VIREN POV

Seeing Arhaan shaking in fright reminds me of the time when we use to approach mom afraid of her rage.

Let's say our confessions never ended without either one or both of us getting grounded.

"You guys seem like you two are up to something," she speaks as she spread butter on her toast.

I glance at Shaurya and then at Arhaan.

Shaurya seems relaxed compared to Arhaan who is fretting for no reason. I mean he doesn't have to tell mom that her two sons want a court marriage when we know it's her dream to have a big wedding for me.

"Umm..." Arhaan blabbers, causing everyone to glance at him.

"What is it Arhaan? If this again is about you asking me about Maanya's Vidai, then I'm sorry you have to wait, I'm meeting Mrs.Sharma and Savita today." She replies taking a bite from her toast.

Arhaan's eyes pop out, " I married a week ago and still my wife lives in another house, and that too 30 minutes away." He snorts.

Dad raises a brow at him and he sulks back into his seat.

"Now you tell me?" She meets my gaze.
I just stare at her, formulating the correct words in my mind.

"Do you have to say anything?" She huffs.

"Mom, the thing is, we decided to have a court marriage, we want all of us to get married on the same day!"  Shuarya intervenes and I smile feeling proud of my brother.

"Learn from him," Arhaan whispers to me. I scowl at him and mutter, " I was going to say, but you know he's so impatient."

To which he just rolls his eyes and avert his gaze.

I ignore him and look for mom, she didn't say anything for minutes now.

"What?" Aunty Palak shrieks.

"Di?" She asks mom.

We all stare at mom but seconds after she stands up to leave without a word.

We all sit appalled.

"Dad?" Shaurya look at him.

"You can't blame her, the day you guys were of age, she dreamed of your weddings..." He shrugs finishing his tea.

I ponder for a second and then get up.

"I'll talk to her," I announce and walk out of the dining area.

Contemplating about her whereabouts, I walk to the only place I know she will be when she's upset.

Sometimes, I wonder if I like Paakhi because she has the same likes as my mother, they both are selfless, caring, and strong women, they both stand for their families and they both love gardening.

Looking at mom trimming her plants, I remember the time when Paakhi always walk to the balcony and tend to her plants.

"Mom..." I say walking towards her.

She doesn't pass me a look.

I sigh and gently take her hand and tug her to the chairs nearby.

She huffs and lays down the scissors in her hand.

"What is it?" She asks looking at the scissors she just kept down.

"Why are you upset? Don't you want us to get married this soon?" I pry.

"Early?! For god's sake, I have been waiting for your wedding and now you just want a court marriage?" She chides staring at me.

"So you are angry because I want a small wedding ceremony?" I tried suppressing my smile.

"Do you find my irritation funny?" She glares.

I instantly shake my head in denial and sit straight.

"No mom, I just want to know why you are so keen on having a big wedding?" I ask instead.

She pouts and mumbles, "Everyone has been waiting to see how magnificently I will we'd my sons. Firstly, Arhaan eloped and shattered my dreams, and now you both are doing the same."

"We are not eloping?" I clarify.

"But not having a big wedding too!" She frowns.

"Why does it matter? Don't you like Aditi and Paakhi?" I aks her.

At the back, of my mind, I'm afraid of her reply.

"Of course I do, those girls are perfect." She answers immediately with a huge smile.

"I never imagined, a girl like her to marry you." She announces.

"Huh?" I ask dissatisfied.

"What? You know that son, a beautiful, intelligent and caring girl was way out of your reach." She affirms.

"If you forget to notice, your son is also, handsome smart, and caring." I scowl.

She stares at me from head to toe and with a tut of her tongue says,  " caring?"

I frown at her with my bruised ego.

"I'm joking my son," she laughs patting me like a four-year-old.

I shrug her hand away, looking if anyone saw us.

"Of course, now you are ashamed of your mother's affections." She quips again.

I smile at her and take her hand in mine.

