Ankhiyon se dariya beh gaya, haaye, Khwaab wo adhura reh gaya
Baarishon ke mausam me hi haaye, Alvida mujhe wo keh gaya

Deewana tha, deewana hoon, rahunga bhi, Wo hai meri, main duniya se kahunga bhi

Mohabbat ho gayi thi dono ko, Ek arsa ho gaya
Mera yeh ishq tha do tarfa, Ab ek tarfa ho gaya

Mohabbat ho gayi thi dono ko, Ek arsa ho gaya
Mera yeh ishq tha do tarfa, Ab ek tarfa ho gaya

Zikr tumhara karta nahi hoon, Chahe ab mehfil mein
Fikr kari naa tu ajj vi aae zinda, Toote hue iss dil mein

Iss duniya ki iss bheed me, Kahi kho naa jaau main
Darr lagta hai kisi aur ka, Kahi ho naa jaau main

Tu khush hai chahe bahaaron Mein, Tu naa tha mere sitaaron mein

Use dekhe huye bhi yaaro, Ek arsa ho gaya
Mera yeh ishq tha do tarfa, Ab ek tarfa ho gaya

Mohabbat ho gayi thi dono ko, Ek arsa ho gaya
Mera yeh ishq tha do tarfa, Ab ek tarfa ho gaya
Aaa...

I woke up to the sound of my phone's alarm blaring near my ear. Ughhhhh. I hate waking up.

With my eyes still closed I slided on the snooze icon on my phone. I have Experiance now and I know where the snooze button on the screen is. I do it everyday and now I can snooze my alarm even with closed eyes. Talent you see.

Anyways the alarm again started ringing and taking a huge breath I sat on the bed with my chin touching my neck, eyes still close.

I don't want to wake up.

Then my mind reminded me that I have an important meeting today so eyes still closed I stood up and slided on my slippers.

And finally opened my eyes while walking inside the bathroom.

Completing my morning ritual I walked into the walk in closet.

What should I wear today? I thought wile looking at my closet filled with greys, blacks and whites. Taking out a white ironed shirt I wore it along with my black formal pants. I styled my hairs, applied perfume, wore shoes and socks. Taking out the already knotted black tie I wore it. Thank god its already knotted. I don't know how to tie a tie. Picking up my suit jacket, phone, handkerchief, wallet and car keys I walked out of my room.

"Good Morning Maa." I greeted my mother when I saw her walking inside the kitchen.

"Good Morning Guddu. Breakfast is almost ready. You take your seat." Maa said.

I nodded and sat down on the chair.

After breakfast I started driving towards the Kapoor Inc.

Walking inside the the building I asked the receptionist about the meeting room and then walked towards the elevator. I was already running a little late.

Stepping inside the empty elevator I pressed the 7th floor button. The doors started closing when I heard the sound of heels clicking on the floor and someone asking to stop the doors from closing.

Instantly I pressed the button to reopen the door and forwarded my foot at the frame to stop it from closing.

But then my eyes met the most beautiful brown eyes of none other than Naina, Niana Kapoor, Daughter of Hardik Kapoor, Founder and CEO of N & D groups of companies. One of the top business person of Asia. She was my junior during in college. I remember she was dream of every student. Almost every male student in the college used to have a crush on her. They used to dream of her being their girlfriend which was not possible because she was practically used to live in her own world. She used to talk to some particular people but she was very cheerful girl. She always carried herself with grace and confidence always carrying that beautiful peaceful and a small smile smile on her face. She was someone who turns heads when they walk. She always had this aura of no nonsense around her. She was always polite, kind, smart and a person with beautiful heart.

But now that I look at her she's changed. She has matured a bit with age. She is not having that sweet smile on her face anymore instead she was holding a professional fake smile.

Returning the smile I stepped aside and she stepped inside the elevator.

"Naina." I called at the same time she called me "Mr. Kapoor."

What the hell why's she being so professional. She was my senior in college and now she's going to be my sister in law.

Oh god this sounds so fuc*ing weird. The girl who used to be my crush in college is the sister of my to be wife. My sister in law. Eww.

Very weird.

Only I know how I kept my focus on the meeting. My eyes and brain was again and again going towards Naina. Studying her and trying to find what has changed in her. I was 100 percent sure that something has changed but what?

I wish I could marry her instead of her sister Barkha. That woman is so annoying and completely opposite to Naina but I still remember how Mr. Kapoor glared at me when we signed the contract when his business was in financial crisis. The contract stated that if if I helped him with the business then I will get 15%shares in his company and will get to marry his daughter. When he said daughter I thought of Naina. I asked him to be sure that if he's talking about Naina but his glare answered my doubt. It was his step daughter he was talking about. I agreed to his demands because my whole family was irritatingnme and was forcing me to marry someone soon. So I thought Of killing two birds with one stone. But I clearly didn't knew the real Barkha at that time.

