"Have some more jamuns Rishab beta"

"Oh no uncle! I'm full...besides Amrita has strictly warned me against sweets".

"One gulab jamun won't hurt...this is indeed a graceful occasion...you're going to be a father after so long".

"I know uncle...it's indeed a blessing".

"May God bless you and your family".

Aman listened to the nauseating conversation between his brother in law and Amit's father in law and couldn't decide who was worse. Indeed, the amount of sugar coating in their speech could defeat any sweetest gulab jamun. One would faint of sugar intolerance.

He raised his eyes towards Amit who was seated dutifully next to his father in law and mimicked a vomiting action.

Amit glared at him initially and then suppressed his grin and mouthed back 'shut up'.

Aman sent a text message immediately. Your father in law is a leech...wait till he sucks all the blood out of you..

Amit suddenly burst out laughing and few pairs of eyes turned to him. He composed himself "a WhatsApp joke".
Seated opposite to him, Aman snorted.

He had observed his brother's in laws, especially the father and realised that he was an opportunist and money minded. He despised such men. He was about to send another text when he heard Rishab address him.

"How's work going on Aman?" Rishab asked as everyone turned to him "your er...studio is it?"

Aman could sense a small amount of sneer in the tone but decided to pass "its going great..jiju" he added the last term out of respect for his sister.

Rishab wasn't done yet "what kind of painting are we talking about exactly?"

Aman stared at the coffee cup kept on the table. Most of the guests had gone and only the family members and Amit's in laws were left, much to his chagrin. He only sat with the others because his mother had wanted to.
"They're your family...don't disrespect anyone" she had warned. He listened to her and now caught in the circus.

Rishab was waiting for his explanation and he took the coffee cup and sipped it in a single gulp "I would have explained jiju but to understand art, you need to have imagination and lots of patience...I doubt if you have both".

Rishab didn't reply but glanced at his sister who seemed to pass by them. Aman saw him give a stern look at her which she ignored. Asshole! Aman cursed under his breath.

The conversation changed to other topics and he was glad he could sneak away but not before he heard Amit ask Sakshi's father "uncle? If you don't mind, I need to ask you a favour".

Aman sat back, partly amused and partly curious as to what his brother was upto. Amit was trying his best to look as polite as possible in front of everyone present.

"Sure beta" Ranjit beamed. Amit cleared his throat "one of my best friends is getting engaged this Sunday and he has invited me..and Sakshi as well...we're childhood friends actually" Amit gave his charming smile "can I take Sakshi along if you don't mind?"

Aman wondered if his brother was insane. Ranjit seemed to be thinking "what time is the function?"he asked.

"Around seven" Amit replied in a serious tone "I'll pick her up at six and drop her early...I swear".

Ranjit didn't answer immediately but Shekhar interrupted "let them go.." he said in a cool tone "I know this guy..he's very close to Amit...it's a family function after all...let them enjoy".

Although Ranjit looked reluctant, he couldn't deny his in law "okay" he smiled at Amit "make sure to come back soon".

Amit nodded and said thanks but not before giving a sideways glance at his brother who gave a slow thumbs up.
He really wasn't a wuss after all, Aman thought and was clearly impressed.

Amit did know how to lie a good one...

◇◇◇◇◇

Sakshi rummaged the entire wardrobe and searched for the perfect dress.

Indeed, it had been a miracle that her father had allowed her to go with Amit.

"How did you manage to persuade him?"she had laughed over the phone that night.

"I told you I can be persuasive sometimes" he said playfully "I wanted us to have some lone time together and this was the best chance I could get".

Even though she was excited about the prospect of spending time with him, there was a part of her which feared too.

Being Ranjit Rana's daughter wasn't easy as she had to be cautious all the time. Ever since her teenage days, she was always guarded when it came to opposite gender. Socializing with boys was the last thing when she had joined college.

She had few male friends whom she couldn't avoid because they were lab partners and you had hang out with them. And there were colleagues who were friendly with her but she kept her distance, all thanks to her father. Dealing with men was new to her. And Amit wasn't any different. But she was glad she was safe with him. He made her secure and that's all mattered.

"Wear the purple suit....it looks good on you" Soumya entered and saw the ruckus her daughter created "it's on the top shelf".

Sakshi immediately grabbed the dress and rushed to the mirror "is it enough? What about the jewelry?"

"Wear a simple bracelet..don't wear bangles..it's full sleeves right?" Soumya advised. When it came to dressing up, her mother gave best advice and Sakshi followed him as her choice in clothing was limited.

"Maa? I'm so nervous" Sakshi shrugged as she removed her ear rings and wore a long stoned ones "there'll be too many people and I'm not ready for a function".

"You'll be fine" Soumya smiled "just be back soon...you know your father. Get back before he comes".

Ranjit was operational head in one of the corporate companies and even had duty during the weekend.

Sakshi nodded and went to the bathroom to change. Once she was done with the makeup, her phone rang.

"It's Amit" she said excitedly as it was a missed call "he told me to come down once he gives a call".

Soumya gave her the wallet "fine..enjoy but be careful". After kissing her mother goodbye, Sakshi enthusiastically walked towards the elevator and came down to the entrance where she saw the red swift on the side.

