𝟓. 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐭𝐚 𝐏𝐚𝐤𝐤𝐚?

Evening slowly settled over Pawar Mansion, painting the vast estate in shades of amber and gold. The grand gates opened with a quiet mechanical sound as a convoy of five luxury cars rolled inside one after another.

The gravel driveway echoed softly beneath the tires while the mansion staff lined up near the entrance with formal discipline.

From the first car stepped Nandini and Vikram, carrying themselves with the calm authority that came naturally to people who belonged to influential families.

From the second vehicle came Rekha and Suresh, both looking dignified and observant as their eyes quickly scanned the grand mansion. From the third car stepped Virat, Kavya, and finally Veer.

Veer adjusted the sleeve of his jacket with clear irritation visible on his face. Even though his posture remained composed, anyone paying attention could see that he was not exactly thrilled about being here.

Vikram noticed the faint annoyance on Veer's expression and leaned slightly toward Nandini with a irritating smile.

"Nandini ji," he murmured quietly, "Tell your son to practice smiling a little. He looks like we dragged him here."

Nandini gave Veer a brief warning glance. "Chaliye sab," she said calmly, ignoring the comment. "And behave."

The elders walked toward the entrance while the younger ones followed behind. Inside the mansion, Aniket and Mahesh were already waiting near the grand sitting hall.

The marble floor reflected the warm chandelier lights above, and the atmosphere carried the formal tension of two powerful families meeting for an important discussion.

Aniket stepped forward politely. "Namaskar. Aaiye, aaiye. It is our honor that you came," he said with controlled courtesy.

Everyone exchanged greetings and slowly settled into the luxurious sofas arranged in a circular seating area. The elders naturally began the polite formal conversation that always accompanies such meetings.

Meanwhile, slightly away from the elders, the younger generation had their own quiet drama unfolding. Kavya leaned closer to Veer and whispered mischievously into his ear.

"Okay bhai," she said with a grin, "I am telling you that you will like the girl at first sight."

Veer turned toward her slowly with a flat expression. "Mini vlog," he said calmly, "You are talking too much. I'm cancelling one month of your pocket money."

He called her Mini vlog because Kavya was barely five feet tall, making her the shortest member of the entire Bhosale family. The nickname had been stuck to her for years, much to her annoyance.

Kavya crossed her arms dramatically. "Kar dijiye, she replied confidently. "Ham bade bhaiya se pocket money maang lenge."

Virat, sitting beside them, quietly chuckled at the exchange.

(Do it, I will ask Bade bhaiya for pocket money)

Meanwhile... in Aarohi's Bedroom ... Aarohi sat on the edge of her bed, her fingers nervously twisting the end of her dupatta. She was wearing a Anarkali suit, the delicate embroidery catching the light every time she moved slightly. Her long hair fell freely over her shoulders, framing her face in gentle waves. Even in her nervous state, she looked breathtakingly beautiful.

For once, Aarohi was actually nervous. The door opened softly as Kamala entered the room. "Aarohi," she said gently, "chaliye beta. Bhosale aa gaye hai."

(Aarohi.. Let's go Bhosale has arrived)

Aarohi took a slow breath. Kamala stepped closer and discreetly slipped something small into Aarohi's hand. Aarohi glanced at it quickly before closing her fist around it.

Both of them exchanged a silent thumbs-up like partners in a secret mission. "Dekhna," Kamala whispered quietly, "vo ladka jhatak se shadi ke liye mana kar dega."

(You will see, that boy will immediately refuse to marry you.)

Aarohi gave a small confident nod,,"Hmm, Dadi esa hi hoga."

A few minutes later, the two of them began descending the grand staircase of Pawar Mansion. The moment Aarohi appeared at the top of the stairs, the soft murmur of conversation in the hallway slowly faded.

Almost every pair of eyes in the room lifted toward her. Aarohi kept her head lowered respectfully as she walked down the stairs beside Kamala. Across the hall, Veer's gaze lifted instinctively. And then... it stopped.

For a moment he simply watched her walk down the staircase. The chandelier light caught the soft embroidery of her outfit. Something about the quiet confidence in her steps made the entire hall feel... slower. Veer didn't even realize he had been staring.

Kamala folded her hands politely. "Namaskar."

She sat down between Mahesh and Aniket. Nandini smiled warmly and gestured toward the seat beside her. "Aarohi beta, aaiye. Yahan baithiye."

(Aarohi, come here sit.)

