Hi Everyone,
This is just a little New Years Gift to everyone that contributes and frequents the forum. From the writers, to the readers (silent and otherwise). To the ones that make marvelous informative threads and share updates on our favourite couples latest activities and pics.
Everyone is highly appreciated.
May all of you have a very blessed and prosperous New Year and may you wishes and goals for 2017 be fulfilled.⭐️
Much Love, B🤗❤️
PV OS - Bet on Love
Aarti woke up. She had a smile on her face. She had never thought that she would know such happiness. She did not feel entitled to such happiness. But finally she had given into it and now she was deliriously happy.
She was head over heels in love. And he was an amazing man. Besides his drop dead good looks and his wealth, he made he fell like she was the most important person in the whole world but more importantly like she was the most important person to him.
The past week was amazing. It didn't even matter that they were not married, she had given herself t him with reckless abandon. She was the one that seduced him. She was the one that planned this whole encounter. She wanted to show him that she loved and trusted him. The only way she knew how to do that was to give herself to him, heart body and soul.
Their lovemaking was so much more intensely passionate and pleasurable than she had ever thought possible. She never wanted it to stop and when it did, she wanted to do it again and again. And he was always ready for her. Now the week has ended and he had already left. She was leaving too shortly and even the unpleasant task that was facing her was so much less daunting knowing that he loved her.
The doorman let her in and she has been there a few times before. She was after all his fiance. She was getting more and more nervous. She had come here to tell him that she was breaking the engagement and that she was in love with someone else, his best friend.
She was not prepared for what greeted her when she stepped into the apartment. They were busy fighting. Fists flying and broken furniture all around. She had told Yash not to come, that she would do it.
"Stop it!" She yelled
They barely gave her a glance.
"Stop it!" she yelled again and wedged herself between them, facing Yash. They were still holding each other at the throat.
"Yash, please let him go."
He did.
She turned around facing Prashant. Tears in her eyes.
"I'm sorry Prashant. I did not mean for this to happen. But we fell in love. It was beyond our control."
"Really, that's what you think? It might not have been beyond yours, but not his."
"Please Prashant ..."
"No Aarti, you need to know the truth about the man you fell in love with."
"I don't want to hear anything. I love him Prashant and that is all."
"Aarti, he pursued you on a bet."
"What?"
"Yes, he bet me that he could get the ice-queen to melt and I believe that he has. But having sex with my fiance was never in the plan. It seems he screwed us both."
"No, that can't be true."
She turned around.
"Yash, that isn't true is it."
He looked at her, the look in his eyes told her what she was still trying to deny.
"Tell me it isn't true, Yash. Tell me!" she shouted at him already knowing the answer.
"Baby, please give me a chance to explain. I love you. I honestly love you so much."
"Did you bet on me Yash? That's all I need to know."
"Aarti ...:
"Yes or no. That is all you need to say. Yes or no."
"Yes" he said as tears were rolling down his cheeks.
"But I fell in love with you."
She walked to him and slapped him across the face.
"I don't ever want to see you lying face near me ever again."
"I wasn't lying when I said I loved you."
"You both despicable to have done such a thing. I don't want anything to do with either of you. Stay away from me." But all the while she was keeping Yash's gaze.
Then she stormed out of the apartment. She got into the lift and pressed the button for ground floor furiously, and it seemed forever till the door closed. He came running shouting her name just as the door closed.
Yash was desperate. For the first time in his life he felt like this. He was in love. And now he had lost her because of his own stupidity. He had come here to speak to Prashant. He came to tell him that he was in love with Aarti and to apologise. More importantly he wanted time to tell her the truth. But Prashant was livid. They had made the bet, but Prashant did not think that it would end up like this. He never thought that Aarti would fall for Yash. She who was branded as an ice-queen. He thought it would be amusing for Yash to be shot down for once and by his fiance no less
Theirs was going to be an arranged marriage but Prashant grew to care for her. She was not opposed to the marriage, but she never really showed any affection to him. He was however happy to wait till she came around. When Yash met her for the first time, their normal banter had led to this. Where he had bet Yash that this was the one woman whose heart he could not melt. It all started as a joke, after all they had a healthy rivalry. Never in a million years had Prashant expected him to steal his fiance or had Yash anticipated that he would fall totally and irrevocably in love with the Ice-queen.
