27/11/2019- Wednesday - At Bangalore.
Aparna's P. O. V:
" Aparna come down! Look who is here! " My mom shouted from downstairs.
I tied my hair into a lazy bun and went down.
The familiar laughter of my dad was heard echoing through the living room.
Liam Uncle and Agnes Aunty were in a laughter roll with my dad, reminiscing their old memories. As they saw me, they both looked surprised.
" Hello dear! How are you? " Uncle asked.
" I am fine Uncle. How are you? " I asked back.
" We are fine, only Michael seems to be unhappy though, after you left the firm. " He said and I knew who was behind this sudden visit of my dad's best friend.
" Even I don't understand why Aparana suddenly decided to quit the job. " My mom said sitting on the sofa near to them.
" Michael was so worried about you " Aunty said and I laughed at the ironic situation.
" We have an early birthday present for you. " Uncle said and took out a jewel box from his bag.
" No, Uncle, really, I happy that you remember it. I don't need any presents. " I said defending.
" Michael specifically selected the design for you. Please accept it. " Aunty said.
" It is disrespectful to reject the present Aparna. " My mom said joining them.
" Okay, thanks Uncle and Aunty. Convey my gratitude to Michael too" I said and got the jewel box from them.
I opened the box with shaky hands, knowing this was all Michael's plan.
The box had a very beautiful diamond necklace, slightly bigger in size. It had emeralds in them, green being the favourite colour of Michael. I gulped hard looking at the necklace.
" Do you like it? " Uncle asked piping in.
" I don't know what to say " I said, quite shocked.
" What was the need to buy such an expensive gift! " My dad asked Uncle.
" Don't blame him, it was all because of our son" Aunty said laughing.
" It looks so beautiful, your son has really good taste " My mom said looking at the necklace.
" That he definitely has, doesn't he Aparna? " Aunty asked looking at me. My face would have looked like a red tomato at that moment. I was trying to control the boiling anger inside me.
" If you would please excuse me, I would keep this safely inside my locker and I have some works to look into. See you soon, Aunty and Uncle. It was nice having you. Thanks for your wonderful present. " I said.
" We will definitely see you soon! " Uncle said. I smiled at him and walked upstairs.
As I closed my door, I stashed the jewel box into my cupboard and was walking to and fro inside my room.
I was tensed, too tensed.
My phone rang, and it was a call from an unknown number. But I instantly knew who it was.
I picked the call and started shouting.
" What is going on inside your retarded mind? " I asked.
" Chill, baby. Relax first. We are talking after a month and you shout at me right after picking the call. Bad manners " He said slyly.
" What do you want? " I asked.

DU LIEST GERADE
The backup Bride
ChickLit" I would never be a second choice to anyone. If I need to compete with someone else for your love, I would gladly make it easier for you by taking myself out of the equation. But why am I here, ready to be your backup bride ? " ____________________...