CH 3 || The Mistake

Anvi

******

"It's time, Anvi." I heard Adhyayan Bhaiya as he extended his hand towards me smiling sadly at the pathetic state of his sister.

Holding his hand I made my way out with him where Arpit was waiting for us. My two brothers were escorting me to the stage where someone who decided to show some mercy on a pathetic, useless soul like me was already waiting.

My grip on Adhyayan Bhaiya's hand tightened when the distance between me and that decorated stage lessened. My heart beats fastened up its pace and the sensations in my body due to anxiety were not helping at all.

I thought I would faint anytime but I don't know how I was holding up myself.

Bhaiya and Arpit had stopped in their tracks, and when I noticed, I found we reached the starting point of my doom.

I was not ready to leave their hands and with the utmost difficulty, Bhaiya took out his hand from the iron grip hold of mine.

Looking at him with teary eyes I said, "I...I..can't."

"You will be fine, trust me." He kissed my forehead while Arpit hugged me. A hand was placed forward probably the one my life was sold to.

I looked up to know who was this so-called kind-hearted person who decided to marry the one who was given the title of a 'slut' in front of so many people but regretted the moment I laid my eyes on him.

'The Barista From London.'

He was equally shocked like me as if he too didn't know who he was going to marry.

Now I was regretting that one step I took two days back.

******

Nikhil

******

Have you ever wanted a wait to never end? I have. Well, waiting for my so-called bride because of whom I am stuck in this situation, because of whom my father tried to disown me, because of whom my life has become a joke is not an easy task. I want to run away but knowing that my one wrong step might affect my brother's life I can't even do that.

I saw her coming towards the stage with two guys, probably her brothers. I stayed at my place when she had come near me. But one glare from my father and I had to extend my hand towards her.

She looked up at me and to say I was shocked will be an understatement.

'The Mystery Girl From London.' She was stunned too. Jai was too wrong when he said that she was just a plain, simple girl. Her being a mafia would have been better than being my bride. We were staring at each other but her brother kept her hand in mine. She was reluctant though, as her welled up eyes said so.

Slowly she kept her trembling hand on mine. Holding her I pulled her up on the stage. Her hands seemed quite colder than the normal temperature.

The rituals proceeded and it was quite evident she didn't want this just like me. I don't know what was the mess she landed up in that was about to tie us together.

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

FLASHBACK

Anvi

******

Finally, I am back, back to my place from where I belong, my country India.

"Feeling nostalgic?"Vritti asked.

"I don't know."

"I know how are you feeling, so don't need to hide things from me."

"Shall we move out?"

"Of course," she replied chirpily. She was too excited to attend this marriage but I still didn't want to. It's not like Vritti likes Ahana, she is just excited because of attending a wedding with me. In the last three years, 3 cousins of mine got married and I didn't show up. I had my reasons for that.

The moment I stepped out of the airport I was pulled into a bone-crushing hug by none other than my little brother Arpit.

Picking me up he twirled me around and as a result, I squealed. I was sure the people who were giving me nasty looks must be thinking of it in the wrong way. And even after putting me back on the ground, my brother didn't stop showing his affection. He was pulling my cheeks and then again hugged me.

"I missed you so much Di."

Ruffling his hairs I replied," I missed you too, my brother."

"So, if you guys are done, can I also meet my sister?"

"Adhyayan Bhaiya." squealing I hugged him.

"How is my sister doing? Already forgot your Bhaiya huh?"

"No, it's not like that. You know work and all."

"These excuses are not for me. So you better not lie."

"See Di, they all know," said Vritti and she was right. Vritti and my brothers are the ones who know everything about me.

"Now can we leave? I am hungry." Vritti whined and all of us first went to Dominos.

I ordered my favourite Chicken Pizza with cheese burst while the other three were fine with any flavour.

I devoured my pizza as I was having it after long and when your siblings pay for food then it really tastes good

I devoured my pizza as I was having it after long and when your siblings pay for food then it really tastes good. I was done with only half of the slice when I found all three of them staring at me.

"What are you looking at?" I asked still munching my food.

"When was the last time you had Pizza?"Bhaiya queried raising his eyebrows.

"Last month. But then it was bought from my own money, not yours" I replied giving a sheepish smile to him.

Shaking his head he chuckled and said, "Then you should come here often or maybe stay here only."

"Let's not talk about it," I replied and then again concentrated on the food.

Ahana was getting married in Delhi and since she was the only daughter of Sudhir Uncle, he was spending fortunes on her marriage.

