Dil Mileya

Chapter 4

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AARUSHI'S POV

It's almost been an entire week, probably more, since Father dropped the bomb on me. I've been holed up in my room the entire time, hoping this is all a dream. Every night I would go to sleep praying to God to let this is all a lie, that my parents aren't actually marrying me off to him. And every morning that follows, when the reality punches me in the gut and knocks the breath out of me, I can't do anything except cry my eyes raw.

Every second, every moment spent with him replays in my mind. Like someone has made a movie on me and is now forcing me to sit through the lowest point in my life all over again. Every memory feels like my heart is stabbed with a new serrated knife, and is being twisted in slow motion.

This morning, though, I stand in front of the mirror in my bathroom. The one staring back at me isn't the Aarushi I know. This one is the one that thought her life was over when her boyfriend broke up with her. She was weak, fragile. But I let go of her a long time ago.

I let go of her when I promised my brother to never look back again. I came back. Stronger, better. And now..... Now, just the news of him being back, and asking for my hand in marriage, is breaking the walls that I built to protect my heart, myself like nothing did in the past eight years.

A soft knock from the bathroom door pulls me out of my thoughts. I crack open the door and peek outside. Jyoti offers me a small, concerned smile. "Mrs. Sinha has requested your presence, Miss," I nod. "I'll get dressed," She bows, and leaves.

I dress in complete silence. I keep repeating the plan I'd formulated in the shower like a mantra that could save me from all things evil. I pick out a blue Anarkali suit, one of my favorites, and head down to breakfast.

"Mom. Vij," I don't meet their eyes as I greet them. I couldn't. They've hurt me in ways worse than anyone ever did, and I'm not ready to forgive them just yet. I gulp down a glass of orange juice before leaving without a word. I haven't had anything since lunch yesterday, but I don't have much of an appetite.

"Can I help you, miss?" Shubh, my father's driver startles me. I shake my head as I pluck the keys of my car from the shelf. "Don't bother, Shubh. I just have a few things to pick up. I can drive myself," I thank him and excuse myself. I pull out of the garage and zoom past the metal gates, merging with the traffic on the main road.

It takes me double the usual time to reach my destination, due to heavy traffic. I park the car in a free spot and step out. The building in front of me is huge, I have to crane my neck, and still couldn't see the entire thing.

I head inside and to the reception. I ask her if Kabir is in the office. She calls someone to confirm, but informs me that I can't meet him without an appointment. "Could you tell him that Aarushi Sinha is here, please." I wait patiently as she listens to someone intently on the phone. "Right this way, ma'am," She guides me to an elevator.

"Mr. Jain is in a meeting right now. But he'll be with you as soon as he's free," I nod, as the elevator door slides shut, and the receptionist presses a button for the thirtieth floor. "I'm sorry, I never introduced myself," I extend my hand. "I'm Aarushi," The woman seems taken aback, eyeing my hand like I'm handing her poison and asking her to chug it.

She slowly grasps my hand and gives it a firm shake. "Parvati," I smile. "It was nice meeting you," The elevator doors slide open, and we step outside. Parvati leads me towards the last room of the corridor. "You can wait here, ma'am. Mr. Jain will be here soon," I smile. "Please, call me Aarushi," She nods and walks away, leaving me alone in the room.

It is spotless, the entire room, just like the corridors on the floor, as well as the reception. I take a seat on one of the many couches that line along the wall. I'm not sure if Kabir is really busy or if he's trying to mess with me, but if thinks I'm going to grow tired and leave without seeing him, he's got another thing coming.

Three hours. That's how long I've been waiting in this Godforsaken room. Kabir still hasn't shown up, and I've already bothered the receptionist thrice. She says he's still stuck in a meeting, but I call it bullshit. He's avoiding me, and he knows as well as I do - if not better - that I'm not going anywhere. Why even propose to marry me if he can't stand me?

"Excuse me. Do you know how long is the meeting? I've been waiting for a long time," I don't usually lose my cool this way. If being a Sinha has taught me anything, it's to never show your true emotions. Your enemies might be looking just when you think they aren't. "I'm sorry miss, his conference is - " I cut her off as I round her desk and head for the large, wooden door a few feet away. "Miss. Miss! You can't go in there. He's....." Too late. Here goes nothing.

Word Count: 927 words

COME ON, BABY. CLICK THAT VOTE BUTTON!

Time stops for no one, does it?

With that being said, I've got some news. Since I've got a VERY busy few months coming up, I'll be taking a break from writing for a while. Which means no updates in the near future.

As Finals approach, I'll barely have time to breathe, let alone write. I hope everyone can understand. Consider this chapter a parting gift, and an early Diwali present.

Happy Diwali, y'all!! Question: What's your favorite sweet/delicacy? Comment to lemme know!