Vihaan's POV:

"Sakshi?"

Her name slipped out before I could stop it. What the hell was she doing here?

My voice was barely above a whisper, soft and stunned but my mind was racing. My eyes scanned her face, desperate for answers.

What was she doing here? Where had she been all these years? Why did she came back after walking away so easily... without a word?

Before I could string those thoughts together, my dad spoke up, cutting through the tension, “Do you know her?” he asked, shifting his gaze from me to her.

We both nodded.

“We both studied in the same college,” Sakshi answered quietly.

“But... I left after a year.”

Left?

No. You ran away.

From me.

Her father turned to me, confused. "Didn't you see Sakshi's photo before this meeting?"

I gave a tight smile, lying through my teeth. "No, uncle. Mom had sent, but I must've missed it."

Half-Truth. I didn't want to get married but my dad forced me to meet the girl he had decided. Left with no other option I agreed but didn't cared to know who she was.

I should have.

"Oh! What a coincidence," her dad chuckled. "Even Sakshi hasn't seen your picture."

Perfect. Just perfect.

My dad chimed in again, proudly. "Well, they've known each other since college. I don't see a reason to say no."

Of course you don't, Dad. But maybe I do.

I glanced at Sakshi again. She was avoiding my eyes, like always. But I could see it, the storm behind her silence.

"I think the kids should talk in private," her mom suddenly suggested, and mine didn't waste a second. "Yes, yes, go beta!" she said, already pushing me toward the lawn.

These people, I swear.

I followed her out. Neither of us said anything. Just the sound of our footsteps in awkward sync. When we reached the garden, she finally turned around to face me.

She looked like she wanted to say something. Instead, she took a deep breath, making herself steady.

“Say no”, she murmured under her breath.

My brows furrowed, “What?”

"This alliance," she said louder now, her eyes sharp,“Say no.”

I scoffed. "You've got some nerve. Why should I be the one to say no? You left. You disappeared. If you didn't want this marriage, you could've said no to your family."

Her face twisted, like she wanted to scream. “I already said yes... without even knowing who the guy is.”

“What?” I blinked.

"I said yes without knowing who the guy was." Her voice cracked, just a little. "And now when I know it's you, how do I back out without turning everything upside down?"

I didn't know what to say. So I just stood there. Watching her. Feeling like I'd been punched in the gut.

She said yes without even knowing it was me.

"So did I," I muttered, forcing a fake smile.

She narrowed her eyebrows at me, lips pressed tight.

Her expression screamed one word, Unbelievable.

Sakshi's POV:

I stood there, trying to calm myself by rubbing my temples, my mind racing to find a way-any way-to escape this nonsense.

"Listen," he said in a firm, demanding voice, "I don't care how you do it, but break this alliance anyhow. There's no way I'm marrying you."

A knot formed in my chest, tight and suffocating. It felt like something got stuck in my throat. My eyes welled up-not because I wanted to marry him, but because he was so willing to marry anyone but me. Well, but I was no different from him.

But I quickly composed myself.

"With the same intensity of his words, I snapped back, "As if I'm dying to marry you.”

"Good," he said coldly. "Then go inside and say... NO. Clearly."

I took a step forward, crossed my arms, and raised my chin. "Mr. Vihaan Sharma, if you're so desperate to end this, YOU, go in.. and take the honour to tell everyone. Because I–don't follow anyone's orders."

And with that, I turned and walked toward the hall, not before throwing him one last hard stare. I didn't need to look back to know he was fuming. I could feel his burning gaze following me, his clenched fists practically shaking with frustration.

As I entered the hall, all eyes shifted to me then, naturally, to the person following behind.

Him.

I sat down, legs crossed, arms on my knees, waiting. This is it. He'd say no, and this whole mess would be over. I'd never have to see him again.

Then his voice broke the silence.

"I want to say something," he said.

I turned my head sharply, holding my breath, waiting for those words that would set me free.

"It's a yes, from my side. I'm ready for this marriage." He paused, then looked right at me, eyes full of mischief and a mysterious grin on his face. "And Sakshi is too... right, Sakshi?"

Wait. What?

My breath hitched. What did just happened?!

Everyone looked at me. My palms began to sweat, my throat suddenly dry. Words got stuck somewhere between panic and disbelief.

"I... I..." I stuttered, my mind blank as everyone leaned forward.

"I'm ready too," I finally said, my voice small, clutching the edge of my dupatta.

I glanced at him again.

He was still grinning.

Jerk.

~~~•••~~~

Did you guyss liked the twist?

Why did Vihaan changed his mind at the end? Why he said that?

His pride? Revenge? Or leftover feelings? What was it?

Stayed tuned to know the reason.

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Byeee:)