Yuvika felt like her dear life hung on her, leading her to the path of darkness. Here, she was hoping to escape this situation. Yet, this fellow only knows how to make the situation worse.
She was about to fall, when two sturdy, muscular arms held her, then picked her up and placed her on the table again.
'Realx, Sweetheart. It's just a meeting. It can't be that bad. Trust me.' Ashutosh encourages her, even when he knows the situation doesn't seem optimistic at all.
He could tell, something serious must have happened from his mother's tone. But, right now, he doesn't want to scare the already terrified little hamster next to him. So, he decided to keep it up to himself.
~~
Yuvika, who had recently started learning how to be confident, felt her world falling apart. She has never met his parents. At least not as his wife yet.
Ashutosh convinces her everything would be fine. But she was having none of it.
~~
Next day ;
Ashutosh and Yuvika applied for the leave, after wrapping all their work for the day. While explaining the situation to Pranav, who patted the duo in the form of encouragement and told them not to worry about the company.
That he will handle it with care. [ Guys, can you smell a plot rising here? I can. Do tell me, in the comment-section. ]
Soon, Yuvika and Ashutosh left the company. Yuvika after her day of wedding was once again dressed as a married woman. After all, even if she was married, she had never used the traditional symbol of marriage, that differentiates the married girl from a single one in the crowd.
But now she was wearing Kanjivaram silk saree, mangalsutra ; the holy thread, the wedding ring, the vermillion , the bangles, the anklets, the toe rings, and make-up. Looking like a role model for married women.
When Ashutosh saw her, he felt his entire world come to a halt. It took him more than a minute to snatch his eyes away from the beauty in front of him. Her long braided hair, her glowing face, her dress, her heels, everything was giving her cute, shy bride look.
That it took him more than he ever imagined,to control himself from knocking her down or cancel the visit. Only if she knows how to wear confidence ? Then, she can easily defeat even the angels of heaven.
But sigh, this girl and confidence are definitely enemies, going against each other.
~~
Yuvika expected to see the familiar road. But she was shocked to see a completely unfamiliar way. Aren't they going back to that mansion?
As if reading her confusion, Ashutosh replied ; ' That's my house. No one is allowed there. Not even my parents. Though, you can come. After all, that's the least a husband can do for his wife. Right!' He teased her, earning a glare from her.
' W-Why are they not allowed?' She asked, her nervousness, not letting her talk without stuttering.
' Because, everyone needs a private place, when they feel low, when they are down, depressed, sad. When life gets hard on them. That place is my safe haven.' He replied looking solemnly towards the road, in a serious tone.
Making her wonder, just what can make him sad. But she decided not to ask.
~~
Soon, they reach the Marriott colony, the home and first choice of billionaires, celebrities, public figures of India. Earning a shocking gasp from Yuvika.
'Come on. You have to admit the fact that I, Ashutosh Pratihast, is your husband.' He added with a sigh. He isn't some manager or teacher or worker. He is a freakin Business Man.
Just when will she admit it and understand it?
'What?' She asked back.
'You don't have to act like you just saw the moon. It's just a normal place. Human beings, just like you and me, live here. There's nothing to be shocked beyond your wits here.
Just a normal thing. Okay!' Ashutosh explained patiently, while holding her hand in his, to give her the courage she needs to deal with his family.
'Okay.' She replied, not quite knowing who among them is more nervous, he or her. Why is he acting like a bomb without a fixed time, exploding every now and then?
~~
Soon, the car came near the large gates and a beautiful mansion welcomed them. The car entered neatly. The moment they reach the main gate, they saw Mr. Sidharth Pratihast ( Ashutosh's father ), Mrs. Kiara Pratihast ( Ashutosh's mother ) and an unfamiliar girl standing on the door.
Kiara holding the pooja thali ( the plate for prayer ) in her hand, looking like a role model for a married woman, dressed beautifully, carrying that gentle motherly smile on her face, giving the regal air.
Next to her, Sidharth looked like wife's bodyguard, dressed in a three piece royal navy suit from Chanel, definitely the brand and image lover, wearing a Rolex, and pure brown leather shoes.
His beard and hair carried some gray strands in between, showcasing the beginning of the man's old age. Whenever he smiles widely, the crow's feet become apparent, quite a contrast to his wife, who looks like a girl in the prime of her youth.
The girl next to them was wearing black Patiala shahi suit with red salwar and chunni, looking stunning. She was rocking the look with golden heels. Her hair tied neatly in a traditional Indian braid. But the most important thing about the girl was her smile, it was innocent, adorable and confident. Her posture, her gesture giving the superior , confident, i own this place air.
The one and only thing that Yuvika lacks.
Luckily she has one thing, Ashutosh, her husband, who opened his door, then personally went to her side, opened her door and extended his hand for her to hold.
She held his hand and left the car. He holds her hand in his, while mingling their fingers to give her some strength, some courage. He brought her near the main door, where Kiara welcomed her daughter-in-law and son in a traditional way.
Although, they have done the welcome or post-wedding ceremony in the hotel itself, but as if Kiara will hear anything. She does what she loves to do. Her poor husband always agreed to her decision in the end.
No matter what.
Kiara hugged and welcomed Yuvika like a mother welcoming her long lost daughter. Yuvika realized she was worrying for nothing. Her in-laws were really sweet. But that won't change the fact that her eyes would roam around the duo sitting in the parallel sofa, talking and laughing with each other.
Her husband and a stranger girl. As if the girl sensed Yuvika's galre, she couldn't help but butt in; ' Aiyo, Sister-in-law. Don't worry, your husband is completely and solely yours.
You see, I tried match-making him with many girls, but failed profusely. So, chill.
Oh, btw, I am sure, you don't know me. I am Preeti Pratihast. This old man's little sister. The oldies next to you are my parents.' She said while poking her tongue towards her father, who just smiled it away.
A father and daughter's bond is indescribable, indeed.
' I am just seven years older than you.' Ashutosh ends up butting in, definitely not liking the remark of being mentioned in the category of old.
'Bro, even one second older is old. You and I have a seven year difference. Are you understanding, seven years! ' She said, while showcasing how large seven years can be, with her hands.
'Alright. Enough both of you. At least behave a little in front of her.' Kiara ends up saying, while keeping her rage in check. When will these duo get serious ? Just why can her family be a little serious? Embarrassing her every now and then.
Making Ashutosh and Preeti to place fingers on their lips immediately to show their obedient, good girl/boy side. Earning a chuckle from Yuvika, who was trying hard to maintain a straight face.
'See. It's all your fault.' Kiara pointed at her children. They know how to embarrass her in front of others. As for the shameless duo, they just laugh out, their fingers still on their lips.
'Shameless brats.' Kiara ends up remarking, while shaking her head. She knows it's useless to talk sense to her children.
'But, she started it.' Ashutosh pointed it out, when Kiara's anger had started to dissipate.
'Oh hello, I was merely stating the fact. You are old. Alright! Just admit it. Sis, you look so sweet and young, how did you end up with this cold, old man?
Is there some very tragic, horror story behind your wedding?
Actually, I would have been there, but my bad, my final exam just happened to be on your wedding date. I am sorry. But, I will for sure be there, during your first anniversary.
We will have a lot of fun then. Just consider it as an apology and compensation from your lil sis, who wasn't able to attend your wedding.' Preeti said with a cute, sweet smile, bringing a smile on Yuvika's face too, who nodded.