Mending My Broken Heart

-Singhania Mansion, Lawn-

"What are you saying Vishwa?" Vijay Pratap asked in a daze. The middle-aged multimillionaire and the mighty owner of the Multinational SINGHANIA FURNITURE AND DECOR said.

"Isme galat kya hai huh!(What's wrong in this huh?) Your daughter Radhika and my son Ranbir are mature adults and love each other. Please agree Vijay. For the sake of our friendship." The elderly Vishwanath Khurana, the sole owner of 'K BEAUTY AND FASHION' reasoned.

"OK. But... You should ask your son Ranbir. If... he is willing-" Vijay Pratap asked hesitantly.

"He's my son. He would never say 'no' to me. And also imagine when this news will come out in the press, it will enhance the sales of our products so much and our business will be on cloud nine!" Vishvanath was ecstatic over the idea.

"Ha vo to hai. (Yes it is.) The idea of us becoming relatives would keep the press occupied for a week at least,

The owners of 'Singhania Furniture and decor' and 'K beauty and fashion' tie a knot."

"So should I take it as a yes?" Vishwa said forwarding his hand for a handshake.

"Vishwa Samdhi haath nhi milate, samdhi to gale milte h!(Vishwa in law's parent don't handshake, they embrace each other! )" He said and took Vishwa into a hug.

"So my daughter will soon be Radhika Ranbir Singhania." He said smiling. "I know Ranbir loves her a lot. He would never hurt her. This is the best alliance for my princess."

Radhika's POV

Ugh! This Ranbir can't even hold himself for a few hours. I have told him so many times not to call me during the photoshoot but only if he ever listened. I don't want anybody here saying that Radhika Singhania is unprofessional and he just can't stop behaving like a love sick puppy.

"Radhs, You can take a break now." The cameraman said.

Now I should take his class. I picked the phone and dialed his no. He picked up at the first ring, "Hey Radhs. Finally You decided to bless me with your time." He said in a sarcastic tone.

I heaved a deep breath and asked, "Ranbir You know me right. How much my career matters to me, You know that too. Then why do you take it for granted huh? Why can't you behave maturely?"

"Oh man. Did You call me back to remind me that? I thought you were missing me too." He said slowly and I could sense the sadness in his voice.

"Ranbir I-"

"Its OK Radhs. Just remember that I care for you. I love you and that's why I get possessive sometimes. Sorry for disturbing you. I won't call again."

Oh no! He's sad. I have to do something.

"Ranbir!" I shouted into the phone. "I'm sorry love. I was just tired after the photoshoot and... Umm... How about going out tonight. Just you and me?" I said the last sentence too much seductively for him to resist.

"Uh... OK."

"Great. So You pick me from the Mansion in the evening."

"Ya I will. Radhs..."

"Hm" I said.

"I love you so much." He said sincerely. Even though I know it but still, hearing those words from him every time gives me so much happiness.

"I love you too Baby." I said and hung up.

Ranbir and my relationship was never a strained one. We were always a happy couple. It's because he was the one who always loved me, pampered me and cared for me. Even though I made many mistakes, a sorry and a candle light dinner always worked. Whenever we had ego fights, He was the one to apologize first. Even though it would be my mistake most of the times. I won't admit this in front of him because of my big fat ego, but its true... I'm so lucky to have him. He understands my priorities, my love for my career and everything even though I don't say it.

"Radhs?" A rough voice brought me back.

"Yes Maddy?" Maddy is my assistant who handles all the details like travel and legal formalities of the assignments I choose to shoot.

"I have a big news for you Radhs." He said all exited.

"Guess what. You won't believe..." He could hardly breathe because of controlling his happiness.

"Maddy Kill the suspense! And tell me what is it?" I asked annoyed. I'm not a very patient and calm person when it comes to such news.

"The big international cosmetic company, L'Oreal Paris has chosen YOU as their brand ambassador. I... I know your fascination with that company so... Without asking you I... invited them to the studio to sign the contract tomorrow. Are You OK with it?"

"Am I OK with it? I am super OK with it. Wow! I feel like... dancing in happiness right now."

"Whoa! Whoa! Cool down girl. Don't smile so wide. It'll hurt your cheeks."

