Chapter 129

"Payal", someone called her name.

She stopped, her body tensed. The voice was familiar, even after 2 years she can recognize his voice. She turns slowly and saw him standing just few feet away from her.

"Sidharth", Payal whispered her ex-fianc's name.

"Hello Payal", said Sidharth as he move a step towards her, "How are you?".

Payal pressed her lips, her heart thudding fast. She haven't seen him in the last two years, nor spoken to him. Though he had left her messages and calls but she had never responded back.

"What are you doing here?", asked Payal, her voice angry, which faded the smile from Sidharth's face.

"The same as you. Attending the reception", said Sidharth taking another step towards her.

"Don't come near me", Payal said putting up her hand, she looks towards the dance floor, seeing everyone busy, "Does Arnavji know you?", she asked, curious to know about his presence here as Sandeep Uncle and his wife were not here. Shashi told her that they will not be coming for reception, so what is their son is doing here?

"You can say that", said Sidharth as his eyes move up and down on her, making Payal uncomfortable. Her eyes darted towards the dance floor when the song changed. She does not want Khushi to see him with her, she will get worry and Payal doesn't want that. It's her day today and there shouldn't be any drama happening. She watched partners change on the dance floor.

Khushi smile up at Rohan as he came in front of her. Today Anjali didn't have to nudge him to participate; he wanted to do it himself. He started slow dancing with Khushi and watched her eyes going back to Arnav, who was dancing with Aashima but his eyes were on them. There was nervousness in her stance but she was trying to hide it. Rohan felt envy for Arnav that he got Khushi in his life, who love him very much and care for every little of his feelings. Although Khushi is not showing but he can understand that she is nervous of his reaction.

"You know if looks can kill then ...", said Rohan stopping in middle and twirl Khushi before she could ask and then pull her close, "I will be dead by now", he gestures towards Arnav.

Khushi look at her husband and sure his looks were murderous. Khushi give him a smile and shakes her head a little. Arnav took a deep breath and look at Aashima, who also very nervous due to the rigidness of Arnav and very little movement on his part to dance. He give a smile to Aashima who got a little calm and look over at Khushi giving her a what do I do?' look.

"You look beautiful Payal", said Sidharth, "I haven't seen you in western dress before", his eyes admiring her frame clad in pretty dark peach evening gown. It was her first time wearing a gown; she had worn jeans and kurti but never a western dress. So she was nervous as it is and didn't want to add more to it. "Excuse me", said Payal and move from there.

"Payal wait", Sidharth called her as he followed her.

Payal bumped into someone in her haste and was relieved seeing NK in-front of her.

NK had just come off the dance floor when he saw Payal coming in his direction and saw Sidharth following her. He knew about their history so he quickly went ahead to intervene. He hates Sidharth as he had hurt his Payal Di.

"You ok?", NK asked eyeing Sidharth who had stopped few steps away, his expression hard seeing NK.

"I am fine, let's just go from here", said Payal and NK took her on the dance floor. A romantic song was playing and NK started to dance with Payal.

"What's he doing here? I haven't seen Sandeep uncle here.", asked NK.

"I don't know", said Payal as she looked to the side and saw Sidharth still standing there, looking at her. "I asked him if Arnavji knew him and he said you can say that'".

"What does he mean by that?", asked NK thinking on it.

Payal shrugs her shoulder, "I don't know and I don't want to think about him either", which was proving difficult for her as of now.

NK nodded his head in understanding, "I will ask Aman. ASR doesn't know everyone here but I guess Aman does. I am sure he won't let the invitation goes to people whom he doesn't know", said NK.

Just then the song change and they have to change the partners.

Payal eyes were still going back and forth on Sidharth but feeling the familiar touch she looked up and her heart thudded again seeing Akash's smiling eyes.

Arnav and Khushi came back together for a dance. Arnav tugs Khushi close, feeling at ease now that his wife was back in his arms now. He was getting irritated seeing her dancing with others, specially that Rohan. He knows Rohan doesn't have any bad intentions but he also knows that he likes Khushi; he can see that the way his eyes admire her. The way he tried to be friends with Khushi ... it just irks him.

"Why does he have to dance close to you?", said Arnav giving Khushi an intense look.

"Arnavji ...", Khushi tilted her head a little, "It was just a dance and he wasn't holding me close".

Arnav grumped, looking at her amusing expressions, "It looked like to me that way".

Khushi shakes her head a little and put her head on his chest with her one hand wounding around his waist, "Only you have the right to hold me close, no one else".

"Damn right", murmured Arnav as he wound his hand around her and kissed the top of her head.