"You are the most beautiful woman in our lives. Anyone else comes after you," I squeeze her hand.

"Then have a big wedding," she exclaims.

I take a deep breath and look away.

"Mom, this is not just my decision to make. Shaurya, Aditi, Paakhi, and I, we made it together." I tell her.

"But what's wrong with a big wedding?  Is it about money? They don't have to spend even a penny." She exclaims loudly.

"Ma...if even if it's about money, I know Paakhi would never like this, as much as her self-respecting and dignified nature irritates me, it is a part of her and I love everything about her.
A wedding is the start of our new beginnings with happiness and blessings. I don't want her to feel small or anything on that day. These girls have come a long way in their lives. Each one of them fighting their demons and still they stand proud. I can't respect that." I confess.

A smile masks her face, "I'm so proud to see a man you have evolved into after she came into your life. I'm happy for my sons and I don't mind if it will be a small wedding or a big, Now I just want my daughters to come home soon." She hollers standing up.

I stand up and hug her. She cheers and scrambles off. I laugh behind her and follow her.

Instead of going to the dining room, I veer towards the living room and settle on the couch.

I feel my sore ribs and lean back into the cushions.

"Sir? May I get you something?" I peer open an eye and look at one of the help asking me.

"Get me my medicines," I reply and close my eye.

Minutes later, I feel the dip beside me.

"What did you tell her? She seemed happy," I hear Arhaan's voice.

With a reluctant sigh, I peered my eyes open and sit straight.

"Truth," I reply taking the pills offered.

"Whatever it was, thank you because now she's thinking of quickening the ceremonies." He rejoices.

I smile and lean back into the cushions.

"Riya! Come sit with us," Arhaan calls out to Riya.

She veers toward us and takes a seat beside Shaurya.

Shaurya slung an arm around her and pull her to him.

"Riya I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart." He mutters.

Arhaan and I look at him curiously.

"Now what did I do?" Riya asks amazing our expressions.

"If not for your wedding, these girls would have never entered our lives." He confesses. I smile hearing that and nod my head.

But instead of a smile, I see a look of anguish on her face but it soon replaces with a smile.

"Riya..." My voice comes out gentle, gaining Arhaan and Shaurya's attention too.

"Is everything okay? How's life? What has been happening in your life? I feel like we didn't get time to talk." Questions ramble out of my mouth.

She looks at me flabbergasted, she then looks at Shaurya and Arhaan's awaiting gaze and sighs.

"Everything is good bhai, I have been a bit tensed with everything going with you guys. But I'm happy Paakhi, Maanya, and Aditi will be my sisters." She cheers in the end prompting Arhaan and Shaurya to glee with her.

But I can feel that she just changed the subject. I just hope that everything goes fine in her life.

A smile masks my face thinking that how after meeting Paakhi I started recalling god's name so often.

"Are you thinking about Paakhi?" Riya's voice gains my attention and I see her looking at me with a teasing smile.

"As if you don't think about Abhi," I quip resulting in her smile vanishing instantly.

Before I can ask anything she stands up to attend to her ringing phone.

"Did you notice?" I ask them.

They both look at me confused.

"As I mentioned Abhi her face showed hurt," I tell them.

"Those medicines are having a toll on you," Arhaan laughs standing up and walking away.

I look at Shaurya and he says," Bhai, they love each other."

I stay silent but still, something nags me.

"I will go to my room and lay down," I say standing up. He just nods and turns his attention to the television. I leave him to it.

Ascending the stairs, I remember Dhruv and think about meeting him.
So instead of walking upstairs, I walk out of the house and towards the staff house.

We have this small building on our premises for our staff. So they have their privacy.

"Sir," people now down seeing me. I and back and enter the gate.

Walking to the room, I recalled Dhruv's, I knock twice on the door.
He opens the door dressed in a white t and bandages on his head and hand.

"Sir?" He asks shocked.

