Anita's family were busy making preparations to welcome Akash's family, who were coming to formally ask for her hand in marriage.
Although it was meant to be just a simple meeting like his mother had said, her mother insisted on ensuring everything was perfect.
There was a whirlwind of workers who were setting up flowers, polishing the furniture, and arranging the finest tableware.
The aroma of freshly cooked delicacies filled the air as the chef, brought in specially for the occasion, ensured every dish was superb.
Her mother, who was dressed elegantly in a gold-bordered sari, inspected every fragment, from the seating arrangements to the lighting, while her sisters coordinated with the staff to ensure there were no last-minute hitches.
Meanwhile, she was at the restaurant with Muhammad, who had returned with the findings after a week, as promised. Though she had hoped for the report sooner, she appreciated his commitment.
She flipped through the file he handed over, her face serious as she read. After a few moments, she nodded slowly, closing the document.
"Thank you," she said earnestly, her voice filled with relief.
"Sorry for my curiosity, though. The last time I was here, Mr. Akash was present. When we came for the interview too, he was with you. What relationship do you two share? As far as we all know, he doesn't own any share in the restaurant."
A soft smile spread across her lips and her eyes lighted up while she whispered with great affection, "He's my best friend. You'll always find best friends together, right?"
He raised an eyebrow, "I guess you're dating. After all, they say a man and a woman can never just be best friends. And, well, the way you're smiling right now says it all."
Her cheeks turned a deep shade of pink and she quickly lowered her gaze.
She opened her mouth to respond but could only let out a shy laugh. Gathering her thoughts, she finally said, "Is it that obvious?"
"Very. It's written all over your face. However, we're friends, aren't we? Can I speak my mind?" he asked, his expression cautious yet sincere.
She nodded, curious. "Sure."
"Mr. Akash may never marry you. It's just a fact, given his past relationships."
She chuckled softly, unfazed by his statement. "We'll soon be engaged, and then married, hopefully."
He blinked, clearly taken aback by her confidence. "Wait, really?"
"Yes." Her smile was still calm.
He hesitated for a moment before replying, "But why would you want to go ahead with him, knowing about his past? He's a... player."
"I don't know about his past, and frankly, I don't care," she whispered earnestly. "All I know is, when everyone in this world called me ugly, he saw me as beautiful. When they said I was darkness, a curse, he saw me as his light. He made me believe in myself. He gave me confidence. He made me who I am today. So no, I don't care about his past. I know who he is now, and I know he loves me."
Just as she finished speaking, her phone buzzed on the table.
It was him.
A smile spread across her face, and she chuckled before glancing at Muhammad.
"Excuse me," she said politely before picking up the call.
"Hello, Mrs. Akash," his enthusiastic voice greeted her, and her cheeks flushed with a blush.
"I called to let you know that your mother has officially given you away. You're mine now—forever. What do you think? Should we go out tonight and celebrate?" he added, his tone teasing but full of affection.
She laughed quietly, her heart brimming with joy, a warmth she could feel in every corner of her being. "Where to?" she asked, her voice light with excitement.
"Anywhere you want," he replied. "I just want to spend time with you, so no place in particular."
Her chest swelled with more joy and she nodded, her fingers unconsciously curling around the edge of her phone. "Fine. Time?"
"Eight. Oh, and make sure you tell your mother not to wait up like she did last time. She should sleep peacefully. You're mine now, my responsibility. I'll never let anything happen to you."
Her heart raced at his words with a lump forming in her throat but she smiled brightly, unable to hide her happiness. "Sure. Goodbye."
"Goodbye. I love you."
Her cheeks flushed again, deeply as his words melted into her soul.
Her lips parted, and for a moment, she considered saying it back. But her shyness took over, and instead, she hung up, the blush on her face spreading while she stared at the phone in her hand.
When she turned back to Muhammad, she noticed his expression had changed.
His jaw was now tight, and his eyes were clouded with an emotion she couldn't quite decipher.
"You seem very happy," he spoke, but his tone was restrained, carrying a faint edge.
She blinked at him, the joy in her heart disappearing slightly at his sudden change of tone. "I am," she replied softly, tilting her head to study his face. "Is something wrong?"
