Destined Hearts Ch. 03

As they were seated in the living room, they got a surprise visit from Ethan who came in with a really brilliant smile. He was putting on a beautiful yellow shirt, blood red skinny jean and brown snickers. But he didn't come alone. He came in with about three men that were holding three large boxes. When he came inside, everyone moved their eyes to him wondering what he had brought to their house.

"Hey, buddy..." Antonio put the magazine down, getting up from the couch. "What's going on?"

"And how's the groom today?" He teased, winking at him.

"I am okay but what is all this?"

Ethan took a quick glance behind as a bright smile appeared on his face. "A really big surprise for you?"

"A surprise?" Antonio gasped, raising his eyebrow. "What's the surprise?"

"If I told you then it wouldn't be a surprise, would it?" Ethan rubbed on his shoulder. "Just be patient and I will show it to you."

He gave a teasing smile and went to greet everyone else, leaving the anxious Antonio staring at the boxes. After greeting everyone, he came back and ordered the men to open the boxes. He took out of the things that were in the boxes and it was really big. Antonio couldn't really see it because it was wrapped all over but he was gonna find out soon.

"Okay, this is the surprise and I am sure you are gonna love me for it."

Ethan started unwrapping it, making Antonio even more anxious. He had his eyes on the item until... suddenly he just froze where he stood. His heart started beating as if he was running in a race... his body got hotter and his anger came back again. He clenched his fists, breathing harshly while staring at the item which he wanted to rip.

It was a big picture of Antonio and Praveen during the ritual. The picture was put in a big golden picture frame and it just pissed Antonio to the core. He wanted to take it and break it in half. Praveen on the other hand was really happy when he saw that picture. It brought a beautiful smile to his face. He thought it was beautiful even though both of them weren't smiling.

"Oh my God," Emilia gasped, getting up from the couch. "This is really beautiful, Ethan. How did you get that picture?"

"Well, I just approached the photographers and made them make big ones." He said in a voice soft with affection. "What do you think?"

"It's really beautiful." Emilia got closer, staring at the picture. "This will be a beautiful reminder of the day they got married."

"I agree with you." Ethan chuckled softly. "I think it will look beautiful in their room."

"What?" Antonio thought, getting even angrier.

"That's a good idea, Ethan." Granny said sarcastically. "What better way to start a new day than looking at the picture of your wedding day?"

"You are absolutely right, mother." Emilia nodded. "I will make sure that I hang it in their room." She took a glance at Praveen. "What do you think?"

"Me?" Praveen stammered, pointing at himself. "Well, I think it's fine. I don't know about Antonio but... I am fine with it."

Antonio just wouldn't move a muscle. He was dumbstruck and so damn mad.

"Why should he have a problem with it?" Ethan moved closer and wrapped his arm around his neck. "It was his special day. He is happy. By the way, I have a few more pictures in the box."

"I will handle it."

Emilia ordered the men to take the items upstairs to Praveen and Antonio's room. She was gonna arrange the room herself because she knew in whatever way she was gonna do it, they were gonna love it so much.

Antonio groaned and furiously went out of the living room. When Ethan sensed that he was mad, he went right after him.

***

Antonio stormed inside the gym and he went straight for the punching bag. He didn't care if he was in his gym clothes or not. He just needed to punch something to get his entire anger out because he felt as if he was gonna explode.

There was a gym in Antonio's beautiful compound. The Gonzalez might have been rich but they also liked to keep fit.

He clenched his fists and started punching the bag as hard as he could without even protecting his hands. He was breathing like a beast, punching with his entire might. He was imagining that he was punching Praveen and it seemed to be working because his anger instantly started coming out.

In a few minutes, he was sweating terribly and panting for air. But he didn't want to stop. He continued punching and punching without even realizing that Ethan had come inside and was staring at him like a stranger. Ethan couldn't understand what was going but he was going to ask.

"What's with you?" Ethan yelled.

"Leave me alone!" Antonio said harshly, still punching the bag.

"No!" Ethan went closer to him and blocked him.

Antonio groaned and furiously moved away from the bag.

"What do you want?" He asked angrily.

