After three days of unwinding in Mumbai, filled with parties and relaxation, Shubman arrived in Chandigarh feeling refreshed. However, his sense of ease was short-lived as soon as he stepped off the plane. His parents were waiting for him at the airport, and before he could catch his breath, they whisked him away.

Before he knew it, he found himself standing in front of the door of Bajwa's family home.

Turning towards his Mum, Shubman questioned his parents once again that they had been evading the entire ride. "Mum, why are we here?" he inquired, his voice tinged with frustration.

His Mum's response did little to clear things up. "Oh, shush, you," she chided gently, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "You've waited till now, just hold on for a few more minutes."

As Shubman entered the house, his mind raced with questions about why his parents seemed so eager to bring him here. However, all his thoughts vanished the moment he laid eyes on his best friend. There she was, his short, chubby companion, wearing the same frustrated expression as him.

"Kudiyeee!" he called out excitedly, his voice echoing through the hallway. She turned her head at the sound of her nickname, her face lighting up with joy as she spotted him. Without a second thought, she bounded down three steps before launching herself into his arms.

"Kaake," she muttered affectionately into his neck as he enveloped her in a warm hug. Both sets of parents smiled fondly at the sight of their children, knowing that these two would soon be bound together in a lifelong love.

Noor couldn't help but cup Shubman's face gently as she moved back slightly within his embrace, inspecting his features with concern. "Oh, gosh, you've tanned so much," she remarked, noticing the change in his complexion.

Shubman chuckled softly, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Playing on the ground for hours does wonders."

Noor blushed slightly as she muttered, "But you still look good-looking. Among the millions of girls out there, you are quite a heart-stealer." A faint blush adorned her face, which she quickly covered up with a chuckle, trying to brush off her compliment as casually as possible.

Shubman muttered, "Says who? Who has boys falling for her chubby cheeks and dimples?" teasingly as he pinched her cheeks tightly. Noor's irritation bubbled up, and she retaliated with a slap, though Shubman couldn't help but chuckle at her reaction.

"Well, kudiye, you've become too strong," he teased, bending her hand backwards slightly, eliciting a whine of pain from her. "Leave me!" she demanded, but Shubman just chuckled and countered, "Say sorry for the slap first."

"No," Noor stubbornly insisted, refusing to apologize for the slap. Shubman, unfazed, maintained his hold on her hand and replied, "Then I won't be letting go." He bent her hand back a little more, causing her to whine in discomfort.

Growing more frustrated, Noor raised her voice, shouting, "Aunty, ask him to leave my hand!"

Shubman's mother, overhearing the commotion, scolded him sternly, "Shubhi, leave her hand this instant!" His mother's reprimand prompted him to release Noor's hand immediately, albeit with a playful grin on his face. Noor pouted as she cradled her hand, still feeling the sting from his teasing.

As Shubman retreated, muttering "cry baby" under his breath, Noor glared at him, ready to retaliate. But before she could react, he darted away toward the living area, where their parents had moved to sit while both were engrossed in their playful exchange.

As Noor sat in the living room, her pout still evident on her face, Shubman sat beside her with a mischievous grin. Unable to contain her annoyance any longer, she pushed him hard, causing him to fall forward with a surprised expression. Shubman shot her a glare, clearly ready to retaliate, but before he could act, his mother intervened.

Shubman's mother swiftly grabbed his hand, preventing him from standing up, and firmly guided him to sit next to her. "You are sitting here,"

As Noor and Shubman continued to make faces at each other, Papa Bajwa exchanged a glance with Shubman's parents. Sensing the need for a serious conversation, he cleared his throat and spoke up, "I guess we should tell them."

Both Noor and Shubman halted their playful banter, turning their attention towards their parents with curious expressions. The change in atmosphere signalled that something important was about to be discussed, prompting them to listen attentively to what their parents had to say.

Papa Gill nodded in agreement, and Mama Gill took a deep breath before beginning to speak. "We want you two to..." she started, but Mama Bajwa completed the sentence with a firm tone, "Get married."

Noor was about to speak when an angry Shubman stood up abruptly, his expression a mix of shock and frustration.

"No way!" Shubman exclaimed, his voice tinged with disbelief. "This is ridiculous! We're just friends, Mom, Dad. How can you even suggest something like this?"

Mama Gill reached out a hand, trying to calm him down. "Shubhi, sweetheart, listen," she began but Shubman cut her off, his agitation evident.

"No, I won't listen!" he interjected, his tone firm. "Marriage is a big deal, and I won't do it just because you want me to." He glanced over at Noor, searching for support in her eyes.

Noor felt Shubman's intense stare pierce into her soul, and she couldn't help but feel a pang of hurt. It was clear he didn't share the same sentiments, and she couldn't bear to see him distressed. The news had come as a surprise to her as well. Just this Sunday morning, when her boutique was bustling with customers, her parents had unexpectedly asked her to stay home and get ready, hinting that guests were coming over. Then, they dropped the bombshell of marriage. While it didn't bother her as much, she could see how much it upset Shubman. She didn't want to do anything that might make him resent her— it was her worst nightmare.

Closing her eyes tightly, Noor took a deep breath and gathered her courage. Despite the pain it caused her, she knew she had to do this. She had rejected countless boys for her Kaake, her best friend, over the years. If she said yes now, he might hate her, but if she said no, at least they could still be best friends. She chose the latter because she couldn't bear the thought of him hating her. She could live with him being her best friend forever, but she couldn't bear the idea of a world where he despised her.

She opened her eyes, fighting back the tears that threatened to spill, and bit her inner cheek nervously. "Even I cannot agree to this," she finally managed to say, her voice trembling slightly with emotion. It was one of the hardest things she had ever had to say, but she knew it was the right decision for both of them, even if it meant sacrificing her desires.

******

ᴄʜᴀᴘʟɪɴ ꜱᴘᴇᴀᴋꜱ

Hey there! Hope you enjoyed Chapter Two of our story. Did you find yourself caught up in Noor and her Kaake's whirlwind of emotions? I would love to hear your thoughts! Drop us a comment below and let us know what you liked best about this chapter. Was it the playful banter between Noor and Shubman, or perhaps the unexpected turn of events with their parents? Can't wait to hear from you!

LOVE:

CSG228