Tonight at dinner, I'll tell Ranbir about it. I know he'll support me.

Jeevika's POV

I'm sitting here in my room and staring at Ranbir's photo since... Maybe an hour. But I can't help it. He's so cute. Everyday I drain my laptop's battery doing this and nothing else. I know he loves Radhika and Radhika loves him. I never wished to get him for myself. But this crazy heart... can't help it. I'm happy to see you with whosoever makes you happy Ranbir. He has never seen me. I just don't like being the centre of attraction. I chose to stay away from press and media and I really enjoy it. They are just so annoying. They want to make a headline out of every breath I take.

Most of the people don't even know I stay with Chachu (Paternal Uncle) after Mom Dad's death. They know about only one daughter of Vijay Pratap Singhania - Radhika. And it's better that way. I'm not a fan of attention.

I don't know when and how it happened, but I just fell for HIM, and fell so hard that I don't think I would ever be able to get up. I sighed at my own thoughts. What have You done to me Ranbir? Why am I so much into you? I asked myself.

"Jivi!" I heard Radhika's loud footsteps approaching towards my room. Shoot! I said as I closed the laptop and hid it behind the pillow. She poked her tiny head inside the door and said, "Jivi... After dinner, I'll be coming to sleep in your room. I have to tell you a great great news." She beamed.

"OK." I smiled. Now I'll have to change the laptop's screensaver, hide all the magazines and newspaper cuttings, remove the wardrobe posters and so much before she arrives. She is not the suspicious type or the evil step sister we read in fairytales but when it comes to Ranbir, she gets damn possessive and I don't want to hurt her anyway.

She has weird habits. She comes to sleep in my room whenever she's too happy or in simple language when she gets some dream project in her career. She doesn't share it with Chachu and Chachi cause they don't care. Chachi thinks she's tainting their reputation by going into such a profession and as for Chachu Being a daughter of a billionaire, a princess in every sense, she doesn't need to work.

Same goes with me, but I'm studying business administration which is pretty decent and would be joining him in business so he doesn't stop me because it won't harm his reputation. Radhs doesn't like Chachi comparing me with her all the time which happens very often but we sisters least care.

I'm in the last year and I have always been a bright student. I don't want anything else. I'm really happy with what God has given me. Chachu and Chachi, a loving sister and a childhood crush whom I can admire like an idiot.

There was a knock on the door which broke my train of thoughts. "Ma'am, Dinner is ready. Please Come down." Maya, the head maid said and left.

-At the Dining table-

I saw only Chachu and Chachi there. Where's Radhs? She told me she'd come to me after dinner.

"If your searching for that spoilt brat, she's gone out to dine with her boyfriend. Come." Chachi said answering my inane chatter.

"Oh!" Was all I could say.

We all started to have our dinner in silence when Chachu broke the silence.

"Jivi beta! You're Radhika's elder sister. We've to share something with you." Chachi was ecstatic over whatever it was.

"Yes Chachi what's it?" I asked all excited.

She smiled at Chachu and me and continued, "we were thinking about... Ranbir and Radhika's wedding next month."

She finished and the next bite stuck in my throat and my hands went cold. I clutched the fork tightly to avoid a reaction but how could I? Did she just say Ranbir's marriage?...With Radhika...

I choked on the food and began coughing badly. Chachi gave me water and patted my back. "Beta, we know its all of a sudden but we had to do this one day. We can't Let her act and model all her life..." She said bitterly and continued blabbering but my mind wasn't registering anything else. I felt wetness on my cheek and sure enough to betray me, traitor tears were there. I touched my cheek and removed my Spects to wipe them before anyone sees it but it was too late.

Chachi got worried seeing me like that. "What happened beta? Are You OK?" She asked concerned. "Why are you crying?"

"Nothing Chachi. I was just *sobs* sad thinking that Radhs *sniffs* would go away from me and I would be left all alone." I somehow managed to say.

She heaved a sigh of relief. "You scared us Beta. She'll keep visiting us. She's not going so faraway and see you are crying for her but I know she wouldn't even care. She would be happy that she's going to be with Ranbir forever." She was thinking that she was consoling me but her words just increased the pain of my heart.

She's going to be with Ranbir forever.

Ranbir's marriage.... With Radhika....

