"Yaar, Disha!!! Open the goddamn door."
"No. I don't want to go through this anymore."
"Seriously!! Yeh shaadi karne se pehle sochna chahiye tha. That ship has already sailed."
"Don't even remind me of that day. Do you know what happened after the ghar nu laxmi ritual?"
"I will only know after you have opened the damn door, Disha." Vritra replies in a very calm manner while applying make-up underneath the eyes. In situations like these, where the newly wedded bride is hyperventilating, responding calmly is the best way to make her calm.
After 30 seconds or so, Disha opened the bathroom door, and by that time, Vritra was ready to face her best friend and soul sister.
"Who conducts a marriage for freaking 5 days. These rituals, one after the other, are just not ending. Don't even get me started with my father's attitude. He didn't even cry. It was like another business deal for him. I thought when I will get married, at least then he will show any sign of love."
That said, Disha starts sobbing, but Vritra is more concerned about make-up than her best friend. She had predicted it would happen during this wedding process, and she had prepared herself for the impending situation. But first, let's start with the root cause of the problem.
Satish Agarwal, Disha's father, has never incurred any losses and is gaining from this marriage. For Satish, everything is a deal, even her daughter's marriage. With the Agarwals and Rajawats' alliance, he is meant to gain the tender for constructing national highways.
But he was getting a higher bargain from another business family, which was a widower, nearly 40 years old, and had two kids. Satish, the opportunist and ruthless man that he was, was ready to offer her daughter as the sacrificial lamb to the widower when, ultimately, Maya Rajawat came and asked for an alliance. In addition, she offered a better deal, which he couldn't refuse.
The problem is not just Satish's ignorant attitude towards his daughter but Maya Rajawat's. When she does a favor for you, she makes sure you will be reminded of it daily. Vritra has an inkling of what would have happened in post-marriage rituals.
But right now, making Disha calm and radiant was more critical. She knew Disha from her Kindergarten days. Disha was the kind of person who could easily trust anyone without thinking of consequences. The same goes for her decision-making process.
Akshay is one such person who decides to trust him, and getting married is the result of that. Akshay had arrogance in childhood, but with time and maturity, he has edged out his edifices. He is a decent man, but the same couldn't be said about his mother, Maya Rajawat.
On top of that, getting married to Rajawats has its fair share of problems.
With extreme gentleness, Vritra uncovers Disha's face, which is camouflaged by Disha's hands.
“ Chal, aur nahi rote. Let's tuck you in a saree first."
"You are making it sound like you will be putting me into bed."
"Yes I will put you to bed with Akshay!!" Vritra teases her with a knowing smirk. "Now tell me everything."
Vritra takes the golden sequined, heavy, bordered Manish Malhotra saree in her hands and plates it around Disha's midriff while looking for safety pins.
"I don't know. This huge palace, the rest rival, it's just getting to me. There is a list of rules I have to maintain when speaking out in public. Just for the record, there are Fifty Nine rules. Fifty Freaking nine! Some duties and rules are written to say, "Disha, you are dumb." Disha holds the central pleats while Vritra crouches down, keeping them straight and securing them with more pins.
"Do you know there is a heavy list of other duties which I have to do every single day? With the amount of duties I'm expected (more like ordered) to do, I cannot think of opening my fashion label. I don't want to be just Akshay Rajawat's wife or womb bearer of their future generation. And Oh! they want their first heir by next year and that should be a son! Like, the heck I can decide! Maya Rajawat surely needs some biology lessons."
Disha laments her every frustration while Vritra deftly and efficiently adjusts the saree's pallu and secures it with more pins.
"The number of pins I have used on your saree, Akshay, will sure take a hell lot of time to get you out of it." Vritra wolf whistles the saree-clad Disha, simultaneously eyeing for any mistakes. She doesn't want Maya Aunty to find faults.
"Are you listening? Do you want to deck me as a pretty doll and offer me for glutton? I am dying over here, and all you are thinking about is sex which is definitely not gonna happen if I run away right now," Disha cries exasperatedly.
"First, take deep breaths." Vritra places her on the dressing stool while crouching on the ground again sans the heels.
"Seriously! Fine."
"In and out. In and out. In and out." Vritra decks the rich maroon mehandi-clad hands of Disha with green bangles.
"You have loved Akshay when you hardly knew the meaning of love. Akshay has always been your world. He literally worships the ground you walk on. I'm not denying that Maya aunty has not tried being the typical tv serial wali saas, but the love between both of you has always triumphed. I know, right now the opportunity of opening a venture is slipping away and they want to mould you according to familial needs. My advice: Mould yourself."
I put the impending 'what' sound from Disha by my famous look of saying, 'There is more.'
"Since you were 16, you were putting yourself through extensive extracurricular classes! French and Russian language classes are one of many. How do you host foreign dignitaries, and which cuisine should be served with what? The OG influencer tag was the by-product of the grooming lessons you had been subjected to. You have always groomed yourself to the needs of this family. Heck! I have learned the mannerisms of being an elite daughter-in-law by tagging you in these many classes. Now, give yourself some respite. Be in the shadows. Work on being the dream daughter-in-law they want. Simultaneously, look for an opportunity shortly.
