A month later, Sakshi leaned on her pillow, watching the released video multiple times on YouTube. Of the thirty thousand views, five hundred would have certainly been contributed by her. She made her friends like the video from all their accounts. Tanuj and Rishabh edited it better than big-budget music videos, adding orange and teal filters, lighting presets, special effects and extras as Prince Ayush's subjects. It looked real, beyond compare.

Sunehra Jeevan Dal won the elections, resulting in extreme curtailing of her freedom. Udayveer forbade her even from meeting Vinnati. With her father and brother handling party work, and mother absent most of the time, Sakshi busied herself with hearing Lajo's tales, listening to music, and playing with Barfoo.

Nights remained reserved for clandestine, under-the-blanket video calls with Ayush. Though physically apart for a month, their love grew stronger as he said. Whenever she remembered him, she touched the heart stone on her finger and reminisced his company.

However, tonight was different. Her results would be announced the next day. Tucking herself in the quilt from head to toe, she dialled his number and plugged her earphones. The video call connected, revealing his tired smile. With the screen light illuminating her face, Sakshi raised her eyebrows.

"What happened to my love?"

"Nothing."

"Why have you started keeping secrets from me?"

"Arey baba, there's no need for me to do that. I'm just upset about not meeting you."

"How long will this go on? I want to hold your hand and walk in the street, proud that you're mine."

"I have the same desire, yaara. But what can we do?"

"Isn't there any solution to this?"

"I'm sure we'll find a way before you complete your MBA."

"When are we meeting again?"

"You should answer that. I'll meet you whenever you're ready. Even now,"

"Ayush, it's 11 PM!,

"I mean it, I can come now if you wish."

"All this Romeo stuff works only in literature. Never try such stunts in real life."

"Whatever the Madame says."

"Do you remember what's tomorrow?"

"Wednesday? No, Thursday?"

"It's my results day!"

"I was playing around. I've already got surprises for you."

"For what?"

"Shouldn't I congratulate you?"

"Accounts, fine. But how are you sure I would've done well in the other subjects."

"I know about my yaara."

"I need a big favour from you. I'm scared to check the results. Can you please do it for me?"

He smirked. "I thought you'll ask me to meet your father, which I should do someday. But that's what I assumed when you said big favour."

Sakshi gulped at the thought. "You're making me more nervous! Can you check or not?"

"I'll definitely check. I forgot to tell you, I've joined a part-time music band!"

"Woah, amazing! When?"

"Yesterday. They roped me in after seeing our video. It's a small band, playing at weddings and functions."

"Oh! You can get bigger offers for your talent."

"You're right, but I'll stick to this till my big break."

"Alright, all the best."

"Thanks. How is Barfoo doing?"

"He's grown up, almost an adolescent."

"One day when we get married, Barfoo will be part of our little home."

"I'm yearning for that day."

He hummed a soft 'yes'.

"Alright, talk to you tomorrow," she said, yawning and stretching out.

"Love you, miss you." He pressed his lips to the phone speaker and kissed her.

She kept the phone to her cheek and grinned. "That kiss landed right where it should."

"From when have you become so naughty, yaara?"

"After joining with you. Your naughtiness is contagious."

"And so is your happiness. Good night."

"Night night." With a heavy heart, she hung up the call and slipped into sleep, hoping he'd meet her at least in her dreams.

The piercing noise of her ringtone cracked her slumber. Phosphenes appeared when she rubbed her eyes. Not caring to see who it was, she clicked on the answer button of the voice call.

"Hearty congratulations, yaara! You've scored eighty-six percentage." Ayush's delightful tone siphoned her fatigue.

"How much? Fifty-six?"

"Eighty-six!"

"You're joking."

"Pinky promise," he said.

She jumped up and danced, wiggling and jiggling around her room. "Woohoo! Only because of your help, my dear accounts teacher!"

"All this is possible through your hard work. Keep going and reach new heights, yaara," he said.

"Thank you, Ayush."

"Keep an eye open for a courier."

"Why are you taking trouble?"

"It's an expression of love for my girl. I've given Vinnati's name so that no one gets a doubt."

"That's very smart," she said.

"I'd love to talk all day but I must leave for work now."

"Enjoy your day!"

"There's nothing I enjoy. Anyway, thanks."

"Is Yash bothering you again?"

