CHAPTER TWO: ESCAPE TO PARIS
As Mini uncovered her face, the groom looked at her with an indifferent expression, as if it didn’t matter to whom he was getting married. His face was a mask of calm, his eyes devoid of any flicker of surprise or curiosity. His brow furrowed slightly, not in shock, but in gentle thoughts, as though he was trying to piece together a puzzle that didn’t quite make sense to him.
Raising one eyebrow, he looked at Mini with a detached gaze and asked, “What happened?” His voice was calm, almost disinterested, as though he was asking about the weather rather than questioning why his bride was behaving like this.
“Are you not shocked?” she asked, her voice tinged with confusion. She was more baffled by his reaction, or rather, the lack thereof, than by the situation itself.
“Why would I be?” he replied, full of confusion. Mini took a deep breath, her hands trembling slightly as she steeled herself to explain. “Because I am not the girl you are going to marry!” The words tumbled out of her, each one carrying the weight of her anxiety. She had been dreading this moment, the revelation that she was not Priya, and yet, here she was, forced to confront it head-on.
“What…” The groom’s voice finally broke its repetitive tone, his eyebrows shooting up in genuine surprise. For the first time, his calm face cracked, revealing a glimpse of the confusion beneath. He was clearly taken aback, his mind racing to process the information. If she wasn’t his bride, then who was she? And more importantly, what was she doing there in bridal attire?
He looked at Mini, his eyes narrowing slightly as he tried to make sense of the situation. “I haven’t seen her picture, so I don’t know what she looks like… But where is she?” he asked, his voice a mix of curiosity and mild concern. The pieces of the puzzle were starting to fall into place, but the picture they formed was far from clear.
Mini felt a pang of guilt at his confusion. She had expected anger or even an outburst, but his calm questions made her feel like she was the one causing him unnecessary trouble. She lowered her gaze to the floor, unable to meet his eyes, “She is not here…” she admitted softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
The groom fell silent, absorbing her words. He didn’t react, didn’t raise his voice, or express any anger. His lack of reaction made Mini even more anxious. She hesitantly lifted her eyes to look at him, searching his face for any sign of what he might be thinking. To her surprise, his expression remained unreadable, almost detached.
Gathering her courage, she spoke again, her voice laced with desperation. “Now please, do something because I don’t want to go through with this marriage.” Her words were a plea, a last-ditch effort to escape the situation she had been thrust into. She hoped, prayed, that he would understand, that he would help her find a way out.
The groom’s expression hardened, his eyes turning cold as he made a quick decision. “Cover your face and come outside” he commanded, his voice taking on an icy edge that sent a shiver down Mini’s spine. His demeanor shifted, revealing a colder, more authoritative side that Mini hadn’t expected. His words were not a request but an order, one that left no room for argument. It was clear that he was used to being in control, and at that moment, he seized it.
Mini’s heart pounded in her chest as she quickly obeyed, pulling the veil back over her face with trembling hands. Her mind raced with thoughts of what would happen next, but she didn’t dare question him. She followed his lead as he opened the door, their exit from the room as swift and quiet as their initial conversation.
As they stepped out, the tension in the air was palpable. Mr. Oberoi, standing nearby, immediately noticed their departure and stormed over, his face contorted with anger. “Priya, what is this behavior?” his voice filled with frustration. His gaze bore on Mini, but she remained silent, too frightened to respond. If she spoke, if she said even one word, she knew everyone would realize she wasn’t Priya.
Before Mr. Oberoi could press further, the groom stepped in. “We are sorry” he said calmly, his voice devoid of any emotion. His apology was concise, cutting off any further questions or complaints. The authority in his tone left no room for anyone to challenge him. As the groom, his words carried weight, and his apology served as a shield for Mini, protecting her from the wrath that was beginning to build around them.
With the groom taking charge, they returned to their place, standing side by side. Mini could feel her heart beating erratically, each thud echoing in her chest as she tried to stay calm. She was terrified of what might happen next, but she was also relieved that the groom had taken control of the situation, even if she didn’t fully understand his motives.
