Fated Forever

Chapter 29

Sakshi

''Is this how I taught you to behave with the elders.'' Why were you arguing with your dad and Armaan's father? huh.'' mom chastised me for my earlier behavior.

''Mom I wasn't arguing with anybody. I was just clearing my doubts. And what's the problem with it?'' I huffed.

''Problem. It is a huge problem. Why were you so persistent in postponing the wedding?'' She said, pacing the room. She is a little old school like that. The bride's family shouldn't reject any of the groom's family's demands and all that bullshit.

''I wasn't. Two weeks aren't enough mom. How will I do all the shopping in 14 days? I have to go shopping almost every day and look after my business as well. Don't you think it will be hectic?'' I lied through my teeth. But it is partly a lie and partly the truth.

''Beta [child], you don't have to worry about that, you just have to shop for the dresses. Everything else will be available here at our house. I'll call all the jewelers after you are done with the dresses.'' She said gently, caressing my hair. I always failed to understand how she turned into mother Teresa from Rani Laxmi bai in a matter of a few seconds.

''I am sorry beta [child]. I totally understand you, but I want you to get married as soon as possible. A long gap between engagement and wedding is not good. That's why I got a little angry and, from the start, you were a little reluctant to marry. I thought you were showing your displeasure by behaving this way. The way you disappeared for 1 hour without informing anyone about your whereabouts. It doesn't look good, dear.'' She explained her side. My mom is only like that. She always teaches us that accepting mistakes is not weakness, it's your power. Only a powerful and brave person can accept their mistake and apologize for it.

''I know I am sorry for that mom, but I really have to take that call. It was important, otherwise, I wouldn't have. You know me I would never put your and dad's reputation in jeopardy.'' Before we could say anything else, my sister interrupted us.

''Guys, enough of this melodrama. I am hungry, mom. I haven't eaten since morning due to the preparations for this puja. Please have mercy on me.'' she begged in an over-dramatic voice.

''You are the drama here, not us. You Bhukkad [hungry].'' I teased her. We moved towards the dining table to fill our stomachs because god knows I also haven't eaten since the morning.

After having our brunch, we took a nap, which helped rejuvenate my mind. I picked up my phone and invited my friends for dinner tomorrow. So that my parents can break the news to them. As I don't want to be the one to face their wrath. I still shudder when I remember how they reacted to the engagement news.

It's dinner time now. I moved downstairs for dinner. Everyone was present there.

''Mom, dad. I called my friends for dinner tomorrow.'' I informed my parents.

''That's great.'' my dad appreciated.

''Yeah, that's actually good. We will break the news of your wedding to them tomorrow. I'll tell Divya to prepare a lavish meal for tomorrow night.'' my mom said while serving my dad. Dad always told her not to do these things as we have maids for that, but she insisted on some things that only a wife has the right to do.

''Actually, that's the reason I invited them so that you guys can invite them formally,'' I said, putting some curd on my plate.

''Should I invite my friends too,'' asked Deepali from beside me.

''No, the cards will be ready by Saturday. Take some and distribute amongst your friends.'' dad gave her his ready-made solution. Which he always gives whenever we discuss something out in the open like today. Instead of talking with us. Our conversations with our parents are close to scarce. We respect them but aren't comfortable sharing our real emotions with them.

In my case, they won't listen. They think whatever they decide is the best for me. I only know how much I had to struggle to establish my own business. And in Deepali's case, well, she is too small. I mean whatever.

The next day came a whole lot faster. And I was getting ready to leave for my office today. Hopefully, I'll make it to the office today without any interruptions. I rushed to the dining table to have breakfast. The house looks a lot quieter than normal.

''Seema, where is everyone,'' I asked one of the maids who was setting the table.

''Mam Deepali mam and Sir have left early for their respective offices and colleges. And Priya mam is still sleeping. She said no to disturb her as she wanted to rest today.'' she informed me.

''Is she alright,'' I asked, a little worried now.

''Yes, mam. She said she wants to sleep in today. There is nothing to worry about.'' she replied politely.

''Okay, bring orange juice fast. I also have to leave.'' I have too many meetings lined up for today.

After filling my tummy, I got in the car and drove to my office.

''Kirti bring the Dhillon's files to my cabin right now.'' Entering my office, I ordered dove into the pile of work straight away.

''Right away mam.'' I caught her reply before the door got closed. I will not let the cat out of the bag right now. I will tell my staff when the cards will be here. I'll invite them then.

''That felt good. We should work non-stop once in a while.'' I joked to Kirti. She laughed. A tired one.

''Yeah, sure.'' she mocked.

''Oww I got cramps in my whole body from sitting too long,'' I said, stretching my body.

''Oh, my look at the time. It's 9 already. Come, I'll drop you.'' I said, collecting my purse, phone, and car keys.

''It's alright I'll manage,'' replied Kirti, doing the same. Only one glare is enough to shut her up. Then we moved to my car. First I dropped Kirti off, then started my journey in the traffic of the heart of India. Delhi. I love my city most days. But some days I hate it. Well, that's a story for another time.

''Hey, b***h, what's up with the sudden dinner invite.''As soon as I parked my car, Nikita jumped on me.

''It's been a while.'' I shrugged.

''No, it's not we got together at your engagement and it's only been a few days since then.'' inquired Nikita.

