I woke up with a jolt ,it's just 5 in the morning. And yeah,the much awaited day,Sunday.No one's awake at this time,as now it's just me and my parents only in our home,6 am is our morning.I freshened up and went straight to jog,not wasting my time.Did all my exercises,I usually skip exercise on Sundays but today I wanted to look fit.When I was back from the gym,Maa was on a call, I hugged her and she patted my back and gave me a kiss on my forehead.  I had already hurt her alot ,not just Maa but everyone that's the sole reason why I agreed for a marriage when she asked me at the first place.

“ We'll start by 11 am,will reach there in an hour and fix the dates as well today itself” Papa suggested to which all of us agreed.
“Arya will come here or there?” Papa questioned Maa to which she stated as a matter of the fact “ She'll be coming here, I have called her.”

After breakfast, I was scrolling instagram and then saw bhabhi had posted a story.I opened and saw it's a picture of herself .I was thinking if Akshara also had posted a picture of her. “ Ajju yaar, the foreign delegates are arriving today to see the new model” I heard Dev as he barged in almost choking on his breath.“ Bhai, take a deep breath and repeat what you said.Who's coming?” I asked . “ Arre, that same people from France whom we met through Joseph last year. They are coming to India and wants to visit our company and discuss about the new model.” Before I could reply ,my phone chimed , it's Jhon, our HR .
“ Arjun , Mr Arthur is in India, he wants to visit our company.I was informed a while ago by his PA” Jhon informed me.Not wanting to sound sad ,I asked “ When do they want to hold the meeting ? Did you ask them?” Jhon stated “ They'll be here in an hour and he informed that Mr Arthur will meet you both .”

I and Dev looked at each other,“ Come on, Business is everything” Dev said disappointed. I laughed to avoid showing my disappointment.“ Maa, it's extremely important, just please convey my regards and you inform Akshara , I'll try coming if the meeting warps up early” I stated while tying my shoe laces . “ Okay, I'll” Maa is unhappy. 

Dev drove at high speed considering we have less time to reach. I saw Jhon already waiting for us ,he's an asset,I must admit.
“ Good morning Jhon” we both greeted him . “ Good morning,  I'm really sorry I knew you both had to be somewhere else but I couldn't decline it” Jhon bemoaned. “ It's okay buddy,business comes first ” Dev patted on his shoulder .We waited for them ,exactly at 11:30 am ,Mr Arthur walked in, looking like a King.

The meeting continued until Mr Arthur's PA butted into inform him about his family waiting for him at a restaurant. Soon after that he left , great just great.We left family for business and he left business for family . Sighing I started to work on his suggestions, complicated designs.Manufacturing isn't a easy job,especially when it comes to automobile. 

“ Your lunch” Jhon handed me a burger and gave one to Dev. Its lunch time, I looked at my watch. I saw Dev busy in phone,shaking my head at him I focused on my burger.
“ They're home,they fixed the date as well. Same day for both of us I guess ” Dev stated what he got from bhabhi.I nodded and started my work .We have to submit the final designs today itself as Mr Arthur is flying back tomorrow. 

Around 4 in the evening, we reached home , walked into find all the Malhotras in a discussion.Slumping in the couch Dev asked for the details.“ We have decided to keep both the marriages on one day, even Pandit ji agreed on it. So we'll have engagement on 10th of April ,that means next month” Chachi explained .Maa has a stoic face , leaning on her shoulder I asked “ What happened? Why are you so quite Maa?”
“ Nothing ,less time is left ,I don't know what to do ?”She stated making  Chachi to nod her head. “ Maa and Chachi , Athira had agreed to design the dresses , so we have time for other things .I'll hire the same event management company for the decorations who did it on my wedding.For food Papa , you do that .okay.Problem solved.” Arya said easily.She never acts her age .
Dumb Arya .

Maa informed me that she had explained everything to Akshara. I feel at peace but want to know from her the same.So I'll ask her when I'll meet her this week ,we have to give measurements for the dresses at bhabhi's boutique. 

Today was a hectic day.  I retired to bed early ,I have a meeting at 3  in the morning with Mr Charles who agreed to invest in our company .Keeping my schedule ready for the next day,I dropped on my bed.I can feel myself falling asleep. 

Sunday it is. We have almost arranged everything.I was made to a saree,I almost looked like a decorated home in Diwali. I'm nervous but I tried to act normal.A while later ,they arrived. Arjun and Dev Jiju had to attend a meeting so they couldn't come.I gave a smile and answers in short to everything they asked. 

We both are getting married into the same family, on same day. After all the discussions ,when all the females were in the dining hall discussing about the engagement dresses and other things.Janki aunty called me over to her and said ,
“ Akshara , as Arjun has started the company almost a year ago and also works at his papa's company, he never have time enough for his family .He actually told me to inform you that he's a very busy man but he'll definitely try making time for you .Is that okay with you?” I looked at her not knowing how to respond but a small push room Amma made me answer her, I replied “ It's okay aunty. I understand.”

Then the discussions carried on and we all decided to meet at di's boutique to take the measurements and finalize the engagement dress.

Bidding goodbyes to them ,Amma resumed her work of informing everyone about the two weddings simultaneously happening and it's invitation.Papa had said nothing since the time they left .Didi is busy texting Jiju.I entered into my room and changed the not so comfortable dress .

Thinking about everything,I opened my books to study .Exams are at the doorstep , engagement too. I sighed when I can't focus. 

Everything will be okay.

It's been three days since the family meeting, I was asked by Arya di to meet her at a restaurant. And now I'm at this restaurant where I met her first waiting for her .I don't know what she wants to discuss about,  there's something in my head saying me to be ready for the worst .

“ Maa , Arjun told you to tell about him and Shanaya,not what you told her” I asked Maa furiously. I admit Akshara is nothing like we want Arjun to marry but she's a good girl and I liked her for my brother. “ Yeah , I know but do you want the family to call off the wedding knowing his health conditions . I know it's not fair but he has overcame everything.We aren't keeping them in the darkness.He was depressed and not mental, so it's okay I guess” Maa shrugged. I for now found that correct too. My baby brother deserves the best .I decided to meet Akshara. I called her mother and asked if I could meet Akshara alone to discuss about Arjun. I knew aunty won't disagree, I shared the location. 

I had appointments back to back at hospital today. I rushed to the restaurant and saw Akshara already there .Punctual much.We greeted each other .“ What will you have Akshara?”I asked her. “ Nothing,  just had my lunch a while ago” she replied nervously. 

“ See Akshara ,why I wanted to meet you today is just because I want to know if you're really ready for this wedding,ready for my brother.” She looked puzzled when I questioned her .“ Didi, I understand your concern for your brother, I'm not compelled to marry Arjun , it's my voluntary decision” she explained . So she talks or she can talk too. “ Okay , my brother is a free spirited man ,I want him to remain the same,I love him just like my son”I tried to reason. She gave me a smile and remained quiet. I continued “ If you want to back out ,you can now. I don't want my brother to be hurt.” She remained quite ,seeing the conversation would go nowhere, I bid her bye and returned home.

I'd never ever let anyone hurt my brother. 

Dear diary

Today I met Arya didi ,she proves that she's her mothers daughter.And I'm trying to make myself believe that it is her concern for her brother. But I didn't like her .

Akshara

I kept my diary back and started reading my novel.No time to waste on people.

Universe I let you decide.

Signing off
Ashwani