Eternal Indulgence
"Stop it!" he said irritatedly and whacked her hand.
"Mom, he hit me!" she whined.
"You said you only wanted fruit salad. Now why are you eating Yash's food?" replied her mother.
She pouted.
"He doesn't even belong here. Why doesn't he have breakfast at his own house?"
"What does that have to do with you eating out of my plate? You keep saying you don't want this and that but then you eat my food."
She gave him an angry glare and took the last piece of toast out of his plate and got up.
"Where are you going Arjun?"
"I am going to the beauty salon."
"Why?"
"You know why?"
"I don't think it's going to help though."
Amaan burst out laughing.
"Mooom" she said with her whiney voice again.
"Stop teasing her you two." scolded her mother.
"Mr Scindiya. You don't belong here. Your family is far richer than ours but you come and eat our food. Have you no shame. You need to go home. And tonight I will make you eat your words."
"Tonight? And I have been coming to this house since before you were born.
"You just see that you are here and that you bring my present."
"Oh, it is engagement party. Ok, I will get you some trousseau. But it may be premature. I mean the guy might change his mind if he sees you."
"For your information, Mr. Scindiya, we have been chatting online for a while now, and he likes me. He thinks I am beautiful."
"Because he has never seen you in real life, Arjun."
"At least I found someone that wants to marry me. You are already 26 and no bride. So there.
"By choice"
"Just bring my gift tonight. My birthday gift."
"Oh that?'
"Yes, that."
She said and started walking out of the dining room.
"If only you two could stop fighting, you could've been my son in law."
"I am into girls, Mom."
"I heard that!" shouted Aarti from the lounge.
"You were meant to Arjun!"
She peeked into the dining room and mouthed.
"Go home."
He winked at her and she exasperatedly left.
Yash was Amaan were best friend since they were at pre-school together and so their parents became friends. He only had 2 brothers and she was Amaan's only sibling and the youngest of the 5 of them. Today was her 21st birthday and her engagement. He didn't particularly agree with the engagement as they only planned to get married in 3 or 4 years' time.
To her mother's dismay, Aarti was the most unladylike creature under the sun. She was obsessed with sport. She played it, watched it and talked about it incessantly. That was fine with her dad and Amaan as well as the Scindiya men. But her mother really wanted her to be a girly girl. She wore mostly sweats and jeans. Since her early teens she refused to wear dresses. Even festival times. She would just wear a long top over jeans. She rarely if ever wore make and jewellery besides the studs that she wore in her ears. She was very beautiful, but hardly possessed an ounce of femininity. Hence him calling her Arjun.
She hated it but he didn't care. He loved to rile her up. She was a real spitfire. She was like no other girl he had met. She was spontaneous and devoid of all tact. Her constant saying when she was being rude and obnoxious was "It's not rude if it's true." He couldn't wait to see her expression when she saw her gift later.
Aarti was happy. She really liked Prashant. She wasn't in a hurry to get married but she was at least glad that her parents gave her the choice. He was 2 years older than her and he had just finished studying. He had just started a job in Dehli, where they lived and they had the most amazing chats. She would be meeting him for the first time tonight. He was attending her 21st birthday party with his family later that evening. And she wanted to prove a point to that Yash Scindiya that she was a girl and that she could attract a hot guy.
He was always at their house with Amaan and he never missed an opportunity to tease her. He irritated her most times but when he wasn't there she missed his infuriating presence. Because her responses to him were mostly angry, she would address him as Mr. Scindiya or by his full name. So she started calling Mr. Scindiya permanently. But what excited her most was the gift he was going to give her. She loved his gifts the most. He knew exactly what she wanted. Her wardrobe was full of unused sarees and jewellery that she normally received as gifts, but this was a milestone birthday so she was sure his gift would be awesome.
She spent most of the day getting ready for the evening. Getting a massage and facial, getting her hair and nails done. Mansi had helped her pick out a beautiful lehenga choli. It had silver sequenced top that ended just under her breasts. The back was bare and held together by a tie at the bottom and top. The full A-line skirt was low slung settling on her hips. It was largely pastel with a turquoise background with pink flowers and the top and bottom bands were pink with silver trim. The skirt was covered in a sheer pink gauze fabric that matched the pink see through dupatta. Her jewellery was pink sapphires set in white gold. It was a gift that she had gotten from her Naani before she passed away. It was more feminine and soft than anything that she had ever worn. Not even her mother knew what she was wearing. She was sure her mother was worried that she would arrive at the party in jeans and t-shirt. She couldn't wait to see her expression when she saw her in this outfit. And that Yash Scindiya would eat his words after calling her a boy for all these years.
