🍁"Whether We Fall In Or Completely Fall Out, You and I Will Always Have A Story"🍁

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Chapter 48 - Ignoring You!!

Shanaya's P.O.V.

Surrounded by the piles of files all around me, I was engrossed in my work that I miss to notice the knock on my door. Zac walked in with a frown marrying his forehead.

"What the hell is going on? Muffin, may I know why did you ask my staff to give their work to you?", He asked standing in front of me with his hands folded across his chest.

"Because you clearly don't want to give me any work. I need experience and you're treating me like a kid", I replied and he rolled his eyes.

"I don't want to burden you. I do give you work which is important. Stop doing others work or else I'll have to reconsider your remarks", he said.

I rolled my eyes but nodded. He's the boss and my brother both. I can't go against him. "Fine. But I'll complete these file at least". He nodded and left. The cafe guy came with my coffee after some time. I smiled. Zac must have ordered it for me.

I've a caring brother. Touchwood!!

My work completed late so the time I reached my house it was half-past nine. Two freakin months have passed since I've been engaged to Kristein. I've kept myself busy during this time so that the dreaded reality of me being his fiance doesn't pass through my mind much.

Last month his brother Steve was married to Nina. My parents and my brother along with Olivia attended the marriage. My friends were also there but I was not. I deliberately volunteered myself to a meeting and skipped the marriage. I don't want to see that man ever. I'll keep our meeting delay as much as I can.

I know I've no choice rather than marrying him but as much time as I could have with me for myself as my singlehood, I'm gonna make the best out of it. Zac was disappointed because he couldn't attend the engagement and also to the fact that I was forced in that but he couldn't say anything to mom. I'm actually still mad at my mom and I'm trying to avoid her too. I've succeeded in delaying the marriage to six months. I wanted to delay it for more than a year but that jerk manipulated everyone and I've four months of my freedom left.

I had some quality time with my friends back in New York before coming back to Paris. I need my friends the most in this complicated situation. The time I reached home, my mom was sitting with Olivia and Angels looking at some jewelleries which a young lady had brought home.

"What's going on here?", I asked placing my bag on the couch. Nancy brought a glass of water for me. I thanked her.

"We're selecting some jewelry for Olivia and a few for us", Angel said.

"Come join us", Olivia said.

"I'll join you after freshening up", I said and walked to my room.

Zac and Olivia are going to get married within a week and I can't be more happy for them. They love each other and finally, they're going to seal their love with this marriage. Apart from all the happiness, only thought which is troubling me is that I've to face that Kristein.

When I came back home after the unexpected engagement, the first thing I did was to hide the engagement ring in one of my drawers where I collect rings because duh, I can't throw that ring in the dustbin. It costs a fortune. Next thing which I did was to block Kristein's number. Bless the person who introduced blocking features in mobile. I never thought of blocking him but his constant calls and messages forced me to take this step.

He's clingy. Period.

After changing into comfortables, I lay on my bed to take a five-minute break before going downstairs to join others to select some jewelry but I didn't realise when those five minutes passed into hours. Next thing I realised was me waking up with the annoying rays of sun flashing right over my face. I groaned and pulled the duvet over my face.

Minutes later, I heard a knock on my door. It annoys me to another level. I'm not a morning person. Do I need to tell it again and again?

"Go away", I yelled with my eyes closed.

"Muffin, get up. We've to go shopping", Zac said from the other side of the closed door.

I got up and sat down on my bed taking the support of my pillow from behind. "Come in", I said and as Zac walked inside, I looked at the wall clock.

"What?", He smiled sheepishly when I glared at him.

"Would you like to tell me which shop will be open for you at eight in the morning?", I huffed.

People should be charged fine for walking me up before nine in the morning!!

"I am up since all night. I'm not even able to sleep and you're complaining about the time. How rude?", Zac said and a smile made its way on my lips.

"Oh my, someone is having jitters. Who is it? I know. It's my brother", I grinned and he smiled with a blush.

"You love her so much. Don't you?", I asked the obvious.

"Yes, I do. I love her so much that the thought of her not being with me alone freaks me out. I don't think I will be able to love anyone if it's not her", Zac said and I loved how much my brother is in love.

"Oh, c'mon. She loves you too, even more than you love her. Don't worry. She'll never leave you. Now get out of my room. I need to get ready", I said lightening up the mood.

"You know what? When you'll fall in love that time you'll understand my fear", Zac said.

"That's not happening because I'm marrying to an arrogant jerk who is self-obsessive. I'm gonna die without falling in love", I said and he shook his head.

"I wish I could help", his emotions softened. I smiled. I know Zac is also against my marriage but because Dad is supporting mom, his lips are sealed too.

Later the whole day, Zac teased my poor legs by making me go from shop to shop with him. He's worse than the girls when it comes to shopping. He bought gifts for Olivia and his wedding suit too. I'm thankful to Angel who picked out a dress for me to wear at the wedding because I don't think I've energy left for shopping for myself after today. We came back home in the evening and I was tired as hell.

Wedding shopping is no fun. It's torture!!