I try passing a smile but I think it looks more like a grimace.

"I came to check on you," I reply. He nods and steps aside to let me enter. Entering in, I see his room deficits in basic equipment, there is just a queen-size bed and a nightstand in the whole room. And in that nightstand lies a charging cord and fresh flowers.

"Don't I pay you enough?" I ask disappointed.

"Huh?" He asks appalled.

"There is nothing besides a bed and a nightstand in this big room." I point out.

He smiles and replies, "no sir, you pay me more than enough, I just don't spend much time in here and therefore never needed anything other than those two."

"So I don't give you enough time to have a life?" I ask instead.

He looks away and I get my answer.

"I'm sorry Dhruv, I have been an asshole with you and you remained loyal to me. I'm in gratitude, thank you." I confess. He's ways been a support to me in his way. He's among those people I trust deeply.

"It's my duty, sir," he bows his head.

I nod and say, "have a speedy recovery and spend some time with your lady."

"Sir?" He asks shocked.

"I have had girlfriends too, " I smile glancing at the bouquet and a heart-shaped card on it.

He blushes and I exit his room.

Instead of walking inside the house, I enter the gardens and take a seat at the fountain.

The sound of streaming water relaxes me and I close my eyes relishing.

_______________________________

PAAKHI POV

"So my brothers planned a date for you?" Sana asks for the third time. She's having a hard time believing it.

"If you're gonna ask again then I'm leaving," I laugh with her.

"It's just hard to believe, specially Vire bhai..." She smirks.

"What can I say? Your brother is mad about me!" I quip and she laughs again at my posed accent.

"You tell me? How did you come home yesterday only when you said you will stay at Singh's?" I ask getting back to the task of peeling the peas.

Umm...I feel this place is more like how to me, and. Missed my bed," she mutters.

I smile and nod.

"So did you find any job?" I ask her.

"Not exactly, I mean finding a job without a degree is tough." She mumbles sadly.

"When I married Saurav, I left my studies and now I regret it." She mutters squishing the peel in her hand.

I squeeze her hand and she looks at me sadly.

"You will find one, It took Aditi a lot of time too," I share. She nods and stands up collecting the pods and taking them inside. I collect all the peels and follow her.

"Thank you both," Maanya says, flipping the roti (flatbread) on the flame.

"Don't cook many, they always go to waste," Sana tells her.

I leave them both and walk to the living room to see Aditi on her phone.

"Exercise is a must for you," I complain.

She sighs and keeps her phone aside.

"What do you want me to do?" She frowns at me.

Before I can tell her, the doorbell rings.

I scowl at her and walk to the door.

Opening it, I'm surprised to see Nona, Aunty Savy, Aunty Palak, and Aunty Tanvi.

"How are you dear? " Tanvi aunty hugs me.

I smile and reply while hugging others one by one, "I'm good thank you, thank you please come in,"

They all follow me to the living room and everyone greets each other.

"My daughter, I haven't seen you in a while, why don't you visit us?" I see Mrs.Palak ask Sana. Sana looks directly at me and then at her mother.

She was not with them yesterday? Then where was she? And with whom?

My thoughts halt when I see Maanya walking into the kitchen. I hurry to help her.

"You make the tea, I will arrange the snacks." She orders and I nod.

"What are they doing here?"  She asks me.

"Maybe the guys talked..." I guess adding tea leaves to the boiling water.

"This soon?" She asks shocked. I shrug and try listening to the chatter in the living room.

"Paakhi?! Maanya?! Where are you, girls? We are here to meet you guys." Mrs.Tanvi's voice reaches us.

We hurry and I pan the tea into cups.

I take the tea and Maanu follow with the snacks.

"Oh finally, I was coming in to see you both." Mrs.Tanvi announces and pats on the sofa beside her.

I notice I'm the only one left standing as Maanu already sat beside Aditi.

With a smile and small nod, I walk to her side and sit down.

