••|••|••

I was lost.

Lost in this world. I don't know where am I walking to, or  heading towards, but this all seems too peaceful to me that kept my feet moving on their own.

I kept walking fastly, and then  kept running unknown to directions.  My long dress wasn't helping me much, my heels wasn't comfortable at all,  but I didn't care and just kept running.

It was like some magnetic force, some hypnotic power,  pulling me towards a  particular direction. Surrounding was empty, no one was there. Running a few meters more, my speed slowed down eventually and, suddenly seeing the change in my surroundings,  I stopped.

All of a sudden, the white emptiness of this never ending place, turned into a beautiful canvas and there was some decoration around, sound of chattering and laughing of many people coming.

Walking with small steps I reached somewhere, where surprisingly all my family members, relatives were standing all around me. A long white passage, both sides  previously empty, now filled with people. 

People, that I know.

A wave of curiosity and confusion ran through me, seeing their all too smiling faces.

My gaze looked around, searching for the answer to, why are they looking so excited?

And when I felt heaviness covering me up,  now question I am sorting is, why everyone is just staring at me? 

My parents were also looking so happy that mum got her happy tears and papa gently rubbing them off, kissed her forehead lovingly. I smiled looking at them and their love. When I was about make my way to him,  my papa looked at me and gestured me to some particular direction. In fact at someone particular.

I looked in his directed way frowning. He was pointing at some stage. I didn't understand and again looked at papa, he was still pointing at that stage.  A moment later, it become clear to what, or whom he was pointing at. There was a man, standing on that huge stage all alone, facing other side. The back of a man in black suit. I just realized I'm now standing on stage too and  only we two are between this whole big circle created by all other people.

I walked to him slowly, still not knowing anything about him and stopped just a step away from him. He was dressed nicely, I know it from behind only; he looks bit taller than me and  his persona vibrates the strong ora around him. My heartbeat raised  to another level when I was about to keep my hand on his shoulder. I took a look around my parents and my father nodded and he just gave me a peaceful smile. I took a deep breath and about to put my hand on his shoulder to make him turn back and see who he was, my world shattered and I heard a loud thumping sound...

buzzz buzzz buz... Thump

I was welcomed to reality with this as usual disturbing sound. The alarm clock is seriously rude, very, very rude. I heard the annoying sound waking me up from middle of my wonderful dream I saw.  Just some more seconds and I could have seen his face...at least this time.

Oh god it's really very annoying, every time I missed it by seconds to see my prince charming face.

I shook my head and decided to start my day...but is it really important? Damn why I'm so lazy in winters. The moment, with all my energy I gave up on my comforter.

It's too cold to be out of this safest zone here. I felt the freezing temperature, and shiver ran to my uncovered arms. Goosebumps erupted and I sneaked in more inside my warm blanket.

My inner self screamed it's december so what else you dumbage expect -- to sweat? 

I sighed, who says habits can be developed with time?

Mine didn't. Never.

I shrugged my thoughts off and turned off that alarm which started ringing once again. The clock made a lazy smile crept on my lips.

'6:00 a.m. - sunday'
3rd dec

It's just 6 and  a sunday too, so I held my blanket, covered my self and closed my eyes to shut and sleep again-- secretly hoping to see that dream again.

"There is no way I am getting up early today. " I vowed to myself and went to my beauty sleep.

But...

"Anii"

And Off course how can my mother dearest spoil me. I cringed covering my ears to avoid all her calls. I know whats going to happen. Now, an unsatisfied groan came from me.

I heard my maa calling me out loud again while coming towards my room but nevertheless I am in no mood to get up early  so I kept myself protectively inside this cave of thick blanket. I heard the creaking of my room's  door and I know like daily she came with her pooja thaal and holy Ganga water to sprinkle all over the house.

'Om namo bhagwate vasudevay namah'

'om ganganpate namah'

'Om namah shivaay'

I heard her chanting like daily all god's name and could smell the aromatic smell of dhupbati, that she will be roaming all around our house.

