When Amaya meets Atul

Masterplan successful 😞

The deafening silence prevailed in the living room at the Aggarwals’ abode in Delhi while anticipation was thickly hung in the air. Everything was set while Manohar and Nirmala were patiently waiting for the Bansals to arrive. After the realization that Atul was an impeccable match for Amaya, her parents were wishing for everything to be perfect. They were proud of their daughter’s choice and worried for her future. They wanted this alliance to happen and they were really anxious because this alliance involved the emotions of their daughter.

Dressed in an aubergine tunic and matching leggings, Amaya was anxiously walking to and fro in her room biting her manicured nails. She was extremely nervous as her insecurities began to seep in. She was afraid of getting rejected from Atul’s parents. She just wanted an approval and hence, she was dressed impeccably and had decided to be in the best of her behaviour.

On the other hand, Manoj and Vandana had reached Delhi a day ago. Atul was elated after all, Amaya's parents had delightfully accepted him as a part of family while his parents were also convinced for this alliance. He was indeed, nervous about how things would turn out given his parents’ orthodox mindset but he was optimistic that things would turn in his favour.

Dressed in a crisp silk saree, Vandana glanced at Manoj who was ready to go. With high hopes that Manoj would succeed in his plans, Vandana was overjoyed after all, she had an opportunity to coax Atul to get a bride of her choice along with a hefty dowry which Manoj had decided to invest in real estate.

The ride to Aggarwal’s house was a silent one. Atul was driving the car while his parents were sitting on the back seat, exchanging smirks and sly glances all the while. As soon as the trio reached their destination, Vandana chimed in, “Golu, did you bring the presents and those fruit baskets?”, with a smirk plastered on her face.

Stopping the car in front of Amaya’s humble yet, beautiful house; Atul scrunched his forehead in suspicion and mumbled, “You asked Papa to do so.”

“I asked you, Golu", her mother frowned.

“Let it be now", mumbled Atul being excited to meet Amaya.

“No, go and get them", Manoj ordered carefully hiding his smirk.

Atul frowned looking at his parents and decided to protest but his mouth was shut when Manoj said, “Golu, go and get them. We are going to your bride's house. It would not look nice if we go empty-handed. They are auspicious. We need to shower her with presents to fix this alliance, right!”

Atul smiled and Manoj smirked realizing that his words did the trick. With a gleam of happiness on his face, Atul rushed back to the car after all, his father approved of his choice or so he thought.

He ignited the engine and rushed back to his apartment in order to get the forgotten gifts but not before a prep talk with Amaya. He called her and informed her that his parents had reached her house to meet her parents and approve of their alliance and she should not worry about anything.

Amaya’s parents welcomed Atul’s parents wholeheartedly with pleasant smile on their faces. The atmosphere in the living room soon turned into a lighter one when Aggarwals exchanged pleasantries with Bansals gleefully.

Despite her nervousness, Amaya was relieved with Atul’s words which worked like magic to wipe off her insecurities. Her heart fluttered and a shy smile crept on her lips as she realized it was time to meet her in-laws to be. Her mother called her in the kitchen and as per the ritual, Amaya took the already arranged tray of tea and snacks.

With a coy blush on her face that added to her beautiful face, she walked inside the living room and served tea to Atul’s parents while her heart craved to see Atul.

“So, you managed to wrap my son around your little finger", Vandana jibed when Amaya served her tea. Amaya was humiliated at the comment directed upon her. She glanced at her father who gestured her to overlook the matter leaving her helpless.

Remembering Atul’s advice, she decided to stand up for herself. She had seriously had enough of the tantrums and taunts of her relatives as well as acquaintances. She despised the idea of parading in front of the families of prospective grooms and the sudden remark on her character acted as a trigger for her.

“We just met and liked each other. We decided to give this a chance. This is something mutual, aunty.” Amaya cleared her point keeping her eyes down. She sat on one of the accent chairs and mentally prayed for Atul to come soon.

She wanted to tell Atul’s mother that she has a hectic job and she lacked time as well as energy to lure men but she refrained to do so. Vandana glared at her while Nirmala asked her, “How are things at your place?”, as an attempt to reduce the awkwardness.

“Manohar ji, our times were different. I didn’t even get to see my bride.” Manoj chuckled reminiscing old memories after a while. The ladies were engrossed in some intriguing conversation while Amaya had her eyes glued at the main door anticipating Atul’s arrival.

Manohar chortled, “I was lucky enough to meet Nirmala before our wedding”. A smile graced on his lips as he remembered the fateful day when he had gone to see his wife with his family.

“Our children have already decided their future. Let’s talk about their marriage, Manohar ji”, Atul’s father spoke wisely while Amaya’s father nodded.

Manoj's words attracted Amaya’s attention. She cursed Atul for being clumsy, irresponsible and forgetful. She wished if he had carried the presents on the first time itself, he would have been by her side when important decisions about their lives were made.

“See, we have too many relatives. When we went and ate in the marriages of their kids, we want to give the same treatment. The wedding will have five hundred guests from our side, and I want you to keep up my reputation.” Manoj revealed joining his hands in front of Manohar.

“Sure, we will also invite around, four hundred guests. We will make the best arrangements and share the expenses.” Manohar offered. Diplomatically, he told the condition of sharing the expenses of the wedding, a symbolism of equality between the families of the bride’s and groom’s side.

“What are you talking about, Manohar ji? We are the groom's side so how can we spend in the wedding?” Manoj spoke getting baffled. He was doing happy dance internally, after all, his plan was working.

“Uncle, sorry to interrupt you but Atul and I are working professionals. We cannot afford big, fat wedding feeding around thousand guests. We want a simple wedding with close family members and we have decided to share the expenses amongst ourselves without burdening our parents.” Amaya chimed in.

Atul had always wished for a simple registrar marriage but she wanted a simple ritualistic wedding so they had come up at a mutual decision of a simple wedding with close relatives.

Manoj cursed his son for being benevolent and accommodating but he decided to play his cards well. Nodding at Amaya, he said, “If kids have decided this, we shall abide by this too, right Manohar ji?”.

Manohar felt proud of his daughter and nodded sadly after all, he had wished to plan a big, fat wedding for his daughter. At the same time, he had never expected to feed almost thousand guests all alone, so he was happy with the idea of simple wedding within their budget.

Before Manohar could express his views, Manoj chimed in, “We need to talk about the gifts, especially gold and cash”.

Before the father-daughter duo could protest, Manoj played his last card, “We would finalize this wedding only if we get 55 lakhs in cash. I mean you are investing in your daughter’s future only”. He spoke chuckling all the while, “For gold and other items, I will send you the list through WhatsApp”.

Manohar was baffled but Amaya was red in anger. She shouted, “I am sorry, sir. My parents are proud of me. I am not a burden to them. We are not interested in paying dowry for this alliance.”

Joining her hands, with tears threatening to trickle down from her glossy eyes, Amaya hollered, “We are not interested in your son or this alliance. My parents would not pay a single dime to get me married so kindly, leave my home right now.”

Both the set of parents were shocked while Manohar felt proud of his daughter. Amidst this commotion, no one saw Atul standing at the door with presents and fruit baskets in his hands witnessing the downfall of his love life.

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Hi everyone

Hopefully you are doing fine!

I am sad for Atul 🙁

I am proud of Amaya 😘

I hate Manoj though 😒

I will be back soon till then shower your love on this story. 💕

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Love you all
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