"So I heard you girls want a small wedding? Or should I say court marriage?" She asks aloud.

I see Nona and Aunty Savy surprised.

"Huh?" Nona asks looking at me.

"Oh, these children of ours decided that they want to marry on the same day and opted for court marriage." Mrs.Tanvi explains to them.

A sad expression morphs Nona's face and she looks longingly at me.

"Tea everyone?" Sana intervenes upholding a cup of tea.

"Paakhi? Can we talk?" Nona asks me. I look at everyone and then slowly nod. She stands up and walks to the balcony. I follow her.

"Did you make this decision because of money?" She holds my hand and waters discreetly into my eyes.

I sigh and reply, "no Nona, we want that, and money is the reason somewhere but mostly it is that we want an intimate wedding with only people that care."

"Money is not the problem dear," she looks sadly at me.

"No Nona, we are happy with this decision. I don't want to start my new life with loans and debts. When we girls didn't have a family, you accepted us and now we want our family to support us." I acknowledge.

She wipes her tears and takes me in her arms.
"We support you, my child," her voice comes out hoarse from holding back her tears.

I hug her and relish her warmth.

"Come let's join others." I take her hand and walk inside.

Everyone stop what they were doing for a moment, but when Nona settle down and say, "So let's talk about the most awaited marriages."

Everyone chuckle and the mood lightens.

"Mrs.Sharma, my Arhaan can not wait any longer to take his bride home, so we have to fix a date soon." Hearing Mrs.Tanvi we all look at the blushing Maanu.

"Did you guys plan something?" Aunty Savy stares at us.

We look at each other and a smile masks all our faces.

"Tomorrow is our anniversary, the day we became family and started a new life. Tomorrow will be 5 years!" I admit feeling overwhelmed with the emotions.

Maanu and Aditi held each other's hand and we smile again.

Aunty Savy wraps in a hug and I see everyone smiling.

"We don't know what your journey was, but I can say that I'm proud that strong women like you will be my daughters tomorrow." Mrs.Tanvi announces with pride.

My eyes go wide, tomorrow? Tomorrow I will be Mrs.Viren Singh?!

A feeling of terror and excitement course through me.

"Tomorrow is so soon! We have so much to do..."  Nona is hyperventilating.

I put a hand on hers and look at Mrs.Tanvi.

"Aunty, I want to tell you something..."

Everyone looks at me,

"We don't have much money like you, we have been living a simple and happy life. We may not be able to bring the gifts a new bride brings." I admit feeling a scowl from Nona.

"Idiot!" Nona chides halting me.

"Mrs.Singh, listen to me-"

"We have heard enough! Firstly you girls manipulate my sons for marrying like we middle-class people and now you will insult my family by showing them what low class you are?!" The outburst from Mrs.Tanvi shocked everyone.

I never believed she would say things like this.

"Manipulate?" Maanya asks hurt.

"Of course, you forced him to elope and betray his family and you, you forced him into this parenthood, and you-"

"Stop!" I yell at her.

"We respect you Mrs.Singh but that doesn't mean we do any less for ourselves. We love your sons but before that, we have learned to love ourselves. If you believe we have manipulated your sons or forced them to do anything then you should talk to them." I stand up and walk to the door.

But she doesn't stand up nor does she look angry, instead a smile lingers on her lips.

"Didi?" Mrs.Palak asks Mrs.Tanvi, who burst out laughing.

"Hush, I was worried that marrying my sons changed you but no you are still my strong and independent daughters." She boasts.

I look at her confuse.

"My sons have dated many women in their lives, the fact I'm not happy about, but that's their lives. All were beautiful but none of them had a personality. They were either shy or arrogant. But the day I saw you, girls, I was awestruck. When I see you, girls, I see smart, caring, and bold women who don't take shit from anyone." She confides.