Rest of the evening, I called my friends to invite them to the wedding. We've sent wedding cards but I called Aaliya, Daniel and a few close friends to again invite them. They promised to arrive before time too.

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Finally, the D day arrives. It's Zac's and Olivia's marriage. I'm so excited that I couldn't even sleep properly the whole night. Also, the fact that this is the first wedding which I'll be attending in a family is making me on cloud nine.

I wore a dark blue dress. Angel who got ready with me helped me look beautiful by applying natural makeup. She wore a white dress and kept her hair in a loose bun. I kept my hair open because I recently got a cut so they're in shape. After getting ready, I walked to Zac's room.

I knocked on the door and walked in along with Angel. Zac turned around and my jaws touched the ground. My brother is so handsome but the nervousness on his face earn a laugh from me.

"How am I looking?", He asked.

"Handsome would be an understatement", Angel replied and I could see appreciation in her eyes.

"Really?", Zac asked and again looked at himself in the mirror.

"Can you stop freaking out? Everything will be fine. Enjoy, it's your day", I said and walked to him. I held him by his arm and drag him out of his room.

"How are we looking?", Angel asked once we're standing in the main hall waiting for our parents to show up.

"You're beautiful. Fred is a lucky guy", Zac said and Angel smirked.

"And you my dear sister are looking so adorable. Your fiance will have a hard time not falling for you", Zac teased me.

"You better talk good things and not rubbish. One must not take about bad things when it's a good day. No one will talk about him from now on", I pouted and they both nodded but they did shake their head at me.

We all headed to the church in our respective cars. As soon as the car was parked outside the church, we made our way inside. Zac walked and stood in front with his friend, Garrey who was the best man. We all took our respective seats. I welcomed Aaliya, Dan and Fred. We all talked and took a few pictures together. Kristein's family hasn't arrived so my mom asked me to check on them.

With a nod, I walked out of the church to get some signal which my mobile sadly couldn't catch inside. I was finding Kristein's mom's number in my mobile because there's no way, I am going to call him.

"Shanaya", I heard a familiar voice from the side and I turned to saw Mr. And Mrs. Oberoi marking their presence. I smiled and walked to them.

Mrs. Oberoi engulfed me into a bone-crushing hug. I just smiled tightly. She doesn't need to be so much loving for me. It's making me uncomfortable.

"Thank you so much for taking out your time for this wedding. Welcome", I greeted them.

"Thank you for inviting us. You look pretty", Mrs. Oberoi said.

"You look beautiful too. And I must say you're one amazing couple", I praised them and they smiled.

"Kristein will be here any moment. He's parking his car", said Mrs. Oberoi. I smiled fakely.

I don't care about him. He might not show up and I'll be fine!!

"Please come", I said showing them the way inside the church and they walked in.

My mobile rang and it was from some guests. I tapped the green button and told them the way to the wedding venue. I was in the middle of the conversation when someone chimed in from behind.

"So, you do pick up calls. Ain't you?", A very deep voice greeted my ears and I closed my eyes in annoyance.

And Mr. Monster has marked his presence, ladies and gentlemen!!

I hung up the call and turned around to look at him. I saw him clenching his jaws as he walked towards me with a scowl on his forehead. I'm really not in a mood to fight with him.

"Welcome. Thanks for coming. Please congratulate the couple", I said.

"What are you doing? You didn't pick up my calls for two months and you even dared to block my number. Aren't you trying to ignore me?", He asked as he stood in front of me.

"Yes. I'm ignoring you. You take the hint too, I must say you're one intelligent boy", I replied and it pissed him more.

"We need to talk, Shanaya", he said.

"Not interested", I said and walked back inside the church leaving an angry boy behind me.

Shan 1, Kris 0.

I walked to join my group and Kristein joined too. We all waited for Olivia to show up. After a few minutes, Olivia walked inside holding hands of her parents and the smile on her face brought happy tears in my eyes. She was looking drop dead gorgeous. I looked at Zac. He didn't take off his eyes from her. The genuine smile on her face and the proud expressions on his face pinched me somewhere. A few months later, I'll be the one walking down the aisle to get married to Kristein. I glanced at Kristein. He looked at me and raised his eyebrows. How am I able to love this person ever? My marriage day will be a nightmare. I felt bad for myself all of a sudden.

Now is not the time, my mind replied.

Shaking off my sad thoughts, I focused on the wedding. My dream of a loving husband has been flushed into a drain anyways. The damage had been done already.

The priest arrived and he started the vows. He looked at Zac and said, "Do you Zac Thompson take Olivia Collins to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for sickness and in health, until death parts?". Zac looked at Olivia and said, "I do". A constant smile was playing on his lips.

The priest then turned to Olivia and asked her the same thing to which she replied," I do".

The priest addressed the guests, "Do anyone of you have any objection with this wedding. If they do then speak or else rest in peace". Everyone stayed silent.

He looked at Zac and said, "I now announce you two as husband and wife. You may kiss the bride". Zac removed the veil from her head and sealed the auspicious ceremony by kissing his wife. We all clapped.

