Today's chapter is dedicated to the_secret_giggle . Thank you for that DM you send me ages ago.
"I am exhausted Mahi "
"But it's only been 2 hours. "
"Exactly" her sister in law replied rolling eyes to her nonchalant retort.
Arya and Mahika were out shopping dresses for the Gala.
Arya didn't want to take an extra day off from work just to shop. If anyone asked Mahi she would do that for the rest of her life if she could.
They both purchased their outfits for the evening and Mahi decided to buy some more casual dresses for her dance classes and Arya was waiting for her to finish.
"Done?"
"Almost" Mahika replied going through her selections.
"What do you think? Red or yellow?
"Yellow "
"I knew it. But I have a pair of heels that will go amazingly with this red one." She bit her lips in confusion.
"You know what I'm gonna buy both. "
Once they finished billing everything Arya wanted to go home but Mahi was not ready for that.
"A wise person once said Shopping comes to an end only when you eat some food."
"Let me guess that wise person is you?" Arya asked.
"Exactly!" Mahi replied proudly.
And now they were at a local pani Puri stall gulping down pani puris. This was the ideal day for Mahi.
"OMG these are so good. " Arya said wide eyed.
"Told you"
"I have never had street food before "
"Wait what?"
How can a person never have street food. That too an Indian?
"Yeah. It just never happened. My parents cared a lot about their public image. "
Mahi gave her a comforting smile.
She was lucky to have parents who loved her to the moon and back. They did scold her , get mad at her but their love was always twice their anger. Arya reminded her that not everyone is lucky enough for a family like that.
"Do you want one more?"
*
Mahika and Arya were getting ready together.
Chachi had arranged special stylists for both if them and currently they were getting their hair and make up done.
"Mahi I wanted to ask you something"
"Go on ask. "
"How do you still remain so cheerful after you know everything?"
She looked at Arya puzzled but she thought about it , about her life.
"If you try to find happiness you will always be in search of it. I just enjoy the happiness and claim it. " She replied satisfied with her abswe
"Wow i didn't expect THAT from you"
"I know right. I'm just amazing. " She replied giving her hair a flip.
Her action was followed by a glare by the lady doing her hair.
*
Mahika was feeling beautiful. Looking beautiful is one thing but feeling it is heaven.
The pastel blue dress she had selected to wear , blended in with her fair skin.  Her petite short form screamed feminine beauty in the dress and she felt like a princess.
Her hair was left open with a blue rhinestone headband as the only accessories. It didn't need any. Her beach waves spoke for itself.
She took one last look at the mirror admiring herself then went down the stairways.
There she saw Dhruv waiting for her at the front door.
He gazed at her from head to toe.
" Hi " she said meekly.
"You look pretty" he remarked.
"You don't look so bad yourself. " He never did. His pink suit made him look like Eros himself. He pulled off the pink better than she ever had.
"So shall we shortie" he asked giving her his arm to hold.
"If you call me that again I will stomp you with my heels"
He raised his hands in surrender and both of them entered the car laughing.
Mahi had a hate love relationship with these parties and galas. She loved the food and the fashion but she loathed the people.
Most of them were just snobbish rich ones but still there were some exceptions
She was hiding herself from the crowd , drinking a glass of mocktail.
"Something is different between you both. " Rehan stated. He was standing behind her.
"Well hello to you too"
"What changed?"
She looked at him offended. Either he didn't catch on to her sarcasm or he ignored her.
"We filed for divorce " she replied remorselessly.
"Oh that's.... Good. Yeah you both need some closure for all this."
"Why do you sound so unconvincing ?"
"Nothing. I am happy for you both. "
"You should never be an actor. I could feel how forced that answer was. "
"Ok fine. Mahi I'm not saying that your decision is wrong but what you did that day slightly was. Bhai did something anyone with humanity would. I agree he was a jerk to you but that one time he was genuine. I wish you had heard him out. He really did want to change. I wanted to tell you this earlier but didn't know how to. "
" What happened has happened. Both of us can't change it now. All we can do is move on and try to do better. "
*
"Do you want to dance? "
People were waltzing to the music and the other Singhania couples were also there.
"Wait you are asking me ?" She teased.
"Obviously"
"Is this a prank Mr Singhania?" She asked again being over dramatic.
"Really? Do you want to dance or not?" He rolled his eyes which made her crack a smile.