It looks like I don't trust Akshay. But the truth is, he is the only person with whom I can trust you and who I can imagine you. He understands you like no one else can. You strive to be better with him, and he showers you with all the love. The look in his eyes says it all! The love he conveys with his actions makes me want to fall in love!"
Continuing her ministrations, Vritra adorns her with the khandani necklace and the maang tikka with the bindi. While Disha wears heavy polki earrings by herself.
"See, right now he is helpless in front of his mother, but give him time, he will be the first one to support you. Mark my words!" Vritra finishes her monologue by putting the armlets in the right place.
"So you want to be the elite's daughter-in-law? Want to date Kaustav Rajawat?” Disha is now applying the loose powder by herself and fixing the lone mascara imprint, which got ruined when she was close to having a breakdown.
"Seriously, from the long ass speech I have given you, the only part you remember is where I say I want to be an elite daughter-in-law, that too as a joke!" Vritra calls her out on the lamest reply.
"It should be a joke, because Kaustav bhai is one in a million. Now we wouldn't want our Bhabhi to come with a middle class background, right!" Ladies and Gentlemen, the one and only Anaya Rajawat has arrived!
"Our? The same 'bhai' who was non-existent for you a couple of years ago. With the revival of Rajawat Insurance and Power you have started noticing him as your 'Bhai'!"
Clearly at a loss for words, Anaya didn't know what to say. Partially, it was true. But in those years, she had missed her elder cousin a lot.
It was Kaustav who got into a fistfight when Anaya's first boyfriend dumped her for being too fat.
Kaustav always motivated her to bring in the best version of herself in any project.
It was Kaustav who practically shielded her from her parents' taunts of her indecisive and laidback nature during her adolescent days.
Kaustav bhai again stood up for her when Vikram Rajawat was not keen to let her daughter enter the business. Bhai made her learn trade ropes by giving her menial tasks.
With proper guidance, Anaya Rajawat holds the title of sales and marketing manager at Rajawat Petrochemicals. The post was earned through sheer hard work and definitely not by nepotism, which is what everyone thought and still thinks.
But it was true; all these years, Anaya hadn't kept any contact with Kaustav. She wanted to please her mother, and when she ordered her to never keep any contact, she bowed to her demands.
That is what Maya Rajawat does best. Coercion, manipulation, and treachery.
Anaya knows she is at fault, so keeping mum was the best action. But time was ticking; Disha Bhabhi needed to make an entrance.
"Since, everyone is ready. Chale?" Anaya implored Disha and ignored Vritra altogether.
"I am not going without Vritra." Disha, the loyalist, has made an appearance once again
"Come on, Bhabhi! I was not insulting her, please let bygones be bygones. You are really looking good and Akshay Bhai will swoon over just at your one look. Now, please, can we go?" Anaya tried to mollify Disha by seeing the reason.
Vritra knew that Disha would not go without her. So she took the bridal red veil, securely tucked it over her head, and conveyed with a simple nod that it was okay.
With Disha on her left side and Vritra managing the long red veil from behind, they start walking towards the reception hall where the most awaited party of the nation, the wedding reception of Akshay Rajawat and Disha Agarwal Rajawat, is taking place and who's who of the city has arrived.
Some want to make connections and network, some wish to please Rajawats, and a minuscule portion to mark their attendance.
The chief minister of Gujarat and big business honchos of India have also flown to the city for this event.
Rajawats have built their connections. Though they are not India's number one business family, they indeed have wielded their influence in the business world. How?
This family still holds the elusive power it had during the times of Vishnu Dheer Rajawat, father of Vikram and Saksham Rajawat. With Vikram holding the reins, the company has reached new heights in financial trade. Though the Kutch ports are a government body, their administration strings are held by Vikram Rajawat.
A ship can only pass the port with his permission. Now, if you control the most significant ports of India, then all of the financial, administrative, and societal power is at your fingertips.
Rajawats have been and still are the royalty. The reception hall was decked like one.
The colossal reception hall is shimmering like a captured monsoon sky. Walls of polished white marble reflect the warm glow of hundreds of diyas, their flames casting dancing shadows that mimic the constellations. A chandelier of spun gold cascaded down from the ornately carved ceiling, each tier holding a hundred flickering candles. Crimson velvet carpets, thick enough to sink one's toes into, stretched across the vast expanse of the floor, their edges adorned with borders of woven gold depicting scenes from the great Indian epics.
Massive pillars of black basalt, inlaid with strips of gleaming ivory, are standing sentinel along the hall, each topped with a life-sized sculpture of a celestial musician playing their instrument. The air vibrates with the soft strains of a hidden orchestra, their melody a counterpoint to the gentle tinkling of countless anklets as gorgeously attired guests glide across the plush carpets. In the distance, a towering archway crafted from intricately carved sandalwood offers a glimpse of a vibrant floral tapestry woven from exotic blooms – a testament to the royal horticulturist's artistry. The air is thrumming with an unseen energy, a potent blend of royalty, testament of love, and the promise of a night etched in legend.
