Hey guys!
I know its been over a week since I last updated!! So, so sorry for that! Been a hectic week at work! Couldnt find time to think also. So my apologies to keep you waiting.
without further delay, heres the next..
PART 7
Preparations began in full swing. Everyone was busy.
Everyone had a responsibility. They decided to hold the engagement at the Kapoor Mansion. Only close,friends and family were to be invited. Marriage would be a grand affair, but Priya insisted on having a small, family only engagement. She didnt believe in pomp and show. Ram respected her view and agreed to what she said.
It was Wednesday already. The engagement being on Sunday, the parents thought it was essential to go shopping.
Nuts and Karthik decided to go shopping together. The parents denied on coming. That left Ram and Priya with no choice but to go by themselves.
Though they were happy in their minds, there was some awkwardness. They had always met as friends, at the NGO. This would be their first meet outside the NGO.
Ram and Priya were talking over the phone that night.
"Hi Priya", Ram said.
"Hello to you", replied Priya
"So, should I pick you up from the institute or from home tomorrow?", Ram asked.
"Huh??", Priya asked. She was in her own thoughts. Ram repeated his question. "Where from should I pick you up? We're going shopping tomorrow right?"
"Home", Priya replied. "I have taken off tomorrow and day after."
"Okay.. I'll be there by 3", Ram said. "Priya"
"Hmm", that was all she said.
"Priya, are you alright?", Ram asked concerned.
"Yea Ram. Im alright. See you tomorrow", she said and disconnected the call.
Priya sat on her bed with her diary in hand.
24th November, 2013
Life.. Its just so unpredictable. Life can just turn around within a span of minutes. Something unexpected happens, and your life takes a complete 360 degree turn without you even realising it.
One week back, had someone told me I'd be getting engaged to The Ram Kapoor in a week and married in another, I'd laugh on their face. But here I am today, planning my engagement with the same business tycoon Ram Kapoor.
I've been pinching myself frequently, unable to believe the truth. Im still not convinced. Still feels like all of this is a dream and it will all be gone once i wake up.
He's the man I've adored and idolised all my life. I was happy being his friend. Destiny, however, had different plans for me i think. So much happiness! Im lucky to find a man like him.
He's such a good son, a protective elder brother, a great friend and obviously so adorable.
So much happiness scares me somehow. What if Ram is doing this because he pities me? What if he doesn't like me? What if things change with our relationship status?
No, im doing it for Maa, papa and Karthik. No one else. If Ram dosent like me, i wont interfere in his life. I'll just remain a good friend, no matter how much i love him.. Yes! Im unconditionally and irrevocably in love with you Mr.Ram Kapoor..
She then pulled out a pic of theirs from her drawer and kissed it. It was taken at the NGO at Peehu's insistence. Placing it carefully in the very same page, Priya closed her diary and went off to sleep.
The next afternoon, Priya was in her room, reading her novel, when someone rang the doorbell. She was alone at home. Nuts and Karthik had gone out, while maa papa had hone to a relatives place to invite them.
Priya walked up to the door and slowly opened it. The man standing at rhe door was the most handsome guy she had ever seen. Ram was at the door, wearing a dark blue Tshirt with denims. His RayBans added to his charm. Priya just kept staring at him.
"yaar, have you like decided to keep me waiting at the door everytime?", he asked. however, getting no response from Priya, he clicked his fingers in front of her eyes. That got Priya out of trance.
"Mr.Kapoor? You? Here?", she asked, surprised. "Come in nah"
Ram stepped in and just kept smiling at her. "I thought we were to go shopping at 3.", he said. Priya looked at the watch.
She bit her tongue and smiled at Ram. "Sorry, didnt realise the time", she said holding up the novel she had in hand, "Do you want some coffee?"
"Why dont you go get dressed up, while I make coffee for both of us?", Ram said.
"No no!", Priya exclaimed. "How can I let you work? I'll make it. It wont take time.", she said.
"Trust me Priya! I can make the worlds best coffee.", he said walking towards her. He stood next to her and led her into the kitchen by holding her shoulders. "Tell me where I can find the ingredients and go get ready.", he announced.
Priya grew nervous when she saw Ram approaching her. She liked the proximity, but it created butterflies in her stomach. When Ram put his arms around her shoulder, she was elated. She liked the fact that Ram showed his rights on her.
"Are you sure Ram?", asked Priya. "Of course!", he replied. She gave him whatever he needed and went off to change. Ram was making the best coffee he promised, when he saw Priya walking out from her room towards him. She was looking gorgeous in her White top and blue denims. She complements me perfectly, he thought. He kept staring at her and unknowingly kept his hand over the hot vessel. "Ouch!", he screamed holding up his finger.
Priya rushed to him hearing his scream. She almost Ran to the kitchen. He was blowing at his finger. Priya took his hand and immediately held it under a tap of cold running water.
"Ram, I told you i'll make the coffee. You shouldnt do things you cant. What if something happened to you. Mera kya hota? I would've made good enough coffee if not the best."
