Waltz of Hummingbirds

Prologue

"Are you sure, Shaurya", Vivaan asked nervously. "Ofcourse, I am", Shaurya glared at him being irked, "I wouldn't have come this far if I was unsure". His friend nodded as if accepting defeat. His efforts were in vain to change Shaurya's mind. 

Vivaan had known Shaurya from their days in university. Since then they have become close friends and later business partners. Their comradeship was based on trust and mutual respect. He didn't bat an eyelid when Shaurya pulled him into a wild goose chase to find his childhood sweetheart. Today, they reach a point when Shaurya is getting ready for his marriage. 

Vivaan knew Shaurya well enough to be aware of his illogical commitment towards his so called Lady Love. However he was not in favour of their abrupt wedding. He was not a relationship expert but felt strongly that they should have waited. Yet it was pointless to argue with Shaurya who may try to move mountains for her. He was in haste to marry her. So he chose to be mute spectator. "How do I look?", Shauyra asked him excitedly. "Nice", he replied earnestly, "but a dark colour suit would have been better". "She loves white", Shaurya informed nth time to Vivaan the reason why he chose to wear a white suit for his wedding.

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"Don't I look gorgeous?", Mehek batted her eyelashes and asked, while posing infront of the tall mirror. Everyone around her nodded in appreciation. Ms.Mehek Maan, an heiress who can buy anything with a price tag with just a snap of her fingers. Being her assistant, Sonal was well aware of it. However today, clad in an elegant while bridal saree she looked eternal. Contrary to expectation, it was not a designer piece. But a vintage attire handed down to her. Mehek considered it as a wedding gift from her late grandmother. Feeling of draping it around, on her wedding day evoked a priceless feeling in Mehek. Sonal was glad to see her happy. Eventhough Mehek acted to be pompous before others, at heart she was a soft & sensitive person. She had always treated Sonal as a good friend even if she was under her payroll

"My grandmother would have been so proud and happy for me", Mehek mused to her image. Proud ? Perhaps, Sonal thought, but definitely not happy. Since Sonal knew her employer well, she kept her thoughts to herself rather troubling her. Mehek seemed to be overly excited to wed the man whom she termed as her first love; her kindergarten school mate. But Sonal sensed some undercurrents. The groom had been off the radar for quite some time, untill he suddenly appeared. Soon he was on knees with a ring in his hand to propose Mehek. Although his father is a wealthy man and friend of late Mr. Maan, his actions appeared to be sinister to Sonal. Her instincts strongly termed him as a good digger but she chose to keep mum.

Mehek is smart and intelligent but at the same time adamant & hot tempered, above all temperamental. She idolizes her grandmother who brought her up till her teenage years. Starting from their college days, over the years, Sonal had build up a good rapport with Mehek. Although friendly, Mehek definitely can be nasty if one is on her wrong side. So Sonal tried her best to keep her doubts on mute. 

Sonal was helping Mehek to enjoy her upcoming marriage. Yet she was forced to ask a question which will annoy her boss, "Mrs. Maan would like to walk you down aisle", she gulped nervously, "every parent dreams of this day. Shall I ask to bring her? She is just a call away". "NO", Mehek objected vehemently, "she is not welcome to my wedding. I will walk alone".

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"Will her mother accompany her?", Vivaan asked Shaurya. "I don't think so", Shaurya shook his head, "recently they are not in good terms". "No surprises", Vivaan mocked her but stopped as soon as Shaurya glared at him. "I am sure it will all turn well once we are married", Shaurya smiled dreaming his future,  "we will be a happy family". Vivaan didn't share the same feelings but for the sake of his friend, he kept an open mind.  "I hope so, my friend", since he was certain that he cannot persuade Shaurya to change his mind, he decided to sail with the wind. 

Vivaan clapped his hands and got ready to leave, "let's not keep the bride waiting". Shauyra smiled and walked with him enthusiastically. "I hope I can get a glance of her before wedding?", he wished like a love stuck teenage boy. "You know it's bad luck", Vivaan warned him. "Darn the superstitions", Shaurya shot down his words with a mischievous smile

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"Are we late?", Mehek asked Sonal again. She had been acting jittery throughout the ride. Although annoyed, Sonal denied. For once in her life, Mehek Maan has arrived on time. The event management team ushered them towards the bride's room. "Have you checked the arrangements? Nothing should be amiss", Mehek asked them authoritatively. When they all acceeded in fear, she drew a deep breath and tried to remain calm.

A white wedding was her childhood dream. Her happy day shall be immersed in her favourite colour. Today when it is finally happening , she wanted everything to be perfect. "I checked it all. Arrangements are splendid", Sonal assured her, "I will leave and be seated amidst audience. I don't want to miss your entrance". Mehek was close to tears. It was ironical that despite being rich and popular, she had only one close friend. "Thanks Sonal. I owe you", she appreciated her efforts. Sonal was a bit surprised to face the emotional side of her but she knew it was earnest, "now dare you spoil the make-up", Sonal humoured to relax the situation.

Once alone, Mehek waited patiently for her cue to enter. They have rehearsed it many times over last week. Nevertheless, her heart was beating miles per hour. She forced herself to be confident. It will be most memorable day of her life. 

A slight knock on the door made Mehek conscious. She gathered herself and stood up trying her best to hide her nervousness. Her eyes widened in shock when her groom appeared opening the door. Frantically she tried to hide herself from him. Because it is supposed to be bad luck if he sees her in bridal wear before the wedding. She didn't want to spoil her big day.

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I hope you like this new story. It will be a cute love story sans drama. A smooth ride without much twists & turn. Do post your thoughts as comment

Huge shout out for @Smitha_shtty who proposed the adorable title for this story