Chapter 5

~Vedh Singh Oberoi X Heer Mehta~

"Bas bua ji"

("Enough Bua ji")

Vedh spat out angrily but still in low voice, his deep voice carried authority and anger which made Heer flinch and Sumitra ji frozen

Everyone in the hall looked towards the stage though Vedh wasn't that much loud but the silence of the hall made it possible to reach everyone

Vedh's siblings saw their toxic bua standing in front of their brother and sister in law and they smiled internally knowing what Sumitra ji had probably done

Aashrit stood near Vedh with hands in pocket, he had heard what she said to Heer and was waiting for this only

Heer's family rushed to their daughter who almost shed tears over that woman's disgusting words

Sumitra ji glared at Vedh with all her might thinking of him as a small guy who would say sorry but He was Vedh Singh Oberoi who never took disrespect

"Vedh-"

Sumitra ji tried to speak out her anger but Vedh raised his palm, gesturing her to keep quiet while his eyes told her not to speak anything else

"Bua ji I respect you, but she is my to be wife and I respect her more so I would prefer you not to interfere in our personal life and be a guest"

Vedh spat out, not shouting not yelling but just speaking with confidence and authority that made everyone stiffen at their place

No one dared to speak in between not even the over enthusiastic Sudha ji because everyone know better than facing Vedh's wrath

Sumitra ji stood there for a moment longer with lowered face seething in anger, while her face turned red in embarrassment

Soon she left the stage and the venue making Vedh sigh who then looked at Mehta family and their worried face which were now assured that this was the right choice

He nodded at them and sat back. Meanwhile Heer was rooted on her place thinking about how Vedh took her side in front of everyone without any hesitation

~Vedh Singh Oberoi~

The function ended soon and everyone went to their respective homes as tomorrow the preparation and rituals will start

Vedh entered his room and quickly changed into something comfortable and when he came out, he didn't stay but he made his way to terrace to get some peace

Vedh stood leaning on the railing looking at the empty sky with a moon glowing in between and he immediately remembered Heer

The way her face glows with or without lights to make anyone fall for her easily but Vedh will be a difficult one

Vedh sighed still staring blankly at the moon when he heard footsteps approaching. A hand wrapped around his shoulder and he didn't need to see who it was

Aashrit

Both the friends stared at the sky equally blank but some secrets in the heart, and just then Aashrit spoke

"You are hiding something, aren't you?"

He asked, his whisper echoing in the silent night and getting dissolved in the cold wind blowing past them every second

Vedh took in a deep breath and closed his eyes for a moment remembering how his whole being reacts when she is around

"I'm losing myself"

Vedh whispered, the heavy voice from the hall incident now turning into a soft one that it could be barely heard

And then Vedh told him everything,

How his heart starts beating loudly when she is around

How desperate he becomes to get just one glance from her

How much weird his body reacts when she is around

How he feels, everything

And Aashrit just heard it patiently smiling softly as he heard the symptoms of his best friend's so called 'Disease'

~Heer Mehta~

It's been three days to engagement and it was already Friday, the first ritual. Heer had been silent all three days not knowing what to react

The three day went in preparation as the family got lost in preparing for the guests and rituals, the once silent house was now filled with chatter, noises and playful things as the guests had arrived and some were still arriving

In short these three days didn't seem to be days but minutes as they passed in the blink of an eyes

The Mehta house was shining with the lights and the mehendi decoration all arranged by Reva and Saanchi

Right now the house was full on the noises and fun as the function was going on, Heer sat in between surrounded by soft cushions and all the girls in the house

She was numb sitting, wearing a yellow dhoti set with green dupatta, her hand were clad in henna patterns which were left to dry

She was numb sitting, wearing a yellow dhoti set with green dupatta, her hand were clad in henna patterns which were left to dry

Reva and Saanchi who had been working since morning like hell now finally sat beside Heer with tired smiles but energetic hearts

They started applying henna on their hands checking on Heer in between who gave a soft smile every time denying everything to eat or drink

Heer was at peace today because she was told by her mother that Vedh and she cannot see each other till Jaggo

Reva and Saanchi both stood up after applying a minimal design of henna and announced enthusiastically between the girls

