ᴇx-ʙᴏʏʀꜰʀɪᴇɴᴅ, ɴᴇxᴛ ʜᴜꜱʙᴀɴᴅ

Chapter 22

Nishtha

A week flew by, literally flew by.
I offered to join in early and work since I would have to take a leave for the wedding, so I started going to office everyday - I didn't need to, but I didn't want to see Aai prepare for this contract wedding in so much excitement.
It was annoying.

I was back home from my work now. I had to use the next week to work from home. Why?
Because next week is my wedding. In 6 days.
I walked in to see all lights and preparations being done. I didn't want to see all this. It was hurting me even more than I already am. Ugh.

"There you are!" Aai said, "Come. Sit."
"What's happening?" I said, seeing Aunty there.
"We need you to decide your wedding outfit. Do you want a saree or a lehenga?" Aunty asked.
"Anything is fine." I said, uninterested.
Aai held my hand, "It's your wedding. Choose."
"I'm okay with whatever. Seriously. You two can decide for me." I replied.
"How about this saree? It's a mix of Marathi and Hindi, so you'll have your traditional ones too."
"Sure." I said.
"Do you not want to see it once?" Aai asked.
"I'd rather just see it on the day - like a surprise."
"No problem!"  Aunty said, chuckling, "Nishtha listen!"
I turned to her, "Yeah?"
"Everyone is eating here today. Yuvaan is on his way here right now. You two go and collect the food please?"
Why with him?
"I can go alone. Why delay the food if it's ready?"
"Go together, he's downstairs, coming up."
I sighed dejectedly, "Okay I'll just freshen up."

I went into my room and washed my face. Then, I came out to my bed and sat there using my phone. I don't want to be a part of this. I heard noise from the outside and I assumed that they all had arrived - Vamika too.

I love Vamika, but after what happened, I am too scared to go to her. Yuvaan will never know what happened 4 years back, and I had sworn to keep it a secret. It was her story to tell, not mine.
I groaned.
I quickly got up, got my stuff and fixed my kurta and made my way out to see the whole Nanda family sitting in my hall. My eyes met Vamika's.
I don't want to do this.
I turned away and served everyone water.

"Yuvaan, Nishtha, go." Aunty said.
He got up and went by the door, waiting for me. I got up and followed him.

We walked silently down the lift and into the car.

Yes. I'm being rude to him, and if not rude then I am avoiding talking to him, being around him. I know the reality of this marriage, it is just to fix his playboy image. He has no feelings for me. I would be a fool to think that this marriage can be a positive thing. I am just his contract wife.

"Hello?" He said. Was he talking to me?
"Yeah Arush, tell." No he isn't.
"Tomorrow would be fine."
"No. I'm coming alone."
"She's there too?" She? Who's he talking about?
"Perfect! I'll pick her up and come." Who is she?

He cut the call and I continued to look out, I had to act like it isn't bothering me that he is picking a girl up, just 5 days before our wedding.
I felt my eyes watering at the thought of it.
Calm down, Nishtha. Get used to this.

"We reached." He said to me. I looked to see the place and then got down. He locked the car and walked ahead, with me trailing behind.
"Hi. We placed an order, for Nanda." He said.
"Yes Sir, here you go."
He was about to pay but before he could, I came and quickly tapped my card and did the paying.
"Why did you do that?" He asked.
I didn't answer.
I quickly got the food in my hands and smiled at the man working there and then headed back to the car, with Yuvaan behind me, still asking.
"Nishtha, I asked you something." He said as he opened the car door for me to sit.
He came on the other seat and I looked out while he fastened his belt and then faced me.
"Nishtha." His deep voice echoed.
I sighed, I couldn't ignore now. I turned, "Yes?"
"Why did you do that?"
"Do what?"
"You very well know what?
"Can you start driving? Everyone's waiting."
He glared at me, his jaw clenching. I was half expecting him to yell at me, but he stayed silent and went back to looking ahead and drove on.