He thought twice, his gaze just staring at hers, and for a moment, there was a crack in his composure. "I just don't understand," he began in a low voice, filled with frustration and something deeper. "Why him?"
Her smile faded, confusion etching across her features. "What do you mean?"
"You're smart, kind, and deserving of someone who values you," he said, leaning forward slightly. "Mr Akash may love you now, but do you honestly believe he's the right person for you? His past..."
She frowned, her voice turning firm but calm. "His past doesn't matter to me. I've told you that."
"It should matter!" he exclaimed, his voice rising slightly before he caught himself.
He sighed deeply, running a hand through his hair. "I just... I don't want you to get hurt."
"How can I get hurt?" she countered, her voice still calm. "He's proven to me, time and time again, that he loves and cares about me. Maybe, yes, I've never dated or fallen in love before. He's the first person I'm experiencing all this with. But that doesn't mean I don't know what I want. I'm sure—very certain—that I want to spend the rest of my life with him."
He let out a sharp breath, his jaw tightening. "I just knew it," he muttered, his tone echoing with frustration. "He saw your innocence and wanted to use you for his own advantage."
Her eyes capped and her voice took on an icy edge. "Please, mind your language. This conversation is over. Just tell me your payment, and I'll send it to you."
"I didn't do the research to get anything from you," he replied, shaking his head. "We're friends, Anita. It's the least I could do. But as your friend, I have to say this—don't make a life-altering decision based on the first man you've fallen in love with. Take a step back. Explore other options. There's someone out there, someone better than him, someone with a clean past who can give you the happiness you deserve."
Her lips parted to speak, but he didn't let her.
"You're not the kind of woman who'd sacrifice her happiness for wealth," he continued, his voice softer now but no less intense. "You've worked hard to build yourself. Don't let a man with a history of being a cheater ruin everything you've achieved. You deserve someone who's flawless for you—someone pure."
She stared at him, her chest tight with a blend of emotions: anger, and confusion.
"Thank you," she exclaimed.
He paused for a moment, thinking over his words, then said, "Also, you're a rare beauty. He didn't do justice to your beauty by simply calling you beautiful. If I were to write a book describing how beautiful you are, I'd exhaust every page in this world, and yet, I still wouldn't do justice to it. He complimented you in the simplest ways because—"
"Muhammad, enough," she cut him off in a sharp voice. "If I need your help again, I'll call you. But let me make something clear—I'm overlooking this because you're my friend. The next time you say something like this, I'll end our friendship on the spot. No warnings, no explanations."
Her words hit him like a slap.
He looked at her, his lips slightly parted, searching for something to say but coming up empty.
She didn't wait for a reply. Her sharp gaze was already enough to convey her seriousness.
Finally, he sighed, his shoulders slumping. "I understand. I'm sorry if I crossed the line."
****
She left work early because she was unable to shake off Muhammad's words that kept repeating in her mind.
She had never cared about Akash's past—it was irrelevant to her.
What mattered was the man he was now, the one who loved and cherished her. Yet, Muhammad's insinuations had stirred something within her, a nagging curiosity she couldn't ignore.
As the taxi wove through the streets, she sat quietly in the back, her phone clenched tightly in her hand.
The screen glowed after she opened the browser.
Her fingers hesitated before typing "Akash Kapoor's relationships."
Her thumb hovered over the search button, her heart pounding with anxiety and uncertainty. She stared at the screen, the words glaring back at her.
Her breathing quickened.
Do I really want to know?
She lowered the phone slightly and muttered under her breath, "It's in the past. I'm certain he doesn't even think about those people anymore."
Her gaze shifted to the taxi driver momentarily, then to the blur of people and buildings outside the window.
She exhaled a shaky breath, locking her phone and slipping it back into her bag.
She arrived home just as another car pulled up in front of it.
After paying the taxi driver, she paused to see who it was.
The tinted window of the car rolled down, revealing Divya behind the wheel.
Anita forced a polite smile and turned toward the gate, entering the premises while Divya parked the car in the driveway and stepped out.
She popped open the trunk and began unloading two large suitcases.
"I've made my decision," she spoke out, glancing at Anita. "I've given the house out for rent."
Anita nodded slowly, her disinterest barely concealed. "Beautiful. Welcome," she replied, her tone flat but polite.