"Arre bhai, Meri Heer ki shadi hai itni shant kyun chalo utho sab nacho"

("Oh guys, it my Heer's wedding why so quietly, let's get up and dance all")

The songs played one by one and the girls danced together having fun in the wedding as the chances like these comes very less

Heer enjoyed too watching her family getting the happiness of their share even if she had to sacrifice hers

Reva, while dancing suddenly saw Meena ji passing by and she ran towards her blocking her path before pulling her to dance

Meena ji at first denied but then danced a little smiling at her daughters and like this one more ritual ended

~Vedh Singh Oberoi~

Meanwhile the Oberoi Mansion was also glowing with the decoration made for the arrival of the new member

Here also the relative filled the house from every corner making it more alive as the mehendi ceremony went on

All the girls sat in between the large hall and applied different designs of henna on their palms while Smita and Chhavi waited for Vedh glancing at doorway every now and then

After sometime Vedh entered the mansion talking about something to Aashrit and Chhavi along with Smita ran towards him

"Bhaiyaaaaaa"

Their over sweet tone made Vedh pause between talk and look at them with raised brow and narrowed eyes filled with suspicion

Chhavi and Smita's smile didn't drop at all as they stood on his each side whisper talking to him almost convincing him

"Bhaiya please get bhabhi's name written on your palm"

Vedh rolled his eyes and shook his head saying a direct 'No' which made both the girls disappointed for a moment

Aashrit enjoyed the sight of Vedh getting emotionally tortured by his sisters standing at side with a mischievous smile

"Bhaiya please"

Smita tried again with puppy eyes but no effect, Vedh just stared at her with blankness when Chhavi remembered something and yelled in excitement

"Bhaiya Reva di said if we send a picture of Heer bhabhi's name written on your palm then she will send us a picture of Heer bhabhi's today's look"

Vedh narrowed his eyes looking at his little sister and asked in a low voice not wanting to catch unnecessary attention

"Are you trying to bribe me?"

The question was stern and it made Aashrit's smile widen at the mention of Reva unknowingly while both his sisters didn't took it seriously at all

"Bhabhi is also getting your name written on her palm then why can't you?"

Smita mumbled with a sad pout making puppy eyes not even looking at Vedh making Aashrit chuckle

Vedh sighed in defeat from is sisters of course then nodded saying

"Okay, now don't make that face"

Smita smiled and both of them pulled him to write Heer's name written on his palm with Henna just like Heer did

~

HEER'S POV:

It's already been three days to my engagement with Vedh ji but still whenever I look at the engagement ring I feel something different

The shining metal makes me restless every time it catches my attention. A sigh left my lips and I came out of the washroom after cleaning my dried henna

The stain is fresh still dark, I wonder how much dark it will be after forty eight hours as said. I don't believe in superstitions like the dependence of darker stain on husband's deeper love

It's a simple arranged marriage so how can he love me, the one who always glare at me when we meet or I go in front of him I always feel the intensity

Trust me if it wasn't for my father's health I would never force Vedh ji into this marriage, he also has the right to live with someone he likes but I am compelled

After some rest, I got up in the evening and took a bath as it was the time for sangeet ceremony and I already know I will be zoned out but still it's for me so I have to be present

I changed my lower t-shirt into a saree of I don't know which color, I just picked it up from the cupboard and got ready nicely

I wore saree a few times before but it wasn't the same because now I am going to be a wife, a daughter in law, a sister in law and will be bound to new relation

I sighed and left the room to see the fun everyone is having in my wedding

POV ends.

~Heer Mehta~

Heer entered the lawn which was decorated with fairy lights and colorful cloths joining at one point in between

A stage was set for the performers who will happily dance for her, being happy in her happiness but no body asked Heer of she was really happy

All of them just assumed that if she is smiling then she is happy but no body, I repeat no one saw what was behind the curtain of soft smile

Heer entered gracefully carrying her saree with confidence and that same fake, soft smile she had been carrying with her these days

Her double colored saree shined in golden under the soft yellow lighting, her anklets chimed as she moved to sit

Her engagement ring's shine moving along but even the diamond faded in front of the beauty she has

