Chapter 46

Khushi leaned back against the high-backed chair in the restroom, where she sat waiting for Payal to open the cubicle she had locked herself in, from the past fifteen minutes; she could hear the soft sobs and her heart went out to the girl inside

She straightened up as she heard the sob’s subside and a few minutes later, payal walked out, sniffing and dabbing her reddened eyes with a piece of tissue. Khushi got up and walked to her as she watched her splash some water on her face, the expertly applied make-up, running down her soft cheeks as she vigorously rubbed at it with trembling hands

“Stop…wait…” Khushi said as she ran some water over the soft napkins kept on the counter and gently pulled payal’s face towards her. She slowly wiped the mascara blotches and cleaned her face as payal’s gorgeous eyes once again filled up with more tears

“Don’t cry Payal…” Khushi said softly as Payal turned her face away and held the wash basin tightly “I’ll do whatever I want…and I don’t need anyone’s help or sympathy…” she said in a hoarse voice as Khushi sighed and threw the napkin in the bin before leaning sideways against the counter

“I know you don’t want my help, I’m probably the last person you would want to see right now, but what I’m feeling towards you right now is empathy, not sympathy Payal…” Khushi said as Payal suddenly looked up, her hurt eyes guarded as she schooled her features “You don’t know how I feel right now Khushi…so please, just let me be” Payal said as Khushi placed her hands on Payal’s shoulders and turned her around gently

“Listen to me Payal and stop being so difficult…you may think that I don’t know how you feel right now, so let me clear your misunderstanding” she said as Payal continued to look at her “You feel betrayed, hurt and foolish…you feel like you probably won’t be able to trust anyone anymore…not your friends, family and probably not even yourself…you feel like the world has just fallen apart in front of you and you cannot do anything about it but just see it crumble and vanish…am I right?” Khushi asked payal who nodded slowly and relaxed under Khushi’s watchful gaze

“I know how you feel Payal…I felt the same, only in my case it was because of my father…I loved him Payal, more than anything! But he betrayed me, broke mine and my mother’s trust…and turned our world upside down” Khushi said as Payal hung her head and closed her eyes “I’m sorry Khushi, I know you’re only trying to help me…. but I don’t know what to do anymore…I’m completely clueless” she said as Khushi sighed and led her to the settee

“Payal, what Akash did to you was wrong; he should not have hidden his identity from you…but trust me when I say this Payal…I saw the regret and guilt in his eyes, and I also saw the love he has for you” she said as Payal looked up in surprise and disbelief

“How can you say this Khushi? Do you have any idea how many lies he must have conjured up…how can you take his side?” she asked her as Khushi shook her head “No Payal…I am not taking his side, but what I’m urging you to do is to keep everything aside and ask yourself…were his feelings for you true? Can you maybe just hear him out once? What he did was rotten payal, but if you really did love him, ask him…question him why he did all this…don’t give up on your love so soon” Khushi said as Payal leaned back with blank eyes

“I don’t think I can Khushi….I am a very practical person and till today I thought I was not ruled by my emotions…but it looks like I am…if I give him another chance, he might once again play with my heart and I am not that strong Khushi…I act like it, but I’m not” she said as she door opened up and a worried Garima walked in starling Khushi and Payal

“Payal…” Garima said as she came and sat beside her…she kept her arm over she shoulder and pulled her closer to comfort her….Khushi was surprised that Payal did not resist and lay her head on Garima’s shoulder as her mother gently stroked her hair “It will be ok beta…we are all there for you” she said as Payal once again started sobbing while Garima wiped her eyes

“Why don’t you stay with us today Payal? Once the wedding is over, we can go” Khushi said as Garima agreed “Yes beta, you’ll come home with me and Khushi ok…the wedding is nearly over now” Garima said as Payal raised her head and looked at the two women

“No, I’ll be fine…I’m keeping you away from the wedding, please I’ll go home with papa…you both should get back to the wedding” she said as Garima shook her head “No Payal…we really care about you and I insist you stay with us tonight” Garima said in a final voice

“Khushi, you should go to the mandap now…there are a few last rituals left where you are required…I’ll bring payal out in a few minutes and then we can all go home together” Garima said as Khushi nodded and squeezed payal’s hand once before getting up to go

