Sweet Tidings

Chapter 1

Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky."~Rabindranath Tagore

Happiness doesn't depend on any external conditions, it is governed by our mental attitude." ~ Dale Carnegie

Every morning with the sunrise, new hope shines. She believes that there is always hope. Faith is the key to her life. Gayathri mantra chants can be heard from her room. The jasmine incense scents pervades the atmosphere. Thank you Lord for a lovely morning, prays the beautiful lady. Pragya!

She turns around and smacks into a manly sweaty chest. Abhi! Her rockstar husband or should she say her rockstar tormentor. Her life is a roller coaster with Abhi. Full of attitude, malice, snide remarks, anger when in private; in public...he is an angel, dadi's phyare phota, the mass media's rockstar, hundreds of girls heart beat and her superstar husband. He would make a fine actor if he is not already a rockstar. His latest jibe was during Purab and Alliya's engagement. There were too many rassam to be done. Purab and Alliya were getting engaged but Ahbi and Pragya had to go through the rassam. On top of it, the dancing. Pragya hated the way Abhi made her feel during the dancing session. She knows that she can't dance well but he never allows her the chance to show her skill. Gosh! She should get her head checked out. How can she put any expectation on the great Abhishek Mehra. He married her to get justice for his sister for an act she had no involvement. While thinking this Pragya rubbed her waist which was aching non-stop. Abhi had dropped her thrice in the past 24 hours. First at the decoration area, then the bed and now in the pretext of dancing.

Are you feeling ok? Shall I get you a chair to sit? You have been holding your waist for the past 10 minute.

Pragya was shocked to hear the voice. It can't be him! He was supposed to be in US, doing his thesis. She turned about and there stood her once so-called nemesis turned best friend. Arjun, you are here. When did you return? Why didn't you call me?'

I returned yesterday and heard all about your marriage. Congratulations. Why didn't you inform me?' Arjun was a little miffed when he heard that Pragya had married Abhi and that too without informing him. Later, when he met Sarla ma, he realized Pragya's majboori.

It all happened in a jiffy. Before I could breath, the marriage had occurred. There are so many subtleties to this marriage I wonder if I will ever get to see light' Pragya mumbled to herself.

Pragya, what are you saying? Aren't you happy in this marriage?

Chodu na. There's lots of things to catch up. How is your thesis coming up? What's going on with your family' Pragya tried to change the topic. She was appalled that she had nearly blurted out the truth. If Arjun ever found out, he would kill Abhi. Arjun was very protective of her. He is the brother she never had, she tied Raksa bandhan every year on Arjun. Arjun's father treated like a long lost daughter whenever he sees her. She really adores Arjun's family but in the past few months there had been numerous tragedies in Arjun's life, she just didn't want to impose more burden on him.

Before Arjun could further dwell on Pragya's words, the DJ announced couple's dancing... Tum Se Hi from Jab We Met was announced. Pragya pulled Arjun to the dance floor. It was a slow dance, which Pragya could execute beautifully and Arjun - anyone could dance with Arjun. He was such a fantastic partner. Everyone was watching the couples on the floor. Tannu had pulled Abhi for the dance too but he stopped midway. He couldn't believe his eyes, Chasmish was dancing with a tall guy, not handsome though. Ahbi was the handsome one and no one handsome would look at the Chasmish. Her long, soft, ebony curly hair, which has a fresh earthly smell. Her long lashes which curled over her almond shaped eyes. Her slip of a waist which he could just span over with one arm... Hold on... what is he doing? Is he admiring Chasmish? No way. She is not of his standards. Who is dancing with her? This can't happen. The guy twirls Pragya, there is a huge smile on Pragya's face, her hair is on the guy's shoulder. Pragya seems happy. Abhi snapped out of his trance and stomped towards the dancing pair. He was about to tap the guy's shoulder when Pragya rammed into him. Abhi and Pragya had a eyelock. Pragya's eyes were twinkling and for the first time Abhi felt his heart flutter. He raised his eyes and looked directly into the charcoal orbs of Arjun's eyes.

Arjun'! Tum!

Ah! Yar! Meh! Congratulations on your marriage'

Just then, the song ended and everyone clapped. Arjun father, Mr. Saxena, Abhi's daddi, Sarla ma walked towards the threesome. Mr. Saxena hugged Pragya and blessed her on her marriage. Ahbi was flabbergasted. He was wondering how the Chasmish knew Saxena family and the familiarity between Arjun and Pragya. He had millions of questions running in his head but could not voice them.

Purab and Alliya's ring ceremony started. Everyone was congratulating the couple. Thru out the whole ceremony, Arjun and Pragya were together. There was constant laughter and smiles from the couple. They stood, danced, ate and moved around together. Abhi was getting mad and madder looking at them. Alliya tried to provoke Daddi by stating that Pragya's behavior was not inline with the Mehra kandan's bahu. Daddi did react at all. According to Daddi Pragya and Arjun are best friends and they are meeting after so many months. They should be given time with each other. It was Arjun, whom Daddi considered as her Godson. She loved him. Abhi and Alliya too loved him. So, what's the problem in Arjun being close with Pragya. Providence was showing the path...Daddi had chosen Abhi's bride who felt the same way about Rishtey. At last the celebration was nearing its end. Everyone was leaving. Arjun and Mr. Saxena too were about to leave...

Pragya, I'm going in to the university tomorrow. Are you reporting in?'

Oh yes! My holidays are over. As semester is about to start in a week's time, I need to report in and check my classes out'

Ok then, I'll pick you up at 8 am be ready'.

Before Pragya could reply, Abhi interjected by stating that the driver would send Pragya to the university.

Come on Abhi. It's her first time back in the university after her marriage, there could be press wala, wouldn't it be better if someone from the family took her there. I'll do it, as I need to be at the university as well' Arjun hugged daddi and walked off towards  his dad's new Mercedes Benz sedan. He waved at Pragya, told her to be on time and not dilly dally in her usual way and drove off. Pragya pouted at Arjun's comment but smiled while waving him off.