"All yours. "
This had his eyes crinkling and his lips pull apart , his dimples on complete show.
They entered the dance floor together holding hands and mahi was reminded of a night like this she had danced with him. She remembered how foreign he had felt that night but now she was here in his arms because he wanted her to be.
She didn't want to go deep into it and figure out if she was here now as his bestfriend or his going to be ex wife. She just wanted to live in the moment because she knew that even if it was any one of these options or both there still was love in both if them.
"Are you thinking about Rehan's reception?" Mahi inquired looking at him.
"Yeah. How did you know?"
"Just a hunch" she shrugged.
"You looked beautiful that day " he replied genuinely.
"And you are complimenting it now?"
Mahi gave him a playful glare.
He gave her a sheepish smile.
"What can I say I was an idiot and I was mad at you"
"I guess I was too in a way. " She said getting lost in her thoughts again.
"Dhruv can I ask you something?"
"Anything my lady " he grinned.
"Avantika loved you but so did I. Have you ever compared us both?"
His expression changed to one that of coldness.
"No. "
I looked at him expectantly a bit of mistrust in my eyes.
"Both of you are and always will be a huge part of my existence. I can never compare you both. If Avantika was my Sunshine then you are my moonlight. You are that part of me that I always knew I could trust to have my back. You have been by my side from my childhood and you were always important for me Mahi. You were the constant of my life. "
" Ohh "
The song they were dancing to was coming to an end.
"Have you ever loved me Dhruv?"
" Always. I couldn't stop it even when I tried. Even when I wanted to hate you. "
Deep down somewhere she knew that would be his answer.
"Have you ever accepted me as your wife , your ardhangini?" She asked again changing her question.
"I don't know how to. " He replied truthfully.
"How simple of an answer that is but behind it hides a hundred different complications. Right Dhruv?"
"Mahi..."
"No I understand. This time truly. "
"Whatever happens you are and always will be my best friend "
I smiled at him.
And my mistake was wanting to be more than that. My mistake was wanting to be your better half.
Arya gazed at the mirror.
This was not the Arya she knew.
The person looking back at her was gorgeous. Her hazel skin was shining and her boring brown eyes didn't look that boring anymore.
Her hair was intricately braided half way with pearls and rhinestones and the rest was left open.
The jade green dress she was wearing showed off her curves. It was elegant yet a bit suggestive at the same time.
Her thoughts were broken by Rehan's reflection in the mirror.
"Well you look ugly " she taunted him.
"And you look disgusting as ever. " He replied, staring at her as if she was the most precious thing in the world.
It terrified her.
Her statement contradicted what she saw. Rehan was looking hot and handsome and maybe sexy in that black blazer and red dress shirt. He had his tie around his neck , untied. His hair was combed and gelled neatly.
"Wait something is missing. " He went towards her dressing table and took the sindoor Dani (vermillion box) in his hands.
He took a pinch of sindoor and smeared it at the point where her hair parted.
In the process a bit of vermillion fell on her nose.
He brushed them away with his fingers. Then gazed at her again and whispered.
"Perfect" he winked.
His gaze was so pure that Arya was a blushing mess. He cupped her face and made her look at him.
"You look so mesmerizing that I want to hide you away the from the world's envious wife."
"Wait. " Arya interrupted then proceeded to tie his necktie.
"Perfect" she replied, her eyes shining.
Rehan smiled at her innocent gesture.
They sealed their lips together. Both of them were not in any rush.
"I think I am getting addicted. " Rehan whispered in between the kiss.
"To what?" She asked confused.
"To you. "
*
"Bhabhi you look gorgeous. "
They said hugging each other.
"And You look beautiful as ever. "
"Where is Mahi ? " Arya inquired.
"She went to use the restroom. "
"So who did you come with ?"
"Karthik. "
" Did you really forget your favourite brother for this monkey. "
"Oyy don't call my sister donkey. "
"I didn't expect this from you bhabhi. " Rehan said offended.
"Get over it. Drama queen. " Arya retorted sassily.
He replied by making a funny face at her.
"Rehan we are at an event. Behave. " Bhabhi said strictly.
"Sorry Bhabhi. "
"How did you do that?" Arya asked amazed.
"Do what? " bhabhi inquired confused.
"Get him to do what you said AND apologize?"
