Part 28

Manorama entered her niece's room. Saachi is reading some novel while Praachi is doing something in her laptop.

"What are you both doing ?"asked Manorama.

Both the sister's looked up at her.

"Nothing Bua" said Saachi, " I am just reading a novel"

Manorama came and sat beside Saachi, took Saachi's hand into hers.

"Saachi, I have raised you like a mother. Isn't it ?? Did I ever made you feel like taking granted." Asked Manorama.

"No Bua. What are you talking ?? You really raised us with lot of love.. For me, you are my mother" said Saachi.

Manorama felt happy hearing it.

"Then, Will you do whatever I ask ?"asked Manorama.

"Haan Bua. What do you want me to do ??"asked Manorama.

" I want you to participate in the Raizada bride choosing ceremony and marry Arnav" said Manorama.

"Bua!!" said Saachi shocked hearing what Manorama said.

"Bua. Do you even know what you are saying ??"asked Praachi.

"Haan Praachi. I know what I am saying. I want you both in front of my eyes always. That is why I thought you both to get married to Arnav and Akash. In that case, you both will be in front of me. But Sasumaa made Arnav marry Meera and Akash loved Payal. " Said Manorama then turning to Saachi, " Saachi. I know you are hurt by the two rejections.. But please for the last time, give me a chance. What is your decision ?"

Saachi is confused not knowing what to say.

"No. My answer is No." said Praachi making both Manorama and Saachi flabbergasted, " I don't want Di to hurt again"

Manorama and Saachi understood what Praachi meant.

"But Praachi beta, this is the last time." Said Manorama.

" This might be last time Bua, but my Di always gets hurt. I know how much she cried when she faced those rejections, Stop giving her false hopes" said Praachi.

Manorama stood there with guilt ridden face.

Seeing this Saachi said, " Stop it Praachi. Don't blame Bua unnecessarily. She loves us. So, she did all these.", then turning to Manorama, " Bua. As you said, I will participate in the ceremony. But this will be last time"

Manorama nodded her head and kissed Saachi's forehead. Praachi left from there frustrated.

After One Week:

Today is the engagement ceremony of Akash and Payal. Only close acquaintances and village people are invited as marriage will be held in grand manner.

Garima, Shashi and Madhumathi entered Payal's room. Payal stood up seeing her parents and Bua.

"Amma. How is jiji looking ?"asked Khushi.

The trio looked at Payal who is decked up with red and green color lehenga looking beautiful.

"Beautiful!!" said Garima, came near Payal and held her chin, " I didn't realize when you grew up"

"Girls grew up so quickly" said Madhumathi.

"My Payal is looking soo beautiful today" said Shashi.

"That credit goes to me No one are praising me for my hard work" said Khushi with a pout.

"My daughter is the world's best sister" said Shashi hugging side ways.

"Thanks Papa" said Khushi smiling.

"Ok. Let's go downstairs Shashi" said Madhumathi, "We should be there when guests arrive"

Agreeing with Madhumathi, Shashi and Garima left instructing Khushi to bring Payal when they will give her a call.

After sometime, Anjali along with Saachi and Pari came into the room. She looked at Payal from head to toe.

"You are looking beautiful Payal" said Anjali.

"Thanks Anjaliji" said Payal with a smile.

"Now, it's time. Shall we move ??" asked Anjali.

Payal nodded her head smiling nervously.

"Feeling nervous ??"asked Anjali.

Payal didn't said anything.

Anjali took Payal's hands in hers, " Don't feel nervous Payal. I know you are going to start new life and I assure your life will be with full bed of roses. My brother and this whole family loves you. Enjoy every moment of this day. Don't let this slip away. We are all with you"

Payal got some assurance and energy hearing it. She took a heavy breathe and relaxed herself.

"Shall we move now ?" asked Anjali while Payal agreed with a smile. Four members left from there.

While going towards hall, Khushi remembered she forgot her mobile.