Aashima sighed dreamily looking at Arnav and Khushi and smile, thinking about their love.

"Love should be like this ... selfless and unconditional", said Aashima.

"Please ... there is nothing selflessness about Arnav", said Rohan in mock tone. "He is a possessive man".

Aashima give an angry look to Rohan. When the song changed, Aashima and Rohan came in front of each other and they were dancing together now.

"Arnavji loves Khushi a lot. Selflessness in a sense that he keeps Khushi before him, not for others. You know, he was in London for important work but he came to our Alumni dinner only because Khushi wanted it. And he even gave us a lunch treat, only because we were Khushi's close friends. Arnavji have eyes only for Khushi. It can be seen in the way they look at each other ... that they are the world for each other. And there is nothing wrong being selfish in love, about the person you love. I kind of like the way Arnavji is possessive about Khushi. It shows how much she means to him", said Aashima in admiration.

Rohan was kind of annoyed hearing her talk about Arnav and Khushi like that.

Why girls have to be so in love with love?, he thought.

"I wish I could get a love like them", said Aashima in a wishful way. Rohan look down at her and something shifted inside him seeing the sincerity in her eyes.

"But you won't understand it, right?", said Aashima in challenging tone, "But don't worry, you will, when you fall in love with the one'".

Rohan rolls his eyes, "Its not gona happen. I am happy the way I am".

"uh huh. No, you are not happy. You men are so egoistic. Why is it so hard for you guys to admit that you do need someone in your life?", said Aashima irritatingly.

"May be I don't need that' someone in my life. May be I am not a one-woman man", said Rohan with a smirk as he twirls Aashima and then pull her close.

Aashima expression's changed to disgust as she pushed him a little, "Everyone needs someone in their life and you will realize it someday".

Rohan shakes his head in amusement, "Really?".

"Yes really", said Aashima in determine tone, "Just wait and see".

"Where you went earlier? I am that a bad dancer haan?", asked Akash with an innocent look.

Payal immediately felt at ease, "Well someone did say you dance like a baboon", her voice mischievous.

"Really?", said Akash as his eyes move over to Arnav, who was holding Khushi close and just swaying with the beat.

Payal nodded her head with a smile.

"Looks like I have to prove someone wrong", said Akash as he tugs Payal close wiping the smile off her face. Her heart started to beat loudly and her skin getting warm. Akash's eyes were fixed on her and she could feel the rising intensity in them. Akash twirl her once and then tug her close. They dance few steps in rhythm with the beat. With every step Payal felt her heart skip a beat. She didn't know if she could take it anymore ... this closeness to him.

Luckily for her the song came to end and the light came on in the hall. They broke apart as audience claps for the couple of the evening.

Everyone on the dance floor clapped and cheered each other for dancing. Khushi went to Payal and pull her close, "Jiji I can't believe it. You're wearing a gown", she gushed looking up and down at her sister.

Payal blushed with the compliment, "Sshhshh Khushi. I am already very nervous. Amma and Baba didn't say anything but I think Amma will scold me when we will go home".

"Oh jiji, Amma won't scold you. Have she scolded me? I wear dresses all the time", said Khushi.

"Yeah right, are you forgetting how much Amma scolded you when you wore that blue dress for your university party?", said Payal remembering an incident from past.

"Yeah yeah, but that was that one time.", said Khushi waving a hand in the air, "Once you keep wearing the dresses Amma will mellow down for sure".

Payal shakes her head, "it's only your stubbornness that had made Amma accept your wearing dresses like this", said Payal as she tugged at her gown.

"Jiji you should wear dresses like this. You look so beautiful", said Khushi.

"Absolutely right Khushi", said Anjali as she came near them, "She refused when me and Lavanya asked her to wear the gown. Don't ask how we have convinced her".

"Ahan ... And I see you all are color co-ordinating tonight as well", said Khushi as she look around and saw Aashima, Divya, Poonam, Naina, Lavanya, Anjali and Payal wearing dark peach color gown.

Anjali shrugged and smile, "We did this for all the functions so why left the reception".

Khushi squeezes Anjali's arm, "Its all very beautiful Anjali Di, Thank you".

"Arey only thanks to Anjali, what about me?", said Lavanya as she came there, "I have done most of the preparations".

"Ji nahi, I did the work equally", said Anjali with her chin high.

Before Lavanya could remark again Khushi came in between them, "You both work equally and beautifully. I will never forget all your efforts. Thank you so much", with that she gave a check kiss to both Lavanya and Anjali.

"Ok ok ... don't need to be so lovy dovy. Keep it for your husband", said Lavanya with a teasing tone.