"And as much lame, it sounds, I was always cautious about girls marrying my sons for their money. I like the fact that you are not ashamed of your financial status and I believe you girls are perfect for my family." She takes Maanya's hand and tilt her saddened face to meet hers.

"And I respect the decision you all made. But promise me that I can throw a grand reception. I deserve that..." She asks.

We smile and nod. She cheers and hugs Nona and Aunty Savy.

"We have so much to do, only 24 hours are left." She announces and hurries out of the house.

Sana follows her mother and Aunty outside.

"For a second I thought she was serious." Aditi Sighs sitting down.

"I was hurt with her words," Maanu confess.

"You girls are very lucky to gain a family-like that. Your mother-in-law will be the best mother." Aunty acknowledge.

I nod and smile.

"Now about you girls getting married tomorrow..." Nona asks seriously.

"Are you both ready?" She looks at me and then Aditi.

Aditi gently caresses her stomach and smile."More than ever!"

I smile looking at her.

When Sana returns, we all settle down for lunch.

Over which we discuss arrangements.

"I have all these new beautiful sarees and lehengas that I bought with Tanvi Aunty and Palak Aunty on the shopping outing," Maanu tells.

"They are all new," she smiles. I sigh happily, no more expenses.

"What about jewelry?" Nona fret.

"I have that settled." Aunty Savy smile.

"Okay then let's go and tell Abhay and Harsh," Nona stands up to leave.

Aunty Savy follows her and we wave them bye.

"Are we getting married tomorrow?" Shaurya bursts through the doors from which a few seconds before Aunty and Nona left.

He rushes toward Aditi and hugs her.

"Yes, we are," she laughs kissing him.

"Oh, no no," Sana dramatically close her eyes and shield them with her hand.

"Oops!" Aditi laughs and takes a step back from Shaurya.

"When mom messages in the family group, I couldn't control my excitement and drove here," he sits beside Aditi on the dining table.

"Lunch?" I ask him.

He nods and I settle a plate in front of him.

"Paakhi?" Maanya calls me.

I look at her and see her walking to the balcony.

Setting two Rotis on Shaurya's plate, I walk to the balcony.

Just as I take two steps out, Maanya tackles me in a hug.

"Is this really happening?" She asks astounded.

"It is!" I cheer.

She leans back and I see tears in her eyes.

"I'm so happy right now, I can't believe..." She laughs cry simultaneously.

I wipe her tears and pull her for a hug.

"I never thought I will marry a great guy and on top of that, we will live in the same house as a sister-in-laws." She laughs.

I chuckle with her and pray a thank you to god for always looking for us.

She pulls back when her phone rings.

"It's Arhaan!" She proclaims running inside.

I stay back for a longer and think about the past few months. Those months changed our lives for perpetuity.

"Hi," Sana put a hand on my back and smile.

I smile back.

"So? You marrying tomorrow?" She asks uncertainty clear on her face.

I find it odd.

"Are you not happy?" I ask sadly.

"Oh no no, I'm ecstatic! " she cheers.

"But?" I pry.

She takes a deep breath and looks away, " you will all leave to go to Singh's mansion... And I'm not quite ready to go there..." She confesses.

I turn her to face me and say, "This is your house too, we can't let this house go, this is our sanctuary for the last 2 years now, we became a family and started our dream from this very place and now we are giving it to you. Now, this house will witness your journey."

She leaps into my arms and I feel her shoulders trembling.

I caress her back gently and let her cry. Sometimes crying lets you out your fears, pent-up frustration, and whatnot.

"My bhai is lucky to have a partner like you," she mumbles leaning back.

"I'm lucky too, he is someone who lits up my soul." I smile acknowledging the times I have felt happiness fluttering deep inside my soul.

Remembering Viren I remember my debt to Prithvi.

"What happened?" Sana asks concerned.

"Your eyes went wide and you furrowed your brows," She explains when I look at her confused.

"I...I can't marry Viren tomorrow..." I feel these venomous words choking me.

