Part Two
Raman and Ishita paused just before the door to the reception hall.
Her hand was gripped firmly in his, and the glow on her face had not dimmed a single iota. Raman had spent the entire time during the walk from their room and in the lift lost in her eyes. He had never seen her look as beautiful as she did now, the glow on her face reflecting the inner radiance that came from true satisfaction. He was as happy as she looked, and he ached to continue where he had left off with her.
She looked up at him as they stood at the entrance.
"Chale?" She asked.
"Hmmm" he responded, dropping a swift kiss on her upturned lips. "Chalo"
The buzz of conversation in the room dimmed and then rose again, as Raman and Ishita entered the hall.
"That's her ex husband" "woh yahan kya kar raha hai" " that must be the new wife".
The whispers came to them as they stood at the entrance, her hand clasped protectively in his, her pink sari and softness a foil to his hard form in black. She could feel him tense as he heard what was being said, and she softly caressed his fingers with hers, seeking to reassure.
"Bhai, Bhabhi" Mihir came rushing up to them."you both look amazing as always"
He did a double take at the look on Ishita's face. "I take that back Bhabhi, you don't look anything as usual. You look absolutely stunning. Aakhir baat kya hai?."
"My buddhu is right for once" Mihika had come up to them as well. "You look amazing akka, koi nayi makeup use kiya hai kya. Aap ke chehre pe aisi glow toh pehle kabhi nahi dekha."
Ishita blushed at the compliments, conscious of Raman's hand holding her tight, the touch of his skin brushing hers evoking memories of the moments they had just spent together. His grip on her hand tightened, and he directed a look of such intense love at her that she blushed furiously.
"Ruhi kahan hai Mihika" she asked quickly to cover her nervousness.
"Woh wahan mandap ke paas, flowers le kar ready hai. Shagun should be coming now. Chale hum Ruhi ke paas?"
"Haan" Ishita made to move forward, but was checked in her steps by Raman's firm hold on her hand.
"Raman, aap bhi chaliye" she said softly, glancing at her husband.
"No, you go. I'm fine here with Mihir" he responded with a smile.
She tugged at his hand. "Phir haath chodiye na" she whispered, as both Mihir and Mihika stared at their entwined hands with dawning delight.
"Kabhi nahi" his voice was husky and sent shivers down her spine. "Kabhi nahi chodunga".
Mihir burst out in delighted laughter. "Bade romantic ho gaye ho bhai" he had started to speak when the sounds of the microphone being turned on stopped him mid speech.
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Ashok stood in front of the mandap, holding the mic. He was dressed in his usual garb of a tan linen suit, a tan, gold and maroon brocade waistcoat providing a garish contrast, a maroon cravat at his neck.
Ishita stared at him in some surprise. Why wasn't he dressed up as a bridegroom she wondered, as he cleared his throat, capturing everyone's attention.
"Ladies and Gentlemen" he spoke with confidence. "I want to thank you all for coming here tonight."
The door behind the stage opened and Shagun stood framed in the doorway, her red and gold outfit a blaze around her, highlighting her delicate beauty. Her face was inscrutable as she listened to Ashok. Directly in the line of her vision, close to the mandap, she could see her children. Adi was looking around anxiously, and on seeing her, his face immediately took on a look of concern. He made to move toward her, but she checked him with an upraised hand. Ruhi was standing with her bua, a bored look on her face, fidgeting with the scratchy dupatta of her outfit.
Further away, Shagun could see Raman. He was standing with Mihir, Mihika and that new wife of his, that behenji Ishita. He was dressed in a black tux and he was easily the most handsome man in the room. She noted with a twinge of envy the way his hand was entwined with that behenji's, before Ashok's voice recalled her to what was happening in the present.
"Friends" Ashok was speaking.
"Sometimes things don't quite work out as we plan, and I am afraid that something of that sort has happened today. Shagun ki tabeeyath theek nahi hai, aur isliye humko yeh Shaadi postpone karna pad raha hai. Maafi chahta hoon aap sab se, but please do stay and have dinner. Shaadi na sahi, doston ke beech mein party toh ho sakti hai. Waise aaj ek aur reason se bahut bada din hai hamare liye. Aaj hum ne Raghav Industries ke saath multi crore ki contract sign ki hai. So, Please, stay and enjoy."
Shagun hesitated in the doorway. She had come out with the intention of creating a scene, of showing up Ashok for the humiliation this night was turning out to be, but his words that the wedding was postponed gave her cause to pause. Did she still have a chance of changing his mind? Could this marriage still happen? If so, then she had better act with caution today.
Her eyes strayed again to Raman. He was staring at Ashok in shock, saying something to Mihir, who looked equally horrified. She remembered Ashok's words again, that she had been a challenge, something else to snatch from Raman. Raman. It had always been about Raman for Ashok. Well, maybe Raman was the way that she could get back into Ashok's life. Or maybe, she mused, with another glance at Raman's handsome face, maybe she needed to reassess who was the winner and who was the loser here. One thing was certain, she told herself, straightening her back and holding her head high, even as she felt the pitying glances of the guests settling on her. She, Shagun Arora would not lose. She would emerge triumphant, no matter who or what she had to destroy, and she would be by the side of the winner. That was her destiny.
She turned to Adi, who had come running to her after Ashok's speech and now stood looking at her with tears in his eyes.
"Mom" he cried. "Kya hua mom? Aap ki Shaadi nahi hogi kya? Phir hum kahan jayenge mom?"
"Adi beta" she drew him into her arms. "Don't worry beta, kuch nahi hoga. Tumhare papa sab theek kardenge."
She held Adi's hand and started walking towards Raman. The hushed crowd around her parted, eager to give her passage, eager to see what happened next.
From a corner of her eye, Shagun saw Ruhi running toward Raman and Ishita. Raman picked up Ruhi and drew Ishita close to his side with his free hand.
Raman, Ishita and Ruhi - they stood with their arms around each other, united, as Shagun and Adi walked up and stood before them.
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Part 3A - page 14
Edited by Veeann - 10 years ago
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