(Kirti's POV)
Kirti finally reached home.
The house was unusually quiet.
No voices.
No chaos.
Just the helper moving around silently.
Relieved, she quickly made her way to her room without drawing any attention. The moment she closed the door, she let out a breath she didn't realize she had been holding.
Without wasting time, she freshened up and changed into a simple t-shirt and pajamas.
Standing in front of the mirror, she stared at herself for a moment.
And then-
Everything from the evening came rushing back.
Reyansh.
His face.
His eyes.
His voice.
Her expression changed instantly.
"Such a mannerless man..." she muttered under her breath. "What does he even think of himself? And so what if I heard something? What would he even do?"
She paused.
"Just because he looks a little good, doesn't mean he owns the world."
She crossed her arms, clearly annoyed.
But then-
A thought hit her.
Her eyes widened slightly.
"Wait..."
"If that's him... then that means..." she whispered, trying to connect everything.
"Oh my God."
"He's the one Miya is getting married to."
Silence filled the room.
A wave of worry rushed through her.
"What will happen to Miya now...?" she said softly. "Her future husband literally gets people killed like it's nothing..."
She shook her head, panic slowly creeping in.
"God... please protect Miya."
Her mind drifted again-
"If Papa or Rashmi maa had seen me there today..." she exhaled sharply. "I don't even want to think what would've happened."
She sat down on the bed, running a hand through her hair.
"No... from now on, I'm only going to the NGO. Nowhere else."
"And because of that Reyansh... I'm definitely not showing my face at any functions again."
Just as she said that-
Her stomach growled loudly.
She blinked.
"Oh great... I didn't even eat anything because of all this."
Letting out a tired sigh, she got up and walked toward the kitchen.
There wasn't much prepared food left.
So she quietly grabbed some fruits, eating just enough to settle her hunger.
No energy.
No mood.
After that, she returned to her room.
Lying down on the bed, she pulled the blanket over herself.
Tomorrow, she had to wake up early again.
And somehow-
Despite everything-
The thought of going back to the NGO brought her a little comfort.
Within minutes-
Her eyes slowly closed.
But her mind...
Was still not completely at peace.
_______
(Reyansh's POV)
"Finally..."
Reyansh muttered under his breath as he stepped into his room, loosening his collar.
"I'm done with this engagement drama."
He ran a hand through his already messy hair, irritation clearly visible on his face.
"I don't even know how I'm going to deal with this whole marriage thing..."
Without wasting another second, he walked straight into the shower.
Cold water hit his skin.
He stood there still... eyes closed.
His body was tense-broad shoulders stiff, jaw tight, every muscle holding onto something unspoken. Water trickled down his face, over his sharp features, but it did nothing to calm the storm inside him.
And then-
Her eyes flashed in his mind.
That girl.
From earlier.
For a second, his expression hardened.
But before that thought could settle-
Another memory pushed through.
A voice.
Soft. Sweet.
"I love you so much, Reyansh... you're the best."
His eyes snapped open.
Anger.
Raw. Sudden.
"If you loved me so much..." he whispered bitterly, "then why did you betray me like that?"
His breathing turned uneven.
Her face.
Her voice.
That betrayal.
Everything came rushing back.
He clenched his fists under the water.
"Fake..." he scoffed. "Everything was fake."
After a moment, he stepped out, wiping his face roughly.
He got dressed quickly and walked out to the balcony.
The night air was cold.
He lit a cigarette, taking a slow drag, exhaling the smoke into the darkness.
Silence surrounded him.
But his mind wasn't quiet.
That girl again.
From the room.
"What was her name..." he muttered, frowning slightly. "I don't even know."
Her scared eyes.
The way she was shaking.
And the way she suddenly went silent.
A faint smirk tugged at his lips.
"She was talking a lot the other day... and today, not a single word."
His expression darkened again.
"I just hope she didn't hear anything."
A pause.
"And even if she did..." his voice dropped, colder, "she better keep her mouth shut."
He took another drag.
"Otherwise, I won't spare her."
The cigarette burned slowly between his fingers.
The night felt heavier.
After a while, he crushed it out and walked back inside.
Without thinking much further, he lay down on the bed.
One arm behind his head, staring at the ceiling.
Thoughts overlapping.
Past.
Present.
That unknown girl.
And somewhere between anger and exhaustion-
His eyes slowly closed.
Sleep took over.
But his mind-
Was far from at peace.
______
(Author's POV)
The next morning at Oberoi Mansion-
The house slowly came to life.
The soft sound of temple bells echoed through the hall as Nisha Oberoi completed her morning prayers. The faint fragrance of incense lingered in the air, adding to the calmness of the morning.
