♡Roshni's POV♡

"WHAT?"

"How dare he?"

"Freaking hell!"

These are the first responses of my three musketeers Naveena, Surithi and Jinal respectively after I shared the encounter with Gaurav last evening.

I had called them early in the morning at the same street, where I got him yesterday. There is a small store, who keeps two benches outside, making it appropriate for us to sit and talk.

I couldn't sleep a single minute and wanted to discuss this matter. So, I called them at 6 am and they thankful arrived. Though Jerry threw a tantrum for the first 10 minutes, only for Candy to scold her after noticing my stressed expression.

And now, they are sitting across me on one bench and staring as if I have called them to solve a surprise mathematics test.

"He bloody proposed you and you didn't do a thing? If he would have proposed me then I would have taken him to the nearby construction site. Pushed him inside the cement mixing machine with cement and water then turned it on."

That's Jerry, I mean Jinal for you. My evil twin.

We have the most dangerous mindset in the World, fit to become an important part of the Mafia World. But Navu and Candy, the innocent angels hold us back with an aim to make us good girls like them. Though they have failed EACH DAMN TIME because we are short tempered and our thoughts automatically turn murderous without warning.

Still Navu is trying by scolding Jerry, "Violence is not a solution to deal with the problems."

Jerry rolls her eyes and retorts, "Shut up Grandma. A random guy comes and proposes her for marriage and you expect her to not even teach him a lesson. That's insane."

I sigh as Navu and Jerry continue to fight, while my thoughts go back to his words - I am not judging you because I have faced the same....The reason to propose you is that I believe, two broken persons can never hurt each other....You will never hurt me because you know the pain and same implies to me....The assurance of not being betrayed again.

My hand subconsciously moves to my pocket, where I have kept his card. I had almost called him thrice last night to know his side of the story.

ALMOST.

But each time I stopped myself because the time wasn't appropriate and even I couldn't decide whether to trust him or not.

What if he is lying to me? What if he will betray me? What if he hurts me even more? What if he is playing a prank on me?

But then my thoughts go to Harsh.

He said, he trusts Gaurav and I know, he truly considers me as his sister. He won't allow someone to come and ruin my life. Though he is unaware of my past, he won't do anything, which can hurt me.

All these theories only add to my dilemma. I am unsure of what to do and what not, what is correct and what is wrong?

My thoughts come to an abrupt halt as I feel a soft hand, grabbing mine to cage in-between two similar ones. I turn my head to find Candy, sitting beside me and staring at me with scrutinizing gaze. She gives me a reassuring smile after she knows, she has my whole attention.

"In other situation, you would have reacted devilishly for his stunt. But today if you are calm and thinking over it, even called us here to discuss. That means, you want to give it a try, right?"

Candy's words capture those two fighters' attention and they react with a shocking, "WHAT? Are you crazy?"

Navu warns, "Baby Coo, he can be dangerous, we cannot trust a stranger and marriage is a huge step in life."

Jerry for one of the rarest time agrees with her, "Exactly dude, what if he is involved in human trafficking or some other crime. We are not allowing you to even meet him. Forget about starting a relationship."

I sigh at their possessiveness and Candy objects, "Girls, don't be silly. Harsh is involved here and he would never allow Gaurav to propose her without checking for his background. Don't over exaggerate this matter and if you ask me, I think, Rosh should meet him. She has to marry someone, so better to go with a known and safe stranger, instead of an unknown and probably unsafe one. Plus, we need to know his side of the story. It is only fair to give him a chance to explain systematically why is he against of marriage and planned this arrangement."

"What if he denies to share his side of the story? What if he demands to know mine as well?"

Navu explains, "If he tells you then it is his right to know your story as well whether you agree to marry or not."

Jerry frowns and asks me suspiciously, "You are actually considering his proposal?"

I lower my gaze, failing to decide and sense them standing to walk closer. Candy sticks to my side with her arms around my back. Navu sits on the other side before wrapping her arm around my waist. Then finally Jerry sits on my lap and wraps her arms around my neck. They are basically suffocating me, but this is something, I need now.

"Call him and meet once to know his side of the story."

"Then decide whether to trust him and marry or not."

"We will support you in every decision and if he ever tries to hurt you in any way, remember that my weapons are always ready for the action."

I chuckle at Jerry's words and embrace them as best as I can, feeling stronger with their support.

