Advika's POV

'Billo Bagge Billeyan Da Ki Karengi,

Bagge- Bagge Billeyan Da Ki Karengi,'

Oh God Adu, just shut up!

I scolded my inner self, closing my eyes in an attempt to stop my brain from playing that one line on repeat.

It's like my brain malfunctions during serious situations. Whether it's exams or something like this, it always starts singing random songs. And right now, the lines looping in my head are a lovely parting gift from my devil of a brother, Garvit. He spent the entire day singing Billo Bagge Billeyan Da Ki Karengi, instead of helping me clean the house, and now, as I sit in front of Shravan's parents, that's all I can think about.

"Where is your father Advika?"

Mr. Singhania's question caught me completely off guard. Mom and I exchanged glances, and Garvit looked at us, too. We'd completely overlooked that they might ask about Dad. None of us were prepared for this.

Mom closed her eyes, nodding slightly to let us know she'd handle it.

"Actually, he's busy," she said, turning politely to Mr. Singhania. "He'd have loved to be here, but he'll definitely meet you after-"

"He doesn't live with us," I interrupted, taking everyone, especially Mom, by surprise. I couldn't hold back. I knew she'd be mad, and it might not give the best impression to Shravan's parents, but I couldn't stay silent.

"I want to be honest with you because we're about to be family." I took a deep breath, steadying myself before I continued. "Our father doesn't live with us. He left years ago. It's just been the three of us, for each other, through everything."

I looked down, fiddling nervously with my fingers, and a long silence followed my words. Shravan, sitting beside me, looked completely unbothered.

"I appreciate your honesty, Advika," Mr. Singhania said finally, breaking the silence. "I respect that you didn't hide the truth about your father when it would have been easy to do so. We'd never force you to discuss anything you're uncomfortable with."

His words made me look up at him, and a smile crept onto my face. I didn't understand why Shravan had such a strained relationship with his father; he seemed like such a gentleman.

"And let me tell you something: never think you're without the support of a father. From now on, you have me."

My smile widened. It felt like the first genuine smile I'd had all day. Mr. and Mrs. Singhania-and even Arya-were all so wonderful. I couldn't understand how Shravan turned out so... distant.

Mrs. Singhania, looking excited, chimed in, "It feels like we've found our lost..."

But before she could finish, Mr. Singhania gave her hand a gentle squeeze. Shravan appeared lost in his own world, perhaps not noticing his parents' exchange, but I did.

"...we have gained one more daughter, which I've always wanted," she added, her smile a little forced for some reason.

"By the way, you two haven't told us how you first met," Arya asked, clearly trying to change the topic.

"Four years ago," Shravan said at the exact moment I replied, "Three years back."

I bit my tongue in embarrassment as we realized our answers didn't match. Before I could even react, Shravan stomped on my foot under the table, his expression unreadable. It wasn't entirely my fault, though-he got it wrong too! The moment he lifted his foot, I kicked him back in irritation.

How dare he hurt me!

Thank goodness for the table that concealed our little war from everyone else.

"He saw me four years ago," I quickly improvised, "but I only found out about him three years back. It was like love at first sight." I forced a sweet smile, hoping my lie would smooth things over.

Shravan shot me a look that practically screamed, 'What makes you think I'd be the one to fall in love first?'

Ignoring him, I focused on his family, who seemed far more pleasant and friendly than he was.

"Ohh... Just like mamma Papa" Arya laughed "Dad saw Mom first and was instantly smitten."

I smiled. I really want to know their love story. They look so deeply in love with each other. And it seems like they have faced enough life to be at this point.

{If you also want to read Atharva and Shreya's story than what are you waiting for? Go and read 'His Queen, Her Beast' 😉}

"Well, if the kids like each other, then there's nothing more for us to do. We just wanted to meet you, and we're truly fond of your family," Mr. Singhania said, smiling warmly.

"I consider myself the luckiest mother to know my daughter's going to such a reputable, loving family. I know you'll give her the happiness I wish I could."

My mother got a bit emotional but she composed herself really well.

"Don't worry, she is like our own daughter. For us there will be no difference between Arya and her" Mrs. Singhania said

Everything felt so perfect... except for the man I was set to marry!

"I will speak to Panditji to find the perfect date," Mrs. Singhania added, her voice gentle and reassuring.

"There is no need, Mom," Shravan interjected, his voice suddenly assertive. "I've already picked a date."

Gasps could be heard from all the people present in the hall. While I mentally prayed for Shravan's plan to fail. I actually need time to accept such a big change in my life.

