Fighting!

Chapter 11

Chapter 11:

Ananya's point of view:

The whole night I could barely sleep. The warmth of his arms I felt when we hugged kept me awake. I know this attraction is clouding my head and heart, but once I get out of here I’ll be able to think properly.

Next morning, I woke up early and got ready. Mom asked me last night to help her and Akshay’s mom to get ready. They are not getting married in a conventional way. But they are following some main customs like Pheras and applying mang-theeka wearing mangalsutra. Important Hindu customs are carried out. The whole villa was bustling with people running around arranging things and everyone was thoroughly enjoying it.

All my cousins and I couldn’t stop teasing Akshay’s mom as we got her ready. She was a blushing mess like a 20-year-old bride. But we didn’t stop there. We reminded Meera about her wedding day and made fun of how scared she was of slipping and falling down in front of thousands of guests. We all had such a big laugh reminiscing that day as I had offered her a shot of vodka to calm her nerves and at my offer she looked more horrified.

I am wearing a white with greying-hued lehenga. The blouse is boob shaped with cold shoulder sleeves. The skirt is long and looks elegant with my sandals. I can’t wear heels, I’m tall as enough and most importantly I hate high heels. I love how they look on my feet but scared of breaking my ankle.

Once aunty was ready, I made my way to my uncle’s room. I have his broach that he will be wearing today. I knocked before entering his room. I don’t want to walk in on him wearing only his boxers or worse naked.

As I entered his room, I stopped when I saw Aayush standing there beside Akshay looking handsome as hell in his white sherwani suit. With his hair gelled up real nice and his face looked perfect.

A cough brought me out of my reverie, to see Akshay grinning like a Cheshire cat. Giving him a glare, I smiled at my uncle, who was looking at me confused.

“Anu, why are you standing there like a statue?” He asked, adjusting his collar.

“I got stumped uncle, seeing how handsome you look today” I said, winking at him. He blushed and waved his arm.

“Don’t I know it? Your aunt will be dumbfounded seeing me today”, he said winking, to which everyone laughed.

“Dad, mom looks a thousand times more beautiful, you know” Akshay said, setting uncle's lapel tight.

“ Of course, she does. She’s my wife after all”, Uncle said proudly. I couldn't help but smile. They are so sweet even after so many years of marriage. Even though they had an arranged marriage, they say theirs was love at first sight which I don’t one bit, but they act like a love-sick couple all the time. Even now.

“Here uncle”, I stood beside him and put the broach on his sherwani.

“You look so beautiful baby” he said, looking at me lovingly, keeping his hand on my head. I couldn’t help but smile as my eyes lined with tears. I’m so lucky to have these people in my life. Since my childhood, they have made my life beautiful just by being in it. They filled my room with toys and took me out. I have so many happy memories with them that are priceless. Sometimes, it scares me that they are growing old, but I know they will be there for me for a really long time.

“I’m your niece uncle, of course I’m beautiful” I said, rising my shoulder. All three chuckle at my words.

“Now, get ready fast, aunt is waiting to see you” I said, pressing my lips on his forehead.

He got emotional and nodded his head, not trusting his voice. Controlling my emotions, I smiled at him and turned towards Akshay.

“Bring him first and then we will bring aunt, okay?” I told him, to which he nodded.

“How am I looking? You didn’t compliment me itself?” He asked, pouting.

“You stink as usual” I said casually, and ran away from there before he could chase me. All I heard was, him yelling “OYE”.

Giggling, I rushed towards the bride’s room and she was ready. Within the next 10 mins, the function started. We took the bride to the stage to see uncle already there and his eyes were on aunt, looking at her like he’s whole life depends on her. Knowing him, it does.

We made her sit beside him and the rituals started. I was so into both of them that I didn’t see who was standing beside me. I turned at some point to see Aayush and beside him stood Akshay and Meera. Aayush looked at me and gave me a small smile, looking at my eyes and searching for something. What? I don’t know. His pinky finger brushed against mine when I moved my hand, I felt a shiver run down my spine.