One by one we all congratulate them, clicked pictures and later on the couple ran to the gate as per rule. Olivia threw the bouquet which Angel caught. I was standing far from that place. I've no excitement of being a bride. Excuse me. The guests got busy in eating and some started dancing on the dancing floor. Zac and Olivia too did a couple dance. After informing, Angel and Aaliya, I left for Zac's Penthouse. I need to check the decoration over there.

I walked to the parking and was about to open my car when someone holds my hand from behind and turned me around. I saw Kristein standing in front of me.

"What?", I asked freeing my hand from his hold.

"Where are you going?", He asked.

"I've work. I'm busy. What do you want?", I asked.

"I need to talk to you", he said.

"Fine. I'll talk to you but later", I said and showed him my car keys. I said, "I'm going to Zac's house to check for decoration"

"I'm coming with you", he said.

"Why?", I asked.

"Because I'm feeling like a third wheel amongst all these couples", he said and I sighed.

"Ok", I said and he immediately grabs the car key from my hand.

"What are you doing?", I asked.

"Saving my life. I'll drive", He said but I snatched the key from him again.

"Shutup. I'm a good driver. If you want to join then hop in without complaints", I gave my final answer and hop in the driver's seat. He huffed but obeyed.

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I reached Zac's penthouse and started checking all the arrangements. Kristein also helped without even asking. That's strange. We checked the meals, they've Olivia's and Zac's favourites. Then I checked the bedroom and it was beautifully decorated too. I dismissed everyone once I was sure that everything is perfect.

I texted Zac and he told me he'll be here in twenty minutes. I've to kill this much time with Kristein, alone. How happy I'm? (Note the sarcasm).

"Would you like to have coffee?", I asked looking at him as I made my way to the kitchen. He nodded and followed me.

"May I?", He asked as I picked up the coffee.

"Why? Are you planning to kill me by poisoning it?", I asked.

"Why don't you trust me and my coffee making skills for once?", He asked. I shrugged my shoulders and sat down on the stool next to the kitchen counter.

Kristein started making coffee and I unknowingly started staring at him. He was looking good in that Black suit and those perfectly polished shoes. I saw the little stubble on his perfectly chiselled jaws and the dimple which pops out as soon as he talks or smiles is quite a charmer. The perfectly stitched suit gave the idea of his perfectly toned body. He's a handsome boy with those deep blue ocean eyes.

Wait a second. What the hell am I doing? Why am I praising him?, I thought.

Because he's hot, my heart said.

Stop it!!

"What do you want to talk?", I asked looking away from him.

He looked at me and I couldn't help but appreciate those beautiful eyes of him. He smirked and said, "Done checking me out?". I rolled my eyes.

Monster!!

"Shanaya, I know that you don't want to marry me", he said the most obvious thing as he forwarded a coffee mug to me. I took it and have the first sip.

"It's good", I said raising my coffee cup. He nodded and picked up his coffee mug.

"That's why I want to make a deal with you", he said.

"What deal?", I asked.

"Deal of marriage", he said and my jaws touched the ground.

Is he even real?

"Are you crazy? Marriage is an auspicious ritual. It's not one of your business deal. You suck", I replied.

"So, you're telling me that if we get married you'll always stay by my side for your entire life. Will, you ever be able to like me?", He asked and I looked at him. He looked away and sipped his coffee.

"No. I can not", I gave him my honest answer and he chuckled as if he already knew my answer.

"You want to become CEO of a company one day, right?", He asked.

"So?", I asked.

"I can make that happen. All you've to do is yes", he said.

"Listen, I don't need your favour. I want to-", I spoke but he cuts me in between.

"I ain't doing any favour. I'm giving you a chance to prove yourself, that's it. We've a company and we're searching for a candidate for it to handle it and I'm just offering you that position. This is for my own benefit and for yours too", he said and I shut my mouth.

And here I thought he's being considerate for me for once!!

"Why me?", I asked.

"Well, I don't want you to think that just because we're married, you've to sacrifice your dreams. And you'll be family. We can trust you", he said.

"Ok. And what will happen when I'll divorce you?", I asked and he laughed.

"We're not even married and you're talking about divorce already", he asked me in disbelief.

"I'm talking about possibilities", I said shrugging my shoulders.

"Chances are rare that we'll get a divorce but even if that'll happen then also the company will be yours only", he said with a smirk.

Stupid!!

"But I've a condition", he said.

"What's that?", I asked.

"You've to join the company from next week only. We can't afford any more delay", he said and I narrowed my eyes at him.

"But this is too early for me. I don't know anything about how to work and what to work", I said feeling goosebumps all over my body.

This is a big responsibility and I'm a learner yet. I can't go and make that company a success. I don't have the experience nor I was born with a silver spoon that I know how to handle everything.

"Don't worry. I'm there for you always. I'll help you with everything. But you've to shift to New York as soon as possible. We can't wait until our marriage", he said.

Great. Just great. Here I was planning to avoid him for another two months but if I'll accept this offer, I've to face him daily. But this is my dream and I can't let this golden opportunity leave my hand. I'm in dilemma right now.

What should I do?

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Love you all..
Aana.