But I can't do anything now. I have to survive with Barkha - the irritating human.

In the evening at the party when I saw her. She was looking so beautiful in that light blue gown. Literally like an angel fallen from heavens. The grace and confidence with which she was carrying herself can literally make anyone a fan of hers. I noticed how men were looking at her with admiration. She was literally turning heads of not only men but also women's.

When Barkha came while I and Dhruv were talking to her and said some really bad things I saw how tears covered her beautiful eyes and how she froze at her place hearing all those things. I saw how she looked at her dad and ran out of the hall.

She's a single mother. I got to know that from all the things Barkha said to her. And this knowledge has ignited so much questions in me.

When I saw her confident self crumbling and her eyes showing pain I so wanted to shut Barkha's mouth and just give her some reality check but I didn't had to do so because Siddhi did that for me.

Leaving Everyone there I walked out behind Naina. My feet and heart was taking me to her. I don't know why.

There she was standing in the rain.

I called her name which made her turn to me and I saw her red eyes tears and rain water covering her face.

"Are you okay?" I asked her when all I wanted was to hug her tight and wipe her tears.

"Yes." she said in a barely audible voice. A voice hearing which I could easily tell that she was lying.

I tried to stop her. I thought of dropping her where ever she wants to go but then a car came and stopped beside her. She already came with the driver.

And then she left.

She left.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The whole week passed and in the whole week the thoughts of Naina were disturbing me. Instead of thinking about my marriage with Naina's sister in few days, all I was thinking about was Naina.

My whole family was radiating happiness in the whole week. Mom and Chachi going crazy with the preparations for the wedding. Mom feeling satisfied that finally I am going to get married. Dad, Bhai and Chachu looking after the arrangements of the venue and stay of the relatives. Younger cousins going crazy over which friends they want to invite. Naira going extra crazy over her outfits and lastly Bhabhi going crazy over my outfits and my nephew Vansh enjoying the whole ruccus.

I was talking with my bhua (aunt) when Dhruv called me and told me about Barkha stepping back from the marriage.

I didn't know if i should sigh in relief that the wedding is cancelled or should be sad taht my to be wife has declined to marry me, or should panic because again the blackmail of my mom wod start. I told my family about it. One side Papa was furious and on the other side my mom's condition was just like me. She was not sad by the news but she was also not happy by the news. I knew it from the starting that Maa don't like Barkha but she didn't said anything because finally after soo much pursuassion and blackmail her son was agreeing to marry.

My furious dad asked the Kapoor to find a solution to the problem which arose due to them.

And I was just scared of what was going to now. What if Barkha again decided to marry me?

In the evening I was a little surprised when Naina called me but somewhere I knew that there was a chance that Naina might marry me but I didn't expected that Naina would agree this soon. I was a little troubled with the fact that Naina was being forced. I could understand this much from her talks and tone. She's feeling forced for this marriage. I can't even think about what she must be feeling.

Anyways I went out of my room and tried finding Maa and Papa which I got to know were in dadu dad's room so I walked there and called Chachu, chachi there only.

When everyone was there I told them about how Naina is going to marry me now and how she's a single mother and how she wants her son to live with her.

"No you're not marrying Naina? I don't think she's suitable for you." Maa declared her decision while Dadi was lost in her thoughts.

"How do you know that Maa?" I asked politely cause I was a little hurt by her statement.

"Guddu she's a single mother and what if she didn't give you and this marriage importance? What if she didn't give you and this relationship time? What if she still loves her previous husband? No I am not going to take such a risk. You can take your time And marry someone else. I have no problem." Maa said.

"But Maa. These all are what ifs." I said

"I don't know Guddu i jaut don't think this is going to work out" Maa said

"How can you say that Maa? You don't even know her." I said

"I jsut have a gut feeling and I have seen this world more than you" Maa said her all time favourite dialogue.

"We can't go with gut feelings Maa. This is my future were talking about. And I know Naina. We were in same college." I said

"Guddu you're going to regret this. She's a single mother and she's older than you." Maa said standing up from the chair.

"What's wrong in being a single mother. Hell I am proud of her for raising a child on her own. This just proves she's strong and awesome. And age is just a number Maa. Age doesn't matter." I said. Maa was silent analysing my words.

"This is your life Guddu. We can't take such rash decisions." Maa said closing her eyes keeping her hand on her forehead.

