THE CONSIGLIERE'S BRIDE

CHAPTER 2

“Wake up Ishu it is already past 9”.

“No Maa (MOM)  please let me sleep for more 15 minutes pleasseee, I love you so much”.

“You won’t get up right, let me call your papa”.

“Go on!! As if I am afraid." She said in a mocking tone. "Haha!! I am his Princess and you know he won’t allow you to wake me up’’

A voice boomed around the Bedroom “Ishika come down quick for breakfast”. Her heart began to beat faster. What's wrong? Whatever it is, it is surely something serious otherwise her father won’t call her by her name.

“Coming papa (DAD)”. She went closer to her mom and whispered, “Is something wrong Ma? You look worried. You know you can tell me right? You are my only Best friend so don’t hide anything ok?”

Her mother was speechless what should she tell her that The day she was afraid of has arrived, The bitter truth which she has been carrying in her heart would be revealed, The news which will create havoc in her daughter’s life. She didn’t know if Tomorrow as well she will see her this enthusiastically calling her, her Best Friend.

“Nah Baccha (No baby) nothing serious, come down quickly, we are waiting Love” and she went downstairs.

Ishika was too sharp. She knew something was fishy but she let it slide this time. Tho!! she was Homeschooled but she was smart and an Obedient kid, She had the capability to stand for herself if wronged. She had a sharp tongue but knew how to play with words and convince someone. Her family treated her like a Princess so she did not find a need to go against her for Home Schooling. She knew what her father’s job is. He tries so hard to hide it from her but little did she know whatever he does is for HER safety.

Without wasting time she took a quick bath, did her business, dressed up, and went downstairs. As she reached she saw Her Mother and Father were waiting for her to join for Breakfast. She went and sat beside her father and looked around to see where her older brother Rishabh is but he was nowhere to be seen. 

She asked her Mom, “Maa, Where is Rishabh Bhai (Brother)? Today is Sunday so he should be Home right?”. “Yes baccha he had a get-together so he went early”. It was strange because Rishabh Bhai would always wish her Morning and go for his work even if he had to leave early morning he would inform her the previous night.

She was busy in her thoughts when her mother asked. “Why haven’t you started? What are you thinking about?”

“No No nothing”

Her father said, “Ishika, your birthday is next month right?”

“Yes, Paa!! It’s my 18th birthday so I want you to throw a grand party. I am so excited.”

Ishika was fond of parties let-it be a small get-together. That was the moment when her cousins Ruhi and Richa would come home. They went to the same school, physically tho!! They would come and tell her school stories and about boys and various stuff. They were her Father's Younger brother's daughters. They were twins. They were her favorite. She was always excited to meet them.

“Yes Yes!! We will” said her Father.

“You know Pa, I am so excited!!” She stood up and danced around the table saying, “Tomorrow is my result and I will be joining University”.

“Ishu sit here Listen to what I am saying”

“I am hearing Papa” she continued dancing.

“Ishu I said sit and hear me out”

“OK OK Cool” and she sat and continued her breakfast.

She was ravishing Poha (An Indian dish) it was her favorite. Then she heard something unbelievable. The spoon fell from her hand and she kept staring at her Father without blinking an eye. She still wanted to confirm. Poor Her, She thought she misheard.

“Pardon” she said, her Heart beating fast praying that Her ears needed a checkup. But her Father proved it wrong and said the words which made ground slide under her feet.

“YOU ARE GETTING MARRIED IN 2 MONTHS. THE GROOM WILL BE COMING TO MEET YOU AT THE END OF THE WEEK ON THE SAME DAY WE WILL DO THE ENGAGEMENT. BE READY. RUHI TEACH HER SOME HOUSEHOLD WORK. I AM LEAVING, I HAVE SOME WORK IN OFFICE”