Sonakshi's POV

The preparations were going on in full-swing. It was already five thirty in the evening and still the house was in a mess. I was helping set up some last minute things.

"Divya! Did the food caterers come and organise the food in the backyard?" I asked our family Chef, fretting over the fairy lights hung along the stairs.

"Yes Ma'am!" She exclaimed, giving me an affirmative nod.

I headed upstairs to my room for last minute make-up touches. The ghagra choli was looking nice but I hope the others also like it. It was light sea greenish blue in colour with an off-shoulder blouse with leaves done in intricate golden design work and a thin golden border on the dupatta which made it appear all the more rich and elegant. 

My hair was left open as I preferred a natural look with basic make-up. I looked at myself in the mirror and just wondered whether today will be any different or the same old parties? Will I ever meet someone who will truly appreciate me not only for my looks but my inner beauty too? Or does the world consist of guys only like him?

I was cut off from my current thoughts as Maa called me downstairs. I rushed down while hoping that she didn't suspect anything.

"Haan Maa? Kya hua? Arey waah aap toh bohut sundar lag rahe ho! This colour totally suits you. (Yes mom? What happened? OMG your looking gorgeous!)" I marvelled.

I knew she would look beautiful in red with intricate gold designs. She looked like a goddess. I'm glad she liked it, but of course she would, it was designed by her favourite designers. 

"Thankyou Sona beta, just wanted to ask, is Elena ready? Because your Baba is all set, see there he is, playing with baby Arohi. Oh, she is looking so cute," Maa told me, pointing towards Arohi who had a cute pink bow on her head.

"Elena is almost done, she'll be down in ten minutes. Did the caterers get everything ready in the backyard?" I asked her back.

"Yes, if you want you can check it for yourself," she replied, as I saw Dada and Amaya bhabhi coming down the stairs.

"I'm so glad you could make it bhabhi, and you too Dada. Finally I can meet Arohi, hope you both faced no issues while coming here."

"Meri Sona kitni badi hogayi hai! How are you doing, Sona, and where are Ellie and Jatin? (My Sona has grown up so much!)" Saurabh Dada asked me, glancing around the mansion.

"Arey, we had a lovely journey till here, Sonakshi. And Arohi has also been waiting for the day she could finally meet all of you, she was really excited and so were the both of us." Amaya bhabhi replied back with a warm smile.

"Great! Then I'll go and meet baby Arohi. Oh, and by the way dada, Jatin will be coming with his parents, though he has helped me alot with the preparations and Ellie will be down- look! There she is!" I told them, pointing towards Ellie's direction, who was walking as if she were walking down the aisle of a fashion show.

"Jatin helped you alot, huh Sona?" He questioned, raising his eyebrows. Then he started chuckling at the glare I gave him and pulled me into a hug. "Okay, okay, I won't tease you."

I went over to Arohi and carefully picked her up in my arms, "aww, aren't you so cute? And this pink dress looks so pretty on you! You've grown so much, you'll be one year old very soon and we'll be having a grand party," I whispered to her, pinching her cheeks, while she started babbling to me.

"Saurabh dada, looks like Arohi has gotten all the good features from her mommy and I'm glad for that!" Laughing, I gave Arohi back to my Baba. I gestured towards the backyard and quickly slid away from Saurabh and Ellie's bickering, before they stopped me to choose a side. Really, they still argue like when we were kids.

I was walking quickly towards the garden-slash-backyard, when I collided with someone hard and a few papers went flying out of said person's hand, "Dekh ke nahi chal sakte kya? Agar dhang se chalne ki tameez na ho toh, ghar pe hi baitho na!"(Can't you watch where you're walking? If you don't know how to walk properly, sit at home only!)

The guy in front of me was looking perplexed and scared, he was staring at me with wide eyes,"Ma'am, I'm really sorry, it was an accident, I wasn't watching where I was going."

Well, obviously he wasn't or else he wouldn't have crashed into me. Or was it my fault? Maybe fifty-fifty, both of our faults. But I wasn't about to just admit that infront of him.