"I know you are awake," she said in a parenting tone, once she completed all her pooja but I kept pretented to be asleep, "come on now get up fast. Don't be so lazy."

And than she is intentionally ringing that puja bell on my ears. Intentionally!

"Mumma" I whined in hope to win this time with her. "pleaseee"

I held the pillow tightly to make it barrier for that sound and covered my ears but nevertheless she didn't stop.

"Ughh"

I hate early mornings.

"Maaa" I shrieked, "It's Sunday so I can sleep some more. Let me!"

I said desperately trying to shoo off the ghanti's noise.

"How can you sleep so long and" she added than emphasizing on, " that too today?"

"Today?" I yawned, struggling to open my eyes. "what?"

She snatched my pillow, kept her pooja thal on side table, while continued speaking,  "Anii, today groom's family is going to come. You need to go on shopping too, come-on get up and help me with the preparations."

Wait, what? 

"Groom?" I worded cluelessly.

It took a second for me to take what she said and I sat up faster than a lightning speed with crease on my forehead forming and eyes wide as saucer.

"What Groom?....maa?"  I asked confused with this new piece of information. "What are you talking about?--"

"Anikaa." She stopped. She stopped doing all her work and slowly stand out straight only to glare at me.

Why do I feel like I am in trouble.

"What?" I shrugged my shoulder off, being all clueless.

She take a good look at me just like her parenting tone, analysing I am serious or not and we had a good starting competition. Good 30 second. She stared at me, I stared back at her. Than hers turned into that Goddess kali glare.

Dangerous. Too dangerous.

"You forgot!"  She bellowed, giving me a mini heart attack.

I gave her a shrug, backing  up to my bed headboard and caution."What?"

I took a pillow as a barrier in pretence to snuggle with, only to be snatched by her before booomm she bursted out.

"You--" taking a deep breath, she calmed down her rising  hot anger, "how can you forget such important thing Anika!?"

Oh oh, Anika, not Ani. Means this is serious.

"I, what did --" she cut me off.

"What should I do of you Anika?" She started resting her arms on her waist, and glared at me. "I told you, told you two weeks ago. Today someone is coming to  see you, your prospective  groom and now," she narrowed her eyes, "you are acting all clueless."

Shit

"How should I manage all by myself? I am sure if you didn't remember this, so you must have forgotten to collect the attires I selected for you." She exclaimed walking left and right, like a pendulum.

Attires?

Now that I think of, this past week maa mentioned something like that, something...

'Anika'

'Maa, not now I'm getting so late. I have a meeting.'

'I know just because of your own laziness--'

'Maa--'

'I won't take much of your time, just collect your attire from our Boutique...'

'Okay Maa, I'll. But for now I have to go. Bye bye.'

'Bye and don't forget to collect them.'

Crap, it slipped off my mind! I just drove off and got buzy, it just didn't came to me.

Double shit.

"And the list? Have you shopped?" She asked, pointing her hand at me with scrutinizing gaze which can make big khalifa too shiver in fear.

List? I didn't dare ask it out loud. Damn, but something similar I'm remembering from...just yesterday.

'Anika, I have send some list to you. Can you buy those things?'

'Ofcourse Maa, I'll but maa for now my clients are waiting, I'll talk to you latter.'

'But Ani--'

'Don't worry. I won't forget. Bye bye'

And I just forgot.

I gulped the lump forming due to my forgetful habit.  Na uh I can't shake my head in negative, so I nodded at her like an innocent baby. In return she just raise her eyebrows.

"Really?"

Seeing my expressions, she shook her head in motherly disappointment.

"Maa--"

"Beta only business doesn't matter. When will you start taking care of your own self---" Maa started with all her rambling. And continued for a long long time.

She does  ramble whenever she is too stressed, specially if it's about me. My mother, Avantika Harshvarshan Trivedi is a doctor by profession. Me and her, we are being  each other's support through all thick and thin.