Divya didn't notice Anita's lack of enthusiasm. With a bright smile, she handed one of the suitcases to her. Together, they carried the suitcases inside, the sound of their footsteps echoing in the quiet hallway.
"Mother!" Anita then called softly when they reached the hall.
Her mother appeared from the kitchen, her hands dusted with flour.
A look of surprise appeared on her face at seeing her home so early, and her gaze quickly shifted to Divya, assuming she was the reason behind her return.
"Meet Divya," Anita said gently. "She'll be living here now, for as long as she wishes. She's my new sister."
Divya offered a small smile, and Anita's mother, though initially startled, returned the gesture with kindness.
"Of course," her mother replied. "I'll get a room ready for you."
Divya shook her head with a grateful smile. "No, please. It's more than enough that you're giving me a roof over my head. I'll prepare the room myself. Just show me where it is."
"Come with me, I'll show you," Anita whispered.
Together, they climbed the stairs and entered a room adjacent to hers.
The was a flimsy layer of dust that had blanketed the furniture—a clear sign the room hadn't been used since they moved in.
Divya set down her luggage and glanced at Anita, finally noticing the gloom on her face. "What's wrong with you? Stress from work?"
She forced a small smile. "I wish it was that."
"Then what is it?" she asked with curiosity.
"Akash," she admitted after a pause, her voice softer. "There's a friend I met recently. I told him Akash and I will soon be married..."
"Are you serious?" she interrupted, her voice rising in disbelief. Her eyes widened as she searched her face for confirmation.
She nodded slowly, her expression still troubled.
"I am so, so happy for you. Congratulations!" Divya exclaimed, pulling her into an unexpected hug.
At first, Anita froze in surprise, and her arms hung stiffly at her sides.
Then Divya pulled back with a bright grin and repeated, "Congratulations. Many, many congratulations."
Her lips twitched into a weak smile. "Is it the right decision?" she mumbled, but then, she sighed deeply, shaking her head. "It has to be. But...he said I shouldn't make a life-changing decision based on the first man I fell in love with. He said I should explore other options. Now I'm just...confused."
Her eyes constricted, and she replied in a sharp tone. "Is he a man? If yes, then he's just jealous because he probably loves you. And if it's a woman, she's jealous too—because let's be honest, she probably wants Akash for herself. Who wouldn't?"
"No, I doubt it. We only met recently. It's not possible. Besides, our religions aren't even the same. I really doubt it..." she exhaled deeply again, shaking her head in an attempt to shake off the thoughts. "Forget it. I should be happy, right? I should be looking forward to my date tonight. I shouldn't let anyone confuse me."
"Exactly!" Divya replied with a firm nod.
A small smile tugged at Anita's lips. "Alright then. I'll send my sisters to come and help you settle in. Sorry, I won't be able to assist personally—I need to get ready."
"Forget the room! I have to help you get ready," she said. "I can tidy up the room later."
"I don't want to stress you when—"
"What stress?" she interrupted. "You told me we're sisters now, right? So, it's my duty to help my sister look stunning for her big night!"
Anita chuckled softly, her shoulders relaxing for the first time that evening. "Alright."
They returned to her room, and Divya immediately took charge like a stylist on a mission.
She pulled her to sit before the mirror, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she rummaged through her collection of cosmetics and accessories.
"Let's start with your hair," she said, grabbing a curling iron. "Trust me, when Akash sees you tonight, he's going to forget how to breathe."
Anita burst into laughter, covering her face with her hands, but Divya immediately pulled them away. "No hiding! I need to see your blush—it's part of the look," she teased.
"Stop it, please!" Anita giggled, unable to stop smiling.
She applied a bit of highlighter to Anita's cheeks and a soft lip color that enhanced her natural beauty.
Anita then glanced at herself in the mirror. She could hardly believe the transformation of her.
She went to Anita's wardrobe and began rummaging through the neatly hung clothes, shaking her head as she pushed hanger after hanger aside. "No, this is too casual. This one's too simple. Anita, where are your show-stoppers?"
She sighed, stepping back and resting her hands on her hips. "Unbelievable. How do you not have a single dress that screams look at me!?" She thought for a moment before snapping her fingers. "Wait right here!"
