HAPPY DIWALI!!!!!!!

This chapter is my Diwali present for you all... I hope you all would like it.

.

.

.

***Present***

"I knew it! I told you that Viraj loves you and that is why he is hell-bent on marrying you!" Jyoti exclaimed as Sneha told her all about Viraj's love confession. They were in the college cafe, utilizing their break time in discussing Sneha's chaotic life.

"He doesn't love me. He is just...in an illusion again. He is just infatuated with me, Jyoti. He is now claiming his feelings to be 'love', that's it." Sneha contradicted.

"How can you be so sure? I mean, you just told me how he looked at you throughout the time that the musicians played that romantic song. You know that men can't help but stare at the woman they are in love with. So, it is obvious that he loves you."

"As usual, he must have read about 'being in love' and all that thing on the internet. Or he must have watched another documentary on dating, from where he got the wrong idea."

"Documentary?"

"Hmm. He gets all the romantic ideas from the internet or the documentaries that explain to him how to date or spend time with a girl. I bet he got the idea of the firecrackers and the musicians from there."

"He watches all those things to learn how to express his feelings?" Jyoti was surprised.

"Yes. And, that is why I know that he doesn't love me. If he really loved me, then he would be showing his true self to me...and not this fake gentle facade that he is displaying these days."

"Or maybe it is his true nature."

"Viraj Khatri and gentle? Did you forget about his profession and what he does for a living? I mean, I don't even know how many people has he murdered to build that huge mansion that he calls home!"

"Yeah, I know! But, he is also a human being. He can fall in love too!"

"With me? Do you think I am better in any manner when compared with his ex-fiancee, Nupur? I am not as beautiful as her. I am not as rich as her. I am not as gentle as her. I am not as soft-spoken as her. And, most importantly, I am not the ideal woman that Viraj wants. He wants someone who agrees with him on every point. He wants his wife to do what he wants, go where he wants her to go and eat what he wants her to eat. He practically wants to control her life! Nupur wanted that lifestyle, and I respect her choice. But, I do not want it. If Viraj truly loved me, he would know about what I want!"

"How will he know what you truly want when you are always faking your feelings towards him? You accept his advances, for God's sake! You are even letting him kiss you! All this will obviously give him the wrong signal. He will think that you are happy and fine with all that he does!"

"Why are you supporting him?" Sneha whined!

Jyoti sighed.

"I am not supporting him, Sneha. I am just trying to understand the mess that you both have created in each other's lives. And, you are to be blamed equally since you are not telling him the truth about your real feeling about him and this marriage. If you don't want this, then you still have time to tell him the truth. I don't know how often I have to tell you this again and again!"

"I...I can't tell him the truth from my mouth! His father has warned me thousand times that if I'd hurt his son's heart, he will literally kill me but not before killing my entire family in front of me! Tell me, what would you have done at my place?"

Jyoti sighed. It was a tricky question, and she would never want to be in Sneha's shoes.

"I don't know, Sneha, but I strongly feel that you should talk to Viraj and have a healthy discussion about your future with him. Tell him that it won't work out with you two."

"Three times...I gave him a direct signal three times. Once, I told him clearly that I am not used to his lifestyle and that I won't be able to adjust later. And, he said that he'd slowly teach me. The second time, when we were in the middle of the sea in his yacht, I told him that I never wanted to be engaged in a family that is related to crime and illegal things. And, he replied by saying that I'll get used to it just like the women in his family has. Third, just two weeks ago, when I felt like his mood was light, I told him that I do not want others to make fun of me or talk about me being married into a mafia family. Do you know what he did? He laughed. He laughed and then assured me that no one would dare to make fun of his wife and if anyone did, he would easily wipe off their existence so that it would teach a lesson to others."

"Oh God, that's scary!" Jyoti mumbled on hearing her friend.

"Think about my condition, then. I had to listen to this warning. He has grown so comfortable with me that he doesn't even hesitate to discuss these things with me or in front of me. It's as if he is daring me to go and reveal everything to the police. He knows I won't because the police believe evidence...and all his businesses are flawless in terms of the law."

Jyoti remained quiet for a while. She just couldn't understand Sneha's situation. She wanted Sneha to tell the truth to Viraj, but on hearing her side of the story, it didn't seem that easy.