In fact the first time he had seen her was not with Prashant. He had first seen her at the filming of an advertisement. She worked for her father at their advertising agency. He had gone to pick up his latest conquest, an up and coming model/actress that was acting in the ad. He was fascinated by her. She had on a black slacks and white shirt. Her hair was tied in a ponytail. She looked every bit the young executive. She was petite, but not thin. She had curves in all the right places. Not his types at all. He like the models and actresses. Modern girls with a modern philosophy to life and relationships.
There was a director but she just took over from him without a second thought as she ran out of patience and things were not happening as she wanted.
When the shoot was done, she addressed a few people and then picked up her things and left. She was so intrigued in whatever she was reading on her cell phone she didn't even see him as he deliberately walked into her. The cell phone fell out of her hand.
"I'm sorry" he said bending to pick the cell phone
"It's ok. I should have looked where I was going. Sorry." She took the phone he held out to her. He wanted to engage in further conversation but she walked out.
He was taken aback. Never has a woman treated him with such little regard. He didn't know if he should feel insulted or if he should be more interested. But soon his date came and distracted him. But the date was mostly him questioning his date about the beautiful young ad exec. And the internet was amazing. He soon learnt just how dynamic she was in her profession. He was however very surprised at his best friends engagement. His fiance was none other than the stern and gorgeous ad exec that he met a few days ago.
"Wow, Prashant, she is quite a stunner."
"Jealous?"
"I would have been if I wanted to be married."
"Well I must say I am pretty pleased with the match. But my future wife will need some special care to come around. She is more of a career woman than a homemaker and she made it quite clear that she only chose me as my family and I are ok with her working and her dad promised her a directorship if she agreed to the marriage."
"Really? She told you all that?"
"Yes she is very up front and honest."
"And I dare say you are a bit smitten."
"I am quite. And I know with some TLC she could come around. She is actually a nice companion, once you get to know her and she comes out of her shell a bit. But I wonder if I will ever be able to melt her heart. "
Yash laughed.
"What?" asked Prashant.
"That sounds like an awful lot of trouble."
"So you think you can do it in a flash, huh?"
"My charm hasn't failed me yet."
"I know, women flock around you in droves but this one is different. She so set in her ways and that does not include love."
"So what are you driving these days?"
"You know my brand. I just upgraded to the new M3"
"Dad just bought me a new Maserati for clinching our biggest contract yet. What say you? If I win the bet and melt the ice-queen, I get the BMW and if I can't, well get ready for a real upgrade."
"You know what. I would not do this normally, but I'd like to see the great ladies' man, Yash Scindiya taken down a few notches. And of course, who wouldn't like a Maserati."
"You're on pal." they shook hands
He went straight over to her.
"Hi remember me?"
She looked at him puzzled.
"At the shoot in Goa. The perfume ad where you totally disregarded the director. Is that how you normally work"
There was slight recognition.
"I do what I have to, to get the best results. It's my name on the line. Besides I don't suffer fools gladly."
"You have quite a good reputation in your field. I would like to you use you?"
"What?"
"Ok, I will just have to introduce myself. I am Yash Scindiya. Of Scindiya Events. I am sure you have heard of me."
She shrugged.
"Well, I have just secure a tour of a famous international band throughout all the major cities in India. Besides the concerts, we will have various other appearances and promos. I would like you to handle the ad campaign and promos."
"I've never done anything like that before?'
"So are you saying you can't do it?"
"Did you hear me say that? But isn't it the norm to have companies pitch to you for such a big event. You are taking a big chance."
"I always make it my business to research anyone that I am interested in. I know your skill and abilities. And I only want you?"
She looked at him quizzically.
"Why am I getting the feeling that you are no longer talking about work?"
He shrugged.
"And if I'm not."
"Mr. Scindiya, you realise that you are at my engagement."
"It's not your wedding is it?"
"Mr. Scindiya, I don't play games and I am not interested in flirtations. If you hire me, it is to do a job and nothing else. If you can't guarantee professionalism then I cannot accept."
"Aah, but your other reputation is that of the ice-queen. So are you saying you won't be able to resist me should I not act as what you deem to be professional?"