Suddenly, this whole thing became very real and my mind started working in mysterious ways. Next thing I know, I’m imagining Aayush and me sitting there, performing all the rituals. It scared me yet at the same time excited me more.

Is this some kind of sign?

Or my mind playing tricks after reading so many romantic novels for years?

Both happily performed all the rituals, my cousins and I hooted when uncle tied mangalsutra around aunt’s neck. Both of them blushed like teenagers. Their happiness was spreading like a wildfire. Even my parents held hands. I’m sure they are remembering their marriage day. We were all so happy but emotional seeing them.

Once the rituals were complete, everyone moved towards the hall where decorations were done. Akshay and Aayush took uncle to his room to get him changed. We did the same to aunty. They wore their reception dress and we took them to the stage. Everyone came on the stage to congratulate and take pictures. All of our cousins stood with the newly married couple hooting. I’m sure the pictures will be amazing.

My parents and I took pictures with them. Akshay and Aayush stood with uncle and aunt and took a picture. I wanted to talk to him, spend some time together, but we both knew what we would talk about, so I didn’t make any effort. We need some time to think. As soon as the reception was done, I went to have lunch with Veena. I have to leave for Pune now. My bus was there in an hour. Akshay said he would drop me at the bus stand.

I packed all my dresses that I might need in Pune in one suitcase and packed other grand dresses in another suitcase for my parents to take it home.

I quickly bid bye to everyone. My Aunt and uncle gave me a 10k amount. I tried to say no but they insisted on, “YaY”.

My parents and cousins came to bid me bye in the parking lot. I saw Akshay and Aayush standing near Akshay’s car. My steps faltered. Do I hug him bye or just say bye? My parents will be looking at us like hawks for sure.

I passed my luggage to Akshay, who put it in the trunk. I looked at Aayush, who was already looking at me.

“Umm, bye” I said meekly and I had a sudden urge to hit myself on my forehead.

His lips curled up like he was trying to control his smile. Why do I embarrass myself like that all the time?

“Bye, take care” he said, giving me a grin. I smiled awkwardly and rushed towards the car and sat in the passenger seat.

“Bye Anu, call me as soon as you get to your apartment” Mom yelled from where they were standing.

“Okay, I will. Text me when you reach home. Bye you guys, see you soon”, I told my mom and yelled at my cousins, waving them bye.

They all waved back.

Akshay sat in the car and started it. The last thing I remember seeing is Aayush’s face before the car moved.

Why do I feel so sad suddenly? Like something is missing.

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I came back from college with Arshi and Maya. They have been hounding me with questions since morning, but I just needed some calm time to get back to reality. I just concentrated on my studies all day and kept certain someone’s thought out of my head. It’s been hard not to think about him or the moments we shared at the wedding but thinking about the impending decision.

They were bickering about some Kardashian on the way home but my mood was dull and I just wanted some space to think, but not before talking to my besties and getting their input first. They know me better than anyone in this world, they know how my brain and heart work. They have been by my side every step of the way since I reached my adolescent age and helped me make the right decisions. If I ask for their help, I’m sure all three of us can come to a conclusion.

We reached our apartment and went inside my room to take a shower and get into comfy clothes. I hate it when dust sits on my face and makes my skin rusty. By gods' grace, I have nice skin without any pores except on the nose, which can be treated with a toner.

I took a relaxing shower and took care of my body. I did some skin and hair care which relaxed me more. I got out of my room to see both my besties on the couch, searching on Netflix, sss and Disney Hotstar+ for any shows or movies to watch.

“Are you guys hungry?” I asked them. Both shook their heads without looking at me.

Shaking my head at them, I went into the kitchen and opened a bottle of red wine Akshay had given me some while ago. I poured a glass for myself.

“You guys want wine?” I yelled and got two “Yes” as a reply, so I grabbed the bottle and two extra glasses. If we are going to talk about this, then I’m sure we will use the whole bottle.

I settled on one side of the sofa and handed them their glasses. I placed my glass on the table and poured wine into their glasses.

“Are you feeling a bit relaxed now?” Maya asked, taking her first sip.

