The Ideal NRI Couple mistake

27: Ishani POV

Yes, I did change my entire look but it was to start afresh. I knew Neil and his looks too well. He wasn't entirely comfortable. But as my father-in-law had said. To make a fresh start in your relationship, be happy with yourself first. I was doing as I was comfortable. Neil had made an effort to make this trip seem like a honeymoon, despite a few hours here and there with Rianna and Andy we were 'us'. But at the back of my mind lurked the contest. When I told Neil, nicely, he hummed a yes. Which I knew was pushing him but it was okay.

Mrs Sahani called, "Beta where are you?" I have been calling for about a week now. The contest is in three days, today is the dinner meet. You know two rounds will be done on the same day. The next day we all leave on the cruise and then there are last two rounds. Have you packed? Are you two participating? What number will you perform on?" she kept on talking without pausing. "Of course we are! I was just selecting our final outfits for today," I said and smiled as I dusted my room. Singapore had negligent dust but being away for a few days made me feel this urge to clean. Neil was about to return as Rianna had gladly decided to stay the week and handle office as we rehearsed and took part in the 'Bollywood shit-show' as she called it.

"Betu one tip wear Indian, you will win hearts! Bye, see you both at 6 PM!" Mrs Sahani was clearly busy but I was thankful for the tip and removed my black dress from the bed and went to pick out appropriate clothing. I had to win this. When Neil reached home, I was ready in my purple suit with matching embroidery. Its one shoulder was bare and the other looked like a flowing dupatta adding the grace of a gown and still Indian enough. I had tied a side bun as my hair clearly did not go with this look. Neil entered the room and whistled, "waah heroine!" He smiled and his cheeks all dimpled up. I could feel the excitement. I felt like I was going to work again! And I smiled back, "you look okay too, Neil." I smiled as he frowned, "okay, matlab? I think I will be the hottest guy there." He stared in the mirror as I laughed. "Clearly someone thinks too much about their own self. Self-obsessed much Neil?." He smiled and took a selfie in the mirror half-hugging me. We looked ideal now if we could fool the world too, I would be so happy.

"Neil practise starts tomorrow for our dance at 6 AM. Refrain from too much alcohol," I smiled as he snorted. "Look who is talking," he smiled as he picked the keys. "Ha Ha, very funny". I said and grabbed my purse.

As we entered the beautiful hotel I was amazed that these people were willing to spend so much money on this weird contest. I did my feet touching and meeting the aunties while tugging a half bored-looking Neil. And just when he took a glass of red for each of us, someone hugged him and I froze. "Hey, Neil! Ishani! How are you guys? Fancy seeing you here." I smiled at Nishant. He was part and parcel of why I had to run back home. While it was all in Neil's head I did not want to rekindle that flame of insecurity, "oh we are just trying to participate in our Indian community." I smiled and said softly. "Ohh are you?" He asked and smiled. "My mom arranges these things let me introduce you to her," and then he came back with Mrs Sahani. "You remember the Indian married girl I told you about? Well, here she is."

And then the four of us just stared at each other. While I prayed he had not said anything that would harm me and Neil all over again!

"Ishani beta and Neil you please come with me," her voice was stern and I gulped. Scared about what would follow, "Ishani you need to know and tell me if it's true that you got drunk, smoked in some club with my son a few weeks back?" I looked at Neil whose face was emotionless. I nodded, "but I was waiting for my husband and your son sent me a drink as a sorry!" She looked at me clearly affronted, "Sorry for what?"

"He dropped coffee on me when I was out shopping the same morning. I never knew his name but we talked as I waited for Neil to come over." She replied with a small okay and then fired another question, "You! I presume know about his girlfriend and that I disapprove of?" I nodded. "keep it that way. That girl likes to make weird naked videos and has no right to be a part of our rich community," she boasted. Nishant cleared his throat, "she is a travel youtube and does wear a bikini once a while but then so does my sister." His mother could have murdered him, "my daughter does no such thing in front of millions of people on video," Mrs Sahani spat. Then she looked at me angrily, "you smoke Ishani? How can you do such an anti-cultural thing?" That's when Neil spoke up, "that is her choice and I support her, I don't think my wife needs your permission ma'am." Mrs Sahani's mouth open and shut before she nodded. "Enjoy your dinner!" and suddenly all hopes of us winning went out of the window!

Honestly, there are about 5-7 chapters left. Let's see if I can maintain this streak!