The air was blowing her hair but was failing in refreshing her mind. Preeta was so much forced by herself to think about his words.

This broken heart will swell with happiness and pride when you'll be my bride.

How could someone be so stub born? Preeta had always thought his love as an obsession. It was stuck in her mind that Karan was mad at her because she could be the only girl who had rejected him. Preeta had even thought once if his love was actually 'love'. But how could it be possible?

He was rich, handsome, popular and so much deserving than her. She had always thought of herself as a middle class, shy, introvert girl. How could someone so elegant like Karan could be mad in true love with her?

Preeta shut her eyes to destroy these type of thoughts. It wasn't true love at all. Moreover, Karan was nowhere to be called a good guy. He was arrogant, dominant and mean. Someone kindhearted like herself could never spend her whole life with someone cruel like him.

Preeta groaned in annoyance. Her head was laid on the car window as she was enjoying the air blowing. But instead of feeling peace and relaxation, she was thinking about that Karan only. His words, his threats, his actions, everything related to him had occupied her mind.

Now even when she was going to her home back in Chandigarh to meet the boy who had been selected by her parents, she was still thinking about him. Preeta wasn't even feeling nervous. She was calm but annoyed because of his thoughts.

Her nephew, Vivaan had lighten up the mood in the car. Her sister-in-law and brother were sitting at the front seats. They were talking to each other very calmly, naughtily. The romance between her brother and sister-in-law gave Preeta a hope to think about her future.

Would there come a day when she too would be talking to her husband like that? Would he too see her with so much love and adoration?

A thought came in her mind again about him. Karan had always looked at her with love and adoration but it had always seemed lust to Preeta. She had thought of him like those boys, who just wanted to get in the girls' pants. Then, they would eventually get bore of her.

Preeta leaned back in her seat and thought once again. From the day, Karan had seen her for the first time. He was so arrogant, dangerous, and cruel. He still was. Back then, he was a player boy. Now, Preeta hadn't heard about any news of him involving with any other girl from the last two years.

Her old friend, Shreya from Chandigarh had also told her about his social image. He had been improving since the day he had joined his father's company. He is employed and clever. But what about his nature, behaviour and etiquettes?

He was mean. He slapped her father. He kidnapped her. He had manhandled her many times. Over all, Preeta couldn't stop herself from hating him. She was now afraid too.

I will remove that boy from my way.

What if Karan was seriously going to harm the boy she was going to meet? Preeta was worried. But seeing that there would be her parents, her brother, she felt a little supported. She knew that Karan couldn't harm her when her family would there to support her.

There would be no way Karan could be her husband. Before he could take any other cruel step, she just wanted to meet the guy and say yes for the marriage. Moreover, she was wishing that the boy should be sweet, caring, well mannered and kindhearted, just like Arjun.

Her heart ached thinking how her first choice was so very far from her. Arjun could never be like that Preeta used to dream of him as. He was just a friend. He could never be her life partner. She had lost him long time ago and now there was just a thread like link between them.

It wasn't love of that high level. But Arjun was somewhat her first choice. She had even expected her parents to ask her about Arjun. But there was no sign of it. And even if they ask, there was no point of it.

He was already someone else'.

___________

"Don't be too much shy, Preeta. Be confident. There's no need to be nervous. I am positive, he likes you."

Preeta was extremely nervous as the time of meeting the boy and his family had finally came. She was wearing a blue coloured Indian Anarkali suit. Her sister-in-law had helped her in a nice hairstyle with braids. Preeta had put on black eye liner and light shade of pink on her lips. She was really conscious of her skin and that's why she had always avoided make up.

Wearing the big jhumkas, Preeta's ethnic look was a great hit. According to her sister-in-law, Shikha the boy would be in love with her natural beauty.

Preeta nodded at her bhabhi but she was still very nervous.

"Bhabhi, what if he rejects me? What if he doesn't like me? I am so simple and shy."

Preeta said while looking at the mirror for the last time. Shikha shook her head and said cheerfully.

"I understand, Preeta. Its normal to think like that. But trust me if you are real you then, he may definitely like you. Behave like how you are, make them love you with your genuineness."

Preeta smiled and shook her head.

"But bhabhi, I am still nervous. Have you seen his photo? How does he look?"

Shikha immediately refused. She had to refuse even after knowing everything.

"No, I haven't seen his photo. Your brother has seen it. He said that the boy is actually very handsome."

"What if his parents don't like me? Bhabhi, I am really stressed with this all marriage scenario."

Shikha made an annoyed face.

"Relax, Preeta. They are going to love you, I am pretty sure. And don't ask anymore questions, okay?"

