Meera's POV:

'Thank you.'

I remembered his words!

I remembered how for a second I had forgotten that I was in his arms!

I had never expected Arjun would say thank you to me!

I tossed and turned to the other side of the bed and looked at my window, it was open. I took a deep breath and got up from the bed. I wasn't getting any sleep so I decided to stand at the window for a little while.

I walked towards the window while opening my hair and kept all the hair on my left shoulder. I placed my hand on the wall. That's when my eyes went to the ring on my hand.

I was engaged! To Arjun!

The ring was very beautiful. Arjun's mother had told me that it was Arjun's grandmother's ring. I again took a deep breath and folded my arms to my chest.

Now I don't want to think about it. I wanted peace.

For the past few days, I was just thinking about my past and my future.

I shook my head to get rid of all these thoughts. All this, my inner turmoil will end on the day after tomorrow.

As I'll be leaving Rajasthan. I will go back to my old life and will forget all of this automatically.

With this thought, I returned to my bed and sleep consumed me.

[In the morning]

I woke up with a knock on my door.

I got up and rubbed my eyes to get rid of the sleep. I opened the door and found a maid.

"Badi Bahu (elder daughter-in-law), Hukum has called you!" She said, bowing her head and walking off. I nodded at her while my mind was stuck on her words Badi Bahu!

I shook my head before thinking about anything and went to the washroom to freshen up. I came out and got ready.

I went to Dadaji's room and knocked. With a smile I entered after hearing a 'Come in'.

"Good morning, Dadaji!" I chirped as I entered.

He also replied good morning with a small smile and gestured for me to take a seat.

"You wanted to see me?" I asked him, at which he nodded.

He gestured for someone to bring something and after about 2 minutes a maid came in and kept 2 cups of coffee in front of me.

"Beta, I want you to accompany Siya to Gauri mandir (Lord Gauri's temple). It's our family ritual that the bride's sister-in-law goes along with her." He said the reason for calling me. I nodded at him.

"Dadaji, may I ask a question?" I asked and he nodded.

"What if I wasn't going to marry Arjun then who would be doing this ritual?" I asked with curiosity.

"Then I would've forced Arjun to marry Akshita!" He said with his lips drawn into a straight line.

"Oh!" That was all that I could say.

Force? Doesn't she always cling to him like a leech?

"Arjun doesn't like Akshita much. He doesn't tell me but I know that he only tolerates her because of me. If her grandfather wasn't my good friend I am sure he wouldn't have even looked in her direction." He completed with a chuckle.

I also smiled a little knowing how much he hates her.

"So, go get ready. After the Haldi ceremony you both will leave at 3 pm and then the wedding will commence at 7 PM." He informed me and got up. I also got up to leave.

I came out of his room and looked around. I took a deep breath of the morning's fresh air. People were working very fast. The whole house was decorated with fresh flowers and lights. Few people were ordering while a few were obeying those orders. My eyes roamed the garden area only to get stuck on a person that I didn't expect.

Arjun!

He was wearing a white shirt with pale blue check pants. He was standing there holding a bag in his hand.

He looked so handsome!

I shook my head to get rid of the thought. With my head down, I walked to my room.

What the hell was I thinking?

I was wearing my earrings when someone came into my room. I turned to see that it was Puji. She smiled at me and showed me two pairs of earrings.

"Choose one!" She said and sat on my bed with a thud.

I looked at them and pointed to one of them.

"I also liked this one!" Saying so she happily wore it.

"So, I heard that you will be accompanying Siya to the temple." She said to which I replied a yes.

"Hmm. Do your daughter-in-law and sister-in-law duties!" Saying this she winked at me.

We both heard a knock on the door and turned to see that there was a maid. She informed us that Siya had gone to the garden for her Haldi ceremony.

(The Haldi ceremony is a ritual holy bath. It's one of the pre-wedding ceremonies. Turmeric(haldi), oil, and water are applied to both the bride and the groom by married women on the morning of the wedding. This mixture is believed to bless the couple before the wedding.)

