Part Four
The next day Yash carried on with his work as usual but with an unusual excitement, he didn't dwell on it much, brushing aside his emotions. Two hours before his appointment Aarti texted him saying she was feeling under the weather and couldn't possibly make it for the appointment, she also mentioned that they could communicate via e-mail. He hated to admit it but he was a little disappointed.
Later when his mind ruled over his heart he thought this as a mere passing admiration. She attracted him more than he liked but he wisely resolved that since she was not in his circle of friends he wasn't particularly in danger. So they didn't meet till the engagement nor did he call to enquire about her health. He was determined to not fix his eyes on her even if they met.
And finally the day of the engagement arrived, it was a small affair only the immediate family and very close friends were present at Vidhi's place. Aarti was elated for Vidhi, both of them smiling at each other while decking up. When Vidhi's mom called her to go downstairs for the ring exchanging ceremony, Vidhi held on to Aarti.
"Aarti, please come with me. With everyone's eyes on me I don't think I will be able to breathe," Vidhi said.
Aarti nodded. So both of them went downstairs with Vidhi looking painfully shy, Aarti's one hand was holding her hand and the other around her. As they walked down the staircase everyone's attention was on the bride. Amidst this there was a pair of eyes that was looking at someone else. Yash found himself betraying his own resolution and his eyes seeking the very person he wanted to ignore. She looked lovelier than usual with her dark and smooth hair flowing, he so wanted to run his fingers through them.
The ceremony went on without any glitches after which Aarti took the basket filled with dry fruits and sweets and distributed them among the guests. Yash was looking forward to using this opportunity to converse with Aarti but Ishita appeared out of nowhere and stood beside him.
"In our family even engagements are celebrated grandly, this will go down as the most unremarkable engagement that we have attended," Ishita berated.
Yash listened with perfect indifference whereas Aarti was slightly disturbed and prayed no one else heard this. Ishita was drawing Yash into further conversation but he wasn't interested, his mind and attention was elsewhere. She immediately turned to look at him and found him looking at Aarti.
"Ms Aarti Dubey," she said. "I'm surprised. How long has she been a favourite?"
Yash was brought out of his reverie and downplayed the whole thing.
"Now your imagination will let loose and you will be making plans for my marriage, I was merely admiring a pretty woman," Yash answered her.
Yash was not the type of guy who wears his heart on his sleeve so Ishita was convinced that all was safe.
A little while later she said, "Looks like your pretty thing has another admirer."
Yash looked at Aarti's direction and saw a man standing behind Aarti and covering her eyes. Aarti on the other hand was put into a tight spot because Pankaj's family was there and she didn't want to embarrass Vidhi. She pulled the hands from her eyes and turned to look at that person.
"Prashant," she said loudly.
"Has it been that long that you have forgotten my touch?" he casually said.
"Yes," she answered him but found him looking at the other side. His face turned pale.
Aarti realised he was staring at Yash and she saw the same shocked expression on Yash's face.
"Do you know him?" she asked Prashant.
"We have some history together and by no accounts it was a pleasant one," he replied.
Aarti was confused but didn't probe further and after a pause he said, "Aarti I came to see you, can we go somewhere else and talk?"
"No, there is nothing to talk between you and me and besides I can't leave Vidhi just like that."
"Aarti... please. I won't leave this place until you follow me," he insisted.
Aarti already noticed some prying eyes on her and thought perhaps it was wise to take him outside, get rid of him and come back in later.
So they went outside and the first question Aarti asked was, "How did you know I was here?"
"Your dad told me," he answered and he continued, "Aarti.. I've done some serious thinking lately and I have realised that I never been happier with any other woman but you. Aarti please forgive me for all the mistakes I have done and take me back."
Aarti couldn't believe her ears, all she could think of, after all these years why now when she has moved on with her life. "No, I cannot accept him in my life, what if he shreds my heart into pieces again," she said to herself and walked away from him.
He followed her and called out her name.
"Prashant we are already divorced, our marriage is a failure why do we need to try again? And you cheated me, how can I trust you? No just leave me alone I'm happy with my life at least I don't have to deal with disappointments," Aarti said quite determined.
"Aarti I will prove to you that I'm a changed man."
With that he left and Aarti moved to the direction of Vidhi's house. Her feelings were all over the place and she breathed deeply to regain composure.
note : The next part will Aarti accept Prashant back into her life.
Edited by Sdaren - 12 years ago
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