"He actually proposed?" Nidhi leaned back on her pillow as Meera explained her the recent events that had occurred, excitement evident in her eyes "I never expected him to commit that fast you know".

Meera pulled the stuffed bear close towards her "of course he wants to commit but I didn't expect him to burst out like that! We haven't talked about it since a long time even though I wanted to...I was patient for his sake".

"And this is your best birthday ever!" Nidhi hugged her best friend of five years "you deserve every bit of happiness girl!"

Meera beamed "I feel it's a fairy tale and Yash is my prince charming waiting to swoop me his white horse and take me away to Neverland".
Nidhi gave a long snort "sounds really cheesy but I'm happy for you".

Meera scowled but realized her friend was only joking "he's taking me home to his mother tomorrow". Nidhi raised her eyebrows wider "wow! That escalated real quick!"

Meera twirled the pillow slowly "I'm so nervous Nidhi! I've never met the woman but I'm already such a wreck. What if I mess up with words? I don't know how to impress the lady".

"You don't even have to try...she'll like you immediately" Nidhi said, by way of consoling her. Meera shook her head "oh come on! You know I've the habit of speaking my mind...what if I end up saying something nasty?"

"Whoa! Stop your imagination right there" Nidhi chided "you do that only with your closed ones...with this woman, you'll be guarded. She's your future mother in law after all".

Meera beamed at that "it's too soon to say that". Nidhi threw the pillow at her "Yash loves you...I'll bet he would do anything for you". Meera nodded in appreciation; Yash was the most composed guy she'd ever met and that was the most appealing thing about him, he never lost his cool.

"So what should I wear? I'm very much confused" Meera groaned "I don't want to look too grand but also not too desperate".

Nidhi got up from bed and walked over to her gigantic wardrobe which Meera secretly envied, even though she couldn't help it.

Despite being best friends since five years, Meera and Nidhi were inseparable. Nidhi was her confidante and a sibling figure who always helped her and it was Nidhi who helped her get the job in one of the prestigious confectionery.

Meera watched in curiosity as Nidhi rummaged her wardrobe and took out a lavender knee length tunic "this should do the trick"she winked.

"I can't borrow from you...that's not..." Meera couldn't even complete the sentence when Nidhi glared at her "I'm only helping you as a friend..I can't believe you're taking it in a wrong way". There was hurt in her friend's voice that Meera couldn't ignore "okay fine...let me try".
Nidhi beamed "after that, let's try the jewelry".

◇◇◇◇◇

Meera looked at her reflection in the mirror after wearing the designer dress. It suited her skin perfectly. She mentally thanked God for giving her such a great friend; this dress and the accessories would definitely impress Yash's mother, she thought feeling confident.

"Where did you get that?"her mother entered the room, staring at her. Meera turned "Nidhi gave me...to wear tomorrow".

Damini regarded her daughter with disapproval "why did you ask her? You have so many clothes...friendship is one thing but borrowing things from them is not good....why don't you understand?"

Meera slumped into bed with an angry glare "I didn't ask her...she gave me herself because she's my best friend and cares about me" there was slight irritation in her voice "and there's nothing wrong with taking help from your loved ones".

"Being friendly is a good thing" Damini advised sternly "but at certain point, it makes you feel deprived of your own life, and the things you can't afford. The friendship slowly turns to envy and you start hating yourself and the people around you".

"She's my best friend maa...she's the only one who I feel comfortable in sharing my feelings..she knows what I went through for the past seven years and never judged me" Meera snapped "unlike you who always nags me when it comes to my friends".

"Why would she judge you?" Damini demanded "we didn't steal from anyone...stop making everything about yourself". Meera went on to say something but stopped and went inside the bathroom to change.

Ever since they had shifted to the city seven years back to start a new life, the relationship between her and her parents had been strained. Once what was called a happy joyful family was reduced to restrained conversations and failed communication. And the reason was simple; it was impossible to go back the way there were before.

When she came out of the bathroom, she found her mother still in bed, much to her disappointment but didn't comment.

"Did you tell Yash about us?"her mother asked the moment she saw her. Meera nodded "he knows everything maa...relax...I told him about papa's condition. He understands and told me to be patient. He even offered to help many times but I declined so don't worry".

