In the middle of the room, there was a king-size bed all decked with flowers...rose petals spread all over the bed sheet and flower vines made of fresh red roses hanging around the bed. The entire room was filled with refreshing sweet-smelling scent of roses. She inhaled deeply taking in the flowery fragrance. Her eyes suddenly fell on the huge banner stuck on the wall above their bed reading "Happy Wedding Night".
On each both ends of the bed there were side tables with small identical lamps placed on them which were lit to throw a soft light around the room, creating a dim romantic glow.
It was all looking so beautiful and dreamy just like how she always fantasised. But now since her dreams were mercilessly crushed, she had no right to live that fantasy. She thought bitterly and moved forward to take everything off: the fancy banner and the flower vines. She cleared the bed off flower petals and dumped everything in the bin. She also turned off the lamps giving the false illusion of a romantic night. She finally turned off the main lights. Now the room was engulfed in darkness except the mellow light of the moon permeating the room through the window. It was a full moon night. The soft beams of the bright and shining moon washed everything in its glow like a thin white sheet. She lazily walked towards the bed and lied down on one side, trying to go to sleep.
It had been a very hectic day for her and she was feeling physically and emotionally very tired but still she was unable to sleep, perhaps because she was finding it almost impossible to clear her mind of thoughts. She couldn't help remember the last time she had a brief interaction with Shlok.
Shlok's parents came to her house to meet her parents. Astha was curious as well as anxious to know the reason behind their visit. Since Shlok's refusal to her, she was waiting for her parents to hear the news from Shlok's family. She was expecting the marriage to be cancelled now that Shlok was unwilling to marry but she was shocked and disconcerted to know that his parents came to discuss further details of their marriage.
But Shlok said he has already refused his baba. Does that mean he has agreed for the marriage out of some compulsion? A strong wave of bitterness and hate rose inside her at this very thought. She felt like going to his parents and refusing to marry their son then and there but something stopped her. As soon as she returned to her room, she instantly grabbed her mobile and dialled Shlok's number.
"Hello" he snapped from the other end.
Oh so I was right. He is being forced into it. No wonder he sounds aggravated. Astha thought.
"Looks like you took the decision after a lot of deliberation. I hope your both heart and mind must be satisfied now." she taunted.
He took his time in responding to her as if bracing himself for the ugly confrontation. "Well if not my heart, my mind is certainly satisfied." he replied in a measured tone.
"By the way u know what? I am really surprised that u took such a huge, life changing decision in such a short time. I mean, marriage is no child's play that you take the decision in a moment's time." The way Astha was speaking it gave the impression as if she was talking to a small child. Shlok was quietly listening to her as if surprised at her way of talking. "It's a lifetime commitment. Often such decisions taken in a haste prove very costly to the couple and bring them at crossroads from where..."
"Why are you telling me all this?" Shlok interrupted her, sounding bemused.
"Because you are one of those people who regret their decision because they rush into it. But by the time they realise this, it becomes too late to rectify their mistake." she said very calmly.
"What are you trying to say?" Shlok snapped. Astha's words, her taunts and her way of talking was infuriating Shlok.
She ignored his question and after a few second's pause, said in a mocking tone. "I think you were compelled to agree for this marriage...am I not right, Mr. Shlok Agnihotri?" Astha once again mocked him.
"Just shut up!" he shouted and disconnected the call.
Her thoughts were interrupted by the creaking of the door. For a moment, her heart contracted with fear at the thought of his reaction. She was sure he wouldn't be happy to see all that she has done. But isn't that why you have done it in the first place? Her strong self reminded her. The next moment she braced herself to face him with courage.
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OK I know this chapter is pretty short. But originally this chapter was supposed to be very long, due to which I had to divide it into two parts. The next one I will update within few hours 😊
P.s. Sorry for making you wait for the updates. Actually I am pretty busy these days looking for a job, which is taking most of my time. But I will try my best to update regularly 😳 Thanks for bearing with me 🤗
Kabhi Neem Neem Kabhi Shahad Shahad
Shiv Shakti
