Aankho ki gustakhiya maaf ho

Sometimes, the hardest choices lead to the most meaningful journeys

"Hello," I answered the call. "Kya hua tum dono ko itni subah subah call, vo bhi video call?" I asked, my hair messy and eyes still half-asleep.

"Hello, babe! We called to check if you're ready for your big day—it's your book signing event!" Isha said enthusiastically.

"Yes, darling, I'm so happy for you!" Prisha added with a big smile.

"And today, Prisha madam ji actually picked up the call! Otherwise, you know na, she's usually lost with her jaanwars," Isha teased.

"Excuse me! It's called wildlife photography, and that's my profession, okay? Not like you, just chilling and running a café from a comfy chair!" Prisha shot back.

My besties, Isha and Prisha. Isha owns a café in Bandra, and Prisha is a wildlife photographer, who starts snapping wherever she goes. They both wanted to attend my event but Isha is still in New York and Prisha is in Himachal Pradesh for her work.

"Alright, bas karo, haan!" I laughed, cutting in. "Now, do you have anything else to say, or was this just a morning dose of nok-jhok?"

"Actually, yes," Isha replied. "So, tell us—what are you planning to wear? Decided anything yet?"

"No, I'm still confused," I admitted, turning my phone's camera to show my closet. "Since you both called, help me pick, na!"

"Hi, Maasi!" Little Rehan suddenly appeared in the background. Isha turned to him and said, "Wish Maasi good luck! Today is her big day!"

His innocent excitement made me smile. "Good luck, Maasi!" he said in his baby voice.

"Thank you, Rehan bacha! You're the best!" I replied with a smile.

"Hello! Another Maasi is also here," Prisha chimed in with a grin.

"Hello, my cutie!" Prisha added, waving at Rehan.

Rehan's eyes lit up, waving back at Prisha. "Hi, Prishu Maasi !" he said with a shy smile.

"Baby, go to Daadi; she was calling you," Isha said, trying to shoo him away.

As Rehan ran off, I heard Vivaan's voice in the background. "Good luck with your event, Sam," he called out. I could see him behind Isha, phone in hand, looking busy as usual.

"Ahh, look at Mr. Businessman, always on a call," Prisha teased.

"Don't say anything about my husband!" Isha shot back, rolling her eyes dramatically.

I couldn't help but laugh, feeling grateful for the little chaos they always brought into my life.

"Okay, now tell me what I should wear. I'm confused between the red and black dress," I said, glancing at both options hanging in my closet.

Prisha smiled, "Black one! It'll definitely grab attention."

Sam, this is a book signing, not a hike in the hills! Wear the red dress! You look fab in red."

I glanced at Prisha, who was already shaking her head. "No, not the red—it's too predictable. Go with the black one—it's classy and suits your vibe better."

"Okay, okay, bs karo ab tum dono! I'll go with... black one," I declared, putting an end to the debate.

Isha made a dramatic pout. "Fine, black it is. But you owe me dinner for this betrayal."

Laughing, I ended the call, wishing I could tell them all about the proposal, but I couldn't, not before I met Siddhanth.

I wore my black dress, pairing it with golden earrings and a small, cute pendant. I clicked a mirror selfie and sent it to my So-Called-Bitches whatsapp group. 

Isha's message popped up: "Ooh, my hottie! Looking fab!" Just then, Prisha replied, "Yes, my choice is always fab!" I smiled at their compliments.

Next, I paused in front of my father's photograph and reached out for his aashirvaad. A tear trickled down my cheek, and I brushed it away, whispering a quiet thank you. Then, I went to the pooja room, lit a diya, and took a moment to ask for God's blessings.

"Aur Samayra beta, all the best! Aaj aapka bada din hai, na?" said Sunita aunty with a warm smile, handing me my breakfast.

 I hugged her and said, "Thank you, aunty."

I took my BMW and drove to the venue. The restaurant looked beautiful for the event. Soft lights hung from the ceiling, and tables were decorated with fresh flowers. Guests started to arrive, many holding copies of my latest novel, filling the space with excitement.

The event coordinator greeted me with a smile. "It's a pleasure to have you here. We're expecting a great turnout!"

