Sakshi's POV:

I came downstairs, settled into my chair, and began eating my breakfast when I noticed Mom peeking in through the door.

“What is it?” I asked, catching her hesitant expression.

“Your saas called...” she replied in a low tone. My eyebrows rose, waiting for her to finish the sentence.

(Your mother-in-law called)

“She wants you to go shopping... with Vihaan,” she finally said-the last part barely a whisper.

“So you said no, right?” I asked, expecting the most logical response. After all, in our traditions, the bride and groom don't meet in the days leading up to the wedding.

“No... I agreed,” she said, avoiding my gaze. Wow. My family is breaking their own rules for the in-laws now.

“Oh wow... how sweet. My family is bending traditions for my beloved in-laws,” I scoffed, full of sarcasm.

“Stop taunting and be ready by 3. He'll come to pick you up,” she said while rolling her eyes, then disappeared into the kitchen.

Do I even have a say in anything anymore?

I looked at the clock. 3:30 p.m.

Seriously? Can this guy ever be on time?

I was silently cursing him under my breath when the familiar honk of his car echoed from the front gate.

“Sakshi... Vihaan beta aa gaye!” Mom called out excitedly.

Oh, great. Beta. He's officially family now.

I walked out, visibly annoyed, and spotted him chilling in the car, tapping his fingers on the steering wheel, completely unbothered. Chivalry clearly wasn't his thing.

“You didn't bring your first wife, I mean, your bike?” I asked, climbing in.

“Oh? So you wanted to sit closer to me? In that case... I'll definitely bring my bike next time,” he smirked.

“I didn't mean it that way,” I snapped and quickly turned to stare out the window, avoiding his gaze.

Ten minutes later, we reached the mall.

First stop: Bridal lehenga shopping.

As I stepped into the boutique, I was hit with a sea of gorgeous lehengas and wedding dresses. It felt magical, but overwhelming.

Vihaan went straight to the counter. “Please show us your latest bridal collection,” he said to the salesgirl.

Then he turned to me. “You go ahead and select. I'll wait here” he added, taking a seat.

Well, of course. The groom's not supposed to see the bride in her wedding outfit before the big day.

I nodded and followed the salesgirl. After an hour, long brain-numbing session of lehenga selection, I finally chose my wedding lehenga and the saree I'd wear during the pheras.

I was scanning through a pile of sarees when my eyes landed on a stunning white-silvery one with a delicate, sparkling border. It looked straight out of a fairytale.

“You have great taste, ma'am. Should I pack this one too?” the salesgirl asked, noticing the unmistakable glint in my eyes.

I quickly shook my head. “No, no... I already have enough for today. I've bought ten sarees for the wedding, that's more than enough.”

“Are we done?” a familiar voice interrupted. He stood there, hands in his pockets, clearly bored.

“Yes... what's next?” I asked, sighing.

“Jewellery store,” he replied.

We stepped into a jewellery showroom next. I settled on the seat while the salesman brought out a tray of exquisite necklaces. They were all stunning, but my brain had officially fried. I was terrible at picking things for myself and no way I was going to ask him for help.

As I browsed distractedly, I noticed him holding a necklace in his hand, examining it intently. After a moment, he gently placed it back on the tray.

“That one,” I pointed instinctively at the same necklace.

He looked up, his eyes locking with mine like he could see something right through me. I immediately looked away.

The salesman placed the necklace in front of me. I picked it up and tried to wear it, but the clasp was too tight and stubborn. I struggled for a moment.

Then, without a word, he stood up and stepped closer. His warm, gentle fingers slightly brushed mine as he took the clasp in his hand. He was now standing behind me, our reflections meeting in the small mirror in front.

His touch against the back of my neck sent a shiver racing down my spine. I could feel my cheeks heating up. He didn't break eye contact, not even for a second. As he fastened the hook, his fingers grazed my skin again, this time not by accident.

I looked anywhere but at him, stunned at his boldness.

“It looks beautiful on you, ma'am,” the salesman's voice snapped me back to reality.

“Pack this one,” Vihaan said, before I could utter a word.

We walked out of the mall and headed toward his car. He had just started the engine when my phone rang, it was a group call from my girl gang.

“Sakshi! We were supposed to go shopping today!” Samira shouted, clearly fuming.

That's when it hit me.

I had completely forgotten about our plans.

“I'm so sorry, guys. It completely slipped my mind,” I said in my defense.

“No worries, we can still go now,” Soniya offered.

“Umm... actually, I'm already out shopping... with Vihaan,” I replied, bracing myself for the oncoming taunts.

“Traitor,” Hriti declared dramatically.

“Pehla pyaar mila nahi ki yaar ko bhool gayi,” Nikki added with a fake sob.

(You found your first love, and instantly forgot your friends.)

“Haan haan, ab toh saiyaan mil gaye hain... humein kaun puche,” Ayesha chimed in with exaggerated drama.

(Oh yes, now that you've found your prince, who even remembers us anymore?)

From the corner of my eye, I caught the smug little smile on Vihaan's face, he was clearly enjoying this.

These girls had a solid record of embarrassing me in front of him.

“Guys... can you all please shut up... he's sitting right next to me,” I whispered, gritting my teeth.

“Then pass the phone to him, we want to talk to our hone wala jiju,” Soniya demanded.

I was about to deny when he gestured at me to hand over the phone.

As soon as he said hello, a chorus screamed from the other end,

“Hiiiiiiiii jijuuuuuuuu!”

He laughed, “Hi to everyone. How are you all?”

“We're fine! And after hearing about the wedding, we're on full energy mode,” Ayesha replied with excitement bouncing in her voice.

“That's quite visible,” he chuckled.

Then came the dramatic voice, “And Hriti, hope you're still not mad at me?” he asked, raising a brow with a sheepish grin.

“Nope, we're not done yet. Will settle the rest at your wedding,” Hriti shot back, mirroring the same grin.

I remembered how Samira had told me they had a mini face-off after I left. Apparently, Hriti had blown up at him-because, well, he was the reason I left.

“Okay okay, girls. You can all roast him later,” I said, snatching the phone from his hand before they started planning the sangeet roast of the groom. I ended the call.

He was still grinning.

Idiot.

~~~•••~~~

Hey, readers...how was the chapter?

Enjoying the chemistry, fun banter and love-hate relationship between Sakshi and Vihaan?

Don't forget to vote and comment.

Follow my Instagram- @siyaawriitess to get updates and spoilers.

Byeeee :)