"Please now don't you two start", said Khushi taking a step back, "On second thought, I will just leave or else you will two start anyway", with that she went to Arnav and Lavanya, Anjali and Payal shares teasing smile

Aman told Arnav and Khushi to go on the stage as the guests will be coming to greet them.

STAGE

SITTING ARRANGEMENT

The stage was beautifully decorated with tons of white roses and lilies with some pastel pink and purple flowers in between. Arnav and Khushi sit on the white sofa, placed the stage. Aman and Lavanya asked Arnav's family to go up the stage to take photographs.

"Oh my shona baby", cooed Khushi as she extended her hand to take Arush from Rahul.

Initially it was decided that Arush will enter in the hall with Arnav and Khushi but when Khushi get to know about the firework she denied the idea, concerned that Arush can get hurt by the fireworks as he likes light and tends to touch them, and you can never stop a baby as they move in a split second

So Naniji and Shalini Masi were looking after him all this while.

Khushi gives him a kiss placing him on her lap, "My Arush is looking so handsome". He was wearing a tux looking cute.

Arush happily tapped Khushi's cheek, "Alush hanshom".

"Yes baby", said Khushi with a side glanced at Arnav, "You are the most handsome person in my life".

"Ahem, is that so?", said Arnav in low tone, looking at Khushi with amusement in his eyes.

"Ji haan", said Khushi with a flick of her hand, "You are just so so".

"Really? I remember someone telling me I am beautiful when we made love", said Arnav in his husky voice.

"Shhshh Arnavji", Khushi instantly nudge him, "At least look around. Don't say such things with people around. What if they hear it?", she look around seeing Shalini Masi and Mamiji coming on stage.

"So what? Every husband and wife makes love. Not only them but girlfriend & boyfriend have sex together", said Arnav nonchalantly.

"Arnavji!!", Khushi exclaimed feeling embarrassed and shy at his remark.

"What? I am just ...", Arnav was saying when Khushi shshed him again.

"You just keep quiet", said Khushi as she smile at Nani who came on stage with Manohar Mamaji. Arnav smirked looking at the redness creeping up on Khushi's cheeks.

Raizada family gathered around Arnav and Khushi on stage and Jack, the only photographer there, took the photos. Then came Khushi's family on the stage for the photographs. Khushi and Arnav stood up as Shashi and Garima came on stage. They bend down taking their blessing. Khushi hugged her Amma and Baba. Arnav hugged Shashi and he patted Arnav's head. Next was Buaji, who pinched Arnav's cheek making Khushi giggle and then she took Khushi's balaiyan.

Khushi's Chachas and Chachis came on stage and Arnav just gave them a polite hello. Khushi's chachis hugged her showing how much happy they are seeing her, but deep down Khushi knows that they are just showing-off, still she smiled at them and her cousins. Her Dadi hadn't come for the reception and Khushi didn't really mind about it.

After they all came down, Aman and Lavanya went on the stage and then came Khushi's friends.

Prachi and Vijay also came on stage to greet them. Khushi hugged Prachi.

"Oh I am so happy making Sonia and her gang jealous", said Prachi giddily making Khushi shakes her head at that. She has seen AR employees present here and didn't miss the angry jealous looks of Sonia and her gang except for Suman.

When the photo session got over, guests started to come on the stage to greet the couple. Anjali took Arush from Khushi as he had started to whine feeling hungry. Khushi wanted to feed him but Anjali told her to sit right there and she will take care of Arush.

Arnav knew some of the guest, as they were AR clients & associates and he had interacted with them face to face. But there were also people, besides family, relatives & acquaintances ... who he doesn't know ... so Aman was standing next to him for the introduction. And then after some minutes Anjali came on the stage so that she can introduce their neighbors and other acquaintances to Khushi.

"Anjali Di, Arush?", asked Khushi instantly as Anjali stood beside her.

"Don't worry, Payal got him. Minnie and Aashima is with her too", said Anjali. Khushi nodded her head feeling relax as she know that Arush knows Payal and doesn't mind being with her and is also getting attached to her.

"Arey Manorma, you haven't introduced us to Khushi's sister", said Mrs. Khan and Mrs. Sidhant also nodded her head; they came to Manorma Mami after greeting Arnav and Khushi.

Manorma look knowingly at her sister, Shalini who give her an understanding nod. They both know what these ladies are after.

"Payal bitya is busy running here and there", said Manorma looking around, "I don't see her".

"Hmm", Mrs Khan thought for a second and then said, "Till then we can meet her mother, right?", she looked to Mrs. Sidhant to nodded.