She lost her husband and I lost my father when I was 15 years old. Being a doctor she knew that his cancer couldn't be cured but then she is also a wife and  that moment broke her down. She would have broken totally if it wasn't me. After my papa, I became her world and she became mine.

We are more like friends, she does being truly a mother in some stuff but then she is being more like a friend. Now when I have achieved whatever I wanted and lived a time more into my career, she has just one goal set in her mind and that is to see me married, to see me settled down in a good family. And to have so many grandkids that she have also planned their names too. Too much, yeah? But that's my mother for you.

Initially I was strictly against her this wish because in some way it was separating me from her but nonetheless with emotional blackmailing she managed to took that one promise.

I remember a year ago when I was denying everything related to marriage, she didn't had her food, medicines for a day. I had gone to office being angry from her and away from daily arguments of ours. When I returned,  our cook told me about maa's stubbornness.

I was worried sick at that time. I immediately took a plate of food and walked to her room that was fully dark. She never likes to be in darkness. I flinched in darkness being afraid but then i opened the lights. I saw her lying there on bed with her elbow covering her eyes. She asked me to go and switch off light but I didn't. I forced her to sit and when I looked at her, her eyes were filled with sadness and her usual charm was missing. She was looking so dull. I urged her to eat the food but she didn't.

She was adamant to change my decision. I explained to her my reasons but she just said 'won't you fulfil this wish of your father'. I looked at her and in her hopeful eyes. That question of her frozen me in the moment. Papa...my papa's wish? It was than I sidelined my wishes, stubbornness and nodded to whatever she wished for.

I gave her my words, whatever she wants, I will give her.

I gave her the promise that whoever she will choose, wherever she will want and whenever she want, I'll marry without any questioning. Listening to me the sparkle that lit in her eyes that in her beautiful smile was priceless. Indeed I can do anything for that. Beside my mother didn't ask me anything before that, that's the first time she wished and eventually I had to give in.

Listening to her I remembered now, she was talking about some businessman few weeks ago that she has chosen for me. She told me about him but I think I was buzy in some of my files. I just said 'okay' to whatever she asked for. Shit What all did I missed? No way I could accept this infront of my lioness maa.

"Maa maa maa Relax" I stopped her in between her rants, by holding her shoulder and made her sit down, beside me.

"What Relax you know we don't have tim..." she started but I hugged her tightly, laid my head on her shoulder, instinctly she had her hand on my cheek, caressing.

"Mum, don't worry." I assured her. "I am here only. You just take a deep breath."

"Ani--" she interrupted tried standing up but I pulled her back.

"Maa please, first take a deep breath and relax. Then we will talk" I rubbed her back and showed her myself, the breathing technique. "Come on  breath in, breath out."

When she was relaxed, I held her hand and have her a assuring and determined smile.

" Maa, don't worry it's just 6 a m. and we have our whole day. They must be coming in the evening so, we will start preparing food later on, firstly I'll do your shopping" She was about to say more but knowingly I cut her off, "and yes also collect the dress."

"How can we do all in a day. There is food, than cleaning and shopping and --"

"Maa, trust me, everything will be fine" I assured her and after looking  the seriousness I held, she nodded faintly. "You don't worry."

Listening to my prospect she seems to be finally relaxed, she nodded agreeing and then picking her pooja thaal went outside.

I can do it. Yes, I can, even though I hated this much shopping..,. I can entirely do it. Only 5 different places to shop.

Hell

••|••|••

Hitting the break pedal I unhooked my seat belt and collected all my stuff. Right now I m here infront of the largest mall of India which is also happened to be my favorite one. Breathing out deeply, I finally picked up my hand bag and moved out.

Come on Ani you can do it

Shopping is something unlike other people I am moody about it. I do whenever I like to  or more like whenever I need to and today I just came here for my maa.

Okay so I will first go for grocery shopping, then sweets shop and then lastly will pick up my dress. Flowers and other Vegetable shopping I have already done.

But...I frowned, looking frantically in my purse, where's the list now?

