He Loves Me Not - Part 56 A

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Chapter 56A


The marriage was fixed to the nearest best date possible considering Arnav had plans to head to Mussourie later to visit the old age home where his biological mother took her last breaths. Having only 6 days in hand to finish all the preparations, Arnav got very busy in handling his work pressure. The wedding cards were printed and everyone in Khushi’s office got to know she was marrying their client Arnav Singh Raizada. Initially her colleagues and managers were shocked but later bestowed her with lots of wishes for her good future. Along with the wedding invitation to her manager, she also handed her resignation. It was a tough call to make but Khushi wanted to ease down Arnav’s work pressure. If she takes up her role in AK Software Tech, he could mainly focus on AR Group. The decision was mutual. When Arnav shared his plans with her the same night when the marriage date was fixed, she didn’t think twice to extend her support.

After 2 long days of no meets, finally Arnav texted Khushi to meet him at a Shopping Mall after her working hours. He took her to the jeweler for selection of the Mangalsutra and wedding ring.

“Seriously?” she asked. “You want me to make the choice?”

“First wedding you see…” he answered. “I am not used to all these things.. Maybe by second wedding I will be more prepared”

Khushi’s jaw dropped in shock. Second wedding? He grinned seeing her fuming. She hit him his chest twice and clutching his Shirt, pulled him closer.

“If you ever… ever” she almost shook him with force. “ever.. think of another woman.. I will nip off her hair and suck her blood”

“Impressive” he mumbled tapping her red nose. “And horrific” he added. “I better don’t put another woman’s life in danger then”

All her anger turned into a quick laughter. As she left his shirt and palmed the creases formed there, Arnav stared at the woman standing behind Khushi. His eyes thickened with surprise; his smile drained.

“Sheetal?” he whispered.

The moment Khushi heard that name she turned around too. Sheetal Mathur was standing before them, some feet away. As the two still watched her with surprise, Sheetal came forward clapping softly.

“Wow… What a possessiveness” Sheetal teased sarcastically.

Khushi swallowed hard. What was Sheetal doing in London? Suddenly the air thinned between the three.

“I think you miscalculated Arnav. This isn’t your first wedding preps… its second. First were with me, you forgot?” Sheetal commented.

Arnav rolled his eyes.

“And you…” Sheetal stared at Khushi. “You have no rights to be so obsessive when you yourself have snatched him from some other woman”

“Enough” Arnav interrupted.

“Of course,” Sheetal snapped. “I don’t want to dig old graves either. Don’t think I am here to snatch away your happiness or stop your wedding. I don’t give importance to people like you two anymore. I came here for Dad. He wanted to support his best friend, Ayush Uncle in the best days of his life. That’s all”

Arnav remained neutral. He recalled today morning his father had called up Raj Mathur to invite him for the wedding. They were best friends after all and it was obvious, he wanted Raj Mathur to share this happiness with them. But Arnav had never thought Sheetal would join her father for this wedding.

“Anyways” Sheetal sighed. “Continue your shopping”

She turned away and strode to the exit. Khushi’s eyes were moist with tears. She tried to hide them from Arnav but failed to do so. He cupped her jaw and brushed her tears away.

“She is upset still. Don’t take her words to your heart” he advised.

“No Arnav. She has every right to be upset with us. You broke her heart and I am responsible for that”

“Shut up” he groaned. “You saved three people from living a loveless life. Sheetal is still healing her wounds but the day she understands whatever happened in her life was for her own good, she will forgive us”

Maybe she would. But Khushi still had the guilt and wanted to apologize to this woman. She didn’t know if it would be a good choice to do so or not, but this was the only way to set her foot into a guiltless future.


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

Despite Sheetal’s reluctance, Ayush insisted Raj Mathur and Sheetal to stay in AK Villa with them until the wedding. Raj agreed and Sheetal was helpless. She stayed back for her father and brother. It was a bit awkward for Arnav but he didn’t disregard his parent’s wish.

The marriage preps started in both the families. Revati arranged a Wedding planner to assist them with all the bookings. A few close relatives from India were invited. Special aircraft was arranged for them. The plane was huge enough to even accommodate Gupta side relatives and friends. Though Shashi denied taking such a huge help from the Raizadas, Ayush convinced him not to show any kind of formalities anymore. They were after all one family now. It strengthened their bond even more.