Ram just kept looking at her. He liked her concern and authority. He felt a belongingness. "Priya calm down. Nothing has happened. Seriously. Im alright. And the coffee is ready.", he said.
Thats when Priya realised the position they were standing in. She was standing behind the kitchen sink and Ram was standing just behind her. To an onlooker, it would feel as though Ram was hughing Priya from behind.
Priya walked a little away and took the two cups of coffee to the dining area. Ram followed her. They both sat down silently sipping the coffee. And soon after, they were off to the mall.
"Ram, the coffee was really nice. You do make the worlds best coffee.", she acknowledged. "Told you!", Ram said winking at her. "Waise Priya, I wanted to ask you something. Last night, when we spoke over the phone, toh sounded disturbed. Whats wrong? You can tell me!"
Priya was amazed at how this man could sense her feelings so well. "No Ram, its nothing. Its just that I was missing Peehu.", she replied. Obviously, she couldnt tell him what she really felt. "Oh! Priya tell me, are you comfortable, I mean with the wedding thing?", he asked concerned. "Yes Ram. I want Karthik and Nuts, Maa and papa to be happy. Thats the only thing that matters.", Priya replied.
They reached the mall soon enough. Ram and Priya entered a garment store first. As they were looking at the various clothes on the counters, Rams eyes fell on a sea green lehenga put up on a maniquin. He loved it instantly and thought it to be perfect.
Priya came looking for Ram as she didnt find him around her. She saw him looking at the lehenga. She went ahead and checked the set. It looked absolutely beautiful with silver and gold work on it. She loved it instantly too. She proceeded to check the price tag and realised it was way out of budget.
Ram saw the expressions on her face when she was looking at the dress. He knew from her reactions that she had loved it. But then, he noticed the sudden change in her expression and realised that she was looking at the pricetag. Ram instantly called the assistant out there and asked her to take Priyas measirement and alter the dress.
"No Ram. I dont want the lehenga. It would be too heavy. I wont be able to take its weight.", Priya tried to reason with him. Ram, however, was adamant. He wanted the very same lehenga for Priya and she had to ultimately give up.
"Kaisi ladki ho tum Priya. Every girl wants the best on their weddings. And here you are.. Looking at the price tag when your fiancee can afford the whole mall.", Ram said to her. She just looked at him and smiled. "Thanks Ram. Its very pretty.", she said.
The two then moved to the gents section. Ram was unable to decide what to buy for himself when Priya came to his rescue. "Do you have a white kurta and aqua coloured pyjama set?", she asked the storekeeper. He got out what Priya asked for. After a few alterations here and there, both their clothes were ready to be taken.
Ram then took her to the Jewellers. Priya was choosing a ring for Ram while he was looking for something at the other end of the shop. He came and joined Priya in sometime. She showed him the ring she had chosen for him. He loved it. He then chose a ring for her, and no doubts, it was the best one available in the shop.
As they were leaving, Priya saw a kid store. Her mind immediately went to Peehu. Ram understood what she could be thinking. He held her hand and walked into the store. They purchased a nice dress for Peehu and a few toys for the kids at the NGO.
They went to the NGO next and distributed the tous among the kids. Every kid got something. Only Peehu was left behind. She thought her uncle aunty got nothing for her and started walking away sadly.
"Princess", she heard her Priya aunty call out. "Dont you want your gift?"
Peehu turned back and ran straight into Ram and Priyas arms as they kneeled to hug her.
"Listen Rockstar, me and your Priya aunty might not be able to visit you over this week.", Ram told Peehu. "There is a lot of work nah baby. Itna ki we cant me and Ram uncle cant meet as well.", Priya added.
Peehu sulked and looked down. "Priya aunty, you promised no change.", Peehu tried to reason. "You are breaking your promise.", she said as a few drops of tears escaped her tiny eyes.
Priya took the lil kid on her arms and rocked her back and forth. "I know baby. Priya aunty promised. Im sorry! Both me and Ram are sorry. We really really cant help it this time. Aunty is so sorry baby!", Priya tried to explain.
Ram and Priya were walking back towards the car. Priya was looking down at the ground and walking. Ram looked at her.
"Priya, just wait here. I'll be back in a minute. Just wait!", Ram said and walked back into the NGO. Priya was still standing there thinking about Peehu.
After sometime, she saw Ram coming back happily holding on to Peehus hands. As Peehu saw Priya, she ran straight to her.
"Priya aunty, I love you!", she said. "I love you too baby!", Priya said hugging her. She looked up at Ram as though she was asking what Peehu was doing there.
"I know you miss Peehu. Shes gonna stay with you till the wedding. Happy now?", Ram said in his typical style.
"Thanks Ram! This means a lot!", thats all Priya could manage at that time. She was overwhelmed.
"Thank you Ram uncle. I love sooo much!", Peehu said as she went and wrapped herself around Rams legs. Ram picked her up in his arms and kissed her on the cheeks. "I love you too my Rockstar!"
Bade Achhe Lagte Hain
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