"Oh jiji. I Forgot my mobile in the room. I will bring it. You people go" said Khushi.

Payal nodded her head and the trio left to downstairs while Khushi went towards her room.

Khushi went into the room, took her mobile and rushed out of the room to go downstairs.

Arnav, who was in client's call until then came rushing cursing the client for making delay.

Both of them are in their own world to notice the other person and bumped into each other.

Khushi was going to fell down but Arnav held her by waist. She closed her eyes in fear of falling.

Arnav looked at her surprised and mesmerized by her beauty. This is the first time he is looking her soo close. He observed her eyes, her little nose, those tiny pink lips which were shining with the lip gloss, her tender neck. He was soo lost in her beauty.

Khushi, on the other hand, feeling that she is in someone's hands opened her eyes slowly. She looked at Arnav who is lost in her. She too was lost in those chocolate brown eyes which are showing appreciation.

Arnav looked at Khushi who opened her eyes. He looked at her deep hazel brown eyes lost in them.

Looking into her eyes, Arnav got the flashes of his dream where the eyes of girl are full of sadness and pain.

Arnav closed his eyes, jerked and came out of his dream making Khushi too alert of this posture. She came out of Arnav's arms..

"Thank you" stammered Khushi and ran from there leaving a confused Arnav.

When they came downstairs, everyone admired Payal and she is led to the stage where Akash is waiting for her.

"Beautiful" said Akash with tone only Payal can hear.

Payal blushed hearing it.

Soon, the engagement party started.. Elderly priest performed some puja before exchanging rings and then blessed them.

After the rings were exchanged, family members and the villagers poured out their wishes for the couple by going on to the stage.

Arnav is talking with the elders of the village when his mobile rang. He excused from them and came aside to take the call.

After completing the call, he was going when he saw Khushi and Nk in some deep conversation. He got curious and went near to them so that he can hear what they are talking.

"Seriously NK, I never thought Mrs. Sinha will be soo beautiful." Said Khushi.

"Yeah Khushi. You are seeing her for the first time. She doesn't likes to attend the parties unless the host is close to the family" said NK.

"Mr. Sinha is lucky to have such a beautiful wife" said Khushi.

"Mr.Sinha is no less handsome person Khushi. See today, how hot he is looking" said NK.

Arnav looked at the fat bellied Sinha who is grinning to someone making him cringe. He is nowhere handsome.

"I don't think so NK" said Khushi.

"OK.. Your taste is different. But today have you seen ASR ? Oh God. He is looking damn handsome. I wish I was born as a girl. The girl whom he is going to marry is really lucky." Said NK.

Arnav gulped hearing it and his eyes widened.. He remembered NK's confession to some Lisa that he is gay.

"God!! Where am I stuck ?" thought Arnav.

" Leave today's happenings. Let's discuss about tomorrow's Sangeet. We have to win at any cost" said Khushi.

"Yeah Khushi. You are right. We have to defeat the Raizadas in Sangeet tomorrow." Said NK.

"That won't happen" said Arnav making them aware of his presence.

Both Khushi and NK turned towards him.

Arnav and Khushi remembered their previous encounter sometime back and felt embarrassed to face each other.

"Why ASR ?"asked NK bringing them out of their awkwardness.

"Because I am saying so.. Only groom's side have to win tomorrow" said Arnav.

"Is it written in any constitution that only groom's side will win ?" asked Khushi raising her eyebrows.

"Yes. In Arnav Singh Raizada's constitution" answered Arnav.

Khushi rolled off her eyes while NK gave 'Oh.. Is it ?' look to Arnav.

"Mind my words. Tomorrow only groom's side will win" said Arnav and was going but Khushi stopped him.

"Mind my words too Mr.Raizada.. Tomorrow bride's side will win. Get ready to lose" said Khushi with confident voice.

"Let's see." Said Arnav.

"Let's see then" said Khushi both of them standing face to face challenging each other and went towards opposite direction.

Thanks to those who have all voted and commented on previous updates.