Do We Change?

● Perplexing Alternatives

2 years ago

The walls of the fortress like hotel in Jaipur shimmered and dazzled. Flowers adorned every nooks and corners . Colorful lights glorified the palace even more . Mesmerized by the beauty of place , Neil took time complementing the choice of his soon to be in-laws.
This palace, from what he had heard, was very dear to the Goenkas and he came here once , for the marriage of his brother .

Walking down the lavishly decorated aisle, Neil paused before a mirrored decoration. In that ornamental peice, he examined his reflection. There he saw Neil Birla , adopted son of Manjiri Birla, illegitimate son of Harshvardhan Birla and now soon to be husband of Aarohi Goenka.
Neil smiled. He had always considered himself lucky since the day Manjiri took him to the Birla house. Though Harsh barely recognized him , he felt lucky in finding a family for him in his maa and his brother. His brother and him were best friends, always together, support each other always in every way possible . But this bond changed the day he announced his love for Aarohi.
He knew the dynamics between his brother and finance was not that agreeable. But what he didn't understand that why was his brother so reluctant in accepting that Aarohi has changed.

Before his thoughts carried him away he heard the sounds of footsteps approaching him . He turned around and saw , what he considered the most beautiful sight in this world . Dazzling in a blue lehenga and looking like the princess of this palace , stepped forward his finance , Aarohi Goenka . Marveled by the vision in front of him , he went close , placed a hand on her waist and in an almost inaudible voice said
"Beautiful "
"Chamkadar"

Had it been a year back , he would have retorted back with a chipkali comment but right now he was busy marveling the beauty in front of him.

" Waaah , devar ji, romancing with my sister and that too in this open corridor "
From behind his bride , Neil saw the approaching figure of his favorite bhabi , Aakshara Birla, mocking them .He left the hold on Aarohi and took a step back .
" Devarji , did I disturb you ? " Neil understood that his sister in law , was in a full mood to tease them .
" Akshuuu" Aarohi said sternly, though the pink blush that had crept prettily on her cheeks gave her away .

" Aaru, you should be down. Bade papa , mimi , they are all and waiting for your mehendi to start. And you dear devar ", Aakshara added pointing a finger at Neil ," you must come as well . You are the one who would select the design, remember ? "

With that Aakshara pulled a slightly reluctant Aarohi downstairs, who before following mimed a "bye" at him .

Neil decided to follow them but as soon as he took a turn he came face to face with Abhimanyu Birla . The frown on his face clearly showed his utter distaste with this wedding . His brother had agreed to attend the wedding upon the contanst persuasion of Aakshara, though his angry demeanour didn't help in jollyfying the party .

" Bhai.." Neil tried to start a conversation. Maybe to , for the last time perhaps , try to convince his brother.
" Excuse Me" with That Abhimanyu crossed him - a strange formality that was never between them .

Neil stood there watching the receding silhouette of his brother , proceeding towards his room . A lone tear escaped his eyes . Does he have to choose between his brother and love ? He glanced at the closed door of his brothers room and then towards the dazzling hall downstairs, where his finance awaits .

And He stood there in the middle , unsure , confused about what to do , whom to choose, whose hand to hold and whose to leave .

Oh ! These perplexing alternatives.

From the author: A wise man once said - votes and sweet comments are the best things in this world.