I don't know, what the future holds, but I know, my three musketeers will always help me to survive it.

#

I enter the cafe, where I called him to meet. To say I am nervous will be an understatement. My feet suddenly feels heavy as I locate him at the end of the cafe, busy staring at his phone.

This better be positive or else I am going to circulate 7 years old Harsh's naked pictures, playing in mud all over the internet. Then tag his clients and business circle friends to humiliate him.

"Hi."

He lifts his gaze to face me and I find the cheerfulness back in his features. His lips were stretches into a grin and eyes sparkling with joy. He seems in a good mood today and to confirm my assumption, he bows dramatically.

"Your Majesty."

For some reason, it makes me chuckle and he smiles before walking at the other side of the table to pull a chair for me.

A charming gentleman.

But don't fall for it, Roshni. All humans are same. Once he receives what he wants then you would be an ordinary human in his life. All the special gestures will vanish in the thin air. Efforts will become burden and compliments will be profanity.

He sits back on his seat after me and calls for the waiter. We order coffee and once we have complete privacy, he switches off his phone.

"I guess, you want further clarifications?"

I nod and he bits his lower lip before starting, "I belong to a Punjabi family. I have parents, elder brother, his wife, their son and younger sister in the family. But 3 years back, I moved out of the house."

He lowers his gaze, pausing for a moment and I don't interfere.

"I...I loved a girl since college times, her name is Tanushree and I was too serious. I had plans for marriage, kids, everything and she knew....she knew my feelings from the very beginning. But she was those type of girl, who thinks more practically than emotionally."

He clears his throat as his voice began to crack at the end, still he didn't face me and kept looking at the menu aimlessly. I didn't say a word or made an attempt to get him to face me. I know, these memories are painful and when you share them after a long time, it does intensify the existing pain.

"I was a fool because I....I believed her. She said, she would marry me if I prove myself to be a perfect and responsible for her. So, I geared up to work even before my graduation. I worked after college hours by joining my father's or relatives office to know in which industry, I can achieve success. I gave up enjoyment in the college time, only to prove myself worthy enough for her."

He pauses for a moment as the waiter brings our coffee, then continues, "I started my business after I...I asked my father to give me money or the portion of the investments, which he has invested for me. The atmosphere at my home became a mess, my father was furious because I had just started my final year in the college. My mother and sister were confused, even worried for my sudden decision to start a business even before graduation. But my brother and his wife were supportive as they knew my feelings. They knew, I wasn't taking an immature decision. I had discussed my knowledge and experience with my brother to detect any error in my planning. So, he helped in convincing our parents and soon I turned into a workaholic."

Taking a sip from his coffee, he traces the rim of the mug, "4 years of struggle, day and night, I had succeeded in my business and even purchased a two bedroom flat with a car. She didn't want to live with my family and I stupidly agreed to everything. I had even saved some funds for the wedding and gave a portion of my income to my parents monthly. But the distance was visible between me and my parents because they had learned the reason of my early working decision. They were disheartened to know that I gave up the years of carefree enjoyment for someone, who wasn't worth it."

He chuckles bitterly before adding, "They knew...they knew after meeting Tanushree that she would ditch me. Even my two best friends Jay and Durga warned me at every opportunity, they got. But I never listened, I believed her and one day, their prophecy turned into a harsh reality."

He takes a deep breath and continues, "Around 16 months back, I was out of town for my cousin's wedding, but we had to come back after a day because my sister was not well. She was suffering from viral fever, so me, my brother, sister and sister-in-law returned. I dropped them at their home after taking her to the hospital and getting the medicines then went straight to my home. Tanushree had a key to my home because she would sometimes come to spend time with me. But I didn't know that day, she was there and I used my keys to open the door. Then I saw her naked on the couch with another man."

My jaw dropped at his last line.

She cheated on him. That's the most horrible thing to do.

I have no word to console him or reduce his pain. For a person to be ditched by someone for whom they had fought with everyone, even family, struggled day and night, gave up on the limited years of enjoyment and put themselves through hard work at a young age was terribly painful.

Suddenly my pain seem to be smaller in comparison to his. I had isolated myself, turned bitter and anyone could judge that something is wrong with me. But he seems so cheerful at most of the time that it would be impossible to think, his smile hides an immense pain.