Preeta looked down and started fidgeting with her fingers. Shikha noticed her nervousness again, and finally decided to encourage her.

"Do you know, Preeta? When your brother and you all have came to see me before my marriage, I was so nervous. I even cried the previous night. I actually didn't want to marry so soon. But my father talked to me and helped me in accepting the fact that I had to take the chance. I was angry and irritated. Dress up, jeweleries, formalities, these all things seemed hectic. But when I talked to your brother for first time, I realised that giving this a shot was not at all bad. Your brother was so impressive and cooperative. He gave me his words that he will support me in every decision of my life."

Preeta smiled at Shikha.

"He was angry at me sometimes, but he had supported me somehow. Even when I am wrong, he is the one to correct and help me. Husbands are not at all bad, if you too will put some efforts. Marriage will be bliss, if you will put you heart in it. Think about it, having another family, a best friend in your husband, a sister in your sister-in-law. Everything seems enjoyable and important, only if you are interested. Just go with it."

Preeta sighed and hugged her bhabhi. She was finally able to feel positive about this meeting. Firstly, her only reason was to get away from Karan but now she herself felt interested in it.

"Thank you, bhabhi."

"You're welcome, Preeta. I will always be there to help you."

Preeta smiled and squeezed Shikha's hand.

Suddenly, the door bell rang and Preeta's heart started beating faster. Her bhabhi looked at her in amusement and spoke cheerfully.

"I guess, they have arrived. You just sit here. I'll go and help mummy ji. When they'll ask for you, I'll be here. Okay?"

Preeta looked up at her sister-in-law.

"Okay."

Shikha smiled and made her way out of Preeta's bed room. Preeta was firstly very overwhelmed, seeing her old room. She had decorated each corner of it with heart and unfortunately, she had to leave this home because of that Karan.

She shook her head immediately.

No, I should not think about him, now.

She sat on her bed and started playing with the corner of her dupatta. Firstly, she was against this marriage thing. But now that she had made up her mind to give it a shot. She was scared. It was an important step in her life. It was the matter of a lifetime commitment.

She had not many friends in her life ever. She had barely started mixing up with her classmates in Delhi. She had Arjun and Shreya in Chandigarh. Apart from that, Kritika was the only girl, she had been friends with even when she was stranger. She thought of her as a different case. Sakshi had shown her interest herself. She had told Preeta, that she liked her company. They had met for only two times and yet they had mixed up a lot by chatting and calls.

But having a husband would be so different. She will be his to cherish, to respect, to love. She will have to support him, respect him. Her husband would become the most important person in her life. She would be loyal to him. She would give her hundred percent to be a great wife.

Her thoughts were scattered suddenly as Shikha again entered her room.

"Come. Its time for you to show up."

Her bhabhi whispered excitedly. Preeta gulped and stood up from the bed.

"Do I look okay, bhabhi?"

Shikha sighed and put her hand on Preeta's left cheek.

"Trust me, you are looking beautiful. You are beautiful, Preeta. I am sure they will love you. Now, hurry up."

Preeta smiled nervously and nodded. Before checking herself in the mirror again, she left with her sister-in-law.

There was a scary feeling in her heart. She was going to present herself in front of a family. Would they like her? Her stomach was churning in thoughts about seeing the boy. She was hoping that he would be nice.

Shikha's hand were at Preeta's lower back as she brought her gently to the drawing room. The laughter and very cheerful discussions have lower down to silence.

"There she is, my lovely daughter."

Preeta's heart started beating faster now that she was in front of the family. Her gaze were at the knees of the people sitting on the big couch.

There were three persons. From the clothes, she had understood that there was one man and two women.

"Ahh... Hello Preeta beta."

Preeta's eyebrows knitted in confusion as she found that voice a bit familiar. Her eyes slowly roamed up to the faces of people. Her eyes widen as she saw Preeta's tau ji sitting there.

He was smiling and was sitting with a lady in a gorgeous sari, which she guessed must be his wife. Beside the lady, there was sitting none other than Kritika.

Kritika had a broad smile on her face. She immediately got up and hugged Preeta, startling him. Preeta was surprised as she thought what Kritika and her uncle was doing here.

"Oh my God, I can't believe this."

Kritika's cheerful voice confused Preeta while Mahesh Luthra started laughing.

"Control, Kritika. You are choking her."

Kritika immediately pulled away and laughed at Preeta.

"Oh sorry. Its just, I am so happy to see you."

Preeta didn't smile as she was digesting the scenario. She was seriously surprised to see them here.

