"This is it," Washington announced as he stepped down from the carriage, extending a hand to help his younger sister, Saina.

"I don't want to get married," Saina protested.

"I know, but Shubman has made his decision, and we have to follow through. Let's try to convince the policeman to refuse," Washington replied. They began walking towards the house, significantly smaller than their own.

Dhruv opened the door, welcoming the Mehra siblings.

"I need to talk—" Washington began, but Saina interrupted.

"I need to talk to you. Alone," she said firmly.

Dhruv sought permission from Washington with a glance, which was granted.

"Put the book away," Dhruv instructed, "We have guests. Please make them some tea." Dhruv announced and then gestured for Saina to follow him to the rooftop. 

Washington surveyed the house. It was small and sparsely furnished. A sense of unease crept over him as he felt a presence behind him. Spinning around, he found no one, but the sound of clinking from the kitchen drew his attention.

There, in the kitchen, stood the same girl who he saw the night before—Mahi. She was about to add sugar to something when his voice interrupted her.

"I don't like sugar in my tea," he stated.

Mahi turned, startled. "You? Are you following me?"

Washington advanced towards her, his voice casual. "No, I wish I could say I was that smooth, but I'm not that kind of guy."

Curiosity flickered in her eyes. "Then what are you doing here?"

"I'm here as your potential sister-in-law's brother," he replied, his proximity to her increasing with each word.

As he leaned in close, his breath warm on her ear, he whispered, "Maybe we could change that, and you could become my—" He abruptly stopped, turning off the gas as the tea began to boil.

Mahi had never been so close to anyone, not since him.  Her heart pounding in her chest. The intensity of the moment was almost overwhelming, but Washington stepped back, breaking the tension.

"My brother is getting married," Mahi managed to say, her voice trembling slightly.

"Yes, he's upstairs with my sister," Washington confirmed.

Mahi turned to leave, but Washington caught her wrist, gently turning her around so she faced him. "Don't disturb them, Mahi," he said, his voice low and seductive as he lingered on her name.

Just as he was about to explore the electric connection between them further, he heard his sister's footsteps approaching.

_____

"Why did you agree to this?" Saina demanded, her gaze fixed on Dhruv, who avoided her eyes, his focus on the floor.

"I had no choice," he replied quietly.

Saina's attention shifted to the view from the rooftop. "But why? Nothing happened between us."

"I couldn't risk another woman's life or reputation being compromised," Dhruv answered vaguely.

"Dhruv, I'm not as clever as my sister. I don't understand riddles," Saina said, though she would never admit that to Swagata.

"My sister was ostracized by society because of me. I don't want the same to happen to you," Dhruv explained, his voice filled with regret.

"Why?" Saina asked, her eyes locking onto his. For the first time, he met her gaze, his guilt evident.

"That's not my story to tell. It's Mahi's," Dhruv replied. Saina understood the implication.

The view from the rooftop was breathtaking. A serene lake, surrounded by trees and mountains, stretched out before her. It felt more like home than any house she had ever been in.

Turning back to Dhruv, she found him on one knee. "May I?" he asked, his hand outstretched.

Saina placed her hand in his, its roughness contrasting with her delicate skin.

"I know this isn't the marriage you envisioned, but I promise to make your happiness and comfort my priority. I'll spend my life making you feel at home. I'll never question you, never raise my voice. You are your own person, free to do as you wish. Marriage requires trust, and I promise never to break yours," Dhruv vowed.

Fear of the unknown had initially filled Saina with dread, but Dhruv's sincerity reassured her. A gentle smile graced her lips as he stood up and released her hand.

As they began their descent, Saina paused, leaving her handkerchief on the table as a subtle invitation for another meeting. The Mehra siblings then exited the house, carrying with them the weight of a new chapter in their lives.

_____

Swagata was engrossed in practicing a new sitar tune, relishing the solitude of her home. The tranquility was interrupted when a doorman announced a visitor. To her surprise, it was Riyan, the man who had caught her eye at the ball.

"Ms. Mehra," he began, a charming smile gracing his lips.

"Please, call me Swagata," she replied, rising to greet him. They settled onto the sofa, an awkward silence hanging in the air.

"I was told to find the girl who captivated you at the ball," Riyan said confidently, causing Swagata's cheeks to flush.

"Would you like some sweets?" she offered, unsure of what else to say.

"No, thank you," he declined.

Another awkward pause ensued.

"I'm not quite sure how this is supposed to work," Riyan admitted.

Swagata laughed nervously. "Me neither."

Their shared awkwardness broke the ice, and a comfortable rapport began to form.

"Do you play that?" Riyan asked, gesturing towards the sitar.

Swagata nodded. "I just learned a new piece."

She returned to her instrument, her fingers dancing across the strings. Riyan watched intently, his eyes never leaving her. When she finished, he applauded enthusiastically.

"It's incredible to see such a beautiful woman play such a beautiful instrument and create such beautiful music," he complimented her.

Swagata blushed. "Thank you. You have a way with words."

"Only for special people," he replied with a wink.