She recognized it to be her fiancee's and he waved her. Feeling ecstatic, she rushed towards him and he opened the front door to her.

"Hi" he said brightly and she smiled but soon realized they weren't alone and saw a figure crouched in the back seat.

"Hi Sakshi" Aman waved at her, mimicking Amit's reaction. Sakshi felt her excitement go down from ten to zero "I thought we were going alone. Why is he here?"she asked in disdain.

Before Amit could reply, Aman piped "unfortunately, it's his childhood friend as well...so you'll have to put up with his brother".

Sakshi breathed deeply and tried to control her anger. Ever since their first encounter, there was hardly any peace between the two.

Amit sensed her discomfort and held her hand "come on...don't be a spoil sport" he teased. She finally gave a smile "only for you". He nodded with a smirk and started the engine.

A brief silence fell inside the car as no one made an attempt for a civil conversation. Aman who looked bored decided to start anyway and began "by the way, what are you wearing Sakshi?"he goaded.

Sakshi who was looking at her phone raised her head "why do you care what I wear?"she snapped.

"Just curious" he chuckled "hope you know we're not going to a pooja ceremony".

She gritted her teeth "okay..what kind of dress am I supposed to wear for a family function?"

He burst out laughing, infuriating her more and she glared at Amit "why the hell are you laughing now?"

Amit joined in and one look at her angry face, he gathered himself "sorry" he muttered "I told a small lie to your father".

"What do you mean?"she looked at him in confusion. He decreased the speed and briefly glanced at her "it's not exactly an engagement function... it's a beach party..organized by one of our childhood friends" he explained as she gaped at him wide eyed "you know Akhil...he came to our engagement".

"Oh my God"she gasped "a beach party?" She'd never been to an actual party, let alone a beach one "what if papa comes to know? He'll slaughter me".

Amit looked apologetic "I know you're uncomfortable but this was the best chance I could get to be with you" he murmured "before our wedding you know".

She looked at him and was at loss for words. He stopped the car to a side and glanced at Aman who was busy talking to someone on the phone.

"I understand if you're hesitant about coming with me" he said softly "I wanted to spend some time with you...besides, it'll be fun. You'll love it".

Although she was scared about the consequences, the fact thrilled her. When will they get this chance again? Who cared isn't it? As if her father would come checking on her.

"I think it'll be great" she said with a smile and he beamed "shall we?" She nodded, feeling excited once again "can't believe you lied to papa so easily".

He snorted as he drove again speedily this time "it was Aman's idea....he told me to include you".

For the first time, she didn't complain about the devil and simply nodded "for once, I appreciate your brother" she added hastily "just once".

"Your opinion deeply touched me" came a voice from behind as Aman was done talking on the phone "I feel relieved".

"Do you have a problem with me Aman?"she snarled. "I have a problem with the entire universe" he drawled.

"Then stop breathing!"she hissed.

Amit's laughter echoed in the car as he realized someone has found a way to shut his brother's big mouth.

Aman leaned against the car seat and put the airpods on, slightly closing his eyes and humming the song under his breath.

"By the way, Deepa Taneja is in the city" Amit announced to his brother a little loudly.

Aman opened his eyes as if in trance and removed the airpods "she was in Delhi right?"he pretended to keep his voice dull but the excitement inside his heart was real.

"Yeah...she's here for some work" Amit chuckled "she's coming to the party as well...Akhil told me".

Sakshi who was oblivious to the conversation suddenly felt curious "who is she?"

Amit rolled his eyes in amusement "Aman has had a huge crush on her since they were ten".

"That's not true!" Aman retorted.

"Okay...let me rephrase" Amit laughed "since they were hormonal teenagers...he worshipped her like anything and even joined the couching class she went to".

"I didn't....I only joined because physics ma'am was kind of cute" Aman said dreamily.

"Yeah yeah...you literally stalked Deepa" Amit pointed out. Aman didn't reply and looked out of the window.

"What happened?" Sakshi asked.

"Nothing...he didn't tell her how he felt and waited for her to reciprocate her feelings which she never did" Amit explained.

"Well....no surprises there" Sakshi said with a grimace "no one in their right mind would".

"What is she upto now?" Aman asked, cutting in "the last time I heard, she was into some training".

"She's a make up artist and is settled in Vasanth Kunj" Amit beamed "she's earning big...even has a salon".

"Suits her" Aman said, closing his eyes again and drifting down memory lane.

How could one forget Deepa Taneja? She was his dream once upon a time, a beautiful mirage. A rainbow in his cloudy life.

He couldn't wait to reach the party, just to get a glimpse of her and wondered if he still felt the same. He would find out soon.

◇◇◇◇◇

"Here we are" Amit announced as they reached the destination. Aman got down from the car "I'll see you love birds later".

"Sure" Amit winked, understanding his desperation and turned to Sakshi who looked nervous "are you okay?"he asked as soon as Aman left.

"Yeah...not sure about my dressing though" Sakshi bit her lip in embarrassment.

