Facets!

It was December 21st, when every member in the Mehra house was busy in the preparations of upcoming celebrations for 25th and 31st December. Relatives already started joining the family for the events.

Mehras although never miss any chance of celebration, but this year these are big dates for them.

Adya Mehra, the elder daughter of the family is tying knot with Aarav Sharma. This is not only the much awaited moment for Adya and Aarav, but also for their parents who themselves are very good friends since the times the two couples met.

When everyone outside was waiting for the ceremonies to start, Adya, inside her room was in the thoughts of her new life, which was about to start in some time. She had all plans ready for what she always desired.

While she was busy with herself, Mishka, her sister entered the room.

Why are you even getting married? Mishka uttered in a nasty tone.

Adya gave a surprising look to Mishka asking the reason.

Because I don't understand why people marry. Just to lose their freedom forever. Look at yourself, you are so talented, so smart but just because you always wanted to be with Aarav, you chose a completely different life. If you have focused to achieve any other goal in life, you would have easily got that. But no, your only goal was to marry him. So, I simply cant understand why people do marry. She marked the statement to Adya in a breath. Adya continued to look at her surprisingly.

You are not happy with this wedding?

No

What happened?

Nothing

Come, sit here. I know you. You never behave this way, unless there is something which bothers you much. What happened? Adya held Mishka lovingly.

Mishka avoided any eye contact with Adya. She closed her eyes.

Look at me.

Mishka opened her teary eyes. Adya hugged her tightly.

What happened? Why are you crying?

You'll leave me in next 10 days. The new year you'll have loads of new relations to care about, to worry about. You know, you are my only friend. You are more than a sister to me. But with each round you take with Aarav under the Mandap, you will be more close to him. Youll not be able to spend that much time with me. I don't want you to go with him. Mishka cried in front of her. The pain she had with this marriage was clearly reflected in her eyes and tone.

Adya was surprised and unhappy to see her sister like this. Also the same time, she was not at all ready to accept that this is the only reason for her indifferent behaviour. She always found Mishka happy in such occasions. Seeing people together and loving each other the way Adya and Aarav are, Mishka feels happy. Then what happened now? Such thoughts were making Adya worried about Mishka.

Keeping all her thoughts aside, she comforted Mishka and sat next to her.

Mishku, Do you really think I'll change for you? You are more than a sister, my best friend. I share my each moment with you. Do you really think anyone ever in my life can replace you or can create differences between us?

Mishka looked at her silently as if she had lots many things to say, but something is stopping her. Adya continued

Is there anything else you are worried about? Is there something you hiding?

No.

Then cheer up darling, it is your sisters wedding.

Adya turned around and picked her engagement gown. See, do you like this? Do you think I should let my hair loose with this for the evening? Or should I go with some other colour, Red or something? She changed the topic to make Mishka relaxed and engaged in the environment.

Hm. Buy gifts also. Mishka said sarcastically.

She continued…

Why you want to be Santa on the 25th Dec. My god, what the dates are, 25th for engagement and 31st for marriage and then you want to wear red on 25th. She gave a vague response.

Adya smiled for Mishka at least replied.

Adya is always full of life, full of love. She is a sorted, optimistic and strong girl. She is ethical. She is caring for everyone around her. She cannot see anyone suffering for any reason. A fairy, who takes away all the pain of whoever she meets, is Adya.

She knows very well how to deal with odd situations in life. When it comes to Mishka, she is concerned and possessive. The times she had faced in past made her so. She was 11 years old when her mother was hospitalized for months. Doctors and the family had lost all hope of her survival. 4 year old Mishka was completely dependent on her. Since then, Adya has always been there for Mishka, more than a sister, more than a friend, more than a Mother.

Days passed like minutes and 25th Dec arrived. Everyone is enjoying the evening, Adya - Aarav shared the rings and it all went smooth. Mishka also seemed to be happy. Although Adya was very busy during the event but she took out time for Mishka. She ensured Mishka do not feel neglected.

Till late night, everyone was tired. Both sisters moved to their bedroom and slept. Next morning, Mishka woke up early and went to college.

It is 10:30 AM in the morning, when Yami, Adyas mother entered the room. She came close to her loving daughter and whispered in her ears Good Morning Adya. Get up baby. She pulled the curtains aside from the window. With the late morning sun rays, Adya woke up smiling.

Good Morning Maa. Where is Mishku? she asked looking next to herself.

'She had some work, will be back by lunch time.' Yami sat next to Adya. Showering love to her daughter she continued - Now there will be many rituals for the wedding. These are basically the blessings which elders give to the bride for a happy and prosperous life. Starting tomorrow, days will be busy for you. Everyone will look for the bride to be to be with them, to enjoy with them.