"Exactly Maa this is my life and we should be happy that Naina is agreeing to marry me. She's so awesome. She's kind, she's hardworking, she's independent, she's strong. World doesn't matters to her. She is a role model for so many girls and even boys. She is someone who turns head when she walks in a room. There are so many men who are dieing to marry her. Who would be escastic to marry her and even i am happy." I said.

"Guddu, you're going to regret this." Maa said.

"Maybe." I said in a firm voice.

"You're ignoring the future Agastya." Maa said

"And you're being pessimistic Maa." I said

Maa sighed "Raghav, add some sense to your son's head." Maa said and left the room.

I looked at Dad with tired eyes.

He just patted my shoulder indirectly saying that he would talk to Maa which made me a little more hopeful.

Papa exited the room and followed Maa.

"She's a great woman." Chachi said and patted my cheek while walking outside.

"Don't worry Bhabhi would agree. Your happiness is her happiness." Chachu said and left the room.

I looked at Dadu and Dadi.

Dadu was looking a little proud. He patted the bed beside him asking me to sit there. I walked and sat there sighing.

"Naina is a good woman. She knows what she does and her thoughts and nature are awesome. She has a beautiful soul and a good heart. She would be best for you." Dadu said.

"Have you met her before?" I asked.

"Obviously I have met her many times. When she was a kid and also some days ago when I went to orphanage she was there with her son. I talked to her for almost an hour. And more than her I believe in her bringing up. Her mother was best friend of your Buha. They basically grew up together. Naina's mother Diya was like a daughter to me. I can see a her mother in Naina. She's jsut like her mother." Dadu said and patted my back.

I kept my head in Dadi's lap and Dadi started rubbing her fingers in my hairs.

"It doesn't matter that she's a single mother Guddu. We don't know her story and judging her would be a sin. I don't know her but I knew her mother very well. Diya was a girl with a heart of gold. As you said her being a single mother in present time just shows how strong and determined woman she is. And Jo marriage can work without efforts from both the partners. If she wants some time give her some time. Try to be a friend for her before being a husband and then she would understand you. Take are of her and her son. Treat her son like yours. He's just a child and a child deserves all the love and care in the world." Dadi said.

I just nodded my head and closed my eyes.

Later that night after dinner I was sitting in the backyard thinking aboyf all the things while looking at the sky.

"Do you really like her?" I heard Maa's voice from behind me

"I do." I said

"More than Barkha?" she askedme

"I never liked Barkha." I replied.

"Okay. I will go to her house and complete the rituals tomorrow." She said.

I smiled and stood up hugging her.

"Thankyou for understanding." I said

"I am still scared about the future but if this is what you want then I would not stop you." Maa said.

I hugged her and kissed her forehead walking to my room.

After telling Bhai my decision I walked into the room which used to be mine when I used to live here during my high-school.

I am scared of this marriage. All the what ifs were running in my head. I still love Rohan. This marriage will give Ridhaan a father figure. From the time Rohan left me I was feeling like someone is choking me but now I am feeling like I am about to die because I can't breathe. Its like the darkness which my life had earlier was now combined with fog and no source of light to guide me. I am scared I will crumble. I am scared I will ruin Agastya's life. I am scared of myself. I am scared of the present.

I was brought away from my thoughts by a knock on the door. Wiping the tears I walked towards the door and opened it.

"Ridhaan was looking for you." Bhai said. He was holding Ridhaan's hand whose eyes were filled with worry which made me feel like someone has pierced my heart with needles.

I am such a bad mother I forgot my baby in all this mess. I thought

"You're not." Bhai said. I looked at him confused.

"You're not a bad mother. You're the best mother, a best daughter a man could have and a best sister a brother could have. Just know that I love you and I am always here for you. I have never forced you jn anything Naina. And I have always supported you in your every decision. Now that you have made this decision, I want to support you in this one too but i am scared I will loose my sister. I am scared Naina." he said. I blinked and hugged him with my free arm and nodded my head. "You'll not lose her." I mumbled which I am sure he heard.

Bhai patted my head and back and kissed my head. Clearing his throat he said" Anyways, Agastya's mother, Mrs. Swati Sharma is coming with few relatives for some rituals. She'll be here soon. Get ready." he said and after patting my cheek he left.

I locked the door again and lied down on the bed and made Ridhaan lie beside me

I sang a lullaby for him and started rubbing his back. Soon he was asleep. I made him lie on the bed and walked in the attached washroom. Taking a bath I got dressed into a multicolored printed shiffon skirt and a plain satin shirt. which

Getting dressed I did my usual makeup and left my hairs open in natural form. Wearing simple earing and golden bangles in one arm i was ready.

