When fate knocks, will you answer?

"I couldn't believe I'd agreed to this marriage. I wasn't sure why I did it. Maybe it was guilt, maybe... maybe my mother was right; that accident happened because of me. She lost her husband because of me."

Mr. Malhotra—my brother—had called me on the way back from the event.

Flashback

I answered up the call. It was my brother.

"Thank you, Sam. Thank you for agreeing to this marriage..."

"For Dad's reputation and his company," I interrupted, ending the call before he could say more.

Flashback Ended

I knew I was doing this for my dad, not my brother. I lay on my bed, staring at the ceiling, lost in thought... thinking of those intense dark eyes... that sharp face... his strong, stiff posture—Siddhant Oberoi. The man was like a shadow haunting my mind.

Suddenly, a message pulled me back. It was from Isha and Prish.

Isha: "I'm coming back to Mumbai tomorrow!"

Prish: "I'll be there on Friday morning! My work is almost done."

Isha: "Gentle Reminder—girls's night at my place on Friday!"

I smiled. I had to tell them about the marriage and everything. Maybe Friday night would be the right time.

Time skip... Friday Night

"Prish, I'm outside your apartment come fast," I told her over the phone.

"I'm coming, just give me a minute. I forgot my camera," she replied.

"Hurry up, or Isha will kill us both," I warned.

Five minutes later, Prisha rushed down, dressed in her favorite night shorts and a pink top for our pj party.

"Sorry, I got a bit late," she apologized, sliding into my car.

"Just a bit?" I asked, rolling my eyes.

"Arey ok baba, let's go. Isha's waiting."

As we arrived at the Shekhawat Mansion, I parked the car. Ishanya, Vivaan and his parents had recently moved in, and it was a stunning place—grand architecture with elegant details, designed by Vivaan's younger brother, Karan.

"You're late! I knew it was because of Prisha," Isha said as we entered.

"No, no! Sam was the one who got us late," Prisha defended with a laugh.

"Fine, it was me. I'm sorry, ladies," I confessed, laughing.

"Forget it. Let me show you the beauty of the Himachal valleys, "I took a ton of photos. I'll show you," Prisha, pulling out her camera.

"It's a pj party, Prisha, not a slideshow night!" Isha groaned.

"Oh come on. By the way, where's Rehan, Vivaan and aunty, uncle?" I asked, changing the topic.

"Rehan's asleep, and Vivaan's at the office for an important meeting. Mum and Dad decided to stay in New York; Dad's working with Shekhawat's New York branch," Isha replied.

"Well, then this is a full-on girls' night, just us!" I cheered, high-fiving Prisha.

"Yes! I did so much shopping for you guys. Let me show you!" Isha exclaimed.

Prisha and Isha were busy chatting about the cute outfits and accessories Isha had bought, including the latest Gucci collection and a Dior dress, while I tried to find the right moment to share my news.

Finally, I mustered the courage to speak up. "I'm getting married next week," I blurted out, silencing them both.

The room went quiet, and they both turned to me, shock etched on their faces.

"What?!" Isha finally exclaimed, her eyes wide with disbelief. "Married? To whom?"

Prisha leaned in closer, a look of confusion mixed with curiosity. "You can't be serious! Who is he?"

This was it—the moment I had been dreading but knew I had to face. "It's Siddhant Oberoi.