♡Roshni's POV♡

I lean my head against the window of Gaurav's car and close my eyes in tiredness, while he drives towards my home. After I had calmed down, he offered to drop me home and even carried my bags to the car.

Today was the most eventful day on the God's green, but slowly polluting planet earth.

First, I bumped into his ex then mine and out of nowhere Gaurav came to console me.

And I cried, I actually cried in his arms for a long time, which is not me. I never cried after that night, but Gaurav always manages to push the barrier aside, which keeps my emotions hidden.

Though surprisingly, I am not scared to show him my emotions anymore. He shared his complete life story with me, including the deepest secrets and didn't force me to share mine. He is only helpful since the beginning.

So, a little trust is something, he rightfully deserves now.

"Do you want to have a cup of coffee? Or anything else?"

I deny, "No."

He doesn't argue and I say something, I never even wanted to discuss in my entire life, "My family thinks the same."

I didn't open my eyes, but feel the car slowing down and getting parked at the roadside. He pulls the break and remains silent, while I fiddle with my fingers as my chest tightens with the immense pain.

"I...Papa wanted to start searching a guy for me for marriage two years back. But at that time, I was already having second thoughts with Danish because of his reckless behaviour. His excuses and false commitments had increased to the level where I lost my emotions to marry him."

I chuckle bitterly before informing, "And irony is that he knew, he knew because I had always discussed with him and wrote letters to express my expectations from him. At first, he would agree to do as I say, but it never happened in reality. I kept waiting and he hardly ever fulfilled his commitment. I wasn't expecting something big, just some love and attention, but I guess even that was huge to ask. Then when it came to informing about our relationship to my family, he forced me to keep postponing because he wasn't stable."

I pause for a moment as I remember his words at that time and voice out the same, "What is your father's problem? Why can't your family let me live in peace? These were his constant responses whenever I told him, Papa is discussing about my marriage at home."

I feel his hand over mine and stopping me from digging my nails into my palm, which I didn't realise doing. He remains silent, just holding my hand and I still didn't open my eyes.

"Unfortunately my family got to know about him, but I broke up with him on the very same day. I didn't have the courage to stay with him when in 6 long years, he only gave me false commitment and hopes. While I did everything in my capacity to help him in studies, work and family issues. I gave up on my opportunities because he and his family needed them. But he still never did anything for me, it was always his benefits."

Even with my eyes shut, a tear escapes from my eye as I share further, "It was a 6 years long relationship with efforts and dedication. Though when I broke up, I was upset."

I sniff before informing ahead, "But my parents didn't like my sour behavior even for a day. I broke up with him on Saturday evening, Sunday he cut all the ties with me and Monday night when I went to sleep early. My parents came to my room and I thought, they would console me. But they assumed that I left Danish for money. So, Papa off....offered..."

My heart beat quickens at the memory and he squeezes my hand as I manage to continue, "Papa offered lots of money and our old home, which is given on rent to me, so that I can go back to Danish if I am so upset. I was too shocked to react as I didn't expect my parents to think so low of me. They knew, money is the last thing on my mind."

I squeeze his hand before continuing, "5 minutes....I didn't reply for 5 minutes because I was crying under the bed sheet for the breakup and their harsh words. Then they left the room after saying 'we won't give you our work from now onwards since you are not ready to talk with us.' Work? Work is the only thing connecting me and my family. I guess, the day he will retire, I may turn into an orphan."

I open my eyes and shift on my seat to meet his concerned gaze with mine wet ones before asking, "And you remember Sujay? The cousin about me and Harsh were talking, whom I hate."

He nods in response and I continue, "On Tuesday night, his fiancee broke the engagement with him and my father was consoling him day and night. He reduced his work and kept calling him 20 times a day because he went into depression."

I smile sarcastically through my tears and share, "And their relationship was barely of 2 months and all they did was roamed in that period. No life discussion, no thoughts of responsibility or anything serious. It was just enjoyment and time pass. Still my father feared of his depression and called him 20 times in a day to take his whereabouts. While I...I was a forgotten case at home. No one even bothered to ask if I had food or do I need anything. I only got 5 minutes, when I was busy crying and then nothing. Only my three friends consoled me and supported me to move on. My family didn't do anything for me, but kept doing for Sujay and still do even after 2 years. That's why I hate him."

He continues to stare into my eyes and when he realises, I won't talk more, he pulls me in his embrace and strokes my hairs gently.