Taking out Ridhaan's dress i made him wear his kurta which was matching my dress while he was asleep.

"Naina, Are you ready?" I heard Bhabhi's voice from outside.

"Yes." I replied and opened the door.

"You're looking beautiful." Bhabhi said. I nodded my head not feeling beautiful.

"Can you ask someone to look after Ridhaan. He's sleeping." I asked

"Wait I will call someone." she said and called Jamuna Kaki. Most trusted helper of Kapoor. She was the one who raised me. She took care of me and bhai and she's practically like a second mother for both of us.

"Bohot pyaari lag rahi ho Naina beta." She said when she saw me. (You're looking very beautiful Naina.)

"Thankyou kaki." I said and smiled at her

Taking some kajal from her eye she applied it behind my ear.

"Kash Didi tumhe dulhan banta dekh pati bitiya. Voh bohot khush hoti." Kaki/Aunt said. (I wish your mom could be here to see you as a bride. She would have been very happy.)

I just gave her a sad smile.

"Kaki can you please look after Ridhaan. He's sleeping." Bhabhi asked her

"Yes yes." Kaki replied.

"Thik hai Phir hum jaate hai." Bhabhi said. (OK then we're going.)

Bhabhi took my hand and we walked down the stairs.

"Are they here?" I asked her

"Yes. They are having snacks and drinks." she replied. I nodded and straightened my back and neck and held my head high.

You can do this Naina.

As sson as we entered the living room every eye turned to me. I was feeling a little nervous on getting so much attention. I saw there were 4 women in addition to my Dadi, my buhas (Fathers sister - Aunt) and my cousins.

I joined my hands and greeted them "Namaste"

"Namaste, Namaste. You're more beautiful." One of the lady said comparing me to Barkha. I just smiled.

"Namaste Naina. Come sit with me." one of the lady said which I guessed to be Agastya's mother because of her resemblance from Agastya.

I nodded and Bhabhi escorted me to the couch beside her. I sat down

"I am Swati Raghav Sharma, Agastya's mother." she introduced.

I bend down to touch her feet in respect and she just patted my head "God bless you my child." she said with a smile.

"She's Agastya's Badi Bua (Elder aunt) and my sister in law" she said pointing towards a lady who commented about me being more beautiful.

I smiled and touched her feet. She also blessed me.

"She's Agastya's choti bua (younger aunt.)" she told me pointing towards another woman. I greeted that woman and touched her feet.

"And lastly she's Agastya's Massi, my sister " Swati aunty pointed towards the last unknown woman.

I bend down to touch her feet but she stopped me and hugged me instead.

"I am glad Agastya is marrying you instead of Barkha." She whispered my ear. I just smiled at her and took my seat beside Swati Aunty.

"It's been so long since I last saw you. You were just 5 at that time. You were with your mother. A shy child. And look at you now. You have turned into a beautiful and strong woman Naina." Swati Aunty said

I was about to say something but got interrupted by a cheerful voice of a girl.

"Aww. You're so pretty bhabhi." I looked up to see a girl in her early twenties standing there with a grin on her face

"And she's my niece and Agastya's little cousin sister Naira." Swati aunty said.

I nodded and stood up to shake hands with her but Naira surprised me with a hug.

Soon the rituals started and my hands started getting filled with Mehendi. After doing some rituals the ladies went back but left Naira with me.

Naira and I talked for some time. She fed me snacks.

After some hours Mehendi was all dried and I washed it up with the help of bhabhi. In the afternoon my mom's family came to join the wedding with a lot of gifts for me and Agastya. Siddhi also came and didn't left me alone for even one second.

After taking some rest I started getting ready for the wedding. As soon as the time was coming, my heart was sinking more and more. I don't know if I am doing right or wrong. This was the first time in my life that 8 was thinking so much about anything. My hands and legs were shaking. All the moments and memories of my marriage with Rohan were running in my head making me guilty.

Am I doing wrong with Rohan?

I promised him that there would be no one in my heart and life except him. Am I breaking my promise that I made?

He also promised me that he would never leave me but he left. He left me alone to survive in this mean and horrifying world. He left me alone to face every Demon. He left me all alone.

🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃

Heyyyyyyyyy people.

How was the chapter and most importantly how was Agastya's POV.

Agastya admire and respects Naina alot. He is happy that Barkha has declined for the marriage. 😁

What do you think about Naina's thoughts and emotions?

Almost 4000 words. I think this is the first time I am publishing a chapter this long.

Anyways I hope you liked the chapter and if you did then don't forget to press on the star icon.

Do comment and share the book.

SIGNING OFF
MEERA❤️