Aarohi walked over and sat down between Nandini and Rekha. Nandini looked at her carefully before smiling with genuine warmth. "Wow... you are looking very beautiful, baccha."

Aarohi smiled politely, "Thank you, aunty"

On the opposite side, Kavya and Virat leaned slightly toward Veer at the same time and whispered. "She looks beautiful. Hain na?"

Veer immediately shifted his gaze away from Aarohi and leaned back into the sofa. Virat smirked slightly. "Seems worth it for you coming here."

Virat was not going to miss the chance at all because Veer always teased him when Virat got married to Ishita. Veer ignored him completely , meanwhile Aarohi sat quietly, her hands folded in her lap. But her thoughts were not focused on the guests at all.

For the first time in a long time, she and Aniket were sitting in the same room. Her eyes slowly searched the hall... hoping... just once... that her father would look at her

But Aniket did not even glance in her direction not once. The elders soon moved the conversation toward the actual purpose of the meeting.

Mahesh cleared his throat politely. "We have known the Bhosale family for many years," he began warmly. "Your reputation, values, and influence are respected everywhere. If our families become connected through this relationship, it would truly be an honor for us."

Suresh nodded thoughtfully. "Relationships between families are not built only on status or influence," he replied calmly. "They are built on trust, mutual respect, and shared values. From what we have heard about Aarohi, she seems like a bright and kind girl."

Nandini smiled softly. "And Veer," she added gently, "may appear strict sometimes, but he is a very responsible and protective person. Once he accepts someone as his own, he stands by them completely."

Aniket spoke with quiet pride. "Our daughter has been raised with strong principles and discipline. Whatever she does, she does it with sincerity. We believe she will adjust beautifully in any respectable family."

Kamala watched the conversation silently, her heart quietly praying that the secret plan she and Aarohi had made would work. Because if everything went as planned...this meeting would not end the way anyone in this room expected.

Kamala added warmly, pride evident in her tone,"Hume Veer ke baare mein bohot kuch sunne ko mila hai... bohot hi samajhdaar ladka hai."

(We have heard a lot about Veer... he is a very intelligent boy.)

Veer gave a small nod, polite but detached, as if the compliments were being handed to someone else. Then, without warning, he spoke. "I'd like to talk to Miss Aarohi... alone."

A subtle shift passed through the room. Aniket's jaw tightened almost imperceptibly, irritation flickering for a second before being masked under control.

"Of course," he said evenly. "The decision is yours both."

His eyes briefly met Kamala's. Kamala understood instantly. "Aarohi, beta... go. " Aarohi stood without hesitation, her expression calm, unreadable.

Without looking at Veer, she walked out of the living room. And for the first time since he arrived...Veer followed someone.

The moment Veer stepped out of the living room, the noise of polite conversations and formal laughter faded behind him. The cool evening air wrapped around the garden like a quiet escape from the suffocating politeness inside the mansion.

Decorative lanterns glowed softly along the stone pathway, casting golden pools of light across trimmed hedges and blooming white jasmine.

Ahead of him, Aarohi was already walking toward the deeper part of the garden.

Her steps were steady, almost determined, as if she had a destination in mind. Veer followed at a calm pace, slipping his hands into the pockets of his trousers, observing her quietly.

There was something oddly confident about the way she walked not nervous like most girls in arranged meetings.

After a few moments he spoke."Miss Aarohi."She stopped mid-step. Slowly she turned around to face him."Yes?"

Veer glanced briefly around the quiet garden before looking back at her. "If your walk is finished," he said calmly, his voice low and controlled, "then shall we begin the conversation we actually came here for?"

Aarohi blinked once. Ohh... straight to business. She thought.

For a moment neither of them spoke. The faint sound of crickets filled the silence while a light breeze moved the loose strands of Aarohi's hair across her face. Okay Aarohi... time for the plan.

Inside her mind, Kamala's voice echoed she told her at morning. Use every stereotype people judge girls with. Make him run away himself.

Aarohi slowly slipped her hand inside the side pocket of her Anarkali. Her fingers closed around the small packet Kamala had secretly placed there earlier...Cigarettes.

She pulled one out and held it between her fingers casually. Veer's gaze instantly shifted to it. His eyebrow lifted slightly. "So... you smoke," he said flatly.

Inside Aarohi's head chaos erupted. Hey Krishna please stay with me today. Bas plan successful ho jaye.

She cleared her throat dramatically. "Oh... this?" she said casually, twirling the cigarette between her fingers. "Yeah. Obviously."

