PARTHVI’S POV:

Shocked isn't enough to describe what I felt, I lied about our relationship, and now this? Randheer and I, as a couple? Never.

We are worlds apart. Not to mention his insufferable humor and rude comments for a lifetime?! Please, tell me you're joking, Papa!

"Let them also say what they want." Chachi said gently, not wanting to offend anyone. Suddenly, all eyes were on Randheer.

Yes, my opinion doesn't have any value hum to bakri hai na kisi se bhi bandh do!

(Just tie me to anyone like a sacrificial lamb!)

Randheer shifted uncomfortably, glancing at me while I sighed inwardly. Of course, he wouldn't say yes and I'd be saved—simple.

"I... umm... we should take some time to get to know each other first," he stammered.

Really? I thought, mentally face palming. Why does he want time, especially after knowing about Saransh? What is he up to?!

"Yes, of course, beta. Take your time! It's not like we're getting you married tomorrow," Uncle chuckled.

"Agar humare lautne se pehle inki sagai ho jati to..."Aunty suggested cheerfully, and my family's glowing smiles were proof of how eager they were to marry me off.

 (If their engagement happens before we return...)

I couldn't sit there any longer, pretending to blush like I was expected to. I stood abruptly and headed towards my room, ignoring Maa's faded calls.

We could have become friends eventually, but this marriage talk will ruin everything. Not that I am sticking to Saransh, but he was a significant part of my life and Randheer knows that.

I have to talk to him and ask him to deny this marriage before both our lives are ruined but first, I have to sort my thoughts and relax, sitting on the study table I picked a novel drowning myself in a completely different world.

A yawn escaped as I closed the novel glancing at the clock, it was past three in the morning. He must be asleep long ago.

Deciding to talk to him in the morning, I stepped out of my room to get some water, but a shadow in the common balcony caught my eye.

My family being well aware about my fear of darkness keeps one or the other light on in every corner of the house and I was relived moving cautiously towards the figure.

"Who's there?" I called out, my voice trembling.

 I gasped as Randheer suddenly pulled me close, his hand covering my mouth.

"Shh... you're going to wake the entire neighborhood with your shouting," he hissed.

I closed my mouth and he released me. I turned to find him standing there shirtless. With heat crawling to my neck, I looked away.

"What are you doing here like this?" I snapped.

"Like what?" He stepped forward, and I backed up by back hitting the railing.

"Randheer!" my voice came as a whisper with our proximity. 

"Like what? Adat daal lijiye, madam. Shaadi karwa rahe hain aapke gharwale aapki humse!"

(Get used to it, madam. Your family is getting us married!)

I pushed him away, placing my hands on his chest. "You know everything... we can't get married!"

"Why?" he asked, his tone serious.

"Because... Saransh!" I whispered.

RANDHEER’S POV:

"Saransh!" Her words made my blood boil, but I forced myself to stay calm.

"Isn't he getting married?" I asked, well aware about her answer. She nodded silently.

"So, are you going to waste your life for someone who didn't choose you?" my voice came harsher, I realized when

Her eyes filled with tears. "No, but I can't forget him like it was nothing!" she protested, avoiding my gaze.

"And why should you suffer for it? It's not your fault," she mumbled, barely audible.

"Then go and tell your father," I scoffed stepping back.

"I can't. That's why I want you to." She sighed.

"Why should I? So, I can be the bad guy, and you get all the sympathy?" I raised an eyebrow, watching her get offended.

"You could just tell them I love someone else. Kaun chahenge ke unki biwi kisi aur mard se pyaar kare?"A tear slipped down her cheek.

(Who would want his wife to love another man?)

Is she a little crazy? I thought.

"Or uske baad? Pehla ladka pakad ke phere karwa denge aapke, bina kuch puche! Aapko ye pata hai na?" I gave her a disclaimer.

(And after that, they'll marry you off to the first guy they find, without even asking for your opinion. You know that, right?)

She nodded miserably.

"Kisi or se kar sakti hain to humse kyu nahi?" My intrusive thoughts won, and the words escaped my lips before I could stop them.

(If you can marry someone else, what's the issue with marrying me?)

"Not like Saransh is coming back. You'll have to get married someday, if not today." I added trying to normalize the intensity of my words.

"Wapas aagae to??" she whispered, her tear-filled eyes meeting mine.

(What if he does come back?)

"To hum aapko usi waqt is rishte se azzad kardenge bina kisi se kuch kahe!"

(Then I'll free you from this marriage without anyone ever knowing.)

-----------✽✽---------------✽✽-----------

"We're fine with this marriage!" Randheer and Parthvi declared descending the stairs together as everyone sat on the table for breakfast. 

"Marriage? Whose marriage?" Vedanshi and Rashmi asked confused. "Randheer and Parthvi’s!" Harshita replied with a beaming smile, and instantly their faces lit up with excitement.

" This is such wonderful news!" Everyone was overjoyed at their decision.

Parthvi and Randheer exchanged glances at the radiant happiness on their families, their uncertainties setting at their happiness.

"All our work will be finalized by tomorrow; if everyone's okay we can host their engagement the day after tomorrow!" Nakul offered.

"Shubh kaam main deri kaisi?"  Veer beamed in.

(Why delay something auspicious?)

As Sangeet gestured Parthvi walked forward with Randheer to touch Manjari's feet.

"Hamesha saath raho, khush raho!" Manjari blessed them warmly.

 (Always stay together and may you be happy!)

"Let's call Pandit ji to set the date for the engagement and the wedding!" Sumitra suggested.

"The wedding? So soon...? I mean... my final exams are in a month," Parthvi mumbled.

"Shaadi ki date Parthvi ke convocation ke baad ki nikalwaiyega, Sumitra." Veer said gently, placing a reassuring hand on her head.

 (Schedule the wedding after Parthvi’s convocation, Sumitra)

PARTHVI’S POV:

Everyone was so happy with my one decision. Their bright smiles lessen the weight on my heart. But how do I accept the fact that it is my engagement in two days?

My name is going to be tied to his, and everything I do from now on will affect him and his family.

He said he would free me the day I wanted, but will he really be able to? Or worst Will I even have the courage to ask for that freedom?

Honestly, I don't know and I can't change what's already written in my fate, so why cry over it now?

I stood up and began packing my bags, as I had booked my ticket to return to Banaras the day after the engagement for my final exams.

Maybe this is the last month of my freedom, who knows.

I wasn't crying over Saransh anymore. Maybe I've accepted that it was never meant to be or better left everything to Bholenath.

Yet, despite all that, there's this hollow feeling in me. How will I accept him with all this?

Arghhh, I'm so messed up and Randheer doesn't deserve this!

To Be Continued....