8. •Δ New Association Δ•

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Chances - backstreet boys

What are the chances that we'd end up dancing?
Like two in a million, like once in a life
That I could have found you, put my arms around you
Like two in a million, like once in a life

I wasn't expecting Ranveer to shed any tears of sympathy for me, perhaps a hug then an offer for unlimited booze on his tab so I could escape the reality for a few hours. What I didn't need him to do his laugh at me. It was manageable when he burst into laughter, but my anger spiked when h kept doing it even when his stomach began to hurt, tears of joy formed around his eyes. They say everyone has two sides. Today, I met with my friend's other side. A sadist, that's what he is.

"Are you done laughing now." I grumble. His face is all red, I am sure his staff won't take him seriously from now on. I bet even the HR department can hear him laughing like a maniac, from whatever rat hole he had put them in. This bastard even choked on his saliva.

"I am sorry, man. I never thought of you as a married man and that too in an arranged marriage." He chuckled, massaging his jaw that must be hurting from all this amusement he found in my misery.

"Dude, you are Indian. Isn't it a common practice in India to seal their children's fate in an arranged marriage, without even asking them." I ask haughtily. Sure his parents are really supportive and would never go that to their only child, but I'll take any chance to shut him up.

"My parents are not narrow-minded, okay. And even we are allowed to give our consent in marriage. Which may or may not matter in 'Sealing our fate '. But you, my friend..." He gave me a hard look, pointing his finger at me. And then he started laughing all over again. All my regret about disregarding his culture went out of the window. Whilst he was busy rolling on the floor laughing, for real. I went down memory lane to consider why am I friends with him in the first place and is it worth still keeping it. Because there is no way, I am going to let him do this. I have already lost to father, Liam... and to Arianna in some context.

When I went to college, I was not admitted to the fraternity, despite my father being alumni. I was a legacy. I was given some trashy reason, why I can't be one of them. I don't have any proof but I know Liam was behind it since he made it to the fraternity when he was in college and was their head. And he ran it like a Capo. But Ranveer stood up for me. They needed football players, and I no longer played after my injury. He told them we were a package deal and that's how I got in. I was familiar with him, because back in high school he was the captain of the rival team, even back then I respected him a lot. He was a great leader. And in college he was the wingman, a frat boy could ever ask for. We had made some great memories together, that didn't involve any police.

He joined me for the internship so my father does not find out my hidden agenda behind it. He saved me several times when Liam's plans had almost destroyed me. No wonder, he hates Ranveer so much. Friends like him are hard to find these days. So I decided to wait till he is laughter dies down.

"Okay.. okay..." He coughed, turning red all over again. "So, what's the deal with this girl, and when am I going to meet her." He asked between coughs, finally sobering up now.

"Well, she has a cafe in the farthest side of the shady Brooklyn. Totally professional and I'm not talking about her profession. She didn't even recoil when I showed her the contract. In fact... she added that I must maintain all kind of physical distance from her, Some marital right shit, Is that even a term..?" I ponder. Saying that out loud, made my stomach tighten in despair. We have discussed the girls we were with before. But telling him about Arianna, my future wife, and the fact she wants nothing to do with me physically, makes me feel... averse.

"Dude, you sure she is Jessica's sister and why does she have a cafe, she doesn't need it." He didn't say anything about her wanting me to maintain my distance. He respects everyone, especially women. As I said. It's rare to find people like him these days.

"Must be some hashtag independent shit for Instagram. Stay behind the register, flirt with everyone while maintaining the strong girl persona..." My thoughts lingered back to her place, how I itched to go back there at night to see for myself if she's safe in there. I clasp my hand together to get out of those feelings.
"And you can meet her during our reception. It's is gonna be closed circuit, we'll make the big announcement on the headlines the next day. The share market is gonna explode. And she is with my mom for shopping."

"You let her go alone with Aunty.? Your mom is a pure soul. What if she drains her money on shopping and she will happily let Arianna do it." He yells. He is right. I didn't think this through.

"They will be at the mall by now, at aunt Daph's boutique." I say. And like the best, best friend. Ranveer canceled his meetings to go with me. When we were heading out, the girls in his office gave him and me a dreamy look. Sadly neither he or I, believe in mixing business with pleasure.

I didn't alert Arianna that I'll be coming. If I want to look like a lovesick puppy, then I must give her a surprise visit and see that look of surprise in her eyes from when I'd proposed to her. A smile tugged on my lips remembering the hope-filled expression she had in her eyes.

Today is gonna be one of the best days of my life. I am supposed to spend my entire time with mom, she will be coming to my cafe we will have breakfast together and then hunt for the dress. I have seen a lot of episodes of 'say yes to the dress' and I always wanted to shop for one, real wedding or not. I am a realist but I am not letting the fact wash over me this time. Currently, I am watching mom feast over the pizza Jenny and I baked together.

"Seriously, Arianna. I have always taken pride in my cooking, but this beats everything."