"What? Why?" She asks flabbergasted.

"I can't marry him when I have to pay Prithvi money. And obviously, Singh's family bride can't work at a club." I explain feeling tears welling up.

"What money?" She asks angrily.

"I took some advance for Maanu's wedding reception." I confide.

"How much?" She asks uncertainly.

"2 lakhs" hearing it I feel the ground shift from beneath my feet, again.

"You don't have any amount left?" She asks hopefully.

I shake my head in denial, " the gifts, sweets, and dresses. Everything cost around 2."

"And how much was he paying you?" She further asks.

"15,000" I reply.

"So you have to work for 13 months to pay him back?" She asks stupefied.

"Not exactly, I mean we are getting the events..." I try making an excuse, anything to relieve hope.

"I need to talk to Viren," I mumble.

"I will be back," I tell her and scramble to my room to collect my bag and keys.

"Where are you going?" Aditi asks from the living room.

"I will explain later," I yell and walk out.

Taking the elevator, I rush out of the building and look around for auto, when Maanya's driver walks towards me.

"Ma'am, I'm here to help," he bows lowly.

I contemplate but nod and follow him to the parked car.

Settling in, I say, "To Singh enterprises."

He nods and I sit back holding my tears.

Why does everything happen to me? Why I can't have a happy moment without pain following it.

As much as I try, tears spill without stopping.

40 minutes ride was filled with my thoughts imagining Viren's disappointed face.

Wiping my tears, I step out of the car and walk inside the building.

I walk to the reception and say, "I'm here to meet Viren."

The lady behind the desk scrutinizes me and asks," Do you have an appointment?"

"No, but-"

"Sorry ma'am, he can't meet anyone without an appointment. Either you make one, or wait there." She points to the couches lined at the right wall.

I step away from the desk and retrieve my phone to call Viren.

His phone rings but he doesn't pick up.

With frustration and anger soaring within me, I walk to the couch and sit down. But my leg keeps bouncing with impatience.

When the wait becomes impossible for me, I barge again at the desk and say, "he's not picking up my call, can you call him?"

"If you would have been important, he would have picked your call." She sneers.

I stare at her in disbelief. What's wrong with her?

"Listen! I know you are doing your job but that doesn't mean you have to be disrespectful to others." I rebuke.

"And who are you to tell me that?" She asks arrogantly.

"My fiancee!" I see the color drain from her face.

Seconds later, I feel an arm around my waist and the familiar warmth of protection.

"I don't pay you guys to misbehave," he glares at her.

"I'm sorry sir, ma'am," she apologizes.

"There is no room for an apology, you may leave." He yells.

She squirms back and looks at me with tears in her eyes.

"I would have felt sorry for you, but you didn't respect me a few minutes ago but now when you heard I'm his fiance you respect me?" I speak adamantly.

"Security!" Viren announces and two men barge in and take the girl outside.

Viren takes my hand and enters the elevator.

We ride in complete silence and I observe anger on his face.

He tugs me towards his office and closes the door behind me.

"Viren, I'm sorry," I mumble guiltily.

"Sorry?" He asks appalled.

"What did you do? It should be me who should apologize..." He takes my hands and squeezes.

"I'm happy I was here at right time, otherwise I won't believe what I just saw" he pulls me close and places a kiss on my head.

"I'm sorry," he mumbles.

Feeling the warmth and smell of his cologne I remember the reason why I came here and soon tears accompany.

"Hey? I'm sorry, I didn't know you felt so bad because of it." His voice panic.

He tugs me back a little and looks at my face.

"Please tell me what can I do for you?"  He asks worriedly.

"I can fire everyone for you..." He leaves me and walks over to his desk.

"No..." I whimper and he turns back towards me.

"It's not about that," I mumble.

"Then what is it?" He implores.

A sob leaves my mouth and I take a deep breath before speaking.

"Aunty came to our house and tomorrow we were supposed to get married." I begin.