Amit took her hand and kissed it "doesn't matter....you look just fine. Be yourself and enjoy the night".

Sakshi nodded in encouragement and they got out hand in hand.

It was nothing like she had imagined a party to be as they walked towards the sea shore. It wasn't very crowded like usual beaches but deserted and she could see small groups of young adults scattered here and there, some walking near the sea and some couples to her bewilderment, making out. She could smell the strong waft of smoke and raised a curious eyebrow.

"Are they smoking?"she pointed out towards the distance. Amit nodded "probably...don't bother about that. Let's go to the resort".

They made their way towards a small cottage which was lit with dim white lights.

As Sakshi entered the pavement, the music grew louder and she could hardly hear what Amit was saying.

"There they are" he pointed out towards a group of friends who were seated on the couch upstairs and laughing at some joke.

Sakshi recognized Akhil who was Amit's childhood best friend and who worked with him in Infy. And there was Aman who was in his own world.

Akhil waved at them and motioned them to join the huge round couch. Sakshi felt awkward and crouched next to Amit.

"Guys..this is Sakshi" Amit introduced the crowd and turned to her "this is Apeksha" he pointed out to a lean short girl who grinned and hugged her "this is Kiran, Purab and Samay..you know Akhil".

It was hard to keep up but Sakshi greeted every single one of them. "Great to meet you Sakshi!" Kiran said with a bright smile "you look er..traditional".

Sakshi didn't know what to reply as she realized she looked like the odd one out.

"Easy dude" Aman replied before she could come up with a reply "not everyone is stereotypical".

"That's right" Apeksha held her hand "you look pretty though...it's a beautiful suit".

"My mother's selection" Sakshi beamed, slightly blushing. Apeksha smiled and turned to the others "come on guys! Let's sit near the bonfire...it's boring inside".

After sometime, the gang walked outside and Sakshi inhaled the fresh air but soon the freshness vanished as they gathered around the large bonfire which was lit.

Soon, Sakshi felt less awkward as she mingled with the crowd and found Amit's friends interesting even though they were a little loud, and weird.

"Want some?" Akhil extended a puff towards Amit who ignored "sorry guys...I want to he sober tonight".

"Dude relax" Samay laughed "don't tell me your father checks your breath too!" Everyone laughed at that.

"He's only sober out of respect to his lady Macbeth" Aman teased "oops...I meant lady love". Few more laughs followed and Sakshi glared at him. He simply winked at her.

"So Aman...what's your job like?" Apeksha asked "Amit tells me you paint models".

Aman glared at his brother "for the last time, I don't do portraits okay?"
Amit shrugged.

"It's okay Aman" Kiran smiled flirtatiously "if given a choice, who would you rather paint among us girls?"

Aman stared at her and then glanced at other girls, his eyes flicking on Sakshi for a split second before replying "sorry to break your heart girls but none of you are worthy".

"Boo" they echoed "such a coward".

"Aman is many things but he's not a coward" came a voice behind them and Aman felt his heartbeat rise at the sight of her. She looked even more beautiful than before, more mature and..confident "hi" she waved at everyone in general.

"Hi Deepa" they said in unison "we wondered if you couldn't make it". She let her gaze linger on Aman "yeah...I changed my mind last minute".

Amit nudged his brother who looked frozen "Aman here was enthusiastic about seeing you" he told her "he came only because you were coming".

"That's a lie" Aman bit his lip, avoiding her eye "I missed you all..it's been a lifetime since we hung out".

Soon, the atmosphere around them was loud with chatters and laughs around the fire.

Amit noticed Sakshi who was silent and whispered "shall we take a walk?" She looked at his extended hand and took it with a nod.

"Ooh" someone exclaimed and everyone else echoed. Blushing, she walked with him.

They came to rest on a small rock near the shore where the waves were hitting softly.

"Are you comfortable?"he asked, settling next to her "I understand this is not your kind of gathering".

She glanced at the cloudless sky which was filled with stars "I've never been to a real party before...so this was exciting".

He clasped her hand in his "I've to confess something to you" he said, kissing each finger.

She stared at him in confusion and he continued "I'm against arranged marriages....when baba got your proposal, I didn't want to accept".

She listened to his surprised revelation and honesty as he went on "I had no plans of settling down forever with someone I hardly know.. it's a commitment of a lifetime isn't it?"

She had no choice but to nod as he was right "then what changed?"she asked.

"I thought we'll be like our parents, living a monotonous mechanical life with no excitement in our lives...but now as days passed and I got to know you a little better, I feel things will change" he gave a small smile "we won't end up like them, will we?"

She leaned against his shoulder "no we won't...we'll make each day matter".

They embraced each other and watched the beautiful sea in front of them, hugging the sky.

He kissed her hair softly "I got lucky with you" he chuckled "you're everything I could ask for in a partner".

She looked at him and their eyes met. He slowly bent his head close to hers and brushed her lips with his own.

She gasped and closed her eyes. The kiss was brief but sudden and her very first. Even though it was over soon, she felt her body quiver.

Indeed, the night was memorable. In fact, too memorable to forget....

Hi everyone!!
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Have a great day ahead...❤❤❤