"Your would-be wife." My eye turned to death but could fake a smile.

Her eyes shined on seeing me. "Finally!" That look of gratification on her face. "I thought you were escaping from me." She giggled at the end, covering her mouth with her palm. That melodious giggle reached my ears, a peace which found me after two years.

My lip turned into a smile seeing that glowing face in front of me. How much had I missed her! Had lived my life in great misery after she left but still that one giggle was enough to erase my all sorrows. That was the reason I came here, to just create some memories with which could erase my pain.

"Hey!" She waved a hand in front of me, brought me out of my thoughts. "Raghav you were correct. Your friend often drifts into some other world, where are you lost?" She raised a brow and questioned me playfully.

"Maybe dreaming of her dream girl." I moved my sight at the source. It was at that moment, I realized that Shehnaaz had a partner with her. The same girl whom I met outside. What was her name? Navya! She was staring at me with a flirty gaze.

"Sid can dream of the only girl." That disappointment again on Raghav's face. He would again start with the topic, I just glanced at him. That he better shut his mouth.

"Which girl?" Navya sounded curious. "He has a girlfriend?" She was inquiring. We stared at her suspiciously. Shehnaaz was giving her a teasing look. Navya was interested in me, and that was clear.

"Why are you so eager to know about him, Navya?" Shehnaaz was winking at Navya making that teasing smile. I hated this! She was teasing someone with my name? I would lose it!

"I will take leave, Raghav just helps me with my room." I was not at all interested in the conversation. I just tried to escape from it.

"Why Raghav? Navya will help you, what say?" Shehnaaz was making it worse. I hate her so much for it! She was trying to ship me with her friend, that what it seemed from her behavior. Raghav was just staring at me. He knew that it was annoying me. What amazed him was my silence.

"No, you both friends do your gossips and we two will have ours." Raghav was smart enough to shut the offer in his way. Shehnaaz nodded with a smile, but Navya was slightly disappointed. They both made their way back to the girls, they were talking before we disturbed them. Raghav was still giving me that unbelievable look.

"What?" I raised my brow at him, I was getting annoying with his look.

"You behaved so calmly with her. I was really surprised. You take no one's shit. But you were taking Shehnaaz teasing." He stared at me suspiciously.

"She is no random girl but your would-be wife." I somehow brought those words out of my mouth.

Raghav got convinced by my reasons. "That's true! You have no idea I am so desperate to make her my wife." With that we were walking out of the garden. I was trying hard not to concentrate on his conversation as it was shattering me more.

Glanced the surrounding, it was such a beautiful place. If it was not for my inner turmoil than I would have enjoyed my stay over here. The desired holiday trip anyone would wish for. Greenery all around, that stressful life of the city would halt in this nature. That tree which hardly comes into notice in those crowded sheets. Full of automobiles, highways, malls fully packed up but lacks the most important one, peace!

That chipping of sparrows was just better than those horrible horns which I witnessed every morning while going for office. That river at the corner of Shivalik hills was more peaceful than to witness that crowd of traffic where hours used to get wasted. That blissful air kissing my cheeks was so refreshing that that pollution filled the air, I took in the city.

Raghav's voice made me divert my gaze to him. "I can see you're already enjoying your stay." That smile on realizing that I was enjoying the destination wedding.

I just nodded but one question was troubling me so I let it out. "Why a destination wedding? That too Chandigarh?"

"Shehnaaz planned this. I and her parents were shocked on knowing it. The girl who had lived her entire life in Canada wanted to marry in Chandigarh that was something inconceivable for us, but she is Shehnaaz and capable of doing anything you see." He winked at me and I just gave him a node. Who could know it better than I was the thought in my mind?

//

The interior of the room was up to the point. That room was of cream color, but the lamp surrounding it gave it a golden view. The curtain was of the white and golden brown, matching with the interiors. I made my ways towards it, pulling it off. The large view window gave a complete view of Shivalik Hill. Again that fresh air kissing my cheeks, my sight went on the two comfortable white couch present over there. Just opposite the dressing table, beside the washroom door. I glanced at the comfortable bed, which had a white sheet on it. The interior of the room was what I prefer. And I knew it was Raghav's idea to give me this one.

That bed was inviting me after a long journey I had. I had not slept the whole night, was driving. Not that I was excited about the wedding but was excited to meet her after two long years.

I was the only one who was trying to escape from meeting her. It scared me that meeting her would again build hope in my heart. They were getting married, and I was happy for them, that I was trying to convince myself. Sara was right! It would be difficult. Not an hour had passed, and I was already feeling like crap. I had to erase this pain out, pulled out my cigarettes. That addiction was helping me to forget her addiction.

Exhaling the smoke out, I made my way towards the carriage. Raghav was kind enough to help me out with luggage and parcel it to my room. Taking out a white t-shirt and grey shorts, that was the cloth I was comfortable in. Kept the clothes on the bed. I made my way towards the washroom.

Locking the door behind me, I pulled out my black shirt. That was sinking due to my sweat. I had worn it for more than twenty-four hours. And met Shehnaaz in those clothes after two years. But what difference it would make? Even if I had gone before her well dressed, she would marry Raghav. That depressed feeling enveloped in my heart, each time I thought of their marriage.

Should not I be happy for them? Raghav had been my friend from childhood, and Shehnaaz, she had been the love of my life. They both loved each other and were happy with each other. Why was their happiness piercing my heart? Why was I not able to be happy in their happiness?