She gave a final look at herself. She wasn't quite comfortable but she had to admit even to herself that she looked stunning. She did her own make up so it was very light and tastefully done. Finally he mother knocked on the door as it was time for the guest of honour to join the party.
She turned around and faced the door.
"Come in."
"Beta ..." her mother started and then was stunned to silence. Awe struck more like it.
"Is it ok, mom?"
"Oh my. Oh my." Tears welled up in her eyes.
"I chose well right?"
"My baby girl. You look absolute gorgeous. I can't even begin to tell how beautiful you are right now. I am so proud of the young woman that you have become."
She went to her mom and hugged her.
"I look like my momsy isn't it so? And she is the most beautiful woman in the world."
"Oh you. How could I ever be as beautiful as you. Prashant will not be able to keep his eyes off you."
"I hope so. And Mr. Scindiya will eat his words tonight."
"Yes, Mr. Scindiya will certainly have a change of opinion about his Arjun tonight."
She clapped her hands excitedly.
"Good. Now let's go."
She came out of her room and as the music started playing in introduction. Her mom walked beside her and Amaan and her dad waited at the bottom of the stairs for her. She got very emotional as she saw her dad wipe away a tear as he saw his princess walk down the stairs. And the way she looked right then was the embodiment of a princess. Her brother's eyes were riveted to her in shock. As if he could not marry the vision that was descending the stairs towards him with his tomboy sister.
When she got to him she said.
"Close your mouth Bhaiya. You might catch flies."
"Wow, little-ly. You are quite a beauty."
"Thanks" she smiled.
She went to her dad and hugged him.
"Too beautiful my girls. Too, too beautiful. I might just tell Prashant to go home and lock you up in a tower."
"I know all too well you want to get rid of me quickly."
"You caught me out." The shared a tender smile. She was truly her daddy's girl in every way.
She went to the table for the guest of honour and everyone sang happy birthday. Then there were a few speeches. Her parents spoke with great pride and she thanked them for all they have done for her. While she was talking she was looking for the person she wanted to see most. Both for his reaction and her gift but she didn't see him. She was feeling so disappointed. She could not understand why he wouldn't be there.
She was introduced formally to her intended husband and his family. He was as handsome and nice as she knew him to be. Yet she was distracted all the time. Finally she went to find out where he was.
"Maanu, where is Mr. Scindiya."
"He was here a while ago. He didn't say he was going to leave. In fact I see his date standing on her own on the balcony so he must be here somewhere." Said Amaan.
"Oh. Ok." She decided to call him.
"Hello"
"Where the heck are you?" she demanded.
"Here."
"Where."
"At your party."
"Where?!"
"In the pool house."
"Why?!"
"Come here."
"No. You come here."
"Fine no present."
"Irritating as always!"
She ended the call and made her way there angrily.
She flung the door open and started her rant.
"It's my birthday party and I have to run after you. Who do you think you are Yash Scindiya?" She glared at him angrily.
"Sorry Arjun"
She felt a bit disappointed that he still called her that and didn't even say anything about how she looked.
"Your gift is on the couch."
She ran to the gift box like a 2 year old and opened it. She ripped the paper off it and squealed. It was an autographed shirt of Sachin Tendulkar. She hugged it to her. She then ran to him and hugged him.
"Oh, Mr. Scindiya this is the best gift ever. I love it. I love you. She kissed him on both his cheeks. I have to show Dad." She ran out of the pool house again.
He stood and looked in the direction that she had disappeared with a smile. She was so unique. No girl that he knew would be so excited about such a gift but he knew how much that would mean to her. He had gotten it a while ago and couldn't wait to see the look of surprise and happiness on her face when she saw it. But tonight he was more surprised than anyone. He had been standing talking to his date when the she came down the stairs. He was absolutely floored. He even blinked a few times to make sure it was her, his Arjun. He had never seen her like that. So beautiful and ladylike. His heart started beating wildly. The feelings that he had right then was the biggest surprise of all. This little girl, that could have easily been his baby sister, had turned into magnificence. And all of a sudden he knew why he always wanted to make her happy and to see her smile. He was hopelessly in love with her. But he could not do anything about it. She saw him as an older brother. And she was smitten with the guy that she was promised to. Even now when she said she loved him, he wanted to say that he loved her too. But the last thing he wanted was to scare his beloved Arjun. Well, she certainly did not look like his Arjun tonight but to him that was who she would always be to him. So uniquely his beautiful Arjun / Aarti in one. Strong, opinionated, intelligent, sporty and now so feminine and exquisite. He had fled to the pool house to compose himself. And he did. Then he would pretend that everything would be as it was. At least he would be near her.