"He's quiet as a mouse. After your father won the elections, he doesn't dare to look me in the eye. I'm getting bored."

"Shall I call and tell him to trouble you again?"

"I can handle a bit of boredom, it's nothing I'm not used to."

"What a somersault! Hey, aren't you running late for work?"

"Oh yeah, thanks for the reminder."

"Take care, Ayush."

"You too, yaara. If you ever need anything, don't hesitate to call me," he said and hung up.

Taking a hot water bath and changing into a fresh set of clothes, she stormed to the living room, nearly bumping into Ranveer.

"Slow down, Saash," he said with a frown.

"My results are out!"

"How much?"

"Eighty-six percentage!"

He scooped her in his arms and tousled her hair. "You've made Bhaiyya very proud. Even my entire school life results put together won't amount to eighty-six percent."

"I'm going to tell everyone else."

"Baba is at the party office. Maa has gone to visit Sheetal Maushi's husband's sister."

"She doesn't care about me lately, nor does she eat my cooking."

"It's not that, Saash. She feels relaxed and her sugar levels are low when she visits her family."

"Am I also not her family?"

He patted her shoulder. "You worry too much."

She lifted her shoulders in a nonchalant shrug. "Lajo Aunty must be there."

He snorted. "Market."

"Where are you going?"

"I've got a ten-minute work, Saash. I'm never too busy for you though," he said, hurrying outside with his jeep keys.

Sakshi trudged to the kitchen, grabbed the aluminium milk can and returned to her room. Sprawling his legs in a basket, Barfoo slept in an un-catlike manner. Tiptoeing inside, she poured fresh milk into his dry bowl and drank some directly from the can. She couldn't call Vinnati as the latter's phone was not reachable throughout the week due to signal issues. The only time they spoke was on Saturday evenings, and that was five days away.

Climbing on her bed, she drew her knees to her chest and hugged them. She stared at the window with a longing gaze. Her heart withered like a flower, sheer loneliness replacing the elation of scoring well in the exam. Was it even worth it?

Hearing familiar voices in the living room, she rose up and dashed out to the corridor. Her eyes narrowed in disappointment seeing Hemant and slightly widened as Jeetu entered with a black suitcase.

She joined her palms and dipped her head at Jeetu. "Namaste, Bhaiji."

"Oho, Namaste, Saashu!"

"I got my results today, eighty-six percent total marks."

Hemant rolled his eyes.

Jeetu gasped. "Brilliant! When is the treat?"

"Soon, Bhaiji."

"We wanted to meet your brother."

"He'll be back in ten minutes. Can I get you something to drink? Tea, coffee?

Jeetu shook his palm horizontally. "No, Saashu. I had my breakfast right before coming."

"Alright, Bhaiji."

"I heard you have flowering shrubs in the garden."

She nodded. "Lajo Aunty has planted yellow roses and hibiscus."

"I'd like to see it. I'm looking for new ideas for my rooftop garden."

Grateful for not having to fight Hemant, she led Jeetu to the garden in the backyard. To her dismay, Jeetu plucked the most beautiful roses and stuffed them in his pocket. Still, this was better than facing Hemant. His raging bug-eyes smouldered her from a distance, mocking her defiance.

When Ranveer's jeep pulled in, she heaved a relieved sigh and retired to her boring but safe bedroom. While the three men conversed, Sakshi received a courier from India Post with the sender's name as Vinnati. With a knowing smile, she took it to her room and shut the door.

Her frigid fingers unwrapped the brown sheet and tore the tape off a corrugated box. A shiny gold packet glimmered in the dusty sun rays. She opened it to find a cuddly brown teddy bear and a heart-shaped chocolate box. The note on the box read, "To my yaara, you rock!"

Tears filled the corner of her eyes. She pressed the teddy bear close to her heart and beamed as if holding a part of him. Peeling off the gold foil, she popped a chocolate into her mouth. The flavours of sweetened cocoa, creme and hazelnuts burst in her tongue. She crunched into the three more, celebrating to her heart's content. Barfoo woke up and stretched his limbs like rubber. Licking his front paw, he crouched below and flicked his tongue into the bowl, taking ample sips. She chuckled and scratched his fur.

And for a moment, everything seemed right.

