Which Rathore?

A Connection with Vikram? - Part 1

All the preparations have been made, and my house actually looks like a palace. It's all decked up with flowers, lights, and golden and white drapes. There's a wonderful aroma of food and of course the strong scent of the flowers, of course, Arman, my cousin is getting engaged, and we arranged ample of his favourite flowers, so there can be no shortage. I mean technically he is already engaged; this is just kind of doing it for the world. I don't think he really gets along with his to-be-wife, and she doesn't seem to be in love with him or anything either. That's a normal trend in our families I guess, marriages are a practical arrangement, not a fairy tale; or that's what I have always been told. I for some reason, am an idiot for not believing it.

Guests have been arriving, we tried to keep it small but that doesn't really happen with Indian families with ease. I dressed up today <Sumera's outfit is in the picture above>, of course it's an occasion but I felt prettier too. Along with pretty, I feel extremely confused. Ever since that phone call with Ambar I didn't really sleep that night, and the next day I kept on overthinking every word I uttered, and I wondered; have I taken it too far? I am doing business with them, and as they say, 'you don't shit where you eat.' If things go south, I would be putting too huge a project in jeopardy, and once again, my father will get to blame me.

Is the business keeping you from "professing your love" to Ambar, or is someone else? Ugh. No matter how hard I try, I just can't push this thought away. Why didn't I call Ambar when he landed yesterday? He even left me a voice mail and a text. I on the other hand, have been behaving like an immature teenager who can't handle her feelings between two crushes? Yeah...WHAT NO. I don't have a crush or anything, I just feel... I just feel a connection with Vikram? Okay seriously. No. No. No. No.

If I feel strongly about Vikram, then why do I keep running from him and towards Ambar? I share something greater with Ambar. I connect with him before I connect with Vikram, that's how it's been, and that's how it will always be. Opposites attract and everything is fine in chemistry classes and romantic comedies, but in real life, you need things in common. And opposites can only feel the rebellious attraction for so long.

I keep an eye out for my special guests as I greet my extended family, acquaintances, and people I have never seen in my life before.

"Sumeraaaa!" I turn to see Mili, who I have shamelessly not caught up with in so long, followed by Rohan- I wonder if they hit it off yet- and Avi. Arjun was nowhere to be seen.

"Miliii!" I went and gave her a tight hug, jeez if only I had spoken to her instead of denying my feelings and thoughts for the last two days, I missed her.

"You're absolutely trash Sumera, why the hell did you go all M.I.A?" Avi spoke to me as he gave me a hug too.

"Oh hello Mr. Avinash Not-SO-COOL Mehra, you're the one who keeps flying in and out of the city and country without even leaving a message in the group chat."

"Lagta hai Sumera is actually more stupid than we thought" Rohan said as I gave him a light punch on his arm, "if you check your phone... you know phone? The thing we use to communicate?" He went on in a slow voice and the other started laughing.

"Oh please Rohan!" I felt a sheepish smile on my face, I know they have all been updating in the group chat, I've just been so busy with my work, and then these two Rathores- I can't even decide which one of them confuses me more. "Anyways, where's Arjun?"

"He said he'll be here obviously, just got late I guess." Mili responded.

"Don't worry though guys, I'll fill in." A voice from behind us barked. Yes, barked. Anything the uninvited psycho says sounds like barking to me. Or actually, that would be an insult to dogs.