But it didn't work out like that. It was actually getting too hard for him to be around her and hide his feelings. So he decided to open a branch of their family business in South-Africa. It had been on the cards for a while, but Pankaj did not want to uproot his family and Yash needed to build up his experience to undertake such a big step. They had an events company. The idea was to start off with weddings as his grandfather did when he started the business and progress from there and since South-Africa has such a big Indian population, he was convinced that they could make it work.
"Why do you need to go so far?" she demanded.
"That's where the business opportunity is."
"Don't you Scindiya's already have enough money?"
"Aarti" he mother cautioned.
"Arjun, it's a new adventure. And it's something I can do on my own and make a success of."
"You don't have to."
"I have to. I have so many ideas to grow the business."
"Then just go. And don't bother to call me or text me or e-mail me."
"Arjun ..."
"Leave me alone and go to Africa" she said and went to her room.
He sighed. That was not the way he wanted to say good bye to her.
"You don't have to go you know. You can tell her how you feel."
Yash looked at her mother shocked.
"Yes, I know my children very well. I always knew what you only realised recently at her birthday. I saw your expression when she came down the stairs and I saw you leave the room. It's almost a year later and now instead of going after her, you are running away?"
"Mom, she sees me as she sees Amaan. An elder brother. She is engaged and she really cares for Prashant. I think if I confess my love for her, she will only distance herself from me. This way is for the best."
"Don't you see how upset she is because you are leaving?"
"I know she is upset. But not because she is in love with me. Just because she is used to having me around."
"You are making a mistake. And I hope it's not too late when you realise. You can't shelter her forever and she is not a child. You have to give her an opportunity to make her own decision. But I can see I am speaking to the walls. I love you son. You were always my first choice for a son in law. I am really going to miss you."
"Same here mom."
Aarti went to her room and cried. She was more angry than sad. How could he just leave her and go to a foreign land. A whole different continent even. She always chased him away but she didn't expect him to ever leave. Although she knew she would have to leave when she got married. But that was still years away. But for now she couldn't picture her life without her Mr Scindiya in it. She didn't even mind that he called her Arjun.
Finally she got up and went to his house. She hugged his parents and went his room.
"Mr. Scindiya, I am sorry. I was selfish. I want you to be a success and I want you to be happy but I hate that you are going so far away from me. I am just going to miss you so terribly. You were at home even more than Maanu Bhai. I can't think what it would be like not to have you around. To speak about sport, to argue with. But I won't miss the teasing. I didn't mean it when I said you mustn't call me."
"I know Arjun. I will miss you too. But I will come back home regularly."
She went him and hugged him.
"You do love me don't you Mr Scindiya. You won't forget about your Arjun."
"How can I ever forget my little spitfire? And you know I love you."
"Good, then you can go to Africa. But you have to come back." she said and let him go.
He smiled.
"I will come later for the farewell party."
"Ok, Arjun."
She left his room and he said to the empty room.
"If only you knew how much I love you Aarti."
Aarti did a degree in Sport Management and wanted to start her own business. When Yash left she decided to take an internship at a company in the USA. She wanted to gain experience in the business before she started her own concern. At first they had regular chats. But soon she realised that the contact was only made from her side. He was obviously very busy with work or other things to worry about her. So the communication became less. She knew that he came home often, but she decided that she wanted to stay in the USA for the duration of the 2 years. So she didn't go home. She worked hard and at the end of her internship she was offered a good position but she opted to go home and pursue her dream.
She started working for a company first to get some exposure and to see how thing at home are done differently than in the USA. She had been back home for 6 months when she heard Yash was coming back. She was nervously exited.
The Scindiya's were planning a small get together to welcome him back. Obviously the Khurana's were obviously invited. As they got closer to his place she was getting more and more angry. He had promised not to forget her but the only time they contacted each other these days was to wish each other a happy birthday or some festival.
When she got there she hugged his mom and dad and demanded.
"Where is he?"