I pulled my pant away, checking the temperature of the water in the bathtub. Jumped into it, that warm water sent shivers down my spine. It was much needed at the moment. I was exhausted, both physically and mentally. I closed my eyes, tried hard to keep my mind blank, and just enjoy the bath.

Alas! I had no control over my mind and soon it drifted to those memories when she landed into my life. Who had thought she would become my lifeline? A slight smile made its way on my lip.

##

It flabbergasted me seeing the view in front of me. That innocent soul was lying in a pool of blood. What had I done? I was continuously cursing myself. At that moment I noticed an intense gaze on me. That murderous glare. Why was he staring at me like that? Was the thing beyond my knowledge.

"This is the man who knocked down the girl." That infuriated people present over there.

"You're the reason that she is on the verge of dying. Now you will have to take her to the hospital." An elderly person among the crowd scowled at me.

I just shook my head, did they thought me to be so cruel to leave her in such condition? Why would I even stop, if I would not help her? I moved towards the soul, kneeled in front of her. I took her in my arms, carried her towards my car. I placed her on the back seat and would close the door when the same elderly man stopped me.

He seemed to be near the fifties. That white turban he was wearing along with a white kurta having a saffron color mini jacket wore above. He had worn a white dhoti, and that typical shoe pointed at the end. The shoe which the groom wore during their wedding. He was touching his grey mustache with pride and had a long beard which he was caressing it with another hand. With those dangerous red eyes glaring at me.

"What?" I raised a brow at him, getting exasperated. Why was he wasting time? That girl was severely injured.

"I am coming with you." He provided no chance for me to speak and entered inside the car. He took her head on his lap. I would open my mouth but one glance at the unconscious soul and letting out-breath in annoyance I moved to my driver seat. I had just turned the engine to life when my passenger door got open. The same guy who was glaring at me a moment before moving it. He too had the same attire, just the difference was he was much younger than the other one.

And instead of white, he was wearing blue Kutta and Pajama. Why on the earth did he get into my car? I would scoff at him, but before I could open my mouth; he spoke.

"I am coming along with you. I can't trust you with an unconscious girl and my old father." What was even happening with me? Did they think I was some criminal?

"For your kind information, let me tell you that. I am not a criminal, but a successful businessman. My name is Siddharth Shukla, owner of Shukla enterprise. And I would take her to the hospital even if you didn't ask me for it." Gave him a deadly glare. I had enough of them! What were they even thinking of themselves?

"We know your type of people very well. Now just move the car." Screamed the elder man.

I just drive, not wanting to waste my time and patience on those who were not ready to listen. I allowed them to have their misconception about me. My full concentration on the road and mind hoped that girl be safe. The way blood had flowed, I was getting frightened. I could never forgive myself if something happened to her.

###

There was a beep on the door and I had to come out of my thoughts, jumping out of the bathtub. I wrapped myself with the bathrobe, tieing it. I moved out of the washroom. Someone was continuously banging, had no patience, and it pissed me off.

I thought it was better to answer the door, before getting into my clothes as that person was annoying me. I made my way towards the door, opening it. Only to find Navya standing in the door along with Sara. What was she doing over here? Navya was drooling over me. She was staring at the chest which could be seen from the bathrobe I was wearing.

I could hear her soft mummer, "he is so hot!" Her eyes fix on me.

Sara just gave a hit her in Navya stomach with her elbow, whispered to her. "You were loud!" And giggled, making her get embarrassed.

"I know babe that I am hot." I chuckled, which made her blush hard. I found her cute, "so what are you both ladies up to?" Raised a brow at them.

"Inviting you for lunch. Some already had and bro asked me to call you out." I appalled listening to it. They both looked at me with confusion.

"It's already lunchtime?" They stared at me as if I had grown two horns.

Sara checked my forehead, "are you fine?" Acting her dramatic self. I just glared at her. For which both of them laughed. "Sid, it is already afternoon and it will be better that you reach downstairs before bro finishes it." Gave me you never know look. I nodded my head while smiling at her.

I had just closed my door when I heard their whispers. "Sara was I that loud?"

"Oh shit! I spoiled my first impression." That disappointed voice.

"Don't worry! He might have found you cute." That was Sara, she knew me that well.

"But he too was looking cute when he got to know that it was afternoon." Navya giggled.

"Now Navya you decide whether he is cute or hot?"

With that, I heard their retreating footsteps. Girls and their talks! I shook my head and started putting the t-shirt and shorts kept on the bed. I had a look at myself in front of a large dressing mirror. Moved my hands around my hair, looking presentable, I moved out.

I switched off the light before and stepped out. At that moment I heard a thunderstorm, and only one thought occupied my mind. Moti! Without having a second thought, I rushed downstairs. I felt anxious was just hoping that she was fine. As I was descending the stairs in search of her when I found Sara on the path.

"Where is moti?" I sounded desperate.

"Near the garden..." she would continue but I didn't wait for it. Made my way towards the garden.

The moment I reached there, the sight before me shattered me down to pieces. She was hugging Raghav tightly, shivering in fear. They drenched both in rain. Raghav was caressing her hair softly, might trying to calm her down.

I heard a footstep and glanced to find Sara beside me. "You were trying to tell me this?" The question which I knew the answer of.

"Siddharth are you fine?" She was staring at me with concern.

I royally ignored her, I was fully lost in my grief. "She doesn't need me." That realization hit me hard as if someone stabbed my heart.

***

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