“Oh Khushi, Arnav left…he said he will call you later” she said as Khushi looked once at Payal who had her eyes closed and then left to get back to the wedding…she knew that her mother will take good care of Payal…but it felt weird to see the easy bond that had formed between her mother and payal…she felt almost jealous…but then she knew that sooner or later, she will have to share her mother with two more…and God only knows how much Garima needed more kids to fuss over…she thought with a smile

xxx

Khushi watched as the bridal party moved out of the huge hall and into the outside area, where a spectacular bedecked Bentley was waiting to take the bride and groom home…she felt herself tear up as she saw Mihika do the last ritual and hug her parents before leaving with her new family

She smiled and hugged Mihika as Akhil stood grinning behind her “Akhil, you better take good care of my Bhabhi…otherwise I won’t be the supportive sister anymore!” Khushi chided him as everyone around them laughed

Her aunt came and side hugged her while whispering in her ears “What’s wrong with rimmy? She seems sad…tell her it’s the bride’s side that cries…not the grooms” she said as Khushi smiled “No, she’s fine…probably a bit tired” Khushi assured her aunt as she saw the new couple taking blessings from her mother and grand mother

Her aunt seemed to buy her answer, but still looked a bit skeptical as she saw her sister looking very worn out; she saw Mr Dinkaran and his daughter who seemed very tensed since the past hour or so, sitting in the corner talking as the rest of the wedding took place

She knew something had happened, but did not know how to connect it with her sister…though she was very sure of one thing…There was something going on between Dinkaran and her sister, and as soon as the post-wedding things are over, she had to have a heart to heart with her sister about it

“What are you thinking? Should we get going?” Sanjay asked her as he caught her lightly by her arm, she smiled as she turned towards her and saw everyone waiting by the car “Uh, yes…lets go” she said as she walked towards her sister

“Rimmy…you all should also get going, we are all headed home now…thank you so much to you and Khushi for handling all this so wonderfully…don’t know what I would have done without you both” she said as Garima hugged her sister “What are sister’s for huh?...have fun being a tyrant of a sasuma (mother-in-law)” she teased as everyone left the venue

The last thing Tripti saw before getting in the car was Garima placing a hand on Shashi’s shoulder and taking Payal with her in her car….

xxx

“Bhai..please…can you call Khushi and ask her if everything is ok? Payal has switched off her phone and I really don’t know how to contact her…do you have their land line number?” Akash asked as he barged into Arnav’s room

“Akash…go to your room…. as it is, you have messed up big time with Payal…don’t even think of taking to her till you don’t work on how to sort everything out” Arnav said as she glanced at the clock in his room…it was 4 am and the wedding must be over by now

“I don’t know what to do bhai…how do I make everything ok? I really love payal…I can’t live without her…” he said with a defeated voice as he sat dejectedly by arnav’s bed on the floor as Arnav slid off it and sat on the edge

He placed his hand on Akash’s shoulder as his brother looked up with reddened eyes “I love her bhai…and she hates me…I know I probably deserve her hate, but I can’t live like this…it hurts too much” he said as Arnav took his comforting hand away and toughened his stance

“It hurts does it? And how do you think Payal felt when you hurt her? Akash…you are not a child anymore…the most vital thing in any relationship is trust…more than love, having your partner’s trust is important…and when you lose that, its very difficult to mend it” he said as Akash looked away

“I know bhai…but I did not do it on purpose…it started out as a dare and then I did not realize when I fell in love with her…I tried many times to tell her, to explain to her…but somehow it never came up….I was also going to bring her here and introduce her to you and dadu…but before that only…” his voice faded away as Arnav got up and checked his phone

He had asked Khushi to text him once she got back home, but till now there was no text…he contemplated calling her but thought she must have slept after the tiring ceremony

“Bhai…please call Khushi once…. only ask her if Payal is ok….that’s all I want to know, please” Akash asked once more as Arnav sighed and dialed Khushi’s number…he waited for it to connect but was surprised when it rang and was cut off after a few rings…he dialed again and once again she cut it off

