SQUAD 5 SERIES - Playing With Fire (ON HOLD)

9)Aakrithi

Engagement dress, jewellery, hairstyle, flowers and makeup.

I looked at my own reflection and saw a contrasting person.

"My baby girl looks so beautiful" Mom said with tears brimming her eyes.

I managed to pass her a small smile. Right now I was wearing a hot pink coloured legenga and Aadhira help me pair with a emerald neck piece. The dress hugged my body well and showed off my curves at right places. All compliments to my mom for selecting this dress I felt like a well-groomed horse ready for auction. A sigh escaped my lips on the realization this is happening

"I expect you to look happy in-front of the guests" Mom hissed looking at my scowl face.

Talk about expectations. Today I am expected to act good and get engaged to a guy I never met in my life. Probably next month I will get married to him and on the same night I am expected to bang him. Then in exactly nine months I am expected to bring another little human to this stupid world and the expectation cycle continues.

Suddenly the train of thoughts made me feel sick to my stomach.

"Doss family has arrived" Aryan shouted and ran into my room. Mom and Aadhira rushed downstairs to receive them.

***

"Krithi Athai you look beautiful!" Dhira gushed and ran to kiss my cheeks.

"Thank you baby" I said and tried to put up a smile.

I don't know why I am feeling like this? Like the whole world is going to crash on my head. There is this weary feeling in my gut that something absolutely terrifying is going to happen today. I am trying to shake it off.

"Krithi?!" Dad shook me up. I was zoning out.

"Sorry dad" I said and stood up from the chair and walked to the window nearby. I could already see few people I recognize in the crowd.

"You ok Krithi?" Dad asked placing a hand on my shoulder.

"I am good dad. Just some nervousness is kicking in" I said and fake tried to put mascara on my lids. I really don't care about my appearance today.

"Say a word Krithi. I will stop everything this minute. You don't have to go through this. We can manage Krithi without the company, money you know?" Dad said. I know from his tone that he feels guilty as hell.

"Dad I am no more the little girl you hold hands to cross the roads. I can look both sides and cross my own roads. The key is I can survive doing it. Stop worrying!"

I said.

"I can't believe I am letting you do this for me" Dad said and sat on the bed. He had tears in his eyes.

I went and sat near him. Hugged him sideways.

"This is not just for you. This is for our own family. What daughter would I be if I don't help in the hour of need?" I said and few drops of tears fell over his coat.

"I am proud of you Aakrithi Prakash. You sound nothing like my young girl. You are all matured up. Hari is one lucky guy." Dad said and kissed my head.

The door suddenly opened. There stood Karthick in a tux. He looked good.

"It is time Krithi" Karthick said and behind him whole family was there. They all had beautiful smile's etched on their faces. I can do this. I can do this for my family. If my suffering is the price for their happiness I am ready to pay it.

Aadhira walked forward with my footwear in hand. She threw it down right in front of me. I stared at it like it was a ghost.

"We agreed on my regular canvas" I said and Aadhira glared.