PROLOGUE
"What?? Are you guys serious? I can't do this!" she shouted, her voice trembling with anger and disbelief.
Her father’s face remained stoic, his tone final. "That’s enough. There’s no point in arguing. We’ve given you freedom for years. This Sunday, we’re meeting them, and that’s that."
"Papa, you promised!" Her voice cracked as her eyes glistened with tears. "You told me you'd wait until I was ready!"
Her mother stepped forward, her voice softer but firm. "We’ve supported you in everything, beta. Now it’s time you think of us, of the family. It’s just a meeting—nothing more."
"But, Mumma—" she began, desperation creeping into her voice.
"You know I can’t help you," her mother interrupted, avoiding her eyes. "Your father has made up his mind." With that, she turned and left, leaving her daughter frozen in place, her heart sinking like a stone.
Alone in her room that night, she stared at the ceiling, her thoughts racing. Why now?
She thought she had buried that chapter of her life forever, but now, it felt like her family’s decision was dragging her back to a place she never wanted to revisit
---
On Sunday
The morning sun was cheerful, mocking her stormy mood.
"Di, wear this dress—you’ll look like a princess in it!" her younger sister chirped, holding up a flowy pastel outfit.
She didn’t respond, her mind replaying her escape plans. I’ll just politely say no. Or maybe… I’ll act completely crazy. Weird faces?...Talking nonsense? Perfect—that man will think I’m insane! She smirked at her reflection.
"You look lost, Di! Call me if you need help," her sister teased before bouncing out of the room.
---
In the evening,
At the Restaurant
The car came to a stop outside a posh restaurant. The terrace twinkled with fairy lights, an air of romance clinging to the space like a bad omen.
"You remember what I told you, right?" her mother asked for the hundredth time.
"Yes, yes," she replied, rolling her eyes. "I’ll behave. I’ll smile. I won’t embarrass you. Happy?" She turned to look out the window, her fingers nervously tapping her lap.
Her sister grabbed her hand as they entered. "Di, come with me—I need to use the washroom!"
"You seriously need a chaperone for this?" she muttered but followed anyway.
As they walked back to the terrace, her sister suddenly paused, glancing around with a hint of confusion. "Looks like Mumma and Papa are waiting at the wrong table. You stay here—I’ll go find them."
"Wait, I’ll come too—"
Before she could finish, her sister had disappeared, leaving her standing alone amidst the romantic glow of the terrace.
She sighed and pulled out her phone, dialing her best friend. As soon as the call connected, she said, "Ahh finally you picked! Listen, I need to tell you something huge. My parents have completely lost it this time—"
Her best friend sadly chuckled, cutting her off. "Oh, really? Because I’ve got something to share too, and trust me, it’s a way bigger mess than whatever you’re dealing with."
She rolled her eyes, pacing a little. "Bigger than being dragged to a random marriage meeting against your will? Highly doubt that," she muttered under her breath, too softly for her best friend to catch.
"Wait, what did you just say?" her best friend asked, but she didn’t get a chance to respond.
A faint noise behind her made her pause. Her heart skipped a beat as she froze mid-step, her grip on the phone tightening.
"Hold on a second," she whispered, her voice laced with unease.
Her eyes scanned the terrace, her pulse quickening as the sound repeated. "I’ll call you back. Something’s up," she murmured before ending the call abruptly.
Taking a deep breath, she tried to steady herself. "Calm down. It’s nothing. Just calm down," she muttered under her breath, though her chest felt tight with anticipation.
But then, the distinct sound of footsteps echoed closer. Her stomach knotted as she spun around quickly, her eyes darting to a different side of the terrace.
A cough interrupted her monologue, pulling her out of her thoughts. She exhaled a long, shaky breath, trying to compose herself.
Slowly, she turned—and her world tilted.
"Tum"
Their voices overlapped, shock evident in both their tones. Her eyes locked onto his, wide with disbelief. His expression mirrored her own, the weight of recognition settling heavily between them.
She stared at him, her words caught in her throat. The world seemed to spin, her knees threatening to give way. For a fleeting moment, she thought she might faint.
Of all people… why did it have to be him?