I even failed to stop myself from moving my hand to place over his other as I noticed, he was piercing his nail into his skin. Self-harm is a good distraction. I know from my personal experience, but the evidences are sometimes hard to hide. Especially, when you have a nosy sister.

So, I stopped him and flattened his hand on the table, forcing him to remain still. Fortunately, he obeyed and we stayed silent for a moment, I know that words will add fuel to pain even if they are assuring ones. Only silence provides the right comfort.

"She wasn't guilty."

"What do you mean?"

"She said, I wasn't worthy enough. She wasted her 6 years on me. She wanted someone, who can give her a royal wedding, luxurious life, fulfill her sexual needs, take her on world tours and give expensive gifts. But I gave her only an ordinary flat, car, simple lifestyle and work couldn't give me much time with her. I failed to be a perfect man for her."

He finally faces me and comments, "Irony is that she was cheating on me, playing with my feelings and never invested any effort in our relationship, only kept telling me her expectations. Still she said, I wasn't worthy enough and I failed to fulfill her demands."

I didn't have a word to comment on this matter, but he didn't even wait for my reaction and continues, "She threw the keys of my home with the propose ring on the floor and left. I didn't stop her and let her leave my life. Because at that moment, I realized that I was struggling for something which was never meant to work. I wanted to acquire that prize, which wasn't destined to be mine. I was working for someone, who will never reciprocate my feelings."

I felt my eyes welling up at his pain, but I blink them away and allow my fingers to caress his hand. In response, he flips his hand and holds mine in a firm grip.

"That realization was painful though and I became a zombie for a few days. Didn't work, ate or left the home. Then one day, another realization hit me that I was ruining my life for someone, who doesn't even care for me."

He smiles, a real one before sharing, "So, I took a quick shower and called my brother, who was managing my business for the time being. I resumed work, organised a family dinner to mingle back with everyone, which they gladly allowed. Then sold off ever single thing, which connected to her and got new stuffs to replace. I started my life again, that life for which I worked day and night. Today at the age of 26, I have my own home, car, huge investment and successful running business. I should proudly celebrate my success, shouldn't I?"

How can he? How can he suffer a huge loss after struggling for 6 years and still gather himself to celebrate with a smile?

"You should be a motivational speaker. You can help to sail back many drowning ships."

He chuckles at my remark and caresses my knuckles with his thumb once before informing, "Around 6 months back, Mom and Dad started the mission to get me hitched. Honestly, I was worried because I feared to be betrayed again, but my parents became rigid, same as I was when I wanted to start my business. I met 3 girls, one was forced by her parents, she wanted to become a model. I told her parents to support her career, but you know, once a girl crosses 25, it's time to get hitched."

I chuckle, well aware of the parents' typical mentality and he continues, "Second was a gold digger and last one loved someone else. So, the search mission is still running and my parents are meeting different broker every week to find an appropriate girl."

"How are you so confident that I am the appropriate girl, which your parents will accept? Won't they think, I am same as your ex?"

He smirks, "What do you think I was doing from the past week?"

I frown and he clarifies, "I have thought about this alliance in every aspect, my parents, your parents, caste problem because I am Punjabi and you are Sindhi. Plus, our parents' cautiousness towards our each step. So, you don't have to worry about a single things, I will manage everything. BUT-"

He pauses to squeeze my hand gently, "Are you willing to enter in this arrangement? A marriage of mutual understanding rather than love, I can only offer you friendship Roshni, nothing else. I will take care of you as a caretaker and friend, but not as a husband."

I stare at him as he waits for my answer patiently.

A marriage of mutual understanding. No love, just friendship.

That means I don't have to fear of being raped on the wedding night. I won't be forced to love him or act as an ideal wife. I won't be used to derive benefits.

But mainly I won't be scared of the repetition of history. Me and my feelings will be safe. I will be respected, though as a friend, but I won't be hurt again.

Though what is the assurance? Can I expect him to stay faithful? Do I have that right? Or this arrangement doesn't permit me to expect anything from him.

"What do you expect from me?"

"Just warn me before getting into any action on my couch."

I pinch his hand,"I am not a prostitute."

He chuckles instead of hissing in pain. So, I punch him again and he holds my hand to stop me.

"Sorry, I was just trying to lighten up the mood. I can sense, you are getting tensed. Anyways, back to your question. Be a good friend to whom I can come home each day after work and talk. Be a person with whom my weekends, holidays and festivals are worth celebrating. Most importantly, just be you."