"Aarti!" Her mother admonished. You didn't even take their blessings and you go and demand where Yash is.
"Sorry G3-ma, Bauji." she touched there feet and asked again.
"Where is he?"
G3 laughed. They were used to her antics.
"In the lounge." she said.
She was standing with his back to her talking to someone. She went to him and slapped him hard on the arm.
"Ouch" he said and turned around.
She slapped him on the other arm.
"Arjun, is this my welcome back?"
"You are not welcome back, Liar."
"Liar?"
"You said you would not forget about me. And you did."
"I did not forget about you."
"Then why did you hardly call me or message me?"
"We were both busy weren't we?"
"Too busy for a phone call?"
"Sorry, Arjun. I promise I will make it up to you. But right now we have guests.
For the first time Aarti saw that there were other people there.
"Arjun, this is Arpita Gupta and her parents."
"Namaste" she greeted now embarrassed.
She heard her mother's voice.
"Namaste, Mr and Mrs Gupta. Arpita. Forgive my daughter."
They greeted her back.
"Mom, Dad. Namaste." Yash came and took their blessings and hugged them.
"I have missed you so much beta."
"I missed you too Mom."
"Especially my cooking, I bet."
Yash laughed.
"Everything, except your daughter."
She hit him again.
"Ouch. See."
They families started talking and it became apparent why Arpita and her family were there. She was Yash's intended bride. Aarti stood aside to observe her. She was beautiful and very lady like. She was perfectly groomed and she was wearing a very beautiful Anarkali suit and high heeled sandals. She was the total opposite of Aarti. Now that she was working she dressed differently but mostly in slack suits when she saw clients and jeans when she was just in the office. Today she was wearing jeans, a blouse and flat pumps. She felt totally inadequate.
Finally, after dinner he disappeared to his room and came back with a gift box.
"Arjun, I said I would make it up to you didn't I?"
"My name is Aarti. I am not a little girl anymore. And you can't make up for it."
He gave the box, but she turned away.
"I think you'll like it. In fact I know you will love it."
She turned around and gave him an angry look and opened the box while he was still keeping it. Inside the box was a soccer ball signed by Llionel Messi. She started screaming. She hugged and kissed him on both cheeks.
"How did you get this? This is awesome. I love it. You are the best."
"Forgiven?"
"Forgiven." she hugged him again.
"Aarti!" her father said. "Guests."
"Sorry." she said. Her eyes on the ball and the signature again in total awe.
Amaan was standing close to Arpita and said.
"Forgive my baby sis. She is less than conventional and we all indulge her. But she means no harm."
"Is there something between her and Yashji?"
"No, they are like brother and sister. He always teases her and she gets angry. But she loves him and only he knows how to get out of her moods."
"I see" said Arpita.
She didn't see much of him after that. A few weeks later Prashant took some time off to come and see her. He would come and spend a few weeks with them. She had gone to Dehli for a week when she came home and spent it with his family. She really liked them and was convinced that she had made the right decision.
The couples made dinner plans. It would be her, Prashant, Yash, Arpita and Amaan with his on again off again girlfriend Neda. They planned to go to a club after dinner.
She saw how attentive Yash was to Arpita. He pulled out her chair, ordered for her, made sure she was ok all the time. When they left, he opened the car door for her. All the things that he never did for her, Aarti. She realised that she was jealous and she wanted him to do those things for her too. She did not want to be his Arjun. She wanted to be his Aarti.
The outfit she wore nearly killed him. It was perfect for her and played to all the areas of her physique that he found the most enticing as if she planned it. She looked absolutely stunning. Her beautiful muscular legs flowed from the short dress. It was a loose dress but with her perfectly proportioned and toned body it was more than flattering to say the least. The front was high, but it accentuated her breast and his weakness, her beautiful back, was exposed to his delight and dismay at the same time. Her hair was loose. He loved it loose and she almost always tied it up. He wanted to ravage her and wrap a blanket around her at the same time, so she could only be for his pleasure. Visual and otherwise. He kept himself busy attending to Arpita so his attention could be off her. And he couldn't stand to see her with Prashant but there was nothing he could do about it.
At the club she completely ignored him. Not even replying to him when he asked her if she wanted a drink. She danced with Prashant and some random strangers. He was getting riled up with her performance on the dance floor. Prashant seemed more interested in Amaan's date than checking what his fiance was up to. Amaan didn't seem to mind as Yash knew very well that Amaan's interest in her was only for one thing and she liked to be seen on the arm of the dashing and wealthy Mr. Khurana so they had a mutual understanding. He was glad that Amaan was keeping Arpita company as he finally reached the end of his tether with her performance on the dance floor.