"You are so strong, Roshni. I know, any words will not help the pain, you have suffered a lot and honestly, I can't describe your courage. I had my family's support with friends. But you have gathered yourself in the constant presence of those you had hurt you. I wish, I had entered in your life earlier."

His words make me smile and I move my hands to wrap around his waist, embracing him back. In response, he strokes my back and remains silent, which I am thankful for.

Words can sometimes ruin things, still I wanted assurance verbally.

"If you ever want to leave me or find someone else, just say it clearly and I will go, I promise. But don't blame me or hurt me, please."

He pulls me closer and promises, "I will never leave or hurt you and about blame then I had proposed you. If anyone has the right to blame then it's you and never me. So, don't worry, I won't disappoint or hurt you."

"Thank you."

"Your Majesty."

I couldn't help, but chuckle at his dramatic words and he giggles, joining me. Slowly we part away and I smile at him thankfully.

Something good has happened since morning.

#

After Gaurav dropped me home, I called my three Musketeers at home. I had to share the two encounters plus, Navu and Candy were helping me to get ready for the Roka tonight.

We were sitting in my room and Candy is applying nail polish to my nails, while I shared the encounters along with the moment shared with Gaurav.

Navu and Candy consoled me, while Jerry being Jerry jumped and danced on my bed for my words to Tanushree. I swear, I had surprised myself by firing those words. And I am glad, Gaurav didn't feel offended.

Navu points, "That's so satisfactory to know, Gaurav consoled you instead of going to Tanushree like a love sick puppy. I am confident that he won't betray you."

Candy agrees, "True, he seems like an honest gentleman, man of his words kind."

Jerry mimics them, "Sooooo satisfactory to know, Gaurav consoled you....he won't betray you.....honest gentle man....man of his words kind."

I giggle, while my two innocent friends pout in sadness.

"What is wrong with the two of you? He did a few goody-goody stuffs and you both are impressed by him."

She faces Navu and asks, "Should I tell your husband that you are eyeing other man?"

Naveena's eyes widen in shock then Jerry faces Candy to ask, "Should I tell your parents that you are praising other man, while they are finding a victim to tie knot with you."

I swear, one day Navu and Candy will be the cause of Jerry's death.

But for now, I stop the World War 3 in-between them and ask to help with my hair as we have only two hours till Gaurav arrives with his family for Roka Ceremony.

Though I catch the hint of determination in Jerry's eyes as she plays with my bangles kept on the bed.

God knows what she will do?

But God, save the guest and event of the night.

#

I take a seat on the chair beside Gaurav's, while being careful with my heavy saree and keeping my eyes down.

I wore saree again as my mother instructed and she even ordered me to not make much eye contact with anyone because it shows that I am disrespecting them. So, my eyes will remain lowered and I will flaunt my eye makeup tonight.

After a few minutes, I hear him whisper, "Why are you looking down? Am I looking that ugly?"

I take a quick glance at his attire to know, he is wearing a black chudidar with red waistcoat. Then I lower my gaze again before my mother sees and scolds me.

"I am asked to keep my eyes down or it will be seen as disrespect and by the way, you are looking okayish."

"Okayish? Forgive me for my words, Your Majesty, but I am a handsome man and you are lucky to have me as your fiance."

I smirk with mischief and pretend to straighten the border of the saree around my arm. I pinch his arm, resting on the armrest of his chair and he yelps in pain. This alerts everyone and even I face him with fake concern. While he glares at me.

Sourav asks, "What happened, Gaurav?"

He faces his elder brother and lies, "Nothing, a mosquito bit me."

Alia comes ahead to tease, "Are you sure that a mosquito bit you? I mean, someone is looking drop dead gorgeous here, so your heart might have started jumping at the sight."

I lower my gaze in fake shyness as Alia eyes me with mischievous and Gaurav replies to her, "No, it was a mosquito that came to bite you, but you scared it and bit me for revenge."

"Such a lame joke, bro. Grow up or else Roshni will run away to find an intelligent man."

Everyone laughs on the siblings conversation and Mahek comes ahead with a unfamiliar couple of Gaurav's age group, grinning at me with pure joy. I smile at them and Mahek starts the Roka ceremony with her mother-in-law's guidance, well our mother-in-law now.

There are not much people, just our families, Harsh's family as he is the intermediary and our friends.

