All show, no love

After returning to the flat, Piyali told all about the meeting with Risabh to her friends. Sneha is the first to react "so you are getting married to that man whom you met only twice that also sudden encounters. Still, you are ready to marry him. But why?"

"I know it's very first but anyway I have to take a chance. Because my parents already lost hope in me. They are thinking that one day or another I'll elope with my job. So they are marrying me with someone, to tie me up here. That someone must be handsome and rich enough to fascinate me. But they don't know the only thing that fascinates me is my career. For that Risabh is a good candidate, he is mature and sophisticated. What do I expect more? If everything goes well then it's good. and if something is wrong at least there'll be no guilt in between us. We can separate our path."

After listening to a long explanation, they fell into silence. But after some time, Shreya snapped "Are you really not fancied by him?"

"Piyali, Are you deceiving us or yourself? Don't fool around, it's clearly visible in your attitude. You developed emotions for him. Why and how I don't know but there is a spark between you two."

"Whatever you'll decide, we'll be always with you. So don't hide. We already guessed your feelings for him." Shreya explained patiently and took a deep breath.

Piyali also long sighed then smiled, her signature sunshine smile that can spread warmth in a cold deserted field. That smile is really infectious. Especially the glow in her eyes when she smiles is like a thousand-watt bulb. Looking at her both her friends came closer and hug her. They are pillars for each other in every storm and rain they faced till now. And this is a happy occasion, so they are optimistic for their friend.

The month of February is called 'Love Month', winter in India. But It's very pleasant weather, not so low or high. Good for a wedding. There are a lot of ceremonies during a 'Fat Indian Wedding' like engagement, Haldi and Mehndi i.e. Henna ceremony, Sangeet i.e music ceremony and most awaited wedding and reception. It's not a one or two-day event. So both the family, relatives, and friends are excited after getting the news of the wedding.

Their family is staying in another city. Risabh and Piyali had done their shopping in the city they are staying. Due to family tradition, Piyali'll wear a designer lehenga that she has already selected and ordered for her wedding with her friends. Risabh couldn't join due to some schedule problem at his work. Risabh's custom-made suit is also ordered. Risabh and Mann had already applied for leave from the office. Piyali and her two best friends are ready to fly with Dean's permission to their hometown for the remaining shopping and premarital ceremony. Her other friends will attend only the important ceremonies as the classes are still going. There is only a week left in marriage, so almost all things are set from both families. Two wedding planners are cooperating very well to achieve a dream wedding.

On the engagement day, Risabh and Piyali exchanged their ring. Both seem to be very happy. A gleam in Piyali's eyes can be observed by everyone around. She has never been in love before so she couldn't define this feeling. But others can see it and also Risabh. He can sense Piyali is falling for him slowly. Mann also observed and hope she can change his friend's life.

All other ceremonies also went well. For the 'music night', a floor of a five-star hotel is booked by both families. Risabh and Piyali are getting ready in their respective room with their best friend as they going to perform a duet on stage.

"Piyali, let's sneak into brother-in-law's room. We'll know some secrets about his past. Normally guys speak about their past just before their marriage, I don't know why? but it's true. So let's go. Your dashing fiance must have a story, my intuition is shouting." Sneha told her friends with excitement. Piyali and Sneha started laughing at her childish thing. At the same time, there is a knock on the door of the hotel room.

"Mom". Piyali smiled and greeted her mom-in-law as she enters after opening the door. Her MIL, Rekha Verma, is a graceful lady with bright eyes. She is really happy and satisfied with her son's choice. Piyali is one in million. She closely observed her these days, She is not only beautiful but also affectionate and respectful to others with sincerity. She is not showing off. But her mom-in-law can see all these characteristics from her little gesture and body language.

"You are looking great, my baby." Her MIL holds Piyali's hand said. Her eyes are full of tenderness. "Are you nervous?" then she asked. Piyali shook her head and smiled nervously then nodded again. All started laughing.

"Don't be nervous. I heard dancing is your passion so effortlessly you'll win over him tonight." "Risabh is also good at dancing but after seeing you I don't think he'll be in his sense." Piyali blushed.

"Aunty, actually we want to go check our brother-in-law. If they want to discuss something before the performance, you know like any dance step they want to change." Sneha mentioned mischievously biting her tongue.

Rekha sensed the meaning of her words and nodded willingly.

They came to the floor where Risabh and his friends are staying. Near the door of Risabh's room, they halted as they saw the room door is slightly opened. All his friends are already left to enjoy music night on the top floor of the hotel. There is a light conversation in Risabh's room that can be heard just standing at the door.

"Mann please, don't talk nonsense. I know what I am doing, and you are diverting me." Risabh's voice came. Piyali, Sneha, and Shreya are standing at the door so they can easily hear everything, and it seems Risabh is not in a very good mood.

"I am not diverting you. I am showing you the truth. You can see how happy she is. She deserves your love and attention." Mann snapped at him.

"Yes, I am willing to give her full attention. What do you think if I were not attentive towards her then how I agreed to marry her?" Risabh replied.

"Because all your attention is on her beauty," Mann remarked with a hint of anger.

"I don't mind whatever it is, I know for me it's a good reason to marry her. And don't worry we will be a great couple." Risabh is also tensed.

"Yeah without love, it'll be only a show." Mann replied and fall silence.