People would've been to grand big weddings with all the family circus, traditions, booze parties, destination based, open reception or other related commotion. People would've also been to small humble weddings in shrines or temples, just close family and friends with minimal drama. But those were marriages made in heaven. As for Dhruv and Riya's wedding, it was a bond forged in hell!
She made all the prior arrangements and Dhruv had to only walk in the register office for a simple signature. They walked out as married couple. As simple as that! But of course, she made him sign the contract first.
As planned, she shifted to his house the next day of getting married. He was shocked to see her small case when she dropped at his gate. She had only packed necessary items as that was a mere business trip for her and nothing more.
"That's it?", he pointed at her luggage.
"You want a happily ever after with me?" she remarked dryly for which he skeptically raised his eyebrow in response.
Her breath caught a second, when she saw the amazing view of his house. Full stretch of living room and some parts of dining was visible through the transparent glass walls. The living room had a big creamy couch facing an LED TV. An in house curved stair case wound magnificently like a wooden serpent. The prime attraction which caught her eyes was the design of the roof, an inverted V forming a crooked but stylish right angled triangle on top.
Riya didn't fail to notice the beautiful garden surrounding the house. Delicate flowers and sky length trees covered the garden with a small two-seater brown swing in the midst of it.
She was awed by the flawless and fine aesthetics of architecture at display. That was when it hit her, that this house resembled so much of the office building she was in for bidding.
"This looks like Warphed", it was more of a question than a declaration. "Yes. Both are my brother's work" he understandingly replied. She was about to tell it was amazing when Dhruv cut her off with, "But my idea".
She stopped herself right on time and cleared her throat in an attempt to save face. "Show me my room", she ordered him and dragged her business case alongside. He narrowed his eyes before following her inside.
Dhruv gave her a tour of the entire house with a brief mention of Dos and Don'ts. Every step she took inside the house was packed with surprises. The delicate art works which adorned the walls, modern yet unique wooden furniture, neat and clean atmosphere of the house were only few of them. She craved something sweet because of the creamy chocolaty theme of the house. "I like everything neat. So, make sure you keep it that way!", his grumpy voice interrupted her train of thoughts when she was ogling over a picture of a small kid eating chocolates. "You are free to use any room you want, except mine", he continued in the same irritated tone.
"Fine grandma. Stop nagging"
He sighed annoyingly and pointed to two rooms, "This is yours and that's mine", the rooms were in the first floor facing each other.
"Meet you later" she informed and closed the door behind.
This room was unlike the rest. Other than a few essential things like clock, lamp and furniture, it was pretty much empty. She understood his question now. He had given her the liberty to populate this room with her stuffs, but she hardly brought any. Procrastinating on unpacking, she fell on the fluffy bed and decided to take a nap until the dreadful party.
Since Riya and Dhruv announced their engagement, their families created a big ruckus about holding a grand wedding ceremony. But somehow they managed to dodge that. But, in exchange Dhruv's mother insisted on hosting at least a small house party with close family members to introduce the bride, which Riya grudgingly accepted. The party was tonight which meant she only had a few hours to prepare herself for all possible handshakes. She dreaded the entire deal and buried her face deep inside the soft pillow. Dreams engulfed her soon after.
~~*~~
Riya put on a full sleeved peach Anarkali for the party with accessories picked out by her personal designer Sarah. The dress completely complimented her bronze skin tone and silky brown hair. Her hair fell free into a cascade with only a small clutch holding it at the top and slits falling freely at either sides of her face. Sarah applied very little makeup with great care of not touching her. She was already scared to death working for the Ice Queen, she didn't want to touch her by mistake and make her go all crazy. After two hours of arduous preparation, Riya stepped out.
Dhruv was already waiting outside leaning over his door with hands lazily shoved inside jean pockets. He was wearing a dashing black blazer with a simple round neck orange t-shirt underneath. His black hair was neatly parted to the side in a wave and his lightly tanned face looked too sculpted to be real. The sleeves of his blazer were pulled back till elbow, revealing the nerves under his skin. He was like an handsome model straight out of a fashion magazine.
He pierced her with his stare and chastised "How long will you take? We are already late", almost the next instant she stepped out.
"It's not very easy to wear all this, you know"
"You could've just worn a suit. You look ugly anyways"
She fumed with nostrils flaring. "You look like a teenage playboy"
"I'll take that as a compliment, darling. Thank you"
"Don't call me darling", she gritted her teeth and grumbled.
"Oh darling! After all, you're my wife aren't you! Come on, let's go" he proudly smirked with the satisfaction of annoying her. She was the one who wanted to marry him, she should be ready to face the consequences, he told himself.