THE LEGAL BIND

Chapter: 13 - Engagement.

Revika Shastri

After lunch with Anamika I got back to work. I finished up with the briefs and then my eyes fell onto the bracelet that Mr. Rajput earlier returned. It made my face hot and my ears red. I knew it was wrong to feel this way. There is no way a man from such a prestigious background would even bat an eye at a girl like me, not that Im underconfident about myself, Im a self – made, strong woman, but rich people like them have social statuses to maintain and thus, they only ever marry into huge business houses, sometimes to merge the business and sometimes to maintain their image. Its just how a business world works and I wouldnt blame any rich family doing so, the world is a toxic place.

Aakash has only agreed to marry me because whatever is left of Mr. Shastri's assets will be given to him. Frankly, I dont care for any of those things. I might be getting married, but I am sticking to my original plan of running away, be it from the wedding or before it. I have a job and running away means going into hiding for a few days. Aakash has enough money to have a search party out for me so I dont want to take a risk and dig a hole for myself.

I will apply for a leave 5 days prior to the wedding under the false pretense of the pre – wedding rituals and then with the right chance, I will run away. Originally, I was going to be at Anamikas place, but it would be easier to find me there since she is the only person I talk to in the office, the first finger would be pointed at her. I later figured that it would be best to live at Rohans place for a few. He is a school friend of mine. He lives in the outskirts of the city and lucky for me Mrs. Shastri doesnt know him. She stopped keeping tabs on my outside – of – shastri bhavan relations long before I met Rohan.

I was brought out of my trail of thoughts by a fuming and at the same time, whiny faced Anamika. She looked like a pressure cooker that was waiting to burst, I raised my brows and she pulled me to the office terrace mumbling Its time for a rant break.

After Anamika was done ranting about Mr. Randhawa being a total asshole (her words not mine), I went back to work and finished up things for the day. It was 6 p.m. Mrs. Shastri had left me a text that the engagement starts at 8.30 p.m. I wasnt thrilled. I looked forward to seeing Mrs. Rajput there, her presence made me feel peace, it wasnt something I could explain.

I left for Shastri Bhavan soon after Anamika was done with her rants. She offered to come earlier than she planned to keep me company, but I declined and asked her to just come when she got off work. Since Aakash's parents wanted to show – off their only sons wedding, it was going to be an overly spent on wedding. Whats the use when the brides going to be running anyway.

Vardaan Singh Rajput

I was finishing up work for the day. Maa had requested I came home early and drive her to Revikas engagement myself. It stung a little when I received the formal invite on my mail. It was after the lunch episode so I figured she was trying to remind me that what I did was unacceptable because she had a fiancé. I took the hint.

I drove home and saw that mom was already ready in a graceful saree, she asked me if I had something to eat, I nodded and she rushed me to my room, telling me to quickly get ready. I dressed formally, in a black suit. The minute I descended the stairs, I was met with a scene of all my cousins and the rest of my family ready to go. I rolled my eyes at their enthusiasm.

They were fascinated by Revika ever since I brought her home. Ishani and Raunak took their time stalking her social media platforms, they were already in awe of her. Maa liked her calm presence and respectfulness the other day, when she spoke to her in my room. Chachu, Chachi, Daadusa and everyone else liked her just by moms narration of the brief encounter she had with her. I didnt mind it, I liked that they endeared her. It was a warm feeling I couldnt express.