Her voice tried to sound relaxed. Her hands... however... were betraying her completely they were shaking.

Aarohi quickly added, doubling down on the act.

"And not just smoking," she continued with exaggerated confidence. "I drink too. Sometimes a lot actually."

Veer remained silent, his expression didn't change. Aarohi took that as encouragement to continue destroying her own reputation. "I also go to parties," she said, lifting her chin slightly. "Like... all the time. Nightclubs, late nights, loud music... you know."

Still no reaction...why is he not reacting?

Aarohi hurriedly added the next bomb. "And I have a lot of male friends. Like... a lot. Plus several ex-boyfriends."

She shrugged casually. "Oh and sometimes I experiment with... things."She waved her hand vaguely. "You know... bad habits."

It sounded dramatic enough in her head. In reality it came out slightly awkward. The truth was simple Aarohi occasionally drank wine with Gargi at birthday parties or college gatherings, which was perfectly normal. But right now she was presenting herself like the main villain of a scandalous drama.

Veer watched her quietly the entire time, his eyes were calm... almost amused. Then he spoke. "Alright."

Aarohi froze"...Alright?"

Veer extended his hand toward her calmly. "Well," he said, "if you're smoking... let's smoke."

He gestured toward the lighter in her other hand. "Go on."

Aarohi's brain malfunctioned. What the hell?

Her eyes widened slightly. What kind of man reacts like this?She stared at him like he had personally destroyed her entire strategy. Inside her head she panicked. Hey Krishna... what is wrong with this man? I should have Googled him before meeting him.

Trying to recover, Aarohi suddenly laughed awkwardly. "Ah actually..." she said quickly, lowering the cigarette. "I just realized I'm not really in the mood right now."She waved the cigarette lazily."But if you want... you can smoke.

Veer didn't take it, instead he simply watched her. Carefully too carefully. For the first time since they stepped into the garden, he took a step closer.

Aarohi instinctively stepped back. Now they were standing much closer than before, too close. The soft garden lights reflected faintly in Veer's dark eyes as he looked down at her.

Aarohi suddenly became very aware of how tall he was. Her heartbeat betrayed her completely. Why is my heart acting like this? Stop it.

Veer spoke quietly."You know... Miss Aarohi." His voice carried a calm curiosity now. "I didn't expect you to be this... spoiled."

Aarohi immediately nodded."Yes."Very enthusiastically."Yes i am."

She pointed toward herself proudly."Extremely spoiled."

Then her voice dropped slightly."So... you should probably refuse this marriage."

There was a tiny stutter in her words. "H-hame... I mean... I don't want to get married."

For a moment Veer said nothing.Then he nodded slowly."Oh."

He straightened slightly."Then let's go back inside."

Aarohi blinked."And?"

"You can refuse the proposal."Veer said.

Aarohi's face went pale."No."

Veer tilted his head."No?"

She shook her head immediately"You refuse."

Veer folded his arms calmly."I can't."

Aarohi stared at him."...Why?"

"Because," he replied evenly, "you are the one who doesn't want this marriage."

Aarohi pointed at him."Yes but you don't want it either!"

Veer shrugged lightly."That's not the point."

"Then what is the point?"Aarohi replied. "First you refuse."

"No you refuse."

"You refuse."

"You refuse!"

They stared at each other for a full three seconds. Then Veer spoke again calmly."Ladies first."

Aarohi almost lost her mind."Absolutely not."

Veer exhaled slowly and folded his arms, watching Aarohi with an unreadable calm. "Fine," he said in a steady voice, "I can refuse the proposal. But at least give me a convincing reason. Why exactly should I refuse?"

Aarohi lifted her chin dramatically, pretending to look offended. "Wah, wah... didn't I just tell you? I'm a spoiled girl. Completely irresponsible. The kind of girl no decent man should marry and..."

Before she could continue the performance, Veer abruptly cut her off. "The real reason, Miss Aarohi." His tone was quiet but sharp enough to slice through her excuse.

Inside, Aarohi frowned. Ye banda to bada hi chalak nikla, she thought, narrowing her eyes slightly as she studied him. He's not falling for my nonsense that easily.

At the same time, Veer's mind was working just as quickly. She thinks I'm a fool? he scoffed internally. Huh. Not happening.

Aarohi sighed dramatically, realizing she had been cornered. "Fine," she muttered. "The truth is... I can't refuse this marriage openly. My father would never allow it. And the most important thing right now is my MBA. I need to study."