Still she remained unamused, a very new and frustrating experience for Yash.
"Ice-queen? I don't know about that. But I don't get involved with my clients. In fact, I would happily be single all my life but the marriage is what my parents want and not me. So I am not interested in men."
"Women?"
She gave him a glare.
"I am not interested in relationships of any kind."
"Pity."
"For who?"
"It's just an observation.
"A gorgeous specimen like you deserves to be loved. Each and every part or you."
"Mr. Scindiya ..."
"I will contact you to set up a meeting to iron out the finer details of the contract." he said and he gave her his most charming smile and walked off.
She stood staring after him for a while. No one has ever spoken to her like that. Her attitude normally scared them all away. But he didn't seem to be scared off by her looks and scathing words. And not to mention the fact that he made a move on her at her engagement party. She had no time for this. But this contract was the biggest contract Khuranna Ads would have gotten thus far, and she could prove to her father that she deserved the directorship he was offering to her because she was getting married. Not that they cared that she got married, they needed her to get married so that their princess could too, and the only way she would do that was at the "bribe" of a position that she deserved anyway.
But she did feel a strange sensation at his words, especially the part of every part of her body deserving to be loved. She refused to dwell on it though, she would focus on her goal.
A week later in his office.
"What? Do you think I am some kind of amateur? Do you have any idea the amount of work and cash outlay it will take to get the kind of campaign that you want? Who do you think you are?"
"Well you said yourself you have never done something like this before?"
"And you said you knew my skill and capabilities."
"Fine do your pitch and then we will discuss remuneration?"
"Fine."
She was livid. The audacity of the man. What he was offering was less than their company charged for a small contract.
"I give you a week to dazzle me."
"A week?"
"Is this a problem?"
She got up and took her bag.
"No problem. You will be blown away and then I will make my price."
She walked out of his office without closing the door.
He was so amused by her. She was a little spitfire and so serious. From her slacks suit to the severe bun her hair was in. Not a strand out of place. He was dying to just tug at it and loosen it and see her hair flowing over her shoulders. All for the bet of course. Same as her, he was not interested in relationships. But he rather envied his friend this spirited life partner.
The next week he was she was in their board room pitching to him and the top management of the company. And indeed he was dazzled.
"Miss Khuranna, wait for me in my office. We need to have a quick discussion if you don't mind."
She nodded and left.
She was sitting waiting for him. She was so tired. She spent practically day and night working at this pitch. And she was so nervous that she didn't sleep at all the night before. She really wanted to impress him. Not him, she corrected herself, the board. She was sitting in the chair and leaned back, relaxing.
He walked in his office after about 20 minutes chatting to his associates about the pitch and it was unanimous. They loved it. He opened the door saw her in the chair, he head leaning against the chair. He realised she was sleeping.
He walked to the front of her and he used the opportunity to really look at her. She was even more beautiful than he remembered. Gone was every hint of the spitfire and career woman that she portrayed when she was awake. She looked positively angelic. He sat on his desk observing this vision with a grin on his face that not even he was aware of. He didn't want to wake her up but he had to.
He went close to her.
"Wake up," he whispered in her ear. She jumped and looked at him embarrassed.
"I am sorry. I was just so tired."
"If you are tired, we have a penthouse on the top floor, you can go and sleep there.
"No! I mean I can't. That would be unprofessional."
"Yes, not at all like sleeping in your client's office."
"Sorry, that has never happened to me before."
"I don't blame you. How you managed to come up with all of that in a week, I don't know."
"But the question is, were you dazzled?"
"From the first moment I saw you."
"Mr. Scindiya ..." she said awkwardly.
"So name your price." he interjected.
She was silent for a moment and named her contract price.
"Done. I know you will be worth it."
She was getting very uncomfortable but did not feel threatened.
"When do we start?"
"A month"
"But I am getting married in 3 months. We will still be busy then."
"You can postpone or call it off. I would prefer the 2nd."
"Mr. Scindiya..."
"Yash, you make me sound old when you call me Mr. Scindiya."
"Mr. Scindiya, you should know your limits. I have told you this will strictly be a professional relationship."
