"When darkness branches to your soul,
Light still finds a way to rise "

Mishti :)

"Chachi please" I said in the most annoying tone just to stop the topic for which we both were arguing from the past two hours .. As I stepped on the first stair, she stopped at her place and took a deep breath.. We both were tired of proving our own points..

"I don't want to annoy you. Just listen to me..I just want you to get settled in you life . " She said being defeated. I stopped at my place.

"I am already settled , I am doing well in my life. You clearly want me to get married and it's not going to happen.. " I huffed.. This was not the first time when we both were arguing on this topic ..

"No one is saying you to marry.. Just go on a date with him, try to know him. If you don't like him, then I won't ask you again, I swear! " she said while decreasing the distance between us..

"But why will I go on a date with someone whom I don't know? " I said being frustrated..

"I can't trust someone !" I added..

"Your chachi is saying means there must be a reason na.. He is Abir Rajvansh.. Do you kn-"

"Aree bhad me jae Abir Rajvansh" I cut her off saying rudely . Life was already a mess and I didn't want to make it more messy. She looked at me with her puppy eyes. I shook my head negatively..

"Chachi! I am sorry.. We will talk about it later. Now please sleep and let me sleep. I have a flight tomorrrooooowwww! " I stretched the last word helplessly..

Wishing a good night she left with a poker face. Having no other option I headed towards my room.

Chachi was talking about Abir Rajvansh, who belongs to one of the richest family of India. He came to my house with his mom with a marriage proposal for me. It would be better if I say it was his mom who came to meet me not he.

It's his mom who was talking to me, he was looking at the ground only ..

I know every parents want their daughter to get settled and nothing was different in my case .. But what about me? I don't want to marry anyone at this point of life.

And if my mom will get to know about all this drama, she will be angry on chachi like anything. She and chacha are out of station. So my chachi is doing all these karnama.

Chachi  loves me. She really does! Due to some medical issues she couldn't become a mother. I was always her daughter from that day. Now she just wants me to get settled ..But marriage is definitely not a good decision.. It's a headache for me.

And I am just 25. Why will I ruin my life by doing something I am not interested in.
I was never in any relationship with anyone, but whatever I had witnessed from my childhood is definitely enough for me to not take this step..

To relax my mind, I went to balcony and laid down on the sofa..
It's been always me and chachi vs mom. But if chachi will bring this marriage topic then it will be me and mom vs chachi.

The sky grew darker and darker , painted blue on blue , one stroke at a time , into deeper and deeper shades of night..

I looked at those beaming star.. They're shining.. I wish I could be a star.. Everyone can see me from far but no one can come close to me.. Just me and only me... No matter how much people loves you, one and other day they will hurt you. It's not the problem, we can't expect everyday to be a joyous day. But sometimes our own people do the damage that it takes us forever to heal it. That's why I don't want to add anyone in my life.

Cold breeze started blowing making my body shiver.. I inhaled the nature's fragrance closing my eyes.. My hair was blowing in the wind.. For a moment I forgot everything. It was such a peaceful moment.. Nature has some magical power that heals you..

A notification popped up on my phone.. It's from my chachi.. She had sent me someone's profile on Instagram.. I opened it...

abir_rajvansh

Rolling my eyes I sent her a "☠️" emoji.. After logging out my account I threw my phone on the near table.

I know a little bit about him. Like he have one brother and one sister. He lives in a joint family. I haven't seen any of them but I have seen his brother on a magazine cover. They are quite famous..

I really have no idea about anything more than this and my chachi want me to marry him. This is not going to happen.

After Mr Agarwal (her dad) and Mom's divorce, my mom has completely changed. She became a cold hearted person with so much hate towards relationship . They had a love marriage, and it affected her to so many levels..Sometimes I feel like I am the reason. Reason of their divorce..

May be I was the reason..

A lone tear dropped from my eyes. I wish I would have not done something like that in my past. It still haunt me. It broke my family. Everything just vanished in a blink of an eye... I was too small to understand anything.

I will always be thankful to my chachu because he chose my mom over his brother .. He never left my mom alone.. Chachu was newly married that time when everything happened. Everything became a mess.. Chachi supported my mom so much that time.. That's why I have a soft corner for her..

