Sakshi's POV:

As soon as I said yes, everyone in the hall stood up in excitement. Hugs were exchanged-between families, between relatives, and eventually, with us. I just stood there, a little dazed, still trying to process what just happened.

Why did he say yes? Does he still...

No. No, I shook the thought out of my head before it could go any further.

“We should do the chheka soon,” my mother chirped amidst the celebrations.

“How about next week?” his mother suggested, her face glowing with joy. She hadn't stopped smiling since.

(Chheka means engagement and also when the wedding date is decided in Bihari culture).

“Nice idea, samdhan ji! Chat mangni, pat byah!” my father agreed, excitement lacing in his voice.

Why are these people in such a hurry? It's not like he's going to run away.

While everyone was busy planning the engagement and wedding, I found my chance. I grabbed his hand and pulled him to a quieter corner.

“Have you gone mad? Why did you say yes when it was so clear neither of us want this marriage?” I snapped, my eyes dark and brows furrowed, my frustration simmering.

“Relax,” he said, shrugging with that infuriating smirk. “Drink some cold water, your blood pressure is clearly rising.” And just like that, he turned around and walked back toward the main hall.

I swear, I wanted to punch him right there. Wipe off that smug little grin like a scene from an action movie.

But I had to play nice. Mom called me to take my seat. I did, quietly, still fuming inside.

Then his mother came forward, holding a gorgeous red chunni. With utmost grace, she placed it on my head, it was part of the ritual, symbolizing their acceptance of me as their daughter-in-law.

I looked down at the chunni... and then up at him.

He was already looking at me.

Our eyes met. And in that fleeting moment, I saw something in his gaze,

Something different.

Something softer.

Something... I couldn't name.

And it left my heart just a little confused.

Everyone had left. I came back to my room, fell on my bed with full dramatic effect, and shut my eyes.

Flashback:

It was during our semester exams. I was halfway through my paper when I got stuck in two questions I had no clue about. I looked around helplessly, scanning the class to see who I could possibly get help from. My eyes landed on the class topper, Sudhir who was sitting two rows away on the last bench. He was scribbling like a machine, fully immersed in his answer sheet.

I kept staring, silently hoping he'd somehow notice my struggle, but he didn't even look up. Instead, the guy sitting next to him caught me staring and raised his eyebrows. I subtly mouthed the question to him. He answered, but God knows what language that boy was speaking. I understood nothing.

The exam ended. Those two questions remained untouched. And I was fuming.

Later, in the college garden, my girl gang was waiting for me–Hriti, Nikki, Soniya, Ayesha, and Samira.

“What happened? You look upset,” Soniya asked with concern.

“I couldn't complete two answers. All because of an idiot,” I grumbled.

“Who?” they asked in unison, like a well-rehearsed girl band.

I was about to respond when my eyes spotted someone walking a few meters away from us. I paused. Hands in his pockets, shirt untucked, walking like he ruled the place, his hair looking nothing but a mess. It was the first time when I observed him clearly.

“That guy,” I pointed.

Everyone turned.

“Vihaan,” Samira said knowingly. “He's in our Chemistry class.”

Flashback ends.

My eyes flew open as my phone rang beside me, it was a group video call from the girls.

“So? How was the meeting?” Samira asked, eyes gleaming.

“Was he husband material?” Ayesha added with a mischievous grin.

“Was his family good?” Nikki continued.

Hriti and Soniya were just about to jump in too when I cut them off.

“Guys, guys, guys... let me speak first!”

They went silent, curiosity burning on their faces.

“Do you all have a chair nearby? Or a bed, sofa, floor—anything to sit on? Because I'm about to drop a bomb.”

“Why are you being so dramatic? Just tell us now... did they say yes?” Soniya asked impatiently.

“Yes. The marriage is fixed. Chheka is next week.”

All five of them screamed in excitement like I'd just announced my engagement to a K-drama lead.

“Wait, wait, at least ask the name of my to-be husband,” I added with a deep sigh.

“What's his name?” Nikki was the first to ask.

“Vihaan Sharma.”

Silence.

And then,

“WHAAAATTTTTTTTT?!”

Their voices echoed so loud I had to pull the phone away from my ears.

“Wait, wait, wait... did I hear that right? Vihaan Sharma? Our Vihaan?” Nikki gasped.

“The same guy who's name used to be enough to turn you into a red tomato?” Ayesha added giving dramatic laugh.

“Him?” Soniya looked like she was experiencing an existential crisis on my behalf.

“Yes! The one who's smile made Sakshi melt in seconds,” Samira repeated for dramatic effect, as I wasn't embarassed enough.

“And the one for whom Sakshi had to leave us”, Hriti finally spoke.

“Guys, I know who he is!” I said, burying my face into the pillow. “Do you think I didn't remember that stupid exam day? Or how he smirks like the world revolves around him?”

“And you're going to marry him?” Hriti exclaimed, half-laughing and half-screaming.

“No! I mean yes! I mean... I didn't know it was him when I said yes!” I sighed loudly.

There was a moment of silence.

Then Soniya said, "Okay but, this is giving pure Wattpad energy."

“Enemies to lovers?” Nikki chimed in.

“Arranged marriage with the boy you claim to hate but love secretly?” Samira grinned.

“Plot twist of the century,” Ayesha added with a wink.

“Oh God,” I groaned. “My life has officially turned into a cliché.”

“But babe... we live for clichés”, they said together, like a cult.

I fell back on the bed, staring at the ceiling.

Somewhere, fate was laughing. Hard.

~~~•••~~~

How was the chapter? Did you guyss liked the girls group chat? More flashbacks incoming.

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Byeeee:)