"Lakshimi your husband to be is already here, come downstairs quickly" prachi shriek with a fake smile standing at the door way
Lakshimi's heart skip a bit the moment she said that. She is fully dressed as her eyes were fixed on the mirror... She tried stopping the tears from sliding but she just couldn't, the pain is too much for her
She tighten her grip on her dress as she close her eyes to take in a deep breath. If she welcomes her future husband and perform the ceremony, it means she will have to marry him at no cost
Her heart is still heavy to accept this decision, but this is the only way to save Abhijit... She has no option left
Menka gently cover her head with veil as she stare at her through the mirror, she stands up to face her mother
"Mother" Lakshimi whimpers and throw herself into her mother's arm who welcomes the hug warmly
"It hurts mother, it hurts so much . Tell me mother, am I doing the right thing... Abhijit will never forgive me" she cried. Menka gently pull out from the hug as she cup her face starring directly into her eyes
"You are doing the right thing my child, Abhijit will understand... You only want to save him and you also have no option. The situation is not only about you saving Abhijit, it is also about your relationship with your family
All I know is that this is the will of the almighty because if it is not his will, he must definitely find a way to ruin everything. Just have faith in the almighty
Seeing you this way hurts my heart, I don't want this for you either but my hands are tied to do anything. You need to be strong Lakshimi because in this world, a lot of circumstances will come your way, if you are weak how will you overcome them" menka cuts in and slowly wipe the tears on Lakshimi's face and hug her one more. Prachi roll her eyes and walk fully inside the room
"Come on now Lakshimi, let's go downstairs" she chip in still maintaining the fake smile. Menka break the hug as she smile teary at Lakshimi
"After this ceremony, it will be certain that you will get married for sure and I pray that the almighty will be with you, no evil eyes shall curse you my child" she said and take a tip of her tear drop and rub it beside Lakshimi's eye while Lakshimi bends down to touch her feet for blessing
"You are always bless my child" she mumble and raise her up kissing her forehead. Lakshimi has decided to roll the way her fate wants, she will just accept everything even if it hurts a lot
***
The sound emerging from the drum beating by the drummers filled the entire province and group of people are seen dancing following Abhishek as he walk gracefully and powerfully into Mr Kumar abode. His presence commands powers and authority, his steps rhyming to the beat of the drum as he wears rather a smile or a smirk
He stops at the door and raise his hand as the drumming cease and the group of people withdraw back
Rivati was trying to see the face of the man Mr Kumar is marrying Lakshimi off to, she is just curious to know who he is
She quickly rush and carry the welcoming plate to usher them in not forgetting to wear her usual fake smile
"You are highly welcome" Mr Kumar said as his palms were placed together in a form of greeting
"Thank you" Abhishek cuts in his palms also placed together
Mr Kumar's eyes caught a woman standing beside Abhishek. She couldn't be her mother because he knew Abhishek parents are dead
"Namaste" he greets the woman his palms still place together and the woman smile and nod her head in acknowledgement her palms also placed together
"She is my aunt, my late uncle's wife" Abhishek tries to clear the confusion on Mr Kumar's face
"You are welcome" Mr Kumar thought that is what he supposed to say
"Thank you" the woman replied with a smile. Mr Kumar can see the much crowd Abhishek draw for himself while coming here, most of their neighbors are murmuring and whispering among themselves as they watch Abhishek stands in front of Mr Kumar house ... Mr Kumar is lucky having the presence of Abhishek in his house, some are jelouse while some thought it will be nice being on Mr Kumar good list as he is going to become inlaw with the great Abhishek
Abhishek was about walking in but Rivati rush out from no where to stop him
"Oh!, No, no, you just can't come in like that. You will be welcomed in according to tradition" she rush out her words with a smile
Her eyes were able to see Abhishek clearly, she doesn't want to believe that he is the great Abhishek Singh everyone in the whole of Bangalore fears and respect.... She waves the thought away, maybe it is someone that looks like him, why would Abhishek Singh wants to marry Lakshimi, is not possible. He is someone who has a taste and Lakshimi is probably not his type
"Go on Rivati, they are waiting" Mr Kumar jolts her up and she giggle sheepishly
"Oh! My bad" she mumble
"If I may ask, is she the mother of my future wife?" Abhishek ask, his voice doesn't want to sound husky but his deep voice couldn't help it and Rivati smile fades a bit, she also got shiver down her spine by the sound of his voice, it so manly and commands authority
"Well she is not, she is..."