“A bit, yeah. Everything has just been weighing down on me for a while now. That shower helped a lot” I said, taking my sip. Umm, yes that feels good. The taste of the wine is a bit wonky but it’s smooth.

“Will you at least tell us now what happened these last few days?” Arshi asked in excitement.

“Okay, where do I start…” I started telling them the whole story when I entered Mumbai. They interrupted in the middle but my glare shut them up. I could tell they had a million questions they wanted to ask, but for my sake they kept quiet until I finished the whole story.

“Wow” Arshi was the one who opened her mouth first once I finished the story. I took a big gulp of my wine. I needed it after reliving the whole experience again. I felt like I should have spent more time with him or talked to him more, you know. I just feel like I wasted so much time in hesitation rather than taking a leap of faith and talking to him. He definitely looked interested in me. But then again, I think if I had spent more time with him then it would have clouded my judgement and I would not be able to make a definitive decision about my future and it would have caused more damage in the long run for not just me, but also Aayush and Diya.

“Do you like him?” Maya asked in a no-nonsense tone.

“ Of course I do, babe. These past few days have been so exciting for me. The energy that I feel when I’m in his presence is really hard to explain, but that feeling is so satisfying. I hardly know him but that should scare me, but it makes me want to give him a chance to get to know him”, I said, feeling sad for myself.

“What about Diya?” Arshi asked, biting her lip.

“Let me ask you guys a question. Do you really think I can handle my career, Aayush and Diya all at the same time? Do you guys think I have that mother instinct? Will I be a better mother that Diya deserves?” I asked them, pouring another glass for myself. Just thinking out loud about these things is giving heebie-jeebies.

“Anu, if you marry Aayush you will be entering into this whole environment which no one in your age could handle all at once, okay. So, let’s break down like we do our programs. First, your career. You have given interviews to many top MNC’s, right? So basically, they give offer letters like after so many months after our college is over. So, if you want to get married after college is over, you can do it —“

“But-“

“First let me go, then you can tell your point of view, okay?” She reprimanded me like a high school headmaster. I nodded, taking another sip.

“Once you get your offer letter, maybe you can talk to HR and ask for work-from-home. The big 4 companies are very employee-friendly. They will give you permanent WFH if you want. It’s one choice. You can go to the office once Diya starts going to preschool or kindergarten. I don’t know. Second, you taking care of Diya. Now we know that Aayush also likes you. So you can talk to him and both of you can come up with some kind of system where you guys look after her and don’t mess up. He will be there with you. Any blind person could see how much he loves his daughter. Poor guy, he’s a bit lost. He just needed someone by his side, a shoulder to lean on. Third, his baggage. His ex-wife is out of the picture. So, you don’t have to worry about her. He might be a bit emotionally vulnerable and there are two ways he might go. Either he might become too needy or have a wall around himself to protect his heart. Either way, you guys have to build your relationship. Take it slow, there’s no rush but have a solid foundation”. She finished in one breath and took a big gulp.

“Wow” Arshi said for the second time after listening to Maya. Even my jaws dropped after listening to her. She made it look so simple when we know it’s not.

“What do you have to say about this?” I asked Arshi.

“She pretty much covered everything Anu. Listen, this marriage, be it love or arranged, is like gambling. Nothing is secure, we just have a take a giant leap of faith. If he feels right and he meets all your preliminary qualifications like height, career, stuff like that, then you can give him a chance. That baby is the cutest but a huge responsibility. In my whole life, I’ve met many people, but you are the one whom I know would do anything for the people you love. If you accept that baby as yours, I know you would be one hell of a mother to her, but as I said before, a huge responsibility. That too for a life time. I think you need to think about it for a while. We have exams this month. Take your time. Everyday you might get some clarity. Anyway, he said you can take your time. If his parents are pressuring him, then he might contact you through Akshay or Akshay himself might contact you. This is a lifetime decision, don’t make a hasty one” Arshi said thoughtfully, which made more sense. I can’t just make this decision in 2-3 days.

Aayush Malhotra, you gonna have to wait for a month.

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