Durga's POV- The wedding gate-crasher

My wedding will be in a few hours and it will be my last day in this house. Everyone was looking excited. I could feel the rush has been reached to the peak in the Shastri house. I have been taking an active part in helping the workers to decorate my house with flowers. My sisters were busy doing other small things. I made sure to pay attention at everywhere not letting my parents take the stress. My eyes caught them looking at me with the proud smiles on their faces.

As I was walking towards them I heard some words my Baba was saying, “Relax Lakshmi all is going as per we planned’’

“What planning you are talking about Baba” I asked sitting in between them. They became suddenly quiet which made me look at them in confusion. My mother out of nowhere started laughing on me. She caressed my head and squeezed my cheeks.

“Look at you, became a wedding planner in your own wedding? Give us some chance to do ?’’

“No way you both just sit here and enjoy this juice” I handed a glass of juice to her.

''You still haven’t started to get ready. Look at the time. It's flying in a speed. Stupid girl it’s your wedding and look at you what you are doing, plating flowers everywhere’’ My mother was scolding me and my Baba was smiling throughout. I could feel how much happy he was.

“It’s okay Lakshmi it’s her wedding let her do whatever she wants,” he calmly stated looking at me. It made me smile.

“Yes like father like daughter. Oh my god, what am I doing here? I have to prepare my daughter for the wedding. Guests will start coming now, Anand will you go and attend them?” Baba looked at her in a surprise.“You are not ordering? I am shocked!”

“ANAND?” My mother threw a glare at him

Me and Baba laughed together.

“Don’t worry I will manage. ” He was smiling at her. Meanwhile, his phone rang and suddenly his smile vanished.

“Baba? All okay? Who is calling you?” I asked him when I noticed a slight change in him.

My mother gasped peeping in his phone. “It's from the groom’s side. They will be arriving here in any time. DURGA what are you still doing here? Riya Simran please take her with you and help her to get ready fast”

And next, I was being pushed by my sisters towards the room. I glanced at my baba once and felt something was not good. He looked tensed but then I shook it off. Perhaps it's because of my wedding chaos. Smilingly I walked inside the room. Riya opened the box of my bridal lehenga and gasped like any actress in the drama. While Simran was checking up all the jewellery, I picked my maroon coloured lehenga. I didn’t feel anything until I was wearing it. It was a little heavy and I can feel all the butterflies in my stomach. I stared at myself inhaling deeply. This was making me feel new, fresh and more importantly a soon to be bride.

“Wow Durga you look so beautiful” Riya looked at me in an aww.

Simran picked her phone and started clicking my photos. “Yes my sister is the bride of the year’’ I smiled giving some poses.

“Hey, can I send this to my brother-in-law Nikhil?”

The moment Simran asked me and Riya said in a union,

“NOOO”

“I want him to see me during the wedding” I was surprised on myself as I was feeling all shy.

Riya took the phone from Simran’s hands. “Nikhil is lucky that he is getting a beautiful woman like you”

I found some kind of bitterness in her voice.

“Riya forget everything and feel the present moment,” I told her with a lot of patience in my mind and hoping she would not stretch the topic. For me, she didn’t say anything ahead. The lightings outside the house were turned on.

I was looking at how my house was shining beautifully in the lightings. As per my wish, the decoration was simple and subtle. There wasn’t anything extra in the wedding. Riya was giving me all the updates of which guests started showing up in the house and Baba was welcoming all of them inside their house with a smile. I was getting ready to be a bride tonight. The feeling of excitement and nervousness at once was eating me up. I told her sister Riya to check if Nikhil has called me, and she said there wasn’t any notification from him. I sighed thinking he might be busy in wedding preparations too. I was palpating to talk to Nikhil and tell him how I was feeling.

Since Nikhil has proposed me to marry him, I can’t stop thinking about him and our marriage. It was happening now, and I was feeling more than happy to marry him. For me, he is a perfect gentleman to marry.

Riya was helping me to wear those beautifully designed pieces of jewellery. It was simple, light in weight and I loved it. I can't describe my happiness in the words while getting ready.

Simran and Riya helped me to fit the red veil on my head. Everything was done. As I stood up and take a look at myself in the mirror a gasp left out from my mouth looking at myself. I was looking beautiful just like a princess I imagined in my childhood. My eyes started glistening when Riya hugged me saying, “You are looking absolutely striking Durga”

"Yes didi don't cry it will ruin your makeup" Simran looked like as if she will cry next moment. I smiled pinching her nose.

