Chapter 3

Nikky was speaking, "I told you how I went to America in a Student Exchange program and came back a fully changed person. All my family members were happy to see the change in my appearance as the limp in my leg was gone and the makeover had made me pretty. Papa was happy that now there will not be any problem in getting me married with a nice guy. But there was one member of the family who was not happy to see me and that was Ranjini who till now was considered the most beautiful of all sisters. She always mocked me in every possible way, "Nikky, you are a blot on our family. I know even mother despised you and she was ashamed that you were her daughter." There was bitterness and anguish in Nikky's voice but Avni couldn't find any words to console her because the whole neighbourhood knew that Mrs Gupta hated Nikky. Once Avni's mother Sunanda scolded Mrs Gupta, "How can you be so rude with Nikky? After all, she is also your flesh and blood. She is wounded and needs you." But nothing affected her and ultimately Sunanda took care of Nikky. She used to take away Nikky to their house and nurse her and then god sent that doctor in the neighbourhood. Otherwise Nikky's parents left her to die but there is surely God somewhere who takes care of his every child. How could Avni tell Nikky these things of which she perhaps herself was aware consciously or unconsciously. Avni felt pity for Nikky.

Nikky continued speaking, "When my education was completed and I became a doctor, one day Papa said, "Nikky I have settled a match for you. Boy is from Jodhpur and a doctor. They want to meet you and obviously you will also like to meet the boy and his family." I was very upset because I didn't want to get married so early. I had not got my personality back just to marry someone. I had to visit whole world for which I had made my plans. I told papa, "I don't want to marry now and I want to go and explore the world. I have already got a job in the New York City and I will be leaving in a week to join." It was not easy for me talk to papa like this but there was no other option left. Papa was very angry, "You didn't even tell me before taking this job. Ok fine, do whatever you want and don't come back." With these words, he left the room and didn't talk to me even when I went to seek his blessings. Arvi and Misha came to say goodbye to me with their families but Ranjini didn't. She said, "Good riddance!! I can't even bear your existence in this house. Go away and never show your face." Avni was stunned because as a kid, Ranjini always kept to herself, being a quiet and demure child. It was strange that good looks could make someone so evil. Nikky continued with her story,

"I was happy and contented with my job. Then Aniket came into my life, a handsome doctor with whom I gelled very easily; he was an Indian and I got the right vibes from him. He said one day, "I am glad that I didn't get engaged before coming here as my father wished. You know that the girl herself rejected the alliance. She said she wanted to see the world before getting married, some girl from Ajmer, a doctor only." I immediately knew that he was talking about me. So, Aniket was the guy whose proposal I had rejected. There was a pang of regret in my heart. I was about to tell him that it was me but just then some emergency call made him go. Some days passed and then one day, Misha told me, "Papa has fixed the match for Ranjini with the boy whom you rejected." I was shocked; so Aniket was engaged to Ranjini without even meeting her, as his father wished but she resolved not to say anything. Maybe this is another boy.

There was a conference in the New York in which I and Aniket had to go. On the flight, Aniket told me that his father was forcing him to be to get engaged, "He has got me engaged without meeting the girl but in my family, things happen like this. Incidentally, this girl is the sister of same girl who had rejected my proposal." My worst fears came true and I told Aniket every thing; that I was that girl and why I rejected his proposal, "I didn't want to marry for just making my father happy. But perhaps fate wanted us to meet. Truth is that I love you and I don't expect your love in return. I accept whatever your decision is but it was very important for me to tell you my feelings." I was speaking without looking at him but when I looked up, there was only shock on his face. He didn't say anything during the rest of flight.