He yanked her away from the person that she was dancing with and dragged her outside.
"What are you doing?" she demanded.
"What the hell are you doing?"
"What concern is it of yours? Why are you not with your perfect Arpita?"
"Because she knows how to behave with decorum."
"I was just dancing."
"Is that what you call it?'
"You have no right to reprimand me. You are not my brother or my father."
He glared at her and he glared back.
Finally he said.
"You are right. I am not your brother or your father. But I will show you that your actions have results. He grabbed her again and forced her in the car. He called Amaan to say he was taking her home as she was not feeling well. When they got home she attempted to jump out of the car and run into the house but he was too fast for her. He dragged her by the hand to the pool house.
He threw her down on the couch and brought his lips down on hers punishingly. But soon the kiss changed to passion. She responded and they forgot their anger and frustration as they indulged their senses. Soon their clothes were discarded and he was about to fulfil his deepest desire when he came to the realisation of what was happening and he stopped. She was still dazed with passion and could not understand what was happening when he angrily said:
"Get dressed."
"Yash, why did you stop? Was it because I am not as beautiful and poised and lady like as Arpita. Am I not good enough for you?" She said angry and embarrassed.
"What? Do you realise what just happened?"
"I know and I wanted it to happen. But clearly you don't think I am worthy of you."
"I don't believe you. You are engaged and I am practically engaged and you see nothing wrong with this? And you know what, Arpita would not have thrown the tantrum that you did tonight."
"Yash ..."
"No, I have had enough. You are selfish brat that is only interested in instant gratification. And I am to blame for that. I spoilt you more than any one. That stops now. You are right. I am not your brother, I am not family and after this, we are not friends anymore. Anyway soon we will both be married and have our own lives, so this should not make a difference."
"But Yash ..." she said now looking sad. He could not handle that look.
"No buts. This is it. From now on I am nothing but Amaan's friend to you. I will not give into your demands anymore. It's time that you grow up."
"But Yash ..."
He held up his hand and walked out.
She stood looking him walk away and said to herself:
"I only wanted to say that I am in love with you." She sat back down on the couch and cried.
Eventually she went to the house and continued her crying in her room.
Aarti was miserable. The engagement planning was in full swing. She was trying to keep busy but she could not forget about the last time she had seen him or what he had said about her. She wasn't like that surely. How could he say that about her? She was not a brat. It wasn't her fault that he gave in to her all the time. She didn't ask him to put in so much efforts in the gifts that he got her. She didn't throw tantrums, did she? He treated Arpita like she was a piece of gold and her, he treated like an errant child. And now she knew that she loved him and wanted him. She wanted him more than she wanted anything in her whole life. But she was engaged and he was about to get engaged. She couldn't tell anyone. Amaan seemed in his own world of late and her parents were just as hard at work at the engagement as he was practically their son too.
It was the day before the engagement. As usual, since her realisation, she had cried the whole night and didn't sleep a wink. She knew he was making a mistake. She decided that she was not the victim type. She had always been competitive and she had always been a winner. She could not let this go without a fight. It was not in her to stand by and let life happen to her and certainly not the person to let her love go without a fight. Her first step was to call Prashant and break the engagement. He didn't seem too cut up about the news. She didn't know if he told his parents but she didn't tell hers. Her time was running out. She loved Yash but she did not want to hurt Arpita. She was actually very nice. Finally she decided that she would go and speak to Arpita. She went to the hotel where she was staying and asked to speak to her privately.
"What is so important that you had to speak to me now?"
"I am so sorry to do this Arpita, but I am not the type of person that can just let things go. I know it can be a good and a bad thing."
"What is it that you can't let go now? Or should I say who?"
Aarti looked at Arpita shocked.
"You know don't you?"
"That you are in love with Yash? Yes, I know. How everyone does not see it, I don't know."
"Arpita, you can't go through with this engagement. This marriage will be a mistake."
"And what about you and Prashant."
"I already broke up with him."
"I see. BTW I agree with you, my marriage to Yash won't work. I am in love with someone else too."
"Who?"
"Your brother."
"Aamu Bhai?! And him?"
"He feels the same but he won't do anything as he is loyal to Yash. And I can't pull out of the engagement because my parents will never forgive me for the shame that it will bring to the family."