"Preeta, This is Mr. Mahesh Luthra and his wife, Mrs. Rakhi. And of course this little girl, Kritika, their niece."

Her father spoke in a polite voice. Preeta looked at her father who was staring at her with a tight smile as to tell her what he wanted her to do.

To greet them.

Preeta understood and slowly greeted them.

"Come, sit here, dear."

Her mother invited her to sit with on the other couch. She looked around a little to take the whole view of the room. She saw her brother sitting on a single sofa with a serious expression on his face as he was observing the guests.

Her father and mother were having a smile on their face as they were making conversations with Kritika's Uncle.

She didn't saw Vivaan as she thought her bhabhi who was taking care of the snacks and soft drinks to be served, must have sat him up in a room to not disturb the guests.

She was really confused as what was happening. Where was the boy who she had to see? Suddenly, she heard someone coughing. She looked at Kritika who had a mischievous smile on her face. The room had grown silent and everyone's eyes were on Preeta.

Her father started speaking first.

"Preeta, I am sure you must be wondering why your friend, Kritika and her family is here?"

She looked at him with blank expression. How did he knew about friendship? She had only told them about a friend who helped her to reach hospital that day. How this Kritika even know them in the first place?

Before she could give the response. Mahesh Luthra started laughing.

"Mhmm... Mr. Arora, now tell her fast before she gets more confused."

Her father smiled. From the corner of her eyes, she saw Mahesh Luthra's wife smiling at her. She lowered her gaze and waited for her father to speak.

"Preeta, Mr. Mahesh Luthra has come here to bring the proposal on behalf of their son. They see a perfect girl in you for him."

Preeta's neck started turning crimson. She felt good hearing their words but there was a different surprise in her thoughts about the coincidence that the boy was none other than Mahesh Luthra's son. She slowly looked up at Mahesh Luthra and instantly reminded the feeling she had last time when they had met. He was looking familiar.

But suddenly, when he was about to look at her, she looked away.

"Preeta, beta. I know you must be surprised but that is the truth. We are here to introduce you to our son. But it seems that he must be stuck in traffic. Otherwise, he should have reached by now. I have called him, he will be coming here any time."

Preeta's heart flutter at hearing about the boy. She was excited but slightly nervous to see him. She had this positive feeling that if the boy will select her, she will have wonderful in-laws. They seemed nice people. Kritika could be a great friend and Mahesh Luthra had already made her comfortable in his presence. She had too made up her mind to take care of her relationship with his wife too.

Preeta was again playing with the borders of her duppatta. Everyone was engaged in conversations about Preeta's education and her interests. Mahesh Luthra's wife, Rakhi seemed impressed by hearing about her. But there was a little narrowness in her eyes that seemed to affect Preeta. She swallowed the lump as she thought that the lady didn't like her may be.

Suddenly the door bell rang and Preeta's hand were all sweaty. She was flustered and totally nervous now that the important person would have arrived, with whom she might get to live her whole life with. She started looking at her lap nervously as she heard her brother getting up and walking to the main door.

"He has arrived, I guess."

Mahesh Luthra muttered nervously as he looked back at the entrance of the room. Preeta looked up at Kritika, who smiled at her nervously. Her gaze shifted to the woman, Rakhi but she smiled at her genuinely. Preeta smiled back and lowered her gaze shyly.

Soon, she heard footsteps as the person had finally entered the room. Preeta didn't have the courage to look up at the boy. She was being so shy and conscious of herself.

"I'll bring you water, beta."

Her mother got up and went into the kitchen. She heard the boy getting closer to her father as he must have touched his feet for blessings.

The way her father sounded so proud and cheerful. She was now extremely excited to look up at him, but she didn't. She slowly looked at his legs as he was now sitting in between his parents. The boy was wearing black formal pants and sky blue shirt. He had intertwined his fingers as his elbows were on his knees. His arms were muscled and were looking attractive as the sleeves had been rolled up a little. She saw an expensive looking Rolex watch on his left wrist.

"Preeta, meet my son, Karan Luthra."

In a swift motion, Preeta eyes shrank in confusion and then widened in shock. The fingers which were playing with the silky cloth of her dupatta, had stopped. Her heart almost had stopped beating. The name was surely familiar but so much dangerous to hear. She immediately looked up at the handsome face. She felt as if she was falling in a deep tunnel. If the earth under her foot had been removed.

Dark brown eyes full of mischievousness were staring back at her. She gasped as she recognised the familiar arrogant smirk. Her brown eyes were wide in shock. His face was showing victory.

The victory that he had finally reached here. Reached here to begin the journey of making her, his.

___________