Before Anita could ask what she was up to, she dashed out of the room. A few minutes later, she returned, holding up a stunning purple evening gown from her own luggage.
"I knew this would come in handy!" she exclaimed, holding the gown up against Anita. "This is it—the dress that will leave Akash absolutely dumbstruck."
Anita's eyes widened. "This? It's gorgeous, but it's yours. I can't—"
"You can, and you will," Divya interrupted firmly. "What's the point of having a sister if you can't borrow a dress when you need it? Trust me. This dress was made for you."
Before she could protest further, Divya was already helping her into the gown.
The purple fabric hugged her figure perfectly, with shimmering beadwork that caught the light with every movement.
Divya stepped back, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Final touch," she replied with a mischievous grin on her face while she grabbed Anita's perfume collection. She sprayed one, then another, and another, creating a layered, mesmerizing scent.
"There. Perfect. When he hugs you, he won't let go. He'll just stand there, inhaling your scent like it's the rarest thing on earth. He's going to forget his own name."
Anita's blush returned with full force. "You really need to stop saying things like that."
"It's the truth," she replied, grabbing Anita's shoes—a pair of silver heels that matched the gown perfectly. "Now, these will complete the look. When you walk out of this house, every head will turn."
She wore the heels, and Divya helped her stand, adjusting the gown's hem. "You look like you've stepped out of a fairytale."
"Di, Akash is here," her sister's voice rang out, making her heart start to race uncontrollably.
Divya turned to look at her while her sister's mouth dropped open in shock upon seeing Anita.
She blinked rapidly, because she was trying to process what she was seeing. "You... You're actually going to wear that? I mean, back home, no one would ever—" she paused, her words pausing from disbelief.
"Close your mouth and go tell him she'll be there in a bit," Divya replied, waving her hand dismissively.
Her sister quickly nodded, her face flushing with embarrassment, and shuffled out of the room.
"Ready?" Divya asked, turning back to Anita with a grin.
Anita hesitated for a moment before smiling softly and nodding.
"Perfect. Let's go and make him speechless," she teased while grabbing Anita's hand and they ambled out of the room.
Descending the stairs, Anita felt her palms grow clammy.
Every step made her more aware of the soft rustle of the dress.
At the bottom of the stairs, Akash sat beside her mother, listening intently as she shared about his parents' earlier visit.
But then he heard footsteps.
He turned toward the sound, and his conversation halted abruptly.
His eyes landed on her, and his breath caught in his throat.
The sight of her in the magnificent purple gown, her hair styled in loose curls, left him utterly speechless.
He didn't acknowledge when he stood up, staring, his lips slightly parted trying to form words to compliment but failed.
Divya nudged her lightly and whispered, "Look at him—completely stunned. Mission accomplished."
Anita blushed deeply, her cheeks heating after her gaze met his.
The admiration and awe in his eyes made her heart flutter, and that made everything else fade away.
"Since she's here, we'll continue our conversation some other time, Mother. Good night," he finally spoke.
Anita who was shy and excited, blushed but she stepped further into the living room.
"Take care, both of you," her mother said with a smile, watching them.
He walked up to her and stopped just in front of her, his gaze locking onto hers before wandering down to admire her stunning look.
His eyes loitered, filled with unspoken admiration.
"You look more beautiful than the moon, you know? Like one of those fairy-tale characters that words could never truly describe, because no description would ever do justice," he said softly, his voice filled with sincerity.
Her cheeks burned with a deep blush, and she averted her gaze, overwhelmed by his words.
"Where are we going?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.
He smiled and gently took her hand, leading her out of the house toward his car parked in the driveway.
"I don't feel like driving tonight. I just want to look at you. So, the driver's seat is all yours tonight," he said with a grin as he opened the car door for her.
She chuckled, slightly surprised. "But I don't know how to drive."
His eyebrows lifted for a moment, caught off guard, but then he shrugged with a smirk. "Well, then you'll learn how to tonight. It's not that hard. I'll teach you."
She laughed, "You're really serious?"
"Completely," he replied, his grin widening. "Come on, my fairy-tale princess. Let's make this a night you won't forget."
"Do you not want us to live long enough to witness our wedding though?"
