Chapter 4

Bright rays of sunshine crept into Aman’s bedroom, waking him from a deep sleep.  He drank himself to sleep last night with a bottle of his father’s most expensive whiskey.  He was too upset to think straight and the overpowering hangover didn’t help anyone. Aman groggily sat up.  He glanced around him.  His eyes fell once again on the file he reviewed last night.  Aman groaned.  He suddenly remembered why he drank so much last night. His marriage had been arranged.

“Sir,” a young servant, barely old enough to call a man, stood at Aman’s door.  In his hands, he held a tray with breakfast on it.  Most of the food was traditional Indian food.  Aman deplored Indian food for breakfast.  He reserved Indian food for dinner, only dinner and only on occasion.

“What else do you have?” asked Aman.

“I’m sorry, sir?” The servant didn’t understand what he meant.

“I don’t want that for breakfast. Bring me something else. I want eggs.” Demanded Aman sternly, raising his voice a little.

The servant took a step back.  “I’m sorry sir. Eggs it is,” he said before disappearing down the hall.

Aman slowly made his way to the shower.  He shuddered as the cold water poured over his body.  He started to think of ways to avoid this marriage.  Maybe he could convince the girl to refuse him.  If she refused him, there would be nothing his father would be able to do about it, and he would be home free.  How? How could he possibly convince her?  Maybe if she thought he was already in love, but Aman’s father would see right through that. Maybe he should tell her that he simply didn’t want to marry her. He just wasn’t ready to make such a big commitment.  It wasn’t a lie. He wasn’t ready to be a married man, but he wasn’t ready for totally different reasons.  Suddenly, it struck him.  Aman smirked as he continued to devise his devious little plans.

Aman slowly got dressed. He put on an expensive Armani suit with a white dress shirt underneath his blazer.  He topped off his look with a dark silk tie.  Aman carefully combed is thick, black hair into place.  He looked so much better than he felt.  His hangover was getting the best of him. He needed food now. Aman opened the door, and suddenly the servant appeared with a huge smile on his face.  He held out the tray to Aman. It had plates of eggs with toast and a piping hot cup of coffee.

“I was just coming down.” Said Aman stifling a chuckle.  The goofy smile on the servant’s face just made him want to laugh.

The servant’s smile began to fade.  “Sorry sir. I thought you would want to stay in after your long journey yesterday.” He apologized.  He turned around and made his way down the hall towards the grand staircase.  Aman followed suit.

“It’s okay,” Aman said, placing a hand on the servant’s shoulder.  “I’ll just have it downstairs.  I have too much to do today to have breakfast in bed.  It was a nice thought though.  Umm…by the way, I didn’t mean to snap at you this morning.  Last night was just one hell of a night.” Aman was genuinely sorry. He knew better than to order the servants around like a spoiled rich kid, even though he was one.

“No sir. It’s not your fault.” The servant replied.  By then, they reached downstairs.  Aman sat himself at the table while the servant transferred the plates from the tray to the table.

“Thanks,” Aman said, “What’s your name?”

“Arvind, sir.” Arvind replied hesitantly.

“Thank you, Arvind.” Aman said sincerely.

Arvind was beaming.  Aman realized that maybe Arvind had never heard his employers say thank you to him.  He felt bad for his father’s servants.  They were treated worse than servants should be treated.  He never treated his maids and chefs back in New York badly.  Aman was firm believer in karma.  He believed that treating people badly, like they were beneath you, would bring bad karma.  He wished his father would realize this.

“Aman,” Harshavardhan’s firm voice rigidly called for him.

Aman calmly at his eggs, ignoring his father.  He slowly sipped his coffee, ignoring two more of his father’s beckons.  After he ate, he thanked Arvind again before making his way to his father’s study.

“What were you doing?” he father demanded.

“Eating breakfast,” replied Aman, with a trace of arrogance in his voice.

“You have a few meetings you must attend before tonight’s party.  Make sure everything is taken care of, so there are no worried tonight. I want the deal finalized today itself. Is that clear?” his father said without looking at him.

Aman gritted his teeth. He did not appreciate being bossed around like a child.  He was capable of making his own business decisions.  He simply replied, “Yes,” before turning to leave.

“Tonight. Be ready. Dress nice.” His father added. Aman paused.

“What’s tonight?” Aman asked.

“A party celebrating the launch of Sanjeev’s new companies. You will meet your wife tonight.” His father replied.

“Fine,” was all Aman said before leaving his father’s study.

Tonight was the night. Aman would get this girl to refuse him. He was sure of it.

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“Didi! You’ll look so beautiful in this one! Wear this tonight!” said Payal excitedly holding up a blue and white sari with heavy embroidery.

Priya glanced at the sari and made a face.  She turned away.

“What about this one?” asked Payal, this time holding up a bright red sari with purple detailing.

“Payal, what are you doing? The party is tonight.” Said Priya

“You’re going to meet Jija-ji for the first time tonight and you aren’t the least bit concerned?!  You have to make a great first impression.” Cried Payal.  She continued to rummage through her sister’s closet.

“Payal, does it matter what kind of impression I make? We’re getting married no matter what type of impression I make.” Replied Priya matter-of-factly.