We reached the garden and sat beside Siya. Married women were applying Haldi on her face, hands, and legs.

It was my turn now. I applied Haldi on her whole face and Puji applied Haldi on all her hands. She whined like a child. We all started laughing at her actions.

When the function ended, we all returned to our respective rooms to take a bath and get ready. I also went to my room to take a quick shower and get ready. I had to go to the temple with Siya.

I came out of the shower and checked the time. It was 2:45 pm. I had to get ready in 15 minutes. I decided to wear a light green kurti paired with a grey skirt.

I didn't want to wear something heavy or do any makeup so I decided I would go with the casual.

I went to Siya's room to check on her. She was talking to someone on the phone. I knew whom she was talking to.

I entered her room with a teasing smile. I cleared my throat to gain her attention. Seeing me she immediately hung up the call while whispering something to the other side.

"No! No! You can carry on! I know you can't stay away from him!" I said with an innocent smile.

Her face turned red on my comment. I laughed loudly at her reaction.

"Let's go!" She said, straightening her yellow lehenga.

As we stepped out of Siya's room, I bumped into someone and lost my balance but that someone held my waist to stop me from falling.

I looked up and saw that it was someone I didn't know.

"Thanks!" I said and stood up on my own feet as fast as I could.

The person grinned at me. He was a handsome man.

"It's alright beautiful!" He said, still smiling.

He seemed like a friendly person.

Suddenly, Siya hugged that person. As she broke the hug she started hitting his chest. I was standing there confused.

"You moron! You are coming today? Huh!" She said while folding her arms to her chest.

"Sorry! Little one, it's just work you know!" He said holding his ears while Siya turned her face away showing her fake anger.

They looked cute, that's why I couldn't help but giggle at them.

"Can I know your name, beautiful?" He asked, looking at me.

I stopped giggling and blushed at the nickname.

"It's ok! Meera meet Amit" Siya said, gesturing to the man.

"And Amit Bhai meet Meera my friend an-" He didn't let her finish her sentence as he engulfed me in a hug.

It was so sudden that I was unable to push him.

"Nice to meet you Meera" He said while hugging. I was so uncomfortable.

"Same here." I said and tried to push him a little.

I think he understood that I was uncomfortable so he moved a bit back.

He murmured sorry and I nodded at him but he continuously kept looking at me.

"Siya, let's go!" I said to Siya as I was a little uncomfortable under his gaze. She nodded at me.

We went towards the car and settled in.

"He is my father's sister's son" Siya said and I nodded at her.

"You know the amazing thing is that he is just a day older than Arjun Bhai" She continued and I again nodded.

"They never get along. Bhai has anger issues and Amit Bhai likes to irritate him a lot!" She completed while giggling. I also smiled a little.

The whole drive was full of their fight stories. I just hoped that they wouldn't fight at her wedding.

We came back from the temple at 4:30 pm which was quite late but couldn't help the traffic. Siya hurriedly went to her room to get ready as the beauticians were waiting for her.

I also went back to my room. I didn't see that someone was sitting there waiting for me. I locked the door behind me.

As I turned towards my bed I saw someone making me freeze on my spot.

It was Arjun!

What was he doing here?

"I was waiting for you to come back." He answered my unasked question as he noticed that I had noticed him.

"W-why?" I stuttered while looking down.

"Can't I come to see my wife?" He asked, looking at me like I was his prey.

"I- I am no- not you- your wi- wife." I managed to say.

I was very afraid. I was with him alone and he didn't look normal. He looked like he was angry, actually super angry.

As the words escaped my mouth he started looking dangerously angry now.

God! What have I done!

He walked towards me as I walked back. I fisted my dress.

As soon as my back hit the wall, he caged me in between his arms. I was now caged between him and the wall.

"You will be! Soon! Very soon! So," He whispered in my ears.

