Estranged lovers

Chapter 19

ANNIKA

I couldn't believe my eyes. What is she wearing? 

"Di you can't wear a dress like this." I say

"What do you mean. Ma doesn't have a problem the why do you?" she says

I shake my head. I look at ma and she is avoiding eye contact.

"Ma?" I ask her

"Well your fiancee has a brother doesn't he. So I could try-"

"Stop-" I say

"What are you saying di? You are getting married to Raj!" I say

"Now that you got yourself a rich husband you don't want me to be an equal don't you." she says

I look at ma for support.

"Change into something else Radhika." Maa says

"What? But you were the one -" she starts

"Enough Radha. Did you not hear me? Go and change" ma shouts

Ma never shouts then why did she now?

Ma takes me out of the room.

"I'm sorry beta. You know I can't stop her if she decides on something." she says

"Its okay ma. I was actually here to tell you that Siddharth's father has invited you and di to his house after which you will be leaving for dinner. Siddharth had asked me to inform you." I say

"Accha. Okay. beta-" she says

"Ji maa." I say

"Will his entire family be there?" she asks

"Yes ma both his parents will be there. You can meet them." I say with a smile

"Nahi. I ... I meant his brother. Will he be there too?" She asks

"I-, I don't know ma. I'm not sure." I say

I am a little confused by her behaviour but I let it slide. She might want to meet everyone.

"Theek hai. You go down we will join you in a bit." she says

"Yes ma. The henna artist is waiting." I say as I go downstairs

"I'm sorry about the wait. We can start once everyone leaves." I say to her

"No problem. Ms....." she says

"Sha-" I try saying

"Mrs. Chauhan" comes a voice from next to me.

"Siddharth."  his name leaves me in a whisper. I look at him

When I say I'm blown away. It would sound like an understatement.

His black hair is styled back with not a single strand astray. His suit fits him like skin. His olive green eyes adorned with his thick lashes. Oh my god he looks so good.

*ahem* he clears his throat.

"Y..you look good." I say blushing

"Thank you for the compliment my wife." He says placing his hand on the small of my back

"You sure you'll be alright." he says leaning in to whisper in my ear

"Ye...Yes of course." I say

"Okay then. I will be back by 10." he says

"Yes." I say

He strokes my hair. I know it is all just for show. The henna artist will go around gushing about how sweet of a couple we make. But it is becoming hard to distinguish fake from reality already.