Arushi crossed the distance and spoke. "Wow! You're here again? Are you going to be the wedding planner again?" I looked at the girl who hadn't changed much since the last time we met.

Her hair was still captured in a ponytail, but her dressing sense had improved significantly. This time, she was giving a more professional vibe, draped in a black cream shirt, white pants, and a peach-colored jacket.

I started, "No, I'm here because..." but she stopped me mid-sentence. "Oh, you know Rounak and Aman are here too! Let me call them, and then we'll discuss the rest of the things." She spoke rapidly and called them through the Bluetooth in her ears.

"Let's go sit there and talk," I suggested, pointing towards one of the chairs. I wasn't in the mood to stand for a long time.

Arushi's eyes sparkled with curiosity as she asked, "Why did you leave so hastily the last time?" We had just settled into the chair, and I could sense her eagerness to uncover the reason behind my sudden departure.

"Oh, how forgetful I am!" she exclaimed. "You had to leave for some work, but you know, after going back, I tried to contact you, but I didn't find your details." Her words spilled out in a cheerful, chirping tone.

I responded with a nonchalant shrug. "Hmm, I was kinda busy!" Those were the only words that escaped my lips.

Arushi's excitement was palpable as she asked, "Did you know the bride this time?" I kept quiet, knowing she would find out soon enough.

"Did you arrive today?" she inquired. "Yeah, that makes sense. I heard she's really mysterious, and our boss too. I've heard she comes from a really wealthy family in Italy. I just hope she won't be as demanding as the last time and won't give us a hard time."

As Arushi continued to ramble on, asking questions and providing answers all by herself.

Just then, a chorus of voices interrupted our conversation. "Hey, Anisha, how are you?" I raised my eyebrows, meeting the gaze of two pairs of eyes staring at me.

"Hey! Aman, hey! Rounak! I'm good, how are you guys?" I asked them politely. "We're good too!" Aman replied. "So, are you going to plan this wedding too? But you know, last time was really grand, but after watching this, I know what real power is!" Rounak started talking, and I questioned, "Why do you think so?"

"Oh, man! You know, last time the wedding was prepared almost six months in advance. Everything was planned and organized so we wouldn't face any problems with designers or artists, and still, we had some issues. The Malhotras are rich, powerful, and influential, but the Yorks are different. You know, last time we had called just a few days late, and the designer refused to design the dress. But this time, we called at the last moment, and still, we got it. Every single thing is handled by Mr. York himself, for sure he loves his sister too much." Rounak described it, and yes, he was right. Jarek really loves me; he is my brother. A smile played on my lips.

"Damn! Is he single?" Arushi interrogated. "You know, right? He is too handsome. His green eyes and chiseled jawline could even make men fall in love with him, and his aura... I feel like submitting myself to him." Rounak uttered.

"Oh, by the way, before you could vanish again, I want to ask you if you are free next Monday?" Aman asked me.

"Why?" I cocked my eyebrows. Aman started his jab, "Well, last time I didn't get a chance to ask, and I really want to meet you again and want you to give me a chance..." My eyes widened in surprise, but before I could say anything, he was cut short by a jealous and dominating voice.

"No! She can't. We would be on our honeymoon at that time." Adwait glared at the poor man, who looked mortified by his words. A blush crept onto my face as I heard his shameless words.

"I know you know each other and had formed an amazing friendship in a short time, but..."

His eyes glued to me with a warning look as he continued. "You need to rest. If you're free, and if you're so free, then let's go - we have many things to talk about!" Talking to him about the reckless decision I made, jumping into all that mess... no, I don't want to get scolded.

Vidharth came up with a story for the elders, but the beans had already been spilled out in front of him by Matteo. I can't take the risk.

"Well, I guess I'll go back to my room." I uttered sheepishly, giving him my best smile.

Rounak's eyes narrowed, his brows furrowing together in suspicion. "Well, may I know what you guys are talking about?" he asked, his voice laced with curiosity.

I dropped the bombshell, a mischievous grin spreading across my face. "Well, I am the bride!" I exclaimed.

The room fell silent, the three heads turning to stare at me in utter shock. Their faces were a picture of astonishment, as if they had just seen a ghost.

Before they could snap out of their trance-like state, Adwait sprang into action. "Let's go!" he exclaimed, grabbing my hand and sweeping me off my feet. In one swift motion, he lifted me up into a bridal carry, and before I knew it, we were off.

As Adwait strode confidently through the crowded hallway, I couldn't help but notice the flurry of activity surrounding us. Several workers were busily decorating the mansion, their eyes darting towards us as they caught glimpses of the commotion. Everyone seemed to be staring, their faces filled with curiosity and intrigue.

As we entered our bedroom, Adwait gently set me down on the plush bed. "Get some rest, you have to get ready too!" he ordered, his voice firm but gentle.

I raised an eyebrow, a hint of protest on my lips. "But I have to get ready in my bridal suite, not here!" I exclaimed.

"You can do it here too, and I don't trust you. You'd be running here and there if I left you anywhere," he taunted, his gaze piercing as he glared at me.

I felt frustrated as I remembered my previous escapades and how it went downhill leaving everyone getting a chance to mock me. "It was just one time," I huffed. "I never fail otherwise."

Adwait's glared at me, and he let out a sigh as he sat down beside me. "I just hope you'll keep yourself safe," he said, his voice low and husky, as he gazed in my eyes.

I nodded, feeling a pang of guilt for making him worry. "I will," I promised, in a sincere tone.

"Now, tell me, why were you crying like that?" He lifted my chin with his fingers. "Did something happen? Just tell me, please. You know how scared I got when you started crying. I really want to go and confront that person if something..." I knew where his mind had gone, but I stopped his wild assumptions.

"No, it's nothing like that," I assured him, shaking my head.

"So, what happened?" he asked. "I wanted to ask you then, but I didn't get the chance. But no one will be cutting our conversation short this time. And if it's because of that person, then..."

"I don't know what to believe, Adwait." I cut off his words.

"What?" He looked at me, shocked.

"Every time I think I'm a step closer to the truth, a new person enters with a new truth, and I'm left wondering what's real and what's a lie. I'm starting to doubt my own identity." Tears streamed down my face as I voiced the feelings that had been overwhelming me. I was exhausted, and after Vidharth's revelation, I just wanted to hide and avoid facing any more truths.

Adwait crushed me in a tight hug. "Don't cry, my love. You're brave, and everything will work out soon. You're not alone; I'm here with you. We'll face everything together, I promise." He whispered these words in my ear, and I buried my face deeper into his chest. It was comforting to know that someone was there for me, and his words of reassurance gave me hope.

As I clung to him, I felt a sense of security wash over me. His warmth and presence were a balm to my frazzled nerves, and I let out a sigh of relief. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, I felt like I could finally breathe again.

After crying for what felt like an eternity, I finally pulled away from Adwait's grip, my face a mess of tears and running mascara. He gazed at me with a mixture of concern and amusement, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

"If you want, we can postpone the wedding," he said, his voice soft and gentle. "You don't need to stress yourself out over anything."

But before he could even finish the sentence, I shook my head vehemently and shouted, "No! I don't want to postpone the wedding!" My voice was firm and resolute, and Adwait's eyes sparkled with surprise.

He chuckled, a low, husky sound that sent shivers down my spine. "Whatever you want, my love," he said, his voice dripping with affection.

And with that, he pulled me back into his arms, holding me close as I buried my face in his chest. I felt a sense of relief wash over me, knowing that he was there for me, no matter what.

Author's Point

No words but be ready for another surprise 😌😌...