Fated Forever

Chapter 20

Sakshi

The day to go shopping came and my mom was overexcited about it. But not me. I haven't told any of my friends about my engagement till today and I am really hoping not to tell them, but they will murder me if I do not tell them soon and my parents also will get suspicious of why I didn't invite them. And then there is Armaan, who hasn't called or texted or come to meet me after our engagement got fixed. Don't get me wrong, it's not like I miss him or something, but it's not like him to stay silent for this long.

Many times it was on the tip of my tongue to ask my mother about him, but I stopped myself at the right time. I should really call all my friends and drop the bomb on them. The engagement is in four days. I should tell them by tomorrow. I think three days are enough to digest this news. After planning the meet-up in my mind, I blew my car honk for my mother and sister to come out. God, they always make me wait whenever we have to go together.

''Coming coming'' yelled my sister, running from inside the house to the driveway where I was parked waiting for them.

''You guys are always late,'' I whined.

''Huh, it was Deepali. She couldn't find her white sandals.'' my mom complained like a 10-year-old.

''What mom, how can you lie like that? It was you who couldn't find her blue handbag.'' my sister fired back.

First I looked at my sister's feet to find her wearing the infamous white sandals, then I looked at my mom who carried her blue handbag.

''Stop it guys. Stop arguing now.'' I Face palmed myself.

''Deeps turn on the music'' I said to her while starting the car, and driving out of the driveway.

We met Arman's mom at the mall. She was waiting for us there as we were late courtesy of my mom and sister. I greeted her, grateful because of her I wouldn't have to face Armaan otherwise god knows what he would have done this time. That uber-possessive caveman was always glaring at someone, even when we first met at his restaurant there also. It's always stressful in his vicinity.

''How is this Sakshi'' Meena aunty asked, showing a beautiful platinum band with rhinestones on it.

''It's beautiful aunty'' I replied. It would really suit him.

''Now what did I tell you about how you would address me?'' she said with a fake glare.

I smiled sheepishly at her because she had already told me to call her mom, but it was my way to show reluctance with this marriage alliance. Which everyone ignored royally.

So, to save myself from another one of my mom's scoldings, I rectified my mistake.

''I am sorry mom. It will take some time to get used to it. I guess.'' I lied through my teeth. But she seemed to buy my lie as she gave me a satisfied smile after that and resumed selecting the perfect ring for her son. I always feel guilty behaving like that with her. She really is a sweet woman and I don't want to disappoint her, but alas,

We went dress shopping after that. I have made up my mind about what I want to wear. Just have to find the Lehenga to my taste. Actually, I am a secret enthusiast about planning my wedding. So I have a guess about what to do and what to wear. We bought the ring, which I liked first. I don't know why she selected that, as she should have selected it according to Armaan's liking, not mine.

The boutique is the best in the city, but I couldn't find a dress according to my liking for an hour and a half. And now I was tired and hungry, so I asked everyone if they wanted to eat something as it'd been three hours since we started shopping.

''I am famished di. Can we go and buy food now?'' my sister whined.

''Of course. Let's go and get some food. After that, we will come back and see some more dresses. Is that alright mom'' I asked both of our moms.

My mom started to deny it but Armaan's mom cut her off '' Of course, beta [Child] let's eat something.''

I smiled at her, then we gathered our bags and left for the food court.

After having our food, we went to a different boutique. On entering, I looked at the pieces on display and there on the farthest rack the emerald green lehenga caught my eyes. I showed all the ladies my choice and they squealed in joy. I went to try it on. Oh my god, is it only me? The lehenga was in velvet with minimalistic moti [pearl] and zardosi [type of embroidery] embroidered floral buttis[design]. The blouse also had the same zardosi embroidered floral buttis but in gold tone. It also has sequins on it. Crafted with a V neckline and V cut back with tassel doris [laces]. Topped with a matching net dupatta with hand-embroidered floral motifs on the corners. It is further enhanced with moti embroidered buttis.

I went out to show everyone my lehenga. Everyone was silent. No one said a word but their expression said it all. They were awestruck. Even my sister, who never stopped herself from taunting and teasing, was silent.

''What am I looking that bad that you guys aren't even saying anything,'' I said in a teasing manner. They were horrified by my comment.

''What no O god no. You are looking breathtakingly beautiful bacha[child].'' My mother was the first one to break the silence. And the other two just nodded their heads.

''Thanks, mom,'' I said with an ear-to-ear grin.

''Yes, Priya is right. You look amazing.'' Armaan's mom said.

''Thank mom.'' It still feels awkward calling her mom.

''Won't you say anything, ms chatterbox.'' I teased my sister.

''I am speechless di.'' finally she said something.

''Okay, guys let me change, and then we will get going.'' All of them nodded.

After buying the lehenga and dropping Armaan's mom, we made our way to our house. We all retired to our rooms as we were hell tired from today's shopping.