I am facing a though time in controlling my stupid feelings, who are begging to show an appearance. But I know, this is just an arrangement, not a relationship. No need to involve the feelings.

"What can I expect from you?"

"A friend, who will listen to you whenever you need, help you in every possible way, support and care for you even if we fight. I will respect you and your decisions, I won't force mine on you."

He squeezes my hand and assures, "I will stay loyal and faithful to you if that is your concern."

This alerts me and I take my hand back, "That means, you expect us to have physical relation, like friends with benefits."

"No, no, I didn't mean in that sense. I am not a hormonal teen, Roshni. I can life without having any physical relation. I just wanted to assure you, if you anytime come home using the keys, I won't be naked on the couch, involved in an action."

He chuckles when I roll my eyes at his last line. This man is surely crazy, but a good crazy.

"Honestly, I have no desires of having a relationship of any kind with anyone. I was planning to live my life alone and make my brother's son Ayaan my heir. But my parents have other plans and I have no option, but to comply."

I won't lie, but his words hurt me. I was just an escape for him from being cheated again. If he wasn't forced by his parents or was interested in relationships, then he would have never approached me.

He is taking advantage of my situation to aid his own. That's it.

But won't I receive similar benefits? The reason of meeting him now is to check if I can take advantage from his situation for an escape from marrying some selfish guy. I am also getting benefit, but why does it hurt to admit the same?

Maybe because I had always respected a relationship, I was loyal and invested efforts to make that work. I was a believer in the theory of soulmate until I was betrayed.

I lower my gaze, realizing that if I accept his proposal, I will have an "arrangement" where there will no relationship, no loyalty, no efforts to make it work. Absolutely nothing.

Will this step turn out to be good?

"What are you thinking?"

I face him, but couldn't convince myself to share my thoughts with him. As if reading my mind, he assures, "You can tell me anything, I won't judge, I promise."

I lower my gaze as I am never good with voicing my thoughts or feelings. I always took the help of writing to convey them or avoided eye contact, pretending to be alone.

I never understood the reason for my nervousness, maybe I am scared to be judged or blamed.

"This arrangement involves taking advantage of each other's situation, is it right?"

"Look at me."

I hesitate, but obey and he smiles before explaining, "Yes, this arrangement involves taking advantage of each other's situation, but that's just an encouragement to take the first step. Then whatever we decide mutually will happen in our life. Roshni, every relation has a hidden advantage, some need a person to motivate them in life, some need a person to take care of them and their family, some need a person for just company and many other reasons. Nothing is unconditional. You have met a few guys for marriage, weren't they expecting something from you, which we can safely term as advantage, right?"

I nod wordlessly and he continues, "Even our parents married for some advantage, my brother did and so on. But it is not wrong, you need a purpose in your life or else your life will become meaningless. Taking advantage is not completely wrong when you give benefit to the other as well, only thinking of your benefit is wrong."

I nod in understanding and he comments with a smile, "You are too good to be a part of this cruel world, Roshni. Don't involve your heart in everything, it will only hurt you."

I didn't argue because he is right. Even my friends warn me to stop taking everything to the heart. But have I ever listened to anyone?

Nope.

"What if you find someone else, who manages to win your heart then what about us?"

"I won't leave you for anyone or anything unless you wish to leave me. I will remain faithful to you till our marriage exists."

I stare into his eyes to find only truth, sincerity and honesty in them. For some reason, I believed him and didn't question his words. He didn't have to tell me everything in detail, but he did and not for once I felt he was narrating a fake story.

But I am still unable to decide if I should enter into this "arrangement."

Basically, I won't have anything to lose, Harsh is involved here and as Candy said marrying a known and safe stranger is better than unknown and probably unsafe one.

Still I won't jump to make a decision and regret later. I will think in peace first.

"Can I have a day or two to decide?"

"Of course, there is no hurry."

I smile as he does and we finish our coffee in silence, but suddenly a thought bothers me, "You don't want to know about my past?"

And then he says something, I never thought in my widest dream.

"It hurts you to even think about it and I am not so heartless to expect you to share, which will cause you double or triple the pain."

#

As I make my way to my home, I couldn't help, but think about his words. It seems as if he can read me as an open book, he knows what to say and what not, he knows that it hurts me even after two years.