He took a deep breath, "I'm just a little lost, would you have any idea in which direction I could find the backyard?"

He looked like a pretty well-to-do guy, who was looking really charming in the black tuxedo suit he had worn. He also had an apologetic smile on his face and my face softened at this, "Okay, okay, it's alright, but next time, make sure you watch your step! And as for the backyard, follow me, I'm going over there too."

I didn't know his name, but he seemed kind and cordial enough. He followed me without wasting time, and asking silly stupid questions, unlike other men who I've come across. "Here you go, The Backyard," I stated, emphasising that particular word, giggling slightly, which I hardly ever did unnecessarily.

I looked around at all the decorations and found that everything was already properly organised, including the food. I turned around to head back in and saw that same confused guy in a black tuxedo suit talking to some girls, and then he burst out laughing on hearing something funny, I think.

Oh my, his laugh is sooo...I don't know...deep and rich...oh Sona, what are you thinking! I couldn't believe myself, still thinking about that unknown charming guy.

Ughhh...I seriously don't know what's gotten into me today, all those foolish thoughts about that stupid guy, I thought to myself while unknowingly, gazing at him. I was brought out of my musings, when Elena started calling my name and I tore my eyes away from him and sprinted back inside towards the living area.

I was immediately able to spot Jatin and his parents, along with whom I saw many more guests get welcomed in by Amaya Bhabhi and Dada. Mr. and Mrs. Roy went over to where my parents were standing and started talking with them amicably.

"Oho Jatin, looking very dashing huh!" I complimented him, giving him a side hug.

"I bet all the girls are going to enjoy looking at you today dude!" Saurabh Dada grinned and slapped him on the back.

"Oh, finally Saurabh Dadu, so good to meet you after so long. How're you doing? Business and all good? I must say Sona, your home is totally lit up today." He said, winking in my direction.

I simply gave him a small nod and watched both Dada and Jatin go off chatting with each other. I turned around to admire the decorated mansion myself and found that it looked truly mesmerising.

The stairway had been laden with bright white and yellow fairy lights hung over the railings. On one side of the hallway, there were round tables with satin tablecloths placed around for the guests, and on the other side there were chairs arranged in an orderly manner for the chief guest, followed by those for the family and guests. In the centre of the floor, there was a clearing made for dancing, in a similar manner to a ballroom. There was a sweet melody drifting through the busy atmosphere, where people were exchanging their greetings.

I weaved my way through the crowds of champagne-baring waiters over to where my parents and the Roy's were gossiping about business, people and who knows what else. I quietly listened in on their conversation,"That's some great hearty news you've given us, Sushmita! Finally, oh we're so glad and I'm sure Jatin would've been happy too on hearing this, right?" I heard my mother commenting excitedly on something.

"Ofcourse, Asha ji, it's confirmed this time, we're now back in India for good. And yes, Jatin was the happiest when finding this out." Uncle Devesh replied back. So, they finally declared that they're back for good, about time too.

•••

"Good Evening Ladies and Gentlemen! It's really great to see you all here, for not only my retirement party, but also for my wife's success as an author! So I'd like to call upon the stage, Miss. Meghna Pant, a famous writer and speaker." I heard my Baba start the evening with his basic introduction speech and with the surprise for Maa.

I can see the disbelief on her face as her mouth was in an 'o' shape, as Miss. Pant went onto the stage to speak a few motivational words. She ended her speech by congratulating Maa on her success of becoming a well-renowned Indian author and handed over the mike to Maa.

Confused and shock evident on her face, she looked over the crowd of people once again before starting, "H-hello everyone present today over here. I am extremely stunned and have no words to express what I'm feeling right now. This is one of the best surprises I've received in my entire life till now. First of all, meeting Miss. Pant and now standing here in front of you all as a successful author, which I'd always dreamt of doing one day."

She paused, taking in a breath of air, "I would like to thank all my children who organised this little success party for me - Sona, Elena, Jatin and Saurabh. I would also like to thank my husband, Mr. Bijoy Bose without which this wouldn't have been possible. He has been my support all this time, helping me even when I failed repeatedly. Lastly I would like to thank all of you present here for believing in me, for believing that I'm capable enough of achieving this." She thanked everyone and gave a small bow.