"We will. I trust you'll get us there safe and sound. Besides, we're not in a rush. We'll go slowly, and that way, I can keep staring at you until my heart is content."
She grinned, her cheeks flushing pink. Shaking her head, she replied, "No, really, I shouldn't. You know how the highway is at night. It's always crowded with cars."
"I trust you'll do fine. Don't worry about that," he said reassuringly, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. His touch, combined with his confidence, was enough to make her reluctant protest fade away.
Still hesitant, she slid into the driver's seat, her fingers nervously brushing against the steering wheel. Her heart pounded as she watched him walk around to the passenger side and close the door.
Once he was seated, he turned to her with a calm smile. "Start the engine, but keep your foot on the brakes. Then shift the gear."
Her gaze darted to the dashboard. "How do we start the engine?" she asked innocently, her brows furrowed as she scanned the array of buttons and controls.
He chuckled, a warm, hearty sound that made her feel slightly embarrassed yet comforted. Leaning closer, he pointed to the button that started the car. "This one."
She blinked, feeling a little foolish. "Oh," she murmured, pressing the button and the engine roared to life.
"Don't worry," he said with a grin. "You'll be an expert in no time."
"I was only familiar with the one with keys. Never noticed this was a button," she explained, her voice carrying her embarrassment.
He nodded, his eyes fixed on her like she was the most captivating thing he had ever seen.
"And where's the brake?" she asked, her gaze darting around the pedals.
He pointed it out, suppressing a smile. "There," he said.
"Oh," she muttered again, her lips curving into a hidden smile.
"What else?" she asked, finally meeting his gaze.
But instead of answering her question, his eyes softened, and he leaned back slightly. "Did you have to get ready so beautifully when we're not married yet? You've made it so difficult for me to keep my composure," he murmured. "I want to do so much, but you've placed all these restrictions on us."
Her cheeks burned crimson, and she immediately lowered her gaze, shyly playing with her fingers. "What do you want?" she asked softly, not daring to look up again.
"I want to kiss you. On the lips," he admitted without hesitation, his voice filled with longing.
Her heart raced but she pretended not to hear, her voice hiding her amusement and she asked instead, "Where's the gear?"
The smile that remained on her lips didn't go unnoticed, and he let outa gentle laugh, shaking his head. "You're impossible," he whispered while pointing to the gear shift.
"That," he pointed, and she nodded slowly, shifting the gear to drive.
"So? The car isn't moving," she frowned, glancing at him.
"Your foot is on the brake. Lift it up slowly," he instructed patiently.
She at first hesitated, but then followed his instructions, and the car began to glide forward.
A loud, joyous laugh escaped her lips as excitement bubbled within her. "I'm driving! I can't believe this!"
He smiled, watching her because her happiness was the most beautiful thing in the world. "You didn't say anything," he said after a moment. "I told you I want to kiss you."
Her focus remained on the road, and her expression softened but remained neutral. "Only after marriage. It's my values. I can't break them."
He sighed, slumping back in his seat. "You're too good for me, you know that?"
She smiled but didn't respond, keeping her eyes on the road.
"Where should we go?" he asked after a while.
"Anywhere that isn't crowded. I don't want to hit anyone," she said, her grip on the steering wheel tightening nervously.
He chuckled. "You'll do fine. Just trust me."
"Also, wherever it is, I hope we'll keep going straight because I don't know how to take a turn," she admitted.
He chuckled hoarsely. "Then we have to go where you must take turns so you'll learn. There's a park that just opened recently. Let's head there. Take the next turn," he instructed with a mischievous glint in his eyes.
"No, I can't. How do we park? I don't even want to learn how to drive anymore!" she protested.
"You've already started. You have to take us. Don't miss your turn—there are cars behind us. Turn on the signal and take the turn."
"Akash!" she groaned, reluctantly turning the wheel toward the turn. But before he could guide her to roll it back properly, the car slipped out of her control.
She braked instinctively, but the vehicle grazed the streetlight, leaving a noticeable scratch on the side.
Her heart was pounding as she got out to inspect the damage. "I told you I couldn't do it!" she exclaimed, looking at the scratch on the car with wide eyes.
He stepped out and, much to her surprise, didn't even glance at the damage. Instead, he turned to her. "But you drove really well. Honestly, you're a fast learner. I'm proud of you."