"I am your friend, Antonio." Ethan said softly. "I know you very well and I can tell that there is something bothering you. What's wrong?"

"What's wrong?" Antonio barked, giving his friend cold eyes. "What's wrong?" He furiously kicked a towel on the floor. "Are you seriously asking me that? You know what's fucking wrong with me. Everything was going well until you brought those fucking pictures."

"What?" Ethan couldn't understand why Antonio was mad. "But those are your wedding pictures. I don't see any reason why you would get mad because I brought your wedding pictures. I thought you would be happy and as a friend I..."

"Damn right!" He furiously sat on a small chair. "You are my friend and I can't believe you did that. You know exactly how I felt about this wedding and..."

"I thought we were past that." Ethan shook his head. "You are a married now, Antonio. It's not just about you anymore. It's also about Praveen and..."

"Why the fuck should I care about him?" He yelled.

To say Ethan was surprised would be an understatement. He stared at his friend, wide eyed. He didn't know what to say to him anymore.

"I didn't want to marry that fucking boy in the first place so why should I care about him?" He groaned, clenching his fists.

"He's married to you." Ethan said softly, still in shock. "He's your responsibility now and..."

"Really?" Antonio laughed bitterly, surprising Ethan even more. "I don't care if he's married to me. I never wanted to marry him in the first place. I was forced into this and you know that."

"Antonio!" Ethan sighed, rubbing his hands. "A marriage isn't a game that you can play. There is nothing wrong with Praveen. All I see is an innocent boy that is married to you. You are no longer alone. He's your better half and you better treat him like one because..."

"And you are giving me this lecture because of what?" He snarled, raising his eyebrows. "You are not married so why are you giving me a lecture about..."

"Because I understand everything." Ethan said, slightly raising his voice. "You are supposed to be happy but you are acting like an ass right now, Antonio and..."

"I am acting like an ass?" Antonio chuckled bitterly, slowly getting up from the chair. Then his face got really serious and he clenched his fists. "Maybe you have a thing for this boy and..."

"Are you crazy?" Ethan got a little angry. "Why would you..."

"Then shut the fuck up!" He censured, pointing angrily at him. "This is my life and I don't need your stupid advice so keep it to yourself."

"What?" Ethan had never heard that from Antonio before. "It is your life but I am your friend and..."

"I don't fucking care." He raged, thumping his food on the floor. "I didn't invite you here to come and give me stupid advices, okay."

Hearing what his best friend had just said, Ethan laughed in pain. It hurt a lot. His heart felt pierced and he felt like... he just couldn't explain. He nodded and started leaving but before he went far, he made a quick turn and looked at his angry face.

"I thought I was talking to a friend..." He sniveled, shaking his head. "...but guess I am not important to you anymore, Antonio. I made a really big mistake by coming here, doing everything for you and most especially talking to you. I promise it will never happen again, Antonio. You will never see me here again."

With those words, Ethan turned angrily and started leaving the gym. Meanwhile, Antonio just stared at his friend as tears built up in his eyes. He couldn't believe he had just spoken to him like that. Even though Ethan had spoken calmly, Antonio knew that he was really hurt.

The words he had just said to him kept ringing in his head. They had been great friends since they were young and he was willing to throw it like that? He couldn't allow that.

Antonio took a deep breath and started running towards his friend. Reaching him, he wrapped his arms tightly around his waist, bringing him closer to his body. Ethan stopped and just stood still.

"I am sorry..." Antonio apologized, burying his face in Ethan's back. "...please, forgive me. I didn't mean all those words I said to you. I was just so angry that I... I..."

"Antonio, let me go." Ethan said in a sad tone. "I need to leave right now."

"Please!" He held him tighter. "I acted like an idiot and I agree with you but... but... You can't leave me alone, Ethan. I love you so much and..."

"Antonio!"

"I am sorry," Antonio pleaded. "I can't imagine living a life without you. You've been like a brother to me even more than that. Forget what I had said to you and forgive me. I promise I will never talk to you like that ever again."

"Antonio, you've really hurt me." Ethan said angrily, clenching his fists. "Just because I love you doesn't mean I am an idiot. I also have feelings and..."