A red chunar (cloth) is placed over my head. I receive many gifts sweets, money and some auspicious things such as coconut and gold chain. Then my mother does the same with Gaurav and gives him several things.

It is said that Roka is basically a ritual to invite the new member in the family and fixing their marriage with their chosen partner. Plus, the marriage date is fixed as well.

But according to my understanding, this ritual is to bribe the couple with gifts and money, so they don't run away till the marriage.

After the ritual ended, we took blessings of each other's parents and the rest hugged us to congratulate.

Then our marriage is fixed after two months and six days from now. Later, the elders discussed the combination of rituals for the marriage since we belong to different caste and needed to follow the important ones from both sides.

#

I and Gaurav got a special corner in the living room to have dinner. While our families and friends are sitting at the dining table and sofa sets.

We eat in silence, but I notice the unfamiliar couple are still eyeing me with a grin since the beginning. Why are they so happy and why are they only staring at me?

I nudge Gaurav and ask, while eyeing them, "Who are they? You know, they haven't stopped eyeing me since the beginning of the ceremony."

"They are my best friends and non-biological parents."

I face him with a deep frown and he explains, "They are actually my childhood friends, Jay and Durga, married to each other around two years back. They were my greatest supporters and helpers during the breakup. They had literally pampered me as a baby. If I was able to focus back on my life and career then it's all thanks to them. So, they are as good as my second parents."

I smile at his words, while he adds with a sad smile, "But the biggest reason, I call them my non-biological parents because Durga cannot conceive."

And my smile immediately dies at his words. That's so heart breaking.

"I exactly don't know about the medical problem as it's a very sensitive topic for her to talk, so we ignore. But it didn't stopped Jay from proposing her for marriage and I gifted myself as son to them on the wedding day. We three love each other and have been inseparable since forever."

I smile again and he informs, "And they know about our arrangement. Honestly, they were furious with my decision at first and wanted me to rethink. Then they witnessed your and Tanushree's encounter in the mall today, so they agreed and that's why, they are grinning at you like idiots."

My eyes widen at the information and he adds, "They wanted to talk with you then and there, but after your ex came, you were upset. So, they didn't disturb you and decided to meet now. They are seriously dying to meet you, Roshni."

I turn to look at them again and they were still grinning at me. I smile and gesture them to come here. They beam and immediately start making their way towards us as Gaurav drags two chairs for them to sit across us.

Durga initiates the conversation, "Hi, I am so glad to meet you and I am so ecstatic since you have shown that b!tch her place. She deserved every single damn word of insult. I so love you already."

I chuckle at her words and Gaurav interferes, "Sorry about her rant, she can get a bit overexcited sometimes."

"Shut up, we are having serious talk with Roshni."

Then Jay decides to open his mouth, "Exactly, Roshni deserves to be praised after doing something we have been dying to do, but always held ourselves back because we couldn't stand in her presence."

I can sense the hatred towards Tanushree in their features and look at Gaurav, expecting to find sadness in his features, but to my surprise, he chuckles and continues to eat.

I will never understand how he manages to control his emotions and wear a genuine happy mask. Maybe after staying with him under the same roof, I might learn.

He excuses himself after finishing his dinner and goes to dispose off the plate, while I sit with Jay and Durga.

Jay asks, "Roshni, I am completely clueless how are you both going to manage this relationship. But can I request something?"

I nod and he says, "I am sorry if my words offend you, but don't ever hurt him. He has already considered you as a friend and cares for you. So, please be careful, he doesn't show, but the past is still hurting him somewhere."

Durga adds, "And don't ever hesitate to come to us for anything. I and Jay will always help you in any way possible."

Before I can react to their words, a panicked Naveena come to me and whispers in my ear, "Gaurav was asking for washroom, Jinal took him before we could and the kitchen knife is missing."

My eyes widen in shock and I stand, while handing her my plate before rushing towards the washroom. I should have known that Jerry is up to something.

The washroom was empty, but the guest room door nearby is open. I enter to find Gaurav pinned to the wall with a furious Jerry, pointing the kitchen knife against his neck and threatening him.

"....so if I ever saw a single stress line on her forehead or a drop of tear in my friend's eyes then I will chop off your third leg. Do you understand me?"

My eyes widen in shock at her words and I squeal, "Jerry."

They turn their neck to face me and I rush to stand between them, facing my evil twin.

"What are you doing?"