“I am happy so much happy” that I am scared of it. I took a deep breath. It's my day finally. As much as I was feeling excited to marry Nikhil, it was making me feel nervous thinking that after wedding moments, my new life is going to start with him. I looked at herself in the mirror, thinking about my future and my cheeks warmed up.

Riya took the chance of teasing me when Simran left the room. "My goodness look who is blushing, Nikhil will keep staring at you tonight"

“Riya I know you don't like him much but call him with a respect at least, he is going to be your brother-in-law” This girl is too blunt for this society.

"I know," She said intertwining her fingers with mine. Whenever she does this, I feel her strong support with me.

This feeling of being extremely nervous will be the death of me now. I couldn't stop looking at myself in the mirror. I have never felt so much prettier in my life. I haven't talked with Nikhil since the wedding has been fixed except for one meeting. But I doesn't have any complaints from him because of his selfless attitude. He never demanded money in this marriage and that's what made me like him as a person.

A sudden knock grabbed my attention.

"Didi" Simran walked in looking tensed. Riya asked her, "Hey what happened, why are you looking so tensed? Don't tell me Nikhil ran off."

I gave her a disbelieving look. Simran walked near me fiddling with her fingers and stood near me. She looked bothered by something. Perhaps she couldn't put it in words.

"Baba has called you to come down," Her words sounded so much worried. But I was shaking off all possible negative thoughts thudding on my mind.

I could feel her own heartbeats pounding loudly. I took a deep breath again and let it out. The time has finally come. I am going to wed in a few minutes and felt like her heart was exploding. I picked my lehenga little up and walked out of her room with my sisters. After coming out I looked down and saw people gathered in the hall. My eyes caught Nikhil who was standing with my Baba and talking with a man whose back was at me.

When I was stepping down from the staircase, everybody in the hall turned their heads to look at me. I caught a glimpse of my parents in their most disturbed state. I was slowly getting down holding my bridal lehenga carefully, then I saw a man in the black suit turned and looked at me. When our eyes locked, his mouth parted open a little. His eyes widened sparkling and I felt a familiar feeling that I have met him before too. As if he realized I caught him, he shut his mouth but his gaze was unmoved. He adjusted his blazer oozing out his confidence. I glanced at my sisters. Simran was still looking worried and Riya's confusion matched mine. Although the man in a black suit was looking rich and taller and familiar too! I couldn't guess from whose side he has arrived here? Probably from the groom's side, Nikhil's best friend? He has once told me, his friend circle is quite rich. I looked at Riya and followed her gaze. She was looking at another man who was whispering something in that tall man's ear. I was doubtful Nikhil has such a friend who was staring at me in such a way that...that I was feeling uncomfortable. That tall man wasn't taking any cue to look at any other way.

As I was stepping down the last few stairs, Nikhil immediately approached at me taking hasty steps, offering me a hand. But that tall man came in between Nikhil and me. He offered his hand staring at me.

I looked at the man in front of me, and he appeared taller than I saw him from above. I guess he was six ft and his shoulders were broad that I couldn't see Nikhil behind him. His face was hammering my brain to recollect where I have seen him before?

I lightly smiled at him refusing to give in my hand. His piercing gaze made me uneasy. He was literally towering over me that I felt so small in front of him. Then slowly something clicked in my mind and I realized who he was!

In a moment, flashes of that night appeared in front of my eyes. This same tall man tried to jump off from the terrace and how I saved him. I remembered our little banter last night, but I was feeling quite bewildered seeing him here.

When I saw him that night, he looked like an ordinary guy who was facing some deep emotional problems but now something was changed within him. I could sense his strong aura trying to dominate me in every possible way. He looked wealthy enough, wrapped in costly designer clothes and every part of him was screaming power and masculinity.

"Hi, I'm Dev Agnihotri the billionaire and" He took a deep breath pausing in between and stepped forward at me. His honey brown crystal eyes flickered an unknown glint. I felt frozen under his deep stare. "You are going to be my bride today" The sharp words let out from his mouth made me to look at him in amusement.

"Hun?" I looked at him surprisingly for a while and burst into a laughter. "Baba who is this man?" I asked controlling my laughter and looked around. I startled to see the police officers present here in my wedding. It was giving me an anxiety but I controlled it. "And why the police are here?'' I asked looking at Baba and controlling hard to not freak out.

"To attend our wedding" The tall man, Dev Agnihotri said in a cool manner and looked back at the officers. I felt dumbfounded when the constables including the officer saluted him.

His words can't be true. I can't be his bride. I looked at Nikhil who was stunned looking at the scenario in front of him.

