Their Equal Share

11.Engagement

Surya p.o.v.

Ram pulled me to my marriage shopping when he arrived from Hyderabad with his family.Knowing my lack of interest in this marriage he took the duty of purchasing my dresses for my wedding.He selected white silk shirt, white silk Dhoti along with white silk shoulder towel as per our traditional wedding costume.He selected a maroon shirt for my engagement and a black Armani suite for reception.

My dearest friend didn't stop his bickering since we boarded on my dad's private jet. He was continuously bickering about Salem like "Salem is famous for Mangoes,it is also known as mango city.I am going to buy lots of mangoes for my girlfriend" with mine and his family members.I groaned at his and others bickering and closed my eyes leaning on my seat.

Soon we reached the Salem and headed to the hotel.Evening Niranjana's parents came to meet us and discussed on wedding arrangements,in which I was least bothered.Next day,we reached Niranjana's house for my engagement function.We were given grand welcome and we settled in our places and waited til the priest arrived.

After the priest arrived he called for the soon-to-be bride.And finally she came in her simple silk saree complementing her skin with simple make-up.She didn't look up at anyone and finally settled between her parents straight opposite to me.When she lifted her head,our eyes met,she was checking my appearance and I was checking her's.We broke apart due to the priest voice.After reciting his mantras he asked us to exchange our rings.

I was not interested in this wedding but looking at her,my hands found her hands by itself.I held her hand,her fingers were soft and sudden spark passed through the touch.I wanted to hold her hand completely in mine but I didn't do it,instead I inserted the ring into her finger.When she held my finger, I held my breath,I wanted to feel those warm fingers in my hand but she took her hand away after inserting the ring into my finger.

When I reached back to my place,I face palmed myself.What the hell was I thinking there?I should stop this wedding,for that I have to talk with her.Rest of the function I tried to talk with her but anyone would be interrupting before I could even open my mouth especially my friend.

I think he had guessed What I was thinking and so he didn't allow me to open my mouth to her. When I was thinking about another way for talking to her, Ram came near me and whispered "Don't you ever dare to think of telling her to stop the wedding.She really seems to be a good and suitable girl for you.I will not allow you to do that." I looked at him with shock.

"How do you know that I am going to tell her to stop this marriage? I didn't tell you about my plan." He just smirked at me. "Dude...I knew from the school and remember that I am you business partner and above all your best friend.I know how you will think.Don't try to spoil your life by doing something foolish." he went away after saying this.Is it written all over my face what I am thinking?Function was soon over with my dilemma mind.We reached back to the hotel.Another three more days left for wedding.

.....

Niranjana p.o.v.

I was sitting on my bed and my friend was painting my nails after her work of manicure and pedicure on my legs and hands. "Harini...I am nervous.Tomorrow I will be seeing him for the first time in person.I don't know what I will do tomorrow." I heard her chuckling noise.

"Then don't do anything.Just be yourself.This is faced by every girls before their wedding.It will get alright after wedding.Trust me girl." I narrowed my eyes at her. "How do you knew these things.you are telling me as if you are experienced in all these things."

she shook her head. "Did you forget that I had seen all these symptoms in my sister before her marriage." I nodded in understanding.

Soon my mother brought home-made mehandi paste. Mehandi leaves,few betel nuts, little sugar,few cloves,tamarind and little lemon juice were grinded all together into fine paste.Later my hands were filled with mehandi designs and the sky outside was also filled with darkness of night indicating that next day is its way.My engagement day.

I woke up early in the morning by Harini's orders to get ready for the engagement.When I was almost over with drying my hair after my bath,Harini came in with the beautician.As it was my engagement only I said the beautician to keep my make-up simple.

Harini who went before to check on something came rushing into the room telling that groom is here.My emotions came rushing into me as the water rushed out of the gates of the dam.

Harini took me down to our living room.I didn't dare to look up,I can sense huge crowd watching my each and every step.I settled between my parents and when I looked up I came face to face with him.The fact that he was already watching me made me shiver.He was also sitting between his parents just like me.He was wearing a maroon shirt.It was neatly ironed and tucked and his neatly shaved face only added his beauty.Totally super handsome.We both stared each other until it was broke by the priest's voice.

After reciting mantras,exchanging the plates of gifts with each other family,priest announced to exchange our rings.We both got up from our places and met at center.He took my hand in his inserted the ring into my finger.Goosebumps rose on my skin due to his touch.I took his warm hand in mine and inserted the ring into his finger all the while avoiding this new sensation with our touch.

Everybody congratulated us but we both never talked with each other.I could not bring up myself to talk with him,when his mere touch brought goosebumps I cannot find myself to talk.And what is there to talk?What can I talk?At now I don't have any idea about it due this nervousness.