She smiles sarcastically, "Oh just giving your namesake fiance an instruction manual."

Before I can react, Navu scolds her, "Jinal, this is no way to behave with the guests."

I turn to face her and find her smiling nervously at Jay and Durga. Oh, this is becoming a mess. Then I instruct Candy to shut the door, who followed us and ask everyone to sit as I stand next to Gaurav.

"Are you fine?"

Instead of answering me, he gestures to Jerry, who is glaring at him. I roll my eyes at her possessiveness and ask him to sit as well, while I gesture the nervous Navu and Candy to calm down.

"Girls, this is Jay and Durga, they are well aware of the arrangement."

Navu and Candy take a breath of relief, while I face Gaurav

"They are my best friends Naveena, Surithi and Jinal. Just like you can't hide anything from your friends, I can't hide as well and you can say, they are guardians."

He smiles at each, but winks at Jinal to provoke her.

"If she really does something with that knife then don't come complaining to me."

He chuckles and apologises to me, "Ok sorry."

He faces Jerry and assures, "Don't worry about your soul sister, Jinal. She is my friend now and friends never hurt each other."

She retorts, "You better stick to your words or else I have many weapons at home."

Candy slaps her arm and apologises to him, "Sorry for her immature acts, but we would like to request you to take care of her. Please."

Navu adds to her words, "Yes, she won't complain or demand anything because here hardly anyone listens to her. But she does need care."

Adapting Gaurav's words, I can rightfully say they are my non-biological mothers. But we aren't into a normal relationship, so why are they talking to them as if we are a real couple.

Though Gaurav promises to take care of me and my evil twin again warns, "I have a good memory, so if I found her upset then I have many more weapons to use on you."

Suddenly Jay starts laughing and repeats Jerry's words, "Chop off the third leg."

Gaurav rolls his eyes as Durga chuckles and Jay says, "I think, I like her the most amongst you three. We will mingle well, even I have many evil ideas and we can try them on Gaurav together."

I watch, Jay and Jerry happily shaking hands as Gaurav calls his friend traitor. While Durga shakes hand with Navu and Candy before they get into the peacemaking job.

I sit back and watch how our friends have mingled so effortlessly, but what will happen if this arrangement ends?

I don't know why I can't overcome my insecurities and fear to be betrayed again.

Gaurav is a perfect man and I have many flaws. So, what if one day he finds a perfect girl and falls for her. He will leave me because our relation is nothing but an arrangement to safeguard our emotions. What if one day, a girl manages to awaken his hidden feelings and he falls for her. He will go after her without a second thought.

"Stop stressing yourself by overthinking."

I turn to find Gaurav beside me and immediately deny, "I am not overthinking."

"Your Majesty, I know you well by now."

I open my mouth to argue, but he interrupts, "Be ready tomorrow at 10 am."

I question with a frown, "Why?"

He teases with a smirk, "Have patience, Your Majesty. I have a surprise for you."

#

I yawn as I sit in the living room, the next morning with a cup of coffee. I feel so sleepy.

It was 1 am till Gaurav and Harsh's family left. Then my friends helped me with undoing my hair and saree then we crashed on the guest bed. They stayed for the night and left an hour back.

Now my mother and sister are discussing the preparation of the marriage as we have just two months.

But I zoon out as I remember Gaurav's message - Good Morning, Your Majesty. Be ready by 10 am for the surprise.

I have been thinking about the surprise, but haven't got the slightest clue. So, I gave up as I am still tired from yesterday's eventful day. Luckily, Jerry stopped threatening him till the end of the day.

I am pulled out of my thoughts when Ruchi says, "We will go to Lonavala hill station for pre-wedding photoshoot. Everyone is doing in candid poses like having dinner or sitting in a park or something casual."

But I deny, "No need for pre-wedding photoshoot or anything unnecessary. I need a simple wedding and all these things call for unnecessary expenses. So, even if we have extra money, we shall donate to someone, who is needy and can make productive use out of the funds."

"And here comes Mother Teresa. Always thinking about donation instead of enjoying the life."

My mother giggles, yes she giggles instead of making Ruchi realise the importance of money. She never corrects or explains her on these matters.

And just because everyone is doing something, doesn't mean that we have to do it. Pictures do not affect the relationship, the understanding and maturity does.

According to my opinion, this is just a way to show off the pictures to the public, which is completely artificial. Because the picture is taken by a stranger, the setup is planned or created by another then the other things like lights and etc are done by the third person.