"Yes you did. But I decided differently. You have to go now, Sleeping Beauty. I have another appointment that is already waiting."
She got up and feeling dismissed.
"See you soon, Aarti."
She looked back at him and left without a word.
A month later she was sitting in the board room again, this time with his team and hers discussing the plans for the ads and promos. They set up itineraries for travelling as they would be extensively traveling as they planned to shoot scenes at all the host cities and also they had to fly to the USA for an interview with the group, as well as interviews with the supporting acts for the ads.
She was really enjoying this project. For the past month she had worked on it and she put together a team of the best consultants and they have been so valuable. Her interaction with Yash was minimal and for that she was glad. But she had spent some more time with Prashant and he was really an amazing person. He seemed to genuinely care for her despite theirs being an arranged marriage. They had gone on few dates and he even kissed her a few times. And the kisses were very pleasant. Despite her unwillingness at first, she suddenly considered that they could possibly make a good life together.
On top of which, this was her chance to prove to her father that she was the one that should be running the company, not her no good brother, Rajveer, that spent all his time philandering and gambling instead of working. She felt so sorry for his poor wife. She was a lovely person, but Rajveer treated her appallingly.
Aarti's mother died of a heart condition when she was about 5. About a year later her father remarried. Aarti was excited about this, but she was never loved by her stepmom and definitely could never please her. And she tried so hard to please her. She had given birth to a son and a daughter who she doted on and spoilt rotten. And it showed. They were spoilt brats that lacked character and integrity, as did their mother. Her father turned a blind eye in order to keep the peace.
The closest thing to family Aarti had was Radha-ma. She was her mother's best friend. But they moved away when Aarti was 10. She wanted to take Aarti with her, but her stepmom who was all about status would not allow it. She did not want people to think that she was the terrible mother to Aarti that she was.
However instead of sending her with Radha-ma, she was sent to boarding school. She hated it at first, but then she created her own little world. One where she thrived on excelling in everything she did, for her own benefit. Not needing love or acceptance. She wanted to be the best only for herself. Mostly because she knew she would never get approval or recognition any anywhere else.
At college she went a bit off the rails and became a bit of a party animal. And her constant companion was Mansi. They did the same course and were roommates. Mansi was the naughtiest, wildest person she knew. But she knew her limits where it came to men. She was an outrages flirt but when it came down to it, she was much better than the girls that looked down on her.
At college she made a connection with one of her professors. He showed a lot of interest in her. She worked hard at his subject so as to impress him. And he was. Very impressed, but almost too late she discovered that his interest in her was in more than just her abilities as a star student. But she made sure he understood in no uncertain terms that she was not interested and if he tried anything again, she would report him. But she was crushed.
She had lost contact with Radha-ma but not because of her, but because Aarti distanced herself. In her opinion she didn't need anybody in her life. Except for Mansi that is. Mansi, was the total opposite of her. Always dreaming of her knight in shining armour and happily ever after. But she was the best PA in the world. Besides she was the only one that would put up with her. She could be quite a hard task master. She ran Aarti's life impeccably. She was so excited about the wedding as if it was her own. And of course she thought that Prashant was hot.
Mansi had made all the travel arrangements. Some would be done via the commercial airlines and some would be done by the Scindiya's private plane. They were working well together. She was impressed with his talent and work ethic. Yes, he too came from money, but unlike her useless brother, he worked hard. In fact harder than everyone else. He took responsibility for everything. Much like her, he only surrounded himself with quality people and what she admired most is that he trusted his people and gave them room to grow and make decisions. Yes, they had to run it by him especially for this big contract but they had his encouragement.
They worked well together, most of the time, but not all of the time. Sometimes they had disagreements. Like now.
"Miss Khuranna, can I see you in my office." he said angrily.
"Fine" she said equally annoyed. The made their way to the office and he closed the door.
"I don't appreciate being challenged in front of my staff."
"I am sorry, but I cannot just stand there and do nothing when I know a mistake is being made."
"A mistake? I have successfully run these kinds of campaigns without your help."
"Exactly. You have been arranging concerts and events but have you ever done an ad campaign? No. That is my area if expertise. I know what is best."
"This is my reputation on the line!"
"And mine!"
"I am in charge, not you."