I nodded, pushing away my thoughts. "Thanks! I can't wait."

At the signing table, I introduced myself and thanked everyone for coming, sinking into the rhythm of signing book after book and adding personal notes for each reader. But soon, a strange sensation crept over me, like a prickling awareness that someone was watching.

I glanced up, scanning the crowd, and that's when I saw him. Standing in the back, dressed in a formal suit, his face mostly covered by a black mask. Our eyes met for a moment before he looked away. Just a fan, maybe? I told myself, trying to ignore the unease. But something about him felt off.

After the event, I slipped into the restroom, needing a moment to breathe. Leaning against the sink, I pulled out my phone and called my assistant Rohan.

"Any update Rohan? Did you reach Siddhanth?" I asked, impatience slipping into my tone.

"No, ma'am. He's still unreachable, but I'm trying," he replied.

I sighed in frustration and ran a hand through my hair. Then a strong hand grabbed my elbow and pulled me back. Before I could react, he had me pinned against the cold wall, knocking the air out of me. My heart raced as I struggled to make sense of what was happening.

"I looked up and met the cold, dark eyes of the man from earlier. He stood over me,  his gaze intense and unyielding."

"W-What—" I began, but my voice faltered.

He leaned in close, his breath warm against my ear as he whispered, "You don't need an appointment, my would-be wife." His lips barely brushed my skin, sending a shiver down my spine.

Siddhanth Oberoi.

I pushed him, but he stood there like a fictional character straight out of a book, arms folded across his chest. No, I couldn't admire him like that.

"How did you get here? It's an exclusive event. How did you even get the tickets?" I asked, my frustration bubbling to the surface.

He smirked, as if I had made a joke. "tickets? This is my family restaurant," he replied, his tone casual.

Ignoring his words, I pressed on. "I want to talk to you regarding the proposal.......

He cut me off. —the marriage proposal that I made to your brother!!"

"Yes, I pressed on, why do you want to marry me? I'm not even involved in my family's business." I crossed my arms defensively.

"You ask so many questions, Ms. Malhotra, he said, raising an eyebrow. "Shall we step outside? We are standing in the restroom."

We walked out toward a room, perhaps a cabin in the restaurant. He gestured for me to sit, and I obliged, taking a seat across from him. Before I could start, he tossed a file in front of me, and signalled for me to open it.

I hesitated but eventually opened the file, my heart sinking. Inside was a marriage contract. "What is this?" I exclaimed. "I'm here to ask you why you want this marriage, and you're giving me marriage contract papers?"

He leaned forward, testing my patience. "I'm not here to answer your questions. If you want to save your family's legacy—the company that your grandfather started, and your brother—just do as written here. You have only one option: marry me."

Before he could open the cabin door, I stepped in between us, leaving no space and increasing the heat of the moment. "Fine, if it's the only way to save my family, I'm ready to marry you, but I have some conditions too."

He stood there, listening to me intently. I grabbed the paper from the table, quickly jotting down my terms before handing it to him. "If you get the time, just read these. And never try to act like my husband. You are my husband in front of the world, but..."

"...but?" he prompted, his tone almost teasing as he leaned back slightly, clearly enjoying my hesitation.

"But this doesn't mean you get to dictate my life," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. "We'll have a marriage in name only. I won't be part of your life."

He raised an eyebrow, teasingly. "So you want the benefits of marriage without the commitment? Interesting."

I didn't bother to respond to that. "We'll be a couple for others, but in front of each other, we'll act like strangers."

"Don't worry, Miss. Malhotra. I'm not interested in you," he replied, a hint of amusement in his voice.

"Good," I said, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. "And one more thing: just call me Samayra."

"How about my would-be wife?" he asked, his tone playful yet probing.

"Let's not jump to titles just yet," I shot back, crossing my arms defiantly. "This arrangement is strictly business."

He leaned forward, his gaze locked onto mine. "Business or not, it still comes with its own set of challenges. Are you really prepared for that, Miss. Samayra?"

I took a deep breath, holding his stare. "I've faced challenges before. I can handle whatever comes my way Mr. Oberoi. 

We had an unspoken agreement, a balance of power between us. As we left the cabin, I knew this was just the beginning of a complicated journey that would test us both.