Where is the personal touch?

If you want pictures than go to your favourite place and take selfie, while doing your routine because that will be the real ones.

There, you will be cherishing the memory of old moments and making new ones at the same time. You will be planning to visit the same place again after marriage, to celebrate first wedding anniversary, pregnancy and baby's first outing.

Yes, I was hopelessly romantic at one point of my life until I was betrayed and started hating everything romantic.

Sometimes, I yell at Navu for her romance with her husband, but she never utters a word because she knows I am more hurt than angry. So, I apologize once I am cooled down and make it up to her by giving chocolates.

The doorbell pulls me out of my thoughts and Ruchi goes to open the door. Gaurav enters the home and goes to greet my mother by touching her feet.

Traditional son-in-law values.

"Mummy, if you don't mind, can I take Roshni out today?"

Yup. He called my mother "Mummy" because we are as good as engaged after Roka ceremony. So, we address each other's parents as Mummy and Papa now.

On his request, my mother gives me a furious look as if I asked to go on a night stay at Gaurav's place.

He must have noticed the same and informs, "Mahek wants to take Roshni for shopping since it's a tradition to gift the new bride with 11 sarees and 11 Punjabi dresses."

My eyes pop out at his words. No way in hell am I wearing so many sarees.

But my mother loved the idea and gave the permission.

Oh wow Mom, I love you.

I sigh at my sarcastic thought and Gaurav stands, gesturing me to follow him. Taking my mobile and wallet, I obey after bidding farewell to my mother and sister.

#

Luckily the saree and punjabi dress shopping was a lie to convince my mother for letting me go with him. Plus, Mahek is not accompanying us, we are going alone.

But where? I don't know because this idiot is not ready to tell me.

I glared to scare him to tell me, but he winked in return. Then I started threatening and he started singing along with the songs playing through the radio. I switched off the radio then he started whistling to avoid my questions.

Now I am angry and have cross my arms against my chest. I turn my head to look outside the window with a furious look on my face.

If he is not telling me, then I won't talk with him.

Maybe I acting childish, but no one ignores Roshni Satlani.

He stops the car after a long drive of an hour and exits the car after a chuckle. See, he is finding this situation funny. Then I see his silly face at the window before he opens the door and I turn my face to the steering wheel to avoid him.

"Now if Your Majesty will remain annoyed then how will her poor slave show the surprise?"

I will not fall for his charms. Nope. Not melting.

Suddenly I feel his hand, holding my chin to tilt my face towards the entrance board of the shop.

I read with a frown, "Yummy Chef Caterers."

"We have come here to taste the food samples and select the menu for every function of our marriage."

I face him in surprise and he informs with a smile, "I noticed last night how your family wasn't concerned for your wishes and preferences during the discussion of marriage. So, I thought to ask you and tell your parents the dishes to add in the menu because you know, I am the man of this relation and that gives me lots of privilege. So, why not use it for your advantage?"

I continue to stare into his cheerful eyes in surprise as I didn't expect him to involve my wishes and preferences.

Well, how can I expect from him when my own parents have stopped bothering to even know my wishes or preferences then including them is a whole different story.

I lower my gaze and deny, "You don't have to do this and honestly, I don't remember any of my favorites. How will I help in the menu?"

He grabs my hand and pulls me out of the car, while announcing, "Then lets give your tongue a tasty journey down the memory lane, so a yummy menu can be planned."

Before I can react, he is dragging me inside the shop. We sit on the small dining table, placed at the corner of the shop after having a word with the chef.

Soon, many dishes are served in small quantity from appatizers to deserts and we begin to taste. A volunteer sits across us and writes the names of the dish, mostly which I liked.

We even tasted a few cake samples for the engagement cake. We will be exchanging rings, two days prior to the marriage.

After 5 hours of tasting food, we had planned menu for all the functions and I couldn't be happier with Gaurav's efforts.

He had cancelled every call to concentrate on encouraging me as I was hesitant. He didn't feel irritated towards the sweet time I took to give my word on adding or not the dish to the menu.

Then we went to a park for a walk and Gaurav insisted to know about my other wishes for the wedding. I informed and he promised to include them as his family was fulfilling his every wish, so he would include mine in his.

I am happy, so happy because after a long time, someone has taken care of my WISHES & PREFERENCES.

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

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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