I hurriedly started searching for the list as I went  towards Reliance Fresh. I was searching  in my bag. I hope so I didn't left it at the home or in the car. If I again ask my maa she will surely gonna kill me....thud

I was searching for it when my fast treating figure hit hard to a hard wall. "Ouch"

I stumbled and my balance seems to be waving like a freaking jelly.

Did I just fallen down on the floor? No, but my bag surely has.

A moment later I realised there was a tight grip over my arms. Owner of that grip was this Man, not a wall, with an expensive pair of brown shades.

I looked at my bag, than at man, than at surrounding.  And than back at this fine fair, model look alike, handsome man. And then felt the heat of his skin, his palm on my arm, who just happened to save me from kissing down the floor.

He took his hand off me and immediately I stepped back at safe distance. I haven't even taken a breath of relief when I visibly gasped.

Holy freak

I saw his white crisped shirt... now actually ruined shirt, completely stained with that coffee of his.

He was caressing his shirt and then looking at me. Or staring at me. Or maybe glaring at me. Oh for god's sake who just roam around at mall in freaky sunglasses. But his angular jaw was clenched and he was exhaling like an angry bull so I assume he is maybe, angry. Right, angry.

And he should be

Shut up. My subconscious shook it's head giving me a that look.

I was just about to apologise when he stepped closer.

"Can't you use your eyes properly?" He shouted with his  jawline clenched even more with his anger, but his attitude stumbled me. His raising voice gained public's attention. Every eye near us now witnessing the show.

"Excuse me?" I stare at him dumbfounded and little flushed with the gaining public attention.

He tried to burn me with his gaze, eyebrows raised.  Thinking it to be chance to apologise I started, "Listen I apologise it's my mistake I just bumped into you--"

I was apologizing but no, he stared for a moment and than just ignored me, rudely. "Never mind"

He turned around, and picked up his phone and walked away.

He just walked out.

Just Like that

"Clumsy woman", I heard him cursing as he started going.

My mouth agape, in disbelief and at his tendency. How much rudeness is filled in this man? Here I am apologizing but no he is such a mannerless man. Being handsome and wearing such classy clothes doesn't give him license to be rude.

Such an ass.

All apologizing and guilty feeling ran out  far away window and I stomped my foot, glared that  hard, that a hole could burn into his back.

"Douchey jerk" I swear loud enough for him to hear  and then picked up my stuff.

I saw him stopped in his place and then turned towards me. He peered  at me and  I heard his phone ringing so he walked away muttering something.

 My mood got completely stomped by him.

Silly excuse of a man. I wish to never ever meet him again in this life. 

••|••|••

Done.

Finally, finally done with this big task.

I exhaled a long breath.  There are crease line tattooed on my palms with all the bags and accessories, I was holding.

Three  things right now I needed the most. Number one is food. I'm damn hungry.
Number two, sleep. Sleep.  And more sleep.
Number three,my maa's champi. If only I was lucky enough to get some. But sadly no chance today.

And did I mention the food? Yeah, that's the priority.

With all the shopping bags I walked in my house to found it fancily decorated.  Every corner looked like brushed up with her creativity. My mother, I saw, her buzy with the catering and managing all the things needed for the evening.

I don't understand why all this is required. It's simple meeting right? Why all this much preparation needed.

"Anii, I was waiting for you only. They will be coming in two hours. We don't have time. Now go and get ready fast."

As my mother turned to me, she said that in one breath...okay so it now goes like that - no food offering, no water asking.  I frowned, pouting and started obeying my mother as I thought later on after I will get ready then will eat my lunch peacefully.

As I came out of bathroom after taking the much needed hot shower  I felt damn relaxed. As I was drying my hair off, from corner of my eyes I saw my door opening and  I knew none in this house will come without knocking except my mother. 

She came with the plate of food and made me sit on the couch. She settled down, infront of me and started feeding me with her own hands. Like always. I loved it. I really do admire whenever my mom lovingly feeds me. I ate quietly and waited for her to say as her quietness does tell me, she really wants to talk me about something. But she is contemplated about it.

