Engagement dress, jewellery, hairstyle, flowers and makeup.

I looked at my own reflection and saw a contrasting person.

"My baby girl looks so beautiful" Mom said with tears brimming her eyes.

I managed to pass her a small smile. Right now I was wearing a hot pink coloured legenga and Aadhira help me pair with a emerald neck piece. The dress hugged my body well and showed off my curves at right places. All compliments to my mom for selecting this dress I felt like a well-groomed horse ready for auction. A sigh escaped my lips on the realization this is happening

"I expect you to look happy in-front of the guests" Mom hissed looking at my scowl face.

Talk about expectations. Today I am expected to act good and get engaged to a guy I never met in my life. Probably next month I will get married to him and on the same night I am expected to bang him. Then in exactly nine months I am expected to bring another little human to this stupid world and the expectation cycle continues.

Suddenly the train of thoughts made me feel sick to my stomach.

"Doss family has arrived" Aryan shouted and ran into my room. Mom and Aadhira rushed downstairs to receive them.

***

"Krithi Athai you look beautiful!" Dhira gushed and ran to kiss my cheeks.

"Thank you baby" I said and tried to put up a smile.

I don't know why I am feeling like this? Like the whole world is going to crash on my head. There is this weary feeling in my gut that something absolutely terrifying is going to happen today. I am trying to shake it off.

"Krithi?!" Dad shook me up. I was zoning out.

"Sorry dad" I said and stood up from the chair and walked to the window nearby. I could already see few people I recognize in the crowd.

"You ok Krithi?" Dad asked placing a hand on my shoulder.

"I am good dad. Just some nervousness is kicking in" I said and fake tried to put mascara on my lids. I really don't care about my appearance today.

"Say a word Krithi. I will stop everything this minute. You don't have to go through this. We can manage Krithi without the company, money you know?" Dad said. I know from his tone that he feels guilty as hell.

"Dad I am no more the little girl you hold hands to cross the roads. I can look both sides and cross my own roads. The key is I can survive doing it. Stop worrying!"

I said.

"I can't believe I am letting you do this for me" Dad said and sat on the bed. He had tears in his eyes.

I went and sat near him. Hugged him sideways.

"This is not just for you. This is for our own family. What daughter would I be if I don't help in the hour of need?" I said and few drops of tears fell over his coat.

"I am proud of you Aakrithi Prakash. You sound nothing like my young girl. You are all matured up. Hari is one lucky guy." Dad said and kissed my head.

The door suddenly opened. There stood Karthick in a tux. He looked good.

"It is time Krithi" Karthick said and behind him whole family was there. They all had beautiful smile's etched on their faces. I can do this. I can do this for my family. If my suffering is the price for their happiness I am ready to pay it.

Aadhira walked forward with my footwear in hand. She threw it down right in front of me. I stared at it like it was a ghost.

"We agreed on my regular canvas" I said and Aadhira glared.

"I did no such thing. Quick people are waiting" Aadhira hissed. I still watched them in horror.

"They won't bite. Come on" Aadhira said and sat down to help with the nude pumps.

***

Karthick escorted me since dad would do it on the wedding day anyway.

"Breathe Krithi" Karthick said near my ears and rubbed circles on my back. The door opened and I was in awe of the setup. It was January evening 4.30 pm sun was already on its way down. The cascading sunlight illuminated the whole area giving it breathtaking view. The chairs were placed on the either side of the aisle and the people were standing to welcome the bride -ME.

I could feel the eyes on me the whole way. It was time. I am going to meet the fellow I am obligated to share my whole life with.

Finally my eyes rested on the man and I had the bombshell of my life. On the place of the groom stood the person I least expected. There stood VEER.

I misplaced a step and was about to hit the ground when he came forward and caught me.

"I will take-over from here. Thanks" Veer said. I looked in horror at Karthick. He neglected seeing my expression but nevertheless placed my hand on Veer's palm. Blood drained from my face.

