People say watching the love of your life walk away is one of the worst things ever. But do you know what's even more painful? It's watching the love of your life fall for someone else. I sat there in silence as they secretly exchanged glances. My eyes followed them as they whispered excitedly, forgetting my presence. My unwanted presence.

I think what added more to their love was the fact that it was forbidden. Who doesn’t crave the taste of the forbidden fruit?

They were always in their perfect heaven, oblivious to how their actions were putting someone else through hell. The dream castle I had built over five years was crumbling before my eyes. He smiled at her, his eyes shining with emotions I recognized because they were the same ones I had for him. Love.

He loved her. Not me.

Why?

Because I wasn’t her. His beautiful fairy, Pari.

****

"Hey, wake up, pig," I heard an irritating voice breaking my slumber. I squinted at the shadow looming over me. Karthik, again.

"What?" I asked, annoyed.

"Sid told me to inform you about the party tonight at our company," he said in a robotic voice. I stared at him; he stared back. His face blurred as I nodded and tried to go back to my dreamland.

"Ouch!" I moaned in pain, rubbing my arm as I glared at him.

"What the hell?"

"I pinched you lightly, don't be so dramatic," he rolled his eyes, making a funny expression.

"Why are you here?" I asked, ready to throw him out of my room.

"Your husband asked me to take you to the salon and shopping since he’s busy with some stuff until tonight. So, here I am. Get ready, we need to leave now," he said. It was then I noticed his clothes: a light blue coat over a white T-shirt, his jaw looking more angular than yesterday, probably from shaving.

"Okay, you can wait outside. I’ll be ready in a few," I told him calmly, not wanting to ruin the day because of him.

"Be quick," he warned before turning around.

"Karthik, listen," I stopped him as he reached the door.

"Wha- Ouch!" he screamed, rubbing his arm. I smiled at him and mouthed, "Karma."

"You’re a bigger bitch than Karma—" I slammed the door and giggled wickedly.

***

Half an hour later, we were on the road, heading to my usual salon. Even though I liked it, I wanted to try a new one today.

"Karthik, let’s go to the nearest one," I suggested.

"Why? Can't stand my presence for an hour?" he asked, his face expressionless but his eyes burning.

"Yes," I replied nonchalantly. What? I can be a bitch too.

"You’re a shrew," he scowled.

"You’re a piece of shit," I retorted.

"You’re a disgraceful woman."

"And you’re certainly not a gentleman," I shot back. After that, he fell silent. The rest of the drive was quiet, his face unreadable.

We entered the salon, and a lady greeted us.

"Good morning, sir and ma'am. Welcome to Rose Beauty Parlour."

****

After an hour, my hair was conditioned, trimmed, and smoothened. I played with it while we drove back, humming along to the music.

"How was your day?" he suddenly asked, catching me off guard.

"Are you asking just so you can ruin it if I say it went well?" I raised a freshly threaded eyebrow at him.

"No, I just... You know what, forget it," he muttered, focusing back on the road. I shrugged off his unusual behavior and turned my attention to the passing scenery.

***

"You’re wearing a gown?" he asked as I stepped out of the changing room in a beautiful black dress.

"I always do. Sid says I look like a princess in one," I told him.

"Well, you don’t look like one now. And you know it’s a formal party—you can’t go dressed like that," he said, lowering my confidence. I glanced at the mirror and realized he was right. The dress made my little tummy look bigger, and my arms seemed thick.

"So, what should I wear?" I asked, deflated.

"Why don’t you try a sari?" he suggested, dragging me to the sari section.

"I don’t think—" I began, but he cut me off.

"This one will be perfect for you," he said, shoving it into my hands and pushing me into the changing room.

"Try it," he insisted, closing the door behind me. I sighed and took off the gown. As I examined my body, I noticed the extra weight in my thighs. I was a thick chick.

After trying on the blouse, I admitted it did look good. But I changed back into my usual clothes and exited the room. I nodded at Karthik, and we made our way to the counter to pay the bill.

---

This was chapter 4. I hope you like it.

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