"Bhabhi is there any exchange offer for biwis. " Rehan whined.
"You wish. " Arya replied.
*
Rehan and Arya were sitting at a table overlooking the people dancing. Arya was not comfortable enough to dance in such a public place and Rehan was happy enough to share one with his Bhabhi.
Now they were just enjoying each other's presence in silence with the chaos around them.
"Hey Ari. You look gorgeous. "
"Hey Arnav what are you doing here?"
Arnav Singh was Arya's colleague and only friend in that hospital.
"The MD couldn't come. He cancelled last minute and asked me to go in his place. " he explained.
"It feels nice to see you here. I literally know no one here. " Arya said starting a conversation.
"Wait really? I could introduce you to them. " He offered.
"You know these people?" Rehan interrupted.
"Well I love to keep up with the business world. "
" It must be hard right. Can't say that I relate. For us , the business world has to keep up with us. "
Arnav gave an awkward laugh in reply.
Arrogant idiot. She thought to herself but with a smile.
"Ruhan right?" Arnav asked forwarding his hand.
"Rehan Singhania. " Rehan replied ignoring his open hand completely.
"Come on Arya let's catch up. We couldn't even greet each other correctly. I hope you don't mind. "
"Actually I do. We don't like bringing our professional life into our personal life. In any way. Right sweetheart?" Rehan said placing a hand on mine protectively.
"Rehan stop messing around." Arya said with a glare.
"So can I have a dance?" Arnav asked again.
Arya looked at Rehan's face to see his eyes burning with anger.
"Maybe some other time Arnav. "
"Well atleast grab a drink with me. "
"Sure. " She couldn't see anything wrong with that.
"Arya what happened to you? " Arnav asked once we were a good distance away from Rehan.
"What do you mean ? "
"Look at you. This is not the Arya I know. The Arya I knew wouldn't be standing at her husband's shade. "
"You are mistaken Arnav. " She says trying to correct him
"I don't think so Ari. I think you are the one mistaken. Don't you think he is a bit too controlling. I saw the way you rejected me when you saw his face. "
"It's nothing like that Arnav. He would have been hurt if I accepted it. " She explained.
"Why do you care if he is hurt? You were forced into this right? Or have you started developing feelings for him. " He scoffed.
"Arnav stay in your limits. " She warned.
"See. He was talking to me so rudely and was basically bullying me. If it was the old Arya she wouldn't have stood there and watched. He is clearly manipulating you. "
*
"Why are you so angry all of a sudden?"
"Sudden? You don't remember doing anything wrong?" She asked her anger and voice rising with every word.
"Actually. No. " He replied with equal fervour.
"Why did you have to be so rude to him? He is my colleague for fucks sake. "
"And I am your HUSBAND. "
"So? If I remember correctly both of us were forced into this Husband - wife drama"
"Is that what this is for you ? A drama?"
"Look at me in the eyes and tell me that Arya. That this is just a drama and you have never cared for me. If you do I am ready to end this 'Drama' here and now. "
"Rehan..."
"You can't Ms. Mehta . You can't. "
She bowed her head unable to look at him in the eyes.
"Sweetheart I feel it is pretty obvious but I AM IN LOVE WITH YOU.
Everytime I gaze into those brown orbs , I resist my urge to drown in its warmth. Everytime I see those luscious lips I resist the urge to kiss you senseless and everytime I see you being your bold unapologetic self , I resist the urge to scream to the world about how proud I am of my wife.
I don't want to resist those urges anymore Arya. I want to drown in those eyes even if they contain anger in them. I want to kiss you senseless even if we are the midst of a crowd. I want to introduce you to people proudly as my wife Dr. Arya Singhania. "
"You somehow gave a more defined meaning to my life and I will strive to never lose that ever again. ' I love you ' is too small a sentence to describe what I feel for you.
"I am not forcing you to say it back. I am okay even if you don't feel the same. I just couldn't hold it in me any longer. "
Arya was speechless. All she could do was nod her head and wipe the tears that had formed in her eyes before Rehan could see them.
Without another word she turned to her side of the bed and pretended to fall asleep.
She could feel him getting into the bed beside her after sometime and she could feel the kiss he placed on her forehead.
When she was sure he was asleep, she turned around and hugged him , using the hands he had crossed over his head as pillows.
Arya took her time to admire his face then gave him a peck on the lips.