"I am sorry. I didn't mean to say all that to you. It was just out of anger."

"Anger for what? You are experiencing what most of the people are just admiring." He raised his voice. "Trust me when I tell you that that boy might just be the one for you. Give your marriage a chance and..."

"Are you gonna be mad at me your entire life or will you forgive me now?" He let go of his friend and went in front of him. Then he put his hands together and stared at his angry friend. "We've grown up together and you know exactly what is happening in my life. I am truly sorry for this, Ethan. I promise never to talk to you like that."

Ethan just stared at his friend and he could see sadness in his eyes. He loved him so much that he couldn't watch him being sad because it hurt him so much inside.

He took a deep breath. "Okay." He said, holding Antonio's hands sweetly. "I will forget everything that happened today because I love you so much, Antonio. Just promise me that you will control your anger. This boy is innocent and pouring out your anger on him might hurt him."

"Ethan, you know that..." He paused and sighed. "...I can't deny you anything. I will do my best never to."

Hearing that, Ethan smiled and hugged his friend tightly. "Thank you so much. You are a great friend and I was afraid of losing you too."

Antonio hugged his friend back but he was far from being okay. He was still mad inside. Everything was going wrong and it was because of Praveen. He was like a curse in his life. He was still gonna make him pay for everything. He was gonna regret ever agreeing to come to their mansion and it was a promise.

***

Praveen was standing outside the mansion, lost deep in his thoughts. He was leaning to a pillar, thinking about his best friend Mike and how he was gonna miss him. The two of them had grown so attached to each other and now they were gonna go apart. It was really emotional.

Praveen had just come out of the mansion after hours and hours of talking with the family, except for Antonio and Andrea. They weren't there but he had a great time although he had been nervous and shy most of the time. He hadn't spent much time with his husband and he had no idea how he truly was. But night was coming and he was really hoping they were gonna talk to each other and just bond.

As he was still in his thoughts, he felt a cold hand on his shoulder that almost made him jump. He gasped, touching his chest while moving his eyes past his shoulder. It was Celine and she was smiling brightly at him.

"It seems strange, doesn't it?" Celine said with a smile.

"I don't understand." Praveen said softly.

"I am talking about being away from your family." She chuckled nervously. "I used to feel the same way too when I came to this house. I used to miss my family but don't worry..." She patted on his back. "...you'll get used to it very soon."

"Thank you so much but I don't have a family." He said with a soft smile. "My mother and father had died and..."

"I know that but the family you used to live with is like your family, right?"

Praveen nodded, giving her a smile. "They are leaving very soon and I will miss them so much."

"You shouldn't worry about that." She said, massaging his shoulder. "As long as you are with your husband, you will definitely be happy. I have been married in this family for quite some time and although I haven't known him for long, he is a very good man."

Praveen blushed, dropping his eyes to the floor. "Really?"

"Yes!" Celine nodded. "And mother in law is the best. Besides, I am also a daughter in law of this house. You and I are just the same so whenever you need anything please, don't hesitate to call on me."

Hmm, she was better than he had actually thought. "Thank you so much, Celine."

"You shouldn't thank me." She gave her genuine smile. "What are friends for if not helping each other?" She rubbed on his back and continued smiling. "I will be inside if you need me."

Praveen nodded and watched as she left inside. He continued smiling, feeling really happy that he had found a friend. She was a good person. Everyone in the house kept telling him how good Antonio was and how lively he was. Guess he had nothing to worry about. He was just hoping his heart was gonna start falling for his husband very soon.

He remained outside, just looking all around the compound until it got really dark. He went inside and had dinner with the rest of the family before he started chatting with granny and Emilia. They were just telling him about how they got rich and about his late father in law. He was really happy because they had received him warmly.

***

Praveen entered his room and was welcomed by a big beautiful picture of their wedding. He hadn't seen how beautiful it was until he entered the room. The room felt different at that time and he couldn't help but smile.

He closed the door and slowly entered the room, moving closer to the picture. It was placed just above the bed and Antonio's friend and Emilia had been absolutely right. The picture looked really amazing and Praveen was really happy. He was just thinking whether Antonio had seen how beautiful it was.

