"I knew it! I told you that Viraj loves you and that is why he is hell-bent on marrying you!" Jyoti exclaimed as Sneha told her all about Viraj's love confession. They were in the college cafe, utilizing their break time in discussing Sneha's chaotic life.

"He doesn't love me. He is just...in an illusion again. He is just infatuated with me, Jyoti. He is now claiming his feelings to be 'love', that's it." Sneha contradicted.

"How can you be so sure? I mean, you just told me how he looked at you throughout the time that the musicians played that romantic song. You know that men can't help but stare at the woman they are in love with. So, it is obvious that he loves you."

"As usual, he must have read about 'being in love' and all that thing on the internet. Or he must have watched another documentary on dating, from where he got the wrong idea."

"Documentary?"

"Hmm. He gets all the romantic ideas from the internet or the documentaries that explain to him how to date or spend time with a girl. I bet he got the idea of the firecrackers and the musicians from there."

"He watches all those things to learn how to express his feelings?" Jyoti was surprised.

"Yes. And, that is why I know that he doesn't love me. If he really loved me, then he would be showing his true self to me...and not this fake gentle facade that he is displaying these days."

"Or maybe it is his true nature."

"Viraj Khatri and gentle? Did you forget about his profession and what he does for a living? I mean, I don't even know how many people has he murdered to build that huge mansion that he calls home!"

"Yeah, I know! But, he is also a human being. He can fall in love too!"

"With me? Do you think I am better in any manner when compared with his ex-fiancee, Nupur? I am not as beautiful as her. I am not as rich as her. I am not as gentle as her. I am not as soft-spoken as her. And, most importantly, I am not the ideal woman that Viraj wants. He wants someone who agrees with him on every point. He wants his wife to do what he wants, go where he wants her to go and eat what he wants her to eat. He practically wants to control her life! Nupur wanted that lifestyle, and I respect her choice. But, I do not want it. If Viraj truly loved me, he would know about what I want!"

"How will he know what you truly want when you are always faking your feelings towards him? You accept his advances, for God's sake! You are even letting him kiss you! All this will obviously give him the wrong signal. He will think that you are happy and fine with all that he does!"

"Why are you supporting him?" Sneha whined!

Jyoti sighed.

"I am not supporting him, Sneha. I am just trying to understand the mess that you both have created in each other's lives. And, you are to be blamed equally since you are not telling him the truth about your real feeling about him and this marriage. If you don't want this, then you still have time to tell him the truth. I don't know how often I have to tell you this again and again!"

"I...I can't tell him the truth from my mouth! His father has warned me thousand times that if I'd hurt his son's heart, he will literally kill me but not before killing my entire family in front of me! Tell me, what would you have done at my place?"

Jyoti sighed. It was a tricky question, and she would never want to be in Sneha's shoes.

"I don't know, Sneha, but I strongly feel that you should talk to Viraj and have a healthy discussion about your future with him. Tell him that it won't work out with you two."

"Three times...I gave him a direct signal three times. Once, I told him clearly that I am not used to his lifestyle and that I won't be able to adjust later. And, he said that he'd slowly teach me. The second time, when we were in the middle of the sea in his yacht, I told him that I never wanted to be engaged in a family that is related to crime and illegal things. And, he replied by saying that I'll get used to it just like the women in his family has. Third, just two weeks ago, when I felt like his mood was light, I told him that I do not want others to make fun of me or talk about me being married into a mafia family. Do you know what he did? He laughed. He laughed and then assured me that no one would dare to make fun of his wife and if anyone did, he would easily wipe off their existence so that it would teach a lesson to others."

"Oh God, that's scary!" Jyoti mumbled on hearing her friend.

"Think about my condition, then. I had to listen to this warning. He has grown so comfortable with me that he doesn't even hesitate to discuss these things with me or in front of me. It's as if he is daring me to go and reveal everything to the police. He knows I won't because the police believe evidence...and all his businesses are flawless in terms of the law."

