PAAKHI POV

"You seem to be a bit late," Jerry huffs assessing me up and down.

I pass him a small smile and try squeezing past his huge frame.
He's standing in the middle of the small corridor not giving me much choice than to accept his glare.

"I'm sorry, it won't happen again. But if we keep standing here, I will be later." I tell.

He passes me a frown but lets me pass.

I sigh and rush towards the club and direct to the bar.

"Hey, girl!" Zoya greets me.

I smile and join her in wiping the glasses and arranging the bottles.

"I heard about your accident, I'm sorry," she looks at me sadly.

I pass her a cheerful smile and reply, "I'm fine."

She nods and we both hurry to finish our task.

I'm wiping the table when the music starts blasting indicating that patrons are here.

Stepping into the corner, I look around to see if anyone needs my assistance.

From my last experience, I know this much that the problem starts at later hours when people lose control.

Leaning at the wall, my mind wanders to the moment I told everyone for delaying Viren and my wedding.

Maanu was heartbroken, she started blaming herself. But after I told her that I would have done the same for Aditi because that's my personality. She didn't agree at first but when Viren talked to her alone. She was calm and thanked me.

In the car, when Viren was driving me here, I asked him what he said to Maanya but he just said "I can't tell, That's something between Maanya and me."

I gave up trying when he became persistent.

"Excuse me!" I feel a rough tap on my shoulder. When I look up, I peer into two pairs of hazel eyes.

"Yes?" I ask the two girls looking at me.

"We need to use the restroom, but couldn't find the way," she yells over the music.

I nod my head and with a wave of my hand, I ask them to follow me.

Whirling past people, we enter the restrooms.

"Thank you, " one of the girls cheers.

Now in the adequate lighting, I observe them dressed in a pair of leather pants and crop tops. They look dapper.

"Wait!" The other one shriek gaping at me.

Instinctively, I reach out to assess my face.

"She-" she whispers and then starts fumbling with her phone.

I gape at her curiously.

"Sash? What is it?" The other girl asks the first one.

"She's the one from the photos..." She shrieks and looks at her phone and then at me.

The earlier girl look at the mobile phone and then mirror her friend's astounded expression.

I look at both of them dumbfounded.

"What girl?" I ask finally.

"You are Viren Singh's fiancee right?" One of them asks.

I nod slowly and then she tilts her phone towards me.

I gape at the picture of Viren and me from earlier today in his office. He's holding my hand nudging me towards the elevator.

"We never thought The Viren Singh will ever settle down," they laugh.

But I'm still flabbergasted with the fact that everyone knows now that I'm his fiancee.

They both leave but I'm still glued to my spot.

I hastily grab my phone and google Viren.

The first thing that pops, is our photo. I click on it and read the headlines.

'Surprised? We are too, The Viren Singh finally settling?'

'Who is this girl? Another conquest?'

'Another Singh brother off the chart. Viren Singh is finally engaged.'

Reading through these I feel uneasy.

Walking to the sink, I flicked some water on my face and take some deep breaths.

The pinging of my mobile phone grabs my attention.

I look at the screen to see a text from Prithvi, calling me to his office.

I hurry out of the washroom and to his office.

Knocking twice, I open the door and I'm surprised to see Sana standing there.

"What are you doing here?" I ask her confused.

She smiles at me and then looks at Prithvi.

I flicked my gaze towards him and I'm stunned to see anger in his eyes.

"Prithvi?" I ask uncertainly.

"Don't!" He yells walking around his desk towards me.

"P! Do you consider me anything? A friend? A brother?" He asks.

I nod my head.

"Then why didn't you tell me about your marriage?" He huffs.

I glance at Sana and she immediately averts her gaze.

"It's not happening till next year..." I tell.

"Ya, I wonder why?" He scowls at me.

"You are not marrying because you took money from me?" he scowls.

I look down.

"Paakhi! It's just 2 lakhs, you can pay me anytime." He says softly.

I flicked my gaze up and see him taking my hand.

"I would never want you to work here and pay me sacrificing your happiness." He whispers.

"And I would never start my married life with debt on my head," I claim adamantly.

"This is not a debt you idiot girl!" He steps back and yells.

"Why are you not understanding P? It's just 2 lakhs rupees..." He speaks as if talking to an adamant child.

"Ya just 2 lakh rupees, that I can pay you back soon." I smile.

He glares at me and says, "you don't have to be always perfect. You are being selfish right now, you are thinking about yourself and your principles. What about that man who endangered his life to come to save you. What about that man? Don't you think it should be his decision too?"

I stare at him.

"He agreed with me..." I intend to state it but it came out uncertain.