"How did you trap me so hard Mr Singhania? You made this broken heart mend itself for you"
Dhwani and Veer had decided to take different people to the Gala.
Dhwani didn't have anyone else to ask. If this was before a few months, she would have went with Rehan. That's when she remembered Karthik.
She still didn't know who Veer was taking.
She got ready in her navy blue gown. It had a body hugging bodice with Bell sleeves and a smooth skirt with a train.
Karthik was waiting for her in a maroon tuxedo and they arrived at the event just in time. The paparazzi threw questions at them like stones and the flashing and clicks of their camera once foreign to her felt strangely bearable.
She gave them her practiced smiles and entered the event.
There she was welcomed by strangers and acquaintances alike. Yet she could feel the whispers and gossips going around the room.
Dhwani seated herself at one of the tables and was soon joined by Mahika, Arya , Rehan, Dhruv and Karthik.
Veer reached the event after a half an hour with a woman she couldn't recognise.
He was wearing a navy blue three piece suit and the lady was wearing a black pant suit.
He came towards them after greeting all the other invitees.
"Dhwani this is Sita Malhotra. She is an old friend. " He introduced once they reached them.
"Nice to meet you. Dhwani Taneja "
"Veer has said a lot about you. " She said with a genuine enough smile.
Veer introduced her to everyone.
"....And this is Kartik Iyer. He's our lawyer. "
"It's an honour. I have read your book on psychology. " Karthik said with admiration.
"Oh thank you. " The lady, Sita said flustered.
"We would have offered you to share the table with us but as you can see it's already filled. " Dhwani said.
"It's okay Veer. We can sit there" Sita said gesturing to table opposite them.
"I don't like her. " Dhwani stated once they were out of hearing distance.
"Someone's jealous. Right Karthik " Rehan teased.
"Bro if you want to dig your own grave do it yourself. Please don't pull me into it. "
Mahi, Arya and Dhruv were trying hard to hide their chuckles.
Dhwani glared at them all.
*
"You okay bhabhi?" Rehan asked.
"Yep. All good. "
"They look good together don't they?" He said looking at Veer and Sita laughing about something, standing in a corner.
She glared at him.
"I was just kidding " he laughed.
"So how does it feel to be in love Mr Rehan " she teased.
"Bhabhi"
She laughed at his flustered look.
"We miss you. I know this is your decision alone but still we will miss you. "
"Can I steal her from you"Â Veer asked making their conversation come to an end.
"Of course " Rehan said handing her over to Veer with a teasing smile.
"Even the stars would feel envious of the way you shine tonight love. "
"I won't fall for that sweet tongue again. "
"Atleast it's sweet. " He said replying to her snarky remark.
"Who is she?" Dhwani asked. She didn't need to describe the 'she'.
"She is an old friend. We met at Rehan's wedding and rekindled the friendship. " Veer explained.
"Ohh... Good. "
"Wait are you jealous love?" He smirked.
"Pfff. You wish. "
"Then why do you care so much ?"
"I don't okay? "
"If you say so. " He replied with a grin.
An announcement made them stop talking as they listened.
"I request all the guests to turn to the dias as I invite Mr Raghav Singhania to this event".
"Good evening ladies and gentlemen. Sorry for being late to my own event. Every year on the same day I arrange this gala and every year I say the same story of how my father created this company and how I, with the help of colleagues and friends ofcourse, made it reach these heights. Last but not least about my wife who wanted me to give back to this world twice as much as took from it.
But today I have something more special to say and to announce.
My eldest son Veer Singhania is going to be the next ruler of this Singhania Empire along with his wife Dhwani Singhania. "
Dhwani and Veer exchanged alarmed glances. This was not how things were supposed to go.
The situation just became another level of messed up.
Both of them stood up to receive the congratulations and applause.
At the end of the event they posed for the media with smiles faker than the aunties at an Indian wedding.
â
Coming up:
"That is my husband bitch "
"You are free Dhruv"
"I am not jealous and I am not changing my descision. "
To compensate for the late update here's a really long one and another update will be due in 2 days. Minimum
Word count: 3500
The lengthiest one yet.
Arnav was the guy Rehan warned Arya about at their reception.
And Sita was the lady from first chapter. She has a son named Krishna.
Anyways here ya go.
Lots of love
Aswa_maya
"Kindness always comes back"