We all gave a loud round of applause, some even cheering on. It was already seven thirty in the evening and I was growing hungry. The aroma of food from the backyard was making my mouth water. So as soon as I saw a waiter pass by with a plate full of spring rolls, I immediately took one and put it in my mouth. Mmm, it was yummy..? No, amazing...delectable. I had never tasted rolls like this one.

I was moaning, it was that good. I had to tell Maa about it. And so I went over to her, where I found her talking to a lady the same age as her in a peacock blue saree. "Uhm..ahem, excuse me?"

"Maa, did you taste the food, it's amazing! Did you know Jatin organised it? Never knew he could do something so perfectly." I told her, chuckling softly.

"Yes Sona beta, that's what I was telling my friend Ishwari over here. She is the owner of the catering services Jatin asked for. Really, Ish, this is truly mouth-watering. Hope you are doing all fine, haven't met you since a long time, and what about your son..Dev, wasn't it?"

I slowly left them alone, so they could talk in peace. While I was going the other way, someone walked right into me and I lost my balance and was about to hit the floor, when a pair of strong arms held me.

Third person POV

Ishwari Dixit was talking with her long time friend, Asha Bose and congratulating her. Ishwari was really proud of her friend for achieving so much and coming so far in life.

They were talking about their children, "Hmm, yes, I'm just worried about Dev, you see he got engaged recently, and I'm not too sure about his fianceé. She acts like she's the queen of the world. Plus, Dev doesn't even have a job yet, so how will he take care of her? Only love can't handle a relationship. And I'm not sure whether she even loves him. Plus, her father seems familiar to me."

"You don't need to worry about the job part, Jatin has been looking for a software developer for his smartphones. And Dev has worked in the software field right? So I'm sure he can help design everything. As for the girl, just relax Ishwari, all will be fine. If you think the girl isn't fine for him, then talk with Dev about it, your doubts. And if you already know her father, then it's a good thing right?" Asha tried calming Ishwari down.

"Asha, you're always there for me. Really thankyou. I appreciate your offer, I'll talk to Dev about this. It seems you're right, I will just have to talk with her father to sort out everything, I guess." Ishwari put her hands together in a namaste pose.

"Mrs. Bose! Asha ji!"

"I think you should go and entertain your other guests now, we can catch up later too." Ishwari told her, Asha giving her a smile in return for understanding.

•••

Sona's POV

Someone held me in their arms while I found myself lost in their eyes. Those innocent, coffee brown eyes. We both were gazing at each other intensely. I held onto his party jacket in a firm grip, as I felt if I let go I'd fall down to my knees. There was something in his eyes, some unknown emotion...that look.

Someone pushed me up in a standing position and helped me regain my balance. Oh no, it was the same guy from earlier. "Miss, I'm so sorry, I didn't see you quite there." He said sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck.

I huffed angrily, "Hmmff, it's you again! I told you, didn't I? Why can't you watch where you're walking, so careless, I can't believe it?! I've never seen a guy so clumsy and stupid in my life, plain ridiculous!"

"I'm really sorry. If you don't mind, can I ask you for a dance? Everyone's looking at us.." He stated, pointing at the others who were now staring at me a bit too closely.

The nerve of that guy, who even asks for a dance this soon?! Oh but nevermind, there were some guests looking at us weirdly more like at me wondering why I was yelling my head off. I took in a deep breath, glared at those aunties giving me looks and then looked at him, "okay, fine! But you'd better make it worth my time or else!" I took his hand in my own, with the other on his shoulders, while he put his other on my waist and again I found myself lost in him as I stared at him.

There was something about his eyes, which made him different from other men, that arrogant look was missing. Oh..how I want to touch that soft jet-black hair of his and mess it up, or maybe those red rosy lips waiting for me to...claim them. Wait..what the hell am I thinking about! He's just like him, hiding behind this mask of confusion!

