Fated To Marry You

Rithu's POV

It was a bright Monday morning I was traveling on a bus. The time is about 8.30 am, where everyone rushing to their school, college, and work. Sitting on the window side seat and listening to my favorite songs I watched the passing building, vehicles, and people. Though the climate is quite a sunny, I am enjoying the warmness over my skin.

Today I missed my regular bus were my friends and I usually travel. The bus journey is blissful when we have a friend who keeps on talking or gossiping about something. By that way, this half an hour travel will never bore us. But today I am missing that.

When I reached my University I started walking to my class looking down suddenly, someone pulled my bag from behind. I was jerked and turned around to find my friend Nithya she smiled brightly and I took my earphone from my ears and smiled back.

"Good morning sleepy head," she said encircling her hand on my shoulder.

"Morning," I replied with a small smile and we started to walk. We were friends for almost ten years, though I don't have any siblings and Nithya gave that sibling feel to me.

"I thought you would come earlier Nithya, why you're late?"

"I also missed our bus Rithu. I came on the same bus that you traveled, I saw you but you're so busy in listening songs so I didn't disturb you," she said.

"Oh, sorry for not noticing you Nithya," I said with my puppy face.

"It's OK don't give that expression, come let's go to our class," she said enthusiasm and we reached our department.

The classes are very less since it is our final semester and we were having only our project work. Me, Nithya and Shana, we three are in the same group. There are only two months left for my Master's degree to finish and I am working hard to finish my project.

On the other hand, my parents were planning for my marriage as recently my dad got hospitalized when he fainted in his workplace of severe chest pain. He was diagnosed with atherosclerosis and we had treated that immediately.

The doctor has advised him not to do any heavy works and to take enough rest. So he was worried about everything, especially about my life and wanted me to get married as soon as possible.

I want to work and I want to lead my own life for at least two years without anyone's help but my father's compulsion and his health condition has made my mind to accept for this.

After finishing off some important works in my project I noticed the time at 4.30 pm. I packed my things and Nithya gave me some documents in a pen drive for my reference to print the thesis; since there's only a week for us to submit our project, so we have to make everything perfect for getting good marks. I am always a good student and sometimes I will be the class topper anyhow, there is no use in getting good marks since I am going to get married to an unknown stranger, I don't know what he's up to.

I reached my home at 5.30 pm when I entered, my parents were busily discussing something in the living room and they looked as they were waiting for me. There is something going on.

"Rithu, you came!" My mom exclaimed plastering her face with a smile.

"Yes mom," I replied and walked into my room.

I changed my clothes and went to the kitchen to get a cup of coffee. When I was about to drink that my mom called my name and I went there to see them.

"What mom?" I asked and looked their faces.

After a small silence, my dad started to speak.

"Rithu do you know my friend Kishore; he's having a son running a business in Chennai and Friday they're coming here to see you," hearing that I got little nervous. I don't know what to say it's very sudden and my mom smiled at me like it's not at all a big deal.

It is not a shock I already know that yesterday my dad was speaking about me with someone in the phone, and in the evening he went to give my photo to them but it is much unexpected.

"But dad, please wait for at least a month," I said to him cause I not even finished my final exams.

"No Rithu we can't wait, it's the best proposal and you already know everything right?" he said like it was his final decision.

I said nothing and I want to think about this so I went to the terrace and sat on the bench. I gazed at the devoid cloudy sky which resembled my current life.

What I did in my life, what I achieved?? I asked myself.

Nothing!! My subconscious replied mockingly.

At that time my mom came and sat beside me, she placed her hand on my hand, and I know what she's going to say.

"Rithu I know what you're thinking dear you know dad is not in a good health and we also want the best for you so try to accept this.

Life render various situations Rithu we have to accept all and go through that so don't confuse yourself and accept this," my mom said. She is also right if I go against this my parents will only suffer. So I made my mind to get married.

"Okay mom, I can understand," I said halfheartedly with a small smile.

My mom was happy with my decision and she hugged me.

"Don't worry about anything dear we are always with you and we will do only the right thing for you?" my mom assured.

I didn't sleep that night thinking about every possibility to escape from this situation but that will only show I am not a good daughter to my parents.

Next day I went to my college everything was same; I didn't utter a single word about this marriage proposal to Nithya and Shana because I felt really shy.