"Suppose to?" He asks dubiously.

"I can't marry you tomorrow..." I announce.

"What?" He asks appalled.

"Don't start that we are different and all, please." He frowns.

"No not because of that," I take his hand in mine.

"Then?" He asks agitated.

"I took some money from Prithvi and to pay it, I have to work in his club and I know your family won't like their daughter-in-law working in a nightclub," I explain.

"Money? Why? You could have asked me!" He jerks his hand away and starts walking anxiously.

"I needed money for Maanya's reception shopping and I couldn't have told them that I don't have money and make them upset. " I confess.

"And what about me? I'm upset now! Why does our relationship always come at the end for you? What are you always ready to sacrifice us?" He asks deterred.

I can see pain and anguish in his eyes.

"Viren?" I take a step towards him.

"No! Not now, Please leave..." He turns away from me.

I stand there with tears in my eyes.

When he doesn't say anything I turn around and leave his office.

Scrambling out, I shove someone.

"Careful girl," Arhaan grab my shoulders and stabilize me.

The smile vanishes from his face when he gazes into my orbs.

"Hey-"

I pull out of his arms and rush into the opened elevators. There I control my tears and when the elevator doors open again, I walk out with a small smile.

Entering the car I keep that control.

But when I reach the apartment and see Sana opening the door with concern in her eyes. I break.

Tears spill out of my eyes and heart-wrenching sobs leave my mouth.

She slide down to the ground with me in her arms.

"Paakhi?" I hear footsteps rushing toward us.

Two pairs of arms wrap around me and I feel more tears tumble down.

"What happened to her?" Aditi asks worriedly.

"Please Sana, do you know anything?" Maanya beg.

The feeling of burden on Sana compels me to acknowledge my surroundings.

I lean back and look at the worried faces of Aditi, Sana, Maanya, and Shaurya.

"What is wrong?" Aditi asks again.

I look at her and then at the ground.

"I'm not marrying Viren tomorrow," I disclose.

"What?" Shaurya's voice resonates.

"What happened? Did bhai do something?" He asks taking out his phone and probably dialing Viren.

"He's not picking up my call..." He mumbles.

I feel another wave of emotion arriving. So before I break down again, I stand up and rush to my room.

I slump in my bed and let my tears flow.

I tilt my head up and look at the person caressing my back.

"What happened?" Sana asks.

"He was upset, he said I always sacrifice our relationship for others. He even asked me to leave," I tell her.

She caresses my back again and calms me.

"He's angry, just let him calmly think." She assures.

I nod and look at the time, " I have to get ready to go to work."

I stand up from the bed and walk to my cupboard.

Taking out a black t-shirt, and black jeans, I walk out of the room to the washroom.

Taking a bath and changing into my work clothes, I pull my hair into a ponytail and apply some makeup.

Looking at the time, I see I have an hour before my shift starts.

Walking out, I pass the living room to see Arhaan taking to Viren?

I halt in my steps and stare directly at him. As our gaze meets, I see regret.

He slowly walks towards me and stands in front of me.

"I'm sorry, love. I-" he fumbles.

A small smile masks my face seeing him speechless.

"In my anguish, I said things I never meant. I always knew to you, your family will always come first and then your dream and then us. And I'm okay with it." He admits.

I smile and he smiles back.

"So? How much do we have to wait?" He asks sheepishly.

"13 months," I reply.

"What?" He asks sadly.

"But that doesn't mean anything except the fact that we can enjoy our engagement a bit longer." I try to encourage.

He huffs but nods and takes me in his arms.

"Now can someone please tell me what is happening here?" Arhaan's voice pulls me back.

I glance over Viren's shoulder and see everyone looking at us.

I look at Viren and he stares back.

With a deep breath, I look at them and say, " So..."

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Holla lovelies 💕

How's the update?

So will Viren and Paakhi marry tomorrow? Or there will be more troubles to come.

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