AgneeSakshi: Bound by the Holy Fire

Chapter 9: Horse Riding

"Rai... What should I wear?"

"BB, this is the fifth time you are asking me the same question!" Raima looked at me and then rolled her eyes.

"Ma, you tell me what should I wear? White or black?" I asked ma who had just entered the room.

"Blue."

"Formal or casual?"

"Casual, obviously!" Ma also rolled her eyes.

What's with women rolling their eyes at me all the time? Sighing, I picked up a denim shirt and went to get ready.

Of course, I am nervous. Yes, Agneesh Rawat is nervous. This is the first time I am going to meet her and her family casually. It is a big deal.

It took me an hour to get ready... Ok, don't judge me.... I am freaking nervous.

"Try to spend time with her and get to know her." With these words ma let both of us go.

As soon as, I stood up after keeping everything in the car, Raima stood in front of me blocking my way.

"Give me the keys." She demanded, her palm spread towards me.

"No, I don't want to end up in hospital instead of in Nainital."

"BB... Please. I know how to drive." She stomped on the road. This has been her habit since she was a child. Whenever, she doesn't gets anything she wants, she throws a tantrum by stomping or sulking.

"Do whatever you want, still no." I said trying to get past her. As soon as, my back was turned towards her, her voice stopped me, "Ok fine BB, don't give me the keys... But I can't promise that all of your secrets will remain a secret with me." I turned towards her wide eyed.

"How about I show bhabhi the video where you were totally drunk and thought that you have lost your nose. You were searching everywhere for it. Hmm... That seems like a good idea." She said with her finger on her chin, pretending as if she was thinking.

"You evil... Fine take it. No one should know about those videos. And I want to go to Nainital not hospital." With this, I flung the keys towards her as she caught them and grinned at me.

"Don't worry BB, maybe you forgot that video was accidentally deleted by me." Winking in my direction, she jogged towards the car and sat at the driver's seat.

I stood at the same place looking at her, "She is such a grown up now but still childish." With a smile, I sat at the passenger side and strapped my belt on.

She started driving and slowly the city was left behind, it was going to be a long journey ahead. Raima was blabbering about something but I zoned out as my eyes fell on the engagement ring.

It was a simple ring, with our initials engraved on it alongwith forever written on it.

How I wish this to continue even after forever!

Yes, I maybe getting all cheesy, but well in my defence, I blame Mahashweta. She made me fall in love with the idea of love.

I remember the day I had bought her first book, Nishabd from the airport while going to a conference in Germany. Later, I got busy due to my schedule and forgot about the book.

While back at home, I was unpacking, that is when my eyes fell on the book and I made a mental note to read it.

Back at palace, ma had started dropping hints of getting me married and I was trying to ignore her subtly.

I was not ready for marriage and that too an arranged one. My relationships also didn't last long, maybe I was not a commitment type material. Maybe marriage was not meant for me.