Roohi's pov :
I was sitting in the lawn, sipping my coffee, trying to process everything. Today was my engagement day, and the weight of it pressed down on me. The whole situation felt surreal like I was living someone else's life. But it was my life, my choices that led me here.
When those photos of that Jerk and me hit the news, everything spiraled out of control. My parents were convinced we were in a relationship, but I denied it. Of course, Mom didn't believe me. She had always seen smug face as the perfect son-in-law, being her best friend's son and all.
I remember her words so clearly: "Roohi, arranged marriages do work. Look at your father and me. And Advay is a good man-you could be happy."
But it wasn't just about happiness. The scandal had hit our family business hard; the company's shares were plummeting. When Dad told me the Birlas had sent a marriage proposal, he added, "You can say no, Roohi. But maybe give it a chance? Arranged marriages aren't a bad idea, and he is a nice guy ."
That was the moment I knew I had to agree. I wasn't just doing this for the company's shares-I was doing it for my parents, and even it was not like i was dating someone or was interested in someone. Maybe, just maybe, there was something to it.
As I set down my coffee cup, I felt a mix of resolve and uncertainty. I was doing this for the business, but also for them-and perhaps, a little for myself, too. Maybe giving this arranged marriage a chance wouldn't be the worst decision after all.
My chain of thoughts broke as I felt a familiar warmth envelop me. I looked up to see Ishaani, her face beaming with that ever-present sunshine smile. She wrapped me in a tight hug, radiating the kind of happiness that felt almost contagious.
"I'm so happy for you, Roohi! And you didn't even tell us you were secretly seeing a guy!" Ishaani's voice was filled with excitement, completely unaware of the reality.
I hadn't told any of them the truth. All my friends thought I'd been hiding a secret relationship with him when in reality, there was no such thing.
Just as we were chatting, Aadya showed up. She had just arrived from London, today. Without missing a beat, she gave all of us a tight hug and then turned to me with a smirk. "Roohi, your engagement seems fishy to me, but congratulations anyway!"
I laughed, trying to keep the mood light as we continued to chat. But then I realized something-or rather, someone-was missing.
"Where's Navya?" I asked, glancing at Ishaani.
"She's probably on her way," Ishaani replied with a shrug. "You know how she is."
Aadya rolled her eyes dramatically. "I came all the way from London, but Navya can't reach on time being in the same city? Typical Navya."
We all burst out laughing, the tension in my chest easing a bit. Just then, my mom appeared, greeting everyone with the warmth she reserved for my friends. She was like a mother to them too.
"Aadya, you must be exhausted from that flight. Go take some rest, beta," Mom said, patting Aadya's cheek. Then, turning to Ishaani, she gushed, "Ishaani, you've outdone yourself with Roohi's outfit. It's stunning!"
Ishaani blushed, waving it off, but I couldn't help but smile. Sometimes I think our parents love Ishaani more than they love us. And as for Navya-well, she was always the "ideal girl" they compared us to.
"Alright, ladies, to my room!" I declared, leading the way.
As we walked, Ishaani teased me, "So, Roohi, how long are you planning to keep this 'secret relationship' story going?"
I shot her a playful glare. "Until you all stop believing every gossip you hear."
Aadya laughed. "Good luck with that. I am a lawyer, Roohi. I don't believe gossip-I investigate it."
With that, we all headed upstairs, the laughter of best friends echoing through the house.
I was getting ready for my engagement, my nerves fraying more with each passing minute. Aadya was busy putting some final touches on my outfit, her meticulous attention to detail calming me down just a bit. Ishaani had gone downstairs to greet her parents.
Just then, I realized Navya was still not here. "Can this girl ever be on time?" I muttered to myself, grabbing my phone and furiously dialing her number.
When she finally picked up, she gave me some excuse about being late because of patients at the hospital. But I knew better. Aadya had already called her house earlier, and her househelp had let slip that Navya had come home early in the morning and was... sleeping
I understand she's busy, but how could she be late today, of all days? My engagement, for heaven's sake!