"So, what are you going to do? I mean, you can't marry him, Sneha!"

"I know. I have tried everything possible to convince him to say no to this proposal. I tried to be clingy so much so that even I'd hate myself for it. But, that man...he just seemed to enjoy it. I can't be rude because that attracted him in the first place. I don't want to be caught up in a mess anymore deeper. So, now, I am totally dependent on my father. Papa told me yesterday that I must play along with Viraj and his family's drama, and when the time will be right, he will help me in escaping all this. That is why I am not using my brain at all because whatever I do, it's just giving the opposite result."

"I can't even imagine what your parents are going through, Sneha!"

Sneha visibly sighed.

"I know. I hate to be the reason for their stress. Papa is always trying to seek contacts that can help him. And, mummy is always lecturing me on being mentally strong. She knows that Viraj touches me inappropriately..."

"Oh my God! Did he try to r..."

"Not that extreme...But, he forgets about physical distance when we are together alone. Now, even my closest relatives know that we spend the nights together. And, I know they all think the worst. This further stresses my parents." Sneha rubbed her forehead in frustration as the memories of Viraj kissing her flashed through her eyes.

"Sneha...relax..."

"How can I? I wonder if papa also thinks that something...sexual happens between me and Viraj. I told mummy that nothing of that sort happens so that she can assure papa. But, who would believe me anyway! And, I know that papa is concerned whether I would get any marriage proposal after Viraj's family breaks this engagement. Talks about my character are already floating subtly in the family circle. They trust society more than my words." Sneha's voice fell heavy.

"F*** the society. They will blame the girl even if she would look at a boy for a second. They just need a reason to talk shit about others." Jyoti said in irritation.

"I don't care about it either. But, seeing my parents stressed out because of me and begging for help from strangers, sometimes makes me feel like the worst daughter ever." Sneha sighed.

Jyoti read her face carefully and voiced her deepest concern.

"Sneha...promise me you won't take any wrong step because of all this..."

"What 'wrong' step?"

"No suicidal thoughts. Okay?" Jyoti clarified.

Finally, during the entire conversation, Sneha laughed...for the first time.

"Don't worry, I will never kill myself for something like this. I am not that weak. And, why will I hurt myself? I didn't do anything wrong!" Sneha spoke in her favour.

"That's good, then. I don't want you to take any stupid action."

"Don't worry. I won't. But, thanks for the concern." Sneha said and gently laid her head on Jyoti's shoulder in a friendly manner.

At that moment, Sneha's phone rang and she straightened herself to look at the screen.

"Now, why is she calling me?" Sneha whined upon seeing Ananya's number flashing on the screen.

"Pick it up or else she will give a long lecture like last time." Jyoti chuckled. She remembered Ananya giving a melodramatic lecture on how Sneha didn't give importance to their friendship as she recognized Jyoti's friendship. And all this when she didn't pick up the phone because of the workshop she was engaged in, almost a month ago. In a way, Ananya was just like her brother...in seeking attention.

Reluctantly, Sneha accepted the call.

"Hello?"

"Hi, Sneha! Where are you?" Ananya's excited voice boomed from the phone.

"In the cafe. Why?"

"Come to the parking lot, quickly."

"Why?"

"Did you forget? We have to go to the mall to buy dresses for the get-together."

"I remember but that is like...almost a month later. Why shop now?"

"What if we won't like the dresses there? Then we will have to find another spot for shopping. And, this will take time. And then the exams will begin and we will get busy. So, come na!" Ananya almost pleaded.

"Okay, I am coming in five minutes." She replied and started packing her bags as she cancelled the call.

"What happened?" Jyoti asked.

"The princess wants to shop for the upcoming family get-together." Sneha informed.

Jyoti only rolled her eyes.

.

.

.

Three weeks later:

Sneha was surprised when she scanned the venue where both families had to meet. Unlike she had expected, this place was very crowded. She had thought that Viraj's father would choose a rather isolated place for the family meeting. So, as she stepped inside the three-storied restaurant with people buzzing all around, she couldn't help but wonder why Dev chose this place.