This trio started a business, worked days and nights .. We all became financially stable after some years. But we all were emotionally depressed. Losing three members from my family was hard for me.. I lost him too.. I still miss him.

My mom's in-laws lost their children. After their son divorced my mom , they moved to village. My mom still visits them. They love my mom as their own daughter. But me? They never accepted me, don't know why! Sometimes they behave like I am an adopted child. Huh.

My mom had gone through a lot of ups and downs in her life , but she never gave up .. Solo reason was me and my happiness..That's why I always want to make her happy, but I always end up messing things more.

Taking a deep breath I went inside and climbed upon the bed.
Soon sleep took over me.. As it's the beginning of winter , it was cold inside my room.. But I was too lazy to move and bring my blanket so I slept like that..

_______________

The Next Day :-

The sun poured through my window. Another day has dawned, bringing new hopes and aspirations. Finally it's the day.. I am going to enjoy the upcoming seven days as it's my friend's marriage.. Soha, my childhood bestie..

I requested her to not come my house with a invitation card, because I didn't want my chachi to know that my friends are getting married who are of my age and her daughter is single since forever.

But even after my lots of denial she came to my house , not only invited us but also described her love life.. How she fell in love with Ram 10 years back, how he proposed her and what not..

My chachi was only glaring at me like she would eat me up.. After she left Chachi didn't leave a chance to mock me.. I guess she's the first relative in this planet who wants her daughter to have a love marriage. She's angry with me because I was never in a relationship.

"God what did you do with my chachi?! "

I looked at my phone screen... Dammnn it's already 6.30.. I ran to my washroom ..
After getting ready I went to downstairs.. I went directly to the kitchen.. I had informed chachi about me going to college early for submitting my leave application. After that I had a flight in the evening.

My eyes fell on two sandwiches which were kept on the kitchen slab. My mouth filled with saliva as I smelled it.. It looked so delicious, even the smell was so good.

"Who made this sandwich? " I asked to Rima aanty who's our househelper . Listening to my question her face went pale. I couldn't figure out what's wrong..

"Actually..... I mean! " she tried to say something but couldn't not complete . I gave her an confused look raising my eyebrows.. She gazed at me hesitatingly.

"Aa..... Aarav sir! " she whispered . My heart just stopped beating , goosebumps erected all over my body. The name gave me a strange vibe and it hurt so damn much. Anything can feel strange but Aarav Agarwal, this name should never.

"Mishtiiii " my hand started trembling as a familiar male voice hit me. It hit me like a thunderstorm . I doubt how I was standing there without freaking out.

A shiver ran down through my spine. I was on the verge of getting an anxiety attack .. After 14 years I heard his voice.. Every incident started flashing in front of my eyes.. Just yesterday I was thinking about him. Everyday I think about him and it's nothing new.

Tears started forming in my eyes. But before they could flow from my eyes I soaked it. There was not a single day in these 14 years when i hadn't missed him, his presence,his laugh, his love,his care and the most "Golu" this name from his mouth. I missed everything. I missed my brother. He left me when I needed him the most..

What's the point of coming to me now? Checking if I am alive or dead?

I clutched my dress as I heard his footsteps approaching towards me... I shut my eyes tightly not wanting to face him.. I don't want to face him nor want to talk to him.

I could sense his presence just behind me..My heart started beating fast.. Everytime I try to be happy, something happens with me which again take me to my past world.

"Golu" his trembling voice reached my ear making my heart jump . Even he was scared to confront me .. I didn't want to remember those scary days again.. I won't be able control myself again..

Before he could do anything , placing the sandwich plate on the slab , I turned my heel to go back without looking at him.. As I started walking he held my hand .. A tear fell down from my eyes.. I bit my lower lip to control my emotions. His hands were giving me the comfort I was craving from the last 14 years..

Still gathering all my courage, I took a sharp breath making sure I won't cry.
"Leave.My.Hand" a deadly sound came from my mouth .. But he didn't leave my hand.

"Please don-" he was about to say something but I cut him off, "Don't create a scene here , it's not the same Mishti you had seen 14 years back! " . My voice was trembling but still I managed to utter.

"I SAID LEAVE MY HAND MR AGARWAL " I almost pulled my hand from his grip. The whole house filled with utter silence. I could see helplessness in my mom's eyes who was just standing there watching all this, silently.