Jyoti remained quiet for a while. She just couldn't understand Sneha's situation. She wanted Sneha to tell the truth to Viraj, but on hearing her side of the story, it didn't seem that easy.

"So, what are you going to do? I mean, you can't marry him, Sneha!"

"I know. I have tried everything possible to convince him to say no to this proposal. I tried to be clingy so much so that even I'd hate myself for it. But, that man...he just seemed to enjoy it. I can't be rude because that attracted him in the first place. I don't want to be caught up in a mess anymore deeper. So, now, I am totally dependent on my father. Papa told me yesterday that I must play along with Viraj and his family's drama, and when the time will be right, he will help me in escaping all this. That is why I am not using my brain at all because whatever I do, it's just giving the opposite result."

"I can't even imagine what your parents are going through, Sneha!"

Sneha visibly sighed.

"I know. I hate to be the reason for their stress. Papa is always trying to seek contacts that can help him. And, mummy is always lecturing me on being mentally strong. She knows that Viraj touches me inappropriately..."

"Oh my God! Did he try to r..."

"Not that extreme...But, he forgets about physical distance when we are together alone. Now, even my closest relatives know that we spend the nights together. And, I know they all think the worst. This further stresses my parents." Sneha rubbed her forehead in frustration as the memories of Viraj kissing her flashed through her eyes.

"Sneha...relax..."

"How can I? I wonder if papa also thinks that something...sexual happens between me and Viraj. I told mummy that nothing of that sort happens so that she can assure papa. But, who would believe me anyway! And, I know that papa is concerned whether I would get any marriage proposal after Viraj's family breaks this engagement. Talks about my character are already floating subtly in the family circle. They trust society more than my words." Sneha's voice fell heavy.

"F*** the society. They will blame the girl even if she would look at a boy for a second. They just need a reason to talk shit about others." Jyoti said in irritation.

"I don't care about it either. But, seeing my parents stressed out because of me and begging for help from strangers, sometimes makes me feel like the worst daughter ever." Sneha sighed.

Jyoti read her face carefully and voiced her deepest concern.

"Sneha...promise me you won't take any wrong step because of all this..."

"What 'wrong' step?"

"No suicidal thoughts. Okay?" Jyoti clarified.

Finally, during the entire conversation, Sneha laughed...for the first time.

"Don't worry, I will never kill myself for something like this. I am not that weak. And, why will I hurt myself? I didn't do anything wrong!" Sneha spoke in her favour.

"That's good, then. I don't want you to take any stupid action."

"Don't worry. I won't. But, thanks for the concern." Sneha said and gently laid her head on Jyoti's shoulder in a friendly manner.

At that moment, Sneha's phone rang and she straightened herself to look at the screen.

"Now, why is she calling me?" Sneha whined upon seeing Ananya's number flashing on the screen.

"Pick it up or else she will give a long lecture like last time." Jyoti chuckled. She remembered Ananya giving a melodramatic lecture on how Sneha didn't give importance to their friendship as she recognized Jyoti's friendship. And all this when she didn't pick up the phone because of the workshop she was engaged in, almost a month ago. In a way, Ananya was just like her brother...in seeking attention.

Reluctantly, Sneha accepted the call.

"Hello?"

"Hi, Sneha! Where are you?" Ananya's excited voice boomed from the phone.

"In the cafe. Why?"

"Come to the parking lot, quickly."

"Why?"

"Did you forget? We have to go to the mall to buy dresses for the get-together."

"I remember but that is like...almost a month later. Why shop now?"

"What if we won't like the dresses there? Then we will have to find another spot for shopping. And, this will take time. And then the exams will begin and we will get busy. So, come na!" Ananya almost pleaded.

"Okay, I am coming in five minutes." She replied and started packing her bags as she cancelled the call.

"What happened?" Jyoti asked.

"The princess wants to shop for the upcoming family get-together." Sneha informed.

Jyoti only rolled her eyes.

.

.

.

