One shots

Scarred

Manvi Chaudhary could never have imagined the events of that day even in her wildest dreams.

It was supposed to be her older sister Jeevika's day; the day she was supposed to meet a much anticipated, prospective groom, Viren Vadera. Everyone in the family were on the top of the moon excited about this prospective match of Jeevika with Viren.

Viren was the older son of Mr. Akash Vadera and Vanshika. They were from a business family in town and in every way of equal status and stature as them.  Jeevika and Viren were both the older child in the respective families and there were high sky expectations from both of them.

That morning, Viren and his family had come over to see Jeevika. They had been talking with each for about a month then but nothing had been decided yet. The house was filled with many relatives and buzzling with noise and laughs. Viren was with his parents and younger brother Virat and their half-a-dozen cousins, who they were all very close with. Jeevika was with her parents, her younger sister Manvi and a couple of cousins and friends.

The youngsters were all supposed to hang out for some time and then Viren and Jeevika were going to talk with each other privately.

Manvi was trying to pull Viren's leg with all sorts of over-the-top comments. But Viren didn't have to even respond because Virat, his younger brother was hitting them back to Manvi with even outrageous replies.

"Virenji, is this how your brother is going to talk with my di? Is this how my di will be treated in your house? I am seriously having doubts about this proposal." Manvi complains looking accusingly sideways at Virat.

"Arey when did I ever even talk with bhabhi? All my comments were restricted to her shaitaan behen."

"Virat, stop." Viren scolds.

"Hello, she is not your bhabhi yet." Manvi stands pretending to be outraged. "Please be reminded that Di hasn't said yes yet. Entrance exam is still pending Virat ji."

"Entrance exam?" Virat stands in front of her amused. "Don't worry Manvi ji, there isn't an exam that my bhai has attempted and not aced."

"Viren ji..." Manvi starts again before Jeevika scolds her. "Manvi, stop arguing."

"Maybe you should start your exam, Jeevika." Viren looks to Jeevika smiling "...otherwise your sister will start failing me before I even see the question paper."

"Nothing like that. There is no exam." Jeevika tells Viren as if embarrassed. "Manvi is kidding. But, if you want to talk, Ma said we should go to the garden." Jeevika tells him shyly.

Just then their mom comes to check to them. "Jeevika, you and Viren ji go the garden and talk. Everyone is waiting." she reminds seeing that they were all still chatting with the group.

Viren and Jeevika start walking to the garden outside.

"Don't get distracted bhai. Manvi ji is a very strict grader. She is waiting for you to mess up." Virat shouts behind them looking at Manvi.

"You are absolutely right. That I am. So don't get your hopes up!" Manvi gives Virat a big fake smile and Virat does the same to her.

Not wanting to stay around him and fight more, Manvi walks out with to the living room with her mom, where all the elders were sitting. She goes and sits with her dad on his chair. She was very close to her Dad and she was his proverbial apple of his eye. She curiously sees that Viren's grandmom and Mom were whispering something looking at her. They then go and talk to Viren's dad and grandfather.

"So, what are you studying Manvi beta." Viren's mom asks.

"Arts aunty. Second year." Manvi smiles.

"Don't want to help your dad with business?"