"Did Viraj bhaiya say where they will be?" Priya asked as she too looked around the place.

"He texted me that they would be on the second floor. Table 15." Sneha informed and thus, she along with her sister and parents took the escalator to go to the second floor.

Almost immediately they spotted the elite family already seated at the table. Ananya was the first one to see them. So, she waved her hand and informed her family members that they have arrived.

"Priya, remember what I told you back at home?" Sneha whispered to her sister as they both walked behind their parents towards the destination. Viraj and his family members had stood up to welcome them.

"Yes. Don't start with the lecture again." Priya whined.

"I am serious, Priya. I do not want you to say anything except answer their questions if they will ask. Just do not lose your temper, okay?" Sneha reminded her sister again.

"I am not interested in this weird family, anyway." She said with an eye roll.

Sneha sighed. She just didn't want her sister to get into any kind of argument with Viraj and his family members.

As the families approached, Sneha ignored Viraj's gaze on her and immediately walked in the direction of Dev and his wife to touch their feet and greet them in the traditional way. It was something that Dev demands her to follow every time they meet. So, now, she had to do it in order to avoid any arguments or warnings. Getting blessings from Viraj's parents, she turned around to look at Ananya and greet her as well. From the corner of her eyes, she saw that Viraj had imitated her and he too, just like her, bowed and touched the feet of her parents to seek blessings.

"Hi, Sneha! You are looking so beautiful in this dress." Ananya praised Sneha's floral dress and the matching heels.

"You are looking pretty too." She said with a small smile as she looked at the full-length gown that Ananya was wearing.

"Can you believe it! Only 10 more days and you will officially be my bhabhi (an endearment for the brother's wife). I just wonder how you would look in the wedding attire!" Ananya whispered to her as the elders shared pleasantries. 

Sneha literally hated whenever Ananya would remind her of the doomsday by giving her the countdown. But for her sake, she smiled and lowered her head.

"Let's sit down." Came Dev's dominating voice and Sneha turned to look at him. Looking around the table, she tried to analyze the seating arrangement. She had wanted to sit with her sister but the arrangement was a little confusing. It was a square-shaped table with two chairs on each side. One side was already occupied by Dev and his wife. The side opposite them was vacant which meant that it was for her parents. The third side was occupied by Viraj and the fourth side was taken by Ananya. This meant only one thing. She will have to sit with Viraj and Priya will have to sit with Ananya. Because she wouldn't want her sister to sit with Viraj. Who knew he would develop feelings for her sister and then would want to marry her? She thought bitterly.

Looking up, their eyes met and she could easily read Viraj's intention. He lightly smiled and motioned towards his side by tilting his head. Thus, she slowly made her way towards him and allowed him to pull the chair for her. She was the last one to sit at the table.

"You look beautiful." Viraj whispered in her ear as he took his seat.

She turned in his direction on reflex and instantly came into the line of vision of Dev. He was looking at her intensely. She gulped hard...in fear and nervousness. This man literally scared her like anything.

So, she looked at Viraj and smiled.

"Thank you. You are also looking good." She managed to mumble so only he'd listen.

Viraj smiled back and focused on his father who for some reason, had a lot to say tonight.

"I hope you all came here comfortably." Dev asked Shankar.

Sneha's father was flushed by the gentleness in Dev's voice.

"Yes. Thank you for sending the car for us." Shankar replied humbly.

"Oh, that's the least I could do for my daughter-in-law." Dev said to which Viraj's smile widened. He was amazed how his father, who was initially so against this union, had accepted Sneha so quickly. He even participated actively in the wedding arrangements and the jewellery that was to be given to her on the day of the wedding, according to his culture.

And for this reason, his respect for his father increased many folds.

'I am not your daughter-in-law!' Sneha wanted to scream aloud.

"I must say, Shankar that your daughter is truly a lucky charm for my son." Dev initiated a conversation and grabbed everyone's attention...again.

Everyone looked at Sneha for a while and then looked back at Dev...expecting him to elaborate.

"I don't understand..." Shankar quickly said.

Even Viraj wondered what his father meant.

"Remember how on the day of Holi, Viraj was supposed to be in London, finalizing an important deal, but Sneha convinced him to skip it?" Dev asked.

