Chapter 1
5 years ago
ANIKA
This is supposed to be the happiest day of my life. But it isn't. It isn't because everything that is happening around me is wrong. The way this wedding is happening is wrong. And most of all, the reason behind it is wrong.
I love him. I really do.. But I don't think I'm ready to be someone's wife today. More specifically, given the reason behind all this, I feel sick to my stomach.
As I wipe my face, I decide what I have to do next. Taking a determined breath, I pick my lehenga up and move towards the doors. I take agonizing slow but determined steps towards the door but before I could reach the handle of the door, the door opens.
"Where do you think you are going Anika?" Perfect timing. This is the exact moment my mom decides to show up. I can't deal with her right now.
"I have to talk to Shivaay, mom. It's urgent." As I try to exit the room, she stops me. Again.
"It has to wait" Like hell it has to wait. I've waited a long time. No more. I'm done with this.
"No. It can't. I have to come clean. I can't go ahead with this marriage" My mother looks at me as if I have grown two heads overnight. Then her expressions change with a lightening speed. And I know, she wouldn't let me do this. Not now. Not ever.
"Mom please! I can't do this. I just...can't. I'm not ready.. " I try one last time. Maybe she agrees.
"Not ready? NOT READY!? I wince. Her shouting at me like this just fuels my anger towards her. Towards ME. Towards everything around us.
"Yes mother. Not ready. I've tried to tell so many times..."
"Shut up!" she shouts. "Just shut up Anika. What do you mean you are not ready? Even I was not ready when I married your father. But I did, didn't I?" She raises her perfectly shaped eyebrows at me and I nod. I knew I shouldn't have said anything to her. I scoff. Did I not know what kind of a mother she is? I do. But I really thought she would understand if I really tried once.
She took my silence as a nod of approval and in cold voice told me get my act together.
"Anika I am sending someone to redo your makeup. I expect you to be ready in the next fifteen minutes. Am I clear?" I didn't say anything .
"Now listen to me young lady, your father is dying, the company is bankrupt. This wedding, this merger with the Oberois will revive our name and secure our future. So don't do any such thing which will sabotage our plans." She always does this. Using my ailing father's name to manipulate me, and I let her do so. Because I care for my family.
"And don't you love Shivaay?"
"Yes mother but please let me tell him.. I can't do this to him." Ignoring my plea, she repeated her question. I knew I had no other option.
"AM I CLEAR?", she asked this time in a threatening manner. I nodded "Perfectly"
SHIVAAY
I'm getting married today. MARRIED. Never in my life had I though, me, Shivaay Singh Oberoi getting married. And today I stand here in front of the mirror checking for the last time whether everything is perfect or not.
"Bhaiya are you nervous?", Rudra, my younger brother asked teasingly. Nervous? The word doesn't even cover what I'm feeling right now.
"Leave it Shivaay. Don't answer the question. We looked at your face and got the answer." Both of my brothers laughed at my expence. I smiled a little. I hope we three remain the same always.
A frantic knock on my door brings me out of my day dream. I signal for whoever it is to come in. My mother enters. I move towards her to hug her but the look on her stops me in my tracks... I knew something is wrong.
"OmRu, please give us some privacy." They look at my face and know this is something is definitely wrong and leave woithout any arguments. As soon as the door closes I move towards my mother.
"What happened Mom? Whats wrong?"
"I was going to Anika's room to get her downstairs." Tears running down her face she continued.. "As I reached her room, I found her mother going on and on about the family's finances and how they are bankrupt. Anika..She's marrying you for your money.." She sobs and breaks down.
I cant believe this.. No.. not Anika.. not my Anika. She cant do this. Not to me. Not to US.
"Mother... No. Please say that's not true. Please." I beg.
"I'm so sorry Shivaay. I really like Anika. She fooled us all. I'm sorry."
" It's off", I whisper. My head pounds as if it's beaten with a hammer. My heart feels dead and my body is limp. I can't do this.
"Shivaay..Listen to me. Talk to her once. Hear her out. You two love each other. Don't take any decisions which you may regret later." I ground my teeth together. I get up from the bed and turn towards to pool, looking at the cool water.
"The only decision I'm going to regret is deciding to marry her"
"Atleast talk to her once. Please Shivaay." She tries again. But no more. I'm done with all of this. No more Anika, no more.
"No mother. I'm not wasting anymore time on that selfish girl. Please get the people out of the house. There is no wedding" I storm off without a backward glance. I have to get away. Away from my family, away from all these people and away from...her.
xxx
I hope you all like it. For PM's like the 1st post. ^_^
Waiting for your reviews. Constructive criticism is most welcome! 😳
-Anjori❤️
Edited by anjoriii - 9 years ago