"Not of me. You are paying me for a service and if you won't allow me to do what I know is best, I would rather walk away from this project."
"You are driving me insane!"
"Well, ditto, Mr. Scindiya!"
They had a staring stand-off.
"Fine. We will do it your way."
"Yes, we will do it the best way. And when it works out I will demand an apology."
"It had better work out. Otherwise ..."
"Otherwise what?"
"Otherwise I will be demanding something from you too."
""What?" she looked at him and she saw the look in his eyes had changed and now it was on her mouth. She involuntarily parted her lips. She felt flushed.
"Oh" she finally said.
"You have to stop that." she said with less conviction than she had intended.
"Stop what? I can't help what I feel and right now I really want to kiss those luscious lips of yours till you are breathless."
"Are ... are we done here?"
"Yes, unless you want to go up to the penthouse. We can carry on our discussion there."
"I said stop it." she said and walked out of the office. Her legs not as secure as she would have liked it to be.
He looked at the closed door. He was really angry with her. He was not used to being challenged like that and in front of his staff. But in retrospect she was right and she did give him extremely valid reasons that her way was best. He was overtired. He was working hard and at night he had a beautiful minx roaming around in his head, asleep and awake. He sighed and followed her out to address the staff and to tell them to do things the way she had suggested.
A month later they were sitting in the Scindiya Private plane. She was sitting opposite him.
"Can you stop it please." she said exasperatedly.
"What?"
"You know what. Stop staring. We are going to be spending all these hours alone and I can't deal with you, with this." she pointed at him.
"This?"
"Ugh" she grunted. "You are absolutely infuriating."
"And tenacious"
"Yes that you are."
They were still staring at each other when they were interrupted.
"Would you like some refreshments, Mr. Scindiya?" the stewardess asked bringing the tray. Aarti observed this display. She was over friendly and way closer to him that she needed to be. It irritated Aarti no end.
"You can put it down" There was a small table between the seats.
"Bring me a cold Coke, please? Miss Khuranna?"
"Yes, a cold beverage will do. All around I see." she gave the stewardess a saccharine smile.
"Just water for me please." she said.
"What was that?" he asked as stewardess left.
"Nothing. Mr. Scindiya." she said imitating the seductive tone the stewardess used.
He chuckled.
"I like that. Say it again."
"Oh go to blazes." she said.
"Ok, Miss Dubey, Aarti, I propose a truce."
"A truce?"
"A truce. I will stop coming on to you and you can stop being such a Meany pants."
"Meany pants? Very mature, Mr Scindiya."
"Truce or no, MISS Dubey."
"Truce, MR. Scindiay."
"Good. So tell me about the real Aarti Dubey."
"There is nothing really. My life is very uninteresting."
"Let me be the judge."
"Well, I was born to Payal and Vheer Khuranna 27 years ago in Bhopal. When I was 5 my mother passed away due to a hereditary heart disease. My father re-married within a year of my mother's passing. I remember being happy about getting a new mom, but that didn't last long. Turns out she only wanted the man and not the baggage that he came with. Still I had my Rhada-ma, mom's best friend that was a mother to me. When I was 10 years old Rhada-ma and Pappa-Arjun moved to Dehli for a better job opportunity. They wanted to take me with them but Mamma-Cruella did not want anyone to think that she was a bad mother by letting me go, so instead she sent me to a boarding school. I was sad at first, until I discovered my niche. I loved to learn and I loved to win and I went about doing that. I started working for the family business when I completed my studies and made it successful but my philandering half-brother will be running it shortly. And if I don't stay, he will be running it into the ground. And now Her Royal Highness, the Princess Khuranna, wants to get married and I am forced get married first as I am the oldest daughter. And that is my story."
"Wow."
"Yes, yes. I am the original Cinderella. Would you like a tissue now?"
"No, I used my shirt to wipe my nose and my tears."
"Good. Now tell me the story of the Magnificent Yash Scindiya?"
"Magnificent? Yes I am quite magnificent." He said quite haughtily.
She smiled.
"Ah, a smile." he said pointing at her mouth.
She struggled to keep a straight face.