“What if…” Payal hesitated, “What if…he’s not good enough for you?”

“What do you mean?” asked Priya.

“What if he’s a jerk or stuck up or even worse, ugly?!” asked Payal, her eyes growing wide with panic.

“Calm down! Baba wouldn’t choose someone stuck up or arrogant for me.” Said Priya.  She placed her hand on Payal’s shoulder.  “Why are you so worried?”

“I don’t know. It’s something to think about though.  Didi, Baba wouldn’t choose an arrogant boy for you, but what about an ugly boy.  He isn’t really the best judge of looks, you know.” Said Payal, a smile creeping onto her lips.

“Payal!” exclaimed Priya incredulously.  How attractive her husband would be did not concern her, but she secretly hoped he would be handsome.  Every girl wanted a handsome husband.

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Later That Night…

The party was in full swing.  Many of the guests had arrived early, but the hosts expected it.  Everyone was dressed in their best attire, ready to party the evening away.  Servers rushed back and forth with trays of champagne.  The grand staircase that stood in the middle of the hall was decorated quite intricately for an even gathering.  Chandeliers hung from the ceilings.  Luxury seemed to ooze from the walls.  The atmosphere was jovial. All of the guests were eager for the guests of honor to arrive.

Aman sat coolly in his black limousine.  He fiddled with his tie.  He had changed into a fancier designer suit.  He attempted to tie his tie for the third time.  His fingers fumbled.  He grunted in anger.  Why was he so nervous?  He was just going to meet a girl so that he could convince her to reject him.  It’s not like he was actually meeting his future wife.

Priya has just arrived to the large banquet hall.  She eagerly stood next to her sister.  The two girls walked behind their parents.  The crowd erupted in cheers and applause once the family entered.  Priya beamed at the adulation the people felt towards her father.

“Ladies and gentlemen, our first guest of honor has arrived.  Let us welcome, Mr. Sanjeev Malhotra and his family!” exclaimed a voice that reverberated throughout the hall.

Another loud set of applause erupted from the crowd.  Priya watched as her father made his way through the crowd, shaking the hands of his many colleagues.  Priya and Payal followed silently, large smiles plastered on their faces.  They were extremely happy that their father was the guest of honor at this party.

Priya started adjusting her black sari.  It was a rather fancy sari with heavy embroidery throughout.  The material was a light chiffon.  Priya glowed under the light, partly because of the sequins from her sari and partly because of the smile that illuminated off her face.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” the voice began to announce, “our last guests of honor have arrived.  Please welcome Mr. Harshavardhan Verma and Mr. Aman Verma!” the crowd erupted in cheers once again.  Priya strained to see who had just arrived.

Her father made his way to the door.  Priya along with Payal followed at his heels, both eager to see who was there.  The crowd of people that surrounded the other guests of honor parted as the Malhotra family maneuvered through it.

“Sanjeev!” exclaimed the older man, enveloping Priya’s father in great big bear hug.  He was a slightly overweight man silver hair that was quite thick for his age.  He wore thick rimmed glasses and sported closely groomed facial hair.  He seemed elated to see Priya’s father.  Priya’s eyes floated to younger man who was standing next to her father’s friend.  He was quite handsome.  He had chiseled, masculine features and the most amazing jet black hair.   His well-built body was accentuated by a swanky black designer suit.   Priya looked away, unsure if it was appropriate to think a man so attractive when her marriage had already been fixed.

“Harshvardhan! It’s been forever!” Priya’s father exclaimed.  He turned to Priya.  “This is my good friend, Harshvardhan.” He  told her, turning back to his friend, “And this is my eldest daughter, Priya.”

Priya bent down to touch the man’s feet.

“Bless you, my child,” Harshvardhan gently placed his hand on her head.  She stood up a moment later.

“This is my son Aman Verma.” Harshvardhan patted the young, attractive man’s shoulder, urging him to come forward.

Priya’s eyes locked with his.  She quickly looked away.  Aman grinned at her.  He extended his hand, waiting for her to shake it. Priya hesitated.  Priya folded her hands and muttered a quick “Namaste.” Aman’s grin faltered.  He thought it was a bit rude that she wouldn’t shake his hand, but he obliged anyways.  He copied her movements and replied with a “Namaste” of his own.

Aman’s eyes traveled down Priya’s body, assessing her outfit.  Traditional. Too traditional.  He couldn’t believe his father had chosen such a traditional girl.  She was wearing a sari and wouldn’t even shake his hand.  Nothing could be worse.

Priya coyly glanced at Aman.  He was extremely handsome, but seemed a little too modern for her.  At least Payal would have nothing to worry about.  Aman was indeed attractive.  She saw Payal shoot her a thumbs up from behind Aman, signaling her approval.  Priya’s eyes grew wide.  Payal continued to make funny facial expressions that showed that she was extremely happy with Aman being her future brother-in-law.  Priya let out a quiet giggle.  Aman’s eyes immediately shot in her direction.  Priya felt her heart skip a beat.

Sorry for such a late update! My internet crashed for 3 whole days! I nearly died. Life without internet was torture!  So next chapter Aman and Priya will actually speak to each other. Aman will tell her his plan. Heheee :P

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