As he stood to leave, he took her hand and placed a small box in her palm. Before she could react, he kissed her cheek and said, "It's for you."

Swagata was left breathless as he exited. Opening the box, she found a pair of exquisite jhumkas.

_____

 "So, you're going to say yes?" Saakshi asked, her voice laced with concern as they strolled through the park.

Sana nodded, her expression a mix of resignation and determination.

"Why?" Saakshi pressed; her curiosity piqued.

"I overheard Abhay talking to Mom and Dad this morning. He needs money and resources to open a new shop. He's hoping this marriage will help," Sana explained, her voice soft.

Saakshi's heart ached for her sister. "I'm so sorry, Sana," she said, her voice filled with empathy. As they walked, their conversation was interrupted by the sight of two boys lounging on a bench. They were Shubman and Devdutt.

Sana and Shubman exchanged nods while Saakshi and Devdutt walked in the opposite direction.

"So, what's your answer?" Shubman inquired, his tone expectant.

Sana looked around cautiously before replying, "Yes."

A smug smirk crept across Shubman's face, a gesture that didn't go unnoticed by Sana. She rolled her eyes in irritation.

"Good. This is a business deal, then," Shubman declared.

"Yes, a two-way deal. You get your wife, and I get your business," Sana countered, her voice firm. Shubman's expression shifted to surprise.

"What?" he asked, taken aback.

Saakshi's words echoed in Sana's mind: "I'm so sorry." She refused to let self-pity consume her.

"This is a two-way street. We get married, and your brother gets our grain," Shubman explained, outlining his perspective.

"Consider me collateral. I want to be part of the business," Sana declared, her voice steady.

Shubman stopped walking, his mind racing. Sana's audacity took him aback. He hadn't expected such a bold response. Her words echoed in his head: "This is a business deal. So we are business partners."

He studied her, her eyes defiant, her posture firm. There was a strength in her he hadn't anticipated. She wasn't the timid girl he had imagined.

Shubman halted abruptly, his body stiffening. Sana mirrored his movement, closing the distance between them. Rising onto her tiptoes, she leaned in close, whispering into his right ear, "I won't feel sorry for myself. You said not to see you as my lover, so don't see me as your wife either. This is business. We're partners."

Her voice was low, carrying a determined edge. After delivering her message, she gently placed her hands on his left cheek, tapping it twice before stepping back. Leaving him rooted to the spot, shock evident in his eyes, she turned and walked away.

_____

Saakshi and Devdutt settled on a park bench overlooking the lake. As close friends, their interactions were comfortable and natural.

"I'm losing my mind over Sana saying yes to Shubman," Saakshi exclaimed.

Devdutt looked puzzled. "What are you talking about?"

"I'm older than Sana and still single, not even courting anyone," Saakshi explained.

"Your age doesn't matter," Devdutt replied.

"Come on," Saakshi retorted, "I'm not as beautiful as Sana or your sisters. My brother, Abhay, scares off any guys who show interest, so I'm doomed to be a spinster."

Devdutt gazed at his friend and gently tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "You're the most beautiful woman I know," he said softly.

For a few moments, their eyes met. Then, Devdutt broke the silence with a chuckle. "Well, there are times when you look like a witch," he teased.

They both burst into laughter.

_____

Abhishek was busy assisting his employee as customers flowed in and out of his shop. As the day drew to a close, he was helping a customer when their hands touched. A spark ignited within him as he looked up to see Esma, the woman who held his heart.

Esma, too, felt the electric connection but quickly masked her emotions and began to leave. Abhishek, unable to let her go, grabbed her hand and pulled her into a secluded alleyway.

"What are you doing?" Esma demanded, her voice laced with confusion.

"Why are you doing this to me?" Abhishek countered, his voice filled with pain.

"What am I doing—" Esma started, but Abhishek cut her off.

"Don't say my name," he pleaded. "You're breaking my heart, but I can't stay away from you. Why?"

Esma's own heart ached, but she responded coldly, "Then don't see me."

Desperation filled Abhishek's eyes. "I can't. I just can't," he confessed, his fingers gently cupping her face, their foreheads nearly touching.

Esma remained silent, lost in the moment. The intensity of their connection was almost overwhelming.

Breaking the silence, Abhishek asked, "Marry me?"

Esma's response was swift, "Okay."

Surprise flashed across Abhishek's face. "Really?" he questioned.

"Yes, but are you okay with a working wife?" Esma clarified, her voice steady.

Abhishek was taken aback. He couldn't respond.

"Are you okay with a wife who might earn more than you?" Esma pressed, her eyes searching his.

Tears welled up in Abhishek's eyes as he realized the depth of the chasm between them.

"I understand," Esma said softly. "That's why we can't be together."

With that, she kissed his closed eyelids and walked away, leaving Abhishek alone with his shattered heart.

*****

AUTHOR'S NOTE

How are you all liking the story???
Is it good? Or need more drama??

I'm bored.
So hit me up with questions!

And special thanks to Lisa_2893 for helping me write the scene of Devdutt.