"Excuse me, who are you again?" I asked hoping this would be any misunderstanding.

To my dismay Dev Agnihotri smiled. "We have met before. It's a shame that you forgot our recent meeting" His voice was raspy and words were rude. He said while walking closer to me.

"Durga... you... you met him before? When? Why?" Nikhil started bombarding questions at me.

Before I say something, Dev Agnihotri pitched in between.

"That's not important now. Time is running out Durga lets get married" He said in a calm tone and his hand moved closer to hold mine. I immediately jerked his hand away and glared at him. "Don't touch me, mister. Stay in your limits" I stepped back from him. He surrendered his hands in the air smiling at me.

"You don't know my limits Durga. If Dev Agnihotri comes to his limits then no one would be able to do anything" Every word let out from his mouth was filled with pure arrogance. I was astonished seeing this man in front of me. He has so much ego on his name.

"What's your problem? Why you are here now? " I asked him irritatingly. Hoping that this would be any prank, but he proved me wrong when he said,

"To marry you"

What is wrong with this man?

"This is my marriage and my groom is behind you so would you please like to move away" I was trying my best not to become angry and panic.

"No I wouldn't like to do that," He said sternly shoving his hand in the pocket.

I looked around annoyingly and saw my father. "Baba" I wanted him to say something from my side. But he stayed quiet. This gave me a shock.

Isn't my Baba going to come for my rescue? Because of this man?

"Well he can't do anything now so stop calling by his name" Dev Agnihotri again walked to my side making me all furious. I clenched my fists grabbing my lehenga. I let go of it and decided to face it in a calm way. He must be a billionaire but in his house not in mine.

"Excuse me first, I don't understand your motives. You have gatecrashed my wedding and asking me to marry you? Who the hell do you think you are? Don't forget the police is behind you" I said thinking this will affect him, but he chuckled looking at me.

"Don't worry about them they will not do anything until I tell them to do'' He looked at them and officers nodded at him. It just made me to think who this man exactly was? A chief minister's son? Or any other powerful politician?

''And by the way, I am not asking you, I am telling you that you are getting married to me" His voice was calm but it was badly raising my temper. I looked at him and started thinking how to get away from this man.

"And what if I have an objection on that?" I asked him folding my hands over chest not getting intimidated by him.

"Well then,'' He paused and then smirked at me.

''I don't really care but you are marrying only me"

"I am not marrying you but Nikhil," I said making sure my voice will sound confident.

"You don't know me yet Durga, Don't push my buttons," His raspy voice has a hint of warning. I don't care if he is anyone's son or any so-called billionaire. His attitude is not much worth to face it.

"Go to hell Mr.Arrogant Agnihotri" I snapped at him and tried to walk ahead, but he came in between my ways.

"Mr.Agnihotri" I heard my Baba walking towards me. He stood by my side making me feel stronger than before.

"I think you have gotten your answer very clearly. My daughter does not want to marry you, so I am requesting you to please leav..."

"Mr Anand Shastri !" Mr Agnihotri said loudly. He didn't even let my Baba complete his talk. What a disrespectful behaviour!

He was standing in front of my father, face to face not caring to give some respect to my Baba.

"Why you are so eager to wed your daughter with Nikhil? Is there something you are hiding away from her?" Dev asked him. I noticed my Baba's face suddenly fell. "N..no I am only telling you that she doesn't want to marry you," Baba said but there wasn't any conviction in his voice.

"Or are you afraid about the dowry you have given for her wedding might not get back?" He was talking to my Baba as if he was the boss. I looked at my Baba confusingly. Why he was listening to Mr Agnihotri and getting worried? He was talking any rubbish now.

"Enough Mr.Agnihotri. You are stooping too much low now. I am not going to marry you because I know what Nikhil is.

Nikhil isn't a man like those who believe in taking dowery!'' I took my stand for Baba and Nikhil. Mr Agnihotri snapped his face at me. His eyes widened and huffed on my words as if I am telling any joke. He turned his head at Nikhil.

"Ahan! Nikhil? Would you like to tell the truth on your own or should I tell her?''

I saw a hint of worry flashed on Nikhil's face when Mr Agnihotri walked at him.

"Tell him Nikhil and prove him wrong!'' I told Nikhil. Hoping he would prove Dev Agnihotri wrong. I saw how Nikhil looked nervous as if he has been caught in some trap. Dark clouds of doubts started gathering in my mind.

"Well ask the one who has given it to him" Dev Agnihotri looked at my Baba. I looked at my Baba looking down in shame. Why? When I have faith in him that he can't do anything like this why he was looking so much guilty.