During the break, I went to the library to read something because I love reading and I am damn bored of studying only the subject books for almost two months for this project work. I took some random newspaper and started to read, in the business column there I saw a man he's so good looking with a manly smile and that article was about him.

A young businessman named Vikram who owns a rapidly developing architectural firm; he is now constructing a mall with high facilities in Chennai and his native is Coimbatore, where I am living. I gazed the features of that man for some time but I don't know why. But soon I shifted my thoughts hearing a creaky sound of the chair, I turned over the page automatically and continued to read some local and national news then I felt even bored, so I closed the newspaper and went back to my class.

As days passed, my project neared its completing stage. I got a signature on my thesis from my project guide, and I am doing my final touches. During a busy day, Nithya called and asked me to come to the canteen so I went. Since we are doing our projects with different faculties we don't have the chance to meet often.

Sipping my favorite strawberry milkshake Nithya waved her hand to notify me, I smiled and saw another one for me on the table.

I wanted to tell her that I going to get married but I am still feeling shy, yeah I am very shy when it comes to love, marriage etc. But I have to say this or else she will get mad if she finds out on her own.

Without having another choice I told everything to her and Shana also came while we are chatting and heard my story. They first didn't believe me and teasingly congratulated me but when I said that it's all true they became surprised.

Nithya asked me about whom I am going to marry, and what he is doing but I don't know the answer to her question.

I said I don't know him Even his name.

They were surprised even more.

"Then when are you going to meet him?" Nithya questioned me.

"This Friday, I think so," I said pursing my lips.

"Oh...Congratulations," Nithya teased again. I just stared at them angrily for teasing me but I can't control my laughter so we laughed and started talking about my marriage.

As the time moves, we three girls were so engrossed in discussing our future life and husband without having a thought that we were getting late to reach our home.

When the moment I opened my eyes on Friday my heart started to race and I felt so nervous because I don't know what's going to happen today.

I abruptly stood up from my bed and walked into the lavatory like a zombie, after finishing off my morning chores I came out and noticed the time was 8.15 am. My eyes widened in shock because today I have to be in college at 8.45 pm.

I rushed my mom to pack my lunch. After getting that I started running to the bus stop.

Today I am having my project presentation and added to that Mr. and Mrs. Rajesh was coming home to see me. I wanted only one that this day has to end very soon without any problem. God, why everything is happening in one day, grant me more luck...please, I prayed mentally.

Yesterday dad was talking about them to my mom. I have seen Mr. Rajesh because he's a very good friend of my father, doing several businesses and he is one of the richest people in this city. But I don't know that he's having a son.

I didn't ask about anything to my dad; my mom only said about all these things to make me understand about the importance of this marriage, and also to brainwash that getting married is not at all a strange thing.

But nothing got into my head and I am not very interested in hearing that because my mind was filled only with my project work. I felt so nervous thinking about how will be the outcome of my project work than this marriage.

When the moment I entered the bus that was about to take, an unknown happiness spread across my heart attaining the first success of this day. Breathing heavily I sat on the seat near the window.

After thirty minutes of traveling I reached my college, then again I started running giving out all my energy when I entered my class, Nithya and Shana were impatiently waiting for me and that is evident from their facial expression.

Later we went to our project guide to submit our thesis, she carefully checked our project and asked some questions and also pointed some mistakes to correct that.

We fixed the errors and got the signature from her and then we presented our project confidently. Even though I am hell nervous I thought only one thing that I have to do my best. After the completion, the external examiner greatly appreciated me and my work. I felt really happy and relieved. Coming out of the examination hall with a successful smile I sighed deeply. Grabbing Nithya and Shana's hand we walked to the canteen, where we had our favorite veg roll, milkshake, and some cookies, a small celebration party for completing the project successfully and we had a great time.

Then suddenly I remembered my mom's word and I looked at my watch it's already 2.30 pm.

I said to Nithya about their visit that they are coming to my house at 3.30pm. She asked me to go home and also wished good luck.

I rushed again to catch the bus but I was ten minutes late in that ten minutes my dad called me about 20 times.

When I entered my house my mom was preparing some snacks the smell tempted me to eat but sadly I can't do that now. I don't have time so I immediately went into my room and changed my clothes. I wore a peach-colored saree, I tied my long hair in a braid and I applied a light makeup, at last, I put some jewels to look more elegant. I thought I am good when I see myself in the mirror and my mom came into my room.