"Chachi, I think I'm done. Good night. I... I'm feeling sleepy." I said and with large strides left from there with the pieces of my badly broken heart.

Jivika's POV

I cried and cried until I could cry no more. Why? Why am I crying? Why is it hurting so much? Why am I afraid to lose him? He's not even mine for goodness sake.

I could actually feel a strong heart ache. That's wrong. I shouldn't be feeling this way.

Every time I remembered Chachi's words, the pain killed me. I felt like every fibre in my body was being scratched with a sharp knife. I so badly wished that I would pass out or magically my body would go numb so that I don't feel the pain anymore but it didn't happen.

I went to the window and looked at the Moon. Doing this always gave me relief. I felt like I'm staring at my parents and they were staring back at me. But when I looked down, I cursed myself for coming here.

Ranbir had come to drop Radhs. They're back. They looked so happy together. No one could ever come between them. I don't belong with him. They're just perfect. He embraced her and kissed her forehead before leaving.

I remembered that Radhika was going to come to my room. I went to bed and pretended to sleep. I can't face her now. My voice or my tears would surely betray me.

I heard her footsteps arrive into the room and she was so happy and I could feel it. Maybe it was the marriage news that she wanted to share.

I could feel shuffling beside me. "Oho! I asked her to wait. Good night Jivi." She talked to herself and slept.

Thank God these tears are colourless and they dry sooner, otherwise this pillow would have revealed so many secrets.

Stop it Jivi! I scolded myself. Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened. Loving Ranbir was the best thing that happened to me and I am always going to cherish it no matter what. I will remember him not as the one who broke my heart, but as the one who taught me how to love.

With that thought, I wiped my tears and went to sleep.

-Next Morning-

At the Studio

Radhika's POV

"Radhs are you OK?" Maddy asked, concerned.

"Ya. I'm fine." I said gulping another glass of water.

"Are you sure? I mean why are you sweating so much? It's the 5th glass of water."

"Maddy, I'm just nervous. Today, I'm going to sign my dream project. That's it." I inhale a deep breath.

And finally they arrived. We greeted each other and sat on either side of the table in the conference room.

I was surprised. I had expected an aged, wrinkled, old hag but no. He was perfection. Young, Vibrant, Amazing body, well sculpted jaw, dusky skin, soft black hair, finest suit, blavk tie. Stop drooling Radhika! Focus.

"Hello. Mr. Malhotra. How are you doing?" I asked politely.

"I'm fine. Miss Singhania. Well, let's talk about the contract." He said professionally.

"Oh yes! Of course." Saying this, he gestured to his secretary who picked up the contract file and handed it over to me.

I eagerly took it and asked Maddy for a pen when Mr. Malhotra interrupted, "wait."

"What?" I asked confused. He is here for this right?

"Read it first, Miss. Singhania. I don't want any issues later." He said.

"Oh yes." I said and began reading it. It was a total of 70 clauses limiting my existence and freedom. Many of them were silly like I couldn't cut my hair to a very small hairstyle, or advertise any other brand etc until their contract time was over. I know all this. But what caught my eye was a clause at the bottom.

Clause 68. Cannot Marry until the project is completed.

Huh?

"What is this?" I asked him confused, sliding it towards him.

"Actually, Miss Singhania, saying from my experience, after getting married, women lose their charm and Career is not their first priority. Therefore, we had to put it on. So do you agree?" He asked.

Do I agree? I asked myself. Why not? It's just a matter of one year. I've always loved my career more than anything else. Why back off today?

Without thinking more, I just took a pen and signed it. Yippee. I did it. I'm so happy.

We had a formal handshake and they left.

Now let's go home and celebrate with Ranbir. I jumped in joy.

I just decided to call him when my phone rang and it was him. Oh wow. We have such a cosmic connection. I picked up grinning ear to ear. "Ranbeeeeer." I squealed in happiness. "Ranbir you know today-"

"I know Radhs." He said softly.

"You know? Who told you? I mean-"

"Shhh." He said in his loving, romantic tone. "Radhs! This is the happiest day of my life. I hope You are happy too? I mean you're not doing this under any pressure right?"

Why is he asking such things? Doesn't he know how desperate I was to be the brand ambassador of this beauty brand?

