Arjun went directly to his Dad's office after his meeting with Salil. He reached the office and saw Neev working. He went towards Neev and said "Neev, come to Dad's Cabin, I need to talk to you and Dad." "Have you decided?" shouted Neev in excitement and everyone in the office started staring at the brothers. Arjun looked at Neev and said in a low but angry tone "In Dad's cabin, right now." Neev gulped looking at his brother's angry face and nodded his head.
They knocked at their Dad's cabin and walked in after they heard Rudra's voice saying 'come in.' they went and sat on the chairs opposite to Rudra after greeting him. "So Arjun, what have you decided?" Asked Rudra. Arjun looked at his father and then at Neev, curiosity visible on both their faces. "Well'" said Arjun. "Say it fast bro." said Neev getting impatient. Arjun looked at Rudra directly in his eyes and gave him a smile. Rudra stood up from his chair and started walking towards Arjun, whilst Arjun stood up from his chair. Rudra hugged Arjun tightly "I'm happy for you, son" he said in a low tone and his eyes became wet. Neev sat there confused looking at his father and brother hugging each other. 'What's going on?' he thought.
Neev cleared his throat showing his presence. Arjun and Rudra broke the hug and looked at Neev. "Care to share?" Neev said giving a weird look. Arjun and Rudra burst out laughing looking at Neev's expression. "Arey Buddhu, your brother said yes for the marriage." Said Rudra still laughing at Neev. "When did he say that? Did I miss something?" Neev asked with a frown. To which they laughed more and then Rudra said "I'm your father son, you don't have to tell me everything; I can read you face and When Arjun gave me a smile directly looking into my eyes, I got to know what he has to say." "Ohhh!!!" exclaimed Neev. "Okay, I'll call up Mr. Ahluwalia." Said Rudra and took out his phone.
Neev went towards Arjun and gave him a hug saying "Congratulations Bro." Arjun hugged him back. "Was the decision same yesterday?" asked Neev to which Arjun smiled thinking but Neev interrupted him and asked "What are you thinking?" "Nothing" said Arjun. "Liar, I know you are thinking about Bhabhi." Neev said teasingly. Arjun was stunned as he was caught by his younger bro 'Now he'll not stop teasing me' thought Arjun and looked everywhere but Neev. "Ha!! Caught ya!! So you were thinking about bhabhi haan, arey tell na." said Neev and gave a knowing smile to Arjun. But to Arjun's luck Rudra came and he was saved from Neev. Arjun sighed of relief.
"It's a good news son; it's a yes from their side also." Said Rudra and hugged Arjun immediately, no one could imagine how happy he was for his son. Arjun hugged Rudra back, he knew the answer from their side is going to be a yes, Arohi had already agreed and even Salil didn't have any problem but he had not tell this to Rudra. Rudra broke the hug, his eyes were little wet "We have decided that we'll get you both engaged tomorrow and then we'll talk to a Panditjee and fix the marriage date." Rudra said; excitement could be heard in his voice clearly. Arjun smiled widely looking at his Dad happy; he had never seen his Dad this happy till date, Neev was also excited. "Wow!! Bro you are getting engaged tomorrow." Said Neev and then turned towards his Dad and continued "But how will we arrange everything in a Day's time? And we even have to invite everyone, and then we even have to buy the rings and clothes." "There are only going to be few family members from both the sides. We are not making it a big affair. So now you both go and buy clothes for tomorrow and I'll call up your Mom and our close relatives." Said Rudra, Arjun's eyes got wide when Rudra said to go to buy clothes with Neev. "NO!!!" snapped Arjun. Both Rudra and Neev gave him a questioning look. "I mean I'm not going for shopping with this Neev, if I'll go with him then the engagement will not happen tomorrow but next year. He'll make me try all the clothes by making that puppy dog face of his." Said Arjun with irritation remembering the past event. "NO!! Don't you dare make that face in front of me." Said Arjun angrily when he saw Neev making the puppy dog face of his. Neev just looked down and Rudra was looking at both his son and then burst out laughing making Arjun and Neev stare at him. "Then you'll have to go alone Arjun." Said Rudra controlling his laughter. Arjun thought for a moment he didn't want to go alone 'I don't have an option' thought Arjun. "Fine, but you'll not speak a word until I tell you." Arjun said to Neev giving him a warning. Neev just nodded his head and Rudra was in awe looking at the bonding between both his sons.