•••

The next day. Blue paint coating the Rana Mansion appeared purple in the twilight. A few aristocrat families and ministers gathered in the large living room, clad in festive attire. Despite Sakshi's reluctance, Udayveer threw a grand party for her. The caterers prepared foods served only at weddings or engagements. A band stationed at the gate assailed their trumpets, shehnaais, and drums. Musicians stood inside the buildings, playing romantic tunes on guitars and pianos.

Her father's ulterior motive hadn't dawned upon her. She assumed he was over-enthusiastic to celebrate her achievement. Pushpa and Lajo helped her drape an expensive pastel pink silk saree and decked her up in fine gold jewellery. Unlike other days, Pushpa treated her with the maternal affection she so craved. It was too good to be true. Lajo topped things with a thick strand of jasmine flowers wrapped around her high bun.

"Why so much?"

Lajo cupped her cheeks. "Beti, today is such an important day in your li-"

"You should look good in front of our guests," Pushpa said, cutting her midway. "Lajo di, check on the caterers."

"Okay, Pushpaji," Lajo said, lowering her eyes and walking out.

A strong gut feeling warned Sakshi that something was wrong.

"Let's go, Sakshi."

"Maaji, what was Lajo Aunty trying to say?"

"Nothing. Come with me."

Pushpa's hands gripped her shoulders and ushered her down. All the guests scrutinised her with wide eyes, smirks and scowls. Her heart missed a beat seeing Hemant clad in a pastel pink kurta- the very same shade as hers- and perched on a decorated loveseat. Her muscles turned rigid. She pursed her lips and paused in tracks.

"Move, Sakshi," Pushpa said.

"No, Maaji," she said, glueing her feet to the ground.

Udayveer approached her with a rude glare. "What's wrong, dear?"

"I see what's happening, Babaji. No one asked me a word," she said.

"Surprise!" He shouted and clapped his hands, others in the room following suit.

"I don't want this."

"Don't test my patience, dear."

She grasped his rock-like hand. "Please, Babaji.

"Do you want to insult me in front of all these guests?" His words had an air of finality. "Take her, Pushpa."

Dragging her feet to the loveseat, she sat beside Hemant. Fighting the urge to cry, she straightened her shoulders and looked ahead.

Udayveer tapped the head of the microphone and handed it to Kushwant. "Go ahead, Kushwaa Bhai."

"Good evening, dear friends. Thanks for coming to the engagement ceremony of my son and my dear friend Udayveer's daughter, Sakshi Kumari," he said, eliciting cheers.

"Our family is delighted to take Sakshi as our bahu. We will treat her as our daughter. To symbolise this, we exchange this plate of dry fruits, sweets and gold jewellery."

His wife Kalpana passed a silver plate with the said gifts to Pushpa. In return, Pushpa handed her a set of clothes and a fat gold chain for Hemant. They joined their hands in a 'namaste' and smiled at each other. Ranveer brought an enamel tray with two rings.

Udayveer took the mic. "Solitaire diamond rings for my dear daughter and future son in law!"

At Ranveer's prodding, Sakshi picked the ring and pushed it Hemant's finger with a disgusted frown. Guilt trampled her heart. What would Ayush think if he was here?

"Stretch your hand, Sakshi," Pushpa whispered.

She shook her head horizontally. "Maaji, I . . . "

"Don't hesitate, my dear!" Udayveer said, masking his threatening eyes with a smile.

Chewing her lower lip and closing her eyes, she stretched out her hand.

"She's already wearing a ring?!" Hemant gasped.

Sakshi froze and clutched the ring given by Ayush.

"Take it off," Udayveer said.

Not wishing to let go of her love, she took off the ring and wore it on her other hand. She pacified herself that this meant nothing. Hemant was merely presenting her a piece of jewellery bought by her own father. Her heart was with Ayush, and nothing could change that. Nothing.

Convinced at this theory, she extended her hand again, letting Hemant scrape the metal down her fingers. The crowd broke into a huge round of applause. Kushwant and Udayveer hugged each other with broad smiles mouthing 'badhai ho'. She swivelled her neck and turned aside.

Her breath hitched seeing Ayush among the musicians. His shrunken face was drained of colour, his muscles still as a volcano before an eruption. His Adam's apple soared and dipped. Raw betrayal glittered in his cocoa eyes, stabbing her soul. Kicking an empty can of Coke, he stormed out of the mansion with his guitar.

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