This was the time of mixed feelings for Adya. Her eyes were in tears and lips smiled in happiness.

Yami continued, 'My God, my little Adya is so big now, getting married in next few days. It seems you were born yesterday. Years flew away so quickly. Most mothers actually worry when their daughter gets married, but for you, Im so happy. The partner you have chosen is so made for you guy. The family you have chosen is almost your second house since years. Honey, Im so happy. Thank you. 'She kissed Adya on her forehead, asked her to come down.

It was a lazy morning for Adya. Yesterday only she covered half the distance towards her new life. She is enjoying these moments. She was busy in her own thoughts, when she noticed that her compute is ON with so many folders open.

Ah!!! Mishka. Dear little sister, why you do this every time. How many times will I tell you not to keep the system open? It is personal. Everyone will peep into your stuff once Im gone. She murmured with an upset tone.

She stood up and went to the computer to shut it down. While she was closing the open windows, an email notification popped up. Sender is Aarav.

Adya never read any of her emails before, though she is in habit of logging out Mishka's email. But this time it was from Aarav and now when she is his half-wife, so she could not restrain herself looking to it.

Let me see what these two darlings of mine are planning out. May be some surprise for me on the wedding eve. Adya winked and opened the mail.

She stared at the email message on her computer, her mind racing so fast that the words blurred together and no longer made any sense. Just three lines, but enough to make her life--the life shed worked so hard and sacrificed so much to build--begin to crumble around her.

She was numb.

She was not ready to accept any single word of that email. Her heart wanted someone to come, give a tight slap on her face and assure that it is just a worst dream. But the mind knew its not. No one will come to wake her up. Truth is, she is not sleeping and what she just saw is not a dream.

This was the toughest time for her. She never expected what the two were doing. She tried but failed to understand who among them is actually hiding the things. Mishka, her little sister who shared every single moment of life with her, didn't let her know about her suffering. Aarav, her love, now her fiancé, would be husband and a friend since childhood, what was he doing.

She felt trapped in a big web of questions, with no clue to the answers she needed. To have a clearer picture of whats going on, she read all the trailing emails.

After reading all the mails, the only word she could spell is, Mishkaaa!!

Adya was silent. She was in tears. The only thing she could think of was that why Mishka is hiding all this. Why didnt she tell everything in the very first moment?

Adya now, was eagerly waiting for her to come. Watching the clock every second, each moment was passing like years when she saw Mishka entering the room.

You are still here. Mumma is asking for you downstairs. Go, have your lunch. Mishka was concerned.

She was worried to see Adya quiet. She came close, touched her forehead for fever, but it looked well. 'What happened? You okay? Did somebody say anything? For God's sake, say something.'

'What's going on Mishka?' She asked straight away. She has waited for long for the answers.

'Regarding?' Mishka was cautious.

'As usual, your mail box was open, and this time I saw something you may categorize I'm not supposed to see. So stop hiding things from me. What's going on between you and Aarav?' Adya was direct.

'You go, get married, that's none of your business.' Mishka was harsh in her words.

'None of my business? Who dear? You? Or Aarav?'

Adya was angry and loud, though helpless. This was very clear in her tone.

'Honey, both of you are. And you, being the very first person of my life I ever trusted and loved, have to answer me. What is that mail about? What are the other mails about? What pictures he is talking about? What does he mean by saying let's make up? Were you two together anytime? Did you ever sleep with him? Have you ever?'

'Stop talking rubbish.' Mishka shouted out loud and interrupted Adya.

'How can you even think of this Adu? Don't you know that I know how much you love him. Do you really think I can ever cheat you for anything in life? Aarav is someone today whom I hate from bottom of my heart. If there is anyone in my life I ever loved, I will leave him right now if you say. I love you that much.' Mishka knelt down and cried in front of Adya.

Adya is broken by now. Seeing her little sister crying like this made her heart heavy. She moved to Mishka, held her and asked. 'Can you please tell me what’s going on?'

Mishka nodded, 'Yes.'

'You remember I went to my friends birthday party two month back. I boozed there. I tried calling you in the evening to take me home, but somehow your phone was not reachable.'

'Yeah.'

'I then called Aarav to drop me home. I always considered him my good friend and would be brother in law, I trusted him. That was my mistake. That evening, I was completely out of my senses and I don't know when in his car, he...'

'...he took my nude pictures. And now he is black mailing me. He is asking me to get physical with him or else hell put those over the internet.'

