That night, back in his room, Avinash scrolled through old family photos — one with Nalina in the background, looking somewhere else, smiling. He heard his maa saying that Nalina's family have returned every gift they received till now from Avinash's family, severing every ties.
He closed his phone and lay in the dark, eyes open, wondering when he'd started thinking of her.
______
Riya sat on the swing in the balcony, gently rocking back and forth, clutching a silver anklet between her fingers. It was the one she planned to wear when they would make the engagement official. She could already hear the whispers of congratulations, already picturing herself beside Avinash in matching silk.
Riya's thoughts:
Finally I will receive what I have desired , what I deserve with a smug smile on she thinks of Nalina's state that day, it bring her joy to see her in misfortune, how can she have a better fiance then her. Compared to Nalina she is better in every prospect, even her family is way more richer than Nalina's.
—-
Downstairs, Kamla Devi was practically glowing.
"Meena-ji," she said as she handed her sister-in-law another spoon of halwa, "You should announce the engagement during next week's pooja. Let's make it a double blessing."
"After engagement we can decide a date for their marriage, I have already prepared half of her dowry, just miner things like clothes, decoration and furniture are left."
Rekha Devi's expression didn't falter, but her eyes shows a happy grin.
Rekha Devi's thoughts:
Thank God, Avinash fall for Riya, she much better compared to Nalina, ever Riya's family status is similar to ours, it's a perfect match for my son. I have never liked that blunt girl, the way she talks, the way she behave, how after showing my dislike for jeans and tops, she'll still wear them from time to time, even if she wears salwar suits to impress me I still disliked her choice of clothes.
---
That evening, while the Avinash's household buzzed in anticipation, Ashutosh requested a private conversation with his mother.
They sat in the study — quiet, shaded, lined with old family photographs. One of Rekha's bangles clinked as she poured him chai.
"Ma," Ashutosh said, "Did they talk with Nalina? "
Rekha's eyes sparkled. "So eager?"she smiles " I talked with Sumitra this morning, she said Nalina is still in a little shock , but after trying to convince her when she give up her hopes Raghunath ji convinced her in just one talk."
"Really?, So she agreed?" Ashutosh asked with expression less face but anticipation in his eyes.
"Ahh, practically not , but she agreed to meet you once then she'll answer."
A little disappointment came in his heart but sweet flutter of hope covered it quickly.
Rekha continued, " so we decided to arrange your meeting on this evening."she smiled before standing up , before leaving the study she added, " Talk to her gently she's very delicate by heart, don't your harsh tone on her."
Ashutosh practically covered his face in embracement, " Maa, I only talk like that while working and I'm not kid anymore you don't have to teach me."
"I know beta."
______
Rekha Devi's thoughts:
He looks cold on outside but has very pure heart, I hope he finds a good life partner in form of Nalina. Though people called her rud, she's just straightforward, with pure heart, no lies, no fake acting as perfect girl. She's perfect the way she is.
_____
In the evening both families joined together at Raghunath's house, though not like morden houses this haveli was well maintained, giving class wibes. Ram and Jaya also came eagerly waiting for Nalina's decision, Everybody's talking happily down stairs.
Ashutosh made his way upstairs, stopped at the room where door was opened, two chairs and a table full of beverages was arranged.
He stepped in assuming it to her room , observing the decorations, searching for her and there she is sitting on the floor by bed,lost in her own thoughts, silver bangles in one hand only, a short white kurta with blue jeans,
A small bindi on her forehead drawing attention to her fair pale skin and beautiful bold eyebrows.
He cleared his throat catching her attention, she looked up him saying nothing, seeing her in no mood for talking he took the initiative to sit on a chair opposite her. By now she have looked down again. Understanding her mental state he gently started conversation.
"Why think so much ?,when you can say it out."
She replied in barely audible voice, " people say I talk rudely." still looking down.
" I don't care about what people say and they may have the same kind of opinion for me too."
Ashutosh replied, his eyes not leaving her face for once.
"Did you loved him?"
Her hand twisted slightly griping her own hand, " He was the first man who come in my life, how was that possible that I won't love him?"
" Did he loved you?" Ashutosh's question bring silence in the room, for a moment he regretted asking that.
But then something unexpected happened. She looked up him and then she asked in return.
" Did you agree to this only because of your grandparents and parents wish? Just to make them happy?"
As harsh as her question was others might have stopped thinking of a appropriate answer but he didn't.
" No and No but yes I do agreed to this because I trust their decisions and no because if they have suggested someone else I would not have agreed."his eyes not leaving her face for a second observing her every expression , from her no expression to her confused cute expression now.
"Why?"her eyes meeting his probing for the answer.
" Because I like you."his direct answer made her look down in scare.
" If I say yes then what will be your expectations for me ?" her fingers gently touching her bangles.
" Be the way you naturally are, don't change yourself."
Her fingers griped a bangle slightly.she asked, " Don't you want to ask me any questions ?"
Still looking down at the bangle.
" If you say yes then what will be your expectations from me?"
" Be the way you naturally are and accept me the way I am." Her grip tightens more her lips slightly disturbed as if hesitating to speak next.
"Say it." Ashutosh sighed blaming Avinash for destroying her confidence.
"And a promise that you won't ever fall for anybody else." as her sentence completed a smile came to Ashutosh's face.
He stood up , lightly made his way to her , stopped exactly in front of her only to gently grip her chin with hand ,
As his hand neared she tried to stop him but he grabbed her chin and made a look at him when their eyes met ,her heart started racing but her mind didn't pay it any attention because his answer froze her ,
" I Promise I won't ever fall for anybody else." With that he smiled at her before leaving the room.