“What’s wrong? She’s not picking up?” Akash asked him as Arnav looked at his phone screen and wondered why Khushi was cutting off his calls “I’m not sure….” He said and was going to call once again but got a text from Khushi, which he opened quickly

‘Can’t talk…Payal with me in my room…she’s fine. Lets talk tomo’

“Payal is with Khushi in her room, and she is fine…” Arnav said as Akash got up “Please ask her if I can speak to her bhai…just to ask her if she..” Akash started saying when Arnav threw his phone on his bed and grabbed his brother by his shoulders “Akash! Which part of, leave her alone for now do you not understand? This is not the right time to try and speak to her…let me speak to Khushi tomorrow and then see how the situation is” he said as Akash nodded and turned to leave with his head down

Arnav sighed and closed his eyes as he saw his brother’s dejected state “Akash…do you want to sleep here today?” he asked him as Akash stopped and turned around “Can I?” he asked him as Arnav picked up a pillow from the bed and tossed it to him “You can take the couch or recliner…” he said as Akash looked on in confusion

“But you’re bed is huge” he said eyeing Arnav’s massive four poster bed “Yes it is, but I will not be sharing it with you…. sleep on the couch and work on how you will right your wrong…tomorrow I want to know how you plan on wooing Payal back, but remember one thing…even though I’m your brother, I will only support you as far as getting your side of the story to her is concerned…rest is all on you” he said as he replied a quick ‘ok…love you’ to Khushi before plonking on his bed

He switched off the bedside lamp and saw Akash getting ready to lie on the couch as he closed his eyes and wondered aloud “Siblings…. you can’t really choose them, can you!” he thought as he fell into a deep slumber, leaving his brother in a dilemma of how to woo his love back…

Chapter 45

“So…I guess I haven’t got a chance to tell you how breathtakingly beautiful you look tonight…” Shashi whispered to Garima as they stood watching the marriage rituals; she smiled shyly and gave him a side glance “You don’t look too bad yourself…it’s the first time I have seen you in traditional wear” she said as he gave her a small smile and turned his head back towards the mandap

“I’m going to tell the kids tomorrow morning…It’s long overdue! Plus I think Payal suspects something already since she’s been snooping around and asking me odd questions” he said as Garima looked up in surprise and something akin to uneasiness passed over her face, which did not go unnoticed by Shashi

“Hey…it will be fine sweetheart…Don’t look so worried” He said in a soothing voice as she shook her head and looked away “No…its’ just that…I’m a bit nervous…what if Payal does not like it…or Ritwik objects to this…to us, I mean” she said as Shashi looked at her upset face and physically restrained himself from hugging her tightly

“They will love you Garima…as it is, they can’t stop raving about the yummy food you keep sending or how cool you are…don’t worry, everything will be fine” he said as she nodded and smiled again at him “Uh…I think I should move around…been standing with you since a long time now” she said as she observed some people noticing them

“Yes, I too should go and look for Payal…God only knows what all she is stuffing her face with” he chuckled as Garima gave him a hard stare “Don’t say that…girl’s don’t stuff their faces…boys do…and speaking of which I saw Khushi too going towards the food area…lets go together, she needs to get back here for the Gathbandhan*” she said as both turned to walk towards the food arena specially created at the other end of the hall

***

“Don’t you think that Dinkaran has been spending a lot of time with rimmy? They’ve been standing together for quite some time now…” Tripti said looking at the couple suspiciously as her husband followed her gaze “Don’t be silly…they are probably just talking about mundane stuff…he and his family practically live with them” he said before turning his attention back to the rituals

“I don’t think so…they have been smiling a lot…and rimmy has been blushing constantly…I haven’t seen her like this since…” Tripti said as Sanjay sighed and held her hand “Don’t upset yourself by thinking of those times…its all in the past now…and if Garima is getting over all that and becoming an independent woman, you too should not worry about her so much” he said as Tripti sighed

“No…I don’t mean it that way…I feel that its high-time Rimmy find someone else for herself…and looking at her with Mr Dinkaran…” she said as Sanjay once again looked at the couple who were now walking towards the buffet area “Rimmy is not like that…she is a one man woman…” he said pointedly as Tripti colored and looked away “Yes, but she’s been alone far too long Sanjay…and if she finds happiness with someone else, we should be happy for her” she said as Sanjay looked away towards the holy fire, his eyes reflecting the orange color in them

“You are right Trish…she should find someone else…but this time, we should make sure he is the right man for her…she has suffered too much at Arun’s hands…” he said as Tripti sighed and leaned her head against her husband’s shoulder, holding his upper arm for support as she watched her son getting married to his sweetheart

“Yes she has….We all have” she finally said, as the flames reflected in her dark as midnight eyes…her vision becoming blurry with unshed tears of the past.