She looked at me with a surprise and she was smiling from ear to ear. Mom complimented that I am looking so beautiful in the saree and she hugged me,

"Mr. Rajesh family going to like you, dear." Hearing that I worried not because of what they are going to think of me since I am doing this only for my parents but, they were having high hopes that this marriage will definitely happen.

What if they don't like me? I thought and my smile faded away.

That time I heard someone entering our home my dad called my mom. She looked in a way that told me to be ready.

After she went to the living room I heard some greetings and laugh, at that time I felt little nervous then my dad summoned me. Before going out I took a deep breath and walked into the living room.

I greeted Mr. and Mrs. Rajesh. Mr. Rajesh smiled by seeing me and I smiled back. He must be sixty or sixty-five something, he looked very calm and by his looks, I can say he must be a more mature person. Then I turned my gaze to Mrs. Rajesh she smiled and I smiled back; she looked calm and a composed woman and I admired her beauty even though she's aged but still having a grace in her smile.

Mrs. Rajesh called and asked me to sit beside her and she inquired about my studies and Mr. Rajesh was busily talking with my parents about business and after some time they forget about me and talked among themselves about family, business, etc.

At that time I was wondering why their son didn't come and my thoughts were wondering about him on how he looks, whether he is tall or short, dark or fair and all.

By seeing my parents and Mr. Rajesh family I thought they will definitely going to make this marriage happen.

In between their talk, I heard

"Vikram was about to come today but he was so busy Kishore that's why he didn't come." Mr. Rajesh reasoned his son's absence to my dad.

Oh, Vikram is their son's name!! I thought to myself and I somewhat relished that name.

Mr. Rajesh also said that he has sent my picture to him and Vikram is ready for the marriage, hearing that my mom and dad looked at me, and I felt really awkward to sit there. Then my dad saved me from embarrassment by starting to speak about the dates for the engagement and marriage.

Mr. Rajesh said Vikram wants a simple marriage he doesn't want an expensive engagement function so we can keep that in our home and marriage after one month. Hearing that I was relieved, I also hate this kind of expensive engagement functions, it's kind of a burden for my parents.

At last, they decided to keep the engagement after five days and marriage on May 5. Then at 6.30 pm, they decided to leave, and Mrs. Rajesh smiled and said goodbye to me.

After they left I changed into my sweatpants and a long-sleeved shirt and went to the terrace with my phone and started listening to some random songs on my playlist, the slow and chill breeze made me feel better.

But my thoughts were turned on that mysterious Vikram, what kind of person he is, how I am going to meet him and how he will talk with me and all.

Thinking about him I felt an unknown curiousness but there is no use I have to wait for five more days to see him.

Then a small raindrop fell over my hand and it's also getting dark, so I went back into the home.

My mom and dad were discussing on how many people to invite, buying dresses, Jewels and about other preparations when I entered the living room, I didn't disturb them and went straight to my room silently.

I started to study for my written exams but I am disturbed again because of that mysterious Vikram.

It was a day before my engagement, my dad and mom were very busy in making our house to look beautiful and I also helped in the decorations; thank God it's my study holidays so that I can help them. Then I thought that I should buy a new saree since I don't have anything good to wear.

"Mom shall we go for a shopping," I suggested.

"I can't come with you dear and you go with Riya, she will help you."

"But mom! Why Riya? Please, mom, you come with me." I pleaded.

"Rithu you know that I am busy then how can I come with you." she convinced me to go with Riya and I don't have any other option.

"Ok, mom I will go with her." I failed to argue.

Riya is my cousin she is very good at picking clothes because she's the fashionista of my family. She always used to tease me that I am an out of fashion girl and acting like a country bumpkin. It's not like I am hating her she is my cute little cousin and she's also very supportive of me and I love her unconditionally except to going shopping with her.

After 30 minutes Riya came home and suddenly opened the door while I am changing clothes.

"You idiot." I roared and without a second delay she replied, "I am not, you're the idiot".

"Why you opened the door while I am changing?" I asked her again.

"Why you didn't lock the door while you're changing bumpkin" she replied again.

I don't know what to say because she is right I forgot to close the door it's not the first time, my mom even came while I am changing and also I shouted at her. Perhaps I think I did a mistake today.