Veer tilted his head slightly, calculating her words. "And MBA... that will take around three years, won't it?"

Aarohi nodded. The small motion caused a few strands of her hair to fall over her cheek. For a brief second, her expression softened into something unexpectedly cute.

Veer noticed it instantly. His chest tightened in a way he hadn't anticipated. Focus, he told himself firmly. This is business.

"So please," Aarohi continued quickly, regaining her composure. "You should refuse the proposal. You can say you're not interested."

Veer remained silent for a moment, his sharp mind already scanning possibilities like a businessman searching for profit. These next three years were also important for Veer because he...wanted to made a name for himself, three years... opportunity... freedom... control. And marriage was a distraction for him.

A slow, thoughtful smile appeared on his lips. Veer was the type of man who could spot opportunity even in chaos, and he never let it slip away. "I can't refuse," he said calmly.

Aarohi blinked in disbelief. "Please!" she insisted.

"I really can't," Veer repeated with the same unwavering tone. "My Dada ji likes you. A lot when he get to know about yourself. And when he decides something, convincing him otherwise is nearly impossible."

Aarohi groaned softly. "This is a huge problem," she muttered, rubbing her temple in frustration.

Veer's eyes gleamed slightly. "Actually... I might have a solution."

Aarohi straightened instantly, hope flashing across her face. "Really? Then say it quickly."

Veer leaned a little closer, lowering his voice as if sharing a confidential deal. "We get married... but only on paper."

Aarohi blinked. "What?"

"A contract marriage," Veer clarified smoothly. "Three years. Just like your MBA. We pretend to be a perfect married couple in front of our families and the world. No interference in each other's lives. After three years... we separate peacefully."

Aarohi stared at him like he had just suggested the most outrageous plan in history. "That is the most ridiculous and disgusting idea I've ever heard," she snapped immediately.

Veer shrugged carelessly. "Alright then. Your choice." He turned as if the conversation was already over. "At least I tried to help. If you don't like it, no problem. There are plenty of girls in the world who would happily marry me."

Aarohi fell silent, her mind began racing, arguing with itself in a chaotic internal debate. This idea is insane... absolutely insane.

But at the same time... three years... freedom... MBA...

Veer slowly began pacing around her, hands in his pockets, patiently waiting for her answer. His sharp gaze occasionally drifted back to her face.

She's stubborn, he thought with a faint smirk. But also beautiful... dangerously beautiful.

The way the garden lights touched her hair... the way her brows furrowed while she thought... it was strangely captivating.

"Your decision, Miss Aarohi," he said finally, stopping in front of her again. Aarohi looked up anxiously. "What if the media finds out?" she asked. "It would become a massive scandal. And if my father finds out before that..."

She didn't even finish the sentence. The consequences were obvious. "It won't happen," Veer said confidently. "I'll make sure of it. We'll act like the perfect couple in public. No one will suspect anything."

He paused before adding another calculated detail.

"And I'll personally make sure you get admission to the best MBA program. After three years, you'll also have a secure job waiting for you. After that... you go your way, I go mine."

Aarohi stood there silently, her thoughts spinning endlessly inside her head...this is crazy. But maybe... it's the only way.

After a long mental battle with herself, she finally took a deep breath."Fine," she said quietly.

Veer's eyebrow lifted slightly. "I agree," Aarohi continued reluctantly. "But only for three years."

A small victorious smile appeared on Veer's face.

"In that case," he said smoothly, gesturing toward the door, "shall we go inside? Everyone is waiting for us."

Aarohi gave a small nod and gestured toward the mansion. "Yes... let's go." Her voice was calmer now, though her mind was still spinning from the agreement they had just made.

They began walking side by side along the stone path that cut through the large garden. The evening breeze moved softly through the trees, carrying the faint scent of wet soil. A few minutes earlier the gardener had watered the plants, leaving the marble floor damp and slightly slippery under their feet.

Veer noticed it instantly. His sharp eyes scanned the path before he spoke. "Careful, Miss Aarohi. The floor is slippery."

But at that exact moment, Aarohi's foot slid forward."Aah...!"

Her ankle twisted painfully, and she lost her balance. Before she could fall completely, Veer's hands shot forward on instinct, gripping her shoulders firmly and pulling her toward him.

For a second, Aarohi froze. Her heart skipped in surprise as she realized how close they suddenly were. Veer's grip was steady and warm, holding her upright before she could crash onto the wet marble.

