I put on a smile, practiced and flawless. Though I had been forced into this, it was second nature to hide my true feelings. Growing up under strict parents had made me an expert in masking emotions. Nobody could tell what I was thinking.

We all entered the Singhania Mansion. The Singhanias greeted us warmly. Shivansh and I touched the elders’ feet, and everyone settled comfortably in the living room. Soon, Pandit ji arrived.

Both families had gathered to finalize the dates for our engagement and marriage. As soon as Pandit ji arrived, Mummy and Sucheta aunty handed him our horoscopes. Pandit ji made himself comfortable and began reading, his eyes moving carefully across the charts.

After a thoughtful pause, Pandit ji said, “Sucheta ji… they have the perfect match for each other.”

A wave of happiness spread across both families. Rajesh uncle smiled and said, “Pandit ji, ye to bohot acchi baat hai… Aap kripaya inki sagai aur shaadi ke liye bhi koi shubh din bata dijiye… (That’s wonderful news, Pandit ji… please suggest auspicious dates for their engagement and marriage as well.)”

Pandit ji nodded and began calculating, murmuring softly to himself. After a while, he looked up and said, “Rajesh ji… I have a few dates. The first is today, the second is 15 days later, and the third is six months from now.”

The elders huddled briefly to discuss, and finally, Rajesh uncle said, “Okay… so today we will do the engagement, and the marriage will be 15 days later.”

💞💞💞💞💞💞

Shivansh was overjoyed—his marriage was fixed with his dream girl. But he noticed Kavyashree sitting quietly, almost lost in her thoughts. Everything had happened so fast; they hadn’t had the chance to know each other. Concerned, he asked softly, “Dad… aren’t we going too fast…?”

Kavyashree’s mind raced. Is this guy crazy? Till now he was desperate to marry me… and now he’s suddenly cautious? Does he also get mood swings… like women?

Her thoughts were interrupted when Rajesh ji asked, “Are you in your senses, Shivu…? If not now, then six months for the next dates… And moreover… what happened suddenly? Are you not willing to get married?”

Shivansh hesitated. “But… before getting married… we should know each other, no? That’s why I said so…”

Shashi ji cut in, “But… you can know each other after marriage also. What do you say, Rajesh ji?” He knew if Shivansh backed out now, Kavyashree might never agree.

Rajesh ji nodded. “You are right, Shashi ji… but one minute… Kavyashree… what’s your opinion, bete? Shivansh has shared his thoughts… now you tell us yours…”

Kavyashree glanced at Shashi ji, recalling the events of the previous night. Swallowing her discomfort, she said, “Papa is right… uncle… we can know each other after marriage also…”

Shivansh noticed the unease in her voice. “Ms. Sharma… are you sure…?”

Kavyashree softly replied, “Yes… Mr. Singhania… I’m 100% sure…”

Shivansh exhaled, a mix of relief and understanding washing over him. “Then… I don’t have any issues…”

Rajesh ji turned to Pandit ji. “Well then… mohurat kab tak ka hai?”

Pandit ji checked his notes. “Aaj raat 9:30 baje tak.”

Rajesh ji glanced at the clock. “It’s 6:30… so we still have three hours left.”

Ramesh ji asked, “Bhai sahab… anghutiyon ka intezaam kaise hoga?”

Rajesh ji smiled. “I spoke to Goenka sahab today. He said as soon as we send the designs, he’ll deliver them for selection… I’ve already texted him; he’ll be here shortly.”

Within fifteen minutes, Goenka’s assistant arrived, carrying several boxes of rings. A servant helped with the boxes, and Shivansh and Kavyashree were seated side by side to select the rings. Kavyashree chose quickly—least interested, but she still picked the best ring for Shivansh. “This one… I liked this one,” she said.

The assistant nodded. “Sure, ma’am. I’ll get Shivansh sir’s size in this design.”

Shivansh smiled inwardly. Anything she chooses for me… will be the best thing I own. He carefully looked through the designs and selected a diamond ring for Kavyashree. “And this is for Kavyashree,” he said.

After a brief wait, the assistant returned with both rings in the correct sizes. Rajesh ji handed them to Sucheta ji. Pandit ji chanted softly, and the rings were returned to Sucheta ji and Rekha ji.

Sucheta ji gave the ring to Shivansh. “Ye lo beta… ise Kavyashree ke baye haath ke anamika me pehna do.”

Shivansh held the ring delicately in his right hand and extended his other hand toward Kavyashree. “May I…?” he asked politely.

Kavyashree forced a smile and extended her left hand. “Yes…”

Shivansh slid the ring onto her finger, then gently kissed her hand. Kavyashree’s eyes widened, but she quickly masked her reaction.

It was Kavyashree’s turn. Rekha ji handed her the ring. “Ye lo beta… aur ab ise Shivansh ke dahine haath ke anamika par pehna do.”

Kavyashree hesitated slightly, her eyes meeting Shivansh’s. His warm gaze encouraged her. Blushing subtly, she placed the ring on his finger. Applause filled the room as the elders blessed the newly engaged couple. Yet, beneath her composed exterior, Kavyashree’s mind was elsewhere—she had agreed under family pressure, hiding her unhappiness.