After that Neev and Arjun went for shopping and Rudra called up his close relatives like his elder brother, sister, his wife Savita's brothers and sister and told about Arjun's engagement and all were happy listening to them and were going to reach Singhania's House tomorrow morning and some also by tonight, who stay close by. Rudra also called Kumud and asked her to invite her family.
~*~
Salil reached home and saw Purvi waiting for him. "Where is Arohi?" he asked. "She's in her room." Answered Purvi. Salil nodded and walked towards his room with Purvi behind him. "He'll keep Arohi happy" said Salil once they reached their room. Purvi just stood rooted at the spot when she heard Salil say that. Once she recovered she saw Salil sitting on the bed, she went and sat next to him. "So he's approved?" asked Purvi. Salil smiled looking at Purvi and said "Yes, he's approved." He paused and then continued "We cannot get a guy better than Arjun for our Arohi; he's the best for Arohi. Whatever I was telling about him yesterday and what I thought is proved wrong, I take my words back." He smiled looking at Purvi. "What did he say that made you take your words back?" asked Purvi. Salil then told Purvi what Arjun had told him, what he felt for Arohi, how he promised Salil that he'll take care of Arohi, everything. Purvi was stunned listening to what Arjun had said to Salil. "He knows Arohi so well, just in one meeting." said Purvi and paused "Finally God has listen to us, by what you said even I can say that he'll keep Arohi happy" Purvi continued. "It's not just about Arohi's happiness now; it also includes Arjun's happiness." Said Salil and looked at Purvi who was giving him a questioning look. "When Arjun was telling me all this I noticed one thing, there was pain in Arjun's eyes" Said Salil and paused "He has made himself very strong, he can hide his feelings very well. But he could not hide that from me or it's because I have seen it in Arohi's eyes so it was not difficult for me to read his eyes. Well' it doesn't matters. I'm sure Arjun will give Arohi happiness, not only happiness he'll also give her the love which she have not got yet, but I also want Arohi to reciprocate it. We cannot be biased, can we?" He asked. Purvi just shook her head.
Salil's phone rang; he picked up and spoke to the person who had called him. He ended the call and looked at Purvi. "It was Dad, Mr. Singhania had called up and agreed for the marriage. The engagement ceremony is tomorrow." Said Salil with a smile. Purvi smiled back. They both were happy for their little sister.
Salil and Purvi then walked towards Arohi's room but saw Arohi outside her room. Salil moved towards her and hugged her; she was a bit taken a back. 'What's going on?' was the only question that came in her mind. She looked at Purvi who was giving her a smile, which confused her more. Salil broke the hug and said "Arohi, Arjun have said yes for the marriage and tomorrow is the engagement ceremony only with close relatives. He a nice guy Arohi" Arohi was stunned; she just stood rooted at the spot. "Arohi we have to go for shopping for the engagement, get ready." Said Purvi but the words didn't reach Arohi's ears she was still trying to recover from the shock. Purvi shook her a little when Arohi didn't respond. Arohi just shrugged Purvi's hand and walked into her room, locking it behind her.
She leaned back on the door and fell on the ground. 'He agreed for the marriage but he had said he wants to meet me few more times, then why did he agree?' Thought Arohi tears flowing from her eyes, she was stunned when Salil said that Arjun had agreed for the marriage and tomorrow is the engagement. She was feeling sad, she didn't know why but she was feeling sad. She should be happy that he agreed for the marriage than why is she sad? Her Dad will be happy that she'll be getting married; there will be no fight between her brother and father, she should not be sad, instead she should be happy that because of her, her Dad will be happy. This is what she wanted, thought Arohi. She got up and wiped her tears she'll not ruin everything, for once, everyone around her is happy, she'll not ruin it. This is the least she could do for her Dad. "No I'll not ruin it, I'll not cry more." She said to herself. She went towards her wardrobe and took out a salwar Kameez to wear. She quickly changed into those and went to Salil and Purvi's room where they were sitting. They knew that Arohi will need some time to herself so they left her to herself.
