That night, sleep wouldn't come. My throat was dry, so I turned to grab the glass, only to find it empty. Even the bottle beside it was drained. With a sigh, I got up and went downstairs for water.
On my way back, faint voices drifted from Sarthak's study. I paused. Curiosity tugged me closer. I peeked inside and froze.
Aarne was sitting on the couch, Sarthak leaned back in his chair, and Samarth stood by the table, his hand resting on it for support. My heart raced as I strained to listen.
Samarth's voice was low but clear:
"What about our plan now? Samira is leaving on the 21st, but your engagement is on the 22nd. What do we do?"
Aarne's face was tense.
"Yeah, our plan will be ruined. And Abhinav will never believe me that it was ours."
Sarthak rubbed his forehead.
"But then… what do we do now?"
Aarne leaned forward.
"I'm telling you, let's do the engagement on the 20th. That way, she'll also be there."
Sarthak shook his head.
"No. If we reschedule, they'll get suspicious of us."
Samarth suddenly narrowed his eyes, glancing toward the door.
"I think a little rabbit is listening… look, right there."
Sarthak turned sharply.
"Huh? Who—"
Before he could see me, I ran back to my room, my heart thudding.
Back in my room, I shook Manya awake.
"Manya, wake up now!"
She groaned.
"Why are you waking me up?"
"Because I need to tell you something!"
She sat up angrily.
"What do you want to say?"
I leaned close.
"Do you know that the engagement is a plan?"
She frowned.
"Of course it's planned—by Grandpa."
I shook my head.
"No. Aarne is dating Abhinav."
Her eyes widened.
"What? Are you joking with me?"
"No! I heard it myself just now."
She stared at me.
"Where? Take me there."
"Okay, come," I said, dragging her along.
But when we reached the study, it was empty.
Manya crossed her arms.
"Seriously, Samira? You woke me up for this?"
Her anger stung. I stood frozen, shocked at the emptiness. Without another word, we returned, and I lay back on the bed. Eventually, I drifted into restless sleep.
Morning.
When I came downstairs, Aarne, Samarth, and Sarthak were sitting at the dining table, calmly having breakfast. I forced a deep breath and smiled.
"Hi. When did you come, Samarth?" I asked, sitting beside him.
"Early morning," he replied smoothly. "Sarthak wanted help with something."
I narrowed my eyes.
"But I heard your voice last night, near the study."
Samarth looked confused.
"No… what are you saying?"
I forced a smile.
"Nothing. You finish your breakfast. I'm going—bye."
I grabbed my bag and left for college.
At college, Anvi was waiting at the gate. I rushed to her.
"Anvi, you won't believe what happened last night!"
She raised an eyebrow.
"What now?"
"I went for water and heard Sarthak, Aarne, and Samarth talking. They said the engagement is also part of their plan."
Anvi rolled her eyes.
"Sweetie, they must've just been planning the engagement."
Frustration boiled in me.
"Why don't you ever trust me?"
She sighed, giving in.
"Fine, fine. I trust you. Now come on, or we'll be late."
In class, as soon as Uncle entered, everyone went silent. Confused, I leaned toward Anvi.
"Why did everyone suddenly go quiet?"
She grinned.
"Have you forgotten? Today's the last day for group project submission. Don't worry—we finished it and put your name too."
My heart softened.
"Love you, Anvi."
"Love you too, baby." She winked.
Uncle cleared his throat.
"If you're done with your love confessions, please present your project."
We both giggled. Anvi nudged me.
"Go on, Sammy. It's your speech."
I walked to the blackboard and gave my presentation. After some time, Uncle nodded.
"I've graded your speeches. You'll see the results tomorrow on the bulletin board. That's all—class dismissed."
We packed up and left.
At the entrance, a crowd was cheering loudly. Curious, I pushed forward—and froze in delight.
"Aarav!"
My brother smiled just as I ran into his arms.
"You're back! You came to pick me up?"
"Yes, little devil. Maa forced me. Come, let's go."
We got into the car and drove off.
In the car, I asked eagerly,
"When did you come back? Did Grandpa and Grandma also return?"
"Yes. They booked their flight as soon as they heard about Grandpa Charles's death."
I smiled faintly.
"Brother, can we stop at a café? I'm starving."
He sighed but smiled.
"Okay, okay."
Inside the café, we sat and ordered food. While waiting, I teased,
"So, brother… do you have a girlfriend?"
He coughed.
"What nonsense are you saying, little devil?"
I laughed.
"Just curious!"
He smirked.
"No. I don't. I'm too busy with my company."
Just then, the waiter arrived.
"Ma'am, your order."
"Thank you," I said, and we began eating.
After a while, Aarav asked,
"Finished? Let's go home then."
"Yes, yes," I said quickly, and we left.
At home, Maa greeted us.
"You both are back."
"Yes, Maa," Aarav said, heading straight to his room.
At dinner, everyone was already seated at the dining table, waiting for me. I joined them. Silence hung heavy until Maa broke it.
"Papa, do you know Samira has been selected to study abroad? She'll be living in your city."
Grandpa frowned.
"No, she didn't tell me."
Aarav smiled.
"She must've forgotten to mention it."
I bit my lip.
"Yes, Grandpa. I forgot. Since I'll be living on campus, I didn't think of telling. Sorry."
Grandpa's expression softened.
"It's alright. But when is your flight?"
"On the 21st of September."
His brows shot up.
"What? That's just a day before Sarthak's engagement!"
I nodded.
"Yes, Grandpa. But I'll help with the preparations before I go."
He smiled.
"Good. Come to me after dinner with a pen and paper. We'll prepare the guest list."
"Okay, Grandpa," I agreed.
After dinner, I went to the hall where he sat waiting.
"Grandpa, I'm here."
"Good. Sit and write down the names as I say them."
I sat cross-legged on the floor, using the table as support, and began writing as he dictated the names.
After a while, Sarthak came in, looking tired and exhausted. He loosened his tie.
"What are you doing, Samira?"
"Nothing, just making the guest list," I replied.
At that moment, Maa entered.
"You're back. Come have dinner—it's late."
"Okay, Aunty," Sarthak said and walked toward the kitchen.
Grandpa leaned back.
"Mr. Thomas… and that's the last name. All done."
He looked at me warmly.
"You can go and sleep now."
"Okay, Grandpa. Good night."
I stood, folded the paper, and went back to my room.
There, I found Manya already asleep. Quietly, I turned off the lights and lay beside her, my mind still restless with unanswered questions.