***

“Umm…is everything ok here?” Khushi asked as Arnav came and stood by her while Akash and Payal once again turned to face one another “Khushi…what is going on here? And what do you mean by love birds?” Arnav asked her, as she uneasily observed Payal’s face, which was at present full of murderous rage directed at Akash, who looked everywhere but at her

“Uh…Akash and Payal are dating…I mean, I saw them doing stuff outside out gate a few weeks ago…I thought I will surprise them by bringing them together at this wedding” she said as Arnav looked even more confused than before

“Doing stuff? Akash…is Payal the girl you were talking about?” Arnav asked him as he nodded meekly while Khushi gave him a sly smile “You chupa rustam…even your own brother didn’t know haan?” she said teasingly but was surprised to find Akash looking at her in irritation as if he was annoyed with her…but why? She got him closer to his girlfriend…weird!

 She then turned towards Payal to finally say what she had wanted to since the day she had seen them together “So Payal darling! You too kept this well hidden huh? Remember the time you found Arnav and me together and would not stop teasing us? Well? What do you have to say now?” she said with a teasing glint, as Payal’s anger seemed to have left as she turned towards Khushi with an unreadable expression in her large almond eyes, full of hurt

“Thanks Khushi…I guess, your little ploy to expose me and Akash, exposed a lot more which was necessary…it made me understand what a stupid fool I have been!” Payal said in an emotionless voice as Khushi suddenly felt alarmed

“What? Wait…you both are dating right?” she asked the couple while Arnav looked on, trying to make heads or tails of the situation “No…not anymore” Payal said as she turned around to leave when Akash held her arm “Payal…no wait…let me explain at least” he said as she turned towards him and jerked his hands away

“Explain what? How you lied to me? How you made me think you are a simple middle class boy whose sister was abused in college? Were any of the things you said you did even true? Your eye and organ donations…your philanthropy…giving half you pocket money to charity? Hell…you spoke of Pocket money? You are filthy rich! How can you lie so much?” she asked as her voice got more and more hoarse from the unshed tears clogging her throat

Khushi and Arnav looked on shocked as Akash shook his head and tried to hold Payal, who kept pushing him away “Don’t touch me Akash…how could I…how could I love someone like you? How could I see myself sitting in that mandap with you next to me? You played me a fool Akash…you…” she said with a sniff before her eyes filled up and her cheeks got streaked with tears running down unchecked

“Payal please…let me explain please…I love you baby...I truly do…everything that happened between us was real…I did not play you…I would never do that….I fell in love with you the first time I saw you…trust me…” he said as Payal gave a mirthless laugh

“Trust you? Really? Tell me Akash…how long were you going to string me along? Till I get in your bed? Was that you plan?” she asked him, as he looked at her in shock “What? How can you say that? You know I would never do such a thing Payal…I truly love you…yes, our relationship started on lies…and even though I tried so many times to tell you, something or the other always came up” he said as she stood rigidly in front of him

“Something always came up? What Akash? What came up? Why didn’t you tell me when you were busy kissing me? Or, telling me how much you love me…Or sitting with me for hours on end deciding on what our future will be like…why didn’t you tell me then? Why did you lead me on? There is only one answer for all this…you never loved me…you only played me Mr Raizada…and I like a fool, got played…” she said as she stepped back

“But not anymore…I hate you…I hate you so much! Don’t ever show me your face again…do you understand?” she said in a loud voice as Akash panicked and pulled her forcefully towards him but was shocked out of his wits when he felt his cheek sting with a slap that Payal’s palm had left on it…he let her go as she too was surprised at herself before turning around and running towards the restroom