"That's a good thing you didn't accept his help..its not like the end of the world" her mother said "but I'm worried for you...although I approve of your relationship, there is this nagging feeling that things won't be the same. I don't want you to end up feeling hurt and broken".

"We love each other maa..nothing can go wrong" Meera explained with a sigh; her mother had stopped feeling optimistic a long time ago. Being with Yash was the only good thing in her miserable life and the silver lining she wished for.

"I know you're ashamed of us" Damini said sourly "we failed to give you back that life which you had....we ruined your charming bubble".

Meera sat next to her and held her hand "I'm not ashamed of you...but sometimes I wish papa weren't as naive and adamant...if it wasn't for his hasty decision, we would still be.." she didn't complete the words "anyway, let's hope for the best. I'm sure things will work out for us".

Damini finally gave a small smile and hugged her daughter...praying that the day would finally come..

◇◇◇◇◇

"Am I looking good?"

"You're looking marvellous".

"I mean..do I look like royalty?"

"You're my princess..of course you look like one".

"Yash please...I'm serious" Meera groaned as they drove away in his Mercedes this time. He picked her up from her home and left to his house to meet his mother. Meera kept biting her nails, praying mentally that everything should go well.

"You're worrying for no reason...my mother's one of the coolest woman you'll ever meet" Yash smiled brightly "it's impossible that she wouldn't like you..and besides she was the one who was excited about meeting you".

That calmed Meera a little but she couldn't stop feeling apprehensive "let's hope so...please don't leave my side". He stared at her for a brief moment "I won't..trust me". She smiled feeling a little better.

They finally reached their destination and he switched on the gate button. The gate opened instantly and she let out a gasp. It was the time she was inside his mansion and she felt it was nothing she had imagined before.

The garden was huge but beautiful with all sorts of exotic plants and shrubbery which she hadn't seen before "it's beautiful" she breathed deeply "I've never seen anything like this before".

He only grinned and took her hand as they were led inside the gigantic living room. "Wait here..I'll call my mother" he led her to one of the cushion chairs and disappeared up the marble staircase.

She gulped the air slowly feeling a little dizzy and looked around. Everything was enchanting, the walls and the furniture...she could see the servants running around and felt like being in a movie.

Finally, he appeared with a middle aged lady with him, only that the lady wasn't at all what she had envisioned.

Shalini Sehgal, in her early fifties looked much younger and prettier. Clad in a lavender salwar and a matching small but elegant diamond necklace which suited her well. Even her face looked devoid of any blemish and Meera felt like a mediocre in front of her.

"Mom..this is Meera" Yash introduced in a cool tone "my girlfriend". Meera beamed inwardly.

Shalini gave a bright smile which only lifted Meera's spirits "nice to finally meet you...I'm sorry I was so busy that I couldn't get to meet you earlier...you know how tricky the family business is".

Meera immediately took her hand "you don't have to apologise...I was really looking forward to this meeting as well...I understand the commitments you have regarding the family..it's not easy".

After having conversation about many things in general and her family in particular, Meera finally felt at ease with the older woman. Shalini was an easy going but a little sophisticated woman who didn't nag too much about a particular topic and didn't ask too much about her past as well which impressed Meera.

Even the dinner was succesful, with all the exotic recipes and desserts laid out by their servants and Meera was pleased.

"You must take your baking skills to the next level" Shalini suggested after they had dinner had retired into the guest lounge "Yash says your cakes are out of this world". Meera blushed a crimson and cast a small gaze at Yash who winked at her.

"I'm planning to join a post grad course at Heer Agarwal institute...I've not yet applied but intend to" she explained. Shalini gave an encouraging nod "that's great..you have so much potential....she's a great chef actually...if you want I can help you". Meera could only dance with inward happiness.

◇◇◇◇◇

"Your mother's really a gem!" Meera squealed in delight "I could hardly contain my happiness!"

Yash who was driving beside her snorted "like I said, you were worrying for no reason...my mother respects my choice...she's always been a rock in my life...even after my father's death, she's been managing well, personally and professionally. And I'm so proud of her".