Without giving a glance at anyone I walked from there.. But I stopped as mom came and just stood in front of me, blocking my way.

"And yes! Don't you ever call me with the name 'Golu '.. " I warned bhai .. My tears started flowing.. "These things don't matter to you.. But it matters to me.. Only my brother can call me with this name and for me he has died 14 years back. " I added, my own words killed me from inside, wiping my tears I left the hall  ..

I ran to upstairs as fast as I could. After getting inside my room I locked the door. I felt breathless as I fell down on the floor, letting my tears fall from my eyes. I never show my vulnerable sides to others , because nobody really care.

Mom started calling my name but i didn't have any strength to respond back .. I kept quiet.. Clutching my hand, I brought my knees closure to my chest adjusting myself on the floor..

He didn't even call me in these 14 years not at least for once.. I had a brother but I spent my childhood without him.. All alone.. No one was there with whom I could share my happiness, my problems, my feelings..

"No one will force you. Take your own time. I know the anger inside you won't allow you to talk with him. But please don't come to any conclusion by knowing your side of the story only! He was helpless too" my moms low voice came from outside.

Anger?! People get angry on those whom they love or who love them.. Why would I get angry on a man, who chose himself, his peace over his sister..He is no one to me. My brother has died 14 years back. And after that his sister had killed herself too. I didn't say anything in response and laid down on the floor letting my weak body take some rest.

My mom even left after some time.. I dropped the idea of going to college.. I won't move out of my room until he leave..

All of a sudden I started feeling his touch in my hand .. That morning scene came in front of my eyes.. "Why you did this to me? " I don't deserve all this.. Closing my eyes I slept on the floor.

My flight was at 4.30 in the evening.

----------------------

"Mishti beta " a soft voice came from outside breaking my sleep.. Hurriedly I got up and looked at my surrounding. I pressed my temple as I had a little headache due to a long crying session..

"Yes aanty! " I answered.."Aarav sir has left . Please come out of the room and eat something, you haven't taken anything since morning" she said in a concern tone.

"I am coming, you go! " I said to her and she left. It is already 2.00 pm. I have to reach the airport before 3.00 pm .

I got up and went to mirror. My eyes are red and became too small.. Whole face was looking like a tomato. I went to bathroom and splashed some water on my face..
I wiped my face with a towel.

Opening the door I went to downstairs. Mom was near the dining table. As soon as she sensed my presence she started filling my plate. Silently I went there and took my seat.

Looking at her anyone can say, she was crying. Her face was pale and red. Her dark red eyes broke my heart. But without saying anything I finished my lunch.

It it 2.30 already. Taking my luggage with me I went to my mom who was standing near the door. My heart was shattering into pieces as I started taking steps towards her.

It's too much difficult for her to maintain balance between me and him. I can't help too .

I went to her and she wrapped her hand around me , placing her head on my shoulder. I too hugged her. I could hear her silent sob, but she hide it as I broke the hug..

"Happy journey! Give my best wishes to Soha! " she said smilingly. Chachi was standing near her. She hugged me . "Take care" saying she caressed my cheek. Nodding my head I left. The driver opened the back seat for me and I sat on the back seat and he closed the door.. The driver started driving and I sighed.

--------------------
Goa

Soha had sent a car for me.. Her driver was standing there outside of the Airport. As Soha had sent me his photo so I recognized him.. He too knew me..

He took my luggages and I followed him to his car.. After thirty minutes of travelling finally I reached at the venue..

All were busy in decoration.. I couldn't find any family members there. As I stepped inside I met Soham bhai, Soha's brother.. As soon as he saw me his smile went big. He came to me and took me in a bone crushing hug..

"How are you? " I asked breaking the hug.. "Fantastic! " he answered with a smile.. I smiled at him too.

"Come! Let me show you, your room! " saying  he took my luggages and started walking towards first floor.. I followed him..

He left after showing my room.

Placing my luggage in the room , I came out of the house. I didn't change my clothes. I tied my hair in a bun and made my way towards the garden.. A smile formed on my face as I inhaled the beautiful fragrance of flowers.

There was a small house in the garden.. I started climbing the stairs anticipating everyone to be present there . But a tall man was standing on the entrance, blocking my way. He was talking on his phone.

