Part 4
Mayank waved at the girl and groaned at his own condition. Of all the things that could have come across him, he was reduced to Hunting girls for marriage?
''hey Mayank.''
the girl nodded politely clearly showing that like him she would prefer to be somewhere else.
''hi Piya. Nice arrangement.''
piya: yeah thanks. Umm.. (she was looking around and quickly waved at someone) hey Mayank i will be right back. Till then my friend will keep you company.''
she smiled and quickly ran away, not bothering to make the formal introductions and just glancing at Nupur who was standing a few steps back.
Nupur swallowed and looked at departing Piya. She realised she didnt want to tell Mayank that he was about to be rejected again. Somehow she didnt like the job at all.
However before she could contemplate on that, she looked at Mayank and he was looking with amusement at Piya. Nupur searched for any sign that he liked Piya but there was none.
She took a deep sigh of relief and that was what made Mayank turned to the ''friend'' who was suppose to keep him company.
Natuarally Mayank was shocked. Of all the people,
''Nupur?''
Nupur: (smiling) hey Mayank.. We meet again!''
mayank: ''yeah.. How are u?''
his smile was genuine and Nupur felt herself relax. Mayank was a man with whom she can truly relax.
''i am fine.. So still on bride hunt?''
mayank: ''unfortunately yes. Still didnt find the girl ''my -type''.
Nupur: ''my best wishes are with you.''
Mayank: ''thanku. So errmm.. U r Piya's friend?''
Nupur: ''yup.. Piya and Divya both are my childhood family friends.''
mayank: ''cool. Then you will be able to tell me alot about Piya right? Specially considering you so well know my type of girl?''
nupur: (grinning and pointedly glancing at the place where Piya was standing with a guy) i am here to do exactly that. Although not for you but for my friend there. You see, that guy standing beside her? He is Akash.''
mayank: why do i sense something coming up?
Nupur: to answer your question, he is Piya's boyfriend. Actually they are college sweethearts and Piya wants to marry him.''
Mayank: nupur u seem to know everything! (feigning as if highly impressed) how about you enlighten me that what exactly am i doing here thn?''
nupur: ''well you are here to reject Piya.''
mayank: wow! You mean Piya rejects me?''
nupur: ''nopes Mayank. I mean that you have to reject Piya. Obviously her parents wont let Piya wait a year for a struggling middleclass even if he is working in a multi national company now. Specially not when Mayank Sharma sends a proposal?''
mayank: i didnt send any proposal. Its just that my father hired this stupid guy to find me eligible girls who have a tendency to reject me.''
mayank was truly worked up but when he saw the laughter lurking in Nupur's eyes, he relaxed a bit and grinned himself.
Nupur: ''i again wish you best of luck Mayank.''
mayank; ''please do. Seems like am highly in need of best wishes.''
he looked around at Piya and Akash and shook his head, ''seriously. All this bride hunt is getting far more weird then i ever thought.''
nupur: (grinning) ''something tells me. Its just the beginning.''
*************
''you did what?''
nupur shifted in her bed that she was sharing with Piya and looked up at her,''i told Mayank all about you and Akash. And he agreed to reject you.''
piya fell on the bed and placed her hands over her eyes. ''ok yeah right. Am dreaming? Pinch me Nups! Because right now this all seems like a beautiful dream after which i will wake up to find dad giving me that reproachful look which will make me agree to escort Mayank around the house?''
nupur shifted sleepily and pinched Piya.
Piya: ouch! Nups! (rubbing her arm) that hurt!''
nupur: (shifting to other side and closing eyes) u asked for it! And now kindly sleep i need to wake up fresh! After all its Divya's marriage.''
piya: (suddenly shouting) NUPsss! Its not a dream! U actully managed it all! I love u i love u i love u! (she hugged Nupur tightly).
Nupur: ''i love u too! And now sweetheart please SLEEP! Unlike you, i had a long journey and now am sleepy!''
Nupur shifted the comforter over her head and cuddled , smiling, with Piya still excitedly hugging her and mumbling something.
*************
''hey there. goodmorning!''
nupur turned to greet Mayank, casually dressed for the first time since they met. He was wearing an informal t-shirt with jeans.
''hey goodmorning. U look good..''
nupur added as an afterthought.
''first i get rejected by you, and now am being complimented on looking good! Wow! Is there any end to surprises with u?''
he was grinning and teasing. Somehow Nupur felt that ease with him which made all the teasing a nice experience.
Nupur: ''well. You are in for another surprise.''
mayank: (groaning) by the end of this bride hunt i wont even like surprises on my birthday!''
nupur: (giggled) i must tell you, i like your sense of humor!''
mayank; (grinning back) tell me something i dont know. (he winked and Nupur just shook her head)
nupur: coming to surprise. Mayank, uncle wants you to take Piya to this market a few miles away to get all the flowers needed for the mehandi. So..''
mayank: you are kidding right? Why will i go exactly?
Nupur: ''uncle is trying to be a match maker. Besides Akash is here so uncle decided to give u time out of house.''
mayank; ''wow! First rejecting brides and now their matchmaker fathers!''
nupur: ''u missed out the Cheperone.''
mayank: ''sorry?''
nupur: ''i am to go with u both. To keep a close check on u.''
nupur was expecting alot of responses but Mayank's, ''you just made me agree to the trip. If you are coming along, i will be looking forward to it.'' he smiled and left to greet Mr Gupta leaving a rather pink Nupur behind him.
*****************
Anupamaa
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
195