She blinked at him, her annoyance dissipating after his words.
When she saw the sincerity in his smile, her lips curved into a happy smile.
"You drive now. I've already caused you damage. I'm sorry," she said in a softer voice.
However, instead of heading to the driver's seat, he stepped closer to her, closing the distance between them until their faces were just inches apart.
His eyes tarried on hers, studying her intently before he finally spoke, "If it bothers you that much, then I think you should compensate."
She tilted her head, confused. "Compensate?"
"Yes." His gaze dropped to her lips before returning to her wide, bashful eyes. "Let me kiss you."
Her heart stuttered, and her cheeks flushed a deep red. She stared at him, her lips parting slightly as she struggled to find a response.
His intense gaze made her feel like her knees might give way to his demand.
"Your mother has already given you to me. We'll get married soon anyway. So, you really aren't breaking your values," he added, his voice soft yet persuasive.
Her lips parted slowly, unsure of how to respond, and before she could say anything, he gently cupped her face with both his hands.
His touch sent shivers down her spine, leaving her breathless and weak.
She stared into his eyes, her heart pounding while his thumbs softly brushed her cheeks.
"Can I?" he whispered, and he tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear, his fingers grazing her skin.
His thumb then lightly traced the corner of her lips, and her blush deepened, spreading like wildfire across her face.
She nodded shyly, unable to meet his gaze, but the nervous tension in her heart spoke volumes.
He leaned in closer, his gaze dropping to her lips, his breath turning warm against her skin.
Her entire body heat up after the distance between them disappeared.
Just as his lips were about to meet hers, the shrill sound of her phone ringing gored, startling her.
Her eyes widened, and she instantly stepped back, her cheeks burning with shyness.
Whereas, he blinked, his brows furrowing slightly at the sudden interruption.
He sighed, shaking his head with a wry smile as he watched her rush to grab the phone from the car.
She fumbled with the device, her hands trembling slightly, and avoided his gaze as she answered it.
"I... I should take it," she stammered, turning her back to him after she came out with an uneven voice while she tried to steady her breath.
He leaned against the car and watched her. "That phone had to ruin everything," he murmured under his breath.
She pulled back the phone and glanced at the screen to check who was even calling.
It was an unknown number.
"Who is it?" Akash asked, still leaning casually against the car, his sharp eyes detecting her hesitation.
"I... I don't know. But let me hear," she said quickly, her voice a little too eager as she held the phone to her ear again.
"Good evening, Anita!" the voice on the phone exclaimed.
Her body froze while her eyes widened in horror as she recognized her father's voice.
She opened her mouth to speak, her mind racing, but before she could utter a word, he continued,
"Don't. Don't give any reaction, or your dear Akash will die right in front of you."
Her heart dropped into her stomach while her grip tightened on the phone.
"Look further. I'm serious. There's a man right there, holding a gun aimed at him."
Her gaze darted around frantically, her hand trembling as she clutched the phone. It didn't take long for her to spot the man hidden behind a tree, his gun trained on Akash.
Her heart pounded violently against her chest, panic coursing through her veins.
She clenched her teeth, forcing herself to stay composed.
Turning her eyes back to Akash, she saw him still smiling.
Her voice stuttered as she responded to the call, "What... what do you want?"
"Do exactly as I say, and no harm will come to him," her father replied, "You will tell him you no longer want to marry him. Understood? Then you'll return home, pack your belongings along with your family, and board the next train. Your wedding has already been arranged," he commanded coldly.
Her brows furrowed, her whisper trembling as she replied, "What? But Rajiv is de-"
"Not Rajiv," he interrupted sharply. "Even if he were alive, l'd never give my daughter to a coward like him again. He betrayed me to save himself. Now listen carefully. Go to Akash right now and tell him you don't want to get engaged, and you'll never marry him. If I don't call my men within five minutes, they'll pull the trigger straight into his chest."
Her heart pounded louder in terror, and her breath hitched.
"There are two of them. Look behind him," he added.
Her eyes darted around.
She spotted the second man, this one crouching behind a car, his gun hidden but unmistakably aimed.
Sweat began to bead on her forehead.
"He'll know it's not true. Akash knows-" The line went dead before she could finish.
Write a comment ...