Holding the aarti thali, she walked toward Vikram Oberoi, who was already seated in the living area, reading the newspaper.
She handed him prasad.
"Look at this," she said, slightly annoyed. "It's already 9 in the morning, and everyone in this house is still sleeping like there's no tomorrow."
From behind, Meera Oberoi walked in, adjusting her dupatta.
"Exactly, bhabhi," she agreed. "I was just about to go wake the kids up. No one is awake yet."
Vikram lowered his newspaper slightly and chuckled.
"Let them sleep," he said calmly. "They must be tired after last night's function."
He paused, then added,
"But wake them up after a while. There's very little time left for the wedding, and we have a lot of work to do."
Nisha nodded.
"Yes, Papaji. Actually, Meera and I were thinking... we should take Miya out for shopping today. It'll help her get comfortable with us."
Vikram smiled approvingly.
"That's a good idea."
He leaned back slightly.
"I'll also talk to Reyansh. He should spend some time with Miya. Yesterday, I didn't see them talk even for a minute."
Just then-
"Badi mummaaa!" a cheerful voice echoed.
Ira walked in, almost running.
"I want to come shopping too, please!" she said excitedly. "My college is off anyway, I'll come with you!"
Meera immediately shook her head.
"No, no. What will you even do there?"
But before she could continue, Nisha interrupted gently,
"It's okay, Meera. Let her come. Maybe Miya will feel more comfortable with someone her age around."
Meera thought for a second...
Then nodded.
"Yes... that makes sense."
Ira grinned widely.
"Yay! Thank you!"
The atmosphere felt light.
__
On the other side-
Reyansh walked downstairs, freshly dressed, his usual composed aura back in place.
"Good morning," he said casually, glancing at everyone before heading straight toward the exit.
"Where are you going without breakfast?" Nisha's voice stopped him. "You didn't eat anything last night either, and now you're leaving like this?"
Reyansh sighed lightly, clearly in a hurry.
"Mom, I have back-to-back meetings today. Please... I'll eat at the office."
He was about to leave when-
"Stop."
Vikram's firm voice echoed.
Reyansh paused.
"Whatever meetings you have-cancel them," Vikram said calmly. "Or let Anshuman handle them."
Reyansh turned, already annoyed.
"And why exactly should I do that?"
"Because today," Vikram continued, "you will go shopping with your mother... and Miya."
Silence.
Reyansh's jaw tightened.
"Dadu, I'm not skipping important meetings for this," he said bluntly. "You asked me to agree to this marriage-I did. But don't expect me to get involved in all these unnecessary things."
His tone hardened.
"At most, I'll pick her up from the mall. That's it. Nothing more."
Without waiting for a reply, he turned-
And walked out.
Vikram sighed, shaking his head slightly.
"This boy will never change..."
Nisha, however, smiled lightly.
"It's okay, Papaji. At least he agreed to pick her up," she said. "I'll tell him to drop Miya home, and we'll come back with the driver."
Meera and Ira exchanged amused looks.
"Wah bhabhi... what a plan," Ira said, grinning.
Meera chuckled.
"Very smart."
With that, they all moved toward the dining area for breakfast.
---
Srivastava Mansion
Kirti's eyes flew open suddenly.
She turned toward the clock.
"7 AM? Oh shit..." she mumbled, jumping out of bed. "I hope Rashmi maa isn't awake yet, or I'm dead."
Hurriedly, she rushed downstairs.
To her relief-
No one was there.
Without wasting time, she went straight to the kitchen and started preparing breakfast. There was a helper in the house, but Rashmi always insisted on eating food made by Kirti.
Within minutes, everything was ready.
Kirti picked up the tray and was about to step out of the kitchen-
When Rashmi walked in.
"Oh... so madam finally decided to show her face?" she said sarcastically. "Haven't seen you since yesterday morning."
Kirti lowered her gaze silently.
Rashmi continued,
"You know, right? In a few days, Miya's wedding functions will start."
Kirti nodded faintly.
"So from next week, I want you to take leave from your job," Rashmi said firmly. "There will be a lot of work at home, and you'll handle it."
Kirti's heart sank.
But she had no choice.
"Theek hai... I'll try to take leave," she said softly.
Rashmi's expression turned sharp.
"Not try. You will take leave," she said coldly. "Otherwise, just quit your job. It's not like you earn much anyway."
With that, she walked away.
Kirti stood there-
Silent.
Hurt.
Leaving her job... wasn't even an option.
That NGO-
Was the only place she felt alive.
