My arranged wedding

Vedant's pov

For the past week and most of the last few years, mum has been talking this. It's always about getting married.

I can't take my word back now, it's been given to my mother and there's no going back because she has thought me to be a man of my words.

It's time to get married

The trip to Lucknow has me thinking of Rachna,my first love.

I felt utterly betrayed, my parents were right and maybe if I agreed to their opinion on our match, I would have saved myself from heart break. The Maheshwaris seemed kind and I wanted to trust my mum's choices.

I sit and watch silently, the girl's mum steals glances at me several times and I give her a small smile when her eyes meet mine.

My parents continue talking with the girl's parents and aunt and I feel alone because Shagird needed to attend to some thing urgent.

The only thing I want to do is close my ears and let this moment pass but the last thing I remember clearly was when Mr Maheshwari asks his sister to get my prospective bride.

Her name stuck to my mind; Shalini.

Shagird already got her name from my mum last week and he talked about my mum gushed over her beauty.

I was intrigued

Was she really beautiful?

Could she really be more gorgeous than Rachna?

Will I find her attractive?

Those were questions I asked myself when I found the time to, the last thing I want is to be stuck with an unattractive woman for life.

Who would want that?

"See how beautiful she is." My mum's excitement pulls me out of my daze and I look up as she collects the tray from her aunt.

Her steps were slow and her beauty is breathaking

Mum was right

The very first time she smiled I couldn't get over the fact that I was melting inside.

Mum nudges me and her dancing eyebrows make me squirm in my seat.

"What do you think, huh?"

"You were right, she's beautiful."

She smirks in response but I have a problem, I can't fall in love again. My heart had already been shattered and was still in the process of  recovering, I won't risk it a second time.

******

Asha helps Ria in bringing the remaining snacks while the parents sends Shalini and Vedant away for some alone time. The couple's parents make all needed enquiries and finally the alliance is made.

The Rajputs say their good byes after spending over five hours at their host's home.

Once they get home, Ruchi tugs at Vedant's ear lobe.

"What is it mum?"

"Vedant did you like Shalini?" Ruchi asks Vedant who answers with no interest in the topic "Yes I did mum, after all your choice is always the best."

"Don't feel pressured Vedant, speak your mind." Rowan urges his son.

"Dad she's alright." he stops and continues "Shalini will make a good wife for me and a wonderful daughter in law for the two of you. We will make a happy home." Vedant exits the room.

Ruchi snaps once he's out "Why are you trying to influence his decisions?" She bites a nail.

"Ruchi, I should be asking you that." Rowan shoots back.

"I'm trying to help him recover after what that shameless girl did to him, why do you have a problem with that?"

"You are  not considering his feelings, you should take into consideration his opinions. He's only getting married because of you want him to and it's not right." Rowan argues vehemently but it falls on deaf ears.

"Isn't she a nice match for our son?"

"She is but our son doesn't love her. This is the twenty first century Ruchi."

"Damn the century then. You know what happened to our boy and I won't let him return to that state again. I am his mother." She beats her chest "And I know what is right for him." She huffs and walks out on Rowan.

Indira and Shagird come visiting and Ruchi makes a necessary announcement.

"We've made contact with the priest and the horoscopes have been matched. The engagement will take place next month and the best time for the wedding will be in the next five months."

"That's great Ruchi, congratulations." Indira replies her best friend.

"Thank you, I've waited for this for so long and now my prayers has been answered and it's all because of you."

"Why me?" She chuckles

"If it hadn't been for your friendship with Mrs Garodia, we wouldn't have found Shalini."

"Alright then, I'll take the credit. Will Vedant and Shalini still see each other again soon? The world has changed Ruchi, they can't stay without seeing each other and then just get married."

"I spoke to Shalini's parents and their house is big enough to accommodate all of us, we'll stay there until we can buy a house and you and Shagird have to come along. Mrs Garodia and her family will be there too. We will be leaving in the next three days."

"If you insist ... then we'll both come."

***

Shalini has a difficult time braiding her hair when Tanya walks in to help her. She takes the comb from her and sits behind her on the bed.

"You're quiet?"

"Is it wrong to be quiet?"

"No but on a any other day you would have talked about your day and all that."

Shalini stays silent and Tanya suppresses a groan.

"Tell me something Shalini?"

"Yes?"

"Did you like husband?"

"He's not my husband, yet mum but yes, his quite nice." Shalini hesitates and keeps quiet again.

"What did you two talk about?"

"Nothing much, he only asked of my name, likes and dislikes." She lies.

"I hope you are not lying to me."

"Why would I do such a thing?"

"If you don't like him, then we can always reject this proposal."

"Mum, I said that I like him very much and you know the last things you need is a failed proposal.

"Fine, I was just joking. They'll come over and stay with us till they get a house in town."

"When are they coming?" Shalini's shaky voice almost betrays her.

"In three days dear, your engagement is next month and the wedding in 5 months. I really hope things work out, you've been through a lot already."

"Yes mum but if it doesn't I always have you, dad and Asha."

"Don't say nonsense, have you forgotten that Asha will leave us too...You must leave Shalini, it's for the best." Tanya stands wishes Shalini a good night and leaves.

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