Chapter 104: chapter 104

Next day was Sunday and Anika was in high spirits and wanted to go shopping to buy a gift for his dad on his 60th birthday..Both brother and sister were too busy sending invitations to the guests  yesterday.. They wanted to celebrate their father's birthday in a grandeur way.. The hotel was booked , the menu was finalised..invitations were sent.. As the majority of the work was finished and the other little things Ashish was taking care of, she thought of going out today..She parked her car in the shopping mall and walked inside and was checking what to buy for her father.." Are you Anika??", She heard a voice from behind. Anika turned around and saw a lady in early fifties standing  in front of her. looking at the clothes and bag she was holding, Anika guessed she is from a wealthy Family.." Sorry Aunty, I don't remember you?? Do you know me??"" The lady sighed and said," Yes, I know you. if you don't mind, can we talk for few minutes"Sure Aunty, let's sit in the  Coffee shop" The lady nodded and walked towards the coffee shop in the mall and Anika followed her.. Anika was still thinking who this lady could be.. They both sat across the table and with a smile on her lips  Anika asked," Yes Aunty, tell me"The old lady took a deep breath looked in to Anika's eyes and said," I am Sanjay's mother"Anika stood up at once when she heard who she was.. but she didn't want to disrespect the old lady and sat down once again..The smile which  she carried earlier completely disappeared from her lips.."Aunty , I think you mistook me for someone else, it's nothing between me and Sanjay.. ""Every time I enter my son's room,I see your photos all over his room. How can I mistake  you for someone else'', the lady said with a faint smile..There was shock in Anika's eyes.." Anika , I know what happened between you and Sanjay a few years back..  in fact I still feel guilty and responsible for what happened with you both .During that time Rahul's mom came to me and suddenly declared your relationship with Sanjay, filling my ears negatively about you and Gayatri..I believed her words like a fool and warned Sanjay that he can't marry you..But he  urged and asked me to  judge after meeting you and I took a promise from him that if I don't like you, he should break his relationship with you..He was under too much pressure because of me and maybe when you went against Rahul's family ,he had fear that I will not like you even more and misjudge you.. in the fear of losing you because of me  he went against you.. But later I got to know the reality of Rahul's mom.. I still feel ashamed to listen to her words and misunderstand you.. Sanjay was completely broken when you left him. You took away his smile with you Anika..  He still loves you and  couldn't move on.. I agree he made a mistake but please give him a chance ."" Are you saying all these  because of my surname aunty"" No Anika , I am saying all this because you are a girl who stood for your  friend when the whole world including your love  was against you .. If you can do this for your friend   how lucky your husband will be and how far you  will go for him  if he faces any trouble in future  and how much care and love you will shower on him. I want a girl who can be with my son not only in his good times but also in bad times.I believe you  are that girl..My son will be Fortunate to get such a  lovely and caring  girl like you.."Think about giving a chance to Anika, please..."Sanjay's mom  got up from her seat, patted her shoulder and left from there throwing Anika in the whirlpool of emotions…Anika was in no mood to go shopping after meeting Sanjay's mother. She thought of coming back when her mind was clear and when she was walking outside she saw two familiar figures entering the mall." Hey ,Nidhi, how are you?? It's been long we didn't meet each other"" Hey, Anika.. , it's been really long", Nidhi hugged Anika.."Hi Riya""Hello ma'am"" Nidhi, I hope you have received invitation of my dad's birthday, please attend without fail"" Yeah, definitely"Anika looked at Riya and said," Riya it's my dad's 60th  birthday this weekend, you too have to come without fail. I will send you the invitation card "" Sure mam".. "Ok then see you ", Anika left..Do you think I should come to the party?? Riya was a little afraid as it was a party of big people.." Yes, you have to come and there I will introduce you with Sanjana too, come let's go , let's buy a  party wear dress for you", Nidhi dragged Anika into the mall..After shopping they both were hungry and went to the nearby restaurant to have lunch..Riya was shocked to see the girl in the reception.. The girl used to work earlier in her department and one  day she overheard her saying  she will go to Ashish so that she does not need to work hard from tomorrow.. Everyone in the office said she might have become Ashish's girlfriend so she has   resigned..But it seems like that's not true ,if she is Ashish's girlfriend why would she work as a mere Receptionist in the restaurant.. She didn't want to embarrass the girl so she behaved as if she didn't remember her..Where have you lost Riya?? " Hmmm, nothing Nidhi"..*****Riya didn't see Ashish in the community again, he didn't come to  his flat these days and in office, as  he was too busy handling Other things.. Riya didn't speak to him at all this week..She didn't know why but felt a little empty in her heart..******On the other hand, Sanjay was unaware of his mom speaking to Anika.It was Sunday, so he wanted to go out but before he could,he heard his dad saying, "we have a birthday party to attend.. make sure you come home early..""  Dad, you know  I am not interested in attending  birthday parties.. "" Invitation is from Hooda's ,we can't miss it", his dad said firmly..Sanjay who was about to say no to his dad, felt like his words got stuck in his throat and his heart skipped a beat. if he goes to the party he  will have a  chance to see his goddess.. " ok dad, I will come back quickly"*******In the evening it was all set for Mr.Hooda's birthday party..Party was arranged in the garden area of Hooda's. Most of the attendees were from politics , Film industry, police department and Business friends.Riya got down from the taxi  wearing a sea green  semi sheer maxi dress paired with strappy heels and a clutch in her hand. The house looked huge from outside.. At the entrance the security was asking for invitation cards and was then allowed inside.. Riya handed it and walked in..She could see a huge garden when she entered the gate and round tables were arranged all over the garden..The garden was beautifully decorated with lights all over..Walking inside Riya started searching for Nidhi and finally saw Nidhi and Kabir sitting at the table..Kabir was busy talking to the people and Nidhi was giving a smile occasionally..Riya felt at ease after seeing Nidhi.. when she entered she felt like she had come into a new world of rich people.Very soon Sanjana and Aditya walked  hand in hand towards Kabir and Nidhi's table.As they all were friends they decided to sit at the same table..Nidhi introduced Riya to Sanjana.. They both have heard about each other from Nidhi but have met for the first time.Riya was mesmerised with the beauty of Sanjana and was staring at her as if she was looking at some  fairy.. and when she was with Aditya they looked like a couple sent from heaven.. They were really complimenting each other and she could see love for Sanjana in Aditya's every action..She spoke internally, "God please select someone for me who can love me like this.."She was completely lost in the beautiful and perfect couple sitting in front of her.and came back to senses when she heard Ashish's voice from behind.." Hey all, thanks for coming"She felt her heart skip a beat..They all shook hands with Ashish and Riya was waiting for her turn. But before she could say hello she heard someone calling "Ashish""Excuse me guys, will catch you in a minute..",he said and left..Riya felt disappointed for a moment as he didn't even look at her..She looked at his back and sneered..