Chapter 2

Khushi

After having breakfast with Niyati I left for my home after receiving a call from my Dad.

My parents have been insisting on my return for a long time. But I was so stuck with work and...forget it.

As soon as I entered my home I saw my mom cleaning the already clean living room. The habit of typical Indian mothers when guests are about to arrive.

After greeting them I left for my room.

A shower can relieve the stress they say. I wish it could wash away my pain too.

I regret the day I met him. Maybe my life would have been easier.

I knew from the beginning that it was wrong. Everything about that relationship was wrong. But still, I let my emotions rule over my brain. My brain warned me not to trust him, not to fall for him yet I decided not to listen to my brain.

How can I let myself believe that true love exists? Even if it does I don't think it does for me.

After a Ted talk to myself, I left my room for dinner.

I saw my parents were talking to each other. Their expression changed as soon as I entered the dining room.

"speak up" I said while sitting.

"kya?" (What?)Papa answered pretending as if he is unaware of what am I talking about.

"Wahi jo aap mujhse kehna caahte hai toh please seedha seedha point pe aaye aap."(Just come to the point and tell me whatever it is.)

"Khushi aapko pata hai hum jo bhi karenge aapki bhalai ke liye he karenge."(Whatever we do is for your happiness.....you know that, right?) Mumma said while stroking my hair.

How can I ever say no to this woman?

"I know toh please seedha point pe aaye aap" (I know so tell me....what is it?)

"Khushi hum caahte hai ki aap ab shaadi kar le" (We want you to get married) Papa said with a straight face.

"par papa aap jantey hai na ki pehley hume apne career par focus karna hai" (You know that right now I want to focus on my career, right?)

"toh humne kab mana Kia hum sirf itna caahte ki aap shaadi kar ley aur aap shaadi ke baad bhi toh apne career par focus kar sakti hai unhe koi problem nhi hogi, please beta thoda sochkar faisla karey"(We are not asking you to stop working. We just want you to get married and settle down. They have no problem with your work. You can focus on your career even after marriage) Papa said with a hope that I will say YES to this alliance.

"ji papa, bas thoda time de hume"(OK Papa, but just give me some time)

"aapko jitna time Lena hai aap le" (Take your time) Papa said with a smile.

The sole reason why I don't live with my family is just because of this marriage thing.

Typical Indian family, once you get a job your parents will start pestering you to get married.

I want to talk to my friends because I need them the most at this time.

So I called them and got to know that they will be in Delhi tomorrow. So we decided to meet the next day.

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Niyati

We came back to Delhi and Parth went to his house and I came to mine but got to know that my parents aren't home, they went to my grandparents along with my siblings but fortunately, I have a spare key so I unlocked the door.

After taking a cold shower I decided to sleep but before that, I received a text from Khushi.

She wanted to talk about something important.

I know that Important thing.

Isn't it obvious that her family wants her to get married?

I knew yet I asked her to meet us tomorrow since we all will be in Delhi together after so long.

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As soon as I entered the cafe I saw two people sitting at a table for four. I advanced toward them.

"hi guys" I said to my friends while taking my seat.

"Hi...Did you talk to her? How's she? I know she must be very sad." It was Vanshika. She asked me in a concerned tone.

She is one of the calmest people that I know and mature too.

Unlike the other two.

She is not one of those people who say I'll always be there for you and all. But we all can tell from her actions that she loves us a lot and care about us.

As the saying goes 'Action speaks louder than words'

"I don't know...she was really sad that day but she kinda seemed normal to me yesterday morning. But I know she was far from normal. Parth must have told you everything. "

"Yeah.....he told me everything. At least there's one good thing that's happened ...that is" before she could complete her sentence my mobile rang.

"Khushi" I said looking at the caller ID

"How are you?" I asked answering the call

"I am...fine. Are you guys already there?" she said grimly.

"Yeah, we are. When will you be here?"

"Just 5 min. "

And she hung up.

"Is she here already?" Parth asked as soon as I hung up.

"She will be here in 5"

"I have been waiting to ask you something.....and I want you to answer truthfully. " Vanshika said looking at me.

Why do I feel like this is some kind of accusing look?!

Perhaps, it is.

"Shoot"

"You know something about his sudden disappearance. Don't you?"

"I do"

"Did you do something?"

"I didn't do anything to him" or maybe I am just involved but I didn't do anything to him.

She didn't ask whether I was involved or not.

So technically speaking I answered her truthfully.

"You sure?" Vanshika asked with a serious expression.

"I didn't " She gave me an 'I don't trust you' look. But I was busy sipping my favourite Caffe mocha.

"Guys, she's here" Parth announced warning us to close the topic

"How are you?" Parth asked with the same worried expression.

Don't get me wrong I am proud to have such amazing and caring friends. But they need to give her a break.

She doesn't need sympathy right now. She just needs us to support her and listen to her. That's it!

This kind of look irritates her.

"I am fine" she said without looking at us

"You said you wanted to discuss something important. What is it?" Vanshika asked diverting her mind

Well! See, I told you she is mature.

"Yeah" Khushi said apprehensively

"Tell us then." I said giving my full attention to her

"My parents want me to get married"

"Everybody's parents want them to get married after job." Parth said stating the fact

"Shut up! They want me to get married now. Like NOW!" Khushi said while glaring at him

"So, what's the problem?" Vanshika asked the million-dollar question.

I just love this girl. Beware of girl! She can be really sassy sometimes.

"After everything that has happened recently.....I just don't think it's the right time"

"There is nothing like the right time. You just need to move on. You can't wait for him your whole life. I know you love him. But that doesn't mean you will waste your precious life and time for someone who is not worth it. It's fine if you are not ready but it's not fine if you want time to wait for him."

"She is right" Vanshika said and gave her a small smile

"Just give your life a chance. Meet the guys your parents want you to meet. Reject them if you don't like them"

"Fine guys, give her a break. Let her have her coffee first." Parth said and we all glared at him.

I don't know whether my actions were right or not. But I just know one thing for sure I will always try to protect my friends.

I know things could have been done in a better way. But he left me with no choice. I couldn't let her fall for him more than she already was.

I want to tell her everything so badly but I know telling her now means pushing her into the same hole from where I had pulled her.

I have no choice but to hide everything from her. But soon everything will be fine.

I just hope that he learns from his mistake and takes action soon. Because if she chooses another guy again.....I am not sure whether I'll be able to help him or not.

I don't know whether I should be happy that the last guy was a douchè and he got a chance because of that Or

Should I be sad because my friend is heartbroken because of that douchè?

I hope this time he does things the right way and not like last time.

I was brought back to the present by our dear Parth.

We kinda tried to persuade her to meet the guys her parents selected for her.

After a few efforts, she said she will try.

We did some chit-chat and departed to our respective homes.

I don't know what's in store for tomorrow. But I can just hope that it's good for her.

Everybody left and I was about to enter my car when I realized that I left my keys on the table so I came back to my table again.

I saw my keys under the table. I saw someone's shoe when I was about to get up.

"Did you miss me?" I smirked.