"Am his wife Rivati, Lakshimi is just like a daughter to me so I won't mind welcoming her future in laws in" she cuts Mr Kumar off putting on a forced smile
"I would like if the mother will be the one to welcome us in, or don't she have a mother" Abhishek said at Rivati's anger but she tried to hide it, he is just trying so hard to make a fool out of her
"Her mother is busy now, don't worry Rivati will be able to handle this" Mr Kumar cuts in
"If you says so" Abhishek chip in. Rivati fake a smile and raise the plate in her hand as she moves it round Abhishek face seven times
She bring down the plate after she was done and take out a pinch of vermilion as she rub a dot on Abhishek face. She took out some flowers from the plate and throw them at him still maintaining her fake smile
"You can come in now" she ushers them in and Abhishek walks in with his aunt and with few of his guards and maids who came with him
They took a seat and Rivati served them some snacks and tea
"No need, we don't want this... Just bring to me my bride to be, I am actually eager to see her" Abhishek cuts in
"It is a tradition Abhishek, the snacks signifies the relationship your family and my family are soon to have. It is necessary for you to take it even if it is a bite from it" Mr Kumar explains
"Don't worry Mr Kumar, we will definitely have some... We are not going to reject food from the house of our in laws to be" Durga, Abhishek's aunt chip in with a smile
Just then their attention were directed to Lakshimi who was climbing down the stairs with prachi and her mother by her sides, her face covered with the veil on her head
Her face doesn't look bright at all but she holds her self back from shading tears
She gently walk down the stairs her hands holding her saree from both sides, she can't hide it but her heart is beating so fast as she suddenly felt nervous... She wonders who the man his father choose for her could be
They finally climb down all the stairs as she stands before them all, prachi left her side to be with Rivati as menka was the only one standing beside her
Abhishek smile as he rise up from his seat, he don't know why he is so much eager to see the face hidden under that veil. Marrying new wife is like a hobby to him, he enjoys it a lot and what he won't take from any of his wives is betrayal because he won't think twice separating the person's head from her body
Three of his wives are dead and he needs to marry more, he can't stay with just two wives, his status forbids such... Having so many wives signifies how rich and powerful he is
Menka's eyes nearly pop out as her eyes set on Abhishek.... She doesn't want to believe that he is the one Mr Kumar choose for Lakshimi
How could Mr Kumar do this to her own daughter, everyone knows how deadly and dangerous Abhishek is. It was said that three out of his five wives died with just no cause
She can't believe this is the man her daughter is going to spend all her life with, what if she ends up like the other three wives. Right now she fears so much for her daughter's fate, marrying Abhishek is the worst thing that can ever happen to her daughter... She will never be happy in her marriage
She tries holding back the tears as she stare at her daughter whose eyes could only see the floor and nothing else
"Wait a minute mother, isn't that Abhishek Singh?" Prachi ask in a whisper
"That is also what I thought but I don't think it is him, maybe is someone that looks like him. Imagine, how can the great Abhishek Singh wants to marry Lakshimi" Rivati cuts in
"This is Abhishek Singh mother and not someone that looks like him, can't you see the number of maids and guards that came with him and also the number of people waiting outside for him and the crowd he drew for himself
You have done a great mistake mother, you wanted to make Lakshimi suffer but you end up pushing her into luxury" prachi add and Rivati heart skip a bit
Prachi might be right, this man could be Abhishek and that means Lakshimi is going to marry Abhishek. She is going to be the wife of the most powerful and richest man in Mumbai
She was about speaking up but Mr Kumar voice stops her
"Menka Start the ritual with Rivati" Mr Kumar said
"You know Mr Kumar I am not a friend of all these rituals and stuffs. Just let me unveil the face of my bride to be, at least let me take a look at her face" Abhishek cuts in as he stares at Lakshimi
"Come on Abhishek, this is a compulsory ritual. It must be done before you could see the face of your bride to be" Durga chips in
"She is right Abhishek, the ritual won't take long, is just a matter of time" Mr Kumar add
"Alright, I don't think there is nothing to rush besides she is going to be mine very soon and forever to be precise" Abhishek mutters out and menka took a quick glance at him as she gulp down
Is her daughter definitely going to be his forever, her happiness is bound to be ruined completely. How can her daughter marry a monster inform of a husband
Abhishek eyes were fixed on Lakshimi with rather smile on his face, her body looks straight and perfect... He wonders what her face could be like
