Their Equal Share

13.Reception

Niranjana p.o.v.

Due to heavy tiredness I and Harini slept earlier and woke up only after continuous knock on the door.I sleepily walked to the door and opened the door only to find my mother standing fresh and ready to attend the reception.

"Oh..god you both didn't wake up still,I knew this would happen so only I came to wake you both.Now both of you get up and get ready.Your mother-in-law informed that all guests would be coming soon.So you both have only two hours to get ready.Hmm...hurry up girls.I and your dad are going to help your in-laws."she said faster and I only nodded with a yawn.

Hearing my mother's voice Harini too woke up from her sleep and rushed towards the bathroom.I meanwhile arranged the bed and took all the necessities out from my bag which are required for reception like Heavy worked pink and orange mixed designer saree which was presented to me by my mother-in-law and other items like make-up kit and ornaments.

Soon,Harini was out of the bathroom and started to get ready with her lehanga. I opened the shower,the cold water really helped my tired muscles to relax and I was no more sleepy after the cold shower.

I was ready by wearing my designer saree and diamond set of ornaments which were also presented by mother-in-law.She said it is a ritual in their family that when the new bride arrives at her new home,her in-laws should present her gift.Surya being their only son and I their only daughter-in-law she presented me more than a gift and said that, it is to wear for the reception.

I am not used to this kind of costly presents all at same time.I was never into money and luxuries.My first priority would be always family,friends and happiness.Money comes later,it would not be added in my list if it is not for the living necessities.I would have felt happy if I was married in a normal family, because all matters to me first is relationships and their love than money.

I still have a doubt at corner of my heart,my in-laws are filthy rich and my new husband is also a successful businessman and damn handsome.He and his family would have found a more beautiful and rich girl equal to their status but why me?-a normal middle class girl.

Though both of our parents are friends it doesn't clear my doubt.My father in-law may have more other friends apart from my father.They may also have girl children why not them but me?

I came out of my serious thoughts by a knock and there entered my mother-in-law with a happy smile in her luxurious outfit looking all gorgeous.

"Wow...you really look gorgeous and beautiful." she said with a smile and when her eyes fell on Harini she complemented her too. "Ok ..girls it is time for the reception.Reception will be held in our own hotel where all our close and important relatives are staying.We all will go first, you and Surya will be coming last. Harini....leave your friend with Surya,he is already waiting in the living room.Let they come together and we all shall move before them.Now..come fast after taking your necessary things."she went out after saying that.

Harini left me with Surya as told by my mother-in-law and all headed to the hotel leaving me alone with my husband and few other maids who are doing their work.We didn't exchange any words still now and there was a awkward silence between us.

He was busy in his phone and I took my time to notice him.He was wearing black suite with shinning black shoes,a branded silver watch complementing his dress.I was only able to see his side view as we both were sitting on same couch but far away from each other occupying both the ends.

A averted my gaze quickly from him and looked around the living room as I didn't notice anything properly yesterday.A driver arrived informing the car is ready,he stood up immediately and marched towards the exit without any word and I followed him.The driver opened the door for me and I thanked him with a smile.The driver too smiled politely in return.

My husband, he opened himself his door at other side and settled inside still busy in his phone.There was complete silence in the car other than the roaring sound of the vehicle and occasional horn sounds made by the driver.

I turned towards the window watching the busy city after about thirty minutes when the car entered a huge gate,fear started to rise in me.I clutched my dress tightly trying to calm my heavy pulses.But to vain.I was never into business and meeting all business partners and clients of my new family is completely new.I am a physiotherapist not even a single bit related to business.How am I going to react to everyone.This is a new world to me.

Now,I feel like a kid who for the first time is going to school.The only difference is I am not crying and mature enough to guess what is in store for me inside the hotel.The opening sound of the door only made the bile increase inside my stomach.I looked up to see the driver holding the door open for me with same polite smile.This time I returned a nervous smile with little difficulty.

When I stepped out my mother-in-law and my husband's friend Ram where talking to my husband.When I went near,I heard that they were insisting my husband to hold my hand while entering the hotel.He looked at them for few seconds,when he realized that both of them were strong in their decision he stretched his hand for me.I kept my shaking hand hesitantly on his hand.

He gripped my hand tightly when he felt my shaking hand.This small gesture relaxed me little,we walked together into the hotel,as the huge glass doors opened there were many flashes of light on us.Media and paparazzi crowded us.There were many questions thrown at our direction like 'why did you marry all of sudden?', 'Did you have any secret affair before marriage with your wife?','Why did you start your own business in Hyderabad instead of taking over your father's company?','Did you have any misunderstanding with your family and so you started your company?' all these attention were new to me and my fear only increased with their attention.

Realizing my situation my husband exchanged his hand which was holding me and the hand which previously held my hand was kept on my back.He pulled me with him inside without giving any answers.After crossing the front desk of the hotel,guards came for our rescue and blocked the reporters at front desk.

Reception was more awkward for me.My mouth started paining by smiling to the people whoever were introduced to me.Only my family members,Harini and few close known relatives kept me little sane time to time.Reception was very formal,men were in luxurious suites just like my husband's and women dresses were also screaming style,fashion and luxurious.Very countable single digit people were simple and approachable.

After the long day we all headed back towards the mansion where another awkward and new thing waited for me.