After a few tense minutes, the Pastor arrived, his presence signaling that the ceremony was about to begin. “Should we start?” he asked, his voice cutting through the silence that had settled over the room. The atmosphere was thick with anticipation, everyone waiting for the groom’s next move.
The groom didn’t hesitate. “No.” he said firmly, his voice resonating with authority.
His father, surprised by the sudden refusal, turned to him. “Why?” he asked, concern creeping into his voice.
“What happened?” Mr. Oberoi inquired, bewildered.
Mini felt her heart sink at the groom’s refusal. She had been so close to escaping this situation without causing too much trouble for Priya. Now, she feared that the groom’s actions would only make things worse for her friend. As her anxiety mounted, she heard the groom whisper, “Sorry… But I have to do this.”
The words barely registered before the groom took action. In one swift motion, he reached out and uncovered her face, his movements smooth and deliberate. Mini gasped, shock freezing her in place as the veil fell away. She wasn’t ready for this, wasn’t prepared for the scrutiny that followed. As her face was revealed, a collective gasp rippled through the crowd, followed by a wave of murmurs.
“Mini?” Mrs. Oberoi’s voice trembled with shock, her eyes wide as she took in the sight before her. The confusion and disbelief were evident in her expression, her mind struggling to make sense of what she was seeing.
“Where is Priya, and what are you doing here?” Mr. Oberoi’s voice was harsh, tinged with anger as he directed his questions at Mini. His tone made it clear that he expected answers, and he expected them now.
The groom’s father, equally confused, turned to Mr. Oberoi. “Mr. Oberoi, what’s going on here? Where is your daughter?” His voice carried an edge of accusation, the calm demeanor he had maintained up until now slipping away.
Mini felt as if the world were closing in on her. The questions came at her from all directions, each one more forceful than the last. “Mini, where is she?” Mr. Oberoi repeated, his voice growing louder and more demanding with each passing second.
“I-I don’t know,” she stammered, her voice trembling with fear. The words felt hollow, a desperate attempt to deflect the mounting pressure. Her mind was a whirl of panic, and she struggled to keep her composure as the situation spiraled out of control.
“You were with her in the room. Then why don’t you know?” Mr. Oberoi pressed, his tone laced with suspicion. His eyes bore into hers, searching for any sign that she was lying. The intensity of his gaze made her feel as though she were under a spotlight, every word she said examined for truth.
Mini could see the fury in his eyes, a dangerous glint that made her blood run cold. She was certain that if Mr. Oberoi found out the truth. If he learned that Priya had fled and Mini had helped her, there would be dire consequences. Not just for Priya, but for herself as well. The thought of what he might do filled her with dread.
Summoning every ounce of courage she had, Mini replied, “I went to the bathroom… And when I came back, she was not there.” The lie slipped from her lips, shaky but believable. It was the only explanation she could offer that might divert Mr. Oberoi’s wrath, even if only temporarily.
“Go and find her,” Mr. Oberoi ordered his guards, his voice a mix of command and desperation. The urgency in his tone made it clear that he wouldn’t rest until Priya was found. Turning back to Mini, his voice dripped with disdain. “You just go away in front of my eyes,” he spat, his words dismissive.
“Mini, go and change your dress,” Mrs. Oberoi said, her voice kinder but still laced with underlying tension. Her eyes softened slightly as she looked at Mini, but the worry etched on her face was unmistakable. Mini could see the pain in her eyes, the deep concern for her missing daughter.
Mini nodded silently, her heart heavy as she turned to leave. The weight of the situation bore down on her, each step feeling like it was pulling her deeper into the mire of deceit and guilt.
As she left the room, Mr. Oberoi turned to the groom’s father, his voice laden with regret. “We are sorry… I have no idea what happened to her… Where did she go,” he apologized, his tone earnest but strained. The groom’s father’s face softened slightly at the sincerity in Mr. Oberoi’s words.