"Happy would be an understatement, Ranbir. I am ecstatic. My biggest dream has come true. So let's celebrate today."

"I was thinking the same thing. So Tonight I'll come to pick you up."

"I love you."

"I love you more!" He whined, making me laugh.

Ranbir's POV

I can't believe this is happening. Today Vijay Uncle came home and talked to Dad about my marriage with my Radhs!

At first I found it strange. Yesterday at dinner, when I asked Radhs about her plan about 'us', she told me she can't think anything like that until the end of the year. I should Probably ask her.

They finalised everything and fixed the date of our marriage after 10 days. It's quite fast but I don't mind. I would have never given my so-called 'Dad' Mr Vishwanath Khurana the satisfaction of agreeing to the alliance chosen by him if not for my Radhs.

I brushed away those thoughts and called her.

"Ranbeeeeer!" She almost yelled in happiness. I'm happy that she's so happy about our marriage.

"Ranbir you know today-" I cut her in between.

"I know Radhs." I told her.

"You know? Who told you? I mean-" I can't stop smiling seeing her excitement over our marriage.

"Shhh." I said. "Radhs This is the happiest day of my life. I hope You are happy too Radhs? I mean you're not doing this under any pressure right?" I should know. I know for our Dads it's a business deal but I want our marriage to be based on love.

"Happy would be an understatement, Ranbir. I am ecstatic. My biggest dream has come true. So let's celebrate today." Oh yes. She is happy. She wouldn't lie to me.

"I was thinking the same thing. So Tonight I'll come to pick you up."

"I love you." She told me.

"I love you more." I replied.

This is going to be superb. This is the perfect alliance. Thank you God for making my life so awesome.

I thought and did preparations to make this dinner the most memorable one for my Radhs.

The dinner went on while talking, laughing and sharing beautiful memories of our relationship. We have a rule whenever we go out with each other, we don't talk about families and career etc. Just each other.

And the thing that made my day was–My Radhs was happy... Too much happy. I haven't seen her like this ever. That's so much she loves me. I smiled at my own thoughts.

"Ranbir?" Her voice brought me out of my train of thoughts. "Are you listening?"

"Huh?"

Did I miss something?

"Yeah! I was saying Thank you for supporting me all along. With everything."

I placed her hand on mine and said, "Yes Radhs! I will. Always."

-Singhania Mansion-

Jivika's POV

The whole mansion was decorated with beautiful white orchids. The place looked no less than heaven. Everything was neatly arranged and brightly lit. And why wouldn't it be? It was the marriage of our princess, The soul of this house. Chachu and Chachi's biggest dream was going to come true. Today is the engagement and the wedding date was chosen after five days. You know we Indians have so many Pre-Wedding rituals and ceremonies that it causes a headache remembering them all.

And these five days were going to be

Haldi, When the groom is applied turmeric and the same turmeric is sent to the bride's house where her haldi takes place. It is believed that it enhances the glow of the bride before the wedding.

Then Mehendi, Where all the ladies and the bride apply Henna on their hands. The elders say, the darker the color of your henna is, the more your husband would love you.

Then Sangeet, which is the best function. All the ladies sing and dance until next morning.

Then there is Wedding, when The bride and the groom take seven rounds of the sacred fire and give each other seven oaths of safety, love, protection, faithfulness etc.

and

lastly Reception... In which the bride is welcomed in the new household by her new family through a grand celebration

Phew! Whole week busy.

But still the families do it like it's the most interesting job in the world.

This is the point of utmost happiness for both the families because in our culture, it's not a relationship between two people, but two families. A pious bond that unites two souls in an unbreakable thread.

Both the families are so happy. It was indeed the best alliance. I don't know how it feels when someone you love loves you back with the same intensity and much more but all I know is it must be very blissful.

Radhs told me many times she wanted to introduce me to Ranbir but I literally ran away. What am I going to say to him? How will I react? Will I be able to hide the pieces of my brokenness and pretend normal while I was breaking inside? No I just couldn't. So I better stay away from both of them.

••••★•••••••••★•••••••••★••••

"Jivi!" Chachi called. "Beta, please help me with this decoration." She shouted, still holding the long bunch of tiny lights.

"Chachi You don't need to do this. I'll call the servants. Just-"

"No Beta! You have no idea how long I've been waiting for this day." Chachi said, completely ecstatic.