Manorma sighed and take them to Garima, who was sitting with Buaji and Khushi's chachis. Manorma had already alerted Garima and Buaji about these ladies. Garima was reluctant to meet the ladies not sure what she will say if they ask about Payal or any marriage proposal.

So Garima quickly nudge Buaji when she saw Manorma coming to them and they both stood up.

"Namaste", Buaji and Garima greeted Mrs. Khan and Mrs. Sidhant.

"She is Khushi's mother Garima ji and She is Khushi's Buaji Madhumati ji.", Manorma did the introduction.

"Hello ji", said Mrs. Khan, "Your Khushi is such a gem. Very beautiful and cultured".

"Very true", said Mrs. Sidhant.

Garima thanked them for the compliment.

"You other daughter ... um Payal right?", said Mrs. Khan, "Where she is? I would like to meet her".

Not wanting to be rude Garima look behind where Payal was sitting with Aashima, Divya and Arush.

"There she is", Garima pointed towards Payal.

Mrs. Khan and Mrs. Sidhant smile at each other looking at Payal.

"Di, I think he is done. He is not eating more", said Aashima as she put down the French fry back in the plate.

"Hmm, he only ate few. He will get hungry again", said Payal.

"I think we should give him milk", said Divya.

"yeah, but will he drink it now?", said Aashima.

"not right away, but he will get hungry soon.", said Payal as she look through Arush's bag and came up with empty milk bottle.

"And we are out", said Divya.

"We can ask the waiters, it's a big hotel. They should have milk here", said Aashima looking around and saw Garima pointing at them.

"Di, I think Garima aunty is calling us", said Aashima. Payal look in her mother's direction and saw her giving a gesture to come there.

"I will go", said Payal as she picks Arush's milk bottle, "I will also ask for milk. Take care of him ok", she said to Aashima who nodded, "Don't worry Di, me and my shona will be ok, sweetu ...", she lovingly pinch Arush's cheek who was sitting on table.

"Nai kerna nai (No, don't do it)", said Arush pushing her hand back.

"Nai karo tang Arush ko (Don't tease Arush)", said Payal.

"Arush tang kerna nahi (Don't tease Arush)", said Arush quickly making them laugh. Payal then move towards her mother.

"She is Payal, my elder daughter", said Garima putting her hand on Payal's back. Payal folded her hand and greeted the ladies.

"Nazar na lagey, she is also very beautiful", said Mrs. Sidhant. Payal smile politely at them

"What do you do beta?", asked Mrs. Khan

"I am primary school teacher aunty. I teach maths to 3 and 4 graders", replied Payal.

"Wah, that's a very respectable profession", said Mrs. Khan.

"Thank you aunty. Please excuse me now, I need to check for milk for Arush", said Payal and move from there.

"Have you thought of her marriage yet?", asked Mrs. Khan. She was thinking for her son who was 30 years old and a software engineer.

"No not yet. We just married our one daughter. Her father doesn't want to marry away our other daughter that soon", said Garima poliety.

"Yes and Payal too doesn't want to get married at least for a year or two", said Buaji quickly looking at Manorma who smiled back.

"Acha ...", Mrs. Khan was disappointed a little, "But she is elder than Khushi, don't make it late too much or else you won't get good proposals".

"Its all in Devi Ma's hand", said Garima.

"Do tell us when you decide for her marriage. We can help you get good proposals", said Mrs. Sidhant.

"Ji ji ... its very generous of you", said Buaji folding her hands.

Manorma steer the conversation to other topics before the ladies could say something else.

Buaji and Garima share concerned glances. Manorma told them that they are high status people and arrogant for a family like them. Still being a mother, Garima didn't want to push away a good proposal, so kept a polite smile on her face and converse with the ladies.

Payal had just got off talking with the head of catering team, asked for warm milk, which will be delivered to her in an hour when dinner will start. She turned and bumped into Sidharth.

"I told you not to come near me", said Payal irritatingly.

"I want to talk to you", said Sidharth.

"But I don't, so please excuse me", said Payal and move to side but Sidharth caught her arm gently.

"Payal please, I really need to talk to you, just few minutes", said Sidharth.

Payal press her lips in irritation, she knew well that he won't back off until he gets what he wants and she didn't want him to follow her around. Her parents and Khushi will get worried if they see him around her, which luckily they haven't done already.

"Ok fine, just few minutes and then you're going to leave me alone", said Payal as she move back her hand. They move out of the hall, turned right and went through the corridor towards area which leads to back garden. They stopped just few feets away from the big double door.

Payal faced him and folded her arms with a stern look on her face.

"You know I was hoping to meet you tonight", said Sidharth and Payal look to side, "I called you many times and even left you messages. But you didn't respond".

"And that should give you the idea that I don't want to do anything with you", said Payal.