"Excuse me! " I uttered as he was busy in his call.. He turned himself towards me .. I got shocked. I wasn't expecting him to be there.

ABIR RAJVANSH

He was standing there with his phone in his left hand. I clutched my dress to control my nervousness.. I couldn't even figure out why was I feeling nervous.. I wasn't nervous but awkward maybe because of the marriage proposal. Anyone would feel the same.

I took a step back not wanting to make an awkward moment . But to my bad luck I lost my balance and my feet slipped. But before I could fall on my back and make an embarrassing moment for myself , his hand came forward and held my hand.. He tightened his grip . I wrapped my tiny fingers around his hand. And in no second he pulled me towards him..

I stood there in a safe distance. He pulled out his hand.. I mentally slapped myself.

"Umm... You okay? " he asked me , his eyes softened a little bit, I was noticing too much .. I blinked my eyes for once and left the place .. As I stepped inside the house I bumped with a lady.. "I am so sor- " words got stuck in my throat seeing Abir's mom there. She smiled widely.

"Umm sorry Aunty! I haven't noticed you... " I apologized.. She came forward and took me in her embrace. I felt a little strange but then she patted my back and pulled her away. As she's elder I smiled politely in response. "What a pleasant surprise! " she showed her excitement, I uttered an yes. But it's not a pleasant surprise for me. Anyway!!

She was about to say something but someone called her from behind. It's Abir, I recognized him due to his voice plus he addressed her as Mom. I didn't turn back to see him.

"Abir see, whom I just met! " Aanty said to him and I closed my eyes being frustrated. I did not understand why I was annoyed with their presence. I should take them as normal people , not thinking about the proposal things.

"Mom, please come with me, Mr Birla wanted to see you, he was searching for you everywhere but couldn't find you.. Please come with me.." saying this he dragged his mom with him and didn't let her speak anything.. I sighed in relief..

He was actually in rush or avoided me deliberately. But who care? Huh

I finally heard Soha's voice.. I followed her voice. It was coming from kitchen.. She was there sitting in the kitchen slab and talking with someone on phone.. The way she was blushing anyone can guess who was on the phone..

"Uhm uhm .. " I coughed to gain her attention. Her eyes met with mine and her mouth went wide as I was expecting.. Throwing her phone on the slab she ran to me and I hugged her..

"I missed you! " she expressed and tightened the hug. "I told you to come a little earlier but you are coming just before my engagement, huh! " she complained, "I told you about my workload! " it's not an excuse , but I was actually busy due to workload. She rolled her eyes which I could feel..

We broke our hug as Susmita aunty, Soha's mom entered the kitchen. I touched her feet. "When did you come? " she asked me..
"Just an hour before Aunty! " I replied..

"You look so tired! Go and take rest.. I will send dinner for you and Soha will accompany you" she said to which I nodded..

"We will talk later. " saying  Soha I left..

I checked my phone first.. Mom had called me three times and chachi had called me two times. I forgot to inform them that I reached here safely. They must be angry with me..

Shit! Shit! Shit

I dialled mom's number but she didn't pick up my call. Most of the time she keeps her phone on silent mode, so I wasn't even expecting her to answer my call. I dialled chachi's number. She's always on the phone, so she picked my phone after one ring.

"Sorry Chachi I forgot to inform you.. I landed here safely.. " without any hi hello I cleared my point..

"Nothing new. You forget to inform us every time.. " she sighed in distress. It's true actually..

"By the way, Abir and her Mom also there na? " he asked me being excited. I couldn't understand how she got to know..

"Umm... How did you know? " I asked curiously..

"Sushmita just sent me some pictures. I saw Abir and his mom there in the pictures.. So yah! " she explained. "Please don't be rude with them! " she added..

"By the way what is my mom doing? " I asked to avoid Abir related topics.

"Mishti.. " saying this she took a deep breath. "Actually I want to tell you something. " she hesitated.

"Hmm! Tell me. "

"Aarav is going to stay here only! Please don't get mad. But he is too our child. And how many years will he even stay away! " she said in one go. I started feeling heavy inside my chest.

The wound I was trying to heel from past years started hurting me again.

"I asked about my mom.. Can you please say what is she doing? " I said in a rough tone.

"She is with Aarav in his room. " . It was enough for me. I cut the call..

I didn't like it don't know why.. She didn't even pick my call..