Sneha understood where this conversation was going. Viraj had told her about it earlier too. And, she had literally cursed her planets for it.

"Yes?" Shankar replied in an unsure tone. He only knew that she had gone with him to celebrate Holi.

"I was so angry at that moment because convincing that person to invest in our company was extremely important at that time. And, because of her, my son simply ditched the proposal!" Dev said.

"I did not ditch it, papa. I asked Gaurav to meet him on my behalf." Viraj interjected.

"That's the same thing. But, anyway...all's well that ends well. Turned out that the investor Viraj was to meet had extremely high values and respect for families. When he came to know that Viraj skipped the meeting because he wanted to celebrate the festival with his fiancee to whom he had given his word, he thought Viraj is also a 'family man' just like him. He was impressed by it and decided to go with the deals as promised earlier. Apparently, he thought that a man who was honest to his family would never cheat in business too. Whatever might be the reason, I am so happy that my daughter-in-law has already started bringing prosperity to my son." Dev concluded his long speech by looking at Sneha at the end.

'I am not your daughter-in-law!' She wanted to scream again. Because no one tortures their daughter-in-law the way this man did and still does.

"That's...great to hear. I didn't know about it." Shankar replied when he realized that Dev was waiting for him to respond.

While they waited for their food to arrive, they switched from one conversation to the other. Mostly, it revolved around the wedding customs to be followed and the gifts to be exchanged. Finally, the ladies of the family got a chance to speak as well. Ananya had engaged in another string of conversations with Priya. So, Sneha had to respond to whatever questions Viraj asked her.

The food finally arrived and only she knew how relieved she was. At least Viraj had the distraction of food.

As they had the food, she casually looked upwards. The third floor was easily visible and she could see a few people sitting at two tables. One table was evidently occupied by a family while the other one was occupied by some religious people who were wearing a white cloth masks on their mouths. She didn't pay much attention to them and quickly focused on her plate.

Finally, after half an hour, the main course was done with lots of discussions on the upcoming events. And, they waited for the dessert to arrive.

"I'll just come in a moment." Sneha told Viraj and stood up. Viraj instantly held her wrist.

"Where to?" He asked.

"Washroom." She replied and he left her hand with a nod. She looked at Priya, asking her through her eyes if she wanted to follow. Priya easily agreed and stood up to follow her sister. As if on cue, Ananya decided to follow them as well. However, they were interrupted by Dev's authoritative voice.

"Sneha...Use the washroom of this floor only. The third floor is off limits." He said leaving no space for argument.

Sneha nodded and walked towards the washroom sign which clearly indicated that it was at the corner...away from the sight of the public.

"How did he know that we were going to the washroom?" Priya asked her sister.

"Where else do you think a girl would go without informing?" Sneha replied while trying to analyze the path.

"There it is." Ananya pointed and all of them walked to the extreme end of the wide corridor.

Sneha entered inside while Priya and Ananya waited outside.

After a minute, Sneha walked out with a frown.

"There's no empty cell. And, so many people are there already waiting! Four cells are out-of-order." She said.

"Seriously! I don't understand why papa chose such a crowded place. He always prefers a private area for such gatherings. Anyway...Let's go to the third floor." Ananya said and started walking towards the staircase.

"But, your father said not to go there. It is off limits." Sneha reminded her.

"That is why the washrooms will be vacant there. Come." Ananya said and reluctantly, both the sisters followed her.

"What if one of the guards inform him that we went to the third floor?" Sneha asked.

"We are not really going to the third floor. We are just using the washroom on the third floor. And, the guards are all stationed outside the restaurant...not inside. Do you want to wait for your number instead?" Ananya asked with a chuckle.

Sneha shook her head negatively.

"I wonder why are you so scared of my father? I mean, he loves you already. And the fact that you are going to be his only daughter-in-law...the wife of his only son, he is never going to scold you even if you commit a mistake." Ananya assured her. Sneha wanted to laugh at the comment.

After they reached the third floor's washroom, Priya and Ananya again waited outside as Sneha entered inside and closed the main door. She faced forward and saw only one elderly woman washing her hands in one of the washbasins. So, she ignored her and started walking towards the vacant cell.