"Too late, I already saw it. So, the Magnificent Me. Where do I begin? I was born in Bhopal as well, funnily enough 30 years ago. We moved to Mumbai when the business started taking off when we were still children. Mmm, I am the middle son of G3 and SP Scindiya. Being the middle child was terrible, my family neglected me. I got hand me downs from my elder brother. I had no shoes and had walk miles and miles to school in the rain."
"Liar!" she said still smiling.
"Ok, ok, you make me feel bad that I have such a great family.'
"Just tell the truth. I would love to know how a happy family operates." she smiled.
"Well, my dadaji and Ma both decided that despite our wealth they would keep their kids feet rooted to the ground firmly. We learnt to give of our money and time at an early age at orphanages and old age homes. Our parents made no distinction between any of us and it was not expected of us to work for the company or to study, only ever to give our best in everything we do. And we are each so different you know, but we get on so well. Most of the time anyway. We each have our own talents and interests. Pankaj-bhayia is qualified lawyer. He works in the business, but it's clear that I will be bauji's successor. He doesn't mind as he recognises that I will better at running the company. Prateek, is qualifying as a chef soon and he doesn't plan on joining the business but I was thinking of incorporating him. We often need caterers for events so, why not him. And he is very good. Pankaj, married Vidhi Bhabhi about 10 years ago. It was an arranged marriage. But she is awesome. They produced 2 of my favourite little people, Vendant and Vedhika. So don't be surprised if I go back home with twice as much luggage as I had before. They gave me a whole list, even if they will be in the USA next week too."
"Your family is coming to the USA?"
"My cousin is getting married. She had a wedding in India, but since both of them live in the USA, they are having another ceremony for those who couldn't attend the one in India."
"Are you going to the wedding?"
"If time permits."
"Your family sounds great. Very close. It sounds like there is so much love. But you said nothing really about Mr. Magnificent."
"That was not enough."
"No, but it doesn't matter. You can tell me when you are good and ready. I actually surprised myself by telling you as much as I did. I haven't done so in a long while."
He felt touched. And he wanted to respect their truce. He like this truce, where they were talking to each other about each other. The rest of the flight was easy. They chatted and she seemed to be enthralled by his tales of his crazy clan. And she progressed from a smile to raucous laughter about the antics him and his brothers got up to. How they teased and pranked their parents and each other. And also the crazy antics his munchkins got up to.
She eventually fell asleep. He gave her a pillow and covered her with a blanket. He sat and stared at her for a while. Again he was amazed at how angelic she looked when she slept. She was so beautiful. He hated that she had such an awful childhood. He wished her could make it all better. Give her a do over, a better family. He wanted to make her happy. He suddenly realised that he wanted her, not just for a bet. But Prashant was his best friend. How was he going to deal with this? Was he really prepared to give up a lifelong friendship for a woman that might never be his. And what was this feeling anyway. Was this what love felt like? He wasn't sure but he wanted to find out. He fell asleep still watching her, with a smile on his face.
When they woke up, they went through their plans for the next two weeks. They hired local crews to assist. Their schedules worked out perfectly and they ended having some free time.
"So, Miss Dubey? We are done here. Would you like to return home or shall I escort to some sights, for pleasure this time."
"Weelll, I haven't been here before so why waste a perfect opportunity."
"Great!" he clapped his hands.
They took the ferry to Ellis Island, went to the Statue of Liberty. They took a topless bus ride, they went to top of the rock and saw the most amazing views of New York. But she most loved the top of the Empire State building because of all the chick flicks she had watched in her teens. For some reason it felt special being there with him.
"Mmm, this is really good. She said as she was eating a Grays Papaya Hot dog."
"Satisfied, now we have done all the things you have seen in your chick flicks. I must say I didn't figure you as a chick flick chick."
"I am an enigma, Mr. Scindiya. Have you not figured that out yet?"
She was so different here. He loved this fun, light side to her.
"Ok, surprise me one more time."
"What do you mean?"
"Surprise me by saying you will go to the wedding with me."
"What?"
""Yes, Ma is insisting that I come since I am in the States and I would like you to come along."
"No, no, I can't possible impose and I don't have anything to wear. Beside where would I find a place that sells traditional wear."
"You don't have to wear traditional and if you want to, I am sure my aunt and cousins will be able to help. Come on its in 2 days. Please, pretty please, say yes."