"Hello Birdy!" I gasped and was already felt like blacking out.

"Hey! Hey,I just met you after 4 years don't faint on me now" He said and counted my breaths with me.

"VEER?!" I managed. A slow haunting smile broke on his face.

"What... what are you doing here?" I asked and he helped me sit on the plush sofa. The whole crowd was watching us. The ceremony was about to start.

"Isn't it obvious birdy?" He asked and kept his hand on my forehead checking for temperature. Like he really cares for me. The reality still didn't sink in for me. Am I dreaming this?

"I am your husband-to-be Dr. Hari Veer Doss" He said and I felt like the world fell on my head.

I was petrified at this point. I thought I would never see him again in my life. A man who I had a toxic relationship. A man who abused and harassed me.

"I want you back and guess what? You have agreed to be my wife already."

Veer said and moved close to me. His hand snaked around my waist in a possessive hold. I flushed in disgust.

"Don't touch me" I hissed with tears in my eyes.

"Now don't be shy and all" Veer said and smiled for the audience. His hold on my waist got tight.

"Let me go!" I said feebly.

"Guess who is enjoying our show birdy?" Veer asked with tone of achievement.

And then I saw him.

Aatharva was standing in the back of the crowd with a wine glass in his hand and looked so powerless for a second.

All I wanted at the moment was to sprint straight into his arms.

"Oh my dear little birdy" Veer caught hold of my left hand hard.

"Don't even think about it now" Veer said and I looked at his eyes. He had the devilish smile etched on his face.

"Did you not tell him yet? That you killed his baby?" Veer asked and I looked at him wide-eyed.

"I guess not. So old boyfriend and same old feelings. Huh, now I feel like a real villain!" He said and laughed as he kissed my cheeks.

Aatharva who was watching us intensely kept the glass aside and walked out of the arena. Shiva followed him looking back at me.

While Dheera walked with the engagement rings placed in a decorated small basket.

"Ladies and Gentlemen I guess it's time for me to make" Veer got the mike and he sat down in his one leg.

"A promise to my love of my life to our forever and ever!"

"Here is the ring I got you birdy."

Veer said and slid the ring into my finger. The claps erupted through the hall.

Now I am officially engaged to Hari Veer Doss. My Nightmare.

"It looks perfect for your manicured fingers my little prisoner" Veer said and kissed my knuckles.

I got back my hand close to my chest as fast as I could. Again he laughed like a true devil.

The photographer asked us pose for few photos. Veer moved too close for my comfort and his hand slipped around my waist again. I try to slither away, his grip tightened. I groaned muffling a cry.

"Stay still and look lovely" Veer said in a warning tone.

"Thankyou guys. Have some refreshments and be back we can have a outdoor shoot"

The photographer said and Veer dragged me out to the hallway where no one was standing. I twisted and turned the ring trying to slid it off. Veer noticed my struggle.

"Remember birdy if the ring comes off your finger, your dirty secret that you have been holding from your family comes out too. Think how your father and mother would react? Now we would not want them to die off heart attack knowing their little girl did commit such a sin, do we?" Veer said and forced his tongue down my neck. I struggled to get out of his hold.

"Karthick will kill you once he knows you are blackmailing me!" The words slipped out. I was desperate.

"I dare you to pull such a stunt birdy!" Veer said with venom in his tone and pushed me back into the wall with force. I might have a broken rib.

"Birdy don't you remember your dad's whole life work is in my hands. Pity Prakash industries has to go in drain." My stomach made a roll at the thought of company going down. Thousands of employees will lose their jobs.

"Your whole family has to suffer financially. Birdy you were born and brought up in mansions I don't think streets would suit you or your family. Everything is in your hands think about it my little birdy."

Veer said leaving me speechless. I felt helpless. I felt like someone has dropped me on a field filled with thorns. Every step ahead ~ Blood spills.

I pushed him with little force left in me and walked towards the washroom. Tears were unstoppable at this point.

***

*Sorry for late update working on a project deadline.