Chapter 13

Joe's Pov

Today its Shruti's marriage fixation ceremony. Shruti was always a studious girl, a girl with a pure heart. She always loved everyone. Whatever may be the hardships that she is facing, she still wears a smile on her face. When she was young, she always used to understand the situation and act accordingly. Sometimes by seeing her childish act I used to think how will she face the realities of life. She was always a cool person. She couldn't and would never handle tensions. When Zara had told me about her love, at first like every father, I too was against it. But later I accepted their relation. Now they are living happily. When it comes to Shruti, I had once advised her to not to think about these relations and stuffs, I had asked her to study and I had promised her that when the right time comes, I would ask her about her opinion, and without her approval, I would never proceed with any alliance. At that time she had said yes. And when the right time came I had asked her whether she had any relationship. But she told me that she had a past relation that too years ago but now she is single and would only marry a person who is of my choice. And that made me happy.

As the quote says, "When the past calls, don't answer .You are a different person today." And yes what happened to her in the past doesn't matter to me anymore, because today she is a strong girl who can handle the challenges that the life offers. May be the lesson that she had learned from the past is the reason for what she is today. During the teen age it is normal to be infatuated and attracted to the opposite sex, its normal and common but we should always learn to control our feelings. This is what I have always said to my children. As there was a green signal from Shruti I registered her name on the matrimony site. And we received a number of alliances for her, but she didn't like anyone of them. That was the time when we to church and met the priest after the holy mass, when I told him about it he told me that he would inform me if he find a suitable groom for Shruti. And that was how I met Peter and Sherin. They have five children and leads a happy family or it would be better to say that they all are living under one roof happily. Jake was the groom that we had found for Shruti, within the short span of time I did a thorough check about Jake and I got a positive feedback. And even when I spoke to him, I got a positive vibe from him. But still Shruti's decision matters so I decided to wait for her opinion.

When she came to know that we all liked him she too said yes. At first I was worried. Did she really like him or did she decided to tell yes so that we can happy. But later I confirmed that she too likes him. Zara and Sid couldn't come this year so we decided to conduct Shruti's marriage next year. So we decided to fix their marriage. Jake used to call me daily and enquire about my health. He is a loving and caring person and I am sure that he will take care of my daughter. But still as a father I have to make it sure, so I thought of meeting him. I went to Peter's house and talked to them about the arrangements and all sort of things. Then I spoke to Jake and made him promise that he would always take care of my daughter. With a heart filled or overflowed with happiness I returned back to home. By the time I reached home Shruti had slept without having her dinner. At first I was worried but then I decided to not to disturb her as she had a long day today. When I saw her today morning being so happy and excited, I too felt happy. I felt that this was a right decision that I had taken. We all ate our breakfast and I thought of going and taking a look at the last minute preparations at the resort along with Peter.

Shruti's Pov:

While I was arranging my costumes and the necessary accessories I got a call from Manu, my schoolmate, one of my friend whom I used to consider as my brother. At first I was so confused, because its been three years since we have talked and his sudden call made me anxious. Then I remembered how I had sent the youtube link to my school groups. As I was immersed in these thoughts the call went off but still began to ring again. So I picked up the call. And I was greeted by a group of hellos. Then I came to know that I was put in a conference call, that too with those people who was once my brother. I really felt awkward, as it has been years since I had spoke with them. Everything had changed after that day. I greeted them a hello and then I was bombarded with questions. Zain asked me if I was really getting engaged, and how come I didn't tell anyone of them. Then I told that I was really getting engaged and everything happened so fast that I couldn't inform anyone. Then I heard the sound of the person whom I could never forget in my life. The person who gave me so many sleepless nights, the person who gave me a reason to cry. But still I always looked at the positive side, if that incident hadn't took place, I would never have been so strong, bold and happy in my life. I would never have been able to bring a smile on my parent's face. So I really wanted to thank him always for me gifting me such horrible days.

As I was about to talk, Alayna came in and told me that I had to get ready as the beautician had already arrived, but I could tell that it was a lie. She never liked anyone of my friends. She always used to tell me that if my friends had known my value or tried to understand my feelings they would have never done that to me. So sensing her anger, I told them that I had to go and without hearing anything I ended my call. I mentally prepared to face my friends. Riya was so angry that she was ready to hit me. After hearing a lot of scolding from my friends and convincing them that I would only call my school friends for marriage we went to get ready. Meanwhile I got a call from Shifa, I told her about Manu's call and she too scolded me. After wishing me good luck she ended the call. I got ready and was called to take pics. After taking a lot of pics, we along with Mamma's and Pappa's family members we went to Jake's house.