Revati was constantly in touch with Madhumati and Khushi. She took the ladies for shopping and got some gifts for the Gupta’s relatives which they would offer as a tradition on the marriage day. Seeing Revati’s participation in the wedding gathered a lot of appreciation and respect for her in Khushi’s eyes. She had never seen this woman so much thrilled on any occasion like she was this time.

When Revati returned home with lots of shopping bags, all excited to share her shopping list with Ayush, she almost bumped with Sheetal on the way. The bags scattered on the floor.

“Oh God” Revati sighed in disappointment and started collecting the bags again. Sheetal assisted her. When she managed to grab all the bags again, Sheetal let out a sarcastic chuckle.

“I am confused”

“What do you mean?” Revati asked.

“Is this all real?” she pointed at the Revati. “All this excitement, joy and motherly attachment for real?”

Revati didn’t reply.

“Because if this is real.. then the way you handled mine and Arnav’s marriage preps were all fake”

Revati heaved in protest.

“You have all rights to be angry with us, Sheetal. Especially me. Because I showed you false dreams… gave you fake hopes that Arnav has feelings for you. I did all this for my own selfishness. And I regret it badly. If anyone has to be blamed for your heartbreak its me. Please don’t drag my Son in this. All he did these years was hide his true love for Khushi. Now he is getting that and I don’t want anything or anyone to come in between. Not even you”

Sheetal felt suffocated.

“You all… all are responsible for my state. And I am not going to forgive anyone of you… ANYONE” she snapped and slipped away.

Revati wanted to stop her but she couldn’t. Sheetal was hurt and it was obvious staying here and watching Arnav get married to Khushi would be terrible for her. She shouldn’t have insisted the Mathurs stay in AK Villa. And now that the mistake is done, she would have to ensure her Son and Khushi stay unaffected by Sheetal’s grief. It would simply spoil their mood otherwise.

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

“Nope” Aman interrupted. “Don’t even tell this to Arnav yet. He wouldn’t approve”

Ayush, Revati, Shashi and Madhumati were sitting around Aman Mathur, discussing the sketch of the pre-wedding rituals.

“But Aman.. How can we hide this?” Ayush asked.

“Yes, he would know it the instant he sees the preparations”

“Oh Aunty” Aman sat next to Revati. “We have to combine this ritual with Khushi’s Mehndi. That way he will never be able to guess”

“Good idea” Shashi added. “But I hope he doesn’t freak out that day”

Aman huffed out a laugh. That was true. Arnav would freak out knowing the family had planned for a Sangeet too and being the groom, Arnav would be forced to perform for them. Arnav was never good at dance. He was always the shy types in dancing publicly. But this time he was not going to be spared. Marriages don’t happen often in one’s life and it is such traditions which makes it more entertaining and memorable. And even if all this doesn’t provoke him on Sangeet, Khushi’s performance would surely do. She was practicing it from past 2 days to surprise the groom.

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

AK Villa

“Do I have a choice?” Arnav asked his mother Revati who showed him the Maroon Sherwani he had to wear tonight.

“No” Revati placed the Sherwani on bed and walked to the closet. “I have designed this from the best designer in London. It is the best for tonight’s function”

Arnav smirked. That’s true. His mother was very busy from the last 3 days in the marriage preps. She hadn’t left a single task undone or left for others to handle. He had never seen his mother so much excited about anything like she was for his marriage.

“Go. Wear it” she urged. But when he still stood rooted to the spot, she practically pushed him to the bathroom with the Sherwani in hand. “Come out in 10 minutes. We cannot afford to be late”

“It’s Khushi’s Mehndi. We are just going to be a part of it, Mom. A few minutes delay won’t matter” he reminded.

Revati laughed.

“Khushi’s Mehndi? That’s it? You have no clue, do you?”

“Clue?” he asked. “What clue?”

“Forget it. I don’t want to spoil the surprise”

“I don’t like surprises” he argued.

“Then I don’t want to shock you” she teased. “It will be fun. Trust me”

She pushed him in the bathroom and locked the door before he could barge out.

“Mom” Arnav banged the door from inside. “I hate shocks. There is no fun in that. Just tell me what are you guys planning?”

“9 minutes” she said checking her watch.

Arnav’s jaw dropped. What the!!!


To be Continued.


NEXT PART 


Note: I will post the Part B of this today.

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