Sneha was surprised when she scanned the venue where both families had to meet. Unlike she had expected, this place was very crowded. She had thought that Viraj's father would choose a rather isolated place for the family meeting. So, as she stepped inside the three-storied restaurant with people buzzing all around, she couldn't help but wonder why Dev chose this place.

"Did Viraj bhaiya say where they will be?" Priya asked as she too looked around the place.

"He texted me that they would be on the second floor. Table 15." Sneha informed and thus, she along with her sister and parents took the escalator to go to the second floor.

Almost immediately they spotted the elite family already seated at the table. Ananya was the first one to see them. So, she waved her hand and informed her family members that they have arrived.

"Priya, remember what I told you back at home?" Sneha whispered to her sister as they both walked behind their parents towards the destination. Viraj and his family members had stood up to welcome them.

"Yes. Don't start with the lecture again." Priya whined.

"I am serious, Priya. I do not want you to say anything except answer their questions if they will ask. Just do not lose your temper, okay?" Sneha reminded her sister again.

"I am not interested in this weird family, anyway." She said with an eye roll.

Sneha sighed. She just didn't want her sister to get into any kind of argument with Viraj and his family members.

As the families approached, Sneha ignored Viraj's gaze on her and immediately walked in the direction of Dev and his wife to touch their feet and greet them in the traditional way. It was something that Dev demands her to follow every time they meet. So, now, she had to do it in order to avoid any arguments or warnings. Getting blessings from Viraj's parents, she turned around to look at Ananya and greet her as well. From the corner of her eyes, she saw that Viraj had imitated her and he too, just like her, bowed and touched the feet of her parents to seek blessings.

"Hi, Sneha! You are looking so beautiful in this dress." Ananya praised Sneha's floral dress and the matching heels.

"You are looking pretty too." She said with a small smile as she looked at the full-length gown that Ananya was wearing.

"Can you believe it! Only 10 more days and you will officially be my bhabhi (an endearment for the brother's wife). I just wonder how you would look in the wedding attire!" Ananya whispered to her as the elders shared pleasantries.

Sneha literally hated whenever Ananya would remind her of the doomsday by giving her the countdown. But for her sake, she smiled and lowered her head.

"Let's sit down." Came Dev's dominating voice and Sneha turned to look at him. Looking around the table, she tried to analyze the seating arrangement. She had wanted to sit with her sister but the arrangement was a little confusing. It was a square-shaped table with two chairs on each side. One side was already occupied by Dev and his wife. The side opposite them was vacant which meant that it was for her parents. The third side was occupied by Viraj and the fourth side was taken by Ananya. This meant only one thing. She will have to sit with Viraj and Priya will have to sit with Ananya. Because she wouldn't want her sister to sit with Viraj. Who knew he would develop feelings for her sister and then would want to marry her? She thought bitterly.

Looking up, their eyes met and she could easily read Viraj's intention. He lightly smiled and motioned towards his side by tilting his head. Thus, she slowly made her way towards him and allowed him to pull the chair for her. She was the last one to sit at the table.

"You look beautiful." Viraj whispered in her ear as he took his seat.

She turned in his direction on reflex and instantly came into the line of vision of Dev. He was looking at her intensely. She gulped hard...in fear and nervousness. This man literally scared her like anything.

So, she looked at Viraj and smiled.

"Thank you. You are also looking good." She managed to mumble so only he'd listen.

Viraj smiled back and focused on his father who for some reason, had a lot to say tonight.

"I hope you all came here comfortably." Dev asked Shankar.

Sneha's father was flushed by the gentleness in Dev's voice.

"Yes. Thank you for sending the car for us." Shankar replied humbly.

"Oh, that's the least I could do for my daughter-in-law." Dev said to which Viraj's smile widened. He was amazed how his father, who was initially so against this union, had accepted Sneha so quickly. He even participated actively in the wedding arrangements and the jewellery that was to be given to her on the day of the wedding, according to his culture.

And for this reason, his respect for his father increased many folds.