"Baba?" I looked at him. I need answeres. I need the truth. I need to hear that Dev Agnihotri is lying and my Baba is saying the truth. But my Baba couldn't look up to me. I was still holding on him. I don't want to trust anyone except my family. With hope, I looked at my mother. "Mumma? Is this true?"

My mother looked completely baffled.

"Durga.. The thing was..''

"Just say yes or no Mumma," I asked her impatiently. The need to know the truth has started palpating me.

"Y yes," My mother said it. The ground beneath me shook. Nikhil betrayed me. My parents have hidden the biggest truth from me. Nikhil came forward and started defending himself.

"It was just a help, come on Durga don't make a big issue of it. It's normal. Most of the bride's father does give money to groom right?" He didn't feel any shame while saying eye to eye.

"Yeah Mr.Shastri is so kind and a generous man that to help a fool like you, he has even kept this Shastri House on sale! Am I right Mr.Shastri?" Dev Agnihotri mocked at him and I was stunned after hearing his words.

House on sale! House on sale!

These words kept ringing in my ears. I gulped thickly looking at my Baba.

"Baba say something, tell me this is not true" I was losing my hope. This can't be true. Baba looked at me with tears in his eyes. I felt hurt as I heard his answer without him saying anything. Baba's tears said it all. I controlled hard not to cry. My heart was broken and my faith was tormented.

What was the need to do this baba? Where will you all live after my wedding you didn't even think of it? You didn't think how I will feel after knowing the truth? Didn't you feel anything hiding this from me? I wanted to ask but when I opened my mouth to talk it felt sealed.

"Homeless" I blurted out and glared at Nikhil "Were you planning to make my family homeless?"

"Durga it's not like what you are thinking. I have found a house for them to live in" Nikhil said.

"In the slums," Mr Agnihotri said passing the documents at me. I hesitantly picked it. My hands were shaking while reading it.

"All credits goes to Doctor Nikhil" Dev's words were only making me rageful. I was regretting to keep trust on Nikhil. He isn't worthy of it.

I looked at my parents angrily. "Are you out of your mind Mumma? Baba tell me what is this? How could you do this?" I was feeling all shattered. My eyes snapped at Nikhil when he tried to talk in between. The audacity of this man.

"Nikhil.."

Only if my eyes could kill him he would be dead on the spot.

"You said you don't believe in taking any dowry. Then why? Why you asked it from my parents? Why did you hide it from me?"

I was so much angry on him.

''Because I needed some money Durga" Nikhil said going into my nerves.

Money money money. What is he going to do with this money earned by my Baba's blood and sweat?

"Then you should have to tell me, I would have arranged it"

I held my patience as the last thread giving Nikhil one more chance to defend himself.

"You alone can not arrange 50 lacs Durga. It's for my clinic. I so much wanted to start my own clinic"

He blurted out all. Tearing off the last thread too.

"So you told me parents to sale my house?"

I clenched my fists tightly while asking him. He was showing his true colours.

"Yes, that was the only way but I managed to find them a proper house..." He was blabbering the nonsense. I cut his talk in between.

"In the slums?" I became furious."For your clinic, you are ready to send my family in a slum?"

"I will buy a big house for them later," Nikhil said as if it wasn't a big deal for him.

''After making them homeless first ? I can tell you a better option, why don't you send your family to the slums, sell your house and settle down with me, in my baba's house" I snapped at him.

"DURGA" Nikhil growled raising his hand on me. He stopped when he realized people were looking at him.

"Feeling hurt right? I am not even feeling sorry to say this but I can't marry you Nikhil." I declared my decision.

He instantly looked pissed off. "You are insulting me Durga"

I clenched my hand when he tried to come near to me, "Before I slap you just leave from here"

"You will regret marrying this man Durga," Nikhil said pointing at Dev; who was standing there with a smirk on his face.

"GET OUT" I snapped at him angrily and walked towards my Baba.

"You hurt me baba I will never forget this" I wanted to hold back my tears but failed miserably. Baba remained quiet. I saw Nikhil started leaving along with his family.

"No one is going anywhere, especially you Nikhil" Dev Agnihotri said and turned at me,

"You are going to attend this wedding, witness how I will marry Durga in front of you'' He said taking slow steps towards me and stopped in front of my face. "So have a seat Nikhil. Do you want money? I will give it to you but you have to stay till I marry Durga" He said cunningly.

I took a deep breath glaring at Dev Agnihotri as the volcano of my anger was ready to burst.

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