"Did you give him a choice? As much as I know you when it is about your beliefs, you don't consider anything else. You always think that you are right!" He asks.

I ponder over his words.

Did Viren agree out of obligation? Did I force him to agree?

"But-" I choked on my sob.

He circles his free hand around me and I sob on his shoulder mindful of his plastered hand.

"You don't have to always make the right decision. Sometimes thinking about your happiness is important." He mumbles.

"Now tell me one thing..." He pulls me a bit back and stares into my eyes.

"Will marrying Viren tomorrow make you happy?" He asks seriously.

"Extremely!" I confess, thinking how special tomorrow is for Aditi, Maanu, and me.

"Then make yourself and people around you happy." He cheers.

I laugh at his goofy smile.

"But what about?" I vaguely ask.

"I have an idea!" We both turn to see Sana.

"I can help you Paakhi. You know how I'm looking for a job. I can work in your place and pay your debt. This way I can help you and my heart will be satisfied that I helped you too." She holds my hand and implores.

"No-"

"Please, this can be a new start for me." The determination in her eyes softens me.

"Are you sure? What about your family?" I ask.

"I'm not Sana Singh. Right now, I'm just Sana, finding my identity." She affirms.

I smile at her newfound courage.

"Will you be okay with it?" I turn to Prithvi and ask.

But he doesn't look at me. His gaze is set on Sana.

I turn to Sana and see her blushing under his gaze.

Weird...

I look to and fro between them and announce, "is there something I should know?"

Prithvi looks startled by my statement.

"Huh?" He stutters.

"What is going on here?" I frown at him.

"I'm just amazed by her determination." He states, "and I have no problem with her replacing you, but one thing is for sure, there are rules in this place, follow all of them." He scrutinizes her.

Sana nod eagerly and say, "I will come on time and learn everything."

Prithvi nods and looks at me.

"Now go home and get some rest, tomorrow is a big day for you." He smiles at me.

I rush into his arms and say, "I hope to see you at the court tomorrow."

"I will be honored to be there," he smiles.

I take a step back and take Sana's hand and rush out of the club.

"I'm so happy!!!!" I yell outside.

Sana laughs but doesn't interrupt.

I keep yelling, 'I'm so happy.' Soon those words accompany tears.

I don't know if they are happy tears or tears of frustration. If I had my parent, I wouldn't be always sacrificing my happiness and thinking of taking responsible decisions.

Many times in life, I wanted to do foolish things and enjoy life. But my responsibilities were too much to make reckless decisions.

But today, after Prithvi persuaded me, I can't be happier. I want to get married to the man I love and that too on the same day, my best friends are getting married.

Soon I feel arms around me and I let my tears flow. She embraces me and lets me cry.

"Thank you," after my feelings settle, I smile at Sana.

She passes me a smile and says, "let's go home and share this happiness with the girls."

I nod and we hail a cab.

All the way to the apartment, I'm jumping in my seat.

"Careful!" Sana laughs when I barely stumble on the stairs in my excitement.

I ignore her and knock on the apartment door.

Expecting that one of the girls will open the door, I jump onto them.

But when I feel a firm chest, I lean back and pout.

"Oww..."

Arhaan pulls an eyebrow up and gives me a look.

Sana is still laughing in the background.

"What are you doing here?" I ask sourly.

"Your love is killing me," he sarcastically replies.

I ignore him and hop to the living room.

"Did you give her drugs?" I hear Shaurya ask.

I scowl at him.

But keep jumping in front of Maanya and Aditi.

"I'm getting married tomorrow," I exclaim.

"She's definitely drugged," Shaurya exclaims astounded.

I ignore him and pull Maanu up from her sulking position.

"What do you mean?" She asks.

"I mean that I'm getting married to Viren tomorrow," I say each word slowly.

"How?" Aditi asks appalled.

"Prithvi scolded me and schooled me," I say sheepishly.

"And our dear Sana offered to take my position and help me." I pull her towards us.

"Seriously?!" Maanya asks uncertainly.

I nod my head and a few seconds later, our apartment is filled with hollers.

"I should tell Viren!" I exclaim.

"No!" I glare at Shaurya.

"I mean, let's surprise him tomorrow. I know this will be the biggest surprise of his life." He explains.

"But-"

"I agree!" I stop when Arhaan agrees.

"Are you sure?" I ask uncertainly.

"Let my brother suffer a bit," Arhaan smirks and walks to Maanu.

He places a small kiss on her head and walks to the door.

Shaurya follows his brother's steps but the difference is he places a kiss on Aditi's lips.

