Filhaal

3. Tormented Soul

Author's pov

Bela sat on the chair like a lifeless doll her mother and sister-in-law made her ready for her so called engagement. Her face was emotionless but her eyes held so much pain in them. All the people around her were happily smiling and laughing but her eyes nor face held no happiness in them.

Ichha looked at Bela with pity. She had known Bela since her marriage with Babbal. Her marriage was an arranged one more like a business deal. Being the only daughter of a rich business man has its own cons and pros. She had only met Babbal twice before their marriage and it awkward for her to be around him after marriage. Moreover he was still not over the heart break which was caused by his ex-girlfriend. 

It was Bela who had helped her adjust and had made her feel home. She was the one who talked to Babbal and made him understand. Bela made him take her on dates and eventually both of them fell in love with each other. Just recently they had celebrated their son's first birthday. Bela was the one who saved her marriage life. Bela was like the small sister she never had and it hurted her to see Bela like this. She didn't know why God was being cruel to Bela and Mahir. 

The sound of the door being opened brought Ichha out of her thoughts. All the three pairs of eyes looked towards the door and found an awkwardly smiling Bani standing there.

"Hi Aunty, hi Ichha di, hi Bela." She said waving her hands at them.

"Hey Bani." Ichha and Janvi said back while Bela just smiled at her.

"Aunty why don't you go down and rest for sometime while I and Ichha di get Bela ready for the engagement." Bani suggested making Janvi look at her.

"Ok. Listen Her makeup and only her hair is remaining. You tie it. I don't know why this girl is growing this long hair?" Janvi mumbled the last sentence under her breath but it was audible for the three girls.

"Ji auntiji I will fix her hair."

"And Bela why is your face so dull? Smile a little. For God's sake its your engagement." Janvi frowned.

Bela looked at her mother's face and forced a smile on her face.

"Bela I want to see this smile on your face till the end of your engagement party. Do you understand?"

Bela nodded her head looking down.

"I want your answer in words Bela. Do you understand me?" Janvi repeated her question one more time.

"Yes mom." Bela forced the answer through her lips.

"Good. Ichha I want you and Bani to bring Bela to the stage when the groom and his family arrives." Janvi instructed.

"Yes Sasumaa."

"Yes Auntyji."

Both Bani and Ichha replied making Janvi nod.

"I am going downstairs. If you want anything just call me." Janvi said before walking out of the room.

As soon as the door got closed the three girls let out their breaths which they didn't realize they were holding until now.

"Bela no offence but I really hate your mom. She is so irritating and kind of is a bitch." Bani said as she started fixing her hair.

"None taken." Bela said with a sigh.

"Are are alright Bela?" Bani asked making Bela look at her.

"Offcourse Bani I am perfectly alright. What will be wrong with me?" Bela said with a forced smile.

"You are not alright Bela. Look Bela you don't need to lie to me. I am like your sister na. You can tell me anything." Bani said emotionally.

"You are right Bani. I am not OK." Bela burst out crying.