Once Upon A Mr. Goody Two Shoes

Chapter 37

The sun went down the horizon, paving way for the darkness of the night. I watched the sun set from my apartment's window, wishing my mind would stop working at such a frantic pace. But thoughts refused to desert me, making my head ache. Thoughts about the past, thoughts about today, thoughts about the future. It all looks bleak, as if the darkness will not see another day's light. It must, because that is the way of life, but at the moment, dark seems to triumph over the light. My thoughts veered to Taira. Sweet, patient Taira, who deserved all the love in the world, but instead, was forced to make sacrifices over her happiness. She was forced to settle. It seemed cruel, and yet it was happening. I sighed as I rubbed my temple, willing the headache to go away. Everything was happening so quickly, it was difficult to get it all in. I palmed my face and strode towards the mirror, fixing my hair. It was cocktail party night. Taira and Abhi's marriage was a grand celebration, and it was being celebrated with a grandeur beyond the likes of my imagination.

I exhaled as I looked down at my shimmering navy blue one piece, tailored to perfection. Taira had forced me to buy a cocktail dress for the event, feigning anger when I had said I didn't like these and would simply wear formal wear. It was the truth; I didn't like wearing gowns. But if I had grown to like them, it was only because of a certain someone who always pushed me beyond my limits. Who insisted that I should try everything, and who lavished me with compliments and affection every time I wore them. If I wore them, it was only for him. These dresses reminded me of him. I shook my head and grinned at myself in the mirror. It was Taira's day. Even though it was an arranged marriage, I couldn't argue that Abhi was a good guy. He was someone who knew Taira, and I was positive he would take care of her. And they shared friendship. Friendship was, and is, a foundation that makes many marriages work.

I prayed with everything I had that Taira's marriage would be one of them. I continued to smile as I strode out of the building and into the cab I had booked earlier, afraid I wouldn't be able to summon the courage to smile again if I stopped now. I breathed consciously, seeping in happy memories. It was imperative if I had to survive the evening. I looked out of the window and saw random things. It was a full moon night, and it looked absolutely magical. The shops glittered with lights and shoppers; the perfect Delhi scene. The haggling and screaming voices dimmed as we turned towards the upscale areas of South Delhi. In no time, the car stopped outside The Leela. I paid the cab driver and stepped inside the hotel, my eyes fixated at the chandelier hung in the very middle of the reception area of the hotel. It was enchanting.

"Your invitation card, ma'am?" A footman asked as I made my way towards the lift. There was only the cocktail party that was taking place in the hotel. I showed him the invitation, a card lined with shimmering gold and white patterns. It screamed money and elegance, just like this hotel. I didn't waste another minute and started towards the backrooms of the ballroom, where Taira and Abhi were getting ready.

I entered the empty ballroom which would be packed with people in no time, and strode backstage towards the dressing rooms. I entered the section which said "the bride" and entered without knocking.

Taira was seated in front of the dressing table, dressed in an elegant spectacle of a dress, looking downright stunning in the silver gown lined with gold strings. Her shoulder length hair were strung up in a chic hair-do, her neck sporting a delicate solitaire diamond necklace. I blinked, trying to take in the Taira before me. She looked...rich. It was an odd adjective, but I didn't know what other word suited her better. In all the time we had spent as friends, it had never occurred to me that Taira was rich. Sure, I knew the fact as an afterthought; something registered at the back of my mind. The numerous simple t-shirts, kurtis and jeans she had donned in all these years flashed my mind, and then I saw her, dressed in the finest of  gowns. I left my thoughts there and walked forward quietly. I looked down to see her staring at a small piece of canvas, lost in her own thoughts. I peered over her shoulder to see a painting of a couple, overlooking a river on the backdrop of sunset.