She was so torn. She didn't know if this was the right thing to do, but she so badly wanted to experience the family he had spoken so much of. And she wasn't ready to let this time that she was spending with him pass. It was the happiest she had felt since she could remember. Experiencing this place with him was almost magical. They had their truce, and he didn't try and come on to her since then, but they seemed to have become friends. But she was confused. She didn't really know what she wanted from him, was it friendship, or was it more. But she was engaged to a very good friends of his. And what was the point of entertaining these thoughts when he probably felt nothing for her.
"OK,yes. But you will see to it that I am appropriately dressed for a Scindiya wedding."
"Me? What do I know of woman's clothes?"
"I don't care, Mr Scindiya, you will sort it out." she said imitating the stewardess again.
"Keep that up and I will forget our truce."
She shrugged and walked on.
"Cheeky while the truce is on, hmm?"
"Let's go, I am tired, I want to get to bed."
"Was that an invitation?"
"You wish."
"I do."
"Yash ..."
"Ok, ok. I will stop."
She smiled at him and he smiled back.
The next evening she walked into the home that his family was renting for their duration in the USA. They didn't want to stay in a hotel and the house of Yash's uncle was so full already. He introduced her to the family. She took the elders blessings.
"So nice to see you again, beta. I don't know if you remember, but we met at your engagement." said Yash's mother.
"Sorry, Mrs. Scindiya, I met so many people that day, I can't remember all."
"No matter and btw, no more Mrs. Scindiya. Prashant is like a son to me, so call me ma."
She nodded shyly. She felt a little guilty as well as she had forgotten about Prashant.
"Aartiji, come. Yash said that you need an outfit for the wedding tomorrow. After dinner, we will show you a selection." said Vidhi.
She nodded.
It was fun sitting around the dining room table, experiencing the banter of the brothers. They acted about as old as Vendant and Vedhika and made her laugh.
"Please excuse this crazy bunch Aarti. I have given up trying to control them."
"No Maji, I don't mind at all."
"Ma, you don't know the real Aarti. She gives me such a hard time. I swear I don't know why I hired her. You'd swear she was the boss and not me."
"Is that true, Aarti?"
"Not at all, Maji. It's just that you have a very stubborn son that he sometimes needs a person to point out the error of his ways."
"I dare say he does." said his father.
"Wow, bhayia. I think you met your match." said Prateek.
"I never thought I'd see the day." said Vidhi with a smile.
"Oh, now everyone is ganging up on me. See what you've done, Miss Khuranna, you have been here 5 seconds and you have turned my entire family against me."
She smiled.
"If only I met you before Prashant's parents I would have snapped you up for my son." said his mother.
Aarti blushed.
"Ma. Don't embarrass her."
"Bahu, take Aarti to look at the outfits. There is a really nice selection."
They went to Vidhi;s room. The selection was quite good. She had trouble selecting which one to choose. Finally she settled on a gold Lehenga with a fitted skirt that flared slightly at the bottom. The top had a small sleeve. The top came to just above her navel and the skirt fit snugly around her hips. The dupatta was gold and red.
"It's not too bridal is it?"
"No, besides I have it on good authority that you won't clash with the bride at all."
"Does it look nice?"
"Stunning. Yash will love you in it."
"You think so. I mean ... I ..."
"Don't worry, I know exactly what you mean. I will let you get changed now." She left the room with a smile.
Aarti was embarrassed. She had to admit to herself that when she chose she had him in mind. She wanted to look good for him. She hit herself against the head. Now Vidhi Bhabhi knew. She got undressed and went straight to her room. She had a shower and went to bed. She tossed and turned, finally she couldn't deny it anymore. She had feelings for him. She was possibly in love with him. She was almost certain that she was definitely in love with him.
She got a text from him.
"What colour?"
"Huh?"
"Your outfit"
"Why?"
"Don't make everything difficult, just answer.
Gold and red."
"Ok, good night.
She groaned.
"Why Aarti why? Can't you have just one easy thing in your life? Now you go and fall in love with your fiance's best friend. What now?"
She tossed and turned still not having the answer when she eventually fell asleep.
