Bond To Him

(2)

Ruhi:

"They do look great together, don't they?"

My dadu said to Kirpal dada ji, referring to me and Nakhchida, Ekansh. I love Kirpal dada ji too but not as much as mine. My dadu is my life, there isn't a day or night, I can imagine my life without him. He smiled at me and I smiled back at him. His main aim was to see me as the bride rather than as a doctor.

I have called Ekansh's parents, maa and Papa Ji since the death of my parents.

I put on a cream lehenga and wore a simple diamond necklace. In contrast, Ekansh was dressed in a light grey tuxedo. I hadn't seen him eye to eye since I attended puberty. Though I was against weddings and all, I couldn't deny my attraction to him. Well, it's because we were bonded or else, I wouldn't have had anything towards him. He is not like Salman Khan but Shahrukh Khan. He has a slim face with dark black hair and fair skin. I know I treated him like shit for the past few years so he shouldn't have a soft corner towards me like everyone.

"But today my daughter is looking so gorgeous," Maa complimented, bringing me back to the party. Ekansh sat mutely beside me. I expected him to have a girlfriend, but I didn't want to reject him cause it would hurt everyone and my image would get bad in front of everyone. And neither I wish to marry him.  Not only him but anyone cause I don't trust in love or wedding.

A big tray was kept in front of us with the rings. They were extravagant and made of only diamonds.

"Come on Ekansh,' Maa spoke. Put the ring on Ruhi's finger. He hesitated for a moment but took the ring, held my hand in his, and pushed the ring inside my ring finger but not without squeezing my hand. I furrowed my brows in annoyance. Next, it was my turn and I pushed the ring inside his ring finger. Before I did the same as he did, he pulled his hand away and smirked.

Everyone clapped with enthusiasm. And exchanged congratulations among them by hugging each other. My dadu and Kirpal dada ji hugged each other. The way they held each other showed their immense happiness. "At last we became a real family because of our grandchildren." Kirpal dada ji expressed to my dadu. My dadu's eyes brimmed with tears.

Maa approached me and pecked on my forehead. "I got my daughter, finally!" she expressed. Everyone was happy and watching them a little happiness took birth in my heart too. But Ekansh glowered at me as if he was gonna eat me raw. I apprehended his plan already. The way he spoke with me on the terrasse, he wanted to annoy me and burst the bubble of patience so that I could outburst on him and call off the wedding.

I stood up to take the blessings of our elders. But my lehenga's brim came under my heels and I tripped on Ekansh. he caught my waist and my eyes widened.

Dadu says that he carried me in his arms when we were toddlers. But at that age everyone's touch was neutral. But now, I felt something strange. Being a medical student, I know that this happened because of the release of exciting hormones. And I don't get why my skin feels excited by the touch of his skin.

Feelings on men should be taboo for me.

"Ehem!" Akriti di, my cousin, cleared her throat.

When I stared at her, I saw her smiling at us. I stood up, immediately and so did Ekansh after letting me go.

Ekansh is 6 years older than me. He is in his first year of superspecialisation in Neurology.

I had no hard feelings towards him but today's conversation pushed me towards despise. I hate him for his words.

We took the blessings of everyone and sat back on our respective chairs. There was bhangda going on as a celebration of our engagement.

The trusted pandit of our family was also present with us. He sat on a couch chair exactly in front of us. He was going through his book to fix the date of the wedding. He sighed before addressing us, "The best date for a wedding is in three days, after 6 months, and then a year later."