'I am not your daughter-in-law!' Sneha wanted to scream aloud.

"I must say, Shankar that your daughter is truly a lucky charm for my son." Dev initiated a conversation and grabbed everyone's attention...again.

Everyone looked at Sneha for a while and then looked back at Dev...expecting him to elaborate.

"I don't understand..." Shankar quickly said.

Even Viraj wondered what his father meant.

"Remember how on the day of Holi, Viraj was supposed to be in London, finalizing an important deal, but Sneha convinced him to skip it?" Dev asked.

Sneha understood where this conversation was going. Viraj had told her about it earlier too. And, she had literally cursed her planets for it.

"Yes?" Shankar replied in an unsure tone. He only knew that she had gone with him to celebrate Holi.

"I was so angry at that moment because convincing that person to invest in our company was extremely important at that time. And, because of her, my son simply ditched the proposal!" Dev said.

"I did not ditch it, papa. I asked Gaurav to meet him on my behalf." Viraj interjected.

"That's the same thing. But, anyway...all's well that ends well. Turned out that the investor Viraj was to meet had extremely high values and respect for families. When he came to know that Viraj skipped the meeting because he wanted to celebrate the festival with his fiancee to whom he had given his word, he thought Viraj is also a 'family man' just like him. He was impressed by it and decided to go with the deals as promised earlier. Apparently, he thought that a man who was honest to his family would never cheat in business too. Whatever might be the reason, I am so happy that my daughter-in-law has already started bringing prosperity to my son." Dev concluded his long speech by looking at Sneha at the end.

'I am not your daughter-in-law!' She wanted to scream again. Because no one tortures their daughter-in-law the way this man did and still does.

"That's...great to hear. I didn't know about it." Shankar replied when he realized that Dev was waiting for him to respond.

While they waited for their food to arrive, they switched from one conversation to the other. Mostly, it revolved around the wedding customs to be followed and the gifts to be exchanged. Finally, the ladies of the family got a chance to speak as well. Ananya had engaged in another string of conversations with Priya. So, Sneha had to respond to whatever questions Viraj asked her.

The food finally arrived and only she knew how relieved she was. At least Viraj had the distraction of food.

As they had the food, she casually looked upwards. The third floor was easily visible and she could see a few people sitting at two tables. One table was evidently occupied by a family while the other one was occupied by some religious people who were wearing a white cloth masks on their mouths. She didn't pay much attention to them and quickly focused on her plate.

Finally, after half an hour, the main course was done with lots of discussions on the upcoming events. And, they waited for the dessert to arrive.

"I'll just come in a moment." Sneha told Viraj and stood up. Viraj instantly held her wrist.

"Where to?" He asked.

"Washroom." She replied and he left her hand with a nod. She looked at Priya, asking her through her eyes if she wanted to follow. Priya easily agreed and stood up to follow her sister. As if on cue, Ananya decided to follow them as well. However, they were interrupted by Dev's authoritative voice.

"Sneha...Use the washroom of this floor only. The third floor is off limits." He said leaving no space for argument.

Sneha nodded and walked towards the washroom sign which clearly indicated that it was at the corner...away from the sight of the public.

"How did he know that we were going to the washroom?" Priya asked her sister.

"Where else do you think a girl would go without informing?" Sneha replied while trying to analyze the path.

"There it is." Ananya pointed and all of them walked to the extreme end of the wide corridor.

Sneha entered inside while Priya and Ananya waited outside.

After a minute, Sneha walked out with a frown.

"There's no empty cell. And, so many people are there already waiting! Four cells are out-of-order." She said.

"Seriously! I don't understand why papa chose such a crowded place. He always prefers a private area for such gatherings. Anyway...Let's go to the third floor." Ananya said and started walking towards the staircase.

"But, your father said not to go there. It is off limits." Sneha reminded her.

"That is why the washrooms will be vacant there. Come." Ananya said and reluctantly, both the sisters followed her.

"What if one of the guards inform him that we went to the third floor?" Sneha asked.