I never understood this concept of spending this much amount of money on marriages, and for what to feed some stupid relatives who are only never going to be satisfied.

Anyways, it's her marriage, her money, who am I to say anything. I will just attend her wedding that is in two days and will leave for London the very next day.

I thought everything was sorted unaware of the havoc that was about to turn my life upside down.

After having food all of us went to the place where everyone was staying. Stepping out of the car I had taken deep breathes before going inside.

"Don't worry, Di. It's just a matter of 3 days." Arpit said while I smiled.

Adding further he said, "You know even I didn't want to come but then you know how stubborn Mom is, so I had to."

"I just hope everything goes fine," I said still not sure of my decision.

"Everything will be," said Bhaiya and all of us went inside. I was attending a marriage after 15 years.

I always wanted a simple wedding but after what Ahana did to me, marriage is not on my cards anymore.

"Look, who is here. My favourite niece." I heard Sudhir Uncle. I wonder how Ahana is not like her parents. I touched his feet and Aunty's while they showered me with their blessings.

Hugging me aunty said, "We missed you."

"I missed you all too."

"But then why didn't you come to see us?"

"Sorry Aunty, my work doesn't allow me to."

"I know beta, you have always been committed towards your work," Uncle said caressing my hairs.

"Now go, take rest and we will see you in the evening at the party."

Uncle and Aunty left instructing my brothers to show me and Vritti our room and I asked,

"What party?"

"It's a small family get together hosted by the so-called princess," Arpit replied rolling his eyes.

"Sshhh Arpit, keep it slow. Walls have ears too." Bhaiya scolded Arpit and he was right though. If Anyone could have heard him talking like that then it might have created a big issue.

My two brothers also didn't like Ahana. Thankfully they now know how sick of a person she is. Adhyayan Bhaiya and Arpit hadn't known her real self if she had not stolen something important from me.

"Ok, guys. Take rest and let's meet in the evening."

Bhaiya and Arpit left while Vritti plopped down on the bed.

"I am so tired."

"Yeah, me too. Let's skip the party." I said hoping she will agree as I didn't even want to see the bride's face.

"I know what you are trying to do. Stop avoiding everyone, Di. Because of one sick person, you can't miss out on the fun."

"It's not fun Vritti. Attending that one person's wedding whom I hate from the bottom of my heart is not fun at all."

I had no idea why did I listen to mom, why did I come here. And the feeling that something wrong was going to happen was not letting me at peace. Whenever I and Ahana encounter each other something bad happens, of course, with me only.

"Di, calm down. Nothing will go wrong and we are also not going to stay even a day more after her marriage. And about Ahana, well I think she will be busy with her fiance. Don't worry Di, you have your sister with you."

I just hope nothing bad happens just like Vritti said. We were already full since we had pizza on our way so didn't bother about the lunch. After taking shower both of us slept and decided to meet others in the evening itself.

After getting ready both of us went to the backside lawn with Arpit. The lawn was decorated so beautifully that both I and Vritti were mesmerized.

The lawn was decorated so beautifully that both I and Vritti were mesmerized

At least, there was something Ahana was good at besides messing with people's life

At least, there was something Ahana was good at besides messing with people's life. There were a lot of people, and I was able to recognize only a few. I met Maasi first, Vritti's mom.

"Oh my god, you guys are here," she said in excitement and pulled both of us in a hug.

"Mom, I am suffo....suffocating," Vritti said and Maasi held her ear.

"Ouch...Mom...it hurts." I laughed looking at my sister like that. Only Maasi has the power to do that.

"leave her Maasi." I tried to save my sister and was successful.

"Only for you," she said leaving her.

"You have become so thin."

"No, Maasi. I have become fat."

"Not at all. I am going to feed you a lot so that you gain 10 kgs at least." My eyes widened while Vritti and Maasi laughed.

"Chill Di, Mom is joking." I breathed a sigh of relief and Maasi said,

"Ok, now come with me. Everyone is waiting for you both."

We went to the table where our family was already seated.

We went to the table where our family was already seated

"Anvi." Nivedita Aunty squealed in excitement and hugged me tightly.

"I missed you so much," she said.

While she pulled back she had tears in her eyes. I didn't realize my eyes got teary as well until Aunty wiped it.

"My little daughter." Shivam Uncle said and pulled me into his embrace.

After them, I met grandpa and grandma. They were looking so old, they had aged in a span of 3 years. My eyes were searching for that one person, my mother.