I shivered at his husky voice. I felt something on my waist. I looked down to see him tying a kamarband (traditional waist chain) on my waist. He was still standing very close to me. His breath was falling on my head.

It was made with pearls and gold. It looked stunning!

I winced in pain because he tied it a little harshly. I think he doesn't have any experience of doing it and maybe that's the reason for it.

As I winced he quickly took a step back and examined my waist. Though it was completely covered, the way he was looking at my waist made me feel exposed to him.

I was very uncomfortable in this position but was also scared of doing something that would make him angry.

I didn't know what to do and why he was here!

He examined my waist and again moved a little close to me and leaned on me.

I closed my eyes. I didn't know why but I did.

"What were you talking to him about?" He whispered in my ear in a harsh tone like he was somehow managing his anger.

'Move back!' I wanted to shout at him but my voice was lost somewhere.

I heard that he had asked something but I could not answer as not even a word came out of my mouth and also because I didn't know about whom he was talking about.

"Huh?" He asked this time, leaning his face towards my neck.

I was breathing heavily because of the intimacy but he was normal. He was breathing in my hair like he was trying to calm himself.

"Answer me!" He hissed.

I was really pissing him off.

"Wh- who?" I asked.

He moved a bit back but still was very close to me. His face was red from anger.

"What were you doing with Amit?" He again hissed.

What was I doing?

Nothing!

Arjun's POV:

"What were you doing with Amit?" I asked her for the third time. I was really pissed at her.

Why wasn't she just answering me?

"Nothing!" She said.

But I wasn't satisfied with her answer. I leaned down towards her ear.

"Stay away from him. I don't want to see him near you!" I hissed in her ear.

I smelled her hair and moved back. I didn't want to stay here anymore because I knew that if I stayed then I'll be more pissed and maybe I'll pour out all my anger on her.

I moved out of her room and ran my hand through my hair.

His words were running in my mind!

Flashback:

I was in the garden assessing everything for the last time when someone patted me on my shoulder. I turned to see that it was Amit.

"How are you, small brother?" He asked.

I didn't understand why he always comes to piss me off. He is just a day older than me but still, he'll call me small brother.

I didn't answer him. Just turned back and continued doing my work.

I heard Gaurav come and before he could say something this piece of shit started.

"Hey, Gaurav! Bro, how are you?" He chirped.

"Hey! Umm, Amit you!" Gaurav stuttered.

He knew very well actually everyone knew very well that we both weren't on very good terms.

I turned back and continued to check everything while he and Gaurav started having their conversation.

After a while, Gaurav got a call so he excused himself.

"Small brother, do you know who she is?" He asked me.

Without turning back, I answered him "No!"

"Oh! She is so hot and beautiful!" He commented on god knows whom.

"I am going to hit on her!" He stated and walked away. I sighed in relief.

After a few minutes, I heard Gaurav's panicking voice.

"What the-" He panicked and I turned to him who was looking in some other direction.

I followed his gaze. The scene in front of me boiled my blood.

There was that moron and Meera was in his arms. She stood up quickly and murmured something. I think it was a thanks.

Then Siya came but then he said something that caused her to blush.

Siya introduced them after which he did something that I didn't appreciate.

He hugged Meera!

And at that, I lost my calm.

All I saw was red. I wanted to beat someone!

But why was I feeling like that? It was just an accident I think.

But I didn't like her in his arms whether by accident or not!

End Of Flashback.

After coming out of Meera's room I straight went into mine to get ready as it was already 6:30 pm. I wore my black sherwani.

......

I cross-checked everything because I didn't want any mistakes.

I was talking to one of the staff when I noticed he wasn't looking at me but he was looking at something behind me. I turned and stood in awe. There was standing Meera in all her glory. Looking like a goddess!

Someone cleared his throat and I was snapped back to reality. I turned back to see Amit smirking at me. He turned towards Meera and I could see even he was amazed by her.

She was looking very beautiful. Every time this girl amazes me with her beauty!

I don't like him looking at her. I just can't handle the fact that someone was looking at her. Especially Male!