"Ahem, hello?"

Someone cleared their throat,"oh yes? I'm Sonakshi Bose and you are?"

"I am Dev Dixit...Bose..means this is your home, isn't it?"

"Yes, of course. It's a pleasure meeting you Mr. Dixit. You wouldn't happen to be related to Ishwari Dixit would you?"

"She's my Maa. It's good to meet you too and I must say you're looking totally gorgeous today."

I thanked him with a blush on my cheeks. I didn't know what had gotten me so giddy, but I just ignored it infront of him. "Congrats to your mom and even to you, I've heard alot about you, you're pretty much the youngest woman CEO in India, right? That too in the field of Nutrition? Nice achievements, but can't say the same about me and please call me Dev."

"Thank you, thank you Mr- oh nevermind, Dev!" We danced and talked for a while, getting to know about each other's siblings and work. I felt pity for him. He had no job and was miserable worrying over it. I should help him out. Our lives were so different from each other, it's like we lived in separate worlds. He had three younger sisters, out of which he said two of them considered me their role model.

On the other hand, while we were so busy in our own world, everyone was finishing up with their dinner and were preparing to leave. Maa thanked all her friends for coming, while Baba thanked his business associates and showed them the way out. Only Mr. Gujral stayed behind.

Seeing Mr. Gujral reminded me of Natasha, his daughter who was also my one and only best friend apart from Jatin but he was more like a brother to me. I wonder where Natasha was, in all my haste with the preparations, I completely forgot about her.

Before I could excuse myself from Dev to go looking for Nats, I saw some nosy relatives advising my mother that I should get married soon and the time had come, blah blah. I overheard some of them suggesting that I should marry Jatin, and that we look like a sweet and perfect couple together. Ugh...can't they keep their dirty, interfering noses out of my love life! Everytime they talk about me getting married, it's really annoying and plus to Jatin - eww, he's like a brother to me, that would be incest. This is not the game of thrones.

Slowly, everyone started leaving and the only ones remaining were the Gujrals, Roys and the ICS caterers. Dinner arrangements were once again the best and before that Dev guy left, I thanked him for the catering service, but he only said that it was all his mother's magic and that I should thank her. I assured him that I'd help him get him a job, but he didn't seem to believe me much about it.

I was also very tired, my feet were hurting. By now, everyone had left, and Saurabh Dada and Amaya bhabhi were planning on retiring to bed, as Arohi had also fallen asleep. I quietly hurried over to them and so did Elena,"Bhabhi, we hope you will be spending this Christmas in India, plus Arohi's first birthday will also come soon."

"Yes, we've already decided to stay here till New Year's, so don't worry Sona and just go to sleep. You look exhausted, no doubt you were totally busy today. And you too, Ellie, off to bed," she told us off.

But before I could go upstairs to my room, I met with Natasha, "Where were you Nats? I hardly saw you at all today. Is everything alright?"

She nodded absentmindedly, and I had to grab her shoulders to bring her out of her stupor. Nats looked like the dead, like a zombie, "Sona, I am so worried. I made a big mistake."

"Hey, what's the matter?"

"Papa will never forgive me for this, I need to go before any more harm is done..." she shrugged my hands off her shoulders and started walking away.

I walked in front of her forcing her to come to a stop, "please Sona, I'll tell you everything tomorrow. Today, I can't," she pleaded.

"Fine, but tomorrow I will hear no excuses. I want to know the whole thing. And don't worry, you know I will always be there for you na?"

I bid Natasha goodnight, waiting for her to carefully go back home in her car and then headed upstairs to my room. I quickly changed and as soon as I hit the bed, I fell asleep with the thoughts of a handsome guy in a black suit swirling in my mind and dreams. 

•••
So guys I hope you all liked this chapter, please comment, share and give your feedback!

Finally Dev and Sonakshi met, did you like their scene? Why do you think Sona doesn't trust Dev or any other guy?

Now, from next week onwards, I'll be giving weekly updates, so stay tuned. There's just been too much going on in my life recently, so I decided to take a break from Wattpad and writing in general.