“Payal…” Akash said as Khushi held him back “No…Akash…not now…”she said sternly as he turned angry eyes towards her “Its all because of you! Who gave you the right to…” he started saying when he felt a hand holding his shoulder in a tight grip “Watch you mouth Akash…how can you blame Khushi for your wrong doing? It was you who lied to Payal…how was she to know that your relationship was based on a lie!” he said with a calm voice when Akash turned towards him

“You too bhai? You also think I was wrong?....You know how much I loved her…how I always spoke about her” he said as Arnav shook his head “If you really loved her Akash…you would have told her the truth…not kept her in the dark for so long…you don’t do that to people you love…” he said as he looked at Khushi and signaled her to go after Payal while he spoke to Akash

Khushi nodded before giving one more look at a devastated Akash and went behind Payal; “What do I do bhai? I have ruined it…” he said as Arnav sighed and held him by his shoulders “You need to make it right Akash…if you really love her? Make her understand your love…convince her that you truly love her and ask for her forgiveness…and if you both are meant for each other...things will work out...” he said as another voice interrupted their talks

“How dare you?” Shashi Dinkaran said as he glared at the tall lanky man standing in front of him…this was the man who broke his daughter’s heart “I heard everything young man…and I can’t believe that you are still standing here after all this…and you Arnav?” Shashi said as he turned towards Arnav who was standing next to his brother

“You are encouraging him to go behind my daughter again? After everything he has done?” He asked Arnav who walked towards an angry Shashi as Garima stood behind him, watching the three men in horror…what had Akash done? “Shashi, please…try and understand…I know what Akash has done is unforgivable…but behind all the lies, his love for Payal is true…I have seen it…” he said as Shashi shrugged his hand off

“No Arnav…I will not have this man anywhere near my daughter, do you understand? If I could, I would put him behind bars right now…” Shashi said going forward to physically harm Akash as Garima stepped forward and held his shoulder to restrain him "Shashi no.." she said as she looked at Akash angrily while her eyes filled up at what Payal must be going through “Arnav, please take Akash from here…right now we need to think of Payal…please” she said as Arnav nodded and pulled Akash along with him

“I’m sorry I’m asking you to leave Arnav, but…” Garima said as Arnav shook his head “Please aunty…don’t say that...I know this is the right thing to do…please take care of Payal and tell Khushi I’ll call her tomorrow” he said as Garima nodded softly while the brothers left the hall dejectedly

“Shashi…” she said as he turned teary eyes towards Garima “Payal…that boy…” he said as Garima hugged him tight “Shh…Shashi, it will be ok…she’s a strong girl and we are all there with her…she’ll be fine” she said as Shashi hugged her back, burying his head in her neck…breathing in her comforting scent

Chapter 44

Khushi peeped outside the room before gesturing to Arnav, who was waiting for her nod…she giggled as he rolled his eyes and walked out with her, pulling the door close behind him while Khushi gathering her sari properly in her hands

“We didn’t really think of anyone finding us together earlier when we came up…” he said as she shushed him while walking towards the elevator “That was different…no one’s room is on this floor except mine and maasi’s…and she was with motu earlier…now I’m not so sure” she said as she breathed out a sigh of relief, not finding anyone near the lift

“Ok, you go down and I’m going to mamma’s room” she said as she pressed two buttons inside the life, making Arnav look at her in surprise “You’re not coming with me?” he asked her as she shook her head

“No baby…how can we go together? Plus I have to get my hair done in her room…I told you already” she said with a smile as he sulked “Fine, but don’t be too long…As it is I hate weddings…I’m only here for you…plus you look too damn hot in this sari, please take the pallu over your shoulders” (see ref below) he said as the lift reached her mother’s floor

“Come on Arnav…. you go and enjoy downstairs…I’ll be there in a jiffy” she said lightly pecking him on his cheek before getting out of the elevator…she saw some of her relatives walking towards the lift and willed the damn thing to close before they reach her

“Arre Khushi beta…you’re not ready yet? Go and get your hair and make-up done…the phera’s will start in some time” they said as Khushi smiled in relief at the lift closing just in time before making her way to her mother’s room

 ***

“That’s it...I don’t want too much make-up” Khushi complained as the parlor ladies finished her simple hair-do and light make-up…she quickly got out of the chair and went to her mother and others who were ready to go down