Adya is frozen. She never expected this.

Mishka continued

'I know it's not easy for you to accept what I said. That's why I don't want to tell anything. But then I also don't want you to marry this person. He is not worth it.'- Mishka held Adya tightly.

'I will still accept your decision. I know your love for him. You should not pay for my deeds. I will always be your little Mishku. Ill see what I can do for myself.' Mishka tried consoling Adya hugged her and cried for long.

Adya is silent. She continued looking Mishka. There were numerous thoughts in her mind, no words to say though. They both were silent for almost an hour. Afterwards, Mishka moved out of the room.

Adya locked the room. She started smiling with tears in her eyes. She looked in the mirror and cried her heart out.

Ill expose you Mr. Aarav Sharma. Youll be punished by law. She wiped out her tears and moved downstairs to let everyone know.

She reached down, everyone was enjoying, chit-chatting and having fun. Adya looked around for her mother, but she observed the happy environment. One step she will make and everything will vanish away. She saw Mishka is involved with everyone, showing that she is happy.

How can she play it so cool? Adya stood quite in her thoughts when her mother tapped her back Come darling, lets have lunch. Only a few left with us. She smiled to her daughter.

Done with lunch, Adya excused from the gathering. She was in so much stress now. She did not want this marriage now, but she cant even let everyone know whats going on.

Time never gives you enough time to plan your life accordingly. Events happened, rituals took place and the D-day arrived. It was 31st December.

Mehra Mansion was decorated as a bride. Everyone was happy, cherishing the party. Inside her room, Adya was ready for the big day of life. She looked ravishing. Mishka accompanied her.

You are looking so pretty Adu. Im so happy for you. Finally you made your choice. This is the much awaited moment for us.

Adya smiled, Yeah.

Suddenly they both heard that the bridegroom has arrived. There was no joy on their faces. Their Aunt came in, calling for Mishka and took her along for welcoming Aarav. Mehras greeted the procession. Food stalls were open, drinks were on. Everyone was cherishing the ambience.

While Aarav was enjoying his time with the Mehra family and waiting for Adya to come, he received a note Let’s meet up at the backyard. Be alone. He was surprised. Thinking who could be behind this, he looked around.

This might be from Mishka. He said to himself and made an excuse towards the yard.

On reaching, he was excited to see gorgeous Mishka waiting for him. He went closed to her I must appreciate your daring. But dont you think this is not the right time.

'You are afraid?' Mishka commented.

'Not at all. In fact you took so long to come back after we had our last conversation. But still I'm happy. It seems an awesome year end for me.'

'Don't you love Adya?'

'Of course, I do.'

'And still you are playing around with her sister?' He was shocked to hear Adya who was standing behind him.

'Hey Adya, how come you are here?' He was nervous. Words were hardly coming out from him.

'Where are the pictures?' Adya was direct.

'What..? What pictures? Darling, I don't know what you are talking about.' He tried coming close to her.

'Stop your non-sense. I had seen it all. I know everything. Answer me. Where are the pics? Delete them now.'

'What if I don't?' Aarav turned cool.

'What will you do? Will you step back from this wedding? Then what will you let your family and relatives know? Will you tell them that I have some unwanted pics of Mishka with me?'

'Go, tell them. Sweetie you cannot. Your family may not recover the shock.' He gave a devil smile.

'You know Aarav, entire life I loved you. Entire life I wished to be with you. But, since the day I got to know about all this shit you have created, I started hating you. You know what Mishka is for me and what you have done with her is deplorable. I cannot forgive you.' Adya was loud in anger.

Aarav was completely ignorant when Adya forcefully hit him with a pointed stone on his head. He shouted in pain, but the loud music outside masked his voice. Soon he went unconscious. She repeated hitting him till the time he was dead.

Meanwhile Mishka broke his cell phone, took out the sim, burnt all his belongings. Both of them dragged his body to the nearby gutter and threw. Adya had no emotion for him. She hugged her little sister.

Mishka then moved to the party area and Adya moved inside the house. When Mishka was asked to bring Adya along, she accompanied her. Everyone was waiting for Aarav. When he didn't appear for long and was found missing, people started searching for him, but all in vain.

The two sisters made it all. They planned things very well before and left no clue behind. The wedding did not happen. No one ever saw Aarav again.

For few months, families were upset. Later on things were back to routine. Time heals every pain in life.

Adya at times felt guilty for what she had done with Aarav's parents, but when she sees Mishka smiling, she forgets everything else.

She decided to take care of Aarav's family and not to marry for rest of her life.