The Other Half

Chapter 33

(Nutan Street: With a little help from my friends)

"I can't believe you guys!" Arya shrieked. "Do you really have to do everything together?"

"It's going to be a busy few months if we don't do it together." Khushi told her PA.

"But I mean- Mathur, back me up here!"

"Whatever ASR wants."

"You have no backbone, do you?" Arya snapped at him.

Aman Mathur was hurt, but he didn't let it show. Of course, she would say anything, that chatterbox. "He's the boss."

"Thank you, Aman. Now, Advay wants to plan a surprise."

"What kind of surprise?" Payal asked.

"Our siblings." Chandani said, as she looked at the last beer bottle, unopened.

"What about them?" Aman asked.

"They are home alone. Granted Meghna and Manish are with them for the time being, but they are going to move soon, what with the baby coming." Advay pointed. "And Chandani mentioned that Buaji said they are an extremely good match. And I know he loves her."

"What are you getting at?" Khushi asked.

"I am saying it could be a quadruple wedding."

Arya gasped.

"So one more ring set?" Aman asked, as if this was a daily thing, getting surprises.

"Actually," Chandani smiled. "Two more sets."

(Mahant House: Let the music play)

Standing beside the havan pyre, witnessing their friends and family commit to their loved ones, the men, namely, Arnav, Advay, Akash, Rajveer and Manish knelt down as Aman passed the first ring to Arnav.

"Forever mine, Ms Gupta." Khushi blushed red.

Advay went next, "I'm always your Dev first." Chandani already knew.

Akash followed, "For the moment we crashed." Payal raised an eyebrow.

Rajveer said, "My first responsibility is you." Shikha was glowing.

Manish went last, "Our first and last compromise." Meghna nodded.

"For God's sake, have a separate wedding. We won't eat you up!" Khushi said and NK, Dinesh, Mrs Awasthi, Mahi, Lavanya, Aman, and even Arya laughed. Mr and Mrs Khan smiled politely. They were still processing their son's choices.

Buaji warned Khushi. "Sanka Devi, it's your engagement. Control that tongue of yours!"

Arya handed Khushi Arnav's ring, so that she would get distracted.

Khushi smiled evilly at Arnav. "What if I don't put it on you?"

"Then I guess I'll be a free agent."

"Hell no." Khushi pulled his left hand and thrust the ring at the proper place. "Only mine."

Chandani went next, "I want you to be yourself, Advay."

Payal followed. "For stealing my sister's design."

Shikha said, "My first responsibility is always us."

Meghna went last. "Starting my life with you isn't a compromise, it's a gift."

"Veer!" Everyone looked at him as the whistling started, but he looked shocked as well.