ᴇx-ʙᴏʏʀꜰʀɪᴇɴᴅ, ɴᴇxᴛ ʜᴜꜱʙᴀɴᴅ

Chapter 17

Nishtha

"WHAT ARE YOU SAYING?!" I screamed.
I was at a great sleepover with Priya and Aditi yesterday until I came home today to get the one news of my life which I never thought I'd get.

"How can you think I'm going to marry him?"
"Because, we need you to."
"What reason do you possibly have?"
"Beta, they've invested in our project and they want to refine the playboy image of Yuvaan, and you're the best person for it since you two have history ." Baba explained.
"Wow so I'm your pawn."
"They spent over 60cr into the restaurant Nish."
"So?"
"Beta, us and his parents both have decided that you two are free to walk away after a few years, if you're not happy." Aai said.
"What?" I asked.
He agreed, coz he can leave me after a while?
"Yuvaan knows this?" I asked.
"Yes he does and he's agreed to it." She said.
"Okay. You know what, fine." I said, "I can do it for you. All of you."
"Beta... thank you. I'll tell them."
"Okay."

I left my house and took a cab straight to Priya's house. I called Aditi on the way as well. Once I reached, I instantly ran to her room and sat on the bed.

I narrated everything to Priya and Aditi, "why did this happen to me?"
"Okay so, you're basically marrying your ex?"
"Yes. I have no choice but to marry my ex. My ex who can't stand the sight of me by the way!"
"The reason is simply that they need you to get over his playboy image? Isn't that a him issue?!"
"EXACTLY! But no, Yuvaan invested in Dad's restaurant and now I need to be his wife."
"So, when is the wedding?"
"I don't know. I don't care."
"We need a girl's trip, like ASAP."
"Oh Priya, I also suggested your name to Yuvaan yesterday for my role. You interned with me I'm sure you can get the role."
"Okay great! Thank you!"
"You have an interview with him tomorrow."
"Cool cool! Done!"
"Aditi what about your job?" I asked. 
"I got a job as a marketing executive in Lakmé, my joining date isn't until 11th July, so I'm free."
"Great! Mine is also on 11th because I over went during the launch event, I'm free too!"
"I'll let you know about me after the interview."
"Don't tell him you have plans with me, if you do then he'll definitely make sure you start soon!"
We laughed.
"I'm just gonna stay here today." I said.
"Me too."

Next day.

I made my way to the restaurant. It's looking so good and well done. I watched Baba as he looked happily at his work. I went up to him.
"Arre beta! Look! The investment Nanda's made also given us more equity so we added a few new things along with the original." He said.
"I'm glad." I said and went inside.

It looked beautiful. Chairs and table kept, the walls painted in a pastel colour scheme, that was good. Pastel colour gave a more warm feeling. It looked really nice. I decided to name it: GHAR.
It's basic but I wanted everyone to say I'm going to Ghar, I'm going home. Dad had approved the name as well. Now, everything was set.

Aaji was in the kitchen preparing the menu with the team of young chefs that she is training. I am happy Aaji found a place and a purpose too! I am sure that she's enjoying this. She loves it!

I walked to see Aai setting the tables. We're very close to launching and Aai wanted that everyone tastes the food once before it's sent to the judges and critics. I turned around and saw Yuvaan and his family entering the restaurant with Dad.
I gulped.
Was I ready for this?
No.

I wanted to run away but they already saw us.
"Nishu! Hi." Aunty said and hugged me.
I smiled and reciprocated, "Hi Aunty."
"How are you?" She asked.
"I'm good." I said, completely lying about it.
"Your dad is very excited about this."
"I know, I'm glad. Come sit."
"I need to talk to Nishtha." Yuvaan said. We all turned around and found him leaning against the door, his rolled up sleeves giving him a very sinful look.
"Yeah, go ahead." Aunty said.
I followed him outside.
We walked in silence until I couldn't take it anymore, "Why do you need me?"
He didn't answer, just kept walking. I turned him to me, "I asked you something Mr Nanda."
"Do you know that we're getting married?"
"Y...yes I do."
"Do you know why?"
"Yes."
"So you know that this isn't something I want to do?"
"I know this isn't something you want."
"Neither do you..." he said.
"Yes. Neither do I." 
"Excellent." He said and walked into a coffee shop, "Sit."
I sat on a chair near him. He pulled out a paper.
"What's this?" I asked.
"It's a contract."
"A what??"
"Are you sure you're not deaf?"
I rolled my eyes at him, "What is this Yuvaan?"
He opened it and narrated, "since we both aren't happy with the wedding, have our own reasons for it, I have written this contract which we are to follow to ensure we can tolerate each other till the time we leave."
Why did it hurt me that he will leave?
He was always going to leave.
You can't fall again.
When I was ever over him?
"—we have to maintain this always."
"What does it say?"
"The basic: we are too remain loyal to each other for the duration, our families will not know about this contract, you are to attend my calls and public meetings with me to support my case and yeah... one last thing."
"What?"
He scoffed at me, "I'm not giving you anything when you leave."
"What does that mean? I was never behind your money?!" I got angry and yelled.
"I'm not falling for you and your tricks again Nishtha. I made that mistake once."
I felt tears in my eyes.
I looked away and got myself back and then turned to him, "Okay. I accept everything."
"Excellent. Do you want to add anything?"

I wanted to. This entire contract was just for me, rules for me to follow. I wanted to add that he be a good son-in-law to my parents, a good brother for Neel, but there's no point. I don't want them to get attached to someone who wants to leave. Who will leave.
We have an expiry date.

"No. I don't want to add anything." I said.
"Okay. Sign it then."
"Okay." I took the pen from him and signed it, "I am going back to my parents. Bye."
I got up and started walking out when he came closer and held my wrist. I turned around.
"What are you doing?"
"What does the contract say?"
I gave him a confused look.
"We need to look happy and at peace. Once we go back there, we are going to sell the story that we have resolved our differences and we're happy, so we are walking back together."
Right.
I don't know how I'm going to manage this.
"Right. My bad." I said and let him lead.

We walked back to the restaurant, where all our parents were sitting and eating.
"This food is really good!" Aunty said.
"Aaji makes the best food." I said, entering.
"Arre, you two are back. How was it?"
"Good Mom. We're okay." Yuvaan said before I could talk, "you can plan the wedding now."
"That's amazing news!!!" Aunty said and hugged both of us, "Congrats you two, I'm so happy!"
I smiled and hugged her.
I hugged Aai Baba too.

I stepped back and watched everyone smile and celebrate. At least they were happy. I needed to just spend a few years with my ex.
How fun.
But everyone's happy in return. Everyone now has what they want.

I just have to follow one rule:
Do not fall for him.

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