Aadya, oblivious to my inner turmoil, stepped back to admire her work and said, "Wow, Roohi darling, you look amazing!"
I blushed, but the anxiety still churned inside me. Even though I was the one who agreed to this engagement, the reality was hitting me hard. I thought an arranged marriage wouldn't be that bad, but now I wasn't so sure after him confronted me in my office.
Suddenly, the door burst open, and Navya walked in with Ishaani. Navya looked beautiful, as always, but she was late, and she knew it.
"Sorry, sorry, I'm late!" Navya said, her voice a mix of guilt and cheer.
"You were supposed to be here four hours ago!" I snapped, my frustration bubbling over. "You told me you took the day off!"
Navya's eyes widened, and I could see her trying to come up with another excuse, but Aadya jumped in before she could speak. "Don't even try, Navya. I called your place, and Usha Aunty told me you were sleeping.
Navya , knowing she was caught. "Alright, fine! I was sleeping okay? I just-"
Before she could finish, I gave her a glare, but she quickly pulled me into a hug, cutting me off. "Roohi, please, let's just focus on your engagement for now. Let's not ruin your day."
Then, with a sly smile, she added, "And you didn't even tell me about your secret boyfriend, Advay. What else are you hiding?"
I rolled my eyes, brushing off the tease. "I'm going to kill you after this, Navya.
Aadya snickered, "I'd pay to see that fight."
We all took a selfie before stepping onto the stage.
Engagement Aesthetics
My nerves were kicking in, especially when I saw him-Advay, looking effortlessly handsome in a black outfit. As I was about to step up, my foot got caught on the edge of the stage, and I stumbled. Before I could fall, he was there, his strong hand catching me just in time.
"Careful, Miss Agrawal," he murmured, his voice low "Wouldn't want you hurt on our engagement day."
His words sent butterflies swirling in my stomach. His cousins and sisters couldn't resist teasing him a little, but one sharp glare from him was enough to shut them up. When it was time to exchange rings, my hands trembled slightly. I hesitated, but then he leaned in and whispered, "I'm thinking of backing out."
That did it. I grabbed the ring and slid it onto his finger with a determined "No." He raised an eyebrow, clearly amused, but said nothing as the cameras flashed around us.
After the formalities, my friends came over to meet Advay. I was bracing myself, half expecting him to be his usual cold self, but to my surprise, he was polite . Thank God! I thought. Then his cousins came over, introducing themselves , completely bypassing Advay's lack of etiquette. Honestly, they were all a lot better than him.
There were so many of them! I learned that he had four brothers and five sisters. Reeyansh, his second brother, wasn't there today, and I didn't bother asking why. The sisters-Avya, Reva, Shivika, Bhumi, and Anahita -were all really sweet and welcoming. Shivansh, his third brother, stood out to me because Aadya was glaring at him, and he was very pointedly ignoring her. Interesting. And then there was Vivaan, the youngest, who seemed to be the sweetest of them all.
As we sat for more pictures, the introductions began.
"Hi, I'm Avya," said the first sister, smiling warmly. "It's nice to finally meet you, Bhabhi."
Pretty girl beside Avya, extended her hand. "Welcome to the family Bhabhi ! I am Reva."
Next was Shivika, who gave me a friendly hug. "I'm Shivika. I've heard so much about you form Badi Maa, I'm really glad to finally meet you Bhabhi."
Bhumi and Anaita followed suit, each introducing themselves with genuine smiles and warm hugs.
Finally, the guy Aadya was glaring sauntered over with a mischievous grin."So, you're the brave soul who agreed to marry our brother. I'm Shivansh, and I must say, Bhabhi you've got guts."
"Hi, Bhabhi. I'm Vivaan. It's nice to meet you. I promise, we're all much friendlier than Advay Bhai."He said smiling warmly.
I couldn't help but notice that Aadya seemed to know both Vivaan and Shivansh quite well, but I shrugged it off. Maybe they had crossed paths at some point.