After the ring exchange, photos were clicked with both families. Nikhil suggested, “Now let’s click some photos of only Shivansh and Bhabhi.”

Kavyashree gulped. “Mr. Deshpande…”

Nikhil cut in, smiling. “Ms. Sharma… I’m sorry… but Shivansh is like a brother to me. Can I call you Bhabhi?”

Overwhelmed, Kavyashree simply nodded. Shivansh muttered, “Abe saale… aaj tak mujhe to kabhi bhaiyya nahi kaha… aur meri hone wali biwi se ye bol raha hai ki mai tere bhai jaisa hoon.”

Nikhil grinned. “Han to… teri harkate aisi hai bhi nahi… ki mai tujhe bhaiyya bulau… par isme Bhabhi ki kya galati hai?”

Shivansh raised an eyebrow. “Kamine… tujhse to mai baad me niptunga…” He turned to Kavyashree. “Ms. Sharma… iss gadhe ki baaton par dhyaan mat dijiye… iska to bacchpan se hi screw loose hai.”

Ignoring him, Nikhil said, “Pehli baat… mai tujhse baat nahi kar raha tha… maine Ms. Sharma se poocha tha ki kya mai unhe Bhabhi bula sakta hoon… Tujhse kisne kaha bich me kudne keliye?”

Kavyashree smiled faintly. “Thik hai Mr. Deshpande… aap mujhe Bhabhi bula sakte hai.”

Nikhil’s eyes sparkled. “Bhabhi… meri ek aur wish hai… jo sirf aap hi poora kar sakti hai.”

Curious, Kavyashree asked, “Aisi konsi wish hai… jo sirf mai poora kar sakti hoon?”

Nikhil said innocently, “Bhabhi… hamare yahan bhabhi kabhi apne dewar ko formally nahi bulati… isiliye… aap mujhe Nikhil kehkar bulaiye… aur please boliyega.”

Kavyashree hesitated. “Par… aap to mujhse bade hai…”

Nikhil smiled. “Par rishte me to chhota hi hoon na, Bhabhi.”

Kavyashree smiled. “To thik hai… kya mai aapko Nikhil bhai bula sakti hoon? Vaise bhi mera koi bada bhai nahi hai.”

“Ye bhi thik hai,” Nikhil replied cheerfully.

“Abhi chaliye… aap dono ke kuch photos khinchte hai,” Nikhil suggested.

Kavyashree hesitated, but remembered her father’s stunts. Silently, she agreed. Nikhil began clicking pictures, and Shivansh whispered, “Thank you, Ms. Sharma.”

Startled, Kavyashree stammered, “W… why… are you… saying thank you… Mr. Singhania?”

Shivansh smiled. “Because… you accepted to marry me.”

Kavyashree froze, and Shivansh added softly, “I actually mean it…”

Before she could respond, Lata ji called, “Chalo bacchon… khana lag gaya hai.”

💞💞💞💞💞💞

When Chachi maa called us, we all nodded and went to the dining hall. Everyone was already seated, and two places were left side by side for Kavyashree and me. Kavyashree hesitated for a moment, but seeing Shashi uncle, she quietly took her seat.

As dinner began, our family members discussed the preparations for our wedding. Kavyashree ate quietly, and I noticed her subdued demeanor. Concerned, I asked, “Are you okay… Ms. Sharma?”

She replied softly, “Yes… yes…”

Her answer didn’t convince me, but I didn’t press further and returned to my meal. Just a couple of minutes later, Kavyashree suddenly started coughing, food stuck in her throat. Maa, sitting beside her, immediately rubbed her back to calm her down. I quickly passed her a glass of water, and she managed to calm herself somewhat.

Maa asked gently, “Beta… tum thik to ho…??”

Kavyashree could not speak but nodded. My heart skipped a beat—seeing her like that, it felt as if someone had ripped my soul out.

Today, I noticed something I hadn’t seen before: her parents’ cold reaction. When Kavyashree choked, they hardly reacted, and she had tears in her eyes, which she hid before anyone could notice. I saw her suppress those tears, and my heart ached. How can they be so cold toward such a kind, gentle girl? How can someone treat their own child as if she means nothing? This is so unfair…

I also realized she wouldn’t tell me anything about it. Will she ever open up to me? I thought. Maybe if she does… I could help her… I could save her from all this…

I was troubled by her parents’ behavior, but I didn’t know enough to act yet. So I stayed quiet, my mind churning with worry, silently promising myself to be there for her, no matter what.

Author's Note

Dewdrops… sometimes the brightest smiles hide the deepest storms. 🌧️
Kavyashree’s heart is tangled between duty, fear, and the longing for her own voice. And Shivansh… he notices, but does he truly understand the weight she carries? 💔

Life isn’t always fair, my dewdrops… sometimes love begins in silence, in stolen glances, and in promises made without words. 🌙✨

Tell me… do you think Shivansh will ever see the truth behind her smile? Or will Kavyashree’s silence continue to protect her parents’ happiness over her own? 💞

If this chapter tugged at your heartstrings even a little, leave your love, thoughts, and votes… it means the world to me! 🕊️💫