Taking a deep breath, she made her decision.
I'll take leave.
She quietly went back to her room to get ready.
A few minutes later, after freshening up, she stepped out of the washroom-
And paused.
On the bed-
A sandwich.
And a bottle of milk.
Kirti stared at it for a moment.
Then a small smile appeared on her face.
Miya...
Without saying a word, she sat down, finished her breakfast, and picked up her bag.
And soon-
She left for the NGO.
The only place that still felt like home.
____
Rashmi walked into Miya's room without knocking-
Only to find her on a call.
The moment Miya saw her, she quickly cut it.
"What happened, Mom? When did you come?" she asked, trying to sound normal.
Rashmi narrowed her eyes slightly.
"Who were you talking to? And why did you cut the call?"
Miya looked away for a second.
"No one important. Just a friend."
Rashmi didn't push further. Instead, her mood shifted instantly.
"Anyway," she said, a smile appearing on her face, "Reyansh's mother is coming in a while to take you shopping."
She sounded almost excited.
"See how nice they are? Not everyone takes their future daughter-in-law out for shopping like this."
Miya frowned, clearly annoyed.
"Mom, seriously? You had to tell me this now? I'm not in the mood. Please just say no. I already have enough clothes."
She crossed her arms.
"You told me to agree for the marriage-I did. But all this extra drama? No, please."
Rashmi's expression hardened.
"No, beta. Now I can't refuse," she said firmly. "Just go quietly. They're not going to eat you."
Then added sharply-
"Otherwise, I'll have to tell your father."
Miya exhaled in frustration.
"Fine. I'll go."
---
A while later-
Nisha, Meera, Riya, and Ira arrived.
After a brief exchange of greetings, Miya left with them for the mall.
---
At the Mall
The place was buzzing with energy.
Bright lights.
Endless stores.
Laughter and chatter everywhere.
Riya and Ira were already excited, pulling Miya from one section to another.
"Try this one!" Ira said, holding up a pastel lehenga.
"No no, this is better," Riya argued, showing a different outfit.
Miya, however, looked completely disinterested.
She barely reacted.
Didn't try anything properly.
Didn't like anything.
Time passed-
But she didn't buy a single thing.
Nisha finally noticed.
"Beta, at least choose something," she said gently. "We came here for you."
Miya forced a small smile.
"Okay, Aunty... I'll try."
But even then-
Nothing seemed right to her.
That's when Ira stepped in, grinning.
"Badi mumma, you all stay here," she said confidently. "I'll take Miya. I know exactly what she'll like."
Before anyone could question, Ira grabbed Miya's hand and pulled her along.
---
Inside another store
"Okay, stop acting like this," Ira said, crossing her arms. "You don't hate clothes. i know you're just feeling awkward....
Miya looked at her, slightly surprised.
She picked up a deep wine-colored outfit and handed it to Miya.
"Try this. At least for me."
After a pause-
Miya nodded.
And for the first time-
She actually liked something.
---
Soon, their shopping was done.
---
Outside the Mall
As they stepped out-
A sleek black car stopped in front of them.
Reyansh.
He stepped out, his presence instantly shifting the air around him.
Sharp suit.
Cold expression.
Eyes unreadable.
"Mom, let's go. I'll drop you all," he said.
Nisha shook her head.
"No, you just drop Miya. We'll come with the driver."
Miya looked at him.
Reyansh looked... annoyed.
"Fine."
He turned toward her.
"Are you getting in, or are you waiting for me to open the door for you?"
His tone was blunt.
Miya clenched her jaw slightly-
But silently got into the car.
---
Inside the car
Silence.
Heavy.
Uncomfortable.
Minutes passed before Miya finally spoke.
"Um... why did you agree to this marriage?" she asked carefully. "It's not like you... like me or anything, right?"
Reyansh didn't reply immediately.
His eyes stayed on the road.
Then-
"You're right," he said coldly. "I don't like you."
Miya's grip on her dupatta tightened.
"And you should also know," he continued, "don't expect anything from me after this marriage."
His voice was calm-
But sharp.
"Just mind your own business, and I'll mind mine."
A pause.
"I'm telling you in advance. If you want to back out, do it now. You still have time."
Silence filled the car again.
Miya didn't say anything after that.
---
A few minutes later-
They reached her house.
Miya stepped out
quietly.
Without looking back.
---
Reyansh watched her leave for a second-
Then leaned back slightly, exhaling.
"At least she's not clingy," he muttered under his breath. "Makes things easier."
A faint, cold smirk appeared on his face.
"Control will be easy."
And with that-
He drove away.
.
.
.
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