Abhigya FF - Enmity and Enchantment (Chapter 9 updated, pg.17) - Page 10

Chapter 9

Picking up the sindoor box was harder than usual today. Pragya slowly applied the red to the top of her forehead, watching herself in the mirror. This was the mark of a married woman, her mark as someone's wife. Though she had never been treated as a wife, she always had this symbol. But now that Abhi knew the truth, there would be no reason for him to uphold their marriage. This symbol would no longer be rightfully hers. All the strength she felt yesterday when she confronted Abhi drained out of her as she thought this, about her relationship, her family.

But Abhi had called off the wedding; maybe he was finally being reasonable. Maybe he would listen to her when she explained how important it was for them to maintain their relationship, at least in front of others. And just maybe they could be friends or even -

Pragya's breath caught in her throat. Was that something she wanted? Would she be able to see her husband as anything but the cruel man he had been so far in their marriage? Tears began to form in her eyes. It didn't matter whether their marriage continued or not, she would never get any of the love she had expected in her life. Any possibility for that had been erased longed ago.

She looked at herself in the mirror again, into her own watery eyes. Straightening her back, Pragya resolutely wiped away the tears and cleared her throat. She had to be logical about all of this. Letting her emotions get the best of her would only set high expectations, leading to more heartbreak. It was stupid to expect Abhi to change overnight. Pragya sternly reminded herself that Abhi's first reaction had been to question her about her actions not his sister's, who was the real culprit. Why would he then all of a sudden change his entire attitude about her and their marriage? She was being a nave girl again, wishing for miracles even though her life was a nightmare.

After putting on the final touches to her minimal makeup and fixing her dupatta, Pragya closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She would have to go downstairs soon and face Abhi's family. She had to make sure she was ready for whatever awaited her, whether it be continuing to pretend being happy or facing the end of her marriage. No matter the situation, she wouldn't let herself break down in front of Abhi or his family. Hoping that faking strength would be enough, Pragya began to make her way towards the door.

Meanwhile, Dadi and their entire Mehra family were gathered downstairs. Abhi had said he wanted to say something to them and they were impatiently waiting for an explanation.

"Does anyone know where Abhi has gone? What does he want to say?" Dadi asked her family members. Then, she turned her head as the doorbell to the mansion rang.

Walking over to the door, she opened it to find Sarla and Pragya's family outside, the questions on their faces matching those on the Mehra family inside.

"Come inside Sarla ji. We weren't expecting you so soon after yesterday's drama. Is everything okay?" It seemed to Dadi that things were always going wrong nowadays and she sent a quick prayer to God hoping nothing else had happened.

Sarla quickly shook her head in reassurance, "Nothing is wrong. It's just that we got a call from Abhi beta this morning saying we should come over soon. He said something about an announcement."

"Where are Jiju and Pragya Di? Is Di doing better now?" Bulbul asked, having looked around and seen no sign of the couple. She hadn't gotten the chance to talk to her Di after Jiju had gone upstairs and was anxious to see her again.

"I'm not sure beta. I saw Abhi briefly but he only said he would talk to everyone soon. He should be here -"

Just then Abhi walked in accompanied by another man who was carrying folders in his hand.

"Good, all of you are here. We need to make this quick as Pragya should be down any minute." Abhi rubbed his hands together as he faced his family.

"Abhi what's going on? Why don't you wait for Pragya before you begin your talk?" Dadi insisted.

Abhi smiled. "My dear Dadi ji, the whole point is for Pragya not to know anything. It's a surprise."

Everyone looked at each other, hoping someone would be able to make sense of Abhi's vagueness. Bulbul looked at her Jiju suspiciously. She tried to think what he could possible want to surprise her Di for. Slowly, the realization came to her and she smiled brightly at Abhi who just winked at her. Purab looked at her questioningly, to which she responded with a nod of reassurance .

"First let me introduce my friend here. This is Sunny, my favorite party planner. He will be helping us for the next two days and will need all of your help."

Sunny smiled at the people in front of him and then chuckled when he saw that they still had looks of confusion. "Abhi, you might want to make it a bit more clear what I'll be doing and exactly what the surprise is."