“You are looking very pretty babu…this sari looks perfect on you” Garima said proudly as Payal came and joined them; Khushi give a quick kiss to her mother before smiling sweetly towards Payal “What? Why are you giving me that look?” Payal asked with raised eyebrows as Khushi shrugged

“What look…you are looking very beautiful…this color suits you” (see ref below) she said genuinely as Payal looked at her suspiciously “ookey…should we go down now? I’ve been preened and prodded too much by those ladies in there and now I need some food! How the hell do you guys stay awake for these late night weddings? Our weddings are done and over by noon!” she said as Garima smiled at her

“It’s a north Indian thing dear…but I agree that morning weddings are any day better!” she said as Khushi rolled her eyes “Already taking sides are we mamma?” she whispered to Garima who gave her a stern look “Khushi…she just got here, and does not know anyone…I hope you will take her around, as it is Shashi insisted on her coming because you prodded him to” she said as Khushi nodded solemnly

“Don’t you worry mamma…she will find more people she knows today…don’t you worry about a thing!” she said as Garima smiled as everyone walked out to reach the wedding venue downstairs…completely unaware of a huge storm that was coming their way!

*** 

“Arnav, I hope you are enjoying?” Sanjay asked Arnav as he nodded “Yes, thanks Mr Ahuja, the arrangements are done very well…” he said as Aakash give him a bored look while Sanjay smiled indulgently “Yes, its all thanks to Khushi…she made sure everything was perfect for today” he said proudly as Arnav smiled faintly

“You are serious about her right? Because if you’re just playing around….” Sanjay said with a heated gaze as Arnav confidently replied back “I love her…have never been more serious about anyone or anything else in my life” he said as Sanjay relaxed

“That’s good…just remember that I am like Khushi’s father…more so than her real one was, and if you ever hurt her or…” he started saying when Arnav held Sanjay’s hand and looked earnestly into his eyes “I love her too much to see any kind of sadness in her eyes…I will never hurt her, intentionally or unintentionally…and you can take my head off any day if I do” he said sincerely as Sanjay smiled and patted him on his back

“I’m glad Arnav…and I am very happy to see you support her so much, especially in this god damn investigation…God only knows how much longer this will stretch for” he said as Arnav nodded “I know, but rest assured, my friend is doing everything he can to put a lid on this for good…we will find the real murderer soon” Arnav said as Sanjay nodded

“That’s good to know beta…anyways, I have to go…its nearly time for the pheras to start, you take care and we’ll meet soon to catch up” he said as Arnav nodded and saw him move towards the mandap

“Damn Bhai! You are becoming a pro at this” Aakash said behind him as Arnav turned around “At what?” he asked as Aakash gave him a cheeky grin “being a sanskari damad” he said as Arnav punched him lightly making him yelp but soon both turned towards the mandap as the women from the grooms side came down

“Ooh…Khushi bhabhi looks hot…I bet everyone is looking at her only right now and not the bride” Aakash said as Khushi climbed up the mandap with an aarti thali in her hands “Shut up Aakash…look elsewhere…there are lots of pretty women around who will find you amusing” he said as Aakash sighed

“But bhai, I just want one woman…wish she was here” he said as Arnav turned amused eyes towards him “You still haven’t told me about this girl…” he said as Aakash winked at him “Soon bhai…soon!” he said as both brother sat down on the soft low seating meant for the guests

***

“Papa, I’m hungry” Payal complained as Shashi sat on the other side of the mandap, watching an animated Garima bustle around the place, looking beyond beautiful in a dark green saree “Papa!” Payal pulled his arm as he came out of his daze and looked at her “Huh? Did you say something?” he asked her as she looked at the mandap suspiciously

“Who were you looking at with so much concentration?” she asked him as he shrugged his shoulders “No one…just watching the wedding rituals…they are very different to ours” he said as Payal rolled her eyes “They are equally boring papa…now can I go and eat something?” she asked him as he looked at her and smiled

“Go…but you’ll be all alone…let me come with you” he said as she shook her head “I’m not a baby papa…let me get something for you also, didn’t see you eating much during dinner” she said as she got up and left to go towards the buffet area