Switching off my phone I threw it on the bed..

Opening my suitcase, I took out a night dress.. I got freshened up and changed into my comfy clothes.. My head was spinning like anything. It was a terrible day ..

I went to balcony. The whole garden area was looking so beautiful as it was decorated with small lights and flowers. I inhaled the beautiful fragrance which was coming from those beautiful flowers.. It blew my mind and I felt little relax..

My eyes fell on group of boys and girls who were at a corner gossiping and laughing.. And Abir was there too.. I sighed..

He was wearing a white shirt and his sleeve was folded till his elbow.. His eyes have really something, it has some captivating power.

But out of nowhere his eyes fell on me and I looked at other side.. I could feel his eyes on me still.

"Mishtiii" I heard Soha's voice from my behind. Without giving him a glance I turned around and close the door.

Soha entered my room and placed our dinner on the table..

"So finally we got time to talk. " I expressed as she started filling our plate.

"Can I ask you a question? " she asked me and I nodded..

"Why did you run from there after seeing Abir? " I chocked on my food. She handed me a glass of water.

"What are you talking about? " I said looking here and there.

"Okay leave that.. I have a lot of things to share with you " she said and I sighed..

And our conversation was continued till midnight.
..........

The darkness of night began to clear as
the sunrise marked the journey of the sun..

The light of dawn peeped into my room through the window glass . I rubbed my sleepy eyes and walked to the window. There was a pearly glow in the sky..

As it's winter I felt cold so I closed the door and went to washroom and got freshened up ..

I wore an anaarkali as it's a family function.. I wanted to stay in traditional..

I went to Soha's room. The door was opened so I entered without knocking..

"Hey good morning darling" She wished coming towards me .. Only by looking at her anyone can say she's going to marry.. Her face was glowing .. She was looking so happy.. Even I was so happy that after a lot of ups and downs finally she was going to marry her love of life..

Ram, her husband, like his name he's so polite, down to earth and good looking man.. I met him before so many times but i hadn't seen him from last one year..

No doubt soha is lucky.. They both were so opposite.. She was a talkative girl and he prefers silent.. And there're so many opposite qualities of them which make them totally different... Still their understanding level was so high.. He had never disrespected her any decision nor she..

"You are looking beautiful " I complemented caressing her cheeks.. To which she returned a smile and dragged me towards her bed.. Jewellery were placed all over the bed and she was confused about what to wear on which day.... We both started deciding her jewellery and some other accessories..

The day passed like that.. It was nothing like I hadn't faced Mr Rajvansh that day but we didn't talk.. After noon I went to meet Ram. As it's their engagement day, so they both were not allowed to see other. So I went alone..

He would have felt bad if I would have not gone to his house because Soha had already informed him about my arrival.

The ring ceremony :

It's evening, all preparation was done.. Soha was getting ready .. So i even went to my room and changed into a saree..

I wore a green and black stripped saree with belt.. It's one of my favorite saree which I bought 2 years back.. I had wore it for twice only.. As it's their engagement day so I kept my look simple and classy.... I wore a pair of earrings and left my hair open.. I did my eye and lip make up.. I looked at myself on mirror. Everything was done..

My phone started ringing.. I looked at the screen, it was a video call from my Mom.. I answered the call and wished a hii..

Maa- hii beta, umm actually I was busy yesterday. So could not call you.

"It's okay, you can say you were spending time with your son . "

She stayed silent as I was expecting.

"I am getting late, I will call you later. " saying I cut the call. It must have hurt her, but it's not a time for me to cry.. So I cut the call abruptly..

I kept my phone inside my small vanity and moved out of my room. Just I came out of the room I bumped with someone. .

Ouch!

"Oh shit! You okay ?" He whispered and I got to know he is none other than Mr Rajvansh.

Again like yesterday, without looking at him I went to downstairs.. I totally avoided talking to him.. For me he don't even exist..

Both Soha and Ram were on stage.. I went to them and hugged both them wishing congratulations.. As I was about to go from there Soha stopped me .. "Please stay here na! " she said so I stayed there by her side..

My eyes fell on Abir who was coming towards the stage.. First he hugged Ram and then Soha.. I rolled my eyes..

"You are looking gorgeous today" He praised her totally ignoring me.. She smiled at him.