"Don't worry, I will talk to Yash. He has to listen to me. He just has to. I just wanted to talk to you first so that you won't be surprised by anything that happens."
"Thanks Aarti. I appreciate that and I hope everything works out, for both of us."
She went to his house. She walked in deep in thought.
"Good evening, Aarti" G3 said for the 3rd time.
"Sorry ma. I was deep in thought." she hugged her and touched her feet.
"Why are you here?"
"To see Mr. Scindiya."
"Yash is still at work, Beta"
"Can I wait for him, Ma?"
"Yes. Do want something to eat or drink."
"No thank you. I will wait in his room."
His mother nodded and she walked to his room. She went to lie down on his bed. She was so tired from not sleeping that she fell asleep almost instantly.
He came home late. The family had already gone to sleep. He was tired as he had not been sleeping well since their argument. And now his engagement was coming closer. He had a horrible day. It seemed that everything that could go wrong did. Probably as his mind was not on what he was doing, but on her. He was so drained. All he wanted to do was to get in the shower and then sleep. He hadn't even had dinner yet.
He switched on the light and saw her there. Just what he needed, he sighed. He could not deal with her now. But he could not let her sleep there.
And she looked so beautiful. Positively angelic. He loved her so much. His heart softened again. She was making his life hell but what was hell. This or not having her in his life. He went to the bed and caressed her face, pushing her hair out of her face. The action woke her up.
"Mr. Scindiya?"
"Mmm"
"Why are you so late." she demanded as if she was entitled that that information.
"The question is, why are you here so late?!" She sat up and looked up at him intently.
"Because, I was waiting for you."
"Aarti, please go home. I had a tough day and I don't have the energy for you. You can tell me what you came for tomorrow or another day."
"No, I can't. It has to be now."
"Why now?"
"Because you are getting engaged tomorrow."
"Aarti please ..."
"I came to tell you that you can't marry Arpita. You can't get engaged to her, you have to call the whole thing off."
"Huh?" he was completely baffled.
"What is so difficult to understand? You have to call off the engagement."
"Based on what, exactly?"
"Based on the fact that you are going to marry me."
He sighed.
"How do you figure that?"
"Because I love you and I want to marry you and you can't refuse me anything."
"Really?! That's what you think!" he was angry and incredibly frustrated at her presumptuousness.
He took her arm and escorted her not so politely out of his room and shut the door in her face before she could utter another word.
She stood looking at the closed door, too shocked for words. Eventually she walked away defeated and went home.
she spent another night crying. The morning she was up early. She needed to speak to Aaman. He was not sleeping either. He was standing at his bedroom window deep in thought.
"Manu-bhai, we can't let this happen? I know you love Arpita. Please help me stop this."
He came to stand in front of her. He was so serious.
"Aarti, you will not be up to your usual tricks today. I don't care what you think you know. Yash is closer than a brother to me and I will not come between him and his intended bride. And neither will you."
"But Bhayia ..."
"No but's Aarti, I will not allow you to make a scene today. Do you here me."
"But ..."
"Aarti!"
"Fine." she said sadly. Why was everyone being so mean to her? The one time that she needed them most to understand her point of view, no one wanted to understand her. She was devastated.
"Children, what's going on here? Is everything ok?"
"Mom ..." Aarti started.
"Everything is fine mom. Isn't it Aarti?"
She was silent.
"Isn't it?' he asked more sternly.
"Yes, mom. Everything is fine" she lied.
Eventually they got ready and left for the engagement.
She saw him speaking to some guests when she got there. He looked at her intermittently. But Amaan watched her like a hawk. Whenever she walked in his direction her was there to keep her back.
Finally she went to stand outside and cry.
"So, beta you have chosen this day?" it was G3-ma.
"Ma?"
"To stop fighting. You chose this day."
"Ma, you know."
"Of course. You are the only daughter I've had till Vidhi joined the family. And he is my son. I know you very well my darling and I have always known what you have just recently discovered. That you are meant to be with Yash."
"Then why did you agree to his marriage to Arpita?"
"Well, you were engaged and I thought it might give both of you a wakeup call."
"But Ma what can I do. I told him how I felt last night and he kicked me out. He was horrible to me. He wouldn't even listen to me. And Manu won't let me near him now. What can I do?"
"I don't know but I know you will think of something. And it will be with my blessing." She hugged Aarti and went back inside.