“It’s okay, Mr. Oberoi. It was not your fault,” the groom’s father replied, his voice polite, though there was still a hint of unease in his tone. He understood the gravity of the situation, but he also recognized that blaming Mr. Oberoi wouldn’t change what had happened.
However, the groom, who had been silent up until now, suddenly interjected with a sharp edge to his voice. “Why wasn’t it, Dad? Maybe he must be forcibly getting her married just like you did to me. That’s why she did this.” His words were laced with bitterness, and his anger was palpable. The underlying tension between father and son became evident in that moment, revealing cracks in the otherwise composed exterior of the groom’s family.
Without waiting for a response, the groom turned on his heel and left the room, his departure marked by a cold silence. The tension in the room thickened as everyone processed his words. The truth behind his accusations hung in the air, unspoken but understood by all.
Meanwhile, Mini quickly returned to the room where she had left her belongings. Her hands shook as she changed out of the bridal attire, her mind racing. She needed to get out of there, away from the questions, the accusations, and the guilt. Grabbing her bag, she hurried out of the house and hailed a taxi, her heart pounding as she directed the driver to the airport.
When Mini arrived at the airport, she spotted Priya waiting anxiously in a secluded corner. The relief on Priya’s face was evident as soon as she saw Mini. “Oh, finally you’re here… Is everything okay there?” Priya asked, her voice trembling slightly as she pulled Mini into a tight hug.
Mini sighed, the weight of the day’s events finally catching up to her. “Your dad has sent the guards to look for you,” she replied, her voice weary.
Priya’s eyes widened in alarm. “Where is my stuff?” she asked urgently, looking around as if expecting the guards to appear at any moment.
Mini handed her the small suitcase she had been carrying. “Here it is… Now, where are you going to go from here?” she asked, her voice tinged with concern.
“USA… because I only have a visa there,” Priya answered, her tone determined but anxious.
Mini frowned, worry etching lines into her face. “You mean… you will go there by your real identity… And what do you think… your dad won’t be able to find you there?” she asked, disappointment and fear mingling in her voice.
Priya’s resolve wavered for a moment. “Then?” she asked, her voice small, uncertainty creeping in.
Mini thought quickly, trying to find a solution. “Do one thing… I have a friend who makes fake IDs. I can get her help, and you can stay in her second apartment until she makes them,” Mini suggested, her voice firm.
Priya nodded, relief flooding her face. “I’ll give you her address, you go there… I’ll talk to her about it… Now I have to go before someone comes here after following me… And yes, turn your phone off… Okay… I’ll tell her to give you a new phone,” Mini instructed quickly, her voice taking on a sense of urgency. She knew they were running out of time, and every second counted.
“Okay, thank you so much, Mini,” Priya whispered, her voice full of gratitude. She quickly took the address and left for Mini’s friend’s apartment, her heart pounding with a mix of fear and hope.
“It’s been a week since she left, and you still can’t find her!” Mr. Oberoi’s voice echoed through the house as he shouted at his guards, his frustration boiling over. His face was red with anger, his patience long gone. “We tried every way but didn’t find her, and also… Somebody deleted the camera footage here. I think someone is helping her,” one of the guards replied cautiously, fear evident in his voice.
Mr. Oberoi’s gaze immediately snapped to Mini, suspicion flaring in his eyes. Mini felt her heart leap into her throat. She knew she had to stay calm, to not give anything away. “Why are you looking at her? She also worried about her…” Mrs. Oberoi interjected, her voice shaking as tears welled up in her eyes. “It’s all just happening because of you!” she cried out, her voice breaking as the pain of the situation overwhelmed her. “If you don’t force her for this marriage, she will never do it!” She finished her words and left the room, her sobs echoing in the hallway. Mini, her heart aching for Mrs. Oberoi, quickly followed.
In Mrs. Oberoi’s room, Mini tried to soothe her. “Aunty, please relax,” she said softly, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder.
“How could I… I don’t even know how she is, where she is,” Mrs. Oberoi responded, her voice choked with tears. The despair in her eyes was unbearable for Mini, who felt a pang of guilt twist in her gut. She knew she couldn’t let this continue any longer.
