At the Hotel
The moment we reached the hotel, my eyes froze. Sarthak's friends were already there. Manya and I exchanged shocked glances.
Manya (whispering in my ear): "Are we at Brother's friend's hangout… where he brought us to punish—or to have fun?"
Before I could answer, one of his friends, Samarth, smiled warmly.
Samarth: "Hi, Manya and Samira! We didn't know you were coming along!"
Me: "We didn't know either! Samarth, we thought he dragged us here for some punishment under the pretense of a business trip!"
Samarth (laughing): "No, no! It's not like that! We planned this trip a month ago—with Aarne and the rest—and your brother actually agreed! Didn't he tell you?"
Me (sarcastic): "No… and it doesn't matter now. He's an old man anyway!" I laughed lightly, masking my hurt.
Samarth (joining in with a grin): "You're right—he is an old man now!"
Everyone laughed—except Sarthak. His eyes stayed dark, unreadable.
Manya (whispering in my ear): "Hey! Don't talk too much. Brother looks angry…"
Then turning to Samarth: "We're tired… can you give us our room key, please?"
Abhinav (another friend): "Of course! Here you go—room 1304 on the 13th floor. Don't wander off alone, or you'll either get lost or in trouble!"
Manya: "Okay, Abhinav! We won't go anywhere!"
With that, we left, still trying to process everything.
In Our Room
The room was breathtaking. A wide window looked out at a calm lake, glowing in the golden sunset. We ordered some food and sat by the window.
Manya: "Hey… are you worried about something?"
Me (hesitant): "Hmm… I'm thinking… after that night, where could Sarthak have gone? Do you think… he went to Aarne?"
Manya (defensive): "No way! Brother has never been to a girl's place before. He doesn't even like going to their homes or rooms!"
Me (teasing): "Oh really? Then how do you explain him coming to my room whenever he needs something? That's not innocent at all!"
Manya (irritated but firm): "He comes because he sees you as a sister, nothing more! But Aarne is his fiancée—that's different!"
We paused, letting the weight of that truth sink in.
A Surprise Visit
Just then, the doorbell rang.
Me (opening the door): "What are you doing here, Samarth?"
Samarth (grinning): "We're going to the bar for some fun! Want to come? We're all going!"
He leaned in and whispered: "You can drink too…"
Manya (eyes sparkling): "Of course! Why not! We're coming! One minute!"
She grabbed her room card, barely containing her excitement.
We both burst into laughter at how eager she was.
Manya: "Why are you laughing?"
Me: "Nothing… let's go!"
At the Bar Entrance
As we reached the lobby, I froze again. Sarthak and Aarne were holding hands, smiling like they belonged together. Everyone around them admired how perfect they looked.
For the third time, my heart broke.
My eyes welled up, ready to overflow.
Aarne noticed and came to me gently.
Aarne: "Samira, are you okay?"
Me (defensive, trying to hide tears): "No… sister-in-law! Just some dust got into my eyes!"
Her eyes softened, but before she could say more, Sarthak shot daggers at me.
Sarthak (angry): "What did you just say?"
Me (teasing): "Sister-in-law! Isn't she? Why are you angry? Cheating on Aarne?"
My heart broke further with the words I said, but I couldn't stop.
Sarthak (furious): "Yeah! You're right! Now that she's your sister-in-law… go ahead and call her that!"
Me (calm but wounded): "Okay, Brother! I'll call her sister-in-law then!"
I turned toward Manya and took her hand.
Me (forcing a smile): "Let's go! We'll have fun today!"
A Private Conversation
As we walked away, Manya whispered softly.
Manya: "Didn't you love him? Why are you suddenly agreeing to call Aarne sister-in-law?"
I swallowed hard.
Me (tears forming): "I've realized… he loves her. Everyone says they're a perfect match. Maybe it's time I accept it… call him my brother… and not ruin his life."
Tears streamed down my cheeks.
Meanwhile, across the room, the others whispered.
Samarth (to Sarthak): "Didn't she love you? How can she call Aarne sister-in-law?"
Aarne (stunned): "I'm shocked too… how could she?"
Samarth: "I think she doesn't love you anymore."
Sarthak (angry): "Shut up! That's not true! She's just jealous of Aarne!"
Aarne (mocking): "Jealous like my boyfriend? No way! That's why she went to a bar and ordered nine male models!"
Samarth: "What?! Nine male models?! Wow… I think you're too late, Sarthak!"
Sarthak (clenching his jaw): "I was too busy working on our plan to notice she was drifting away… but it doesn't matter. We need to focus now!"
At the Bar Room
As we entered the bar, a man stopped us.
Man: "Did you book a room? May I have your name, sir?"
Samarth: "Of course! The name is Samarth."
He began walking, and we followed.
The man hurried over.
Man (whispering): "Sir! You're that VIP customer arriving today! But this isn't your room… please follow me!"
We followed him through the corridors.
The Surprise
When we entered, a huge sign read:
"Happy Engagement Aarne & Sarthak!"
Sarthak's eyes flared with rage.
Sarthak (shouting): "Samarth! Abhinav! You're dead now!"
Samarth (grinning): "Don't be mad! I had no idea you wouldn't throw us an engagement party!"
Everyone laughed.
Me (smiling): "Yeah, Brother! They're right—you have to give us a party today!"
The others cheered in agreement.
Sarthak (sighing): "Fine… but no one is ordering models this time!"
All: "Okay!"
We settled on the sofas, ordered some wine and snacks, and soon decided to play Truth or Dare.
Truth or Dare Begins
Manya (excited): "Let's play Truth or Dare! I even brought the cards!"
Her eyes sparkled like a child.
Everyone agreed.
The first turn was Sarthak's. He chose "Truth."
Samarth: "You picked truth. So here's my question—Is the person who's your first and last love here with us?"
Sarthak smiled brightly and answered without hesitation.
Sarthak: "Yes!"
His happiness hit me like a wave. My glass was in my hand—and before I could stop it, I drank deeply. My heart broke again, but I kept going.
The game went on, and I drank glass after glass until I lost control. By the time I was barely conscious, Sarthak stood over me, furious.
Sarthak (yelling): "Why are you so drunk?! Do you want to die?!"
I slumped silently in my chair, unable to speak.
Samarth (concerned): "Sarthak, Manya's drunk too!"
Sarthak: "Take her to her room. I'll take Samira myself!"
Without waiting, he lifted me effortlessly and carried me away.
In the Hotel Room
He threw the door open, pushed me onto the bed, and stood over me, eyes blazing.
Sarthak (furious): "How could you be so careless?! How could you drink this much you couldn't even stand?!"
He came closer, lowering his voice.
Sarthak: "Five bottles of beer… how could you…?!"
In a drunken blur, words spilled from my mouth.
Me (slurring): "Sarthak… what's so special about Aarne… that you don't love me?"
His eyes narrowed.
Sarthak: "What are you babbling about?"
He leaned closer, straining to hear me.
Me (mumbling, reckless): "I love you, Sarthak… I want to kiss you…"
And before I could stop myself, I pressed my lips to his.