"I'm ready Bhabhi lets go" said Arohi not meeting their eyes. Salil and Purvi looked up at her and saw her red eyes they could make out that she was crying and her face showed no emotions. Purvi looked at Salil who blinked his eyes saying that they should go. Purvi nodded and walked out with Arohi. "I know you are not happy Arohi but these are the last days of your sadness, Arjun is the perfect life partner for you." Said Salil when Purvi and Arohi left the room.
~*~
ENGAGEMENT CEREMONY
The engagement ceremony was held at the Ahluwalia house with only close relatives. Arjun and his family were welcomed warmly by the Ahluwalia's. Arvind introduced everyone to Arjun and his family and Rudra did the same. Arjun had worn a cream colored sherwani with red bhandni duppata around his neck and had spiked his hair. He was looking very handsome; any girl would faint looking at Arjun wearing Indian.
Arjun was sitting on the sofa with Neev and few of his cousins who had come for the engagement and they were teasing him continuously and for a change Neev just kept quite as Arjun had warned him before for not teasing him but he just smirked at Arjun when the others were teasing him and Arjun was highly annoyed. The elders were chatting among themselves and there was his Mom Kumud who was chatting with few of relatives. She was showing everyone how happy she was for her so called son Arjun.
Arjun was looking around everywhere ignoring his cousins. He looked around and saw few girls who were glaring at him standing in the corner, who he assumed as Arohi's cousins and there were also few aunties among them who must be her relatives. Arjun gave them a smile and the girls giggled among themselves which made Arjun embarrassed. He just kept looking around when his eyes fell on Arohi who was coming down with Purvi and Salil on her either sides. Arohi was wearing a baby pink net saree which had heavy silver work on it. She wore diamond jewelry and matching bangles and also a silver maang tika. Her hair was left open. She was looking like a princess without a doubt.
Arjun's cousins were asked to get up and make space for Arohi. The Rasam's started as soon as Arohi sat besides Arjun. Arjun looked at Arohi between the Rasam's and saw a faint smile on her face. He wanted to look into her eyes which would express what she was feeling, which would tell him that thing which words could not tell. He knew her eyes will never lie to him. But not even once she looked up at him and met his gaze. She had seen him looking at her from the corner of her eyes. His gaze reminded her of their eye lock which had happened when they had last met. She didn't want that to happen again nor did she want to look up at him.
They were asked to exchange their rings. "Arjun put the ring in Arohi's ring finger." Said his mother Kumud in a sweet tone and was smiling widely. Arjun looked up at smiling Kumud and nodded. 'Fake' Arjun thought and smirked slightly. He then took the ring from Kumud and slipped it in Arohi's ring finger and everyone around them clapped. Both Arjun and Arohi felt a current rush through their bodies when their hands touched. Arohi immediately ignored it and Arjun looked up at Arohi when he felt himself shiver on her touch but it looked like she felt nothing. Purvi came forward and handed Arohi the ring. Arohi looked at Purvi and smiled faintly and took the ring. She then slipped the ring on Arjun's ring finger and everyone around them clapped. They both again felt the current but this time they both ignored it. But Arjun was continuously looking at Arohi, hoping that she'll look up at least once.
Everyone around them started congratulating them and also gave their blessings to them. Arjun was constantly glancing at Arohi every now n then. He was just about to talk to her when all their cousins came and started talking and asking questions. He cursed all of them cant they give at least a minute to speak? He thought. It looked they are not going to leave them alone. Arjun was looking around when he saw Salil standing at the corner with Purvi. He excused himself from the group of annoying cousins and walked towards Salil. Arjun hugged Salil and greeted Purvi warmly. They stood there in silence for few minutes and then Arjun asked "Is she happy?" "Of course she is" said a voice behind Arjun. Arjun looked back and saw one of Arohi's relative standing. "She a girl Damadji, she's just upset because she'll have to leave her house. So don't worry she's happy but she's not showing. Purvi Bahu must be knowing this very well." said the relative who was Arohi's buajee and was now looking at Purvi. Arjun looked at Purvi and Salil. Purvi nodded in agreement and Salil blinked his eyes to assure Arjun. Arjun was still not convinced but he trusted Salil.