After they leave, Aditi pulls all of us on the couch and asks us to explain what happened at the club.

___________________________________

VIREN POV

"Viren?" I come out of my thoughts when I feel a hand on my shoulder.

"Huh?" I turn to see mom taking a seat in the opposite chair.

"I have been knocking on your door for a while now." She says worriedly.

"Are you okay? Are your wounds are paining?" She fusses.

"No mom, I'm okay..." I take her hand and pat it.

She still stares at me uncertainly.

"Okay, I came here to tell you that your dad finally succeeded in booking the slots for tomorrow at the court." She informs.

I nod.

"I expected you to be happy," she frowns.

"I'm happy mom!" I try to fake cheer.

"Are you second-guessing your decision?" She asks flustered.

"Please Viren, you can't do this now! I know it's natural to feel nervous before marriage but you can't back out." She explains.

How am I supposed to tell you mom that I'm not nervous, instead I'm eager to make Paakhi my wife.

"No mom-"

I stop when I hear her phone ring.
She answers it and while covering her mic she whispers, "Take some rest, I will see you and your brothers in the morning. It's a special day!"

Saying this she departs my room.

A restless sigh passes my lips.

"Why did I fall in love with an adamant woman?!" I ask looking at the open sky.

I can't even complain, because that's what makes her my Paakhi.

I can't do anything except wait...

Right now I'm missing some liquor strength. It would have helped a lot.

Cursing my situation and everything else, I get up and walk over to my bed.

Tossing my t-shirt, I settle on the mattress and close my eyes.

Instantly, the beautiful face of my fiance pops in my mind, her waving hair, her sensuous lips.

I hoped this would have really happened but instead, as I close my eyes, I'm out as light.

Waking up to the ringing of my alarm. I roll in my bed, halting the moment of disappointment.

I don't know either I should be happy that my brothers are getting married or sulk because I'm not getting married.

My moment of self-pity doesn't last long because of the thumping on my door.

"Viren! Get up and get ready!" I hear mom's voice behind the door and huff.

With a heavy heart, I get up and shuffle to the restroom, not before picking up my phone and hoping for a miracle.

But to my dismay, there were none except my reminders and work calls.

With an irritated grunt, I grab my toothbrush and focus on getting ready.

"Took you long enough," Shaurya scoff seeing me entering the garden.

Our garden is beautifully decorated for the Haldi ceremony (The Haldi ceremony is where the bride and groom are covered in turmeric paste. This sacred paste, when applied to unmarried people, is believed to bring them good luck in terms of marriage for their future.)

I ignore his remark and admire the beautiful bright adornments.

"Mom this is beautiful," I admire the simplicity yet gorgeousness.

"You all didn't give me much choice, but this ritual I had to!" She cheers.

I smile knowing how excited she was when we agreed to have this one ritual.

"Okay okay, now Shaurya, Arhaan, and Viren, you three come here and sit down." She orders.

"But-"
Arhaan hold my hand and shut me up.

"Don't spoil her mood please," he pleads.

"But I'm not getting married today..." I skim quietly.

But before he could reply, Mom trudge all three of us to the couch.

"I'm so excited!!" Maira shriek and start jumping on her spot.

Everyone laugh.

"So let's start," mom says walking with the bowls of Haldi. One she's holding and the other two are in the helper's hand.

She passes us a smile and sets the bowl down.

She then comes towards me and places a kiss on my forehead.
Then she does the same with Arhaan and Shaurya.

She then walks back to the bowl and takes a handful of paste on the mango leaf.

She then steps towards me and applies it on my face, neck, hands, and then feet.

I feel a cool sensation in my body.

She then does the same with Arhaan and then Shaurya with their respective bowls.

After her, our Aunt follows.

Everyone keeps smiling and giggling. Everyone is happy except me.

"At least put a smile on your face..." Arhaan whispers.

"Easy for you to say," I grumble.

The smile he gives me next is suspicious.

"Why are you smiling like that?" I ask him.

"Like what? " he smirks.

"Like this," I glare at him.

"I'm not smiling like anything, I'm just happy today." He winks.

"Now you guys go and change and Riya take these to Girl's house," Mom interrupts us.

"But how will she remember which one is whose?" Aunt Palak worries.

Mom looks nervous but then she asks the help something.

After a few seconds, the maid returns with a sticky notepad and a pen.

Mom label the three bowls and smiles at Riya.

Riya excitedly carries the bowl to the waiting car.

Maira follows suit with one bowl in her hand.

"Where are they taking those bowls?" Shaurya asks mom.

"To girl's house. " mom answers.

"Why? Why did you send three bowls that too are used? " He further pries.

