CHAPTER-1

MAITHILI

"GOOD MORNING BHAIYYU", i chirped to my sweet big brother who from the last 20 minutes was trying to wake me up. Upon seeing me up, he went away muttering something about my future husband, but who cares....

My name is Maithili Vyas. I am 26 years old and pursuing Ph.D in Strategy and Entrepreneurship. I finished my exams in last week and was chilling with my friends till yesterday until my brother showed up at my apartment this morning. Usually he brings Dadu with him but this time he came alone saying he wanted to escape from his marriage talks and all.. Oh sorry, I was introducing myself. Let's continue that at first.....                                                                                                    I am from an upper middle class family. My Dad and Dadu(Adhiraj Vyas and Shaurya Vyas) handle our business along with my brother(Dhruv Vyas). Whereas my Mom(Gayatri Vyas) is owner of  some foundation and Dadi(Malini Vyas) is a housewife. My brother lives with my family back in India whereas I stay her in Melbourne for my studies. Dhruv is 29 years old and is ready to be hanged.... i mean is ready to get married. That's why he is here to save his ass from all the ladies back at home, who got wonderful proposals for him. Our family loves both of us a lot, but since I'm younger one, they care for me much more. Dad and Dadu always support me when I have a fight with Dhruv but Mom and Dadi support Dhruv but only when he is correct. We are very close to each other and I miss him too much. I didn't get to see him for the past 6 months, but we FaceTime everyday. I didn't get to call him him for the past 1 month and he lands here to see me. So much love right.... And that's because he needs me to save him from those aunty's.

"Sona" my brother snapped me out of my thoughts and asked me about my exams. I told him that I had done well and it's still one year to finish my studies and I'll will be joining him in our family business.

"Brother. Why is Mom calling you again and again??" I finally asked him since he was ignoring Mom's calls.

"Sona, you don't know. These days Mom and Dadi are acting weird. Whenever they will see me, they will p[ounce on me with various proposals and to top that we have our friend's Mom's....." I laughed at his expense and he just glared and pulled me with him to the sofa in the living room.

"Bhai you have to marry someday or other then why not now...." I asked him as to why was he avoiding the topic. He is 29 years old and is good looking , charmer and all. On saying so, color drained from his face and he engulfed me in his embrace and patted my hair.

"Sona, you know right how well you are with your health. And if I get married then who will look after you. Atleast, the day your husband comes, we have to keep that as a secret. You know right Mom and others don't know about this....." Oh so this was all for me. But he can't wait for me, he has a life of his own and someday he has to overlook me for them.

"Bhai, whatever it is we will deal accordingly. But I want a Bhabhi who will take care of you as you care for me." I told him and he was thinking for a comeback when I continued.

"Bhai, it's ok that you are worried for me but we should think about our family right. They have so many dreams about your marriage and all. Besides we will have your wife to look after me and all....." I explained him. He thought for a while not before he smiled for my answer.

"Awww, my baby sister is all big and now I have to start searching for a better groom for her." He teased me. Wow, like "Aaa baila mujhe maar". 

"No bhai, first you then me as you are big and I'm your baby sista right....." I tries to pursue him. And he like the good brother he is pulled my cheeks and left saying will inform Mom that we are coming tomorrow.

"Wait, tomorrow means we have to leave like right now......" I looked at him and he was smiling devilishly.

"Yes, Princesa we are leaving now after I end the call and no need to pack your stuff as I have already done that and yes your friends are also coming....." Wow, so much for helping him. Now my holidays are at stake. Surely Mom and Dadi will try to lock me in kitchen.... Beta Maithili now no escape from the war "Kitchen Affairs"

In no time Bhai came back and led us to the airport. Soon the plane took off and after having dinner and talking about current affairs at home I dozed off.

When I woke it was like 10:30p.m, the other day and I was cocooned in the warmth brought by Bhai's arms as he was carrying me to our car. When I tried to move, he glared at me and told me to sleep. Wow such a caring brother, I have. Apart from those brother-sister banters, he is a kind soul who couldn't think of any harm reaching us.

I might have dozed off after that because when I woke I found myself in my royal blue coated walls of my room.

Soon I  got freshen up and was ready to meet my family......

"So our princess is finally awake" Mom chirped as soon as she saw me descending the stairs.

"Mom, its due to jet lag and even Bhai is not here" I whined back.

"I'm here, Sona" He came from back and pulled me towards the dining table.

I went towards Dadu and Dadi and took their blessings.

"So how were your exams, Sona" asked Dadu.

"Rocking as usual Dadu" I replied cheerfully.

"So now that you are on vacation help me and your Mom to find a bride for your Bhai." said Dadi happily.

"Not again.... Dadi... Mom..... I want to spend sometime with you guys." Whined my big brother. And all laughed. He huffed and gruffed for few moments and the he burst out laughing with us. Must say a weird masterpiece for a brother. 

Then I took blessings from Mom and Dad and sat besides Bhai for breakfast.

"Princesa, now that you are to start with your second year....." asked Dad. I nodded and that's when all of our friends came along.

"Okay, now stop with your professional talks and let's think about Dhruv's marriage.

"So... That you guys are hellbent in marrying me this year. I'm ready for it but....." He was cut short by my Mom's hug. She immediately got up and tackled Bhai in her hug and Bhai was looking at me with puppy eyes. So I freed both of them and Mom sat besides us.

"So I was saying that I will agree only if the bride is approved by Sona and then by me. Is that okay with you guys" Bhai dropped the bombshell. And everyone was like...

"WHAT!!!" 

And me being the child as all say choked on my juice and spilled it on my dress......

"Woah..... Sona what a comeback to Dhruv's words" said Varun Ahluwalia as in my brother's best friend. And all were laughing at my expense when he was hit by his sister Sejal Ahluwalia.

"Cool sista" I waved at Sejal. And she winked my way whereas Varun Bhai just shrugged it off.

"So that now everything is sorted. Let's have breakfast." Mom stated and everyone just nodded and took seats.

"Awesome aunty.... Your handmade food is divine...... Delicious....... Yummy........" comments were heard over the table and we all enjoyed a joyous dinner.