"How was your day Anii?" She asked instead this smilingly, while feeding me a morsel.

I chew quickly, before answering, "I had just been out for 3 hours maa." I exclaimed, "It was okay. You know I don't like shopping much so it was okay okay. But hell tiring." My inner self remembering how my mood got spoiled that time and muttered under my breath, 'and that jerk.'

I guess she catched on that, "Did someone misbehaved with you?" She  asked me pausing, before  again feeding me a morsel.

I shrugged and shook my head "No maa," I don't want her to worry anymore, "It's all okay. Don't worry"

She nodded but her face was telling me she does want to talk to me about something important.

"You tell me what you want to say?"
She looked at me before  taking a sigh, before she shook her head in a 'no'. She continued feeding me and once we are done, she kept the plate aside.

"Anii," she caressed my cheek and looked in my eyes with her brown ones with hope, admiration, proud. "you know you are our world beta. For me and your papa your happiness mattered the most."

I slowly nodded, looking away from her.

"No matter what, if he is physically also not present here, he is there for you Ani." She said and at mere mentioning of my papa, I remember his smile, his voice, his hugs and his hand on my head. It brings the pain my heart reminding strongly about our grave loss.

"What I want to tell you is that yes I forced you for this marriage thing. It was our dream to see you settled and as every parents would wish, we wanted a perfect groom for you. Specially your Papa's" She took a deep breath and looked at me with admiration, her hand on my arm bring my eyes to look at her. "Anika you gave me the promise that whenever, with whomever and wherever I will want, you will marry and I was happy to see your trust in me. But then today I want you to know it will be totally your decision lastly to whoever you want to marry.  I told you about this prospect but you never questioned me. Beta I just didn't want it for my sake only, I want your happiness too."

Her eyes were looking for mine for surety, for any complaint I had. But I do trust her. Whatever she will choose will be the best for me.

So, I smiled genuinely and held her both hand, "Maa I trust you, and trust me whatever you will choose for me I'll be happy."

She searched her answers in my eyes, on my face and I am sure she will only get the sincerity. Once assured she smiled and then nodded continuing, "Still I want you to know about them."

Curiousity piked in me. Now forgive a girl to be curious but this is my first time for meeting some prospect. I nodded for her to continue and a small smile played on her lips.

"This prospect was the one I was looking forward for you for the past few months. I found out it to be perfect for you and if god wishes that it will work out  well." A glow was there in her eyes, so much emotions and hope were there in her voice. It only piqued my curiosity as I knew for a fact when I said yes she had atleast gone with hundreds of prospects. So what's special in this one?

"He is the eldest grandson of one of my patient. An elderly woman, I told you about, Remember, Kalyani ji?" I nodded lightly, with a frown. Maa now and than talked about this elderly woman that she herself see her like her mother. She had told me about her dozen of time.  " He lives in a joint family-- with his dadi, badi maa bade papa and his cousins, his only sister."

"And his parents?" I asked.

With a sad smile she said, " It's sad that his parents died when he was in his early teenage."

I faintly nodded, a sad understanding holding inside me.

"Family is amazing, everyone respects and loves each other a lot. This I can tell you as I have been meeting his dadi from past few months for her regular checkup." She chuckled and held my hand in her and again with hope she said, "He seems to be perfect for you Anii. I know he will keep you so happy. He loves his family a lot and can do anything for them. I have once met him and saw him when he came with his dadi for hospital checkup and the way he was with her, I can just tell you Anika, he is a very nice person."

I nodded listening to her. My mother complimenting so much, that too a man. It's not that she hates them but she particularly doesn't get impressed so much easily.

Only one question arise inside me-  Is he the one for me?

"You didn't tell me what does he do?"

"Oh I didn't?" She questioned and  started collecting used plate and bowls from table, "Yeah, he is a businessman."

If he is a businessman, so I must know him.

"And what busi--"  I started enquiring about his field but she cut me off, waving off the question.