''But we couldn't talk or spend some time. You know. And by the way, why are you being James bond. Just enjoy the free food.'' I replied, a little irritated by her sixth sense. I didn't want to break the news like this, but hell if she can keep quiet.

''Why are you being so grumpy,'' Nikita asked, following me.

''Maybe because I have worked for 10 hours straight but forgot about being considerate, you are here interrogating me like I have committed a murder.'' sarcasm dripped from my tone.

''Okay, I get it. Stop smiling you creep.'' she waved her hands and left my room. I took a warm relaxing shower which helped in lifting my mood. And went to greet my friends.

''Hello everyone.'' I greeted everyone before taking my seat between my sister and Ridhimma. Thank god for that, otherwise, Nikita would have eaten my brains instead of the tasty spaghetti and garlic bread. Okay, so the chef decided to go Italian today.

''Hi'' everyone greeted me. Letting my parents steer the wheel, I dove into my starters as I was hella hungry after skipping my lunch. Into the main course, my mother clinked her water glass with her fork. Typical with an eye roll. And stood up from her seat.

''I have an announcement to make everyone.'' she started and silence fell into the room.

''On 30th of this month, our Sakshi is getting married,'' she exclaimed. A pregnant silence fell in the room, making me uncomfortable. My friends looked at each other than at my mom and then finally they all looked at me. I am sweating buckets right now because of their continuous stare.

Suddenly, all my friends jumped from their seats and shouted 'congratulations' and gathered around to hug me or for a kiss on my cheek.

''I knew something was up'' Nikki whispered in my ears. I smiled sheepishly at that.

''Settle down everyone.'' My mom announced, still not done with her announcement. ''As you guys know, we have limited time and a lot of work. So we have to move fast.'' Mom continued.

''Don't worry, aunty, we are here. You just order us.'' Saksham said with a cheeky smile.

''I am going to do just that. So, girls, you will handle the shopping. And the boys will handle all the other arrangements with Rahul.''

''Yes mam.'' all my friends mimicked like military soldiers. We all burst out laughing at that. The dinner was completed with happy chatter.

******************************************************

I got ready for my office. Today we have to go shopping for dresses at lunch. I have to complete all my work before lunch. I rushed to my cabin once I reached my office and dived straight into work. Sharply at 2 pm, my phone rang.

''Hey, we will meet you at the City mall in 15 minutes,'' Rupali said.

''Yeah, I will be there.'' I sensed someone's eyes on me, so I looked up to see Armaan standing at the threshold of my office. Making my breath hitch, I opened and closed my mouth to say something but couldn't utter anything. Armaan smirked at my reaction and went inside. Took a seat in front of me.

''What are you doing here?'' gathering my senses, I asked him.

''I am here to take my wife shopping.'' the smirk still plastered on his handsome face. Wait? Where did that come from?

''But I am already going with my friends'' I replied, now frustrated with his persistency.

''I know and I am accompanying you.'' He replied. What the hell man? Why now when I was seriously excited about something related to this marriage?

''Why? I mean no you can't.'' Why does he want to accompany me now? He can't.

''I can and I will. Come on let's go now, we are already late.'' He snapped suddenly.

''I said no. I am not going with you.'' I snapped back at him.

''I didn't ask you, I am telling you. Now keep your attitude aside and come with me.'' He replied arrogantly.

''How dare you. What do you think of yourself, huh? From engagement, you are dominating me. I am not your puppet, okay! I am a human and I have some wishes which are meant to be respected.'' Having enough of his overbearing behavior, I finally said what was bothering me from the start if he was behaving this way. Now, what will he do when we get married?

''And what about my wishes? If I wish to spend some time with my wife, then should it not be respected.'' his face was hard but his eyes held longing and desperation, which rendered me speechless.

I moved outside of the office without saying anything and stood close to his car. Just as I thought, he followed me outside all the way to his car. When he saw me near his car he, without saying anything, unlocked his car and sat inside. I did too. The ride to the mall was silent. When I was about to get down, he mumbled a 'thanks' which was so light, if it weren't for the silence between us I wouldn't have heard it.

I didn't say anything. What am I supposed to say? Anyways, my friends are here already. He came after parking his car.

''My friends are already at the bridal shop. Let's go.'' I said in a monotone. I didn't turn around to look at him and started to walk away from where we were standing. Before I could take more than two steps, he held my wrist from behind. A spark shot through my body from his touch.

I turned around at that and glared at him. He was mirroring my expression. What? Why would he glare?

''Why are you behaving so rude to me?'' he said through gritted teeth.

''I am not,'' I replied, faking an innocent expression.

''Oh yeah, is this how you talk with others while showing your back to them,'' he said. Sarcasm dripped from his tone.

''It's not like that. We are getting late. Let's go.'' not wanting to continue this useless banter.

''Not before you promise to talk to me politely.'' What is his problem? I am really tired of this now.

''Look, I don't know what grudge you hold against me, but now we are going to get married and we can't spend our life like that. Let's be civil with each other. We should start from the beginning. Let's be friends first.'' he forwarded his hand for a shake with a charming smile on his face. I took his hand in mine for a shake and nodded reluctantly at his decision.

It will be good in the long run, like he said, as our marriage is inevitable, so it makes sense to not be at his throat all the time. But it doesn't mean I will fall for him again. No, I have to make sure it will never happen again.