However, she got startled when the woman turned around and gave a loud gasp as she looked at her. So, she stopped in her tracks and looked at the woman. She was one of those religious people who were sitting on the third floor. Sneha could easily identify because of the unique white dress they were wearing.

"I am sorry?" Sneha apologized for nothing in particular. She thought she scared this woman.

The 50 years old woman stared at her for a moment in shock and panic.

"I'll...just...use..." Sneha pointed towards the washroom cells and started taking small steps towards them, so as to not scare the woman further.

Entering the cell, she closed the door and sighed in relief. After doing her business, she opened the door of the cell and walked towards the wash basin to wash her hands. She had expected the woman to have left already, but she hadn't. She was still in the same place, but this time...less scared and more in control of her emotions.

Sneha looked at her for a moment, thinking she will say anything. But, she didn't. Instead, she continued looking at her with wide eyes.

'Let's get out of here quickly, Sneha!' She told herself, getting a little scared now.

So, she quickly washed her hands while looking at the old woman from the corner of her eyes. Who knew she would attack her any time? She thought irrationally.

She had only turned around to exit when she heard the woman speak.

"Please do not tell anyone that you saw my face." The woman said...almost begging her.

Sneha turned around to face her and she could see her eyes getting filled with unshed tears.

'What's wrong with her?' Sneha thought in genuine concern.

"Oh okay...aunty." She replied and turned around to leave again.

"I mean it. Please...Do not tell anyone that you saw me. I am begging you." The woman stressed again.

"Yes, I won't tell anyone. I understand that the mask is important in your culture." She assured her with a gentle smile and slowly exited the washroom.

Closing the door behind her, she literally exhaled in relief.

"What happened?" Priya asked as she looked at the flushed face of her sister.

"Nothing. Let's go." She said and all three of them quickly made their way towards the second floor and to the table where their parents were seated.

They were walking towards the table when Ananya spoke.

"Oh, seems like the dessert is already here." She said as they looked at the table from the distance.

Sneha looked in that direction and got curious upon seeing what Viraj was doing. He was picking something from her bowl of dessert using a spoon and dropped it in his bowl. And, then, he was picking something from his bowl and dropping it in her bowl. And, all the while, he also engaged himself in conversation with his father and her father.

'What is he doing?' She wondered as Priya and Ananya were engaged in their own little talks.

Finally, when they took their seats did she understand what Viraj was doing. He was transferring the raisins from her bowl of dessert to his bowl and simultaneously, he was putting all the other nuts from his bowl into hers.

It came as a surprise to her that after so many days, he still remembered that she dislikes raisins!

"Thank you." She mumbled to him. In reply, he only smiled and pushed the bowl closer to her before continuing the conversation with his father. The elders clearly saw what he did, but they didn't comment.

As the meeting came to an end, Viraj's father, as always, surprised Sneha's family. He picked up a fairly big rectangular bag from under the table and forwarded it towards Shankar.

"I thought why not give you the wedding invitation card as well? After giving one to the temple, you are the first one to receive it." Dev said excitedly as Shankar took it from his hand.

"Thank you." Sneha heard her father say in a low tone.

"Why don't you see it?" Dev asked.

Thus, Shankar reluctantly opened the bag and removed the invitation card for everyone to see.

Sneha too looked at the card. She knew how it looked because the design was finalized in her presence only. However, she wasn't aware of the written content of the card.

It was like a hard-bound book whose size resembled that of a photo album. It had five pages in all describing all the rituals in detail. On the front page was a huge abstract painting of Lord Ganesha. It looked mesmerizing...truly. Below the painting, the name of the soon-to-be bride and groom was written in beautiful calligraphy in the golden metallic font.

As the first page flipped open, Sneha wanted to hide somewhere. It revealed a full-length image of Sneha and Viraj's pre-wedding shoot which was held before her exams began. Their foreheads were touching in the photo...giving it a romantic feel. She clearly remembered how difficult it was for her to keep her eyes open during the shoot. A welcoming quote was written at the bottom of it.

And then, the further pages elaborated on the details of the different functions to be held. It would start from July 2 and will last till July 5.

However, Sneha's eyes lingered on the name of Viraj's parents.

