GILDED LOVE IN THE SHADOWS

CHAPTER 11

Listen we have to go back home for Amma's birthday right have you done preparations for it

My heart sinks hearing that but still I respond

Yes princess all done but you could have asked while I sat over there

I want you to paint with me but before that I wanted to check on how the preparations were going on

You want me to paint I don't even know what to do and how to how can you ask me

Just follow what I do, she orders

We both paint to our hearts content even though it was messy with paint both on the canvas and on us we kissed in between and had a hearty laugh seeing how messy we are, all this still seemed like an illusion for me, like it felt like a dream me and my biscuit happily laughing without a worry

Aanya never seemed so happy she was always sad and stressed out I am glad I can make her laugh all I ever want is us to be the same, even though it seemed impossible for the future atleast we get to stay this way for a while atleast

~Amma's Birthday Week

Princess hurry we are going to miss the train, I take our things out and call for her

Almost done let's go, wait are you wearing that skirt and blouse which I gave you

Oh come on you wouldn't allow me to step out or else, I groan

Good girl before we leave (I pull her closer hug her and give her a kiss, I know I won't be able to touch her when we get back home)

I moan and hug her and sniff in her scent because for the next few days I won't be able to be even near my biscuit
Don't do that again baby you know what follows next, I tease

We need to learn to keep a distance when we go back understand?, she explains

Yes ma'am now let's go before we actually miss the train

We reach back home a few hours later, Madam and Sir welcome us, ah not us, princess in specific with a grand welcome

It's been a while since they last saw her so they scoop her away leaving me alone without her

I unload the luggage and head to the servants quarters to freshen up, it's going to be a long day of work

Appa I don't want so much of food I really was eating well back there too (talking with everyone should have made me happier but the thought of separating from her made me feel sad and lonely I need to get out of here but someone interrupts)

Hello there madam have you forgotten me, she questions

Navya come on you are my only friend how can I forget that to you

We embrace each other and I fake a smile, Appa calls me

Princess go and get changed we have a guest coming over

Appa who is this guest, do I know them or do we know them

Appa laughs, I know them but not that much all I know is their fellow merchant family too and they are coming home to see you princess

The sudden realisation hits me out of nowhere, he is speaking of getting me married, even that didn't make me uneasy but the fact that Aanya stood there listening to the whole conversation with a blank expression did

She didn't even flinch a bit, that means she knew about this but she would have told me right, I feel nauseous before Appa could ask what's wrong

Sure Pa let me go get some rest I am tired, I tell him

I bolt out of the place I can feel Aanya catch up behind but I don't want her near me now yet I crave her presence

Princess slow down you will trip, I can see why she is running off but I had no choice as well

I turn around to ensure no one is there near her room because I don't want any trouble at the moment, even though I knew she would get married and Sir asked me to bring her home, looking at her running like this troubled me so I did which she never expected, I hug her from behind she doesn't struggle but instead drowns in my embrace small sobs escape her lips and I can't stop myself from crying too

You knew all this time right, she sobs

I never knew they would arrange an alliance upon your arrival today, I explain

But still you knew I had to be married right, she sobs more

Princess I was bound not to tell you until I find a way to get you back home as soon as possible

I release her because holding her too long means trouble in paradise

Who told you to and why should I return back when I haven't completed the course yet, she demands

Sir did tell me through a letter, I am sorry princess, I try to explain

(I make a decision then, I gently wipe my eyes and stand up and face her) Alright do you have a plan then?

Ahm, aah(I stutter because she stood up too soon) I don't have one

I do have one want to listen, she questions

Ah sure, I am not sure what she meant

But before i could ask we are interrupted by Navya calling Aarthi to get ready soon as the groom and his family had arrived, she comes over and takes her to get her dressed she asks me to leave so I do

When I come out I see the guy to whom Sir and Madam and the brothers are talking to

Appa calls for me

Aanya my dear I need you to run to town and get a few things would you hurry up please, he pleads

Sure sir will do

By the time I arrive, everything is set and Aarthi sits in a corner, that's the first time I see her in a saree and she is drop dead gorgeous even though the guy is seated next to her, she searches for me and when she finds me she smiles the most gorgeous smile I ever see

*I don't like any of this happening but Aanya being in the crowd helps me overcome whatever is happening I have never seen her smile so sadly but she smiles at me to ensure that I am happy too, I couldn't tell what I had in mind thanks to my friend who interrupted

Will I ever get to tell her that,will I ever get to go back to Madras, all I know about the guy whom I about to get married is his name Arjun Iyer a son from a reputed family he has been supporting since his father passed away when he was 18, even though he is 5 years elder to me does nothing the way Aanya does to me, her smile, her embrace and most importantly the way she would do anything for me i look out for her again

I am pulled out of my thoughts when Arjun calls out my name

Aarthi that's a pretty name don't worry I'll take good care of you, I wont allow anything to happen to you, he says sheepishly

(I fake a smile) thanks, I dont even want to engage in small talks with him

~Both families agree to the dowry been given and bless the couple upon getting engaged

Once everything is done and everything has settled down

Appa will I get to go back or should I stay here only, I question

I heard you have a few months left right why don't you discontinue it, he tells

Can I finish atleast 3 more months i know we still have time for marriage right, please please, I try pleading

Alright anyways the groom told us that he has some businesses to close and would take 4 months to complete you have time till then but you have to come back no matter what understood, he orders

(I hug him) Thankyou so much can I leave tomorrow morning itself?

What's the hurry stay for a few more days, he asks

The faster I go the faster I can come back, I give him a smile

Alright I'll ask Aanya to book tickets so you both can leave

You are the best