Amid the royal ambiance of the hotel, Akshay was patiently waiting at the dais for the love he had fought so hard for. When he glimpses Disha climbing down the mahogany stairs, he gets spellbound by her beauty.
Yes, he has seen her countless times. He has grown up with her. Heck, they married just two days ago, and Disha looked ethereal in her bridal attire. But today, with the glow of the newly wedded bride, she seems more radiant because now she is his wife.
Now, every day will be a date night. Yes, life will throw curveballs, but the good part is that they will face them together. With Disha, every problem seems miniscule, though before, it seemed like a challenge that brought them closer, especially in the last few months when Satish's Uncle pulled the stunt.
"Bhaiya, deposited your amanat right at your footsteps, now hand over the shagun." Anaya keeps her palms open and signals for the present.
Anaya and Vritra walked down the remaining steps with Disha, which made her comfortable on the dias when Akshay was still daydreaming about the beautiful days ahead. Vritra tucks in the red veil at Disha's sides, asking her if she needs any refreshments.
"You wanted a new Balenciaga watch. It will be delivered to you in two days." Akshay knows what makes her sister happy. Watches are premium watches that no one has their hands on.
"I don't want the latest collection. I have every one of those." Anaya is not the one to be outsmarted in these matters.
"Do you really think I haven't done my homework? You want the premium 1960's one." Akshay says.
"Wow. I am impressed. Kaustav Bhaiya was right. Marriage has really made you a better person." Anaya was in seventh heaven as she was getting what she wanted.
"You really need to spend less time with Kaustav. He is rubbing off on you. Speaking to you makes me feel like I am talking to him rather than my sister." Akshay usually pulls her leg.
"Its better than hanging out with you. At Least I will have some brain cells left in my brain and hopefully gather some new cells. Since my work has finished. Your bride is at your side and I have gotten my extortion money. Congratulations Bhabhi on your lifetime imprisonment. Hasta la vista, guys."
Anaya takes their leave and hurries towards the entrance to greet Saksham Chachu and Tina Chachi.
Vritra laughs at Anaya's antics and enjoys Akshay's grimacing face.
"Now what? You also want something!" Akshay openly scowled at Vritra, and he knew he was being rude. His kid sister has just extracted 1 million from his account. Only Anaya has that power. The girl has wrapped her three brothers around her little finger and uses her power repeatedly.
"What I wanted, you have already given me. But you still have a lot to give me everyday." Vritra smiles at Akshay while speaking in riddles.
"What? What do I have to give everyday to you?" an astounded Akshay asks.
"The love you have for Disha, the care and affection you have showered upon her and the respect which you give her throughout. The lovesick puppy look you have when you see Disha is all I wish for. She is a sister to me. Break your heart once and I will forget you are a Rajawat. Now excuse me, I have to go and say hi to my father."
"Disha, why do I feel like I have a brother-in-law without you having a brother?" Akshay scowls again, feeling like he was reprimanded by a school teacher when he left school years ago.
"You will get used to the reprimandations." Now, it is Disha's time to get entertained.
Vritra emerges from the crowd who are there to congratulate the newlyweds and walks towards the open bar where her father, Satya Prakash Mehra, popularly known as SP in the corporate world, is having a drink with her boss, Priya Mathur, the chief legal officer of the Rajawat Corporations.
"She has a bright mind. I have nothing but good things to say to you for your daughter. In the past year she has arguably been the best staff attorney we have hired in the last 10 years." Priya, her boss, sings praises in front of her father.
"I hope you are not telling me the good things only because I am the counsel head of the boss." SP scrutinizes every word and every sentence Priya utters. He might be an absentee father, but he always keeps tabs on his daughter's whereabouts.
"Come on SP, do you really think I will praise your daughter, just because she is your daughter? You know my reputation. I am called a Devil for a reason." Priya circles the edges of her glass while talking to him with a bored expression.
"Don't worry about my father. He is just being nosy on our internal matters." Vritra joins her father at the bar section and loops her hand with her father's.
The gesture, full of warmth, thaws his frozen heart. SP knew that Vritra was pulling an act at her boss's expense. But he will take what he can get.
"Hai na Papa??" She angles her face towards her father. SP understood the underlying hate towards him in that tone.
"SP, stop asking about your daughter. Mark my words, one day, she will reach heights with her knowledge and work ethic. I will see you around at the office." Priya rises up from her chair and ferries towards Vikram.
Vritra extracts her hands from her father's hold and orders a Pinot Grigio from the bartender.
"You are ordering wine in front of your father!" Satya Prakash speaks in a shallow tone.
"Since when have you started questioning my choices? I am of legal age and after all this drama I really needed a drink." Vritra was beyond caring if it was a public space or not. She is done playing the role of an understanding daughter in public.
"I was a bit concerned about your career choices. I don't know why you settled on being a staff attorney when with your credentials you could easily have got a higher up position."
"First, I don't want to hear taunts on using one's father on climbing the corporate ladder. Second, I can manage things alone. Thank you for your concern."
Vritra leaves the bar and walks towards the dais, leaving Satya Prakash alone, regretting and repenting.
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