Fear & Love

Twenty Three

Ami, her cousin and Shaina, her best friend had not stopped talking ever since Gita told them about her visit to Balki's boutique. The video call had lasted for almost 2 hours. They asked her the entrance of the boutique, the designs there and most importantly how Balki was. His show back in the end got the designer mainstream attention from teenagers and youth. And a few years later, he stopped doing TV appearances and shows and only concentrated on Fashion and his store.

"Oh My God! You are going to get your wedding dress from Balki??!! How lit is  it?" Shaina screamed.

"I know!! Remember as 16 years olds, we were obsessed with his designs and now, you are going to get to wear it!!" Ami couldn't contain her excitement. It was true. There was a huge craze for Balki's design especially after celebrities wore them for their own wedding and ever since then, his designs have surpassed the previous one.

"Perks of marrying the rich guy! I am telling you, even we should find one." Shaina said and Ami laughed.

Gita's smile faded a bit at her comment. She knew it was a light hearted comment but that was what people were going to say about her at her office, at the wedding, everywhere or some already do talk like this. She didn't like how people are on the verge of thinking of her as some gold digger, way below Anand for him to marry. Gita always had a good living, never had to struggle for food, had roof over her head, her future was secure, never missed an educational year and was able to afford the city life. According to Gita, ticks on these boxes meant you are living more than a good life, then why would she be after Anand's money?

Ami and Shaina continued to talk about their outfits. When Gita cleared her throat and told Shaina that  she and Ami has to go as Isha will video call them in few minutes. Shaina suggested that they both should stay and after she leaves, they should just add Isha on the same call. When Shaina left, Ami asked the question she was dying to know.

"Does Shaina know?" Ami asked.

"No. I don't know if I will even tell her. What to say? Hey! My sister in law is dating your ex?" Gita replied.

Even Ami pondered for few seconds? They know that they should tell Shaina but then what was the point? Gossip? It was her former relationship and who her ex is dating should be none of Shaina's concern. But on the other hand, it was not just anybody. Her ex is dating Gita's to be sister-in- law, so Ami felt they should tell her.

A few minutes later, Isha joined the call and the vibe changed. There was laughter and fun, jokes were poked at one another and they only laughed. Isha and Ami had got along really well. The engagement night had turned them into friends and they ganged up on Gita and roasted the couple. In their whatsapp group of three, Ami and Isha came up with 'lame' punchlines on how Anand and Gita as couple are. How much shy they can be with each other and as much as Gita acted irritated on the chat, she always blushed at their commentary. She knew she loved every bit of it.

"Okay guys, enough. Let's discuss the decor and theme for the wedding?  I have some designs sent by the various teams who pitched to us. So, let's choose !"  Isha said in between laughter.

The wedding was in one month instead of two. It was Daddu's wish that they get married sooner. So now, everyone is busy with the preparations and playing their part. Anand was obviously involved with the preparation but he couldn't concentrate on it as much he had like but everyone in the family agreed that Isha had an exquisite taste, especially with wedding decors, so she was put as the incharge. For Isha, it was the wedding of her two favourite people, how could she not be happy to be the incharge?

How much ever, she and Anand grew apart, Anand would always be in her list of top 2 people in the world. Her Bhai was afterall the person who acted as her parent when her own parents were too busy in figuring out their lives. He always acted as her protector till she learnt to protect herself. And even though they don't say in words, she loved her Bhai (brother) and knew he loves her too.