After an hour the dance performances started, all with graceful and energetic steps with different songs and emotions

After an hour the dance performances started, all with graceful and energetic steps with different songs and emotions

Some danced on soft songs, some solo performances, some couple while some group performances

Everyone performed no one left and then came the last performance, Reva and Saanchi's on the song 'O jiji'

Teasing Heer, they started their performance as they moved along the beat taking rounds looking at Heer and Saanchi ran towards her

Even as Heer denied they pulled her to the stage along with them to cheer up her mood and give her a few more memories to take along

The lyrics came and Reva and Saanchi teased Heer circling around her

'O Jiji Kyaa Kehake Unako Bulaaoge Dulhaa Banake Jo Aayenge

O Jiji Bolo To Kyaa Kehake Unako Bulaaoge Dulhaa Banake Jo Aayenge'

Reva held her chin once and asked what she would call Vedh when he will be her husband, they chose this song because it was a memory from their childhood

Heer smiled awkwardly and glanced at her parents who nodded at her asking her to dance and then the relatives who cheered her up to dance along

Keeping aside her hesitation for sometime Heer came on center of the stage and motioned the lyrics while doing lip sync

'A-Ji O-Ji Hum Naa Kahenge Hum To Isharon Mein Baate Karenge

A-Ji O-Ji Hum Naa Kahenge Hum To Isharon Mein Baate Karenge

Sab Jaise Apane Unako Bulaate Hai Waise Hum Naa Bulaayenge

O Chhoti'

Heer twirled and denied to call her husband like typical wives but she will talk to him in sign language like no one does

She pretended to be a shy wife who stood in front of her husband trying to call him for something

Seeing Heer dancing, everyone clapped while Saanchi and Reva giggled seeing their Heer like before when they used to dance

'Shaadi Hai Dilli Ka Laddu, Laddu Ye Har Man Me Phoote

Isakaa Lage Har Daanaa Bhalaa'

Reva and Saanchi nudged Heer playfully from both side about the marriage thing and Vedh a gesture saying she is the first one to get married

Heer's eyes widen in shock and she looked at her sister and best friend who knew that she didn't want to get married

Heer sighed and with a slight smile, she gave side eye to both the girls and gestured the next line being playful

'Jo Khaaye Pachataaye Jo Naa Khaaye Wo Pachhataaye

To Khaakar Hi Pachhataanaa Bhaalaa

Ye Laddu Tujhako Ek Din Khilaayenge Tere Saajan Jab Aayenge

O Chhoti'

At last line she gave teasing smile to Reva and Saanchi while crossing her hands then twirled them softly with her hands

Saanchi and Reva smiled remembering the days they used to dance so freely in the whole house without any hesitation and doubt

'Mithi Hai Brig Ki Mithai Laddu Pedhaa Baalushahi

Par Sabase Mithi Ho Tum Jiji'

Saanchi held Heer by shoulders and expressed how grateful she was after having a sister like Heer and Reva just looked at them

The thought that Heer will leave them to enter her new life lingered in her heart and eyes as tears started to form in the corner of her eyes

'Kanchan Ki Jaisi Khari Hai Ras Ye Ras Ki Bhari Hai

Ganne Ki Ganderi Hai Tu Chhoti'

Heer smiled very sweetly, the brightest smile she had given till now and the genuine one which held no pain and just the sweetness of the moment

She held the hands of both her sisters and returned the gratefulness she had to have them in her life as her sisters

'Brig Ki Ye Mithi Mithai Sadaa Ke Liye Jijaa Bandh Le Jaayenge O Jiji'

Reva moved forward holding Heer's chin she sweetly gave a reality check more to herself than anyone else

She wanted to cry but she didn't intended on ruining Heer's special moment when she was finally happy after so much time

She smiled and hugged Heer tightly as the tune continued towards the last phrase of song. The moment was filled with joy and sweetness as the girls danced together

~Vedh Singh Oberoi~

Meanwhile at Oberoi Mansion the scene was somewhat same every relative was happy to see the marriage of their dear Vedh

Everyone from Vedh's relation always held sympathy for him as he doesn't have parents and when he is finally ready to enter the new phase of his life, they are being a part of it