"Oh my dear, your respective brides will be cleansed with your leftover haldi." She laughs.

"Why our leftover?" I ask irked.

"It is said that grooms utilized Haldi is applied on the bride because it will tint her in her husband's shade. They will start their life warding off evil eyes." Mom smiles.

Thinking how my haldi will go to waste because my fiance will not become my wife today.

"Now all three off you go bath and change." She orders and walks into my dad's embrace.

I follow her instructions and walk to my room to see a suit laid on my bed.

Taking it to the washroom, I scrub myself once again and change into the suit.

Walking back down I see Arhaan and Shaurya standing on the last two steps and looking over a phone.

On closing up, I see a photo of Aditi, Maanya, and Paakhi. They are all drenched in Haldi paste and smiling at the camera.

"Why did she do it?" I voice out.

Both Arhaan and Shaurya stumble a bit before turning to face me.

"Aditi and Maanya coated her too," Arhaan laughs.

A half-hearted smile adorns my face.

"Good you three are ready!" Mom exclaims walking out of the sitting room with gifts in her hands.

She walkout is the house and I follow her.

"Mom," I call her.

"Yes, Viren?" She asks distracted by the staff.

" I need to tell you something," I say.

"If it's not important then please wait, we cannot be late to the court. " she hurries and walks away.

I stand there with gloom.

"Son, get in," Dad pats my shoulder walking by.

I sigh and enter the car I'm leaning on.

Settling inside I pick up my phone and text Paakhi.

'Did you tell your family? Because I couldn't,'

I wait for her reply agitatedly.

"I'm so excited," Shaurya's cheer preoccupies me and I forget about the text.

Reaching the courthouse, I feel my nerves itching as I see a mass of photographers outside the courthouse. How did they know? I see our bodyguards making way for our cars.

"Viren Singh is it true? Are you getting married today?"

"Who is Paakhi Kapoor? Did you get her pregnant?"

"Are the photos from earlier true? Are you engaged?"

Their questions always amazed me, how do they get to abrupt conclusions so easily?

And what photographs?

I google my name and click on the photograph of me and Paakhi from the office yesterday.

We look good together!

I'm still admiring our pair, When, "You okay?" I feel mom whisper to me.

I smile at her and she smiles back.

"It's natural to feel nervous when you are starting a new phase in your life. Earlier you used to make decisions for yourself but from now on you have to consider your partner's wishes and then make a decision. From now on, it will never be I, me, mine, it will always be ours, us. She's your responsibility so never fail me." She advises sternly.

"Yes, mom," I promise.

She nods her head and nudges to the inside of the courthouse.

Seeing a woman dressed in a bridal dress and smiling at her husband makes a warm feeling erupt in my heart.

The feeling I will relieve one day, unfortunately not today.

"They will be here in 15 minutes," Dad announced.

"And our chance will be in 20 minutes," Uncle tells joining us.

"I can't believe my sons are getting married today. All on the same day," mom mumbles emotionally.

Dad wraps an arm around her and she leans into his embrace.

I get distracted when my phone Chimes. Retrieving it from my pocket I see a text from the office.
I was about to exit when an incoming text from Paakhi grabs my attention.

Clicking on it, I see her reply to my previous text is a worried face emoji.

Just an emoji? Is she playing with me?

I feel anger rising within me.

"They are here!" Riya exclaim running past me.

I look up to see her dashing towards Maanya, who is dressed in a pretty blue lehenga. She's beautiful.

I smile when I see her gleaming under my dear brother's gaze.

"Where's my fiance?" The agitated voice of Shaurya amuses us.

"There!" My aunt laughs and walks towards Aditi. Who looks radiant in her white saree.

I smile and greet Harsh Nana and Mr.Abhay but my gaze wanders every time to the door anticipating my girl's arrival.

"Young man, this is going to be an everyday occurrence now. These beautiful ladies make us wait long..." Harsh Nana laughs patting me.

I chuckle but still set my gaze at the door.

Instantly words hitch in my throat when I see her. Her long hair curled up and her face glowed with a pinkish tinge reflecting from her lehenga.

"Breath brother," I hear someone quip in my ear.

"Paakhi dear, you look beautiful," mom walk towards her and hugs her.

"Let's go everyone," just as she reaches me, Uncle announces.

I frown at him but follow everyone to the registrar's office.

We all line up in front of the registrar.

"Viren Singh? Arhaan Singh? and Shaurya Singh?" He calls out our name and we step forward.

"Paakhi Kapoor? Aditi Mehra? and Maanya Gill?" Girls step beside us.

"We are all gathered here for the union of these 3 couples right?" He asks aloud.