I didn't know when but I had started walking in Meera's direction.

I walked to her but as always she was busy looking around. One thing that I have noticed about her is that she can't keep her eyes on one thing. Her eyes are like a curious cat.

I slide my arm around her waist. I liked to do this. Her waist is so slim. She just jumped at the sudden contact. She looked at me in an instant and her body tensed.

I leaned in her ear and whispered "You look stunning babygirl!"

I called her babygirl because she is just like a baby.

Cute!

I didn't know when I had started complimenting her, when I had started noticing her, or when I had started giving her nicknames! All this is happening to me and I don't know how and why.

I looked at Meera and saw her looking down. Her face was red. I smirked at my effect on her and then looked ahead to meet Amit's confusing gaze on us.

He walked towards us and looked at me then at Meera.

"Meera, are you his girlfriend?" He suddenly asked.

"Umm, No! I- I-" She started saying something but I cut her off.

"Wife!" I said and didn't know why but I felt proud when I saw his eyes widen.

"Wi- wife? How? When?" He asked in confusion.

Anyone would think that because a few days back I wasn't even ready to give a glance to a girl and here I am being protective and calling a girl my wife.

I took a deep breath and cleared his mind.

"Soon-to-be wife!" I said looking at her.

My hand was still on her waist. I think she shifted a little uncomfortably hearing about the wife thing.

"Oh! OK!" He said a little awkwardly and walked off.

I stayed there for a minute then I remembered I had to check the food counter.

"I'll be back. Enjoy!" I said to her and she nodded her head as always while looking down.

I saw the groom and the groom's family had arrived with their baraat.

I went towards them and welcomed them in our traditional way.

We made them sit with respect and called the servant to serve them some refreshments.

Then the groom was taken to the mandap (where the wedding rituals will take place) for a few rituals.

After a few minutes, they called Siya.

I went to take her. She was standing near the stairs. My baby sister is now a big girl and she is going to be married in a few hours. She was looking like a royal princess in her wedding attire.

We didn't speak a word. I just kept my hand on her head and a tear slipped from both of our eyes. She smiled at me, a cute one which I reciprocated.

I, Piyush, Gaurav, and Amit took her to the mandap and made her sit.

.

.

.

(I am skipping Siya's Wedding rituals)

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.

.

.

.

Siya was taking blessings from all the elders. Her wedding had just ended.

Tomorrow she'll go with her new family to live her new life.

I made Siya and Maa sit and eat something.

We all were having our dinner after attending the guests. As it was 1 am so we all decided to call it a night and take some rest.

I was going towards my room when I heard Meera's voice. She was talking with someone.

"So, when will you be leaving?" The person asked and I noticed that it was Gauri Di.

"By tomorrow afternoon. Actually, today as it is already 1 in the morning." Meera answered.

I was like no she can't just leave!

"Maybe we could spend a few more days together. But don't worry you'll be back here very soon!" Di teased her.

She didn't say anything.

I turned and walked into the room. I didn't know why but my mood had suddenly fallen. I was feeling very sad.

As I sat on my bed I remembered Meera's words.

I didn't want to think about it. I didn't know why but it was affecting me a lot! I didn't know why but I didn't want her to leave.

I suddenly became very angry because not for once did she say anything to me about her leaving.

How could she?

I was behaving like a teenager who was angry with his girlfriend for not telling him something!

I was never like this! Never!

I was frustrated with myself!

I didn't want her to leave but I knew that she would.

I wanted her to stay here near me.

Why?

I didn't know!

Why was I feeling like this?

My heart ached as I just imagined her to leave. I won't be able to see her but I wanted to see her.

Why do I feel like this?

Argh!

Nowadays, I am so confused about my feelings and my actions!

I was feeling something that I have never felt for anyone before.

I lay on my bed and closed my eyes.

My mind was full of Meera's thoughts.

The last thing that came to my mind was "Meera will be leaving." and then sleep engulfed me.

To Be Continued...