Vedh didn't interrupt the chaos because it was somehow giving him peace as he had been restless whole day after knowing now he would meet Heer on the Jaggo only

And thinking that these ceremonies were for him and his to be wife, Heer he felt peaceful

The sangeet was on the peak and the next performance was of his cousins before the punjabi dhol started

The hall erupted in claps as the curtains opened revealing his cousins standing in their positions and the song played was 'Chote Chote Bhaiyon ke Bade Bhaiya'

Standing in the corner was Vedh in his Black kurta with white pyjama cross arms who was not at all paying attention till now busy admiring the dark stain of her name on his palm

He allowed them to do that because it was her and he really wanted to see her picture but pretended as if he only did this for Smita and Chhavi

The stain was dark, the beautiful name written in beautiful handwriting on his palm was gorgeous

Vedh's eyes snapped up when the song started playing, knowing very well that this was his cousins

Aashrit walked towards him and stood by his side seeing the performance along with a soft smile adorned on his thin lips

'Chhote Chhote Bhaiyon Ke Bade Bhaiya,

Aaj Banenge Kise Ke Saiyan,

Dhol Nagade Baje Shehnaiyan,

Jhoom Ke Aai Mangal Ghadiyan...'

Their steps were energetic even after the chaos and preparations of whole day, they were able to dance so lively

Saket stood in between, Smita on the right hand and Chhavi on the left all following their steps and the sync their performance held was amazing

Vedh stood admiring his family which he loved so much and now he even had a smile on his lips, a small smile that rarely could be seen

'Bhabhi Ke Sung Holi Mein,

Rang Gulaal Udayenge,

Aayegi Jab Jab Diwali,

Milkar Deep Jalayenge,

Chunri Ki Kar Degi Chhaiyan,

Aayegi Banke Purwaiyan'

The next phrase began and Saket held a plate of red gulal, spreading it in air with a smile running all over like the happiest person

Then someone passed the burning sparklers (Phuljhadi) to Smita and Chhavi who held in round direction with teethy smiles

Then all three held their stalls wrapped around and danced waving them calling Heer as cold and peaceful wind of their lives

Vedh shook his head on their banter while Aashrit chuckled at them

'Jhilmil Ho Gayi Hain Ankhiyan,

Yaad Aayi Bachpan Ki Ghadiyan,

Naye Safar Mein Lag Jayegi,

Pyar Ki Inko Hathkadiyan,'

Saket gestured as if his eyes had been blessed seeing his elder brother getting married after waiting so much and they all moved off the stage

Their steps made sure to emphasize each line sung by the singer and they made sure to assure their elder brother than he will be captivated by love in this new phase

While Vedh only smiled at their innocence before he got pulled in between the garden, the action was so sudden that Vedh's mind couldn't register it so quickly

'Jachte Hain Dekho Kaise Bade Bhaiya,

Ramji Bihane Chale Sita Maiya,

Chhote Chhote Bhaiyon Ke Bade Bhaiya,

Aaj Banenge Kise Ke Saiyan...'

Smita, Chhavi and Saket made a circle around Vedh and dancing in a circle they appreciated his appearance and then folding their hands as if worshiping they called him as 'Lord Ram' and Heer as 'Goddess Sita'

They danced in a circle around him and then the performance ended

After sometime the dhol people had just arrived and the main function was about to begin when Sudha came to Vedh and Aashrit with worried face

Vedh frowned at the thought that what could possibly go wrong as he saw the worry etched through his aunt's face

"Beta Vedh can you go and give this in Mehta ji's house?"

She said forwarding a bangle box wrapped in red cotton cloth, covered properly as if a top secret. Vedh's frown deepened as his gaze lingered on the box

"What is it?"