"Payal I wanted to apologize.", said Sidharth as he take a step towards her, "I am really sorry about everything".

Payal look in his eyes, there was nothing but genuine concern. He had apologized many times over the messages and has requested to meet her but she didn't want to so she never replied back. She just want to close that chapter of her life forever so she sighed and said, "Apology accepted, now you will leave me alone?".

"Payal please, we were friends and I missed you. I wanted to be friends again", said Sidharth.

"We cannot be friends again", said Payal and her anger was back

"Why not? Our families know each other for years and we both too. We were close. Why can't we just forget what happened and start over", said Sidharth getting irritated.

"Start over? You want to start over?", said Payal in anger, "You want me to just forget the pain and humiliation I face after the cancelation of our marriage. You want me to forget how much you hurted me? You want me to forget the pitiful comments of people to my parents? It was easy for you but not for me. I may have forgiven you but I will never ever forget those days full of pain and humiliation, you can never understand how difficult it was for me to come out of all that. So just forget it ok", she said hurriedly and turned to go but Sidharth caught her arm.

"It was your decision to cancel the wedding not mine", said Sidharth in anger.

"You expected me to still marry you after you treated me like trash?", said Payal in mock tone, "Seriously what you think of yourself that you are a man so we woman have to endure whatever treatment you give us.", said Payal yanking her hand away, "Well the time has changed".

"Payal I am sorry for what I did; I even apologized to uncle and aunty. What you want me to do more?", Sidharth said.

"I want you to leave me alone and never contact me again", said Payal and tried to move again but Sidharth caught her wrist and pull her close, "Payal I still love you".

"No", Payal hissed, "Don't say that ... just let me go", tears started to sting her eyes. The memories started to resurface in her mind and she doesn't want to inflect more pain on herself remembering those ... even the good ones.

"Payal ...", Sidharth wanted to say but Payal but him, "No ... no more".

"When a lady say No, that means No", came a voice from behind and Payal felt her wrist get free when someone came in front of her.

Akash ... her heart elevated seeing him.

"Leave. Before I make you", said Akash in warning tone. Both men eye each other. Akash was an inch or two taller than Sidharth.

"Look I just wanted to talk to her", said Sidharth.

"And she doesn't. Now get out", said Akash.

"I am here on invitation", said Sidharth in defensive tone.

Akash look back to Payal questioningly and she shakes her head, "Not from our side".

Akash look back at Sidharth, "From whom?".

"I am the marketing head of India Times, the company bought by AR, we all got the invite to the reception", said Sidharth.

It was true. Aman had send invitation to the HODs of India Times as a good gesture.

"But Payal knows me as well Mr. Raizada. We are related", said Sidharth. Payal was surprised knowing that, but then again of course he would know the Raizadas, his company was over taken by them.

"Is he your cousin?", Akash turn his head to Payal.

"No ...", Sidharth said instantly, "I am her fiance".

"No", Payal said a little loud, "Ex-fiance". She didn't miss the look of shocked on Akash's face which he instantly cover with his serious one.

Akash then remember Payal telling him how she was hurt by someone which made her wary about love and other men.

"Leave", said Akash taking a step towards Sidharth, "Before I asked the guards to escort you out".

Sidharth looked over at Payal, wanting for her to say something but she didn't which made him irritated.

"Leave now!", Akash said in fierce tone.

Giving a final look to Payal, which said it's not over yet, Sidharth left from there.

Akash turn to Payal, "You ok?".

Payal nodded her head looking down, a tear or two escapes her eyes.

"Hey", he said softly putting one hand on her upper arm and other on her cheek.

Payal closed her eyes feeling his warm touch and lean into it. Akash move ahead hesitatingly and wound his arms around her. Payal instantly leaned into him, needing the comfort.

Akash tighten his arms around when he heard her sniffing. He didn't said anything, just stood there holding her close. Payal move back and Akash pull his hands back, "ok now?", he asked.

"Yes, I am sorry ... I mean thanks .. I", Payal didn't know what to say, she was feeling embarrassed.

"Its ok, lets go back in the hall before someone come looking for you", said Akash as he gently held her elbow and lead her to the hall.

"I need to freshen up", said Payal and Akash nodded his head.

"You please go, I will just take minute", said Payal.

"I will wait", said Akash and push her elbow a little for her to go ahead. Payal give him a small smile and move towards ladies room. She was very thankful that Akash hadn't asked about Sidharth neither probed what they were talking about. She quickly checks her appearance and wipe the line of mascara below her eyes, which spread due to tears. Then she went back and smiles seeing Akash standing there. They both went back in the hall.

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