But what surprised me is that he got back to his life in a couple of weeks. The only time his past seem to affect him is when he is reminded about it or shares the same. Otherwise he is as cheerful as a baby, who gets a chocolate daily without even asking.

For some reason, I envy him. How is he happy and why am I not? Is it because I am giving importance to my past till now? Or he is good at forgetting things.

I shake my head, trying to control my thinking. His damage control capability is a subject, I will study later. Right now, the concern is the proposal.

If I agree, many of my problems can be solved, but is it really a right thing to do?

With this dilemma, I enter my home, only to be greeted by my parents' glares and my sister's smug smile.

What the hell happened now?

"Giriraj is unhappy with Lakeet's rejection."

I sigh in defeat at my father's words and make my way to the kitchen for water. This is the typical atmosphere after either I or the guy rejects the marriage proposal.

Plus, Giriraj is Sujay's father, my Uncle AND do you know he is the SON-IN-LAW of this house.

Yes, THE SON-IN-LAW, who are treated as if they are the King of the World. They get special treatment on every visit and more love then own son, if any. After all, they take away the problems of your home, that is daughter, so they deserve the special treatment.

Damn the typical mentality of my parents. They have no concern for me, but have the concern of someone else, who has his own family to worry for him. I should have gone to Jerry's home till dinner time, the atmosphere of my own home really suffocates me.

But I need privacy to think over Gaurav's proposal. I had explained in short about his past to my three Musketeers. Navu as usual cried being the most emotional woman on the God's green, but slowly polluting planet earth. Candy being the optimistic, believes that friendship is more important than love, especially when I am scared of relationship. While my evil twin Jerry warned me to stay cautious because we can't trust him easily, he can be lying as well, though she assured to keep the weapons and her cousins ready for action, if needed.

So, now it is my call to decide, while my mother appears in the kitchen to complain, "From last 4 days, you haven't cooked a dish. Already the guys are rejecting you and you are wandering outside from 5 hours. What if someone sees you and spreads negative rumors? People are not interested in marrying a girl, who lacks moral responsibility."

Oh Mummy, thanks for your concern. But I just had a coffee because after hearing a sad story, I lost my appetite that means, the last meal I had was breakfast. But I am absolutely not starving, don't worry.

"I will make peas and potato in red gravy today. It's papa's favourite and I will make rice with cumin tadka, your favorite."

"You have no concern for your sister."

"I will make red velvet mug cake in dessert for her."

She gives me a nod and goes out without even telling me to make something what I like.

It has been ages that I ate any of my favorite dish or done any activity that I love. To be honest, I have forgotten 75% of my favorites till now. Sometimes, I have to think for hours to remember what I enjoyed to eat or wear or do.

But I push away those thoughts as it's not worthy anymore and start cooking after grabbing some biscuits to fill my empty stomach.

#

I toss on my bed, thinking about everything to make the decision. I recollect my parents' super cold behavior towards me during the dinner. They glared at me as if I had murdered an innocent person.

Come on, he wasn't courageous enough to handle a strong personality. What is my fault?

I seriously can't deal with it anymore.

I was almost going to cry at the dining table, but consoled myself to stay calm. I recalled certain things to distract me, but it didn't work, so I pinched my inner thigh to divert my attention and it reminded me of Gaurav.

I turn towards my night stand and glance at my phone, where his card is hidden in the cover.

I have decided.

I grab my phone and remove his card before turning to see if my sister is sleeping. I don't need more problems in my already problematic life. Then I add his number to my contacts and open the message app.

Me - Are you sure the caste problem can be handled?

It takes a few minutes for my phone to vibe with the notification.

Him - 100%

Then for the first time, I allow my fear to make an appearance.

Me - Will you change after the marriage?

Don't blame me, you were warned, I am more comfortable with writing/typing.

Him - No, I promise

Me - Ok

Him - Have you decided?

Me - Yes, I will marry you

Him - Then sleep well, Your Majesty. You don't have to worry about anything related to this marriage, I will manage. Good night.

And I trust him.

Me - Good night

I keep my phone back on the table and lay on my back to stare at the ceiling.

I said Yes....YES for marriage.

Now I can only pray that I don't regret my decision. I hope the next morning brings some relief to my life.

************

That's all for now.....will update next part as soon as possible.....hope you liked this part, do give your reviews...till then Keep Smiling and Take Care

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