###Chapter 24

Chapter 24


Anthonia POV

I alighted the stairs staring at the decorations all over.

Everyone is already asleep... probably... but I can not sleep.

Krishi has been staying here since the day after the proposal arrived and would leave after the marriage.

This house....a place I grew up in...
I will be leaving it ...too soon.

All I felt was bitterness and deep anger.

I didn't even get to catch a glimpse of my supposed groom.

Hmm . I wish all these would just come to an end or better still, turn to a nightmare that I would wake up from.
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9am
Location; Temple
*

The temple bell dinged as the prayer offering began.

I had my palms joined together and my eyes shut in prayer.

Dear God, I wish all these would stop. I don't want to leave... I don't want to get married. I pray and hope that my supposed husband would pass out on the wedding day... Or maybe me... Let the wedding not happen.
Please answer my humble prayer.. please dear Almighty...

A prayful chant began as everyone present did a loud chorus all led by the priest who in turn offered offerings to the Almighty.
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*
"Com'on girls... Let's board a taxi" Mother urged trying to flag down a taxi.

It's Sunday today and the temple is really busy today.

Luckily, we are done with our prayers and offerings and we are about to head home.

We finally boarded a taxi.
*
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Location; Rathord Mansion
*
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We walked in and met father sitting on a couch with a mug of tea by him and he had a newspaper which he was reading from.

Step-mom was also busy getting her nails polished by a lady.

Note, Father together with Step-mom and her children barely go to the temple for prayers.

Mother headed to the kitchen area while I and Krishi headed for the stairs.

I wish I could just sleep and wake up tomorrow and find out I have been dreaming.

I really wish....

I seriously can't believe that I would be getting married tomorrow.
Urgh!

I and my invincible husband's horoscope matched perfectly and an auspicious time and date was set for the wedding which is tomorrow and by evening.

The priest said the auspicious time for any wedding would end by 11pm and any wedding taking place after that time is a bad luck wedding.

Well... I do not care and that's why I am hoping one of us faints during the wedding.

Either I or the groom...
*
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Hours Later...
Monday: 4pm

Writer POV

Anthoniawas seated on a pretty chair as the final ceremony took place.

It is a pre-wedding ceremony posed for cleansing whereby a yellow cream like substance is applied to all parts of the bride's body by well wishers using a holy leaves [s].

First came her Mother, Sriti who took the leaves smearing it in the paste inside the bowl and applied it on Anthonia's cheeks while putting on a smile.

"May you be happy" She muttered and next was her Step-mom.

Anthoniafelt so angry deep within as her Step-mom applied it on her with a smirk.

Krishi followed suite, then Nathasha, Kaeya and many more people.

No sooner, Anthoniawas almost covered with the paste completely.

Krishi and Kaeya were then asked to lead Anthoniaback up to her room so she could wash off totally and get ready for her marriage.
*
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Later.....
9pm
*
*

Anthonia POV

I was seated before my mirror all clothed in a red glittery but large wedding saree.

The lower part of the saree was huge and stayed at my waist region while the upper part was like a half cut short sleeved shirt with strings joining it at my back therefore, my extremely flat stomach and back was exposed.

A longer clothing was joined to the skirt and properly arranged as it hung on my shoulder still leaving more material which would serve as my scarf.

My neck had a lot of jewelries on them and my wrists had numerous red shinny bangles.

My earring was long as the right pair had a tiny chain with a nose ring which was fixed to my nose.

My hair was in a bun with tendrils but had a center cut as a hair ornament ran between the hair parting and stopped at my forehead.

My makeover were heavy and I shone all over with diamonds and gold.

I stared at my reflection deeply.
I can't believe this is true...

I.. getting married at age 18 a because of a business.

I will be taken away from my Mother to a new place to live in for the rest of my life...

I feel so broken and powerless.
K have been shown the tough side of life.

I don't even know if the groom is as ugly as a monkey or if the groom is blind or......

Aargh!...

I feel so....hurt.

