CHAPTER 4

I check myself in the mirror again, making sure that my look matched the standards set by my parents. They had dropped by to inform me to look like a princess - quite literally.

I although, dressed modestly in my sky blue sundress with some floral prints, my hair curled perfectly and minimal makeup on my face. As I said, there is something about the idea of makeup that makes me want to cringe. It is simply preposterous.

My nude lipstick gives my lip the fuller look I was hoping for and the simple winged eyeliner added a tinge of sexiness to my look. I think I looked the part.

“How do I look?” I hear Ananya ask behind me.

And when I do turn to look at her, I know I am nowhere near looking the part.

She is gorgeous.

Is it okay to feel jealousy about your sister’s oh-so-amazing appearance? Because I am burning with jealousy.

She looks gorgeous in her yellow jumpsuit with a sweetheart front that gave a slight view of her cleavage. She wore white high heels and her hair was left free and curled slightly on the ends. She wore white pearl earrings and a light pink lipgloss.

She looked different. And totally scandalous judging by chachu’s standard.

He desperately wants that deal if he wants her to change her dressing sense from those kurti and jeans. The things people do for money...

“Ravishing. Aman will be drooling all over you.” I tell her.

“Thank you, you look quite amazing yourself,” she replies.

I chuckle.

“Stop being so modest. All the eyes will be on you today. Like they should be.” I say.

We both burst out laughing. Here we are, talking about things we never would in the presence of our parents.

How the times have changed.

“Now let’s go. They will be here anytime soon.” Ananya says and I nod. We make our way to downstairs, the clicking sound of our heels echoing in the mansion.

Our parent’s eyes meet us first and I can feel their stare assessing every inch of my attire. When I see a faint smile appear on my parent’s face, I finally manage to breathe out. Finally, I don’t have to change my clothes or anything.

I am already tired from the ride and changing clothes will be taking a whole lot of my energy, when all I want to do is go to sleep. My mind is already worrying about my upcoming semester finals that will determine whether I graduate or not, and trust me, I seriously want to get rid of this whole studying thing.

All these years of cramming over books does that to you.

We make way to them, my hands on the very verge of shivering and my legs about to give up. There are still doubts in my mind but I push them away. I need to focus on positivity right now.

“Right on time. They are on the gates, we need to go greet them at the entrance. Come on, now.” chachu says and we nod to follow him.

The outside is scorching hot and I want nothing more to get back to the cold air of the AC. I spot three cars making their way to us and my heartbeat for some reason quickens. My nerves are all over the place and I feel like it’s going to my wedding and not Ananya’s.

The car stops and the assistants rush to open the gates.

This is it.

The door opens and one by one, the Jhakars make way to us. And trust me, there is something about their aura that makes them stand out. They are like the Indian royals.

My mouth threatens to open, but I know if it does then it would be a disaster for me.

I just stand in attention, observing the Jhakars as they make their way to us.

Mr and Mrs Jhakar look like your ideal sweet couple as Mrs Jhakar scoops her arm around Mr Jhakar with a bright smile on both of their faces. I see the love and respect they have for each other in their eyes and actions.

Mrs Jhakar is dressed in a very expensive looking emerald green saree with simple gold jewellery and Mr Jhakar accompanies her in a black suit with a white shirt and emerald green tie.

And then my eyes shift to the next person in question, Aman Jhakar himself. He looks dashing himself and I almost regret the fact that he is going to be my brother-in-law and he is out of my reach. But my push these unwanted thoughts away and examine him. His light blue shirt paired with white pants gives him a modern look and with his charcoal black hair, he looks as handsome as prince charming.

My sister is surely swept by her feet by the look on her face.

His sister is next, with her bright pink sundress and straightened hair. She looks nothing like the girl I had seen in the pictures and I have to say, I am surprised. She looks a princess out of a book - or maybe the high school queen bee. Her hair almost looks brown against the sunlight and her slightly brown complexion is complemented by her dress. She hasn’t done a lot of makeup so I already like her.

But the person who makes a way out of the car is unfamiliar, yet there is something about him that attracts me instantly towards him. I know he is not a Jhakar because I have seen him before and the internet certainly doesn’t mention him.

With his black hair jelled handsomely and his muscled body, I am knocked off my feet. He has the perfect jawline and his white shirt gives a vague shape of his abs. The way he walks has a certain sense of dominance and he is your typical bad boy. Aman Jhakar is now long forgotten.

Gosh, I am acting like a hormonal teenager.

His black eyes meet mine and I can see the smirk form on his face.

Why the hell is he smiling at me?

Of course, he recognises me.

After all, who wouldn't remember the girl who he danced with almost every Saturday for a month? With whom he had endless margaritas.

And now, why am I suddenly regretting rebelling? Why couldn't I stay as the obedient little daughter I was expected to be?

Meet Chinmay, my doom.