He asked, his voice deep and questioning while Aashrit glanced at both of them quietly seeing the exchange

Sudha ji's frown vanished and a soft smile appeared on her lips, a smile which comes when you remember someone

"These are Sugandha bhabhi's kaleere which Heer has to tie in wedding"

Vedh's green eyes turned dark upon hearing the response as he remembered his dead parents then closing his eyes for a moment he took the box from her and gestured Aashrit to come along

Aashrit too followed and both of them left for Mehta house, getting in the car

~Vedh Singh Oberoi X Heer Mehta~

Vedh's car came to halt in front of Mehta house which was bustling with vibrant colors and songs that came till the door

The door was ajar so they entered quietly and following the sound of the music they reached the lawn only for both of their eyes to be blessed with the dancing beauties

Heer, Saanchi and Reva were on stage dancing together

Both the men froze at their places, Vedh's eyes got stuck at Heer while Aashrit couldn't move away his gaze from Reva

Heer felt his presence even without seeing him and suddenly her eyes went to the way but he was not there as he was standing on her right side

Seeing her eyes stuck on the way like that, Reva smiled teasing and both Reva & Saanchi pressed her between them singing along the song

'Gaane Ko Tum Gaa Rahi Ho Ji Apaana Behalaa Rahi Ho

Najar To Hai Rahon Mein Lagi'

They teased her indirectly saying she is waiting for Vedh pretending they didn't know but they did

Heer gasped, her focus immediately shifting to sisters and she held both of them by ears making Aashrit chuckle at the far

Vedh looked at Aashrit then again in front where his to be wife was enjoying her sangeet forgetting everything

The girl he has seen till today was nowhere but there was someone who looked like her but was more cute than nervous

'Ae Chhoti Tu Khoti Badi Hai

Behanaa Ko Bas Chhedati Hai

Main To Yahaa Kamon Mein Lagi'

Heer pretended to straighten her plates while still stealing glances around the crowd as she still felt a pair of eyes on her

Vedh understood well that, about what she was being teased and he enjoyed it from inside, he enjoyed seeing her turn pink upon his name

Reva and Saanchi exchanged their positions and then Saanchi held her chin moving her head towards Vedh whom she had already seen

'Aane Do Jiji Tumhare Ji Ki Dashaa Jija ko Bataayenge O Jiji'

Heer's eyes widen and the song ended, she froze in that position looking at him who was already admiring her from far

Vedh's lips twitched at the corner, just a little upwards and then normal seeing her cheeks turning cherry red causing her to turn dark red

Heer's heart beat accelerated at this sight and she came back when the loud applause thudded in the lawn

Heer blinked then lowered her eyes and Vedh sighed thinking the normal Heer is back. Without looking here and there Heer ran and stopped when she saw herself in her room

She was burning with embarrassment that the person she has been so quiet with had seen her dancing that way

Meanwhile Vedh handed the red box to Aashrit and went directly to the car making Aashrit let out a soft sigh

~Aashrit Thakur X Reva Arora~

Aashrit walked forward to give that box to someone when his eyes fell on Reva who was walking towards him but again looking back at someone

She was walking fast almost running but then suddenly she collided with a hard chest, her head was hurt and she turned completely in frustration ready to lash out

"Andhe ho ky-"

("Are you bli-")

Her voice died in her throat as she saw the person in front of her who was raising his brows at her asking her to complete what she was saying

Reva lowered her eyes as guilt flashed through them, she didn't want to argue with anyone from Heer's in law's house

Aashrit looked at her lowered eyes and smiled to himself as if he expected this exact response from her

"You performance was good"

He said without any hesitation and Reva's throat tightened as she gulped and said or whispered almost a mumble

"Thank you"

Then Aashrit after smiling again forwarded the box towards her, Reva frowned looking at it then she looked at him who clarified

"These are for bhabhi, badi ma's kaleere"

Reva heard him and nodded with a smile taking the box carefully. While taking the box her finger brushed against his cold hand and a shiver went down both their spines at once on the contact

Reva suddenly turned to leave when Aashrit took a quick step forward complementing her or trying to stop her

"By the way, you look good"

Reva stopped, her eyes narrowing. She might look calm but what chaos she brings is what Aashrit is still unaware of

She again turned towards him with straight eyes staring into his orbs and asked seriously which seemed genuine but actually she was reminding him

"I heard you are also getting married with jiju and Heer, congratulations"

Her words were straight. Reva never like guys who flirted with her so she said this straight, very straight

The small smile on Aashrit's lips vanished as if he remembered that he too is getting married along with Vedh