I always want to see them like this. Happy and content. And their happiness lies in Radhs's happiness.

"Jivi? Where are you lost?" Chachi asked while waving a hand in front of my face.

"Nothing Chachi. Just too happy today." I said and thanked my glasses for being there. Otherwise I would have to lie again about these moist eyes.

"Oh yes. I know what you were thinking." She said, smiling ruefully. "Thinking when your Prince Charming will come. right?"

"What? No." I said quickly.

"Don't worry Beta. Once we're done with Radhika's wedding, we'll find a handsome groom for you also."

I almost coughed on the water I was drinking. "I... I have no such plans, Chachi. I first want to complete my studies, master Business administration, and then join Chachu at the office." I said all in one breath before Chachi could get started.

But like any other Indian mom, my plans were too much for Chachi. "Arey Beta kya saari umar iss Sab me hi nikaal deni hai! (Child, would you spent all your life doing this only!)"

I smiled. "Chachi Before I leave this house, I want a degree in hand, experiences in life and no guilt that I didn't do anything for you. I want to help Chachu with business, be his son, and give him some relief. He has spent all his life working hard so that we... I mean me and Radhs never have to work even a single day in our life. How can I leave him like that just because I am a girl? I will work in the office and... um... at least send you and him on a month's honeymoon to Paris. That's the least I can do." I said smiling and Chachi slightly hit my arm, "Besharam. (Shameless)" she muttered but I could see a tinge of blush on her aged, wrinkled face.

"Ok. I'll see where Radhs is." I turned around and saw Chachu standing there. Shoot. Did he hear the honeymoon thing?

How embarrassing!

I stood there and waited for him to react so that I could know. His eyes had a glint in it and he placed his hand on my head and said, "I am blessed to have a daughter like you Jivi. I'm so proud of you. I never knew you had such deep plans. I thought studying business administration is just your preference like Radhs has for modelling."

"Chachu, you call me Beta (Son) right? So... I will become your Beta." I said those words with a promise to myself.

"Let's keep this conversation for later Jivi. Are we forgetting today is Radhs's engagement?" Chachi said excitedly and I tried to smile.

"Jivi Beta. She's not so disciplined like you. It's early morning. Engagement is in the evening. I bet she'll wake up just an hour before that. Such a lazy girl."

"Oho Chachi. How could I forget? I had to pick her dress from the designer." Saying this I rushed out. I'll call the beautician also on the way. I want her to look the best.

I returned Home with the dress and it was beautiful. It was elegant and revealing, just like Radhs likes. One needs a lot of confidence to wear dresses like these.

A White and silver Fishtail lehenga with several other colors at the bottom. A sleeveless blouse ending high above navel. With that, I chose a diamond Jewellery set which perfectly complemented the lehenga and Radhs's complexion.

***

I rushed to her room. She was still sleeping. "Oye? Wake up sleeping beauty." I almost shouted near her ear.

She woke up with a gasp and I laughed. "Jivi?" She said angrily, throwing pillows at me.

"Look at you Radhs?" I said between laughs. "And come on get up. The beautician will be here anytime and try this dress and tell me if it needs any more touch ups. Fast."

"Jivi Be serious. You know I always wake up late. Then? Why this 'special treatment' today?" She asked angrily with a yawn.

"Radhs Are you trying to be funny?" I asked unbelievably. "It's your BIG DAY. How can I not give you special treatment?"

"What are you talking about?" She asked, confused.

Huh?

"Didn't Ranbir or our families tell you anything?" I asked, now hell worried.

We both kept staring at each others horrified faces for complete 10 minutes (No less.) Then I broke the silence. "Radhs, Today is your engagement. With Ranbir." I said and waited for her to respond. Minutes clicked by.

OK. Now she knows. She should be the happiest person in the world but her expression wasn't like that. Maybe she is just shocked at the suddenness of the moment, nothing else. I tried to explain myself but my instincts say something else.

"Radhs I understand you're in shock but–"

"Jivi I can't get engaged now. This engagement CANNOT happen." She said leaving me at the loss of words and in a state of pure shock. How can she say or do something like that now?

Radhika's POV

"Radhs! Today is your engagement. With Ranbir!" Jivi said.