A tear escaped my eye as it turned into a black color due to my eye liner.

The loud drums beating added to my sorrow.

Soon, I will be called to come down.. soon.

I know that all these are the great plans of Step-mom and Nathasha.

I am certain of it.



Writer POV

Tension......

The groom was yet to arrive...but his family were there already.

"How long will it take?" Mr.Rathord asked again facing Mr. Samarat who happens to be the Father to the groom.

"A short while... He will be here soon" He assured.

One hour passed....10pm.
The auspicious time was running out.

Nathasha felt happy...a little.
Anthoniawould be put to shame if the groom does not show up and if he doesn't, Anthoniawould not be leaving anytime soon thereby short living her joy.

In a bid to wait for the groom, the bride was sent for...
Anthonia...
*
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Location; Unknown
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Writer POV

He cursed his ill luck as he gulped down one more shot of liquor.

"She is here Sir" He heard a guard notify and he nodded.

" Send her in" He groaned.
" But sir, you have a wedding to attend" The guard notified.

" I do not f*cking care!. Mind your business or loose your job" He threatened and the guard bowed.

" Am sorry sir" He apologized and walked out of the room.

In a short while, a lady all dressed in a black exposing lengha choli [ Female India attire] walked in.

She smiled upon seeing him and seductively walked to meet him.

"Hey..." She cooed caressing his chest and hugged him tight making sure he had a good feel of her mounds.

"You have a tensed aura around you and trust me..I will help with it" She purred and tip-toed to k*ss him.

He pulled her off him with a grunt and dropped his empty glass.

"Strip" He ordered and she chuckled complying to his order quickly.

Anthonia POV

The room door opened and I glanced to see Krishi and Kaeya approaching me as both were beautifully dressed.

"O my! Anthonia!" Kaeya exclaimed and took out a tissue then began to dab my fallen tear.

"You are crying!".

I sighed ruefully.
"It hurts. Everything hurts.." I muttered and another tear followed.

" I ... I can't believe Father could go ahead with this freely" I sighed bitterly.

" Anyways, it's my fate.." I suddenly said straightening my face.

".. and I will face it" I added in a firm tone and bravely wiped my fallen tears as Krishi and Kaeya pulled on a bright smile.

"We love you Anthonia.." They cooed as both hugged me together and all I felt was love.


Writer POV

Everyone was in awe as Anthonia.. the bride alighted the stairs escorted by Krishi and Kaeya beautifully dressed while the large scarf secured her face from everyone.

Of course, she is a beautiful bride!
Anthoniawas led to sit down first and it was then she noticed something.

Anthonia POV

My groom hasn't arrived!
As I sat down at the raised alter, I could not help but wonder.

Where is he?
I could feel the tension.
The auspicious time would be over soon and the marriage rites are yet to begin.

I had only one wish in mind.
If it is possible then this marriage should not happen!

I chuckled lowly..

Writer POV

10:30pm.... Where is the groom?

Tension filled the air until something happened.

Outside, five flashy Jeeps with cool wheels rolled in and stopped as almost immediately, white uniformed men rushed out and fired a united bullet shot in the air.

One of them quickly opened the passenger door of the third Jeep.

A foot stepped out... a foot putting on a shinny golden colored shoe stepped out and next, the other foot as the groom stepped out fully, all dressed in a red typical Indian marriage attire with a large turban on his head and rows of short white flowers fell over his face covering it totally.

The groom has arrived!

This news went round rapidly as the bride's family led by Sriti rushed out to receive him.

Anthonia POV

I felt my heart skip countless times.
He has arrived!
He is here!

The scarf covering me became too hot for me to handle.

Aargh!

No sooner, someone approached where I was seated as I could only see the shoes cause of the scarf covering my face and then, he sat next to me!

Right next to me!

His strong cologne filled my nostrils suddenly.
It felt so powerful and he had a tough aura around him.

My goodness!

"Now the groom is here.. let us begin.." The priest said.