Rivati stare at Lakshimi then at Abhishek thinking about what prachi told her as they were performing the rituals. Lakshimi is definitely going to live a luxurious life and her shattered dreams won't matter anymore, is already too late, she won't be able to stop the wedding
Lakshimi mind was only racing with a lot of thought as she can feel herself getting scared... She don't know where her life is heading to, she is weak, confused and lost. It is for sure she failed to fight for her love
After the ritual was done, Abhishek was ask to open the veil to see the face of his future wife
For the first time in his life he was nervous, he wonders who this lady could be.... He hasn't even see her face but he just can't explain his feelings
Lakshimi's eyes were fixed on the floor as her hands tighten it's grip on her dress, Abhishek slowly but steadily continues raising the veil. Menka was only worrying about how her daughter will feel learning the fact that Abhishek is the husband to be
Finally Abhishek was able to lift up the veil, Lakshimi's was facing down, her eyes closed
Abhishek couldn't deny it, standing before him is the beauty that can't be resist. He smile as he stares directly to her.... He wasn't that much eager to make her his wife but right now, she will surely be his
Lakshimi slowly open her eyes as she nervously look up to glance at Abhishek, her eyes nearly pop out in shock. She wonders if her vision is clear or is she seeing things
Her breath caught in her throat as she doesn't want to believe that Abhishek is the man his father wants for her. Abhishek smirk as he can't get his eyes off from starring at her
Lakshimi's heart was beating so fast, this marriage will be her worst nightmare.... She has heard so much about Abhishek. He is a man with no heart and knows nothing about love. Is she seriously going to end up as his wife... Her life will be a total mess
She glance at her mother who couldn't hold back the tears, she let it slide but wipe it away immediately
"Woa! You have such a beautiful daughter. I feel like getting her married to Abhishek this minute so I can take her home as my daughter in law... She is just perfect to be the daughter in law of the Singh" Durga said beaming in smiles. Prachi rolls her eyes, she probably felt a bit jelouse.... Is all her mother's fault, Lakshimi's life is not ruined rather it was blessed all because of her mother. She has to be the one married into a rich and wealthy family and not Lakshimi
"I want the wedding to take place next tommorow" she add and Lakshimi raise her brows in shocked, menka took a quick glance at Durga
Learning the fact that Abhishek Singh is her future husband was a big blow to Lakshimi and she needs some time to digest things and prepare for the worst but Durga is trying to rush the wedding that supposed to take place next week... This will be really hard for her
"You actually said my mind aunt, I want the wedding to take place sooner" Abhishek chips in
"Don't worry Abhishek, we will make all the arrangements as soon as possible and the wedding will take place Immediately" Mr Kumar chip in
Lakshimi was only trying to held back herself, she feels like breaking into tears. Why is all these happening to her, it is not enough that she was separated from her lover but now she is going to get married to the most dangerous and fearless man
She couldn't even stare into his eyes but she can feel that his eyes are fixed on her
***
Prachi flap the door open in anger walking in before Rivati. She could feel that they pushed Lakshimi into her lucky chance and is all because of her mother. The ceremony was over and Abhishek has left leaving so much gift behind
The lovely attitude of Abhishek aunt and the way Abhishek looks at Lakshimi makes her much angry. What if Lakshimi won't suffer in her marriage
"What do we do now mother, Lakshimi's life is bound to change to so much good for sure and it is all because of you. What will happen to me now" prachi gnash
"I know that I pushed her into riches but what is wealth without happiness. I'm sure she is never going to be happy
Abhishek is known as someone who knows nothing about love but he marries for pleasure and to fulfil his sexual desire. He cares less about his wives and he kills without thinking twice, he is a dangerous and fearless man referred as a monster by people. Believe me Lakshimi is going into hell, she won't survive there
I am sure Lakshimi will end up like the other three wives he married, she won't even last long in that house hold and I will make that happen"
"And what are you going to do, listen mother... It doesn't matter if Abhishek is cold hearted and knows nothing about love or not, what matters is that Lakshimi is marrying into a rich family where she will live her entire life in wealth and luxury
Just accept that your plans to ruin Lakshimi and her mother's life fail woefully and backfires us. You was so eager to marry her off to suffer but you end up putting her in a best position she could ever wish for... You should have find out earlier who father wants to marry her off to.... Gosh! I'm just so pissed off right now"
"Just keep quiet and calm down prachi, I know I made a mistake and you also know that I ask your father who the man is but he refused to tell me