I felt like someone had thrown a bucket of ice water on me

My engagement?

Today?

And nobody thinks it's necessary to ask or even inform me?

"Radhs! I understand you're in shock but–"

"Jivi I can't get engaged now. This engagement cannot happen." I said before she could complete. They can't do this to me.

I looked at Jivi and she was trembling. Her palms were covered in cold sweat. She seemed like she would collapse from a panic attack any moment.

I made her sit. "Jivi relax. Are you-"

"You can't do this Radhs. Invitation cards are sent. Guests have arrived. There is Media from all the country to capture the event. The respect of two families is at stake."

Damn. Why does she have to be so emotional?

"Radhs Do you have any idea of-"

"Cut the crap Jivi. Everything else matters. Only my will doesn't?" I asked unbelievably.

"How can you be so selfish, Radhs? How can you say NO now?" She was practically yelling at me. "If you didn't have to do the engagement you could have told us earlier. But-"

"I should have told you earlier." I said pointing a finger at myself.

She held me by my shoulders with the intention of calming me down. "Look Radhs... Even if they didn't... Inform you... They have a justified reason for that. I mean... They are not marrying you off to any stranger. It's Ranbir. The love of your life. So please stop all this and get ready." She calmly, handing over the dress to me which I angrily threw on the bed.

"Where are Mom and Dad? I need to have a word with them." I said curtly and walked outside before she talked more sense. In my case nonsense because I didn't care.

I angrily rushed outside ignoring the horrified looks everyone was giving me because I was walking in a nighty and bed hair on the day of my engagement. Without a thought I pushed their bedroom door and stormed inside and of course my dear sister followed. She had been trying to stop me all the way till here.

My mother was shocked. "Ye kya badtameezi hai Radhika? Knock nhi kar sakti thi. (What ill mannered behaviour is this Radhika? Couldn't you knock?)" Mom's angry voice diverted my attention to them.

"Mom? What the hell is going on? It's my engagement in two hours and nobody-"

CNow don't you dare say that you have a problem with this." Mom said even angrier.

"Of Course I do. You peopl-"

"Radhs I thought Ranbir will-"

"No Jivi beta. I purposely didn't tell her." Mom said.

"What?" We both shouted in unison. Jivi in surprise and me in complete shock.

"But Chachi-"

"No Jivi Beta. You don't know her. But I am her mother. I have given birth to her. I am familiar with every nerve in her body. If we had told her earlier, she would have talked... Wait, scratch that... Emotionally blackmailed Ranbir into postponing this engagement like she has been doing for the past few years. I couldn't let that happen again. I want her to stop, get married and settle down in her life. She can continue whatever she wants after her marriage. She has always put her career before Ranbir, before her family we never objected but she can't do that all her life. We are her parents and we have to think about her future even if she doesn't."

I literally cringed at her mentality. At her low thinking.

"How could you, Mom?" I said rage taking over me at this betrayal. Why does she hate my career so much?

"I don't owe you any explanation. Just go and get ready. Ranbir's family would be here any moment." She said, folding her hands at her chest.

No. She can't get away with this just like that.

"Mom but-"

"And yes. there is one more thing you need to know so that you don't create a fuss in the upcoming functions."

"Up...Upcoming functions?" No God. Don't let this be what I am thinking.

"Yes. Within a week, Haldi, Mehendi, Sangeet are going to take place and seven days later is your wedding. Then you'll become Mrs. Radhika Ranbir Khurana. After that you can do as you please. But till then... you are my responsibility. So please be an obedient girl and make all this easier for yourself and us too." Saying this Mom angrily walked out.

Jivika's POV

I just kept staring at Chachi's retreating figure and then at Radhs. What just Happened? Chachi just admitted that she cheated Radhs. And Radhs really didn't know about anything.

My mind isn't able to process anything for now. Just that my sister needs me. "Radhs I-"

I saw she is not here. Oh my God. Where did she go? She is very angry right now. She can do anything. I have to find her and stop her.

I ran out of there to search for Radhs. Oh God. Please be with Radhs. Don't let her do anything stupid. It's all my fault. I shouldn't have Left her alone when I Know her behaviou-

Huh?

I opened the bedroom door and was shocked.