Chapter 1 - Regrets

A large home with three levels stood in the Hauz Khas neighbourhood of Delhi. On the nameplate, it said: "Mathurs"

Mr. Alok Mathur, a successful businessman, lived there with his family: his wife Ragini, their daughter Aarya, and their son Akash. Aarya was a software engineer and had been employed in Pune at one point. However, she handed in her resignation and moved back to Delhi about a month ago. She had beautiful eyes, a sweet and pure face. Most people would consider her charming. At this very moment, she was sipping her tea at the dining table. Ragini was rushing about the table, serving breakfast, and asking Aakash, a high school student of 16 years, to put away his mobile game.

"Akash, step it up. If you don't put that object away, you'll end up being late to school." She said it in a severe tone.

"Yes, mum just a minute." He responded while he was gazing down.

"It is beyond my comprehension how to deal with this young lad. Aarya, could you kindly advise him to put all of his attention on his schoolwork?"

Aakash smirked "Didi is a game designer mum. Sister, take a look at this brand-new exciting game...."

"I have no interest in discussing any of the games! Never bring that up in conversation with me again!" Aarya was on the verge of yelling.

Aakash became still and gazed at her with a shocked expression.

Ragini looked concerned "Aarya? Are you ok?"

Aarya brought herself back together. "I am sorry Akash I apologise for shouting at you. I'm sorry, Mom, but I don't feel too good. I have to get back to my room now." She stood up and walked away.

Ragini did not stop looking at her till the moment she was completely obscured from her view. After some time had passed, Ragini discovered Aarya supine on her bed, staring up at the ceiling. She sat down on the bed and began to softly stroke her forehead in a soothing manner. Aarya hid her eyes by closing them.

"Aarya, ever since you returned, you have been quiet; is there something troubling you?"

Aarya's response came without her opening either of her eyes "not even close, mum. I am fine."

"You haven't even left the house once. You haven't even met your buddies here. You can tell me; I am your mother."

Aarya abruptly turned around and buried her head in Ragini's lap out of fear that her mother would observe the expression on her face.

"I am simply confused, mama. I quit my work in Pune because I didn't enjoy the environment there. I have not yet resolved the question of how I should spend the rest of my life."

"Is that all there is? It's for the best that you left Pune. You should not have gone there under any circumstances, but you never listen to what I say. Anyway, now that you are back, I have no doubt that you will figure something out."

Before Ragini could see it, Aarya hastily brushed away a tenacious tear that had just escaped from her eyes. If her parents discovered the real reason for her return, they might go into shock. They would be utterly devastated.

"You are absolutely correct, mama. I should have avoided going to Pune at all costs "It was a hushed voice.

That evening, Alok Mathur came home to his residence with a smile on his face.

"Dear, you seem to be in a great good mood." Ragini remarked as she handed him a cup of tea.

"I am really happy to report some positive news. Guess what question Mr. Bhatnagar posed to me today, given that Shashank would be returning from the United States of America next month:"

"What?" Ragini said.

"They want their son Shashank to marry Aarya. Because they had been our friends for such a long time, I was unable to refuse their offer."

Ragini's face lighted up "That is exceptionally good news, but before moving forwards, we ought to get Aarya's approval. Even though I don't think she'd refuse, I think we should still ask her anyhow."

"Of course! My daughter has consistently given me reason to be proud. Her wedding is my dream. I just cannot wait to see her in her bridal attire." Mr. Alok brightened.

Aarya had listened in on their talk without either of them realising it. She held tightly onto the handrails of the staircase. After what had happened in Pune, she was unable to even consider getting into a relationship with anyone. She toyed with the idea of turning down the wedding but seeing her parents so happy about it put her heart into a tizzy. As soon as she heard her mother's approach, she ran back into her bedroom and picked up a book to make it look like she was busy doing something else. Ragini entered her room while lugging a tray into which she had placed a teacup.

Aarya jumped right to her feet and snatched the tray away from Ragini "I don't understand, mum; why did you bring the tea? You could have called me."

Ragini smiled "oh! It's ok! I have a question for you, if you don't mind."

She asked Aarya while they were sitting together on the bed, "Aarya, do you like Shashank?"

"My relationship with him dates back many years, mum. Yeah, I do like him." Aarya was prepared for what was to come.

"In any case, Mr. Bhatnagar has made a marriage proposal for Shashank, and you. Your father and I are overjoyed by the news. They are incredibly good people, and you have been around each other for the majority of your lives. What are your thoughts on the matter?"

Aarya turned her attention to her mother. Never before had she appeared to be so ecstatic, and if she declined, everyone would be sad.

"What are Shashank's thoughts on this?" Aarya asked.

"If he hadn't consented, Mr. Bhatnagar wouldn't have bothered to contact us in the first place. Do you like him?" Ragini's expression revealed her desire.

Aarya deliberated over the response she would give "You have my permission, mum, to act anyway you see fit. I am willing to wed anyone you choose." Aarya gave her response.

"Oh! I am really delighted Aarya. You are without equal when it comes to daughters. Oh! Now try not to cry because we still have some time together before you leave us." Ragini laughed as she wrapped her arms around Aarya.

Aarya broke down in tears while clinging to her mother's shoulders and thinking "No, mum, I am the worst daughter. You have no idea what I have done.”

The mother and daughter both wept, but Ragini's tears were of happiness. Aarya shed tears of sorrow for her regrets.

After that, everything moved along at a breakneck speed. One month later, a date for the wedding was finally decided upon. They were planning to travel for the United States a week after the wedding.  Shashak was scheduled to arrive a week before the wedding. As the big day drew closer, Aarya became increasingly anxious. She had no choice but to tell Shashank the truth about everything. However, it was impossible to meet him because the wedding ceremonies would begin shortly after he arrived. This made it tough to schedule a meeting.  She occasionally entertained the idea of keeping her history to herself, but the burden of shame was too great for her to bear. The second reason was that she didn't want to begin a new life based on a falsehood. There was a possibility that the wedding would be cancelled. Despite this, she was willing to put herself in harm's way. She was unable to stop her hands from shaking as she reached for her phone to call Shashank.