"And as usual you took the limelight.. Look at your surrounding girls are ogling at you " Saying this she laughed .. Then I noticed his look..

Soha was right everyone were looking at him only..

"Let's click a photo bro! " Ram said to him and he nodded.. So I distanced myself from them but Soha Pulled me to her side and glared at me.. I knew she's doing this just to annoy me..

He was at Ram's side and I was at Soha'a side.. Photographer clicked the pic as we four gave a pose.. Then he left.. I took a deep breathe..

"Hm..... Twinning with him ! " she said in a teasing way. And then only I noticed we both were wearing deep green attire..

"Just a coincidence. " I replied..

"Nope! "

I rolled my eyes at her.
After some time both of them exchanged ring and took the blessings of elders.. Everyone shouted for them.. Slow music was playing on background..

They both started dancing.. She was a dancer I knew, but I was literally shocked after seeing Ram dancing so perfectly..

Then slowly slowly everyone came to the middle with their partner and started moving their bodies..

As Soha and Ram were tired so they both went to their place and sat their.. Ram was talking with someone so I went to stage and sat near her..

She was my childhood friend, she had seen every worst conditions of mine.. She was always there for me.. We didn't share a best friend bond, but more than that..

We kept talking about random things.. I asked her about their honeymoon and she blushed making me chuckle.. As guest started coming, so I left the stage. It was giving me anxiety.

I left the stage and went to drink corner to have some drink.. My gaze fell on Mr Rajvansh, and like yesterday he was with his bunch of friends. At that moment someone said something, and whole gang started laughing, but my eyes got stuck at him.

A perfect muscular feature with a sharp jawline and combed hair. He was looking smoking hot.

Mishti, you should mind your own business..

Before he could notice me I left from there taking a glass of water.. I was shipping my water in a corner far from crowd , when I feel someone's presence behind me.. I turned my direction towards my back and I noticed Abir's mom..

I became conscious.. She greeted me with a smile and I reciprocated.. She was looking so gorgeous.. No one can say she's a mother of 27 years old boy..

"You are looking so breathtaking" She gave complement to me ..I whispered a thank you and she gently caressed my cheek.. I smiled at her..

It was such a awkward situation. I didn't want to have a conversation. What if she will ask about Abir related things. Like about that marriage proposal..

She was going to speak something, when Soha's mom and another aanty came between us. I stayed there silently not knowing what to do.

"How are you Meera? " another lady asked to Abir's mom... So her name is Meera Rajvansh..

The three lady kept talking and I was just standing there without doing anything.. After some time the two lady left leaving me and Meera aunty alone..

She was about to say something but to my luck her phone rang and she left. I sighed.

I turned my heel only to find Abir standing there.. He was looking curiously at me. What?

He took two step forward and I took two step backward.. My breath hitched when my back was hit on a bench.. I couldn't move anymore. He kept coming towards me.

"What? " I merely whispered lifting my eyebrows.. Keeping his one hand inside his pocket, he stood in front of me. I gulped. I looked at my surrounding. No one was there.

He bent a little towards me making me confused. His sexy cologne touched my nostrils.. Now his face was two inches away from me.. I placed my both the hand at his chest to make some distance ..

"What are you doing here? " I asked him pushing him a little..

"I have not done anything till now, missy. " he replied in a most sexiest ascent making me gulp harder. And did he just call me missy?

He placed his both hand on the bench caging me in his arms .

"Hello? " I glared at him..

"Ssshhhhh.. " he uttered making me more angry.

He came more close and I shut my eyes.. I could feel his hot breathe on my shoulder, and then I felt his absence all of a sudden.. When I opened my eyes he was in front of me holding a vanity bag.. It's his Mom's, which she forgot to take with her..

I sighed. Making a devilish smirk he left from there..

Huh! What was the need to make that filmy scene.. He could have easily picked up that purse.. I went to Soha with a bottle of water

"I can see what was happening in that corner..ehem ehem" she teased me showing her thirty two teeth.. I glared at her and she laughed.. Leaving her there i went to food counter and had my dinner and also met my some old friends.

Then I directly went to my room .. After changing into my nightdress I slept.. This was literally a tiring day for me.. There is something about him.

He just look attractive and nothing else. Mishti you should stay away from him..Arghhh ...

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