They went towards the center when they were called as the Panditjee had come to fix the marriage date. They just sat there looking at the Panditjee who was looking at some book and was counting something on his fingers. "Aaj se che(6) din ke baad muhrat bohut acha hai" said the Panditjee. Arjun was stunned "che din baad?" he mumbled. He looked at Arohi who was sitting beside him, she was looking down and trying to control her tears, Arjun could not see that and hence was not sure if she was happy or not. He then looked at Salil and Purvi who were also shocked and then he looked at his Dad and suddenly remembered his Dad's words to get married before he goes back to Mumbai, at that time he had completely ignored that and then he had forgotten about it. He looked at his Dad who was looking at him curiously. By looking at his Dad he could say that his Dad wants this but he was not ready now, he does not want to get married so early; 6 Days is too early. Arjun was about to say something when his Tayajee spoke "Bilkul Panditjee, che din baad ki taarik pakki kardo, hume koi dikkat nahi hai." "Jee bilkul hume bhi koi dikkat nahi hai kyu Arvind?" asked buajee to which Arvind nodded his head and had a huge smile on his face. "Toh phir taye raha, aaj se che din baad Arjun aur Arohi ki shaadi hogi." Concluded Tayajee.
~*~
It's been 2 days since the engagement and only 4 days are left for the wedding day. In these two days Arjun had tried his best to postpone the wedding, he had spoken to his Dad and Rudra had said that he can't help it since his Tayajee have already fixed the date. Arjun had also gone to Tayajee and spoke to him and his Tayajee had started giving him lecture saying that he is the eldest one in the house, he has made the decision and now he cannot back off and he'll have to get married on the day they have fixed whether he like it or not.
Now Arjun was sitting in the hall looking at everyone who were busy doing arrangements for the wedding and he was very angry; very very angry on everyone. He was not speaking to anyone nicely; if anyone would ask him any question he would answer them rudely once he also answered that "Why are you asking me. Go and ask Tayajee, he's the one who decides everything." But thank God that to whom he answered was Neev or else he would have been in a big blunder, but he didn't care about that either; he was just angry.
"It's my wedding or theirs, if I'm not ready to get married now than they should not force me, but why would they listen to me. Who am I? Just the groom, why do they care about what I feel. This vacation has become so adventurous for me" Arjun was mumbling to himself and everyone around him were looking as he's gone crazy and if he would catch anyone staring at him he would give them a murderous glare. Arjun was so engrossed in himself that he didn't notice two people entering; a man and a woman. He just stomped his foot in irritation making Neev jump who had just come down and was about to sit besides Arjun.
"Woooh!!! What's wrong Arjun Singhania? Why are you so annoyed?" asked a man among the two. Neev and Arjun looked up to see who had spoken those words. A smile came on Arjun's face looking at them. He stood up and walked towards them and hugged the man first. "Jai" said Arjun hugging the man and then he hugged the woman and said "Archana." Neev also came forward and shook hands with Archana and hugged Jai. "Where are the others?" asked Neev to Jai. "Well'um' they are not coming, what I mean is they could not come, it happen in a rush so' and they had prior commitments, but they all are very sad that they cannot attend Arjun's weeding." Answered Jai. "See, even my friends cannot come in my wedding, but why do they care." Said an irritated Arjun. Jai and Archana glared at Arjun at his weird behavior. "What's wrong with you? When we came that time also you were so annoyed." Said Jai. Before Arjun could answer Neev said "He doesn't wants to get married." Jai and Archana were shocked listening to Neev. Arjun looked at them and saw their shocked face. Arjun smacked Neev's head from the back and took Jai and Archana in his room.
"What was Neev telling Arjun?" asked Jai once they reached Arjun's room. "It's not like that, I'm just not ready." Said Arjun. "Then why don't you tell Uncle about this." suggested Jai. "Do you think I have not tried that?" said Arjun and then explained Jai how Rudra is helpless because Tayajee have fixed the wedding date and he cannot go against his elder brother.
"Then what are you going to do?" asked Jai. Arjun looked "Well..."
Edited by veds_6791 - 14 years ago
Anupamaa