She watched the bride and groom, as Khushi, her mother and maasi teased them, giggling away…a small smile lit her face as she imagined herself in the bride’s place with her goofy Aakash next to her…will it be a south Indian or North Indian style wedding? She wondered as she suddenly bumped into someone

“Oh…sorry” she said as the person held her by her shoulders and steadied “Hey! What a pleasant surprise…remember me?” Arnav asked as Payal gave him a quick smile “Off course I do…Arnav right? Heard you and Khushi are finally an item!” she said with a wink as Arnav laughed

“I guess so…what are you doing here alone? Is Shashi here?” he asked as she pointed at her father “Yes, there he is…I’m just here to get something to eat…” she said as Arnav nodded “I’ll go and say a hello to your father…why don’t you join my brother, he’s sitting there” Arnav said pointing to a man sitting on a table near the buffet, his back towards her

“Uh…no its fine…” she started saying when Arnav shook his head “No…I insist…you are around his age and he’s been going on about being bored…let me at least introduce you to him…” Arnav said as Payal giggled, “I’m bored too…I actually hate weddings! Only came cause Khushi insisted I do” she said rolling her eyes as Arnav laughed

“You go and meet papa Arnav, I’ll go and introduce myself, don’t worry…” Payal said as Arnav nodded “Fine, I’ll come and join you both in a bit” he said as he left and Payal turned towards the dark haired man…something about him looked very familiar

When she was just a few feet away, her heart suddenly started beating very hard…why did he look so much like Aakash from this angle…was it? She wondered as she went and stood right in front of him “Aakash?” she whispered in a surprised tone as Aakash’s hand stopped mid way to his mouth…the food from his spoon falling on the plate as he looked up with shocked eyes

“Payal?” he gasped, as he realized she was really standing in front of him… “What? How…” he said as Payal smiled widely “Oh my God! You are here? How do you know the Gupta’s? Or are you here from the bride’s side?” she asked excitedly as she slid into the chair next to him

“Uh…I….I…” Aakasj started saying as Payal suddenly caught his hand that was slightly trembling “Hey! What happened? Why are you so nervous? Are you that shocked to see me here? Or have you come here with my sautan?” she asked jokingly as Aakash felt his mouth freeze in a comical smile…what was payal doing here!

“Oh wait! Arnav said his bother…wait; you are Arnav’s brother? I didn’t know he was your cousin!” she said gleefully as Aakash got more shocked “You know bhai?” he asked in a choked voice as she nodded “Yeah, he is dating Khushi…plus my father works for Khushi’s company and I also stay in their house…I mean, their guest house…for the time being that is…I thought I told you that” she said as Aakash felt his head burst with all the information

“You know what’s weird? I was just thinking about you and how I wish you were here…looks like I have a silver tongue!” she said as Aakash nodded feebly “Oh, by the way, is your family here? No wonder you are so nervous! And your sister? ” she asked excitedly as another voice asked from behind her making her leave his hand “Who sister?” Arnav asked as both Aakash and Payal turned towards him

“Arnav, I…I mean me and Aakash are college friends…such a coincidence na? You’re his cousin na? had no idea!…but I was asking about Aakash’s sister…Arnasha…is she here?” Payal asked with a sweet smile as Arnav looked on in confusion from Aakash to Payal

“Who Arnasha? We don’t have a sister…you must be mistaken and I’m not his cousin, he’s my younger brother…this moron must have gotten you confused” Arnav said as he laughed and sat down next to them, completely oblivious to the heart burn that has started in Payal’s chest

“What are you taking about? Aakash can’t be your real brother…you are the Raizada’s…I mean…he comes from a….I mean, his sister was in our college…he told me himself…I…what’s going on Aakash?” Payal turned towards him as Aakash got up along with her “Payal, I can explain” he said as his eyes looked on guiltily at her.

“Explain what?” Payal asked as her eyes turned dark, hurt, anger and disbelief marring the beautiful coffee brown color when at the exact moment another voice piped in “Surprise!!! So the love birds finally met!!” Khushi said excitedly as three faces turned towards her, one angry, one guilty and one plain confused! What was going on?

Khushi

Payal

Garima