"Auntiji, if you don't mind" Shravan turned to face my mother "I want a request to make" he said.

"Beta, you just need to order me. Say whatever is in your heart without hesitation"

Mom, please, no!

I screamed internally. You're my last hope here!

Shravan's voice turned honey-smooth, surprising me as he continued, "Actually, Auntiji, I'm going on a business trip in two weeks, and since Advika is my secretary, she'll need to accompany me. I thought, if it's alright with you, we could marry before the trip, so you'd feel assured she's with me."

Shravan's tone was so honey dipped that it even surprised me. The way he asked no one could say no to him.

How many faces does this man carry?

"Honeymoon on a business trip... weird man with weirder kinks," Arya muttered under her breath, earning herself a lethal glare from Shravan that instantly sealed her lips.

Mom took a hesitant breath, "As much as I'd be happy to see her married, I'm not in a position right now to-"

"That's why I've decided on a court marriage," Shravan interrupted smoothly.

Another round of gasps swept through the room, though I stayed silent, already knowing exactly where he was heading.

"What? Court marriage?" Arya pouted, visibly annoyed. "But what about all the lehengas, makeup, and hairstyles I've been planning for his wedding?"

Shravan muttered under his breath, "This girl wants me to get married just for her fashion show," but I caught every word.

"Court marriage? Have you gone crazy?" Mr. Singhania demanded, his face flushed with anger.

Thank you, Mr. Singhania. I could kiss your hands for this.

Adu... Stop it!

But before anyone could voice further objections, Mrs. Singhania placed a calming hand on her husband's arm, and he slumped back into his chair, exasperated.

"Shravan, you know we all have dreams for your wedding. How could you just-"

"Mom, I am not asking you to give up those dreams," Shravan said, his tone softened. "I'm only suggesting that we have a simple court marriage this week, so Advika can come on the business trip with me. When Auntiji has fully recovered, we'll have the full Indian wedding, with all the rituals and shagun you've envisioned."

Everyone was listening to Shravan intently while I was waiting for someone to oppose his idea.

"And I know Garvit has exams, and he won't be able to take care of Auntiji on his own. So, I'll arrange for two full-time caregivers to ensure she recovers quickly and can fully enjoy the wedding. Advika and I will visit you every week"

My mother looked up at him, visibly touched, and I watched with rising despair as Mr. and Mrs. Singhania exchanged a look, seemingly unable to deny their son. Mr. Singhania looked ready to argue, but Mrs. Singhania's gentle hold on his hand stilled him.

Finally, Mr. Singhania sighed and looked away.

Shravan turned to me, his gaze tender as he said, "I know I'm asking a lot, but it's getting harder to stay away from my Advika any longer."

My Advika?

I will not give him even the 'A' of my name and he is calling me his?

My head whipped toward him in shock, but his slight smile silently pleaded for me to play along.

"Fine," Mom's voice broke the tension, her single word sending a pang of sadness through me.

"If this is what you kids want, then I don't have any objections," she said, smiling weakly through her tear-filled eyes.

No, Mom, I don't want this. Please...

"Advika, go and bring tea, samosas, and sweets for everyone," she added, her voice heavy with emotion.

The room was closing in on me, and I could barely breathe. I took it as the best escape and immediately stood up, walking toward the kitchen. On my way, I felt Mr. Singhania's gaze on me. His eyes were blank, hard to read, but I was sure he suspected something was wrong.

I put the pan on the stove, poured in water, and added tea leaves and sugar. My mind drifted back to the conversation that had just taken place. I was completely lost, losing track of time, the world, everything around me.

Suddenly, a hand reached from behind to turn off the stove just as the tea was about to spill over. I turned around to find Shravan.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, my cheeks flushing red from our sudden proximity.

He was standing just an inch away from me, his breath fanning my forehead.

"Just came to tell you something," he said.

I nodded slightly, signaling him to go ahead.

Out of nowhere, he lifted his hand and tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear.

"You did well. I want you to keep it up, even after our so-called marriage."

I looked down, not in the mood to argue. For him, only his happiness mattered. He thought he was some sort of god, and everyone else was supposed to follow his every whim.

This marriage meant nothing to him, while I wasn't even sure I'd ever be able to have a real marriage after he was gone.

Turning on his heel, he started to walk out, whistling. For some strange reason, I instantly missed the warmth he brought with him.

I was watching his back as he walked away when he suddenly turned around and said something that took me by surprise.

"Aur suno... baal bandh kar rakha karo, nazar lag jaegi."

(And listen... keep your hair tied, or you'll catch someone's evil eye.)

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Pookie Shravan 🎀 😁

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