The next morning they all had breakfast together. Aarti helped in the kitchen. It took her back to the days that she spent with Rhada-ma. Even though they were still children she had allowed her and Arpi to help her in the kitchen and they had such a fun time always.
Then she got ready. She struggled a bit as the top was held together by 2 strings at the bottom and 2 at the top. She managed with the top two but she couldn't manage the bottom 2. As if on que, there was a knock on the door.
"Come in." She was relieved for help.
Yash stepped in and she literally took his breath away. He just stood there staring.
"Are you just going to stand there or are you going to help me."
He came to his senses and walked to her.
He stood behind her and started to tie the strings. His fingers touch her back and they both felt as if a bolt of electricity shot through them. He also made the bottom one more secure. All the while holding her gaze in the mirror. Then he took a jewellery box out of his sherwani pocket. He opened it and handed her the box. It was beautiful but dainty earrings and chain, ruby set in gold. As well as gold and red bangles. He started putting the chain around her neck.
"It's beautiful. Whose is it?"
"Yours now."
"I can't. It's too expensive."
"I can afford it. And I wanted to say thank you for such an amazing time we spent this last week. Please don't say no."
She smiled at him and he smiled back and left the room.
The wedding was a grand event. The men and women sat on each side of the mandap. Yash could not keep his eyes off her. For the first time ever her wanted to the groom sitting in the mandap with her by his side. And to him she looked even more beautiful than the bride today.
"So how are you going to tell Prashant-bhai that you are in love with his fiance?"
His thoughts were interrupted by Prateek.
"Shut up, Chote." he said and elbowed him.
They got a warning glare from their father and the both feigned innocence.
Prateek smiled and he frowned. Exactly how was he going to do that?
She met more of his relatives and associates. She had been dancing most of the time with Vedhika and Vendant and was tired. She stood in a little secluded spot watching the dancefloor. Then she felt someone behind her, she knew his fragrance. She just stood still.
"Breath taking" he said.
"What?"
"I never told you how you look. You look absolutely breath taking."
"Thank you. And you look very dashing. It's the first time I see you in traditional wear."
"And I am rocking it right?"
She laughed.
"I wish I could say no, but yes, you are rocking it."
His hand came to rest on her waist, turning her insides to jelly.
"I'd really like to dance with the most beautiful woman here?" he whispered in her ear.
"Who would that be?" he voice was barely a whisper too.
He took her hand and led her to the dance floor. He took her in his arms as they moved the slow song that was playing. They stayed that way for a while. And then it was time for the bridal couple to leave. The family then decided to go home as well. They had coffee and it was decided that they would fly home together in the private plane. Yash was disappointed. He would have like to have spent some more time alone with her.
"Why are looking so sad, Bhayia."
"Shut up Chote." he said again angrily.
"I think, I am going to bed. I am tired." said Aarti.
"Me too." said Yash, giving his baby brother an angry glare.
He walked her to the bedroom.
"I will help you with you top."
"Yash"
"I promise, I won't do anything."
He went in with her. He undid the clasp o her chain, and then then undid the straps of her top. He was desperately trying to keep his promise.
She turned around and stood on her tippy toes and kissed him tenderly.
"Aarti, we need to talk."
"I know. When we are back in India we can try and sort this out."
"I love you."
"I love you too."
He kissed her again and with great difficulty started making his way out of the room.
"Good night, Miss Khurana."
"Good night Mr. Scindiya."
They stared at each other for a while, smiling at each other till he finally moved out of the door.
Finally they were on their way back home. Once again Vendant and Vedhika was taking up most of her time. She did the most amazing drawings for them. Finally Vendant was back with his parents and Vedhika was sleeping with her head on Aarti's lap. Yash came to sit next to her.
"Can I have some attention too, please?"
"Shame, do you feel neglected. Poor baby."
"I thought you said you love me and now you are totally ignoring me."
"I do and I wasn't ignoring you." She smiled.
"I am high maintenance, Miss Khuranna."
"Mmm, seems like it."
She was wearing an anarkali suit and he shifted her dupatta so that he could hold her hand unseen."
"Yash, your family."
"No one can see. I need a nap too." he said and leaned back closing his eyes. She smiled leaned her head on his shoulder and they both fell asleep.
Seher Hone Ko Hai
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