Inside her head, irritation immediately replaced the shock. What a cursed tongue this man has, she grumbled internally. The moment he said "be careful," I slipped.

"Did you get hurt?" Veer asked, his voice unexpectedly softer than before. His brows furrowed slightly as he studied her expression.

Aarohi straightened quickly, trying to regain her usual confidence. "No," she said, pretending everything was fine. "I'm perfectly..."

She stopped mid-sentence when she tried to take a step.

A sharp pain shot through her ankle, and her foot refused to cooperate. Her balance wavered again.

Veer noticed immediately. "Let me help you," he said calmly.

Aarohi shook her head stubbornly. "No, I can walk."

What kind of embarrassing situation is this? Hey Krishna, she complained in her mind. First the contract marriage... now this shits.

Determined to prove him wrong, she grabbed Veer's arm for support and attempted another step. The moment her weight shifted, her ankle protested again.

Veer sighed quietly, he was already irritated from the long conversation outside, the endless arguments, and now this unnecessary stubbornness.

"Miss Aarohi," he said suddenly, his tone oddly polite, "I'm sorry."

Aarohi frowned in confusion. "What?"

Before she could process what he meant, the ground disappeared beneath her feet. In one swift motion, Veer lifted her completely off the floor.

Aarohi gasped, instinctively covering her mouth as her eyes widened in shock. For a brief moment, she felt weightless as he held her securely in his arms.

"What are you doing?!" she whispered, half startled and half furious.

Veer ignored the panic in her voice and began walking toward the mansion entrance as if nothing unusual had happened. His steps were steady and confident, as though carrying her was the most natural thing in the world.

"Ahem... Mr. Veer!" Aarohi hissed under her breath, trying not to draw attention. "Put me down!"

Veer didn't even look at her. His gaze remained fixed ahead."Relax," he replied casually.

They had already reached the front doors of the living room, where voices from inside drifted faintly through the hall. The entire family was waiting.

Aarohi's heart started beating faster. "Mr. Veer, please put me down before someone sees us," she insisted urgently.

Finally, Veer glanced down at her. A small, almost mischievous smile appeared on his lips. "No need," he said calmly. "Actually... this works perfectly."

Aarohi blinked. "What?"

Veer continued walking inside the house, holding her effortlessly. "Well," he said in a low voice meant only for her ears, "we agreed to act like the perfect couple, didn't we?"

His smirk deepened slightly. "So let's start the drama from now."

And for the first time since their strange deal had been made, Aarohi realized something terrifying. This man...was going to take their contract marriage performance very seriously.

The moment Veer stepped into the living room carrying Aarohi in his arms, the entire atmosphere of Pawar Mansion changed instantly Conversations that had been flowing politely between the elders stopped mid-sentence. Every single pair of eyes in the room turned toward the entrance at the exact same time.

Aarohi's entire body stiffened.

Without thinking, she quickly covered part of her face with her dupatta, her heart racing wildly inside her chest. Hey Krishna... everyone is staring, she panicked internally. Please, please let Shweta not be arrived... if she sees this she will tease me to death.

Veer, on the other hand, walked inside with absolute composure as if carrying his future wife in front of two powerful families was the most normal thing in the world.

The first person to react was Kavya.

Her eyes widened dramatically as she leaned forward on the sofa, staring at them with pure excitement sparkling across her face.

"Ohhh bhai!" she whispered loudly to Virat, though her whisper was loud enough for half the room to hear. "This means the marriage is confirmed already!"

Virat followed her gaze toward the entrance and the moment he saw Veer holding Aarohi in his arms, a teasing grin spread across his face.

"Wow," he murmured under his breath, clearly entertained. "Romance has already started before the engagement."

A soft ripple of surprise and amused curiosity spread through the room.

Nandini and Rekha exchanged quick glances, both slightly startled yet secretly pleased by what they were witnessing. Kamala's eyes widened for a moment before concern quickly replaced her surprise.

Veer calmly walked toward the seating area and gently placed Aarohi down on the nearest sofa.

The moment her feet touched the floor again, Aarohi wished the ground would open and swallow her whole.

Before anyone could start forming wild assumptions, Veer spoke in a calm, controlled voice.

"It's nothing like what you all are thinking," he clarified smoothly. "Miss Aarohi slipped in the garden. Her ankle twisted slightly, so I brought her inside."

Kamala immediately leaned forward with worry etched across her face. "Aaru, baccha... are you alright?" she asked softly.