"It's OK I didn't see anything and I am also a girl so don't worry and come faster we have to go right! You know what I am having a lot of work so don't waste my time and come faster baby," she went out ordering me like a queen.

Then after changing my clothes, I put my hair braided. When I came out of my room, Riya was busy eating sweets that were prepared by my grandma for the engagement function.

"Shall we go now," she asked. I said yes, then Riya started her bike I said bye to my mom and dad. Mom gave some extra money to buy whatever I needed; then I sat behind Riya and I told her to drive carefully but she glared at me and signaled me to shut my mouth, then I kept mum until we reach the shop.

She drove me to the famous clothes shop in our city, it was big that contains about three floors only for sarees. I always go to small shops to buy since I hate putting a lot of money in clothes and accessories. But for now, I have to buy something good because my mom wanted me to look beautiful for the engagement.

We entered the shop and Riya went straight to the elevator, and I followed her since she knows every inch of this shop and a regular customer too.

After getting into the elevator, I looked down in a confusion of how I am going to pick a saree. When the elevator door was about to close it was stopped by someone, I lifted my head up and saw a man.

He was tall, wearing a blue shirt and grey pants his eyes were black that looking straight into me, with a sinless manly appearance and good physique he looked devilishly handsome, totally he intoxicated my innocent mind instantly.

Seeing a man like him my heart started to pound and an unknown feeling aroused in my heart, without my realization I was seeing him.

I can't take my eyes off him, then suddenly a thought popped into my mind that I have seen him somewhere but I don't know where it was... However, what that surprised me was he's also staring at me with the same surprise.

He is peering at me like he knows me before, then the guy next to him asked him to enter; he came inside and stood beside to me. I don't know but my heart started to beat even faster. Then Riya closed the elevator door and I didn't turn my gaze on that person's side.

But I discerned that he was still looking at me, I felt uncomfortable with his gawking, god why he's looking at me like this; stupid... I mentally scolded him but nevertheless, I am having a feeling that I have seen him somewhere.

I turned to Riya for help but she was so busy checking her Facebook, god there's no use of having this stupid cousin I thought.

When the elevator door was opened on the third floor I immediately went out without looking at him again.

Then Riya asked me to follow her, we started looking for a good saree and also within our budget. She directed me to try several saree, I am really exhausted after trying so many things then, at last, I selected two sarees a red saree with a broad golden border and a yellow saree with a black designer blouse.

After paying our bill I and Riya went to the parking lot, I was carrying the bag and she was trying to start her bike but there's some problem and it's not starting.

"Hey what happened?" I asked.

"Wait I think there's some problem," she answered and again tried to start.

At that time I felt like someone is watching us, I turned around, but to my shock, there that elevator guy was standing beside the black color Audi car, it looked more magnificent (only the car). His one hand was in the pocket and other on that car.

I was stunned to see him again.

The guy with him in the elevator was also standing beside him and they were talking by looking at me.

I turned immediately, however, I looked at him again with a confusion, I have seen him somewhere, and I wanted to know why he is studying me like this. But at the same time, I felt it is wrong to a look man like this because I am going to get engaged. So I turned and I thought he's a perverted idiot.

God, please start this damn bike of Riya I have to get out of here... I prayed.

Then at last her bike has started. I sat behind her, but I have to do something to that idiot so I turned and glowered at him. But that stupid irritated me by smirking, god he's laughing!! What the hell he is. I thought and we left.

During the ride, I was reminiscing about him and questioned where I have seen him but I don't know and I should forget about this confusion.

Riya dropped me in front of my house, "Hey!! Arrive earlier tomorrow and help me," I ordered without looking her.

"Ok, I will be here in the afternoon be prepare for everything baby," she told and left.

I showed the sarees to my mom, she said it's nice and I am relieved that she liked them.

I went into my room and after placing the saree in the cupboard I laid on my bed.

Again I thought who is that guy?? And I have seen him somewhere too. It's kept bothering me.

Then suddenly the newspaper flashed before my eyes and I remembered him, I have seen him in the newspaper in my college library. He's a businessman and his name also Vikram and I am going to marry a guy named Vikram.

But why he acted that way did he know me before? God it's so confusing I thought and this only filled my mind for the whole day.