"N-" I halt when Paakhi holds my hand. I look down and then at her.

She slightly shakes her head and I look at her Confuse.

"Viren?" Mom asks worriedly.

I shake my head and look ahead still confused.

"Shall we continue?" He glares at me.

I nod and he asks, " we need 6 witnesses."

"There are more than that," dad laughs looking at the packed room.

Registrar smile for the first time.

"First couple," he says putting forward a piece of paper.

I feel a push on my back and stumble forward.

I'm shocked to see Paakhi taking a seat at the desk.

"Viren?" She turns towards me with a smile.

I look at her dumbfounded.

"We are getting married?" I confirm thinking my brain is playing with me.

Paakhi grins and nods, followed by applauding from my Brothers, Aditi and Maanya.

"But-" I stutter.

"Do you want to marry me or not?" She asks and I rush to the seat beside her making everyone laugh.

"Witnesses?" Nana and Nona step forward on Registrar's command.

"Sign here," he asks me and Paakhi.

We sign the document and then mom passes us both a garland. We put it in each other's neck and then mom pass me the vermilion box and I apply it on Paakhi. She smiled and we hear Cheers and applauds from our families.

I step forward and place a kiss on her forehead. My Wife.

She smiles looking into my eyes and we both stand there memorizing the moment.

"Congratulations," everyone comes and congratulates us.

"Maanya and Arhaan, go, " Mom pushes them.

I stand aside with my wife's hand in my hand.

The ceremony moves forward quickly but I'm busy adoring my wife.

When she leaves my hand and rushes towards Aditi and Maanya, I turn to my brothers.

"You guys knew?" I ask.

They both pass me a Cheshire smile and nod.

"Why didn't you tell me?" I frown.

"We were enjoying seeing you like that," Arhaan smiles.

"Upset?" I ask.

"Agitated!" Shaurya quips.

I hit him and he shriek.

"Viren!" Mom scolds me.

I scowl at him but smile when he hugs me and congratulates me.

"Let's go," uncle yell in between chatter.

We all rush out of the office when the registrar scolds Nana for being loud.

Walking out I discreetly hold Paakhi's hand and take her to my car.

"Let's go," I open the door for her but she is busy looking around.

"Who are you waiting for?" I ask her.

But she doesn't reply, instead, a smile mask her face and she runs off to -

"Prithvi! You made it," she hugs him.

"Congratulations P!" He gives her a gift and places a kiss on her forehead.

I see tears tumbling down Paakhi's eyes when she read a letter given by him.

So I walk towards them and wrap an arm around her waist.

"You okay?" I ask her.

She doesn't reply, just nods.

"Congratulations mate," Prithvi says.

I nod with a smile but keep peeking at Paakhi.

"He persuaded me to change my decision." She mumbles after a long pause.

I look shockingly at him.

"Why?" I ask instantly.

"Because I care for her, and I don't think I need to remind you that if anything happens to her or in fact any of them, I will destroy your family." The determination in his voice impresses me.

I nod my head firmly.

"We are going home for a celebratory dinner, we would like it if you can join us?" I invite him.

"Really?" Paakhi asks with a smile.

I nod my head and place a kiss on her pouting lips.

"Eww, I'm her brother man," Prithvi gags and Paakhi hits me lightly but a smile on her face tells me she liked it.

"I will follow you guys," he says and walks over to his car.

I take Paakhi's hand and tug her into my waiting car.

But before we can enter, the sudden chaos startles us. Paparazzi bombard us from everywhere.

"Did you guys get married? "

"Ma'am, why did you marry Viren?"

"Are you pregnant?"

"Did he force you?"

I push Paakhi through and into the car.

"Where do they get these weird questions from?" Paakhi chuckle abruptly.

I assess her but smile when I know she's not angry.

"Welcome to my world, Mrs.Paakhi Singh." Her laughter stops.

She gapes at me, " we are really married! Aren't we?"

"Yes, love," I pull her hand to my lips and place a kiss.

She smiles looking at me and adjoins our hands. My finger lace with hers and she gently lay her head on my shoulder.

We both remain silent for the rest of the ride, but this silence was peaceful, a content one.

We both are adjusting to the fact that we did get married.

"Can we make a stop before we go home?" She aks quietly.

I nod my head and squeeze her hand.

Knowing well enough where she's taking me.

__________________________________

Hey lovelies,

I will start with an apology, sorry I was busy with my exams. But thank you to whoever stayed to support me.

So how's the update?

Where is Paakhi taking Viren?

Do let me know your views and don't forget to Vote ⭐ and comment 💭

Have a great day ahead❤