"And his name is Shivaay."

Saying so, maa went outside in hurry, leaving me all alone with confusion. Why do I feel fishy as if she is hiding something?

  'Shivaay'

I thought hard if I know such businessman with this name. Meanwhile all my thoughts vanished when Maa shouted, "Anii, get ready fast, they will be here in 15 minutes."

15 mints only

I stood up and searched for all the things I needed now. I unpacked the  attire that I just brought from the mall and gasped.

Isn't it too much for a meeting?  It's a long suit in bottle green color with a churidaar pajami and a designer chuni.  And maa just assured me it's nothing, but simple traditional kurti. But a heavy function like suit.

"Well played mom." I sighed looking at it's front and back. "Well played"

It's pretty but for a meeting it's way too much.  I just shrugged off my thoughts and got changed into this suite.

I am not a much of make up person. So simply applied  lipstick which is more of a tint and eyeliner. Thankgod, I went to saloon last week and my body is waxed, and there is not a moustache or animalistic eye brows  growing. I quickly set my hair, leaving them in natural waves and just wore my dupatta.

"Anii are you ready or not--"
I heard my maa coming towards my room and eventually stopped once she looked at me. She looked at me with  heartfelt  motherly expression, indicating she is too impressed with her smile.

I smiled looking at her asking, "How am I looking maa?"

She walked towards me, nodded. Though tried hide her emotional sniffling but I caught her. I shook my head meanwhile she let out a light chuckle.

"Like a princess" she whispered, just like my papa used to say. I blinked looking away from her.

Her hand I felt behind my ear, looking from corner of my eye, I knew she was putting a kajal. "Tujhe har buri nazar se bachaye."

She turned me to mirror's side and then searched for something in vanity box. A green bindi, she found that was missing on my look, she carefully put it between my eyebrows and then squeezed my shoulder.

"They are downstairs Anii, waiting for you." Holding my face in her palm, she asked calmly, "Are  you ready,  bacha?"

I don't know what to say but now I am feeling, a little bit nervous. Meeting like this, not knowing anything.  Is it normal to have this feeling?

I looked at maa and breathing out all tension and slowly nodded.

She took me down the stairs and  all way I kept my gaze downwards, to not trip from stairs and embarras myself. Once on last three stairs, I looked up the whole living room filled with peoples and their chatter filling up our silent home.

An elderly lady sitting on a sofa with two men on her either sides. One was looking like some college going boy with all that muscles. Other one was with long hairs who smacked muscle boy to which he made a grumpy face. I  wanted to laugh at his expressions but controlled.

Then there was middle aged couple probably looked like his bade papa and badi mummy, sitting on another sofa talking to each other. I frowned as his  bade papa looked so much familiar.

  With them a preety girl was sitting looking  nervous but nonetheless smiling at her brothers. Was the long hair man is Shivaay, because other one is too young.

"Shivaay isn't here", My mother answered my unasked question as we descended the stairs.

" I wasn't looking for him", I defended myself in a hushed tone.

She rolled her eyes, "Yeah yeah I know."

We walked to them and stood beside the sofa, nervously. Why the hell am I nervous?

Because you don't know what you have to do now, mocked my brain.

Immediately as my manners knocked me down I took blessings from dadi to which she smiled and wished me 'khush raho'. As I was about to touch his bade papa and badi mummy's feet, they stopped me.

"Betiyan paun nahi chooti", said middle aged man, I just smiled at his humbleness and nodded impressed.

Still, where did i saw him? Where? He is so so much familiar.

"Anika puttar" I turned to elderly woman, she has a small smile on her face, filled with her agedness of wrinkles. But a unique positive ora was surrounded by her, forcing me to just sit beside her listen to her experience about life.

"Ji dadi" I replied politely, while walking towards her.

"Come here puttar." She patted on her side of seat and than turned to muscled man,  "Rudra, you go sit there. Anika will sit here."