It read:

Welcoming you to the matrimonial union of:

Viraj Khatri

S/o Dev Khatri and Sheena Khatri

AND

Sneha Bohra

D/o Shankar Bohra and Meena Bohra

She was amazed that instead of Viraj's aunt, his real mother's name was written. And, the prefix 'late' was not written in front of her name. She knew that Viraj's mother was long dead! Viraj, himself had told her.

It was a lot confusing...but just like always, she chose to ignore everything. She wanted nothing to do with him or his life.

"It is beautiful." Shankar said and then closed the card after reading all the pages. However, the smile clearly did not reach his eyes and Sneha could see it.

Finally, as everyone prepared themselves to disperse, Viraj bent to Sneha's level and whispered near her ear.

"Let's go somewhere." He said so only she would listen.

"Where?" She whispered back.

"Somewhere." He said, not really knowing where.

"Why?" She couldn't help but ask.

"Do we need a reason to spend time together?" He asked with a chuckle.

"I mean..." She hung the sentence so he added.

"After five days, we won't be able to meet anyway due to the rituals. So, let's spend the evening together." He explained.

She nodded slowly.

.

.

.

July 2:

Sneha stared at the Mehandi decorated in her hands, until her upper arm. Even her feet were beautifully painted with henna. The photographer had just taken her photos and now, the few guests that her father had invited, in order to satisfy Dev, had also gone upstairs to sleep in Sneha's room.

Now, only Sneha, Priya and their parents remained in the hall. Her father had asked all of them to gather at exactly 11 pm when the mehandi ceremony would be over.

"Did you send your photo to Viraj?" Her father asked her. It was all a part of their little plan.

"Hmm. Priya was in the frame as well. So, he'd see that we are all happy." She answered.

"Good. Now, listen carefully, Sneha. I didn't tell you about this because I was afraid you might reveal it to Viraj by mistake." Shankar began.

Sneha's brows furrowed as she gave her 100% attention.

"Tomorrow, after the Haldi ceremony, go to your room and quickly pack a small bag. It should only have one pair of clothes and some cash. No one and I mean, no one should see you pack the bag. Okay?" Shankar said to which Sneha quickly nodded.

"After that, we all will go to the marriage hall and Priya will keep the bag in your room where you will get ready. Support the beauticians as much as you can because they are hired by Viraj only. They should not get any hint that you are not happy. They will surely send your picture to him to assure him. Finally, when the baraat will come, Priya will welcome them as expected of her. And then, when the outer front campus will be clear, I will tell Priya to inform you about running away from the place." Shankar said and took a pause to check if she had any doubts.

"But, where will I go?" Sneha asked.

"Pune. My friend's friend lives there. I will tell you his address. He is in the Railway police and he has agreed to help us. He lives with his family there and they will keep you hidden there until Viraj forgets about you."

"But papa, what if Viraj and his father would hurt you all after knowing that I ran away."

"No one will know that we helped you in escaping. We will act as if we don't know anything about you missing from the room. And, then I will put the blame on Viraj and say that it was his enemies that abducted you. That will create enough distraction and then, no one will know where you went. We all will be safe." Shankar explained.

Sneha thought over it.

"It will work out, right papa?" Sneha asked...mostly to reassure herself.

"It has to. You can't marry him. He will ruin your life." Her father said as creases of worry developed on his forehead.

"What if...what if I get caught?" She asked hesitantly while looking at her mother for a brief moment.

"Getting caught is not an option, Sneha. You have to succeed in escaping this place. It is now...or never." Her father warned her.

Sneha felt like a headache was slowly developing in her head now.

"Promise me, Sneha. That you will be a good daughter and you will run away successfully. You will not contact any of us until I come to you in Pune." He asked her in a stern voice.

It took forever for her to reply.

"I promise, papa." She mumbled, trying her best to hold back the tears.

.

.

.

{Hey all!

So, finally, the moment has arrived for which we all were waiting...more like, Viraj has been waiting.

The next chapter will be the continuation of the prologue.

I hope you'd enjoy it and not hate ME!

The spoiler will be soon on Instagram...

Till the next update...

THANK YOU FOR ALL THE VOTES AND COMMENTS!!!

Bye and take care!

}