I wore a Dark black velvet suit with a hint of embroidery around the edges. I applied some cologne and ran some gel through my hair while watching my reflection in the goddamn mirror.

Ruffling my hair, made it look even more messy. Well, just the way I had wanted.

My mind was filled with questions and problems which were jumping inside in requirement of an answer.

But right now, all I want is a goddamn reason to get off this engagement.

"Sir?!" Vinay was standing in my room's entrance.

Vinay has been my PA for more than 4 years.

"Yes Vinay, found something?" All my attention was now on him, waiting for him to answer.

"Sir you were right about it. The lift didn't stop on it's own, it had been purposely shut off, and they couldn't reconnect immediately as the wires were also disconnected in a very strange manner"

Vinay's dismal mood said it all.

"What do you think, Vinay?"

"Sir--sirr" Vinay, stammered.

"Just tell Vinay"

"Sir--I think---som--someone wants you dead" He said it in a go.

Well, I expected the same.

"Fine Vinay you can go" I gestured him to leave.

"Sir--but I really don't know who would want someone like you--dead?!"

"Business Enemies maybe?!" I shrugged with no idea.

"Sir but--"

"Vinay, And that Jewellery boutique---whatever it's name is, I want all the background details and also the share and stock market details of that company. I don't want that boutique to function for another freaking day"

"Yes sir, I will mail all the details by tonight sir" Vinay nodded furiously and eagerly.

"Vikram, What are you still doing here??" Mom rushed inside my room, as I signaled Vinay to leave.

"Mom, I was--"

"Hayee, you look so handsome in this suit. I know mumma's choice is always the best!"

"Liar, Rohit told me that he chose this suit" I smirked.

"He told you already? Huh--Anyways Suha is waiting for you since a decade, come fast, we have to start the engagement "

"Ask her to wait for another decade " I shrugged.

"Shut up and come, and well Vikram, you didn't return because I forced you right?" Mom asked, confused.

I had planned not to return for another week. But mom started to call and leave storage filling messages, asking me to return. Though meeting and stuff were just an excuse, I still couldn't find a way out of this.

"Of course not mom, my meeting was postponed thats why" I lied flawlessly.

I left the suite with mum and descended the stairs.

In one corner, Suhana and her friends were jumping like monkeys. Wonder what's the topic.

"Mom I clearly asked you not to call the Media" I clenched my teeth.

"Suhana, come here" Mom diverted.

And as expected all three of them came forward, as if all were named Suhana.

And shockingly she was unusually, unexpectedly pretty today.

She was constantly fiddling her hands, showing off her nervousness.

"May I have your attention please" Dad held his champagne glass and clinked it with a spoon to get everyone's attention.

"Thank You. I am glad to announce both of my son's engagement today along with welcoming two beautiful daughters in our family. Vikram and Suhana, it's time to exchange the rings" Dad nodded with a smile.

I signalled Suhana to come with me, as we both moved forward.

I don't want this to happen.

Kaashvi Aunty brought the rings decorated in a personalized ring holder.

"Go on Vikram" Mom whispered.

Reminding myself that this is not real and just a fake engagement, I picked up the ring and slid it inside her ring finger, while she was completely shook and dumbfounded.

I could feel her fingers go chill with every second passing by.

"Suhana, come on" Mom and Dad started cheering up while she was in no mood to quit staring at me.

"Ahem" I cleared my throat loudly as she jumped back to this world.

She picked up the ring which was meant for me and slid it inside my finger with her shivering hands.

Everyone started to applaud as mom and dad started to bring the hell out of us by constantly hugging and shedding tears.

"I am so happy for you Vikram" Mom hugged another time.

"Suhana, smile a bit" Mom pulled her cheeks while she stood still like a statue.

We then sat away in one of those circular tables, while she was still drowning in her own thoughts.

Everyone had decided to have a small break and then continue with Rohit and Megha's Engagement.

"I thought you had a plan," Suhana asked in a low voice, confused.

"Probably I didn't have one"

"We are half married now" She said with her eyes fixed somewhere else.

"Whatever it is, It is fake"

And that's the truth and will remain so.

And shockingly, she didn't open her mouth for the next few minutes.

"I want to ask you something!" She opened her mouth as expected.

"What?" I picked up a glass of champagne.

"You sent this watch and those flowers the other day?" Her lips parted, confused.

"Yeah! Wait--What flowe--"

"Suhana" Mom called, as she moved away.

What was she talking about?

What flowers? What watch?

"Is it true?" A familiar shrewd voice grabbed my attention from behind.

Here comes the official douchebag.

"Well, I don't remember inviting you?" I uttered, completely disgusted with the very thought of this idiot, roaming around here.

"We were business partners!"

"Exactly, we were--not anymore. So what are you doing here?? Came for free food?? Well no problem, I don't mind donating " I shrugged.

"Shut up, I am here as Aisha's brother and I was invited by Suhana and not you."

"Please go that side or else I might puke on your face"

"Yeah, carry on, while there are people plotting to have you dead." He said, leaving me speechless.

How the hell, does this guy know about it?

"What happened Mr.Vikram Malhotra? Speak up"

"Keep your nose out of this Vivaan, only that would be better for you!"

"Listen, you die, I don't care, but i won't control the very thought of losing Suhana because of a scum like you. Just keep Suhana away from this. You don't deserve someone like her"

"So--? She deserves a douchebag like you?"

"Call whatever you want, but the truth is that Suhana had to suffer and almost die because of you and whoever wanted you dead."

I clenched my fist, until my knuckles turned white, filled with rage , wanting to punch him on his face.

"If you really don't want her to die because of your ego, just leave " He paused between each and every word and left before I could give him a fitting reply.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, let's now proceed with my youngest son Rohit and Megha's Engagement " Dad announced.

"Sorry, aunty had called. What were you saying?" Suhana sat next to me.

"You wanted to stop this marriage right?

"Well--yeah, I guess you wanted the same. You have a plan?" She asked confused, and turned away as I didn't reply.

"Congratulations both of you" Applause commenced as they both exchanged their rings.

With no second thoughts, I got up and moved to mom and dad, leaving Suhana behind.

I held my champagne glass and clinked it with a spoon to get everyone's attention.

"Congratulations Megha and Rohit. I am really happy for you. " Their faces were glowing with smiles.

"But there's something I have to tell you all."

"What is it Vikram?" Mom smiled, confused.

"Me and Suhana, we don't love each other. Not just now, since the very beginning. " I uttered as the entire crowd gasped.

Suhana slowly got up from her seat, open-mouthed.

" Sorry but not sorry. Me and Suhana--we both barely know each other, maybe since a week or two. It all started as a drama and to portray her as my girlfriend, but it backfired on us, and that's why we are here now.

I know it's late, but nevermind. Now that the truth is out, let's just get rid of this drama" I said it in a go, while the media was busy capturing photos and videos.

Suhana's mom was almost on the verge of collapsing while mom and dad were seriously shook.

One day or the other, this would have been out in an appropriate way, and I don't regret the truth coming out this way.

I moved to the table, "Sorry Mom, I can't do this anymore", I removed the ring and headed the way out, as Suhana's voice almost choked, "Vikram?!"

• • • • •