"Hmm, this is really amazing." He said, rubbing on the picture. "I really love it."

He got lost deep in the picture and that smile on his face couldn't leave him at all. He got into his own dream world, reliving the wonderful moments he had been sitting with Antonio during the ritual. Fuck! He could remember the way he smelled, the way he touched his hand when slipping the ring on him and the way he held his hand. It was just really beautiful and he wished at that moment that Antonio would hold him the same way he did. That was surely gonna help in making him fall deeper and deeper in love with him and...

Praveen's thoughts were interrupted when he heard a knock on the door. He came back to his senses, realizing that he had been staring at the picture for over ten minutes. He shook his head, fixed himself up and rushed to the door.

He took a deep breath before he finally opened the door to find granny smiling at him.

"Granny?" He gasped, feeling a little shy.

"Son, I just came to say goodnight to you and Antonio." She said, resting her hand on his shoulder. "I need to rest my old bones for your food tomorrow."

Praveen smiled and nodded. "Yeah, but Antonio is not inside."

"What?" She chuckled nervously. "He is not here at this time? Where could he be?"

"I don't know." He said with a sigh. "I thought I'd find him in the room but..."

"It's fine." She patted on his shoulder. "You should just say goodnight to him but..." She paused and chuckled. "...I think you should go and look for him."

"What?" He gasped as his eyes widened. "But granny, I..."

"He's your husband and he should be spending his time with you. You two just got married and his place should be by your side." She smiled, rubbing on his neck. "You should go and look for him right away."

Praveen looked at granny in surprise. He didn't know what to say to her. Looking for Antonio really? That was gonna be like... he didn't even know the word for it.

"What are you thinking about, my son?" She asked when she saw how quiet he was. "You shouldn't think about it. Just go and do it. But it's actually your decision. He is probably with his sister."

She kissed him on the cheek, rubbing it sweetly. "Goodnight."

"Goodnight."

Granny left and Praveen went back inside the room. He sat on the bed, remembering and thinking about what she had said. He was thinking she was right but what right did he have to bring his husband to the room? He had his own life and it wasn't good to disturb him.

On the other hand, granny was right.

"Antonio and I haven't been able to spend some time together or talk to each other." He thought, rubbing on his temple. "Maybe I should go and get him but what will I say to him? I don't know what to do? What if he won't like it?"

Praveen didn't know what to do at all. He had no idea what to do or who to ask for advice. But what was he gonna do? He took a deep breath and thought long and hard. He got up from the bed and confidently got out of the room.

He started walking slowly away from the room, getting even more nervous. He could still remember Andrea's room because Emilia had showed it to him the time she had given him a tour. He was walking really slowly but it felt like he had only walked for seconds. He soon reached the door and he stood there just looking at it, debating whether to knock or go back to the room and wait for his husband. His heart was pounding in his chest and his hands were sweaty.

"This is it."

Praveen took a big step and went to knock the door. But before he did that, something happened, something that made him freeze and scared him so much. He could hear Andrea's voice and she was talking to someone but he didn't know if it was his husband or someone else.

Praveen's heart stopped beating for a second, he felt as if air had just vanished from his life and he actually just remained like a statue. He didn't mean to eavesdrop but he found himself doing it.

"I still fail to understand why she decided to bring that boy into this house." Andrea said angrily. Her voice was low but he could clearly hear her. "That boy isn't even fit to be the son in law of this house and not to talk about my brother's husband and yet everyone's treating him like an angel of this house. Fuck! I really hate him so much."

Praveen didn't need to be a genius to know that Andrea was talking about him. He felt broken and hurt. Tears built in his eyes but he wasn't gonna cry at all. He didn't need to listen anymore so he turned to leave but...

"I really hate that boy."

A voice that was really familiar stopped him in his tracks. At first he felt as if his ears had betrayed him but...

"...he is the reason why this is happening."

That was all he needed. It was Antonio's voice and there was no denying that.

Praveen felt really hurt and he actually moved away from the door. He didn't need to hear anything more. A tear went down his cheek which he quickly rubbed. He started moving away from the door, weakly walking away. He felt as if his strength had just left him. So many things were passing through his brain and he just couldn't understand any of it.