Seeing the torment in Mrs. Oberoi’s eyes, Mini’s resolve crumbled. “Aunty, don’t worry, she is fine,” she blurted out, her voice filled with an unexpected urgency.
Mrs. Oberoi’s eyes lit up with a glimmer of hope. “Really? Do you know where she is?” she asked, her voice trembling with excitement.
But as Mini saw hope in Mrs. Oberoi’s eyes, she realized that telling her the whole truth could bring more danger to Priya. She quickly backpedaled, opting for a safer, albeit deceptive, route. “I don’t know where she is… But a few days ago I met her, she’s fine… She is our brave girl, so don’t worry about her…” Mini said, her voice steady, though her heart raced with the fear of getting caught in her lie.
Just then, Mini’s phone rang. She jumped slightly, startled by the sudden noise. Quickly, she answered, “Hmm… Okay… Okay… I’m coming,” she said, her tone hurried as she ended the call.
“Who is it? Priya?” Mrs. Oberoi asked, a sliver of hope still clinging to her voice.
“No…” Mini replied, shaking her head slightly. After a brief pause, she said, “I have to go now,” and with that, she left, trying to keep her emotions in check.
Sometime later, Mini arrives at her friend’s apartment. As soon as Priya saw her, she rushed over and hugged her tightly. Mini pulled back to look at Priya and asked softly, “How are you?”
“Fine… And what about you, and Mom and Dad?” Priya asked, her voice laced with concern.
“Your mom is not okay… She’s just crying all the time, and Dad is still looking for you,” Mini replied, her voice heavy with the weight of the truth. “But now, all your documents are ready, and your ticket to Paris as well. Now, let’s go. Your flight is taking off in two hours,” Mini added, trying to keep her tone light despite the gravity of the situation.
“Oh finally…” Priya breathed out, a small smile of relief crossing her face. “Although, Mini, promise me you’ll take care of my parents in my absence…”
“Don’t worry about it…” Mini reassured her. “And until the month doesn’t call me, maybe your dad will check my call list… Okay?” she added, her voice taking on a more serious tone.
“Hmm… Bye… Take care, my girl,” Priya said, her voice full of affection as she hugged Mini one last time. She took all of her belongings and left for the airport, her heart heavy with both sadness and relief.
Hours later, Priya arrives at Paris Airport, feeling a mix of anxiety and newfound freedom. The plane’s descent had felt surreal, the city of Paris sprawling out beneath her like a patchwork quilt of dreams. As she exited the aircraft and entered the bustling terminal, the world around her felt both overwhelming and exhilarating. The vast expanse of the airport, with its high ceilings and endless streams of people, mirrored the vastness of the possibilities now open to her. Each footstep echoed her inner turmoil, one step closer to a future she was eager yet fearful to embrace. Priya’s heart raced, a delicate dance of anxiety and excitement, as she navigated her way through customs and baggage claim.
She collected her luggage and was about to head out when a young man approached her. He appeared suddenly, out of the crowd, like a burst of unexpected color in a monochrome scene.
The first thing she noticed was his red sweat jacket, a vibrant contrast against the sea of neutral tones around them. It was a bold choice, signaling confidence and a touch of rebellion. He wore it casually, as if it was an extension of his personality, the loose fabric fluttering slightly with his movements. Paired with black baggy jeans that hung just right on his frame, his outfit gave off an effortless, cool vibe. His brown hair, styled in a Korean perm cut, added to his youthful charm, the soft curls framing his face in a way that was both modern and boyish. He seemed a bit flustered as he stopped in front of her, adjusting his jacket as he spoke. “Excuse me…
❁𝐑𝐄𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑❁
❀𝕴𝖋 𝖞𝖔𝖚 𝖑𝖎𝖐𝖊 𝖎𝖙!❀
♡ 𝙳𝚘𝚗’𝚝 𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚐𝚎𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝙻𝚒𝚔𝚎, 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚜𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚎 ♡
.
Nice