Arranged Love

First encounter

My hands are trembling in nervousness as I looked at myself in the mirror dressed up in a golden salwar suit. Behind me, my fashion enthusiast, my dearest sister, Ruhani is standing doing the last minute touch up. The groom and his family will be here soon and I don't think I'll be able to make it till then by the speed of my heart beating against my ribcage.

"It's done!! You are looking so beautiful di" Ruhani said. I looked at myself again. I have made it clear to keep my makeup and hairstyle simple and she did it. I know I look different but I'm not sure I'm looking beautiful.

"You look so beautiful too, Ruhi" I told her with a genuine smile which is not a lie. My sister have a lot of qualities that are totally opposite to me. Physical appearance is one among them.

"I know that already" She giggled and continue to check me, trying to make sure that everything looks perfect for the occasion.

Seconds later there was a knock on the door followed by the entry of my mom with a huge grin on her face. But she lost all the colours in her face as soon as she noticed something on me.

"Roshni, why didn't you applied the lipstick?" My mom expressed her disappointment.

"Mom she have applied, it's a nude shade"

"Why? Where's the red shade we bought last week?" My mom fired back at Ruhani because she tried to support me.

"Mom it's a bright shade" I tried to make her understand knowing that she will never understand it.

"Yes I know, that's why we bought it"  My mom always gave priority to physical appearance and social status over my emotions.

She released a heavy sigh "Roshni, how many times I told you that they belongs to a wealthy family. They will have high expectations on you. Today every girl wish to shine brighter than the rest. I don't know why you keep everything minimum-" She had to stop in the middle of her speech as we heard the sound of cars entering the premises.

"I think they are here! I'm going downstairs. You both come after sometime." My mom panicked dramatically and rushed off to meet them.

"Di I'll quickly go and check on my jiju. You please wait here." Before I could nod my head she was out of the room in excitement.

I looked at myself again. My mom's word didn't help me feel anything less, it only added more anxiety and fear to me. I took out a tissue paper and wiped off the nude shade from my lips and replaced it with the bold red shade.

"Di jiju is looking so handsome. I'm sure you will definitely like him." Ruhani cheered like a school girl. "Come let's go down before mom come and scold us for being late." I nodded at her and composed myself before making my way to downstairs with Ruhi.

As I entered the living room, all eyes turned towards me. I gave them a polite smile before sitting on the couch. My eyes travelled through everyone until I found those eyes, Aman.

My heart skipped a beat or two when I met with his gaze. He is sitting just 2 seats away from me dressed up in formal attire, looking handsome and composed. He gave me a smile and I smiled back, my heart fluttering in excitement and apprehension.

I'm not interested in business news but I have read a lot about him from magazines. He is really an inspiration for many people including some of my friends. I have seen them praising him and watching his speech during lunch hours. I know only the professional side of him. This is the first time I'm meeting him in person and I'm beyond nervous.

Introductions were made where Aman's father introduced his family to us. Along with Aman's parents I met his uncle, aunty, and cousin. They all seems like nice people but I felt a strong glare from Aman's aunty, Mahima. I ignored it and focused on the others. My dad gave our introduction next.