Rudra grumped something about how-he-is-youngest-so-had-to-listen-to-all, nevertheless he gave me a excited smile and moved to other side. I obliged to dadi and and sat there comfortably. 

"Hello," I heard from other side Rudra saying to me, " I am Rudra, u can call me Rudy also" he smiled brightly than mischievously pointed towards long hair guy, " and this lambe-baal-wala-prani is Om and you can call him anything you wish."

I couldn't help but smile brightly and amusingly to him. He forwarded his hand I shook mine with his. Then Om smacked his head. This time I chuckled. Softly.

"Hii," long hair gained my attention with his politeness, "he says anything. Don't give attention to his bakwaas." He  glaring at Rudra who was mumbling incoherently all his complaints under his breath, " By the way, I am Omkara, you can call me Om." Om gave me his polite smile and I return him the one of my own. This one looks mature, understanding and more of humble.

"Hii Om, I am Anika. It's nice to meet you both." Rudy grinned listening to me and Om just smiled.

"Chlo khotyo if you both are done so move. Now let me talk to Anika."
Listening to Dadi Om obliged with a nod and smile but Rudy pouted. Om just took his brother somewhere else.

Now Dadi and me was sitting alone here. I mean there are other peoples too but they are for time being buzy with each other. I saw maa she was with uncle and aunty, talking about something. Priyanka has gone out with her brothers.

"Anika, khub soni lag rahi hai tu puttar."
She complimented me while caressing my head with her love and care.

I gave her a small smile, "Shukriya dadi"

Now i don't actually know what to say or what she going to say but then I thought she won't eat you. So we will face whatever come in our way.

"Puttar, I understand these all things are new for you and right now you must be having thousand of thoughts." She spoke the exact thing I'm going through,  while taking my hand. She gave it a squeeze to make me comfortable and I did feel relaxed.

I looked raising my gaze at her and passed her a smile at her understanding. She is nowhere to be those strict type elderly women, she is as cool as us. Maa was right. With her clothes and face, anybody will assume her to be a strict lady but when you hear her, you'll know how compassionate she is.

Then she continued smilingly, "So firstly let me tell you about all people here. As you must be knowing I am Shivaay's dadi, here he is my elder son Tej and my bahu Jhanvi. You already have met with Om Ru and the girl was Priyanka," she nodded at the direction we could see trio brother sister talking in garden, " Shivaay's sister."

"Puttar, your mother told me about you a lot." She said and chuckled like a memory from past ran through her mind, "And I also saw you once when you came at our place."

When? I frowned. I couldn't remember. I thought but then she answer me to my unasked question.

"Diwali, it was Diwali party two months ago. When your assistant couldn't come to deliver our dresses, you yourself came."

Diwali party

I can vaguely remember. But than if I have gone...

Wait

Wait a freaking second

My body froze with realisation and just inhaled sharply. Diwali party was at...noway they are...

Diwali party

It's when we have to deliver the designer dresses to one of royal family, Oberoi's. And I personally had gone to deliver there.  To ensure everything went alright. My feet went to tap drill in floor, somehow noticing at time I stopped myself. 

I remember it. I so remember it. Clearly.

Are they the one I am thinking they are!

My eyes widened and all horses of my mind ran. It clicked.

Of course they are!

Otherwise why would his bade papa look as so much familiar.

My gaze went to him. From newspaper and television, the famous businessman himself was sitting here, in front of me, in my living room.

One and only famous industrialist Tej Singh Oberoi.

He is everywhere, daily in newspapers, magazines, on telly. I am surprised there is no noise coming from outside our door for journalists and reporters.

The Oberois. 

The very Oberois.

Oberois who are internationally ranked  on top in whole Asia. The big businessman. The one and only.

Why, pray, didn't I know that my alliance is going to fix here. Maa intentionally hided from me. She knew how much I despise these super-rich people. 

And Shivaay.

