Chapter 3: Next day~

Abhimaan Agarwal

“Mom, please, I don't want to get married,” I said softly, trying to make her understand, although I knew she wouldn't listen. This evening, we had to visit Anushka’s house. I didn't want to marry anyone; marriage is a useless thing.

Mom ignored me. I sighed, walking back to my room. I started getting ready for the office. As I was done, I walked back downstairs and saw Mom and Dad talking nicely. I rolled my eyes. “Mom, Dad, I'm leaving.”

Just then, Dad stopped me: “You won't go to the office today; we're going to visit Anushka's house today.”

“Dad, we'll be visiting her house in the evening, I'll be back by then, let me go.” I was getting annoyed by my family's behavior. “No, we're leaving in half an hour, so just sit here quietly; Mom and I will get ready.” I sighed.

"Yeh dono meri shadi krva ke hi manege."

After an hour~

Here I am, in front of Anushka's family. Her mom, dad, and other family members were talking to my parents, while I was bearing the talks of her brother and cousins. I wasn't even interested in their talks; they were laughing while cracking stupid jokes. Such a headache.

“Where is our daughter?” Mom asked Anushka's mom. I internally rolled my eyes at her choice of words. She could simply take her name.

"Should I just run away?" I thought.

"Yeah, so that your dad shoots you."

“Mahi, go and tell Anushka to come,” Aunty said to Anushka's cousin. Soon Anushka was here; she greeted my parents. Her gaze averted to me; she murmured something, but I ignored it.

After an hour of talking, Mom and Dad decided on the ring ceremony for today itself, and they called a pandit to fix the marriage date.

And guess what!

Meri buri kismat.

My marriage is after 2 weeks.

Nahi Bhagwan, aapko main hi mila tha? Jo meri hi zindagi mein yeh saari musibatein daali hain.

After a week~

I always try to ignore Anushka, and she doesn't try to talk to me either; maybe she's also forced into this marriage. But who cares? Right now, Anushka and I were visiting our relatives' houses to give them cards. My mom wanted me and Anushka to go together; I said no, but Dad forced me again. We're almost done, and now we're heading to Anushka's cousin's house. I stopped my car as Anushka told me that we'd reached.

Now a new shock.

Anushka is Rooh’s cousin.

Mom ko Ladki bhi iske hi khandan ki mili thi?

Rooh Chaudhary ~

I'm avoiding meals, sitting in a dark room all day, and trying to keep myself busy with work, writing books, and freelancing. My dad asked me to start a job, but I denied it. I'm earning well through freelancing, and I don't want to leave my room. One of my cousins is getting married; I don't know which one, and I'm not interested. Vanshika, my sister, went with Dad during the engagement. Pata nahi aisa kya pasand aa gaya ladke mein ki dekhte hi engagement fix kar di.

I was editing when my sister Vanshika shouted my name. I got up from bed, placing my laptop beside me, and opened the door. She was grinning. “What?”

“Anu dii is here with her future husband; she is asking for you. They're here to give us their marriage card.”

“Ask Mom or Dad to handle them, Vanshika.”

“Mom and Dad went out somewhere; you were sleeping, so they didn't inform you.”

I picked up my dupatta, which was lying on the bed, and wrapped it around me. I walked towards the living area.

As I saw them, I was shocked.

Abhimaan? Anushka?

He's marrying my cousin?

The fuck—

As Abhimaan saw me, he was shocked too. “Rooh...?” he whispered. “You know her?” Anushka, aka Anu dii, asked.

He ran his hand through his hair. “Um, yes,” he said. “How?” Anu asked.

“We are—” I was cut off by Abhimaan

“We were, we were friends.”

I felt like my heart was broken into pieces.

Anu nodded. I asked them to sit and told the maid to bring juice for them. Anushka requested me to come to their wedding, and I promised that I'd come.

After some time, they left. I came back to my room, locking the door behind me. I placed the card in the drawer and cried my heart out as I sat on the floor near the bed. My head was bursting while thinking about everything.

Just then, my phone rang. I furiously wiped my tears, picked up my phone, and saw it was a video call from Aarohi, my friend. I picked up my water bottle, drank some water, took a deep breath, and answered the call.

I smiled widely, “Heyyy.” She grinned too. “You know what? The girl Abhimaan's getting married to is my cousin.”

“What?” I nodded. “Are you okay?”

“Yes, I'm happy for them.” I smiled. “Now, don't you love him anymore?”

“Jaruri toh nahi hai na, joh naa mile usse bhula hi diya jaye. Aur maine kab kaha tha vo mera hi ho jaye? Bass itna chahiye tha ki samne dikh jaye, aakhon ka guzara ho jaye.”

“Rooh...”

“He's getting married now; move on.” I smiled. “Maine kaha kisi ko roka hai fir?”

“Move on, girl; you deserve better,” she said.

“No one is better than him.”

She shook her head. “Okay, don't listen to me, but take care of yourself and your heart.”