who saw me. " Let's pretend nothing happened! ", my mom and his mom said in a low voice and clapped for our special moment. Everybody doesn't have any idea..Obviously all will think I put ring on Ricky....but Vicky..He pit his hand in the pocket for the whole party... After the party, " What the hell did you do?", my mom asked and I looked down. My family and Ricky's family are there. Rahul will be coming tomorrow. I don't who can save me from her. "Aunty..She didn't do this deliberately..", Vicky said and looked at Ricky. " Yes", Ricky said. "Don't be angry", Ricky said and my mom calmed. " Yeah!! Anyway..it's not. big deal", my father and Ricky's father said and All got resolved. "I want to talk to you", I said while looking at Ricky. " Okay..let's go to garden", he said and we both went off. ***************Garden ************** "Why are you not answering my calls?", I asked him. " I am busy.. handling something", he said. "you are busy..can you please answer me..this question honestly?", I asked him.. " Are you happy with this marriage?", I asked him. He looked at me with a shock expression. Before he can answer my question, he left by saying busy. I hold his hand, "Why are you going this late?", I asked. " None of your business", he said while yanking my hand off and I fell down. "Ah", I winced in pain. Vicky..who came to the garden, " Ricky..behave yourself", he said while helping me to get up. He didn't said anything but left. Tears started flowing from my eyes. What the hell is going on my life? Can I back out of this wedding now? "Are you okay?", Vicky asked. " Yes...I'm fine..", I said while looking away from him. Suddenly my gaze went to his finger, I saw the ring and I averted my gaze. "Actually I will talk to Ricky...Don't worry", he said... "I don't know what to do...", I said. " I know..it hurts..when your loved one..doesn't listen to you or care you", he said and I turned to see him. His eyes are filled with tears. "Are you crying? Do you have a girlfriend?", I asked him. " Yes..I think we are in breakup state now", he said. "I'm really sad to hear that", I said. He hummed while wiping his tears. I think he love her too much. He is too matured but I don't know why he didn't inherit the business. He would have been a fine businessman. " Actually..Vicky...I am really sorry for that...I don't really know..what the hell I did?", I said with a apologetic look. "Hey...it's not a big deal...we can just remove it", he said and trying to remove the finger. " Ah!! It's tight!!", he said while wincing in pain. "Hey..wait a minute", I said while looking at his hands. "I have a solution for it!", I said while dragging him to the nearby wash basin. " I took some hand wash and rubbed on his hand", while trying to remove the ring. I don't know..but I can't remove it even with the soap. "Leave it! We can just cut it by the help gold smith", he said and I nodded. " Sorry again Vicky", I said while bowing apologetically. "Hey..it's okay..don't be sorry", he said while patting my shoulder. ************Next morning********** "Hi doll", I heard a familiar voice while caressing a cheek. " Hmm", I said groggily. "Wake up..Doll", he said. I open my eyes to see Rahul who smiled at me. " Rahul... ", I excitedly screamed. I hugged him with happiness. My brother came to see me after so many months. " How are you, doll?", he asked. "I am good", I said while breaking the hug. " When did you plan to come? Why didn't you tell me?", I pouted angrily. "Ohh...I wanted to surprise you", he said while pinching my cheeks. I giggled. " When did you plan to marry so early?", he asked me. "You know..Mom and dad..", I said and trailed. " I know..", he nodded. "Are you happy with this marriage?", he asked. I don't know what to tell him? After seeing Ricky's attitude ..I don't know what to tell him?! " Where are you lost?", he asked. "Nothing ", I said giving him a small smile. " I am asking...Are you happy? ", he asked me with a stern expression. " Of course...I am happy", I said while smiling. "If you are happy.. then I am ", he said while hugging me. " Okay..let's go...to your favourite cafe..and have some fun", he said "Okay..let me get fresh", I said while getting up. " Okay..", he said and went off. After freshening up, I went downstairs to see my mom excitingly doing the arrangements for the wedding. My brother sat on the couch and smiling at my mom. I went and sat beside him. "Let's go", I said. " Okay doll", he said while holding my hand "Mom..we are going out", he said. " Okay..but come fast...you have to give measurements for your lehenga", my mom said and I nodded. We both sat in our car and started going to our cafe. My mind is a mess. I don't really have any idea..what to do. I really love Ricky...I know I can change him by my love. I sighed. "What happened, doll? Are you not feeling well?", he asked worriedly. " No..no...I'm fine", I said. Soon we reached my favourite cafe. We sat and ordered our breakfast. We both talked about different things. "Don't be scared...If something happens... you know..who to call you, right?", he asked while pressing my hand. " Yes..brother...I know", I said while smiling at him. "Good girl!", he said while patting my head. " I am not a small girl", I said. "but for me you are", he said. " Ah...I am full..", I said. "Yeah me too", he said. " Let me go to washroom", I said and he nodded. "Careful", he said. " I'm not a kid", I said while glaring at him. He just smiled while paying the bill. After coming from the washroom and washed my hands. While coming out, I saw a girl who is hugging a man at the corner. I just smiled. The man is too familiar for me. I don't know why? I shoo my thoughts away. "Okay...Let's go", I said and we both went off. I sat in the car and Rahul started the car. When the car was moving, I vaguely saw that Ricky is coming from the cafe with a girl. " What the hell? Is that even possible?", I blamed my fear and didn't think about any useless thoughts. Am I just avoiding the truth? No...it can't be...Let me just call Ricky...and It will be finished. I took my phone and called Ricky. Surprisingly, he took my call. "Hello ..",I said. " Hi", he said. "Where are you?", I asked him. " I am at office...where I will be?", he said. "Okay..don't work too hard...Take care", I said. "Okay..bye", he said. I sighed in relief. It's not Ricky..I was just hallucinated a little. " Oh!!! So much love for your husband ", Rahul teased me. " Shut up..bro", I said. "Oh my doll got angry", he said while smiling at me. " Yes...I got angry", I said. "Okay..let's take a icecream on the way", he said. " Okay", I said chirpily. While buying an ice cream, I saw my best friend Rasi in the shop as a part timer. "Hii baby", I said. " Hii", she said excitedly. "Black current, right?", she asked. " Yes", I said. "What do you want, sir?", she asked. " I will eat what my doll eats", Rahul said and Rasi looked at me. "I said about my brother..right? He is my brother Rahul...", I said while looking at her.." Bhai(Brother), she is my best friend, Rasi", I said looking at him . His mouth was open and he is just staring at her. She looked down blushing. I smiled seeing them both. I snapped my fingers in front of his face. "Bhai!!", I said. " Yes..doll", he said while coming out of his trance. "What are you thinking? ", I asked. " Ah....Nothing", he said. "Yes...I will take butterscotch as well", he said... " Okay", she said and packed the ice cream for us. "Bye", I said and went out. " Bhai..come", I said while literally. dragging him out. "What is that behaviour , bhai? ", I asked him faking the anger. " Doll..Does she have any boyfriend or fiancé?", Rahul asked while looking at Rasi from outside. "Oh god!! Bhai...", I said while coming to the car. He came towards me and he started the car. " Doll..Answer my question?", he said. "No Bhai... She doesn't have any", I said. " Okay", he said. We both soon reached the home and I went inside my room. My instinct is not feeling good. May be something bad is happening.. "No...no...Think positive", I said to myself. I dont know when I drifted into sleep.