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“Then come soon. Bye.”

He leaves and I take another minute to cuddle my teddy before heading for a shower.

*********************

The dinner went superb. It’s been a while since I ate so many varieties of Indian dishes with desserts I love.

“I can eat this Rabdi the whole day.” I lick the spoon, finishing the desert and put it back in the empty bowl.

Daadi who is sitting right opposite me and Mohit, sees the Bracelet on my wrist.

“That’s a good bracelet. Is it platinum?”

Blood drains from my cheeks. I never realized they would notice. Mohit grabs my arm to check.

“Yes, that’s beautiful. But..”

“But what?” I stutter.

“It has ‘AR’ written on it. What does that stand for?”

AR? It has AR written on it? I check myself and realize it’s true. Aarav purposely gave me a bracelet that has his initials imprinted on it. What is he trying to prove?

“I don’t know.” I gulp some water. “Maybe it’s their logo or .. they made it for someone else and the customer might have cancelled the order at the last minute. This.. This was the last piece they had, by the way.”

I drink some more water though I am full.

Excuses and lies, that’s all I am giving them and I don’t like it a bit. Maybe I will tell Daadi the truth and check with her if I should inform Mohit now or later.

“You are sweating.” Mohit takes out a tissue and wipes my forehead.

I snatch it from him and wipe my face instead.

“It’s so hot in Mumbai. The weather in London was stark opposite to this place, so obviously, I will take some time to adjust.”

“She is right,” Daadi adds. “In fact, you need to get over your jet lag too. Tomorrow we will begin the shopping for your wedding. Be ready.”

I smile and quickly get up. The only way I can avoid this conversation is to head back to my room.

“Alright then. Good night. Will you be joining us for shopping, Mohit?”

“I hate shopping, you know.”

I frown.

“It’s our wedding. Make an exception this time.”

“That’s not the point, Jhanvi. I have to be there at the office tomorrow. That Aarav is screwing all my deals and-” He pauses. “It’s a long story. Don’t want to bore you with it. Please go shopping with Daadi tomorrow. We will go together some other day.”

Aarav? Again Aarav? Seems like this man is really hell-bent on making my life difficult with the Raichand family.

*******************

Two days we were busy shopping and none of the time Mohit could accompany us. I understand Mohit is handling some critical issues in business, which is why he cannot spend time with me. This is exactly why I wanted the marriage date to be pushed forward. At times, I wonder if Mohit is really interested in the marriage or is he doing it for Daadi’s sake? I hope I am wrong but Mohit and I have friendship, not chemistry which I always dreamed to have between me and my life partner. Chemistry that can blow my mind every time we are in the same room. Chemistry that’s so sizzling hot that my body aches for him. But despite wanting to see that happening between me and Mohit, I fail miserably. I think such off the charts chemistry is possible only in romance novels and movies. The reality is always different.

When I come down the next morning, Daadi tells me Mohit had to fly to Dubai for some urgent meeting. I’m disappointed.

“Dubai? But Daadi, our wedding date is in four days and-”

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