Aarohi quickly nodded, still avoiding direct eye contact with most of the room. "Yes Dadi... I'm fine," she replied quietly, though her cheeks were still faintly pink with embarrassment.

Nandini also leaned forward slightly, her expression filled with motherly concern. "Oh dear, twisting your ankle can be quite painful," she said gently.

Rekha placed a reassuring hand on Aarohi's shoulder."Does it hurt a lot, beta?" she asked warmly.

Aarohi forced a polite smile and shook her head again. "It's not serious, aunty. Just a small sprain," she replied softly.

But while everyone else looked relieved, Kamala's mind was racing. Her eyes quietly shifted from Aarohi... to Veer... and then back again.

What is happening? she wondered in confusion.

Just a few hours ago she and Aarohi had made a secret plan.

Aarohi was supposed to act spoiled, difficult, completely unsuitable so that the boy himself would refuse the proposal.

Kamala had been absolutely sure the meeting would end in rejection. But instead... Veer had just carried her granddaughter inside the house like a protective husband. Something was not adding up.

Across the room, Aniket and Mahesh had been silently observing the entire scene.

Aniket's sharp gaze briefly moved from Aarohi to Veer before meeting Mahesh's eyes. Something unspoken passed between the two men a quiet acknowledgement that things seemed to be moving in a positive direction.

Mahesh cleared his throat lightly, drawing everyone's attention back toward the actual purpose of the gathering. "So," he said with a calm but curious smile, looking directly at Veer and Aarohi, "what decision have the two of you made?"

The room suddenly fell silent again. Even Kavya straightened slightly on the sofa, clearly eager to hear the answer.

Vikram leaned back comfortably while Suresh folded his hands thoughtfully, both waiting for Veer to speak.

Veer glanced briefly toward Aarohi. For a fraction of a second, their eyes met. A silent reminder of their strange and secret agreement passed between them.

Then Veer looked back at the elders and spoke clearly."Yes." The single word instantly captured everyone's attention.

He continued in a steady voice."Miss Aarohi and I have discussed it... and we both agree to this marriage."

A wave of visible relief and happiness spread across the elders' faces almost immediately.

Nandini smiled warmly, Rekha looked genuinely pleased. Even Vikram nodded with satisfaction. But the loudest reaction came from the younger generation. Kavya clapped her hands excitedly. "I knew it!" she declared dramatically.

Virat laughed quietly beside her. "Well that was fast," he said teasingly while glancing at Veer. "Looks like our serious Mr. Bhosale didn't waste any time."

But one person in the room was completely stunned. Kamala. Her eyes widened in absolute disbelief as she stared at Aarohi. Aru... what happened to the plan? her mind screamed.

Aarohi avoided looking at her completely. She simply sat quietly, pretending to smile politely while her heart pounded in her chest.

Inside her head only one thought echoed. Dadi... I will explain later.

Congratulations, Aarohi, she sighed internally. You just signed the most complicated three-year contract of your life.

Virat leaned slightly toward Veer with a teasing smile. "Well," he murmured under his breath, "that was quicker than expected. I thought at least you would pretend to think about it for a few minutes."

Veer ignored him completely, maintaining his usual composed expression.

Across the room, Vikram leaned forward slightly, resting his hands on his knees as he addressed everyone with calm authority.

"Well then," he said with a satisfied smile, "since both of them have agreed... we will speak with Pandit ji and look for an auspicious date."

Suresh nodded in agreement. "Yes, that would be the right next step."

Aniket straightened slightly in his seat, his expression proud yet controlled. "Of course," he replied politely. "It will be our honor."

Mahesh also smiled warmly. "When two families come together with trust and respect, the rest of the path becomes easy."

Kamala remained quiet, still processing the sudden turn of events, though a gentle smile slowly appeared on her face as she looked at Aarohi.

Meanwhile Aarohi sat silently on the sofa, her ankle slightly sore but her mind far more restless than her body.

Three years, She thought her gaze briefly shifted toward Veer

He was speaking calmly with Virat as if nothing unusual had happened in the garden just minutes ago. This man... she thought quietly. He just changed the direction of my entire life with one sentence.

At that exact moment Veer glanced in her direction. Their eyes met for a brief second before both of them looked away almost immediately.

But somewhere between that silent glance and the quiet agreement they had made outside...a very unusual story had just begun.

🦋🦋🦋

How was the chapter?

Till then bye bye and take care of yourself meet you in next chapter ✨️✨️