Meera nodded "of course you should be..you're really lucky to have her". Yash took her hand briefly "and I'm lucky to have you too". She glowed at that "so when are you coming to our house? I want your mother to meet my folks as well".

Yash stared ahead "how does this Sunday work? I'll make myself free in the evening...after asking mom". Meera beamed "great! I'll take off from work and prepare myself. I want the night to be perfect". Even as she said it, she could imagine the big day when she was wedded to him, wearing the best of clothes and walking beside him to the mandap as everyone watched them in awe and some with envy probably because they would make a great power couple.

"We're here" Yash interrupted her fancy thoughts and she got down with him "I love you Yash...you made me the happiest person tonight" she said, overcome with emotion. He looked around and kissed her palm "love you too...can't wait to marry you actually".

Blushing, she watched him go with stars in her eyes.

◇◇◇◇◇

Tanvi walked out of the mall, after having done ample amounts of shopping and reached the parking lot. It was less crowded as it was almost closing time.

She opened the door of her new Porche and was almost about to alight when a hand grabbed her out and pulled her towards the wall.

"What the hell Ayaan!"she pushed her hand away and stared in disgust at her second ex husband "what do you think you're doing?"

Ayaan gave a shameless sneer "it had been a long time since we met...so thought of giving you a surprise". Tanvi glared at him "we're divorced in case your thick skull didn't get it...I'm done with you forever...so stop stalking or else I'll call the cops".

He looked unfazed "come on sweetie...how can you forget six months of quality time we spent together?"he leered "I still can't forget how you would..."

"Shut up!"she hissed, looking around;  there was no soul in sight and even though she wasn't scared of him, she felt a sense of fear because he sounded drunk, and desperate "what do you want?"

He closed in on her "I like that you're straight to the point...I need cash, loads of it". She blinked "my father settled every penny during the trial you shameless bastard!"

"I know...but it isn't enough my dear... I'm planning to start a new business and I need fast cash...probably fifty lakhs"he said easily and she let out a gasp "you're crazy if you think I'm going to give you a single dime".

He rolled his eyes in mock surprise "I know you won't...let me persuade you" he took out his phone and showed her.

She could hardly breathe as the colour drained from her face "you're freaking insane! You can't blackmail me and get away with it".

"I can sweetie" he shrugged "if you really want me to shut my mouth, you'll arrange for the money". She looked at him with disgust "I don't have that kind of money right now...I can't ask dad either".

"Oh come on...you're a smart girl. I'm sure you'll figure out a way" he whispered close to her ear "I'll text you the place and time...and one more thing..I don't like to wait" he stalked away from her.

Tanvi sat inside the car and locked the door, breathing hard. There was no way she was going to tell her father as she had already made a mess of things. She thought about Daksh but thought the better of it; he was already dealing with his own demons.

Sighing deeply, she came to a conclusion. There was only one thing left to do now. She started the car and zoomed away in silence.

◇◇◇◇◇

"Meera is so impressed by you" Yash told his mother as they were about to retire for the night. Shalini, who was reading the magazine closed it shut "she's a nice girl, talks a lot and is open minded".

"We should meet her parents as well  and decide the date for the engagement" Yash said eagerly "I don't see why we should delay". Shalini stared at him "I didn't even give my consent".

Yash looked at her in disbelief "wh..what do you mean?" Shalini didn't look affected by her son's change of expression "you can't marry her...that's it".

"But you were so nice to her...I mean you said so yourself you liked her" he said, his face paling slightly "you know how much I love her. I'm serious about her, mom!"

Shalini faced him with a calm  demeanour "and I'm serious too...I don't want you to marry her".

"Why?" Yash stormed "is it because she's from a middle class family? That she's not a daughter of some big tycoon?"

"You know when I married your father, I came from a middle class family too..that's not the issue with me at all".

"Then why? What's so wrong with her that you're suddenly changing your decision?" Yash demanded angrily.

"I'll tell you...even if you were not entirely honest with me" she said simply. Yash glanced at her in confusion "what are you talking about?" Even when he said it, he realized what his mother meant.

"About why they shifted to a different place" Shalini answered and started explaining him as he listened grimly.

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