Shivaay... he is the great Shivaay Singh Oberoi. Who doesn't know him? The arrogant, egoistic, proudy Shivaay Singh Oberoi. One  of the most eligible bachelor in this country.  Though he is the youngest c.e.o., a talented one and no one has seen him much. His identity is recently revealed and I missed his picture before but still I heard he is very cruel. In business world everyone knows him.  Realization dawned upon me and why mom thinks he is perfect for me? Why  she wants me to end up with him? That arrogant man!

"So he is the Shivaay Singh Oberoi."
I said being perplexed in a daze. It took me a moment to realise I was breathing too slowly. And the way I said...

Oh.  I didn't mean to sound like that, specially to his dadi. I don't know what she must be thinking about me right now?  Dadi must have looked at my face so she gently patted my palm.

"Yes he is. I assume you didn't know  he being an Oberoi." She asked and I faintly nodded. "Your mother must have not told you."

That's the question, why wouldn't she tell me about this?

"Anika what you are thinking is not true about Shivaay. He is not what media shows or world talks. He is...He is a very good person at heart Anika. Believe me, my Shivaay is like a coconut, as much as he is hard from outside, he is being that much soft at his heart."

So he doesn't just snatch the contracts from others? Or he doesn't fire his employee every next day? Or he doesn't humiliate even the businesswomen? Are they only rumours? Come on, even fire is being held through a spark.

"Puttar I know what image he have outside but trust me he isn't like that. All I am asking you to give him a sincere chance Anika." She requested genuinely, it can be seen in her eyes her love for her grandson.
"Will you give him a chance puttar?"

Dadi asked me and I could see her truthful and hopeful eyes. I thought for a while.

She is true, as in personally I haven't met him and also don't know how is he really. I shouldn't judge him on the basis of these media and news people.  I am actually surprised to see being Oberois also, they are down to earth people. Indeed their royalty reflects in their way and choices but nonetheless they are very humble and kind persons. Atleast till now.

I thought for a while than looked at hopeful eyes of dadi. I smiled at her, ensuring with a small nod.

She gave me her generous smile. Then she looked from me to other side and her face beamed with even more happiness.

"Le puttar, Shivaay  has also arrived."
Dadi said gaining all the attention in the hall and I won't lie to say that I m not curious but I am to see him. I heard how he had a great female fan following. I have heard rumours how this young bachelor looks handsome.

However handsome he is, he is rich also. And rich guys do have a rich and mt Everest size ego. But his dadi and family is so good. So maybe he is also...

Against my own thinking, I immediately looked at the entrance side but couldn't see the face.

Everyone else head was coming in between and here I can't even look more up. Doesn't want to look that desperate. And I'm not that desperate.

But once I saw his face, just a glimpse, a chance to see him in different light crashed. I gasped looking at the person who  entered our house just now.

'Nooo' My mind shrieked and I was too dumbstruck to react.

He is Shivaay Singh Oberoi? This Person is!

I immediately closed my mouth before anyone could notice me and looked at him. I don't how he is gonna react after seeing me.

Is he really.... belong to this nice family?

Unlike others, he was in his black suit- black court opened and inside slim fitted black shirt complimented with black pants he had. Just like his soul.  Upper two buttons on his shirt were unbuttoned, giving a view of his fair chest and neck. He had shiny black shoes, all black yet looking all devilish handsome and I would be lying if I said he isn't looking hot and attractive but he is.

Damn

He had his hair perfectly gelled, making him look more sphasticated and...good.  He has light subtle on his cheeks which is enhancing his jawline even more. He has a very fair skin, height tall and his body was lean yet muscular.

Should it be possible to look this much handsome?

I mean you can tell that he was flawless in his looks and that boozes his confidence aloud. But that's where his attractiveness ends. He stared at me with his blue eyes and I was already locked with his. Not at all dream like stare, which he often would have received.  He was also bit taken aback with me as I was.  If I wasn't noticing him closely so could missed his surprised reaction. He immediately turned his expression neutral.

He is the last person I expected to be here as the only problem is he is the none other than the, 'Douchy Jerk' from mall.

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EXTRA