His heart was pounding as he drove his car towards her house. He knew
she was the one. The one who he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. They
had always dreamed of getting married when they were older. She had gone to
London to study abroad, while he had gone to New York. Arnav had come back to
Delhi last week and her flight had landed this morning.
"Arnav babua, is that really
you?" Patel questioned
Patel noticed the ring box that was in Arnav's
hand and got a bit worried. How could he explain this to him without hurting his
feelings? He looked around nervously and tried to make an excuse. Arnav noticed
this and wondered what was going. Had she not reached home yet? Maybe he
should've called before he came over.
Came a voice from behind Patel. He turned around and made way for Naina
Ma'am to see Arnav at the front door. Naina's smile dropped a bit knowing the
exact reason why Arnav was here today. She noticed the smile on his face, and
hope that some way she could make him leave with that smile by the time he met
her daughter. But she knew that was no longer possible after what her daughter
had done.
"Arnav beta, why are you standing there? Come inside, have a seat. Patel,
go get some refreshments from the kitchen, Arnav has stepped into this house
after four years, right?" Naina said as she motioned him to come
inside.
Arnav nodded his head as he stepped into the house and took a seat on the
maroon leather sofas. Patel scurried his way towards the kitchen and came back
with some juice and handed a glass to Arnav. As Arnav took a sip from the
glass, his eyes searched for her. But she was nowhere in sight. Finally breaking
the silence Naina spoke.
"So Arnav, how was New York?" Naina asked Arnav
"It was great Auntyji, now that I'm back I'll take over AR once again and
work there," Arnav said.
"That's great new beta, how is everyone else in the family? You sister?
Nani ji? Akash?" Naina said,
"Di is fine and happy in her married life with Aman. Naniji is great and
healthier than ever. Akash is getting married, his engagement is tomorrow night
and Naniji was hoping that you'd be able to attend," Arnav told Naina
Aunty
" Of course we will come, what time is it at?" Naina
asked.
" 7 pm at Raizada Mansion, and please bring your entire family with
you," Arnav answered back.
" we will surely be there, all of us." Naina said.
Arnav's head turned toward the stairs as he heard someone's footsteps
approaching. Could it be her? He could feel his heart beat accelerating as she
came down the stairs. She was wearing black skinny jeans with a baby blue top;
her hair was in a ponytail, ending right above mid back. Arnav got up and
approached her. She looked more beautiful than ever.
"Arnav!!" she squealed and pulled him in for a hug. Arnav felt his
hands go around her back and pulling her in also.
"I haven't seen you since forever, and we have so much to talk
about." Arnav said as they pulled away from the hug
" Yea, we do. It feels great to see you after such a long time. Can't
believe how much you're grown since we last met." Arnav
said
" I know, I know. Even mom and dad have been telling me that ever since I
came home this morning," She said as she tilted her head towards Naina,
who was making her way out of the room hoping to give them some time
alone.
She grabbed his hand and made him sit next to her on the sofa.
"I have to tell you something" they both said at the same time.
Then burst out laughing realizing that they had said it together.
"No, you go first" the girl said
"No, you go first, ladies first" Arnav said
" ok'well'.um.. I don't really know how to tell this to you'.."
the girl started as she fidgeted with the bracelet on her wrist.
"Go on.." Arnav said trying to make her worry less
"The thing is that... I GOT MARRIED!" she exclaimed with the
brightest smile on her face.
Arnav felt this entire world crashing on him. Here he was, thinking of
proposing to this girl, and she tells him that she's already married. He felt
his breathing stop for a minute. How could she do this? Didn't she remember how
they dreamed of being together ever since they were young? Was she out of her
mind? How dare she betray him like this? Arnav could feel the anger in him
rising. His nose flared. His jaws clenched.
"You're surprised right? I know, I should've told you before, but didn't
have any way of contacting you," she replied back, looking at his
surprised expression.
"...How?...how long has it been?..." Arnav stuttered as those
words came out of mouth.
"Well, it has been a year and a half, and we have a daughter who is 3
months old," she replied back with a big smile. "
Daughter?! They already had a child? And here he was, thinking of marrying
her!?
"Well, that's great news," Arnav managed to speak with great
difficulty. He had to get out of here before he broke down. He abruptly got up
and said, "I have to get going, need to make arrangements for Akash's engagement
for tomorrow. You should come and bring your family as well."
"Sure will, my husband is supposed to fly in tonight along with Priya, can
they come as well?" She questioned.
"Sure, they are part of your family, so then they should also
come." Arnav replied trying to look anywhere but at her.
"Thanks, and it was great seeing you after so many years Arnav,"
the girl replied.
"Same...um..." Arnav said trying to decide what he should call
her.
"Singhania, Lavanya Singhania" Lavanya replied back with pride of
saying her name now that she was a married women.
___________________________________
Wow what an explosive chapter....he must be devastated
ReplyDelete