Arnav was already late for the function. Today was the day when his younger cousin brother Akash was getting engaged with his longtime sweetheart. Though Akash was just 1 year younger than Arnav, the family had put enough pressure on him to start thinking about settling down himself.
'God, I wish I could find a perfect bride that easily' he thought as he parked the car and was about to enter the house.
Just then someone bumped into him
A colorful tornado, a bullet train or playful kid, he couldn't decide but whatever it was, was surely going to knock him off.
"What the-"
"I am so sorry" he heard a female voice as he steadied the 'tornado'. It was the same 'tornado' speaking. In fact the said tornado was a girl, dressed in a designer lehenga-choli, clothes that would fit for a bride
Did God already fulfil his wish? So soon?
"are you ok Miss? Aap ko kahi lagi toh nahi?" he heard himself asking her. That's when she looked up and he was surprised to see her face.
"No, not really. Actually humein der ho rahi hain. But thanks for catching me" she said looking in his eyes and he found himself drowning in them.
"Its ok. But where are you headed in such a hurry? Isn't the function going on inside?"
'Yes, that's precisely why I am going out' she murmured.
"erm, actually I got in a wrong venue. So I need to leave. I will just go and look for a cab. Thanks" saying so she almost sidestepped him
Arnav looked at his watch. It was almost 8 pm. Was it safe for her to travel alone so late? Shouldn't he help her?
But then wasn't he supposed to be inside for the function?
One look at her and the decision was made
"Hey, let me drop you to your destination" he stopped her.
She looked unsure for a minute but looking around there was no guarantee she would get a cab, she agreed
Once they were seated in his car, she told him to take her to the nearest bus stand and he started heading that way
"Thank you again. By the way, my name is Khushi. Aur aap?" she introduced herself and asked him
"Ar-" he was about to answer when her phone rang
"Hello....yes I am ok and I am not coming back yet...Nahi jiji, please try to understand. I can't do that. I don't want to get married. Not yet. So what if he is jiju's brother? Aise thodi hota hai ki buy one get one free? I am not interested in marrying Arnav Singh Raizada, that's why I didnt even see his photo. Tell him sorry on my behalf" saying so she cut the call
Arnav looked amused for a minute.
Of course he had recognized her. After all he was supposed to get engaged to her today!
But they had never met in person, as he was out of country since 3 months. Their families had insisted on this alliance as Payal-akash were also getting engaged. And he was about to refuse but one look at her photo, he found himself saying yes. Of course, he had decided to meet her before the ceremony and talk to her if she was really sure
But then, his bride himself bumped onto him!
He was surprised how she didn't recognize him but that was secondary question. Primary was why she was running away?
So he didn't tell her about himself earlier
And now after hearing her talk with her sister, he understood why.
He decided to not reveal his identity for some more time
"I am sorry, that was my sister. And by now you must have understood I am running away from my engagement. But aap hi bataiye aise hota hai kya? He's my jiju's elder brother but doesn't mean I will get married to him right? And I am just 21, jiji is 23! She got to enjoy her college life before getting married. Why am I not being allowed the same? I also want to complete my master's degree before marrying. But my parents don't understand this. I will stay out for 2 days and then return. Tab tak sab maan jayenge. Manna hi padega. Anyways, sorry I am telling you my sad story. What's your name by the way?"
Arnav was hearing her talk and was getting more and more impressed. Sure, she took childish decision, but the reasons were right. In fact he himself was unsure of getting married at 26. And if this was how he could get to know his bride, he would let it be.
Of course, she would be his bride. He had decided. Maybe not now, 2 years later but 'Dulhan toh Khushi meri hi banegi' he thought! There was one question though. Was there someone else in picture? Though it didn't sound like it but he wanted to be sure
"erm, just call me 'dost'? as in friend? What's there in name?"
He said carefully unsure if she will agree but she bought it.
"sounds like a good idea dost!" she said with a dazzling smile
"So Khushi, you said you are running away because you don't want to get engaged to him. But what about love? Don't you think it could happen between you two?"
"Oh no. no chance. I already love someone" she said with a dreamy look
And he found himself getting heartbroken
--*--
A/N - this is the first short story of this collection. it will have 3-4 parts. but depending on response I will decide the frequency of updates and number of further stories.