"Thank you so much, Mom. I am glad you liked it." And Jenny nods in agreement. One thing Jennifer and I have in common, apart from our shared passion for cooking is our longing desire for motherly love. We both kind of have one but never received anything in return.

We chatted for a really long time, whilst managing the cafe. She asked Jenny and I so many questions about our childhood for which we both gave our filtered answers and she told us her high school memories, she used to be a cheerleader. No wonder why she is always this enthusiastic.

It was difficult to leave Jenny when I knew she wanted to come with us, but it was a necessary evil. I leave with mom, mouthing a 'sorry' to Jennifer.

*****

Mom led me to wedding down shopping first. Right now, I am standing in the middle of a boutique. My surrounding is so magical, I won't be surprised if a pixie lands on my shoulder any minute.

"So, where shall we begin." said Mrs. Daphne Schneider, the owner of the boutique and also mom's friend. She is in this business for two decades, so she has an understanding look on her face at my puzzled expression. But I seriously have no idea what to say. Now I understand why those brides-to-be behave like that on the show.

"I don't know, I'm sorry Mrs. Schneider. What kind of gown did you have on your wedding." I ask quietly.

"Well, my dear,. I married thrice. One was in the early 90s, so I wore a puffy frilly gown. I don't have any proof since I burned all the pictures along with the memories. ..." She laughed playfully "....And second was in 2000. It was a classic floor-length gown that got ripped a little. My husband, that dummy tripped on it and fell. Just like his character. I should have taken the early signs more seriously...." She says looking at the distance, mom clears her throat to get her out of the trance.
"...And the last one was 9 years ago. I was old and he wasn't getting any younger. So I went for a simple white jumpsuit which had a cape on its shoulder, super comfortable and reliable just like our marriage." She said shrugging her shoulders casually. But had a genuine smile on her face. I like her, I like her a lot.

"What about you, mom. How was your wedding gown." I regretted asking her that the minute those words came out of my mouth. I know marriage is a sensitive topic for her.

"Well, I was never a fan of floor-length gowns and never-ending veils. Since I had Liam and Axel. I went for the simple strapless ankle-length gown." She says and Mrs. Schneider gave her a comforting side hug. An idea came to my mind and I voiced it without thinking twice.

"Do you still have that dress?" I ask. Mom looked in my direction and asked why, with hopeful eyes, her lips trembling. She knows what I am going to say next.

"Can I wear your wedding gown.?" I say holding her hand.

"Oh my god, Arianna. Yes of course. But are you sure.? I have kept it nicely but still, it's old." She says, her voice choked up with emotions.

"I can make some alterations according to Arianna's figure." Mrs. Schneider chimed in, smiling at us. And mom just nods.
"So it's settled then and now we just have to pick other accessories that will go with the gown perfectly." Mrs. Schneider says clapping her hands. I must be the first bride to choose her dress, within 10 minutes.

And with that, we went out of the shop with a huge smile plastered on our faces. I know what I'm doing is selfish, this marriage is a sham, but the love and respect I have for my mom is real and pure. I know she has another son who will get married someday. But the chances are less that her daughter-in-law's family will be like mine. I'm sure that my mother does not even have her wedding gown with her, since it's old now. She does not even let the last season's clothes in her closet. A 27-year-old gown is out of the question.

"So should we do next." Mom asked.

"How about your dress, mom. Have you decided on your attire for the wedding.?"

"No, I haven't. Daphne is busy with her client. She will be free in two hours. Meanwhile, we can have lunch." She suggests.

*****

After lunch, we still had half an hour before Mrs. Schneider can join us in her other establishment at the mall. So I ask mom to join me to buy some casual clothes. If I have to live with Axel then I must buy some. The clothes I have at home are too worn out, the material is flimsy and some even have tiny holes in them. I love wearing old clothes, they are just so soft and comfortable.

I picked the store that sells affordable clothes. I hate wasting my money on overpriced stuff and my love for branded things is restricted to certain things. Mom seemed impressed by my logic and she also found something of her interest in the store, so we parted our ways.

Halfway through my hunt for oversize tees, I felt someone's presence, like I'm being called. I turned to my right and then everything else in the background looked blurry, the voices sounding distant like I am underwater. Just me and that man is present. As he approached in my direction with confident strides, I remained frozen on my ground. It was almost like he was enchanted as though I was calling him without even realizing it. I could hear faint noises around me but my focus was on him, the closer he came, the more charismatic he looked in my eyes. I held my breath as he came closer and closer.

"What are you doing here?" And with that ear-piercing voice, my charm broke. And I tore my gaze away from him.

Oh no!

******

Namaste, reader!!! I hope you liked the chapter. If you did then please don't forget to VOTE ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and leave your precious COMMENTS behind.

I would love it if you check out my other stories, 'Aurora's Aura' 'Mafia & Miss Honey' 'Becoming Romeo' 'Violet Hues' & ''His Captive'. The story link is on my profile.  


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