Hearts and Hate

Chapter 1-Engagement?

❀ NEHA ❀

The sounds of rushing footsteps woke me up. The sun rays through the curtains tortured me till I  opened my eyes. I frowned confused not understanding what was the commotion outside for. I was tired and sluggish even after my deep slumber.

"Neha, did you wake up!?"My mother's booming voice yells making my brain process what was happening. Then everything hits me like a ton of bricks. 

Today is my engagement! Shit!

"I'm up Mumma" I yell back rushing to the door and opening it. My mom huffs seeing me with sleepy eyes.

"Get ready fast, I'll send the make-up artist once you are done with your shower." She says to which I nod, leaning onto the door frame for little more sleep.

"Go. Have. A. Shower. Now" She yells starling me making my ears bleed.

"Jeez! You don't have to shout like that! I'm going!" I say pouting to which she shakes her head in disbelief.

I take a warm bath for a long time, I hear banging on the door. They won't even let me have a peaceful bath.Will they?I sigh and get out to see my cousin organising the clothes and jewellery I have to wear.

"Wear them fast,we don't have time"She orders to which I roll my eyes.

"We have five more hours Daksha!"I say nonchalantly to which she rolls her eyes.She helps me wear the saree.I sleep for some more time while the make up being done.I'm filled with jewellery.This is the first time I'm wearing jewellery without any argument.

"God! you look beautiful...I think Virat would say that he wants to skip the engagement and marry you directly" She says smiling to which I roll my eyes but a small smile escapes me at her compliment.

"You are lucky to marry the love of your life,first love...come on,let's get you engaged"she says to which I nod in agreement.We enter the venue,decorated full of flowers like a fairytale.My parents look at me and give me a look of awe seeing me look like a doll for the first time.My brother helps me walk to the stage.

"Riyansh,call Virat,it's time to exchange rings"My dad say to which my brother nods and goes to bring Virat.My eyes search for him in anticipation.My heartbeat is louder than the chatter in the hall.A permanent smile, never leaving my face as I wait for my love.

Riyansh comes into the hall nervously without Virat and whispers something in my dad's ears.My dad looks at me with fear in his eyes for the first time in his life.The whole venue is filled with whispers as my smile drops.My heart beats in fear.My mom's eyes are teary as she looks at me.

My brother walks slowly towards me as I stare at the note in his hands.He hands it to me slowly.I open it with my shaky hands with my eyes teary.

I'm sorry,

I don't think I love you.

I can't do this to you.

-Virat

A cheque was attached to it,compensation for the expenditure, breaking my heart into pieces.

Three lines had the power to turn my life upside down.I look around to find any of his family members or my friends.

I scoff in disbelief,I made a fool out of myself.None of them were here,All of them fled like cowards.

I stand up before my dad speaks."I'm sorry for the inconvinence,but this engagement won't happen anymore."

"You should have known better,why would you think someone so rich would want to pursue a girl like you?"My Aunt says making me exhale sharply.She's taking revenge that I turned down her son,when he asked my hand in marriage.