As we sat for more pictures, I couldn't help but notice the dynamic between Aadya and Shivansh. He caught her glaring and shot her a flirty grin. "You know, Princess, if you keep staring at me like that, people might think you're in love."
Aadya scoffed, not missing a beat. "If I were in love with you, I'd need a therapy ."
Vivaan, who had been quietly observing, chimed in with a grin. "Better keep your flirtations in check, Shivansh, or Aadya might sue you for emotional distress."
Everyone laughed , Shivansh , who just shrugged. "What can I say? I'm a heartbreaker."
I rolled my eyes, but I couldn't help but smile. With this chaotic, lively family, maybe this whole marriage thing wouldn't be so bad after all.

Ishaani's pov :
As we sat together during Roohi's engagement, my eyes drifted across the room, taking in the celebration. The laughter, the music, the clinking of glasses-it was all so lively. But amidst the noise and the people, my gaze settled on one person.
He was sitting with group of people. His smile was warm, almost like sunshine breaking through on a cloudy day. I didn't recognize him, but something about him caught my attention. He wasn't just handsome-there was a sweetness in his expression, a genuine warmth that made my heart skip a beat.
"Who's that?" I muttered to myself, trying to appear nonchalant as I sipped my drink.
"What did you say?" Aadya asked, glancing at me curiously.
"Nothing," I replied quickly, hoping she didn't notice where my gaze had been.
But I couldn't help myself. My eyes kept finding their way back to him. And then, as if the universe was playing some sort of game, when we went on stage to congratulate Roohi and her fiance .He came there with group of people he was sitting with .
I glanced up just in time to see him meet Roohi.
Vivaan. So that's his name. And he's Roohi's Brotherin law? My heart fluttered at the realization, but I quickly composed myself. Calm down, Ishaani. It's just a guy. A really sweet, sunshine-like guy, but still just a guy don't look at him.
The evening continued, but I couldn't shake the feeling that I was being pulled towards him. The music started up again, and everyone was pulled onto the dance floor. Somehow, in the chaos, I found myself face-to-face with him.
He grinned, and before I knew it, we were dancing together. I couldn't help but smile up at him. It was like time slowed down, and for just a moment, it was just the two of us.
He tried to say something, but the music was too loud, and I couldn't quite hear him.
Before I could ask him to repeat himself, he gently took my hand and led me to the side, away from the crowd.My heart raced as I followed him, my mind spinning with confusion.
Why was he pulling me away? Even though I liked him, my instinctive response was to lash out. "How dare you drag me like that, just because i was dancing with you doesn't mean you can drag me like this ---" I started, my voice sharp.
But he just smiled, seeing me lashing out, almost teasing expression. And then, he did something that sent butterflies fluttering wildly in my stomach-he placed a finger gently on my lips.
"Shh, Rajdhani Express, I have no intention to harm you," he said, his voice calm.
"Your zip was open."My face burned with embarrassment as I realized what had happened.
"Oh... I... sorry, thank you," I stammered, mortified.Vivaan's smile remained warm, not the least bit phased by my outburst.
"It's alright. Can I call someone to help you?"I nodded quickly, wanting to disappear from the situation.
"Yes, could you please call the girl in the off-white lehenga? She's my friend."
"Of course," he said, like a true gentleman. He walked over to Navya and spoke to her briefly, and soon she was at my side, her eyes filled with mischief.
"What happened, Ishaani?" Navya asked, her voice dripping with teasing curiosity.
"And why is your face so red?"
"Nothing," I muttered, avoiding her gaze.Navya didn't let it go that easily, though. "I saw you dancing with that guy, you know," she said, a sly smile on her lips.
"Looks like someone's having a love-at-first-sight moment."
"Navya!" I hissed, trying to shut her up, but she just laughed, enjoying my discomfort.As the night wore on, I couldn't help but steal glances at Vivaan, my heart fluttering every time our eyes met. I just hoped no one else noticed it especially my family.
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