"Right! The thing is that we'll be hosting a party in two days time. And this party will be for my dear wife's birthday!" Abhi said excitingly.

Dadi and the rest of the family looked at him happily. But Abhi's infectious attitude slowly gave way to confusion again.

"Abhi, don't you think it might not be a good idea to host an event so soon after Aaliya's wedding was called off. What will people say?" Taiji asked.

Sarla nodded in agreement. "Abhi beta, there's no need for this. And I'm sure Pragya will feel the same."

"But Aunty Ji, this is the best way to take everyone's mind off of it. And besides, it's Pragya's first birthday after our marriage, we need to do something special. She deserves it." Abhi couldn't explain in full detail why this was necessary. After all, Pragya had never let his family or even her own to know the extent of issues between the two of them. He couldn't explain that this was his first step in making it up to her, in bringing happiness into her life.

Bulbul stepped forward to support her Jiju. "I think Jiju's right Ma. Di has never had a big celebration for her birthday and this would be the best way to cheer her and everyone else up." She looked at Abhi to see his relief at her support. Even though she was angry with him for all that he had put her Di through, she was glad he was at least trying to make amends.

Abhi clapped his hands together. "So it's settled. Two days from today we will be having a surprise party for Pragya. Emphasis on surprise. I swear if anyone says anything to her, they will have to face my rockstar wrath."

Everyone quickly nodded and began to discuss their plans for the event.

Sarla smiled up at Abhi, "Thank you Beta. I'm so glad Pragya has you to keep her happy."

Abhi tried his best to smile at his mother-in-law. Here she was praising him for his care towards his wife when he hadn't until yesterday realized what gem of a wife he had. "Aunty Ji, it's my responsibility, there's no need for a thank you." For the first time in a while, Abhi was completely sure that what he was doing to right. Though his sister would probably put up a fight, he wasn't going to let her spoiled natured get the best of him. He would have a talk with her, but for right now, his sole focus was putting a smile on his wife's face. Speaking of which, where was she? She should have been coming downstairs by now. What if she's feeling weak again? Maybe he should go check up on her.

Abhi turned around but stopped in his tracks as he sensed her presence at the top of the stairs. Sensed her presence, really Abhi? He shook his head and looked up to see her in her full bahu form, as if she hadn't gone through anything yesterday. He smiled with what he hoped was reassurance as she made her way down the staircase.

Bulbul looked up to see her Di making her way towards them and run towards her. "Di, are you okay? I'm so glad to see you."

Di smiled back but then seemed confused. "Wait, what are all of you doing here so early? Is everything alright?"

Abhi rolled his eyes. "Always jumping to worse case scenarios aren't we chashmish? Nothing is wrong. I just thought they might want to see you since you weren't feeling well yesterday."

Pragya looked at him suspiciously. This was too thoughtful to have come from him. Was he planning something else again?

Seeing the questioning look on her Di's face, Bulbul quickly said "Di, why don't we go shopping today? We haven't gone to the mall together in such a long time. I miss you". She pouted her lips, hoping to appeal to Pragya's big sister senses.

"Pragya Beta, you should go with your sister. You need a break from all the work you've been doing for the past few days. Go enjoy yourself." Dadi could see the exhaustion on her Bahu face even though she knew Pragya would never admit to being tired.

"See even Dadi is saying so. Come on Di, please?" Bulbul grabbed her sister's hand, while giving her Jiju a quick wink.

Abhi chuckled to himself at the scene. He had to admit, his sister-in-law was even better at this than he was. As much as he wanted to spend time with Pragya, this would be the best chance to prepare for her surprise party. And plus, he knew that Bulbul would be able to make Pragya smile and that smile was his goal everyday now.

"Fine, but only for a little while." Pragya relented to her sister and Dadi. She shot a glance at Abhi, who had a mischievous look on his face. She gave him a confused look, which just made him smile widely. She sighed to herself. Great, another one of his plans. Maybe she should just spend the entire day shopping with her sister.