"Anvi." I heard her soft voice. I turned around and found her smiling at me. I went towards her but before I could even hug her, someone pushed me behind and I stumbled.

"Aunty, I missed you so much," I heard that one annoying voice. She hugged mom and pulling back she said,

"Come, Aunty, I want you to meet someone." And just like that mom went away with her without even glancing back at me.

Excusing myself I went towards where no one could see me.

"Why is she so indifferent towards me?" I asked no one in particular.

"She isn't." I heard Bhaiya.

Bhaiya tried to console me while I let some of my tears fall. "Don't cry. It doesn't suit you. You look horrible."

"Bhaiya, please," I said hitting his arm lightly while he chuckled. I joined the others for the party and soon after Mom came back with that cunning witch.

"Oh, Wow! My sister. It's been so long." Ahana seemed so excited and guess what she had tears in her eyes.

"I missed you so much," she said teary eyes and hugged me, definitely tried to suffocate me which was gone unnoticed by most of the people.

Pulling back she said, "When did you come? I didn't even notice you."

"I thought you must have noticed her as you pushed her and took Maasi with you," Vritti replied.

"Vritti is this the way you talk to your elder sister?" I didn't like how Mom scolded Vritti. Sometimes I feel whether Ahana is my mom's real daughter because I never understood why does she always defend her.

Vritti was about to reply when I gestured her not to.

"It's fine Aunty. She is also my sister just like Anvi and I didn't mind her. I know she is just upset because Anvi is getting more of my attention."

She never leaves a chance to ruin my relationship with my loved ones but she is not aware that she can't break some bonds.

"I missed you too, Vritti." her extra sweet tone was about to ooze blood from my ears. Ahana did the same with Vritti as well, I meant tried to suffocate her while hugging but Vritti stomped her heels on her foot that made her pull back instantly.

We all were made to sit around a large table and most of the dishes served were those that either I was allergic to or was not fond of. Thanks to Ahana, after all, she was the one who had made these arrangements.

"She is a bitch," Vritti whispered to me who was sitting on my left making me smile. Indeed, she is.

Thank God, I had bought a lot of packed food items that will subside my hunger for the rest of 3 days.

The table was filled with the laughter of everyone except me, Vritti, Bhaiya, and Arpit. Though I was trying to give a fake smile that resulted in my hurting cheeks.

"Aunty, I wanted to seek permission from you." The witch said to Mom.

"Now what is she up to?" Adhayan Bhaiya mumbled and I wondered the same.

"Adhiraj has held a party tomorrow at his farmhouse and I wanted to ask if I can take my cousins with me. I wanted him to meet them."

"Oh sure, beta. You don't have to ask."

"Who is Adhiraj?" Vritti asked and I was curious too.

"My fiance. Didn't you see the big banner outside the gate that said, Adhiraj Arora, weds Ahana Sharma?"

She intentionally put pressure on his surname. I am sure he must be very rich and a sick person too, otherwise who would want to marry a crazy girl like her.

"I don't think I can come. I have some work to do." I said as I know she must be planning something to humiliate me in front of her some sick friends and fiance.

"Work? Come on, Anvi, it's my marriage and it's not like you are a director of a company just like me that you have so much work. Don't mind but I know editors don't have much work. MY friend is an editor too."

She already had started belittling me in front of everyone. It's not like it was my choice not to join my father's business.

"You don't worry beta, Anvi, and the others will join you for the party." Mom replied to her smiling and glared at me for a brief moment.

"Sorry to say but unlike your editor friend, I have tonnes of work and it was damn difficult to take leave for even 3 days."

I could see her change of her expression and I thought the issue was settled until she smirked and decided to pull that one card that will undoubtedly make me attend the party.

"Are you still angry at me? For what happened 3 years ago? I am sorry Anvi, but you know it wasn't my fault." My face paled at the mention of that incident. I was numb to even respond.

She would have spilled everything in front of all if Adyayan Bhaiya wouldn't have intervened.

"Guys, calm down. Let's not spoil anyone's mood. Anvi will come Ahana, don't worry. She won't make her sister sad. Right, Anvi?"

I didn't react as my mind went off to that incident that had made me hate Ahana more than anything in this world. Bhaiya pressed my hand that was kept on the table. Taking his cue, I nodded.

"Yes, it will be so much fun," she said being thrilled at the fact of me attending her party.

I was certain that it's going to be fun but only for her and that was the mistake, I will regret it all my life.