He gave a curt nod this time he was the one with lowered eyes and then dashed out of the house leaving Reva thinking what kind of man he is

~Heer Mehta~

The night passed the fun and chatter now turned into the calmness of morning as Heer stood by her balcony looking at the sky

She had gotten ready for her choora ceremony as it was to be held early in the morning, the blue sharara fluttered with every simple movement of hers

She pushed back the strands of hair back while lost in thoughts. She had been thinking about Vedh since last night's event

For the first time she saw him looking at her but it was nothing like what she had thought. She had thought of him always glaring at her but yesterday when she saw him

He looked at her like capturing her and that soft twitch of his lips wasn't leaving her mind for even a second

'I must be looking funny'

She dismissed her thoughts by chanting this all night and that really helped her get sleep because the way Vedh's thoughts had been lounging in her mind there was no way she could sleep that way

Heer sighed and moved back rubbing her arms as it was cold outside, she entered the room and quickly moved out to see the arrangements

She stepped out, as always closing the door behind her. The house was quiet with some soft movements here and there as it was early morning and gratefully youngsters were sleeping

The older women moved across the house all ready in the vibrant color sarees for the calm and soothing ceremony of choora

Heer moved out in the garden and the familiar cold breeze brushed past her as if silently whispering in her ear that nothing is changed yet

Heer walked further and saw the soft decoration with soft pastel colors that didn't sting in the eyes but it provided calmness

Then she saw the decorators of that decoration, Reva and Saanchi who were making sure everything is perfect

A soft smile appeared on her face as she observed the pieces of her heart working for her marriage like professional worker just so nothing goes wrong

Just then Reva' eyes fell on Heer and she smiled in return before a soft whisper left her lips taking Saanchi's attention towards her

"Heer..."

Both Reva and Saanchi walked to her and she also took some steps forward. No one was in the garden right now giving some quality time to the sisters

Heer kept both her henna stained palms on each of Reva and Saanchi, her eyes showering them both with fond, sisterly love

Reva and Saanchi both leaned in Heer's palm with soft smiles, Reva's eyes filled with tears upon seeing the Heer who looked like a bride ready for her choora ceremony

Not wanting to let Heer see those tears she turned around and looked at the decoration and asked after pasting a forceful smile but her tears refused to leave her eyes

"Heer see, the decoration is beautiful na?"

Though Reva had turned around but Heer had already noticed her swollen eyes which told her that Reva has not slept whole night and was just crying for her

Heer's own eyes filled with tears and she kept a palm on Reva's shoulder. Reva couldn't control her sobs anymore and broke down immediately hugging Heer

Both of them started sobbing drastically in each other's embrace, tears falling down like someone left opened the tap in their eyes

The Heer who had been trying to be strong from last few days now broke down completely on the thought of leaving the house she has grown up in

Seeing both the girls crying Saanchi also started to cry, she was trying not to cry since Heer's wedding was announced but now she couldn't

Saanchi hugged both of them and now all three girls were crying together. All three prayed for this moment to freeze here so no one will have to leave

After crying for almost ten minutes Heer backed and wiping her tears she cupped Reva's cheeks and said through her hiccups

"This was confirmed Reva, we are girls na this is our fate. We grow up in one house and after living there for almost half of the life we leave it this is how it is we can't change the world"

Her words were the bitter truth of our world, every time a female has to leave the house she had been grown up and go somewhere else

The tears streamed down all their eyes as they again hugged and breaking down emotionally they sat down on the white mattress that had been arranged for the relatives to sit

The girls couldn't stop the flood of their tears and now it was the time of dawn. Meena ji walked with something in her hand

She entered the garden working and calling out to Reva when her eyes fell on her daughter's crying state

"Reva this-"

She paused looking at the red swollen eyes of the girls and her eyes filled with tears but not letting them see she remained strong and turned around

The girls stood up slowly wiping away the tears looking at their mother's back towards them. Heer knew her mother was crying internally but she stayed quiet

Meena ji looked down as a single tear slipped down her cheek and she took in a sharp breath before she said without looking back at the girls

"Wipe your faces, your Uncle is here for the ritual"

Meena ji tried to sound cold, unaffected but she more sounded desperate to leave as she almost ran away saying this