I accept that I pushed her into a luxurious life but like I told you, I will make sure this marriage doesn't last
I will wait for them to get married and after that I will ruin the marriage and put Lakshimi in a critical condition that she won't be able to come out from.... Well I will not be the one to put her in that condition but her so called husband
My plans has never fail prachi and won't fail this time, I will still have my way of making menka and her daughter's life miserable for them. I just hate her, I hate menka so much" Rivati blurts out with a smirk and a bit of resentment
"I trust you mother, you don't give up easily but you will still have to tell me.... what are your plans?" Prachi ask eagerly. Rivati smile and give her a sign to come closer which she did and then she whisper something to her
Prachi gasp as she glance at her mother
"This is a brilliant plan mother but are you sure it is going to work?" She ask once again
"Trust me it is going to work out perfect, Lakshimi will put herself in a big trouble that she can't handle. I am sure that she won't be able to survive the punishment she will get from Abhishek" she add with an evil grin
***
Lakshimi slowly walk in, she looks lost and just stare blankly. She is just tired of life, she is tired of living
She walks like a moving wood, she missed her step about falling but menka support her as she carefully sit on the bed
Menka can imagine how hurt her daughter is, the pain is just too much for her to handle...she is scared of what will happen next or what destiny has installed for her.... Is obvious her fate is darker like charcoal
"Why me mum? why me? Do almighty hates me that much... Does he not want me to be happy" she blantly mumble out those words as tears couldn't let her speak properly
"I just can't take is anymore mum, why should it be him. I hate that man mum, all the ugly stories I've heard about him made me resent him so much and now he is going to be my husband... I just can't accept it but it hurts so much... I can't imagine living all my life with that man" she add
Menka couldn't find the words to use, no word will be able to console or make her daughter feel better right now. All she could do is to pull her into a hug, she believes she might feel better releasing all her tears on someone's shoulder
****
"This is the fifth set of saree with beautiful designs I've brought to you now madam Meerah but you refused to choose one out from them" Guari pout
"I must look good Guari after all tommorow is my husband's wedding. I need to dress gracefully, I must be special and different that day to remind the new bride that I still remains the wife of Abhishek Singh and run things here" Meerah voice out with the deep smirk
"Bring more set of saree because I haven't see my taste" she add. Guari breaths out tiredly as she sluggishly walks out
"You can marry as many wives you want Abhishek but you will forever belongs to me. I am ready to commit more sins because of you and I don't mind the consequences" Meerah whimpers her face sour with anger
***
Menka gently draw the door open and walk in with a tray of food. Lakshimi stood by the window looking at the sun which is about to set
She is afraid to sleep, she is afraid to see the darkness brings out the night. She wishes today never ends and tomorrow will never come
She just can't imagine going to sleep and wake up to face the beginning of her sorrow. She won't even do anything about it, she can't even stop it .... That hurts her the most. She wish she can be free as those birds flying in search of their nest as the day is going down
She can hear her heartbeats, her fears catching up to her throat. She close her eyes in tears as she remembers the happy moments she spent with Abhijit
She felt a sharp hurtful pain in her heart as she raise her breath to calm down. This is the hardest decision of her life, leaving Abhijit to marry another man. She let the tears flow down peacefully, her eyes are already swollen and weak from crying but she don't mind crying her eyes out to death ... The tears won't stop, they keeps on making their way out
"Lakshimi" menka calls softly and gently walk up to her. Lakshimi wipe her tears, she already know how down and broken her mother is and if she sees her this way, she won't help it but feel hurt
She smoothly turn to face her, she tried hiding her tears but her weaken eyes couldn't
"Lakshimi, do you want to kill yourself.... You feeds yourself with nothing but tears, you haven't get to eat anything. If something happens to you now, how do you think I will be able to handle it, you are the only one I have... I can't live without you my child" menka cried out
"I'm sorry mother but how can I eat when I no longer have life in me" Lakshimi mumble
"For my sake Lakshimi you need to eat. Even if you are weak, you have to be strong because of me... At my most difficult times, many times that I wanted to give up in life.... I managed to live because of you, why won't you do so for me, please you have to be strong for me" menka chip in
She was able to convince Lakshimi to eat but the food means nothing to her, she can't even feel the taste of the food she is eating because she is only eating just to make her mother happy