Aarti was still at a loss. Then she saw Arpita and her family pull up. She rushed to them.
"Namaste, Mr. & Mrs. Gupta. Arpita has to come with me. G3-ma asked me to fetch her. It is a Scindiya custom. Come Arpita."
She dragged her along to G3's room.
"What are you up to Aarti?"
"Quick, we have to change clothes."
"What?'
"I am not going to lose Yash and you are not going to lose Manu. But we have to work together. So now get done quickly."
Arpita followed instruction. Aarti called G3-ma and asked her to fetch them from the room.
She led the two veiled girls to the entertainment area where the engagement was to take place.
Aarti, now in Arpita's clothes took her place next to Yash and the proceedings started. Then it was time for exchanging rings. Yash took her hand and then stilled. Suddenly he yanked the veil off her head.
"I should have known you would do something stupid like this." he gritted through his teeth.
She grabbed his hand.
"Yash, please. I love you. We are meant to be together. You know it. Please I'm asking you to be my husband. I know you can't refuse my anything. You never could. You just simply can't start now."
"Is that right?"
"Yes."
"You know what. I am to blame for this. I have always let you get away with your insane behaviour and I have always made excuses for you and covered up for you. I have always over indulged you and now look at the result."
"That is exactly my point." she said.
"Aarti ... "he just shook his head. Then he looked at Arpita. Amaan had gotten to her in flash and pulled her veil off too and was standing next her.
"You were in on this?"
She shrugged and said.
"Who can say no to her." she smiled.
He looked back at Aarti again and shook his head.
"You are right." he smiled. "I certainly can't" He rubbed the tears from her cheeks.
"I will be your husband."
"What is going on here?" shouted Arpita's father.
Yash went to him and put his hands together in apology.
"I am sorry, Mr and Mrs Gupta ..."
"No, we are not sorry." Aarti interrupted.
Yash looked at her baffled.
"We are not sorry. Manu-bhai and Arpita are in love and want to get married. We can both get engaged today and get married together is that not a good idea. my parents will agree. Please Mr. and Mrs. Gupta, you have to agree."
Everyone that knew that her had a smile on their face as she was talking a mile a minute. The Gupta's were shocked.
"Guptaji, let's go and talk in private" Aarti's father asked.
Yash just shook his head at her again and smiled. He held her hand as they waited for the verdict.
Finally there was a double engagement and both families were happy.
Later that night in the Khuranna garden, Yash and Aarti were sitting on the swing. She was ensconced tightly in his arms.
"You realise that once we are married that I am going to have to become a strict husband. You cannot go around doing crazy things like you did today."
"Why not. If I didn't, you wouldn't have gotten a chance to be a strict husband to me, isn't it?"
"I suppose. But I can't keep indulging you all the time."
"Of course you can. And I will indulge you too." she smiled at him seductively and kissed him. He was drawn into her passion so easily.
He pulled away from her.
"I am counting on that wife to be. But we will have to wait for that indulgence till we get married.
"Yash, please speak to our parents. I don't want to wait long to get married. Please."
"What an eager little bride you will be."
"Oh, so eager. And if you make the wedding day quick, I will make it worth your while." she said. She kissed him and jumped up.
"Good night, Mr. Scindiya. I love you." she ran inside.
"Good night, Arjun. I love you too."
"Oh and on our wedding night I will show you I am not Arjun but Aarti." She whispered from the door.
"I can't wait" he whispered back and blew her a kiss.
Aarti stood against the closed door closing her eyes dreamily. Of all the gifts he had given her, the gift of himself and his love was surely the best and most amazing of all. She loved it most of all. She loved him. She didn't even mind that he called her Arjun, she knew that he saw her as a woman in every way and he loved her. He was her Mr. Scindiya and she would be his Mrs. Scindiya soon. She was completely happy.
Yash looked at the closed door with a smile. He was so happy. Finally she would be his. She drove him crazy and now he was crazy in love with her. Her wild and impetuous side that was and would always be part of her, but this new feminine and passionate side was a side that he was definitely looking forward to exploring. And he knew that he would not stop indulging her, and he also knew that she would offer him sweet indulgences as well once they were married. He already had a taste of it. He turned around and happily walked to his car with the intention of doing her latest bidding, to get his parents to agree to arrange the marriage quickly. Of course he could not refuse her anything. But he was sure from now on, they would be each other Eternal Indulgence.
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